Please Note: This newsletter may be truncated by your email program. Please click VIEW ENTIRE MESSAGE at the bottom to read the full newsletter.
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UPCOMING DATES AND EVENTS
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THIS WEEK:
- Thursday, 11/28–Friday, 11/29 • NO SCHOOL—Happy Thanksgiving!
NEXT WEEK:
- Wednesday, 12/4, 7:00 PM • All School Orchestra Concert
- Thursday, 12/5, 7:00 PM • Middle School Band Concert
- Friday, 12/6, 7:00 PM • Middle School Social
LOOKING AHEAD:
- Tuesday, 12/10, 7:00 PM • Middle School Choir Concert
- Wednesday, 12/11, 11:40 AM • Staff Appreciation Lunch Hosted by 10th-Grade Families
- Thursday, 12/12, 7:00 PM • High School Choir Concert
- Saturday, 12/14, 7:00–9:30 PM • Tolo (High School)
- Monday, 12/23–Friday, 1/3 • Winter Break
- Wednesday, 1/8, 2:00 PM • Auditions for Spring Musical
- Friday, 1/10, 4:00 PM • Call-backs for Spring Musical
- Thursday, 1/16, 8:00 AM • BSD Middle School Jazz Festival
- Monday, 1/20 • NO SCHOOL—Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- Monday, 1/21–Friday, 1/24 • Finals Week
- Wednesday, 1/22 • World Competency Language Testing
- Friday, 1/24 • End of 1st Semester
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SEE HOW YOU CAN HELP OUT
IS and the ISPTSA are currently seeking the following volunteers:
- Two 7th-Grade Parent Representatives, current school year
- Two 10th-Grade Parent Representatives, current school year
- On-call Volunteers, current school year
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SUPPORT ISPTSA WHEN YOU SHOP THROUGH AMAZON!
Support ISPTSA as you shop for the holidays and beyond.
AmazonSmile
(smile.amazon.com) will donate 0.5% of the purchase price from your eligible purchases. It’s
easy to sign up
and
costs you nothing
!
To learn more about AmazonSmile, click
here
.
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MEMBERSHIP BY THE GRADE
For those of you who like numbers—like the Fly Guy from
The Seattle Times
—below is our current PTSA membership listed by grades. The percentages indicate the number of students supported by PTSA members in each grade. A bit more membership support in each grade would be amazing! Membership in PTA advocates for all of our students—at the administration level, the district level, and the state level.
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- 6th Grade 68%
- 7th Grade 52%
- 8th Grade 44%
- 9th Grade 53%
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- 10th rade 44%
- 11th Grade 64%
- 12th Grade 57%
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Click here
to renew your online membership or join for the first time
. Checks and cash are accepted, as well as credit cards. You may also
print out this form
and mail it with payment. Membership scholarships are available to all parents and guardians at IS with no qualifiers needed; fill out a membership form, indicate membership scholarship for payment, and you will join our wonderfully supportive community immediately.
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SAVE THE DATE—SPRING SOCIAL IS MARCH 28, 2020!
The PTSA will host our
Annual Spring Social Fundraiser
to celebrate our students, school, and community on the evening of
Saturday, March 28, 2020
. Please mark your calendars now to ensure that you can join us for this fun community event. Stay tuned for more information!
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ARE YOU A PARENT OR GUARDIAN OF A 10TH GRADER? PLEASE HELP!
Your help is needed! We still do not have anyone volunteering to be parent representatives for your child's class, and the Staff Appreciation Luncheon hosted by 10th-Grade Families is right around the corner.
Can you
please
step up to help organize the luncheon on Wednesday, December 11, to show the IS staff how much 10th-grade families appreciate all that they do? (That cute hamster is begging you to! Also, we will help you!)
If you can take a little time to help out your child's class—either as a class representative or just for the luncheon—please email
VPCommunity@isptsa.org.
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ADVOCACY NEWS
Attention Students!
Applications are now open for serving as a
page in the Washington State Legislature.
Students from across the state are selected for one-week sessions.
Contact me if you have questions or would like to talk to an IS student who served as a page a few years ago.
Thanks,
Krista Hammer
ISPTSA Advocacy Chair
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THANK YOU!
Thank you to IS junior
Jasna Chong
who accompanied PTSA's Outreach VP Meribeth Nordoef-Pederson and Advocacy Chair Krista Hammer to provide public comments to the Bellevue School Board last Tuesday. Jasna, Meribeth, and Krista spoke in favor of a Capital Projects Bond and in favor of rebuilding International School. The Bellevue School Board approved the resolution asking voters to consider a capital bond in the February 11, 2020 election. The bond would fund safety improvements at all of our schools and the replacement of aging buildings, one of which is International School.
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IF ANY OF THESE
LOST
ITEMS BELONG TO YOU, PLEASE
FIND
THEM—ASAP!
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Come into the school and pick items up this week!
Anything not claimed by
THIS
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27
, will be sent to Goodwill!
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PLEASE HELP US FIND OUR NEXT TESTING CENTER COORDINATOR!
A big thank you to Crystal Aimes, our fantastic GSA (General School Assistant) for the work she has done at IS in creating amazing systems to support our Testing Center! Crystal will be moving on to Clyde Hill to take a position as a para-educator. While we will certainly miss her, we are glad that her talents will continue to serve students in our district.
Do you know anyone that would be interested in applying for this GSA role?
Hours are as follows:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:15 – 3:45
Wednesdays from 8:15 – 2:30
Duties include:
Maintaining our Testing Center online sign-up system, communicating directly with teachers, supporting students in small group and one-on-one testing, supporting standardized testing in the spring, general support in the office, and lunchtime supervision.
This role includes health, vision, and dental benefits. Students of full-time employees also have the option of attending International School. Please share this information with any qualified candidates that might be interested in the position.
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MAKERSPACE DONATIONS
The library’s makerspace is requesting donations of supplies to support projects. Donations can be placed in the large yellow box marked “Makerspace Donations” by the top of the gym stairs in the Commons. Thank you in advance for donations!
- Safety equipment (aprons, protective eye glasses, gloves, etc.)
- Craft supplies (glue, paper, tape, sewing materials, etc.)
- Storage Containers (2- or 3-drawer storage bin organizers, paint trays, etc.)
- Tools
- Electronics (batteries, unwanted but working electronics, switches, LEDs, etc.)
- k’nex, wooden cubes, blocks, etc.
- Small toaster oven
Thank you for everyone who has donated so far! Please contact
Tara Jones with questions.
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9TH & 10TH GRADE PARENTS:
If you missed our parent event on Thursday, November 7, you can now get the presentation information online.
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FENTANYL CRISIS INFORMATION
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STUDENT NEWS & COMMUNITY EVENTS
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UPCOMING SCHOOL BOND
Our School Board approved a resolution asking the community to consider a capital bond in the February 11, 2020 election to ensure our students have enough room in high-quality learning spaces, improve the safety of our schools, and plan for the future.
The February 11 bond provides students high-quality learning spaces by replacing aging school buildings (
including IS
) and adding classrooms and student support spaces. It increases safety and security for students and schools. The bond also designates funding to purchase property for future school locations to plan for growth.
School districts rely on voter-approved funding measures to cover costs that are not funded by the state, including major construction projects. If approved in February, the local tax rate for our schools will increase by 3 cents per $1,000 of assessed value, an increase of less than 1 percent.
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PARENTS NEEDED: CITIZEN CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE
The Citizen Campaign Committee (also named Bellevue Quality Schools) will run the upcoming campaign for the 2020 Capital Bond for school rebuilds and remodels in Bellevue. The election will be February 11, 2020. Are you interested in joining this team of 18–20 organized and enthusiastic people to help coordinate the campaign?
Do you need more information?
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STUDENT SELF-ADVOCACY SEMINARS
Students: learn how to advocate for yourself with your teachers, principal, district superintendent, or board members. Even learn how to advocate for yourself with your House Representative and Senator in Olympia.
Bellevue PTSA Council invites middle school and high school students to four seminars on student self-advocacy. Parents are also welcome to attend. Also, a group of BSD students, teachers, and PTSA members have plans to advocate on behalf of the Bellevue School District on January 20, 2020 in Olympia, Washington. Please join us!
Click here to see dates and sign up.
Multiple dates are available for each session. There are no prerequisites to complete a specific session before taking another session. Stay tuned for possible additional sessions after the new year...
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BELLEVUE SCHOOL BOARD HOSTS COMMUNITY FORUM ON STUDENT WELL-BEING
Tuesday, December 3, 7:45–9:00 PM (during regular School Board mtg)
Wilburton Instructional Service Center, Rainier Room
12241 Main Street, Bellevue 98005
The
Bellevue School Board
invites students and families to a community forum to share your thoughts on the District’s strategic goal related to student well-being. Information gathered will help inform future board work. Each board member will host a table where participants can meet and discuss ideas in an informal setting.
Light refreshments will be served. Spanish and Mandarin Chinese interpreters will be provided. For additional interpretation services, send requests to
board@bsd405.org
.
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PTA PARENT EDUCATION EVENT: SOCIAL MEDIA SAFETY
Thursday, December 5, 6:30–7:30 PM
Tillicum Middle School Library
Co-hosted by Tillicum and Highland Middle Schools
Is social media taking up a big part of your child’s life? Do you want to know what problem signs to look out for? Do you need ideas on how to engage with your teenagers more and be less dependent on their cell phones? You are not alone! Please join Tillicum’s School Resource Officer (SRO) David Wright as he discusses social media safety, internet crimes against children (ICAC), cyberbullying, and ways that parents can be more engaged with their middle schoolers.
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EDUCATION CONNECTION—
SCREENAGERS: NEXT CHAPTER
Friday, December 13, 6:30 PM
Sammamish High School
The Bellevue Schools Foundation and the Sammamish High School PTSA invite you to join us for a special screening of the new documentary
Screenagers: Next Chapter, Uncovering Skills for Stress Resilience.
Filmmaker and physician Dr. Delaney Ruston takes the conversation around screens and teens to the next level with a 70- minute film that examines the science behind teens' emotional challenges, the interplay of social media, and most importantly, what can be done in our schools and homes to help them build crucial skills to navigate stress, anxiety, and depression in our digital age.
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IS STUDENT JASNA CHONG ASKS FOR YOUR VOTE
Hello,
My name is Jasna Chong, I’m an 11th grader and I joined a pageant this summer and have qualified for nationals. I am representing Bellevue as I compete for the title of National All-American Miss and would like your support. It would mean a lot to me if you could please vote for me as the National All- American Miss Jr. Teen division People's Choice. It is $1 per vote, and ten percent (10%) of the proceeds (up to $5,000) raised through the People’s Choice Program will be donated to
Teach for America
, a nonprofit organization that recruits college graduates from top universities around the United States to serve as teachers in low-income communities.
Sincerely,
Jasna Chong
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BELLEVUE SCHOOLS FOUNDATION
3 Ways in 3 Days: Black Friday 11/29, Cyber Monday 12/2, and #GivingTuesday 12/3
#GivingTuesday
is a global day of online giving. Kick off the holiday giving season today by helping a homeless or low-income child in Bellevue go to one of our top-notch preschools. Economically disadvantaged children in our preschool programs realize a 39% increase in literacy and a 33% increase in math skills.
Be a hero to a child in need.
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Save the Date!
Friday, May 1, is BSF's annual
Spring for Schools Luncheon
at the Bellevue Hyatt Regency. Learn how your dollars transform our Bellevue district schools and support every student, every day. The Education Showcase starts at 10:15 AM, and the luncheon takes place from 11:50 AM–1:15 PM.
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HOLIDAY CRAFT AND VENDOR FAIR
Thursday, December 5, 3:00–7:00 PM
Rainier & Baker Room, WISC,
12241 Main Street, Bellevue
The Bellevue Association for Educational Office Professionals (BAEOP) is holding a Holiday Craft and Vendor Fair! The event is free and open to everyone. Come take a look at the lovely holiday gifts, grab some refreshments, and start your holiday shopping!
We have room for more vendors and would love to see the handicrafts and other items our BSD families have to offer! Contact
Lori Hanson
if you would like to reserve a table or if you have any questions.
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UPCOMING BELLEVUE GIFTED ALLIANCE EVENTS
Gifted Graduates on College Student Panel
Thursday, December 19, 6:30–8:00 PM
Bellevue High School Performing Arts Center, 10416 SE Wolverine Way
Current college students and graduates of BSD's Gifted High School Program (now Advanced Learning) discuss how to choose a college. The panel will be joined by Tina Neville, Yale graduate and CEO of Transcend Academy, on college entrance success factors; and Dr. Richard Repass, psychiatrist and expert on student mental health and stress management. Panelists include students from Columbia, University of Washington, USC, Stanford, Louisiana State University, UC-San Diego, Harvard, and University of Chicago.
This is a POPULAR event and Free to BSD students and staff with BSD Card. We ask for a suggested donation of $5 for parents and $10 for non-Bellevue residents.
High School Student Panel
Wednesday, January 8, 6:30–8:00 PM
Sammamish High School Performing Arts Center, 100 140th Avenue SE
High school students who attended BSD's Advanced Learning (previously the gifted) program discuss how to choose a high school.
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INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
FUN
DRAISING OPPORTUNITY!
Bellevue Downtown Ice Rink at Bellevue Downtown Park
November 29, 2019–January 20, 2020
When you skate at
Bellevue Downtown Ice Rink and mention you are with International School at the admission counter, a $3 donation will be made to our PTSA for each paid rink admission during the dates listed above!
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STUDENT SPORTS & OPPORTUNITIES
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BELLEVUE WOLVERINES GIRLS LACROSSE
Registration for the 2020 Bellevue Girls Lacrosse spring season is now open! We offer teams for 3rd–8th grades, the season runs March–May, and all skill levels are welcome!
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FREE GIRLS LACROSSE CLINICS
Open to Elementary & Middle School Girls who are interested in trying Lacrosse or are registered with a local team and want to work on their lacrosse fundamentals. Hosted By NSI Girls Lacrosse, a non-profit club that serves the Bellevue community in the attendance areas of Newport, Sammamish, and Interlake High Schools.
- Friday, January 3, 5:00–7:00 PM
- Monday, January 6, 5:00–7:00 PM
- Friday, January 10, 5:00–7:00 PM
- Monday, January 13, 5:00–7:00 PM
Bellevue College Gym, 2800 Snoqualmie River Road, Bellevue, WA 98005
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MASTHEAD / DIRECTORY / LINKS
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President
Azfar Moazzam
Secretary
Zena Heywood
Treasurer 1
Tony Wang
Treasurer 2
Nancy Chung
VP of Communications
Li Wu
VPs of Community
Qiong Chen &
Rachel An
VP of Fundraising
Dori Kelleran
VPs of Outreach
Meribeth Nordloef-Pedersen
& Beverly Ni
Membership
OPEN
Advocacy
Krista Hammer
Monday Messenger
Julie Molinari
Website
Li Zhang
IS Staff Liaison
Marrene Franich & Wesley Hung
PTSA
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SHOP FOR THE BELLEVUE SCHOOLS FOUNDATION
Enter Amazon.com through this
link
and Amazon will donate 8% of every purchase you make to support Bellevue students, including those at IS! Share the link and spread the word to family and friends anywhere.
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CONFUSED ABOUT SOMETHING?
The ISPTSA is always here to help answer your IS questions.
Email us
here
, and we'll help you find the answers you need.
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SCHOOL DIRECTORY & LINKS
Attendance 425-456-6545
Main Office 425-456-6500
MS Counseling 425-456-6546
HS Counseling 425-456-6542
Registrar 425-456-6535
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SUPPORT YOUR PTSA
Donate Anytime
Write your check to the International School PTSA and send it to:
ISPTSA
445 128th Ave. SE
Bellevue, WA 98005
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ISPTSA TUMBLER
Support your school community and the environment by buying an ISPTSA Tumbler
These great-looking 14-oz dual-wall insulated stainless-steel tumblers have a swivel lid with drink-thru opening and a plastic-ring seal to stave off spills. With the ISPTSA logo, it will keep your drink hot or cold while you look cool handling the morning commute or afternoon pickup, and your purchase will benefit the International School PTSA!
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MONDAY MESSENGER
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
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- Please submit articles by FRIDAY at 12:00 PM (noon) to news@isptsa.org.
- We encourage submissions that align with our mission.
- Submissions are subject to review by the ISPTSA and may be accepted, rejected, or edited.
- Please use a separate email for each article submitted.
- Documents in plain text are preferred, however, you are welcome to include an image or icon as a separate attachment—please do not include them in the body of your email or document.
- If you need to link to a registration form or document, send us either the address of the link or a pdf copy of the document.
- If you would like your article to repeat in successive Monday Messenger editions, please resubmit it for each edition in which you would like it to appear. If you do not resubmit it, it will not be republished.
- Note: you will receive an automatic confirmation email response once you submit material to the Monday Messenger.
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International School PTSA
445 128th Ave. SE
Bellevue, WA 98005
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