March 14, 2022
MONDAY MESSENGER
UPCOMING DATES AND EVENTS
THIS WEEK:
  • Tuesday, 3/15, 7–8:30 PM • IS High School Band Concert
  • Wednesday, 3/16, 1:45 PM • Le Grand Concours
  • Wednesday, 3/16, 7–8:30 PM • IS High School Orchestra Concert
  • Thursday, 3/17, 7–8:30 PM • IS Middle School Orchestra Concert
  • Friday, 3/18 • No School: Professional Development Day

NEXT WEEK:
  • Monday, 3/21, 7–8:30 PM • IS High School Choir Concert
  • Tuesday, 3/22, 7–8:30 PM • IS Middle School Choir Concert
  • Thursday, 3/24, 7–8:30 PM • IS Middle School Band Concert
  • Saturday, 3/26, 8–10 PM • High School Spring Fling*

LOOKING AHEAD:
  • Friday, 4/1, 4–6 PM • International School Talent Show*
  • Tuesday, 4/5, 6:30 PM • IS Middle School Naviance Parent Night (Virtual)
  • Monday, 4/11–Friday, 4/15 • No School: Spring Break
  • Wednesday, 4/20, 7–8:30 PM • IS Jazz Night
  • Monday, 5/2–Friday, 5/13 • AP Exams*
  • Wednesday, 5/4, 7–8:30 PM • IS Jazz Night Moved to 4/20
  • Friday, 5/13, 11:00 AM–1:30 PM • BSF Spring for Schools Luncheon*
  • Monday, 5/23–Friday, 5/27 • Focus Week*
  • Monday, 5/30 • No School: Memorial Day
  • Wednesday, 6/1, 2:30–3:30 PM • IS Science Fair
  • Friday, 6/17, 7:30 PM • IS Class of 2022 Commencement at Newport HS
  • Tuesday, 6/21 • Last Day of School

Click here to view the District 2021–2022 calendar for families.
* More information in the message below
Orange denotes new calendar entries.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
NOW ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS FOR ISPTSA OFFICERS

ISPTSA has been a part of International School since its inception. There has been a steady group of men and women from our parent and teacher community who have stepped up to serve in a role. Here is a historical list of those who have served on the ISPTSA. Become part of the history of IS and fill a role for 1 year. 

Please consider joining the ISPTSA board. Contact us for information at nominations@isptsa.org.
CALLING CAKE DECORATORS!

Do you know how to decorate cakes with buttercream frosting? We need you! The Food Glorious Food Focus Week will provide students the opportunity to learn the art of cake decorating. We are looking for parent volunteers to lead the class or offer a helping hand. The class will run 2–2.5 hours from Monday, May 23 to Friday, May 27. Please email IS Teacher, Janet Towne if you can help or if you have questions. Thank you, Parents!
PTSA NEWS
ISPTSA MEMBERSHIP

Washington State PTA recognizes the International School PTSA with the 100% Staff Membership Award! A big THANK YOU to all of our awesome IS staff and teachers! We are SO proud to be a 2021–2022 Washington State PTA Membership Award Recipient!
 
Dear IS parents, we still need your support to reach our goal of 100% PTSA membership, which means every IS student is represented by a PTSA member! Please join by THIS Tuesday, March 15, and please invite your kids’ school friends, their families and other IS supporters to join ISPTSA! 
 
Questions? Contact membership@isptsa.org.
SCHOOL NEWS
DESIGN A LOGO FOR INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL'S 30TH BIRTHDAY

Submission deadline is TODAY, March 14!
Submit your design to this link.

Hello, Titans! This year, International School will host an event to commemorate its birth 30 years ago and celebrate contributions from the community. As a way for YOU to contribute, we would like you to design a logo for a chance to be featured on the International School website and around the campus. Click here for design requirements and details for the competition. For questions, email Jill Follett, Counseling Secretary.
HIGH SCHOOL BAND CONCERT

TOMORROW, March 15
6:45 PM Call Time, 7 PM Concert

High School Jazz Band, Concert Band, and Wind Ensemble will be performing tomorrow! Call time for all students is 6:45 PM, and the concert begins at 7:00 PM. Seating locations will be marked on the gym bleachers with tape, and please keep social distance. For performer information and more concert details, please see the March 4th email from Andy Rubesch. Questions? Email Andy Rubesch, IS Band Director.
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL TALENT SHOW

To perform, sign up by THIS Thursday, March 17.
IS Talent Show: Friday, April 1, 4–6 PM
 
Do you have a special talent worth sharing?  Show it off at the International School Talent Show on Friday, April 1 from 4–6 PM! If you are interested in performing at the IS Talent Show, please click here to complete the form. The deadline to sign-up is THIS Thursday, March 17.  

We are excited to see what you can do!  Questions? Please email Matt Lyon, ASB Advisor.
HIGH SCHOOL SPRING FLING
 
Saturday, March 26, 8–10 PM
Held at International School
 
Hi, Titans! Our sophomore ASB officers are excited to announce our upcoming social, Spring Fling! This event will be at International School on Saturday, March 26 from 8–10 PM. Admission tickets are $25 with ASB and $30 without ASB at the door. Additional information:
  • The theme is Enchanted Forest and the suggested attire is formal.
  • The Spring Fling is a high school-only event.
  • One food voucher for the food truck is included with each admission ticket. If you plan on purchasing additional food from our food truck, please bring extra cash!
  • Some of our activities include karaoke, a food truck, and video games.
 
From your Sophomore ASB Officers, we hope to see you there! For questions, email Matt Lyon, ASB Advisor.
ASB ELECTIONS
 
Are you interested in creating fun events for our IS community? Are you passionate about helping your fellow Titans? Then serving as an ASB class officer may be just the right fit for you!
 
Each grade’s class officers are made up of a president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer elected by their classmates to represent them on ASB, our student government. These officers attend weekly Monday lunch meetings where they vote on a variety of requests concerning International School clubs and events. Serving is both a ton of fun and an important responsibility.
 
Want to learn more? Attend an interest meeting! Here you will learn more about the different positions, the rules and procedures for running, and our deadlines to submit your various forms. All candidates MUST attend at least ONE interest meeting in order to be eligible to run. ASB will be hosting the following interest meetings during lunch in the gym portable:
  •  Executive ASB Positions Interest Meetings
  • Wednesday, March 23
  • Thursday, March 24
  • Grade Level Positions Interest Meetings
  • Wednesday, March 30
  • Thursday, March 31
 
An email reminder will be sent out. We hope to see you all there! Questions? Email Matt Lyon, ASB Advisor.
COURSE SELECTION FOR 2022–2023

It is time to begin thinking about next year! Students are receiving information on the registration process for next year’s courses in their science classes. Students need to make their course selections utilizing the online tool between March 7 and March 31. Read more here. For questions, contact the IS Main Office.
TERRIFIC TITAN TEACHERS

Our Terrific Titan Teachers this week are ANDY RUBESCH, MARC SHEPARD, and JOANNE WHANG!

This is Andy Rubesch's 23rd year of teaching music and band… wow! Andy is a University of Washington husky alumni, and he has one younger sister. Andy’s favorite part of the week is Friday rehearsal, and he loves to eat all tasty foods. It doesn’t stop there! Andy loves skiing, especially in Big Sky, Montana. Next time you are in the 300 hallway, say hi to Andy Rubesch, our Terrific Titan Teacher! 
Marc Shepard was born in New York, the oldest of 4 siblings. He loves Harry Potter, Asian food, and outdoor sports like snowboarding, paragliding, and hiking! Although this is Marc’s first year of teaching, he has a Ph.D. from UC Berkeley. Next time you are in the 100 hallway, say hello in binary code to Marc Shepard, a terrific Titan teacher!
Joanne Whang hails from the fabulous city of Seoul, South Korea, the middle child of three siblings! Joanne’s favorite book is the Age of Innocence, and she loves Thai food. If she had a superhero power, Joanne would fly! While Joanne loves teaching choir, she would teach math and Korean language as well. Like her favorite 11th-grade English teacher, Mrs. Husbands, Joanne is a Terrific Teacher! Next time you are in the 300 hallway, say hello to Joanne Whang, a terrific Titan teacher!

Questions about Titan Teacher Tributes? Email IS Teacher, Janet Towne.
DISTRICT NEWS
COMMUNITY HEALTH FORUM

Is it Time to Talk to Your Kid About Drugs?
THIS Wednesday, March 16, 6–7:30 PM

In partnership with area health care partners, the BSD counseling team will offer a session entitled, Is It Time to Talk to Your Kids About Drugs? This virtual session invites students and parents to watch together and discuss topics related to substance use. Pre-registration is not required. Questions may be submitted in advance by using this form. For questions, email BSD.
MASKS OPTIONAL AS OF MARCH 12

This message was sent to BSD families and staff on March 7 regarding changes to BSD’s mask requirements. This change aligns with new guidance from Governor Inslee and is supported by the Washington State Department of Health and Public Health–Seattle & King County. Read the recent email from Principal Russell White about masks at IS. For questions, email BSD.
SUPPORTING WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH

History shows us that barriers did not stop women and girls from striving to get as much education as possible and to this day, women continue to use their agency to push for equal educational access. Read more here. For questions, contact BSD.
SUPPORTING BSD FAMILIES AMID CRISIS IN UKRAINE

The following message was sent to BSD families and staff on February 28 in support of families impacted by the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. Read more here. For questions, contact BSD.
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES

The pandemic and current events can lead to feelings of increased anxiety and fear for many of us. Read more here. Listed below are resources for families, students, and parents/guardians. For questions, contact BSD or one of our counselors.
STUDENT NEWS & OPPORTUNITIES
DEMIERO JAZZ FESTIVAL AWARDS IJAZZ STUDENTS

Congratulations, iJazz members! Seven iJazz students received an award at the DeMiero Jazz Festival on March 4.
  • Outstanding Musicianship Awards—Sophie Artz, Kaitlyn LaMoria, Eugene Cheung, Jack Molinari, and Isaac Cook
  • Best Tech Awards—Hansen Wang and Brian Li

For questions about iJazz, email Joanne Whang, Choir Director.
TEENTIX PASS

Teenagers aged 13-19 years old can sign up for a FREE TeenTix pass! The pass entitles teens to purchase $5 day-of-show tickets at 70+ partner organizations in the greater Seattle area. Explore the TeenTix.org Calendar for all the available events, or subscribe to their weekly E-Newsletter for updates on what's happening each week. For questions, email TeenTix.
COMMUNITY NEWS
HAVE YOU HEARD OF MINDFULNESS MEDITATION?

Anyone can benefit from mindfulness practices. Did you know that our local UW offers a mindfulness program in campus dorms to improve student mental health? Seattle WeCare is a nonprofit organization run by International School students that offers FREE biweekly mindfulness meditation workshops for teens and families to calm their minds and spirit. Click here for a flier.

Interested in learning more or attending? Email Info@seattlewecare.org.
SUPPORT OUR ISPTSA
FEATURED SPIRIT WEAR: INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL DUFFEL

Just in time for spring sports, our International School duffel is made in Seattle, Washington using an 18-ounce premium canvas. Quality finishes include a high resin molded tooth zipper, heavyweight polypropylene handles, nickel D-rings for the optional shoulder strap, and an interior mesh pocket for valuables. Add a custom name for FREE! Click here to shop for this and more! Orders can be picked up from Winner's Sportswear Bellevue for free or delivered. Proceeds benefit ISPTSA. Email Melissa, VP of Community, with questions.
BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION

Raise funds for ISPTSA with the Box Tops for Education app. By scanning your grocery and office supply store receipts, qualifying products will be instantly credited to our school. It's easy and adds up fast! Download the app on your phone, and select IS by searching zip code 98005. Questions? Email ISPTSA Fundraising.
MASTHEAD / DIRECTORY / LINKS
President
President-Elect
OPEN
Secretary
Treasurer 1
Treasurer 2
VP of Communications
OPEN
VP of Community
VP of Fundraising
OPEN
VP of Outreach
Membership Chair
Grants
Advocacy Chair
OPEN
Monday Messenger
Website
IS Staff Liaison
PTSA Website: www.isptsa.org
Newsletter Submissions: news@isptsa.org
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.
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 
SUPPORT YOUR PTSA
Donate Anytime!
Write your check to the International School PTSA and send it to:
ISPTSA, PO Box 221, Bellevue WA 98009
Or, even easier, donate
via PayPal.
MONDAY MESSENGER
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
  • Please submit articles by THURSDAY at 5:00 PM to news@isptsa.org.
  • Please limit articles to 600 characters including spaces.
  • Please include contact information for questions from readers.
  • 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.