ICS PTSA NEWSLETTER

October 1, 2023

See the ICS Calendar for more upcoming event dates.

FROM THE PTSA

JOIN THE PTSA AND HELP RETURN US TO 100% PARTICIPATION

Please sign up for the PTSA. It is free and we are seeking 100% parent participation.

The ICS Parent Teacher Student Association is our primary vehicle for building community. To build a strong community, we need to ensure every family is represented and has a voice. Joining the PTSA is separate from donation. Please join today.

PLEASE DONATE TO THE PTSA

If you have not yet donated yet for this school year, please do so now. Our budget needs parent support today, so we can fund programs for the entire 2023-2024 school year. Click here to make your contribution. Thank you!!

INTRAMURAL SPORTS CLUB INTEREST SURVEY OPEN NOW

We are surveying for student interest in an after-school sports club. This would be for low-stakes sports activities like badminton, pickleball, and cross country. We have access to the Lyceum on Mondays and Thursdays for indoor activities, outdoor sports would be season dependent.

Fill out the survey here. We aim to share the results in two weeks during the October parent meeting. For questions, email lucialiu@icsptsa.org.

ICS MATH CLUB UPDATE: MEETING DATE CHANGE & MORE

The registration for the following Math competitions is now open.

1. MATHCOUNTS provides engaging math programs to US middle school students of all ability levels to build confidence and improve attitudes about math and problem solving.
2. Math Is Cool is a fun and popular mathematics competitions in Washington State emphasizing mental math, problem solving with speed and accuracy, and teamwork collaborations.
3. Math Kangaroo is designed to make math more engaging and enjoyable for students. It aims to foster students’ interest in mathematics by providing a fun and challenging environment and opportunities for them to showcase their problem-solving skills.

This year, ICS PTSA Math Club won't be able to host American Mathematics Competitions (AMC 8/10/12 and AIME). The students who are interested in the competitions, can find alternative locations at MAA website.

Math Club will have an information session at 7:00 PM, Sunday, October 1, via Teams Meeting, about the competitions and the registration process.

Click here for more information about Math Club.

REFLECTIONS ART COMPETITION: WITH CATEGORY LINKS

Reflections is a National PTA arts recognition program that helps students explore their thoughts, feelings and ideas, develop artistic literacy, increase confidence, and find a love for learning that will help them become more successful not only in school, but in life. The 2023-24 theme is “I am Hopeful Because.”

How to get started: Students should choose a category, review the rules, and prepare an original piece of 2D visual art. NOTE: LWPTSA Council is NOT accepting 3D art.

Submission process: Students will take photos or scan their finished work and submit online. Further instructions and entry forms are coming soon. Physical works will be displayed at the LWSD Reflection celebrations open house in January. Submissions are due by November 1, 10 PM.

Additional theme search contest: Complete the online form to enter contest by November 1, 12 PM. The student who submits the winning entry will receive $100 and the theme will be presented at the annual National PTA Convention in 2024. Repeat themes will not be considered.

Categories: Click a category below for descriptions and rules.

Dance Choreography

Film Production 

Literature

Music Composition

Photography

Visual Arts

2024 ART DAY: DATE ANNOUNCED

The board has confirmed Art Day is on 1/29/24! Update your calendars accordingly!!! We will update this forum as soon as we get details.

There are many ways to contribute to Art Day this year! First of all, you can join the Art Day Committee, we have the following chair openings:

Movement and Dance Chair: Coordinate movement and dance classes and help class instructors.

You can also run a class! Art Day classes are learning sessions that offer art experiences from different cultures. Each Art Day class runs for three 90-minute sessions, with about 20 students per session. Parents can submit Art Day ideas at Art Day 2024.

Please don’t forget to leave your email address along with your idea to help us contact you. Please contact artday@icsptsa.org or Albert Li (ali@icsptsa.org) if you are interested in volunteering opportunities or have any questions.

FROM THE DEI COMMITTEE

MAWLID AL NABI

Mawlid-al-Nabi starts the evening of September 26 and ends the evening of September 27. It is an Islamic observation celebrating the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad. Muslims honor the occasion by participating in large street processions, decorating their homes and mosques with lights, distributing traditional food and sweets to the public and reciting the Quran and devotional poetry. 

HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated each year from September 15 to October 15. It began as a week-long celebration in 1968 under President Johnson and was expanded to a month by President Reagan 20 years later in 1988. The month-long celebration provides more time to properly recognize the significant contributions Hispanic/Latino Americans have made in the United States.

Hispanic Heritage Month does not cover one single month but instead begins in the middle of September and ends in the middle of October. The timeframe of this month is significant because many Central American countries celebrate their independence days within these dates, beginning on September 15 with Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. By aligning with these independence dates, Hispanic Heritage Month honors the resilience and determination of the Hispanic community.