Click here to view the District 2022–2023 calendar for families.

* More information in the message below

It was truly delightful to be at the General Membership Meeting last Tuesday. We successfully passed our updated standing rules and budget. Do you realize that we manage a budget of almost $150,000? That takes a lot of work and commitment and we as an ISPTSA board do it because we truly love this school. Russell showed us some stats for testing results and we have impressive results for our middle and high school. Now testing never shows the whole picture, but it shows our standing in the district and the state, and LET’S BE PROUD. This community of parents and our excellent teaching staff support the success of our students and it shows. As we enter the end of the quarter, please remember to support our PTSA thru membership and donations to our Raise the Torch. Membership supports our students and our advocacy at the state level and donations are what allow our staff to really make a difference in their classes with unique curriculum enhancements. Be a supporter of IS success.

Pictures from last Tuesday's Dinner + General Membership Meeting.

Thank you to our amazing Registrar Katherine Parkin and Office Manager Mary Pyrah for supplying the ISPTSA with data. Download the app, available for iPhones and Android devices, and you will always have the directory with you. You can also access the directory from your computer at DirectorySpot.net (option to self-print a copy of the directory using downloadable PDFs). The website and app have different ways of viewing the information. Be sure to explore both to see all the options. Please see this page for more details. Email directory@isptsa.org for support.

Our annual fall Raise the Torch fundraiser closes on Monday, October 31. Please help us reach and beat our fundraising goals. We are currently 86% of the way to our goal! Thank you to the 80 families that have already provided support to International School. Please join them in providing funds to enhance school curriculum, support student activities, and build community. Consider supporting as a Titan Torch ($1000), Gold ($500), Silver ($250), Bronze ($100) or provide a level of support that works for you. All donations are tax-deductible. Click this link to donate or send funds using Zelle (Account: treasurer2@isptsa.org). Click here for a flyer. Questions? Email Emilie Castle and Phil Bloch, VPs of Fundraising.

We are 70% toward our goal of 100% membership, where each IS student is supported by a PTSA member! ISPTSA members are Washington State PTA and National PTA members. Membership cards were sent to all ISPTSA members last week, which include valuable WSPTA member discounts and National PTA member offers.

ISPTSA membership helps to create a stronger IS community! Everyone in the IS community, including teachers/staff, students, parents/guardians, and other community supporters is invited to join PTSA. Everyone counts! Sign in to renew OR click here to join today! Questions? Email Honglian Gao, Membership Chair.

Reflections is a National PTA and WSPTA cultural arts competition that provides an opportunity for students to use their creative talents by expressing themselves through their own original works. For inspiration, visit the Reflections virtual art gallery and learn more about prizes and scholarships.

Students may also enter theme ideas by entering a Theme Search Entry Form to the WSPTA office by November 1. We will send out submission information close to the end of October. If you have questions or if you can volunteer, please email Jiayuan Huang, ISPTSA Reflections Chair. 

Click here for the order form. 

The International School Class of 2023 is holding its traditional fundraiser selling festive holiday poinsettias and wreaths from Squak Mountain Nursery in Issaquah. Proceeds fund the graduation activities this June.

Thank you for your support! Questions? Email pegarsenault@msn.com.

Learn more about these positions here. Please email board@isptsa.org if you have questions or if you're interested in signing up. Thank you!

If you're a parent of a senior, please consider joining one of our many committees to help make our seniors' last school year memorable. We're looking for more volunteers to help with commencement, senior celebration, senior/staff lunch, grad night party, fundraising, etc. Please email Samia Seghir if you're interested in helping. Let's make it a great year for our senior students!

IS TITAN PLAYERS PRESENT…

Come support your Titan Players and see a Shakespeare comedy, A Midsummer Night's Dream! Tickets will only be available for online presale from October 17–28 through Touchbase. These purchases are associated with a student account, so any friends or extended family purchases should be made at the same time. No tickets will be sold at the door. Reserve your tickets today! For questions, please email the Drama Coordinator.

Our clubs website is now updated to include the times and locations of our active clubs! Most clubs meet during lunchtime. We would love for every student to be engaged in at least one club. If you have questions about a certain club, email the advisor for that club. Announcements about club meetings will be posted on Teams or announced during the morning announcements. For questions, email Matt Lyon, ASB Advisor.

AP exam fees are now on student accounts! Please log in to TouchBase to pay for your exams by THIS Friday, October 28. Contact Jill Follett, Counseling Secretary, if you want to make changes (add/cancel a test) to your registration. Contact Colleen Courtney, High School Counselor, for scholarship information.

Need SAT /ACT/AP test prep books? Request here for pick up at IS. Have one to donate to the Washington Book Exchange? Use the blue box in the main office. Email Jill Follett, IS Washington Book Exchange Contact, with questions.

We have many honor societies here at International School with students who are looking forward to tutoring their peers. The students in these honor societies are very strong students who are excited to provide peer assistance. Tutoring is open to all grades and all classes at IS. If your student would like some extra assistance, please sign up for tutoring using the following student tutor request form. For questions, email Joanne Whang, NHS Advisor.

THIS Wednesday, October 26, 6–7:30 PM

BSD will host a program night on Wednesday, October 26, from 6:00–7:30 PM, where families will have the opportunity to explore Heritage Language with an emphasis on the Arabic language. Learn more about how it will be studied in our schools. Read more here. Questions? Email BSD Arabic Program

THIS Friday, October 28, 2–5 PM

Open BSD students, staff, and community members, the Surplus Book Sales will be held on Friday, October 28, 2–5 PM at Ringdall Middle School, 11650 SE 60th St, Bellevue, WA 98006. Questions? Email BSD.

BSD encourages family members, friends, relatives, caregivers, and community members to get involved. There are many ways to participate. Click here to learn more about adult volunteer opportunities. Questions? Email BSD Volunteers.

The BSD Superintendent job posting is currently open. Applications will be accepted by Human Capital Enterprises until November 7 at 3 PM. Read more here. Questions? Email BSD.

Please join us for a family-focused informational session and workshop about DDA. A representative from DDA will join us to discuss DDA eligibility and available services. Hybrid sessions are available on Monday, November 14, 9:30–11:30 AM and on Tuesday, November 15, 5:30–7:30 PM. Click here for more information including in-person location details and virtual meeting links. Questions? Email BSD Special Education Family Resources.

The Washington State Legislature established the observance as a civic holiday in 2008 to promote the appreciation and inclusion of people with disabilities. In addition, National Disability Employment Awareness Month also takes place every October. Read more here. Questions? Email BSD.

International School Senior, McKenzie Toomey, shares her perspective on global competency and what it means to be a creator of her future world. Read more here. Questions? Email BSD.

Parents, would you like to learn more about the educational technology your student uses here at BSD? Here is your chance. K–12 families are invited to attend one of our educational technology information nights to learn:

Choose the night and location most convenient for you:

Questions? Email BSD.

SPECIAL EVENT, SAVE THE DATE!

More details to come! Click here for the flyer. Questions about registration? Email Melissa Richardson, VP of Outreach.

Join our mental health experts for a timely and important discussion of the work of the Mental Health Assistance Team. This crucial program is found at all 30 schools in our district. Recently, 1,777 students have been screened for signs of suicidal ideations. 247 of these students (14%) reported thoughts of self-harm within the past week. 476 (27%) reported concerns related to anxiety and depression. These statistics highlight the need for our current prioritization of mental health funding, as well as our future commitment. Read more here. Questions? Email Bellevue Schools Foundation.

Mark your calendar! The 36th annual Newport High School Ski Swap will be on November 11–12. Clear out your garage and bring your snow sports gear to sell at the swap. There will be several retail ski vendors selling new gear as well. You can find thousands of items available at unbelievable deals! Skis, snowboards, boots, poles, jackets, pants, and more! Click here for the flyer or visit the website for more information. Sponsored by the NHS PTSA. For questions, email NHS Ski Swap.

The nights, and mornings, are getting brisk, and what better way to get ready for fall than stocking some new pajama pants? Your ISPTSA is adding some new items this year. Get comfy while studying, grading, or hanging out in these snuggly pants. Currently only available in black. Order yours here! Questions? Email Melissa Richardson, VP of Outreach.

Support IS PTSA with your Amazon purchases! Amazon donates a percentage of your Amazon Smile purchases to our school when you select Bellevue International School as your charity of choice. Click here to begin! Set it and forget it. 0.5% of your purchases will be donated to International PTSA. Email Paul Bloch, VP of Fundraising, with questions.

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.