January 8, 2023

MONDAY MESSENGER

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SHOUT-OUTS!

The following are shout-outs and thank-yous to and from various members of our community.

A huge thank you to our amazing 10th Grade Parent Reps Renuka Getchell and Angelika Koch-Leibmann for putting together the Staff Appreciation Luncheon on Wednesday, January 3!

THIS WEEK:

• Thursday, 1/11, 8 AM–1 PM • MS Jazz Festival

NEXT WEEK:

• Monday, 1/15 • No School (Martin Luther King Jr. Day)
• Friday, 1/19 • Choice Schools Application Period Closes

LOOKING AHEAD:

• Wednesday, 1/24, 2 PM • AMC 8 Competition in IS Library
• Friday, 1/26 • End of First Semester
• Friday, 2/2 • International School Winter Auction Gala*
• Tuesday, 2/6, 6:30 PM • Admitted 5th Grade Parent Night for 2024–2025
• Wednesday, 2/7, 6 PM • Bite of IS*
• Thursday, 2/8, 6:30 PM • Middle School Parent Night
• Monday, 2/12–Friday 2/16 • Scholastic Book Fair
• Wednesday, 2/14 • Staff Appreciation Luncheon Hosted by Our Chinese Community
• Monday, 2/19–Friday 2/23 • No School (Mid-Winter Break)
• Wednesday, 2/28 • HS Band 1 Eastshore
• Friday, 3/1, 7 PM • IS Drama Musical
• Saturday, 3/2, 2 PM & 7 PM • IS Drama Musical
• Wednesday, 3/6 • Staff Appreciation Luncheon Hosted by the 11th Grade Families
• Thursday, 3/7, 8:30 AM–3 PM • HS Orchestra 1 Eastshore
• Thursday, 3/7, 8:30 AM–3 PM • HS Choir 1 Eastshore
• Friday, 3/8, 7 PM • IS Drama Musical
• Saturday, 3/9, 2 PM & 7 PM • IS Drama Musical
• Tuesday, 3/12, 7 PM • HS Band Concert
• Wednesday, 3/13, 7 PM • HS Orchestra Concert
• Thursday, 3/14, 8:30 AM–3 PM • HS Choir 2 Eastshore
• Thursday, 3/14, 6 PM • 11th Grade Parent Night Pt. 2
• Thursday, 3/14, 7 PM • MS Orchestra Concert
• Monday, 3/18, 3:45 PM • Le Grand Concours
• Monday, 3/18, 7 PM • HS Choir Concert
• Tuesday, 3/19, 8:30 AM–3 PM • HS Band 2 Eastshore
• Tuesday, 3/19, 8:30 AM–3 PM • Orchestra 2 Eastshore
• Tuesday, 3/19, 7 PM • MS Choir Concert
• Wednesday, 4/3 • Staff Appreciation Luncheon Hosted by the 7th Grade Families
• Monday, 4/8–Friday 4/12 • No School (Spring Break)
• Tuesday, 4/16, 6:30 PM • 8th Grade Parent Night
• Monday 5/6–Friday 5/10 • Staff Appreciation Week
• Wednesday, 5/8 • Staff Appreciation Luncheon Hosted by the 8th Grade Families
• Wednesday, 6/5 • Seniors and Staff Luncheon Hosted by the 12th Grade Families
• Wednesday, 6/5, 6 PM • MS Orchestra Concert
• Wednesday, 6/5, 7 PM • HS Orchestra Concert

Click here to view the ISPTSA Calendar, which can be added to your personal Google or Outlook Calendar.

Click here to view the District 2023–2024 calendar for families.

*More information in the message below

Orange denotes new/updated calendar entries.

COMING SOON - INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL 2024 AUCTION

Last year, almost 200 people joined the IS PTSA Auction to celebrate the school and raise funds to inspire and support our students and teachers. We're looking forward to another great night together.

• Save the Date! - This year's auction will be on Friday, February 2. More details coming soon. You won't want to miss this fantastic night celebrating IS students, teachers, and the community.
• Donate to the Auction! - Do you have season tickets? Consider donating tickets to a game or a performance for the auction. Gift cards, hosted dinners, boat rides, weekends at vacation homes, and unique experiences make great donations that help us raise funds. Email VPFundraising@isptsa.org today to inquire about donation opportunities.
• Join the Auction Team! - Help make the auction a success and enjoy the rewards. We're looking for volunteers to assist in the following roles: Food and Decorations, Marketing and Ticket Sales, Auction Procurement Support, and Auction Night Programming. Email VPFundraising@isptsa.org to join the team. Thank you!

Questions? Contact Phil Bloch and Gang Chen, Co-VPs of Fundraising.

10TH GRADE PARENT APPRECIATION LUNCHEON

Our IS staff is off to a good start this year, having enjoyed a great lunch on January 3. As winter is all about staying warm and being comfortable, 10th-grade parents provided comfort food to our unique and awesome staff, consisting of yummy soups, exquisite quiches, and delicious desserts. Special thanks to all the parents who prepared food, brought in drinks and supplies, and helped with setup and cleanup. Questions? Email parent-rep2026@isptsa.org.

ISPTSA MEMBERSHIP 2023–2024

Unlock a Year of Excellence: we cordially invite you to join or renew your ISPTSA Annual Membership today. Your contribution is the driving force behind our exceptional school programs, elevating the educational journeys of our students.

Questions? Contact membership@isptsa.org.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

We are looking for Volunteers to help us support our school! We need your help!

Outreach (Email vpoutreach@isptsa.org if interested in one of the following positions):

• Volunteer Coordinator
• Membership Chair (contact membership@isptsa.org)

Communications (Email vpcommunications@isptsa.org if interested in one of the following positions):

• Monday Messenger Liaisons

Community (Email vpcommunity@isptsa.org if interested in one of the following positions):

• Grade Parent Liaisons for 8th grade
• Staff Appreciation Chair

Learn more about these positions here. Please email the respective Board Member if you have questions or if you're interested in signing up.

WASHINGTON STATE PTA

FOCUS DAY REGISTRATION OPEN FOR JANUARY 15

Join us at Focus Day IN PERSON in Olympia on January 15 to advocate for children and schools with elected officials, network with fellow PTA advocates and hear speakers. All WSPTA members are welcome. Bring your student with you!

Register for Focus Day today! The event is free. You can sign up for one of the Capitol tours (limited spaces on the tours) and order a boxed lunch (for an additional charge) when you register. Wear PTA blue. Scarves work great because they are easy to spot. See you there! Questions? Email support@wastatepta.org.

BUS ROUTE CANCELATIONS

THIS Monday, January 8 through Friday, January 12, the following International School bus route(s) are canceled due to driver availability.

Route 53

No student pick‑ups will be available in both the A.M. and P.M. timeframes. Families impacted should plan alternate transportation for their students. All other bus routes servicing these schools will run normally as scheduled. Midday routes and activity routes for these canceled routes will run normally.

Please contact transportation@bsd405.org with any questions.

CHOICE SCHOOLS APPLICATION PERIOD

Reminder: The Choice Schools application period for the 2024-25 school year is open NOW through Friday, January 19. Don't forget that sibling applications to International must be filled out during this time! Read more here. Questions? Email studentplacement@bsd405.org.

VOLUNTEER IN THE IS FRONT OFFICE

Ever wanted to get to know more of our amazing staff? Volunteering to work in the IS front office is a great way to meet people and feel involved with our community. There are currently three or four volunteer openings:

• Mondays: 12:15–3:15 PM, weekly or every other week
• Thursdays: 11:30 AM–1:30 PM, every other week only
• Thursdays: 1:30–3:30 PM, every other week only

If you are interested in volunteering or have any questions, please contact Mary Pyrah, IS Office Manager.

BITE OF IS

Wednesday, February 7 at 6 PM

Join us for the Bite of IS, an annual multicultural potluck in the International School Gym! Contribute a dish reflecting your culture or perform a cultural act. Booth sign-ups are open till January 26. Proceeds support The Hunger Project, addressing hunger and poverty globally.

How to Participate:

• Booths: Host one individually, with a club, or as a family. Contribute to the Bite of IS Cookbook!
• Performances: Showcase your ethnic background through dance, song, etc. Solo or group performances welcome.

Event Details:

• Date: Wednesday, February 7 at 6 PM
• Venue: International School Gym
• Tickets: Information will be sent in January.

Support The Hunger Project and Embrace Diversity!

• Booth Sign-up
• Performance Sign-up
• Learn about The Hunger Project

Questions? Email Emelia Bechthold.

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL UPDATE

An International School Update was sent through email on Tuesday, January 2 to all current IS families with great updates. Questions? Email the IS Main Office.

STUDENT CLUBS

IS RED CROSS CLUB BLOOD DRIVE

Save the date: Wednesday, March 6

The IS Red Cross Club will be holding a blood drive on Wednesday, March 6 from 1:30–7:00 PM in the IS Library. Students who are 16 or older, parents, and community members are all encouraged to participate. Information on how to sign up will be sent out in February. Questions? Contact Julie Reeder.

JOIN THE IS INVESTMENT CLUB!

Have you ever wanted to make money while you sleep? If so, come join IS's Investment Club interest meeting! Whether you're a curious beginner or a seasoned trader, this club has something for everyone, even if you don't know anything about finance. The purpose of this club is to bring people together at the school to learn about the importance of investments and financial literacy. Our primary focus is to teach the students of IS the fundamentals and importance of investing, as well as managing personal finances early on in life to maximize their benefits later on.

Meeting Details:

The International School Investment Club is having two interest meetings on Thursdays, January 11 and 18, during lunch. Please come join us in person. We will provide pizza and snacks! Click on or scan the QR code to sign up. Questions? Contact Ethan Wong.

BSD CHOICE SCHOOL, LANGUAGE PROGRAM, AND ONLINE SCHOOL PROFILES

BSD offers many unique opportunities for students, including choice schools and programs and an online school, to best suit their learning needs and future goals. You can learn more about current offerings and how to apply for enrollment here. Questions contact the different programs listed in the article.

SCHOOL FUNDING 101 – SIX THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT SCHOOL BUDGETING

Learn key facts and common misconceptions about district budgeting and understand how property taxes are collected, where they go, and what they can be used for. Read more here. Questions? Contact BSD.

BELLEVUE SCHOOL DISTRICT ANNOUNCES THE RESIGNATION OF SCHOOL BOARD DIRECTOR JOYCE SHUI

The Bellevue School District announces the resignation of School Board Director Joyce Shui, serving the third district and most recently holding the office of Vice President of the board. Read more here. Questions? Contact BSD.

TRANSPORTATION UPDATES AVAILABLE THROUGH EDULOG PARENT PORTAL

Beginning in January, all BSD bus cancellations, delays, and updates will be shared directly through the Edulog Parent Portal, the district’s transportation information platform. Families who would like to receive notification about impacts to their bus routes must sign up for Edulog. Specific route cancellations, delays, and updates will not be shared routinely through direct district emails, text messages, robo calls, or social media in the new year. However, districtwide messages will continue to be sent at the discretion of the district, on an as-needed basis. Read more here. Questions? Contact transportation@bsd405.org.

APPLY NOW TO JOIN THE SUSTAINABILITY COMMUNITY ADVISORY GROUP

Did you know that Bellevue School District Policy 6811 states that the district seeks to minimize our impact on the environment and increase our individual and collective understanding and agency of how we can work toward an ecologically sustainable school district, community and world?

Join the Bellevue School District Sustainability Committee and be part of a transformative initiative to create a more ecologically sustainable school district and community. Apply here by 4 PM THIS Wednesday, January 10. Questions? Email sustainability@bsd405.org.

NEW WEBSITE PROJECT UPDATE: WEBSITE AUDIT, CONTENT MIGRATION, AND TRAINING

Since the last update, the BSD website project team has collaborated with internal staff, community members, and the website vendor, Finalsite, to complete the design portion of the Design and Development project phase and is now working to develop school and district webpages. Find out more here. Questions? Contact BSD.

BSD NEWSLETTER

An e-newsletter was sent to BSD staff and families on Thursday, December 28, with information about BSD’s unique learning opportunities, school budgeting, opportunities to get involved with district initiatives, and more. Read it here. Don't receive the district newsletter? Sign up here! You can see all newsletters here. Questions? Contact BSD.

BELLEVUE YOUTH THEATRE AUDITIONS

The Bellevue Youth Theatre provides inclusive recreational programs for youth ages 5-19, with a focus on teen participants. Persons with disabilities, families, and older adults are encouraged to participate. The emphasis of the theatre is to build self-esteem, teamwork, and confidence in youth while performing in a supportive environment. Children 11 and younger, and first-time participants, may have limited roles. For more information, please call 425-452-7155. Link: Auditions | City of Bellevue (bellevuewa.gov).

BELLEVUE DOWNTOWN ICE RINK

The Bellevue Downtown Ice Rink returns for its 26th year to the picturesque Bellevue Downtown Park NOW through January 15! Known as the Eastside’s largest open-air seasonal ice-skating experience, the ice rink is open daily, including holidays, and features 9,000 square feet of ice, a spacious viewing area, concessions, free parking, and more. From free skate lessons to special events, this holiday tradition is perfect for friendly get-togethers, celebratory outings, or family gatherings.

Rink opening times vary. Plan your visit and purchase online tickets. Walk-up tickets are limited, so visitors are strongly encouraged to purchase in advance at www.bellevueicerink.com. Questions? Call the Bellevue Downtown Association at (425)453-1223.

SHOW YOUR SCHOOL SPIRIT!

Check out our wide variety of International School spiritwear! Hoodies, T-shirts, bags, and more, order now! You can pick up your order from Winner's Sportswear in Bellevue or have it delivered. Questions? Email Melissa Richardson, VP of Outreach.

SMITH BROTHERS FARMS MILK FUND PROGRAMS

Sign up for Smith Brothers Farms Home Grocery Delivery and when you do, you'll receive $15 off your 1st delivery & ISPTSA receives a $50 gift donation from SBF! It's a win-win! You get the iconic Porch Box with your 1st order & it can be filled each week with milk that is 2-days-fresh from the farm, eggs that are 3-days-fresh, fresh produce, almond & oat milk, and hundreds of grocery items that are primarily from local PNW companies!

Delivery is free with just a $10 order & there are no monthly fees, no contract. Give it a try - we get the donation if you get one delivery or remain a customer for years. Questions? Contact Smith Brothers Farms.