November 13, 2023

MONDAY MESSENGER

Visit Our Website

Donate to PTSA

Translate Newsletter

International School's

Middle School Consolidation Meeting

THIS Thursday, November 16 at 6 PM in the IS Commons

SHOUT-OUTS!

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

We would like to give a shout-out to our Principal Russell White and Assistant Principal Irina Kourilenko; they were highlighted in the latest BSD Newsletter for being awesome and amazing! Thank you for everything you do and for always having our backs!

THIS WEEK:

• Tuesday, 11/14 • American Mathematics Competition (AMC) 10/12 B Competition
• Wednesday, 11/15 • Staff Appreciation Luncheon Hosted by the 9th Grade Families*
• Wednesday, 11/15, 7 PM • HS Band Concert
• Thursday, 11/16, 6 PM • IS's Middle School Consolidation Meeting*

NEXT WEEK:

• Thursday, 11/23–Friday, 11/24 • No School (Thanksgiving)

LOOKING AHEAD:

• Monday, 11/27 • Reflections Submission Deadline*
• Monday, 11/27–Friday, 12/1 • Snowflake Drive
• Tuesday, 11/28, 6:30 PM • Middle School Parent Night
• Wednesday, 11/29, 7 PM • HS Orchestra Concert
• Thursday, 11/30, 7 PM • MS Band Concert
• Friday, 12/1, 7 PM • MS Snowflake Social
• Monday, 12/4, 7 PM • HS Choir Concert
• Tuesday, 12/5, 7 PM • MS Choir Concert
• Wednesday, 12/6 • Staff Appreciation Luncheon Hosted by the 6th Grade Families
• Wednesday, 12/6, 7 PM • MS Orchestra Concert
• Saturday, 12/9, 8 PM–10 PM • HS TOLO
• Monday, 12/11, 4 PM–7 PM • Drama Auditions
• Wednesday, 12/13 • Winter Market
• Tuesday, 12/19, 4 PM–7 PM • Drama Callbacks
• Wednesday, 12/20–Monday 1/1 • No School (Winter Break)
• Wednesday, 1/3 • Staff Appreciation Luncheon Hosted by the 10th Grade Families
• Thursday, 1/11, 8 AM–1 PM • MS Jazz Festival
• Monday, 1/15 • No School (Martin Luther King Jr. Day)
• 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
• Thursday, 2/8, 6:30 PM • Middle School Parent Night
• Wednesday, 3/13, 7 PM • HS Orchestra Concert
• Thursday, 3/14, 7 PM • MS Orchestra Concert
• Tuesday, 4/16, 6:30 PM • 8th Grade Parent Night
• 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.

9TH GRADE STAFF APPRECIATION LUNCHEON

Dear 9th Grade Families, thank you for signing up to bring dishes to share with our staff for the Thanksgiving Staff Appreciation Luncheon THIS Wednesday, November 15.

Last year was a great success, and the faculty truly appreciated our efforts as it was the first luncheon of the year. If you signed up to bring something, please bring serving sizes for 6 people. Both purchased and homemade dishes are greatly appreciated! Hot food should be dropped off between 12:00 and 12:15 PM. Please label everything indicating the dish name and ingredients (for allergies). If you don't remember what you signed up for check the sign up sheet.

Thank you for your help and support. Questions? Email The 9th Grade Parent Reps.

REFLECTIONS

WHAT IS REFLECTIONS: A nationwide art competition hosted by the PTSA. Student winners from International School have the opportunity to move up through their district, region, and state PTA programs to the national level.

THEME: I Am Hopeful Because… 

DEADLINE: Monday, November 27

ENTRY FORM: Please download, fill out, and include this entry form with your submission.

FORMAT: Entries are accepted across 6 categories - Please click the link to read the rules for each category: Dance, Visual Art, Music Composition, Photography, Literature, and Film Production - {Special Artists Rules}

SUBMIT YOUR WORK TO: reflections@isptsa.org

Questions? Email reflections@isptsa.org

6TH GRADE STAFF APPRECIATION LUNCHEON

In order to express our gratitude to the hardworking and dedicated staff members here at the IS, the 6th Grade families would like to show our appreciation by providing lunch to them during the upcoming 6th Grade Staff Appreciation Luncheon on Wednesday, December 6. We are kindly asking any 6th grade families who can to please assist us by signing up to donate money. Additionally, we require one more volunteer to help with the setup and cleanup. If you are willing to volunteer or have any questions, please reach out to Kai Gao.

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.

RAISE THE TORCH – FALL FUNDRAISER HITS GOAL IN FINAL HOURS!

Thank you to everyone who donated during the Fall Fundraiser. With the help of about 120 families, we reached our goal just before the October 31 deadline. Less than 24 hours after the fundraiser ended, the PTSA board reviewed and approved grant proposal recommendations to partially or fully fund 16 grant requests. Thanks for your support, and we are excited to turn your investments into tangible benefits for our students! Questions? Contact Phil Bloch and Gang Chen, Co-VPs of Fundraising.

THE 2023–2024 ISPTSA DIRECTORY IS NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE VIA DIRECTORYSPOT!

This year's directory is now live! 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. Don't forget that you have to be in the directory to access the directory! Use the email address you gave to the school to log in. Please see this page for more details on how to gain access. Have questions or need help? Check out the FAQ or Email directory@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
• WSPTA Game Development Competition Program Chair
• 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 and 9th 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.

BELLEVUE PTSA COUNCIL

PTSA BOOK CLUB

Ever wondered what kinds of books your children are reading in school? Here is your chance to join other parents in reading and discussing books teachers may be assigning your children. Melissa Richardson runs a district-wide PTSA Book Club that chooses one book a month from the BSD High School Curriculum.

The PTSA Book Club will meet to discuss "The Leavers" on Wednesday, December 6 at 6 PM. The online link will be announced on the Bellevue PTSA Council Facebook Page once the date gets closer. Questions? Contact Bellevue PTSA Council.

WASHINGTON STATE PTA

PUBLIC POLICY PRIORITIES OF NATIONAL PTA AND WSPTA

What does PTA have to do with federal legislation? It turns out, quite a bit. 

2024 is the second year of the two-year legislative cycle for Congress. 2024 is also a big election year. It’s important that we engage in the federal public policy process and vote. The Top 5 Legislative Priorities for the Washington State PTA can be found here

You can help advocate by sharing PTA’s priorities with your members of Congress and help engage in the public policy process. Find out about ways to engage and more Policy Priorities here! Questions? Email Susan Baird-Joshi, WSPTA Federal Legislative Chair.

NATIONAL PTA

2024 OUTSTANDING ADVOCACY AWARD NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN NOW!

If you know of an outstanding youth or individual PTA advocate, or a local unit or state PTA that has done great advocacy work, nominate them to receive an award from National PTA for their efforts. You can also nominate yourself! The deadline to submit a nomination is Thursday, November 30. Questions? Contact info@pta.org.

NOTES FROM THE BACKPACK: A PODCAST FOR PARENTS, BY PARENTS

Real Experts. Real Parents. Real Conversations.

Notes from the Backpack is a PTA podcast designed for millions of parents and the decision-makers they influence.

Through the unique combination of expert, parent, and educator guests, each episode features engaging conversations that offer real-life advice and ideas on how to support children’s learning and development—all in parent-friendly language.

Latest Episode: How Schools Can Challenge All High Achievers

From supplemental instruction to grade skipping, there are options when it comes to challenging our most advanced learners, but these opportunities can be hard to access. Brandon Wright, editorial director at the Thomas B. Fordham Institute joins the show to share best practices in gifted education and what families can do if their child would benefit from a more advanced curriculum.  Questions? Contact info@pta.org.

E-CIGARETTES ARE A THREAT

E-cigarettes are hooking a new generation on nicotine—putting millions of kids at risk and threatening decades of progress in reducing youth tobacco use. It’s a nationwide crisis of youth addiction, fueled by thousands of kid-friendly flavors and massive doses of nicotine. Learn more about the crisis and what you can do to take action against Big Tobacco. Questions? Contact info@pta.org.

SENIOR FAMILIES!

If you purchased a Grad Ad, your artwork is DUE TODAY, Monday, November 13. More details here. Questions? Email Jill Follett.

VOLUNTEER IN THE OFFICE

International School is looking for a parent to volunteer in the office every other Monday from 10:15 AM–12:15 PM. All volunteers must complete the district-required background check to work in the building.

If you have questions or would like to volunteer, please contact Mary Pyrah, IS Office Manager.

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL UPDATE

An International School Update was sent through email on Monday, November 6 to all current IS families with great updates. Questions? Email the IS Main Office.

GET HOMEWORK HELP AND TUTORING FOR FREE THROUGH KING COUNTY LIBRARY

Study Zone Plus

Connect to homework help and resources in person and online! Students in grades K-12 can work with a tutor or find recharge activities, language, and reading support. Programs include Tutors, Math Club, Reading Buddies, and kids & Teens Talk Time. Questions? Check out the website or contact KCLS.

Brainfuse Free Online Tutoring 

Get one-on-one, real-time tutoring from 1 PM to 11 PM daily. Get writing help. For students in grades K-12, college, and adult learners. Available via chat and audio. Questions? Check out the FAQ or email info@brainfuse.com

VOLUNTEER FOR CHERRY CREST ELEMENTARY SPELLING BEES!

Preliminary Event:

• When: Wednesday, December 6, 6–8 PM
• Where: Cherry Crest Elementary, Bellevue, WA
• Sign up: here

Finals Event:

• When: Wednesday, February 7, 6:15 PM–8:30 PM
• Where: Cherry Crest Elementary, Bellevue, WA
• Sign up: here

Details:

• High school volunteers needed.
• No experience required.
• Volunteer hours available.
• Responsibilities detailed in Pronouncer Role And Responsibility.docx.
• Arrive by 5:45 pm, help until 8:30 pm.

We appreciate your support! Questions? Contact Abhishek Sinha.

BUS ROUTE CANCELLATIONS

THIS Monday, November 13 through Friday, November 17, the following bus routes are canceled due to driver availability: 8, 16, 22, 27, 33 and 44. Impacted school communities include Cherry Crest, Chinook, Clyde Hill, Highland, Jing Mei, Odle, Puesta del Sol, Tillicum, Tyee and Woodridge. Read more here.

Transportation Update: 11 new drivers have been hired. 9 more would be ideal. It takes time to train new drivers, so they should be available to start filling in the canceled routes beginning sometime in December or January. If you, or anyone you know, is interested in being a BSD Bus Driver, apply here.

Questions? Contact BSD.

FENTANYL INFORMATION EVENT FOR BSD FAMILIES

On THIS Wednesday, November 15, Bellevue School District will bring together experts from local, state, and federal agencies to provide a comprehensive look at the dangers of fentanyl and opioids in our community. The program will take place at Sammamish High School beginning at 6:00 PM. Find out more info here. Questions? Contact BSD.

BELLEVUE SCHOOL DISTRICT STRATEGIC PLAN: JOIN THE GUIDING COALITION

We are forming a Guiding Coalition— a team of students, staff, families, community members, and Dr. Aramaki — that will actively engage with our broader community to co-design our next strategic plan. This year, we will be engaging in a design process to create a new five-year strategic plan.

The application period to be on the Guiding Coalition will close THIS Wednesday, November 15, at 4:00 PM. Applicants who are selected will be notified by Monday, November 20, and the first Coalition meeting will take place on Wednesday, November 29, 4:00 to 6:00 PM.

Click here to apply to become a member of the Strategic Plan Guiding Coalition! More information about commitment details, meeting dates, and a tentative timeline will be posted on the district website soon. Read the entire newsletter here. Questions? Contact BSD.

MIDDLE SCHOOL CONSOLIDATION

Thank you to everyone who participated in community forums over the past few weeks and provided feedback on the ongoing Middle School Consolidation Study. The district is grateful to over 700 people who took the time to attend the in-person and online events, review and react to the demographer reports, share their perspectives and questions, and brainstorm priorities for the middle school experience. This feedback, along with individual survey feedback, will inform the Superintendent and his team in the development of a recommendation of how the District will address the challenges of declining enrollment. Read more here.

Presentations from past events have been published on the district website for BSD community members who were unable to attend the sessions or who would like to review them online

A separate time has been set aside for International Families to discuss our unique needs, wants, and fears with the District Leadership THIS Thursday, November 16 at 6 PM in the International School Commons.

The Middle School Consolidation Timeline can be found here. A district study of the demographer's reports as well as an executive summary of each report have been posted. More info can be found here. The Message from the Superintendent can be found here. Questions? Contact BSD.

COMING SOON: OPEN TRANSFER, CHOICE SCHOOLS, AND PROGRAMS APPLICATION PERIOD

The Open Transfer and Choice Schools and Programs application period for the 2024-25 school year will take place from Monday, December 11 to Friday, January 19. Don't forget that sibling applications to International must also be filled out during this time! Read more here. Questions? Contact BSD.

INCLEMENT WEATHER AND POTENTIAL CLOSURE REMINDERS

Winter is approaching and may bring unpredictable weather. BSD encourages families to take the time to revisit the district’s emergency closure schedule protocols and our emergency closure decision-making process. During instances of inclement weather or severe conditions that could result in a delayed or canceled school day, BSD will communicate any schedule changes to families through direct messages, including email, text message, phone call, social media, FlashAlert, local media and posts to bsd405.org. Learn how to update your contact information in ParentVUE and set message preferences in SchoolMessenger to receive inclement weather and emergency communications according to your desired methods. While these decisions are made for the district at large, conditions may vary across the district. We encourage families to make personal decisions based on their specific circumstances. Read more here. Questions? Contact BSD.

BSD NEWSLETTER

An e-newsletter was sent to BSD staff and families on Thursday, November 9, with information about how families can help co-design the next BSD strategic plan, family resource events, recent school board recognition, and more. Read it here. Don't receive the district newsletter? Sign up here! You can see all newsletters here. Questions? Contact BSD.

HARRY POTTER: MAGIC AT PLAY

Celebrate Harry's journey at this uniquely interactive, family-friendly experience, where hands-on magical moments bring out the young wizard in all of us.

Wizards, witches and Muggles of all ages are invited to experience a Wizarding World of their own at Harry Potter: Magic at Play. The first-of-its-kind experience allows fans of

all ages to engage with the Wizarding World like never before through more than 20 touchpoints of hands-on magical interactivity including games, exploration, sensory activations and more that celebrate Harry’s own journey in discovering the wizarding world.

• When: Wednesdays through Sundays, NOW until November 30, 10 AM–7 PM
• Where: The Shops at The Bravern
• Cost: Varies

Find out more information and buy tickets here. Questions? Contact them via the online form.

FREE ANNE FRANK EXHIBIT

• When: Now through Wednesday, November 22
• Where: Bellevue City Hall
• Cast: FREE

Bellevue City Hall hosts a traveling exhibition called “Anne Frank – A History for Today,” on the first-floor concourse. The multi-panel, traveling exhibition shares the history of the Holocaust and World War II through the eyes of the famous diarist and her family.

The self-guided exhibit is free to the public and is a collaboration with the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, the Consulate General of the Netherlands in San Francisco and the Holocaust Center for Humanity in Seattle. 

Anne’s story is one of discrimination and exclusion, but also of hope, determination and inspiration. The themes in her story still prevail today. Find out more here. Questions? Email mdegrand@bellevuewa.gov.

BELLEVUE FARMERS MARKET

The last two Bellevue Farmer's Markets of the season are coming up!

• When: THIS Saturday, November 18 & Saturday, December 16, 10 AM–2 PM
• Where: Bellevue Presbyterian Church
• Cost: FREE Admission

Each market day is composed of its own unique mix of vendors offering seasonal fruits and vegetables, cut flowers, fresh meats, one-of-a-kind artisan goods, and tasty cuisine. All BFM vendors grow and make the products they sell, and we are proud to say everything sold at our market comes from within the great state of Washington. The market regularly features fun activities for kids, live music, and community programs. If you haven’t visited our market yet, the best place to start is our Market Information booth where we’re ready to give you the lay of the land! Find out more here. Questions? Email fresh@bellevuefarmersmarket.org.

WASHINGTON STATE PARKS FREE DAYS

Washington State Parks has announced the following free entrance days when a Discover Pass will not be required to park a vehicle in a state park. 

2023 Discover Pass free days: 

• Saturday, November 25 – Autumn Day

2024 Discover Pass free days:

• January 1 — First Day Hikes; New Year’s Day
• January 15 — Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• March 9 -- Billy Frank Junior's Birthday
• March 19 — State Parks’ 111th Birthday
• April 22 — Earth Day
• June 8 — National Get Outdoors Day
• June 9 — Free Fishing Day
• June 19 — Juneteenth
• September 28 — National Public Lands Day
• October 10 -- World Mental Health Day
• November 11 — Veterans Day
• November 29 — Autumn Day

Please note, free days apply only to day use (not overnight stays or rented facilities), A Discover Pass will still be required on these days to access lands managed by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (unless noted). Questions? Contact Discover Pass.

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.