If you have articles to contribute, please refer to the submission guidelines at the bottom of this newsletter. Send article submissions to news@isptsa.org by Thursday at 5:00 PM before publication.

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

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As we eagerly await Back-to-Business Day on the 25^th, it is a great opportunity to reflect on our successes from last year. Students returned full-time by the end of the year, and we had a senior class attend graduation events with a level of confidence we haven’t seen for a while. With that said, I hope you are approaching this year with confidence that your student(s) will be attending an exceptional school, that students and staff will continue to stay healthy, and that we will return to thinking about the future for International School, both as a school and as a PTSA. What vision do you see for International School? This is a theme that we will continue to explore this year as a PTSA to help make IS a more successful school.

ISPTSA President 2022–2023

It's time to renew or begin your annual ISPTSA membership! Please be on the lookout for more information in your email. Questions? Contact membership@isptsa.org.

Congratulations to Emilie Castle and Melissa Richardson, our 2021–2022 ISPTSA Golden Acorn recipients! The Golden Acorn Award is a prestigious Washington State PTA award that is given out by local PTAs/PTSAs for exemplary and outstanding volunteerism and service to PTA. Honorees that receive this award have volunteer experience at the local PTA level, in the community, and at the school and/or school district level. Read more about our remarkable award winners on our ISPTSA website. For questions, email the Golden Acorn Committee.

ISPTSA provided funding for ASB to distribute 500 popsicles to International School students on the last day of school. Parent volunteers helped with distribution. Thank you for these cool treats to end a great year!

Shifts are 1.5–2 hour slots between 7:15 AM and 2:30 PM. Sign up to volunteer by clicking here. For questions, email Mary Pyrah, IS Office Manager.

Warm Beach Camp, Stanwood, WA

This overnight trip is only possible with your support. We need your participation for a successful retreat and require male and female chaperones who can stay overnight. Chaperones attend free of charge. Please contact IS Teachers, Tamara Truax or Lee Holt, to join the fun!

Warm Beach Camp, Stanwood, WA

We’re heading back to Warm Beach Camp for High School Retreat! Would you like to share your Middle East or North African culture with our high school students? We invite you to share traditions in dance, art, craft, language, sport, etc. or examine challenges facing Middle Eastern or North African societies.

Sessions are 45 minutes and repeat 6 times on Wednesday, September 14. An IS teacher will assist you! Students and chaperones stay overnight and return to school Thursday, Sept. 15, but you are free to leave at the end of the sessions. It’s a great way to share your culture and get involved! Email IS Teachers, Tamara Truax or Lee Holt, for more details or to volunteer.

International School is hosting an in-person Back to Business Day on Thursday, August 25. During this time, students and families can pay for fees, get school pictures, get an ORCA card, get their locker assignment, pick up laptops, and many more opportunities. Find out more by clicking here. Families and students are invited to arrive at the following times:

This is not a required event. Students who are unable to attend should access their class schedule in StudentVue prior to the first day of school. For questions, email the IS Main Office.

Read the latest message from Principal Russell White here. Covered in this email are the following topics:

For questions, email the International School Main Office.

Warm Beach Camp, Stanwood, WA

High School Retreat returns this fall! This overnight retreat helps build the foundation for a strong and caring learning community. We also honor our commitment to a globally-focused education with this year’s focus on the Middle East & North Africa. Check out this flyer for more information.

Questions? Please email IS Teachers, Tamara Truax or Lee Holt.

Every year, all BSD families are asked to update student information through the online student verification process through Parentvue. Beginning THIS Wednesday, August 17, online data verification will begin for the 2022–2023 school year. Language support in 22 languages is available to families to help complete data verification. The first time a family logs in, they will be directed to data verification. Verification allows families to update student and contact information, submit the required proof of residency, manage emergency contact lists, and update photo permissions. For questions, email BSD Data Verification.

The USDA school lunch waiver expired last school year, and Nutrition Services returns to charging for meals this year.  Due to increased supply costs, meal prices for 2022–2023 have increased.  You may apply here for School Meal Benefits beginning TODAY, August 15. For questions, email the BSD Nutrition Services Department.

An e-newsletter was sent to BSD staff and families on Wednesday, August 10, which includes back-to-school resources for families and district updates in advance of the 2022-23 school year. Read the August 10 e-newsletter here. For questions, email BSD.

Learn more about the job and apply by visiting the Bellevue School District careers webpage and searching "Kitchen Assistant." Questions? Email BSD Human Resources or BSD Nutrition Services Department.

Survey due Thursday, September 1

Bellevue School District recently provided an update on the superintendent search process. We invite you to be part of the process!  The online survey deadline has been extended to September 1. Complete your online survey here, and let your voice be heard. For questions, email BSD.

Established in 1979, Bellevue Schools Foundation (BSF) is the 1st foundation dedicated to supporting public K-12 initiatives in Washington State. Our mission is to promote and fund the best possible learning opportunities for all students in Bellevue’s public schools. This year, BSF is distributing $800,000 to Bellevue students and educators for a variety of programs. Click here to learn about the programs they support. Click here to watch the BSF award-winning movie, "School Spirit." For questions, email BSF.

Registration for September and October programming began Tuesday, August 9, for Bellevue Residents. Non-resident registration begins tomorrow, August 16. Visit the webpage for more information. For questions, call Bellevue Parks and Community Services at 425-452-6885.

Don't forget to add spirit wear to your back-to-school shopping list! Made with quality finishes like double-needle stitching and bartack reinforcements for the front pockets, this International School Champion Fleece Hoodie will have you covered this school year. 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.

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.