October 30, 2023

MONDAY MESSENGER

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SHOUT-OUTS!

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

Thank you to our school Registrar, Katherine Parkin, and our Office Manager, Mary Pyrah, for helping gather the information for this year's School Directory!

THIS WEEK:

• Thursday, 11/2, 6:30 PM • 11th Grade Parent Night
• Friday, 11/3, 7 PM • IS Drama's "Cyrano de Bergerac"
• Friday, 11/3 • AP Testing Registration Deadline*
• Saturday, 11/4, 2 pm & 7 PM • IS Drama's "Cyrano de Bergerac"

NEXT WEEK:

• Tuesday, 11/7, 6:30 PM • 6th Grade Parent Night
• Wednesday, 11/8 • American Mathematics Competition (AMC) 10/12 A Competition
• Thursday, 11/9 • End of 1st Quarter
• Friday, 11/10 • No School (Veteran's Day)

LOOKING AHEAD:

• 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*
• Thursday, 11/23–Friday, 11/24 • No School (Thanksgiving)
• 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
• 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
• Wednesday, 12/20–Monday 1/1 • No School (Winter Break)
• Friday, 2/2 • International School Winter Auction Gala

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.

ISPTSA MEMBERSHIP 2023–2024

Unlock a Year of Excellence: Join or renew your ISPTSA Annual Membership today! Your membership powers unforgettable school programs, enriching students' journeys!

Questions? Contact membership@isptsa.org.

RAISE THE TORCH: LAST CHANCE!

Your support is vital to the success of the International School. Donating to the PTSA is an investment in your child's education and the overall school community.

Donations support: Enhanced Educational Resources, Enrichment Programs, Teacher Support, and Community Building.

Together, we can make our school a better place for our children to learn, grow, and thrive. Our fall fund drive ends THIS Tuesday, October 31. We are closing in on our fundraising goal. Please donate today to help us reach our goal and to make a difference in our children’s education.

Questions? Check out our website or email VPFundraising@isptsa.org.

ISPTSA SURVEY: TELL US WHAT YOU THINK!

The ISPTSA represents parents, teachers and students at IS. Help us do a better job of representing you by taking our brief survey. We want your input and your responses will help guide us as we plan and implement programs at International School. Please take a few minutes and give us your feedback using this survey tool. Questions? Email VPFundraising@isptsa.org.

NEW! THE ISPTSA FINANCE CLUB!

The Finance Club, sponsored by the ISPTSA and in partnership with Financial Beginnings, welcomes IS High School students and their families to a FREE workshop THIS Thursday, November 2 from 4–5 PM! In this inaugural year of the club, we are excited to explore a range of topics pertaining to finance.

The club will meet on Thursdays from 4–5 PM beginning November 2. Due to limited capacity, we can only accommodate a maximum of 10 families. Admissions will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.  A waitlist will also be maintained for those who may not initially secure a spot.

Register here. Find out more about the first workshop here.

Questions? Please contact financeclub@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
• ISPTSA Student Scholarship 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

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

POINSETTIA & WREATH SENIOR FUNDRAISER

LAST THREE DAYS TO ORDER: Don’t Miss it!

Order Deadline: THIS Wednesday, November 1

Click Here for Order Form

The International School Class of 2024 is holding its traditional fundraiser selling festive holiday poinsettias and wreaths from Squak Mountain Nursery in Issaquah. Proceeds fund the graduation activities this June.

• Poinsettias (Red, Pink, White) are $20.
• 24" Mixed Noble Wreaths are $30. Bow not included.
• Pick up Tuesday, November 28 at International School. Details to come.
• Payments accepted by Credit card, Zelle, or Check. (Details in the order form.)

PLEASE CONSIDER gifting poinsettias and wreaths to our teachers and staff at school. We would love all the teachers and staff to receive a plant gift. Currently, about 30 staff have not received a gift.

To Gift, in the order form,

1. Add “Gift a Poinsettia” or “Gift a Wreath”
2. Pick a color, add your student’s name, and add the name of the staff member you want to receive the gift.

**We recommend “STAFF” for ‘name of recipient’ as it will give us the most flexibility.

Thank you for your support! Questions? Email kayokoprice@comcast.net.

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.

REFLECTIONS

Start thinking about what you want to submit for this year's Reflections!

More information about Reflections and how to submit your entries will be coming soon. Check out last year's International School entries here. Check out the website here. Questions? Email reflections@isptsa.org.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Our Social Media section (scroll to the bottom of the page) has been updated with a new Facebook page for the Class of 2025 (11th grade)!

Facebook and WhatsApp are great places to keep up with events, share ideas, and ask questions. Each group is subject to the rules laid out by the individual administrators and/or moderators. The ISPTSA does not monitor and is not responsible for them. If you have a group you would like to add to the list or any questions email Vera Ho, Social Media.

NATIONAL PTA

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: Preparing Educators to Engage Families

How do teachers find the most effective ways to engage families? Teachers often learn from their colleagues and even their own experiences as students. In this episode, Dr. Soo Hong, researcher and professor at Wellesley College, highlights the lack of formal family engagement training and the systemic changes needed to support early career teachers. Questions? Contact info@pta.org.

LAST CALL FOR AP TEST PAYMENTS!

To avoid late fees, please pay for all AP tests by THIS Friday, November 3. You can access the payments online through your Touchbase account, where you can carefully select the tests you/your student intend(s) to take. If you have any questions regarding AP tests or payments, please contact Kyla Carlson.

TITAN PLAYERS PROUDLY PRESENT:

CYRANO DE BERGERAC

We hope the whole IS Community comes out and watches this amazing show. 

• THIS Friday, November 3 @ 7 PM
• THIS Saturday, November 4 @ 2 PM & 7 PM

Purchase your tickets via the QR code, click on the picture, or use the link here.

Questions? Email Renuka Getchell.

FRENCH EXCHANGE 2023/24

Are you interested in hosting a French exchange student from Nantes in your home Tuesday, December 5–Tuesday, December 19? We are in need of two families to host two boys. Hosting a native French speaker would be a wonderful experience for any student of French. At this time, we only need hosts and we do not have space to bring any more students to France in May. If your family is interested in hosting a 10th-grade boy in Dec, but not going to France in May, please contact Cécile Casanova casanovac@bsd405.org at your earliest convenience. Any family with a High School student can host. Questions? Email Cécile Casanova. 

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL UPDATE

An International School Update was sent through email on Monday, October 23 to all current IS families with great updates. Questions? Email the IS Main Office.

LOST AND FOUND

Families! Our lost-and-found collection continues to grow! Please peruse the photos and claim your items ASAP! We will donate all unclaimed items after our Thanksgiving break. If you have any questions, please contact Kyla Carlson or Ellen Stone. Thank you! 

CONGRESSIONAL APP CHALLENGE

The Congressional App Challenge is a competition aimed at encouraging middle and high school students to learn how to code by creating their own applications. The Challenge is intended to highlight the value of computer science and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education.

Prizes:

1. Winning apps are eligible to be displayed in the US Capitol Building and featured on the House of Representatives’ website, House.gov.
2. Winning students are invited to #HouseofCode Capitol Hill Reception in Washington D.C.
3. Additional sponsor prizes TBA!

The rules can be found here. Register here. The deadline is THIS Wednesday, November 1! Questions? Contact them via their website.

CALLING ALL HIGH SCHOOL AND MIDDLE SCHOOL VOLUNTEERS!

What: Cherry Crest Elementary Family Engineering Night

When: THIS Friday, November 3 from 5:45 PM–7:45 PM

Where: Cherry Crest Elementary

How:

• Volunteers, please arrive by 5 PM and stay through 8:15 PM.
• No experience required. Volunteer hours available.
• Volunteers will be trained in science experiments and fun games!
• Volunteer jobs include handing out materials, helping with challenges, setting up, and cleaning up stations.

Please use the SignUp Genius to register as a volunteer. We look forward to seeing you and appreciate your help very much. Questions? Contact Cherry Crest Elementary.

6TH ANNUAL SEATTLE BLACK COLLEGE EXPO

When: Saturday, November 4, 10 AM–4 PM

Where: Rainier Beach High School

Cost: FREE

Join us for our 6th Annual Seattle Black College Expo on THIS Saturday, November 4 at Rainier Beach High School. High School Seniors and Juniors, as well as College Transfer Students, can meet one-on-one with HBCUs, other colleges, universities, and educational programs to get answers right on the spot. EVERYONE is welcome - it's for students of all ages.

• Get accepted on the SPOT - students, please bring your transcripts and ACT or SAT test scores (High School Juniors & Seniors).
• College Transfer Students, this is a great opportunity for you to get accepted on the SPOT! Bring your transcripts from all colleges you have attended.
• Scholarships will also be available on the SPOT.
• Application fees waived

ALL are Welcome. Reserve FREE tickets here. For more information call us at 877-427-4100 or visit our website.

WINTER SPORTS 2023-2024

High School winter sports begin November 13!

International School students who reside within Bellevue School District maintain athletic eligibility at the comprehensive high school serving the neighborhood in which they reside (attendance area school). Students attending International School who do not reside in the Bellevue School District are eligible to compete for Bellevue High School.

Find out more information, requirements, and what forms need to be filled out here. Register via FinalForms. Questions? Contact BSD or the individual schools.

ELECTION DAY IS NOVEMBER 7!

Election Day is Tuesday, November 7. Your vote is important! Return your ballot to a ballot drop box by 8 PM on Election Day. Learn about the ballot measures and candidates, which include those for several BSD school board director positions. Questions? Contact King County via its online contact page.

MIDDLE SCHOOL CONSOLIDATION

Update: Additional online events have been added. Participants must register in advance for the session they would like to attend. The district can accommodate up to 50 participants in each session and is prepared to host additional sessions based on demand.

• THIS Wednesday, November 1 (Spanish), 5:00–6:00 PM 
• THIS Wednesday, November 1 (Mandarin), 5:00–6:00 PM 
• THIS Wednesday, November 1 (Korean), 5:00–6:00 PM 
• THIS Thursday, November 2 (English), 5:00–6:00 PM
• THIS Friday, November 3 (English), 7:00–8:00 AM 

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

Community engagement for the Middle School Consolidation Study has begun. Community forums were held at each of the five comprehensive middle schools, where participants will review the demographers' findings, discuss the implications, and share their thoughts with district leaders.

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

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.

BUS ROUTE CANCELLATIONS

THIS Monday, October 30 through Friday, November 3, the following bus routes are canceled due to driver availability: 01, 11, 26, 29, 32, and 50. Impacted school communities include Ardmore, Bennett, Big Picture, Chinook, Highland, International, Newport, Odle, Tillicum and Tyee. Read more here. Questions? Contact BSD.

FENTANYL INFORMATION EVENT FOR BSD FAMILIES

On 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.

BSD NEWSLETTER

An e-newsletter was sent to BSD staff and families on Thursday, October 26, with information on the Middle School Consolidation Study and community engagement dates, celebrations in the BSD learning community, and more. Read it here. Don't receive the district newsletter? Sign-up here! You can see all newsletters here. Questions? Contact BSD.

CELEBRATE DIWALI AT THE BELLEVUE COLLECTION

Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is one of India’s most celebrated holidays and symbolizes the victory of light over darkness. Join The Bellevue Collection and Seattle Maharashtra Mandal community for this celebration of new beginnings, light, and joy with performances, cultural displays, henna, and Diwali crafts from Wednesday, November 1 through Monday, November 20. Find out more here. Questions? Email info@kemperdc.com.

TRY HOCKEY FREE AT SNO-KING ICE ARENAS

When: THIS Saturday, November 4, 4:20–5:05 PM

Cost: FREE

Ages: 4–17 years old

Where: Sno-King Ice Arena Snoqualmie

Try Hockey for Free events provide children between the ages of 4 and 17 a free opportunity to experience playing hockey for the first time. Coaches will be on the ice to assist your child in learning the basics. Kids do not need any previous skating or hockey experience. Check out the website here. Questions? Email office@snokinghockey.com.

WHEELS AND REELS: DRIVE-IN MOVIES

Enjoy a night out under the stars at Juanita Beach Park in Kirkland with our Fall Drive-in Movie Series.

The parking lot opens at 6:00 PM and the movie starts at 7:00 PM. $20 per vehicle, pre-registration is required.

To register, visit KirklandParks.net or call 425-587-3336. All ages welcome. Snack vendors will be on site. Event is held rain or shine - no refunds. No RV's, limos, busses, tailgating or alcohol.

• THIS Saturday, November 4: Akeelah and the Bee (PG)
• Saturday, February 24: Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (PG-13)
• Saturday, March 23: Super Mario Bros (PG)
• Saturday, April 13: The Little Mermaid (PG)

Questions? Contact them via their website form.

37TH ANNUAL NEWPORT SKI SWAP

When:

• Friday, November 10, 1–9 PM
• Saturday, November 11, 9 AM–3 PM

Where:

• Newport High School

The Newport Ski Swap is the largest ski swap in the Seattle area. Find out more here. Depending on the time of day you may have to pay a fee or sign-up for an Entry Time. Questions? Email SkiSwapHelp@gmail.com.

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.