October 23, 2023

MONDAY MESSENGER

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THIS WEEK:

• Friday, 10/27• American Mathematics Competition (AMC) 10/12 B Registration Deadline*

NEXT 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"

LOOKING AHEAD:

• 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)
• Tuesday, 11/14 • American Mathematics Competition (AMC) 10/12 B Competition*
• Wednesday, 11/15 • Staff Appreciation Luncheon
• Wednesday, 11/15, 7 PM • HS Band Concert
• 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, 12/20–Monday 1/1 • No School (Winter Break)

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.

FUELING EXCELLENCE – BE A PART OF STUDENT SUCCESS!

PTSA funding, with support from parents like you, helps make excellence possible at International School. PTSA funds classroom enhancements, such as science experiments, Shakespeare actors, and French language magazines. Key experiences like Focus Week, 6th-grade retreat, and High School Retreat are made attainable by PTSA funding, which keeps direct costs to students down.

Be the parent who helps bring these programs to life. We need your support for the PTSA to turn these opportunities into reality. Our fall fundraiser will end soon.

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 on 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

Order Deadline: Wednesday, November 1

Click Here for Order Form

The International School Class of 2024 is hosting its traditional fundraiser, offering festive holiday poinsettias and wreaths from Squak Mountain Nursery in Issaquah. The proceeds will support graduation activities taking place this June.

• Poinsettias (Red, Pink, White): $20
• 24" Mixed Noble Wreaths: $30 (Bow not included)
• Pick-up on Tuesday, November 28, at International School. Further details to follow.
• Payments accepted via Credit card, Zelle, or Check. (More information available in the order form.)

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

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

There are many ways to stay in touch with what is happening in our school! The ISPTSA runs a Facebook page for the whole community and many individual grades have their own WhatsApp Group and Facebook page as well.

Facebook:

• International School Community - Bellevue, WA (Run by ISPTSA) 
• ISB Class of 2026 Parents (10th grade)
• International School - Class of 2027 (9th grade)
• International School - Class of 2028 & 2029 (7th & 8th grades)

WhatsApp Groups:

These 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

IT'S FAMILY AND SCHOOL SAFETY MONTH!

National PTA has teamed up with Kidde and LenelS2 for Family and School Safety Month to share info and resources about how to keep your families safe in school and at home. Check out our webinar to learn about your role in keeping communities safe and follow us on social (Facebook, X) so you don't miss anything going on this month! Questions? Email info@pta.org.

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL UPDATE

An International School Update was sent through email on Monday, October 16 to all current IS families with great updates. Questions? Email the IS Main Office.

TITAN PLAYERS PROUDLY PRESENT:

CYRANO DE BERGERAC

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

• Friday, November 3 @ 7 PM
• 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. 

AMERICAN MATHEMATICS COMPETITION

Participate in the American Mathematics Competition, the biggest math competition in the nation! The AMC 10/12 tests are here, and registration is open.

• AMC 10 covers the high school curriculum up to the 10th grade level. Students in grade 10 or below and under 17.5 years of age on the day of the test can participate in AMC 10.
• AMC 12 Covers the entire high school curriculum, excluding calculus. Students in grade 12 or below and under 19.5 years of age on the day of the test can participate in AMC 12.

Registration Deadlines:

• AMC 10/12 B: THIS Friday, October 27

Competition Dates:

• AMC 10/12 A: Wednesday, November 8
• AMC 10/12 B: Tuesday, November 14

Registration Fee:

The registration fee is just $10, and you can easily pay online. Participants must pay for the test PRIOR to arriving at the testing center. Students who show up without prepaying will NOT be allowed to take the test. NO REFUNDS will be provided for no-shows. 

If you have any questions or need assistance, email chum@bsd405.org.

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 November 1! Questions? Contact them via their website.

YALE YOUNG GLOBAL SCHOLARS

YYGS is a two-week summer program that facilitates discussions on cutting-edge topics in academia. Participants choose a session based on their academic interest, and they meet like-minded peers from around the world while navigating classroom discussions.

Here's what you need to know:

• Students meet peers from over 150 countries around the world, and join classroom discussions where students offer global perspectives.
• We provide over $3 Million USD in need-based financial aid and scholarships, offered as discounts covering up to 100% of tuition costs.
• YYGS plans to host residential sessions for June, July & August 2024, and we are working closely with our colleagues across Yale to plan for the summer. We will provide timely updates regarding session offerings and more on our COVID Updates webpage, as well as during our live webinar series.
• Applicants receive an application fee discount by applying before the Early Action deadline. If the fee poses a financial burden, students can submit a fee waiver to reduce their application fee to $0 USD.

Early Action Deadline: November 1 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time

Regular Decision Deadline: January 10 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time

Application Link:.https://globalscholars.yale.edu/how-to-apply

Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions.

CALLING ALL HIGH SCHOOL AND MIDDLE SCHOOL VOLUNTEERS!

What: Cherry Crest Elementary Family Engineering Night

When: 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 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.

UW YOUTH & TEEN PROGRAMS: WINTER REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

Enrich your child's school year from the comfort of home. Join us online for a University of Washington Youth & Teen Program. 

Starting in January, our exciting afterschool enrichment courses run twice weekly over ten weeks. Check out our offerings below: 

Elementary School

STEAM Innovation Lab: Circuits & Coding

Middle School 

3D Design & CAD Modelling

High School 

Introduction to Data Visualization

Sharpen Your Writing Skills

Coding in Java I

Winter Concert Season: Expanding Your Musical Palate

Don't delay! Applications close December 12. Watch our video and visit our website to learn more about how our programs. Questions? Email ytp@uw.edu.

MIDDLE SCHOOL CONSOLIDATION

Update:  A district study of the demographer's reports as well as an executive summary of each report are now posted. 

Community engagement for the Middle School Consolidation Study will begin this week. Community forums will be 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. More info can be found here. The Message from the Superintendent can be found here. Questions? Contact BSD.

BUS ROUTE CANCELLATIONS

THIS Monday, October 23 through Friday, October 27, the following bus routes are canceled due to driver availability: 12, 35, 37, 40, 48, and 53. Impacted school communities include Big Picture, Cherry Crest, Chinook, Highland, International, Medina, Newport High School, Odle, Sherwood Forest, Tillicum, Tyee, and Woodridge. Read more here. Questions? Contact BSD.

BSD NEWSLETTER

An e-newsletter was sent to BSD staff and families on Thursday, October 12, 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.

FRIGHT TOWN EASTSIDE

A family-friendly haunted house held at the historic Red Barn Farm. Entirely volunteer driven, all proceeds are donated to local non-profits. Buy tickets here.

• When:
• THIS Friday, October 20, 6:00 PM–9:00 PM
• Saturday, October 21, 6:00 PM–9:00 PM
• Friday, October 27, 6:00 PM–9:00 PM
• Saturday, October 28, 6:00 PM–9:00 PM
• Sunday, October 29, 5:00 PM–7:00 PM
• Where: The Red Barn Farm
• Cost: $2-$20

Red Barn Farm

Pick pumpkins, buy some fresh pressed cider, and visit our haunt at the historic Red Barn Farm in Redmond.

Rated "G" 6-8 PM

Family-friendly fun for all ages (yes, even your 4-yr-old!); kooky & spooky but NOT scary (no blood, gore, or jump scares)​

PG13 After 8 PM

A more traditional haunted house experience recommended for high schoolers and older - expect to be scared!

Super Scare on October 31

Celebrate Halloween Night with us - only 200 tickets will be sold (must join waitlist for details)

Questions? Check out the FAQ.

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.