January 29, 2024

MONDAY MESSENGER

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SHOUT-OUTS!

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

Thank you Qiong Chen and Emilie Castle for running the General Membership Meeting. You two are amazing Presidents and we are so grateful for all of your hard work!

A huge thank you to the following IS parents, staff, and alumni for contributing donations to the 2024 auction:

Aidan Su and Jerica Chen

Amy Alpez

Anthony Tsim and Vera Ho

Azfar Moazzam and Muna Hassan

Dr. Judy Hung

Janet Towne 

Emilie and Grant Castle

Kelly Arimaki 

Kelly Guan

Michael and Elma Tan

Nidhi Chaturvedi

Phil and Laura Bloch

Renuka and Scott Getchell

Stephen Miller

Thuy and Brandon Shimizu

Wesley Hung

THIS WEEK:

• Friday, 2/2 • International School Winter Auction Gala*
• Saturday, 2/3, 8:50 AM • iJazz Solo and Ensemble Contest
• Sunday, 2/4 • Grants Application Deadline*

NEXT WEEK:

• 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

LOOKING AHEAD:

• 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, 2–4 PM • iJazz Clinic
• 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
• Wednesday, 3/6, 1:30–7 PM • IS Red Cross Club Blood Drive
• Wednesday, 3/6, 5–9 PM • Senior Class Chipotle Fundraiser
• 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 • iJazz: DeMiero Jazz Festival
• 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
• Saturday, 3/16 • iJazz: Commencement Bay Jazz Competition
• 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, 3/27, 1:45 PM • Le Grand Concours (Date & Time Change)
• 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.

2024 ISPTSA AUCTION GALA: I AM INTERNATIONAL

We are looking forward to seeing everyone for an unforgettable evening to celebrate and support International School THIS Friday, February 2, from 6:30-9:30 PM at the Embassy Suites, Bellevue.

Ticket sales are closed, but the Online Auction is open! Even if you are unable to join us, explore our online silent auction with over 40 amazing packages available!

We are also accepting donations without a ticket sale or auction bid on the Auction Website.

Thank you for helping us support our amazing school and community. Without you, we would be nothing. You are International!

Contact: VPFundraising@ISPTSA.org with questions!

ISPTSA S2 GRANT APPLICATION PERIOD IS OPEN!

We are now in the 2nd semester, which means another ISPTSA grant cycle for the 2023 - 24 school year. The grant proposal application form, along with instructions, deadlines (February 4), and other information, is located on the ISPTSA Grants website. Please email grants@isptsa.org if you have questions. 

THE SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR IS BACK!

Join us in the International School Library, on Tuesday, February 13 - Friday, February 16 to shop our book fair before school, at lunch, and after school (in-class preview day, February 12). Visit our school's custom Scholastic homepage for additional details and book previews.

Parents, please consider volunteering for a shift; we can't do it without you. Sign up here.

Questions? Contact Amanda Johnson, ISPTSA Treasurer 1.

ISPTSA 2024-2025 BOARD NOMINATIONS

The Nominations Committee was confirmed at our General Membership Meeting on Thursday, January 18. The committee members are Jennifer Li, Phil Bloch, and Amanda Johnson.

Nominations for the 2024-2025 International School PTSA Board can be sent to nominations@isptsa.org. The following positions are open for nominations: President, VP of Community, VP of Outreach, VP of Communications, VP of Fundraising, Secretary, Treasurer 1, and Treasurer 2. Position descriptions can be accessed here and here. You can self-nominate!

Questions? Contact the Nominations Committee.

PARENT REPRESENTATIVES INFORMATION NIGHT

On Wednesday, January 24, Maggie Lo, ISPTSA Co-VP of Community, hosted an information night for all of the Grade Level Parent Representatives at Bellevue Library. Thank you Maggie! Questions? Email Qiong Chen, ISPTSA Co-President.

ISPTSA MEMBERSHIP

All ISPTSA members are Washington State PTA and National PTA members. Please click the link to the websites WSPTA member discounts and National PTA member offers for special member discounts, such as: 15% off concert and event tickets at the Seattle Symphony;  25% Off Rentals at Avis Car Rentals; 30% off at Great Wolf Lodge; Special Rates for Printing at FedEx Office; and much more.

We are inviting every IS family to join ISPTSA to help us reach the 100% membership goal and help you with some amazing discounts. Please Sign in to Renew OR Click here to Join today!

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.

BELLEVUE PTSA COUNCIL NEWS

ADVOCACY ACTION ALERTS

Did you know that one branch of PTAs focuses on advocacy? Part of making sure that our schools have what they need to provide our students with the best and safest education is to make sure that our politicians hear our voices. If you are interested in finding out more about Advocacy check out the Action Alerts here to see what legislation is moving through our government and how you can help. Questions? Email advocacy@bellevueptsacouncil.com.

WASHINGTON STATE PTA NEWS

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES

WSPTA Scholarship Application Due Date – February 15

Graduating high school seniors in Washington who attend a school with an active PTA are eligible for the WSPTA scholarship. Students must apply via the online application (located here, under Student Programs: https://wspta.smapply.io/) by February 15.

WSPTA Essay Contest Entry Due Date – February 15

Washington students grades K-12 attending a school with an active PTA may apply for the WSPTA Essay Contest via the online application (located here, under Student Programs: https://wspta.smapply.io/). The due date is February 15.

Questions? Email support@wastatepta.org.

NATIONAL PTA NEWS

NOTES FROM THE BACKPACK

Real Experts. Real Parents. Real Conversations.

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

Latest Episode: Advocating for an Accurate, Well-Rounded Curriculum

How is the political climate shaping the curricula in schools today? From book bans to censorship, our guest Denise Forte, president and CEO of the Education Trust, delves into the tensions facing education today. Tune in to discover current challenges and bright spots and explore where we go from here. Listen here.

BITE OF IS

Wednesday, February 7 at 6 PM

Tickets can now be purchased on TouchBase under Miscellaneous à Food Festival for $12/each.

Join us for the Bite of IS, an annual multicultural potluck in the International School Gym! Try foods and watch performances representing many of the different cultures in our community. We are also excited to announce that our Flamenco Dancers will be returning to perform this year. Proceeds support The Hunger Project, addressing hunger and poverty globally.

Event Details:

• Date: Wednesday, February 7 at 6 PM
• Venue: International School Gym
• Tickets: Available on TouchBase for $12/each

Questions? Email Emelia Bechthold.

FRANCO-BEE EVENT

The Franco-Bee event, an annual tradition at International School, took place during Community on Wednesday, January 24. Ten brave and talented students, each representing a middle school French class, participated in the competition. They faced challenging trivia questions centered around francophone cultures in Asia/Oceania. The event took place in the auditorium in front of an enthusiastic middle school crowd. Congratulations to all participants: Hennry Lou, Adeleine Nemoto, Aran Mahadevan, Sara Alkabra, Jack Lo, Nidheesh Pusuluri, Ashlyn Han, Lauren Lee, Adelyn Swetman and Iris Kuan.

Special recognition for the three ultimate winners: Hennry Lou, Aran Mahadevan, and Adeleine Nemoto.

Questions? Email Gwen Geslin, IS French Teacher.

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL UPDATE

An International School Update was sent through email on Monday, January 22 to all current IS families with great updates. Questions? Email the IS Main Office.

BLACK HISTORY BEYOND FEBRUARY – MOVEMENTS THAT TRANSFORMED OUR REGION AND WHY

Date: THIS Tuesday, January 30

Time: 4:00 – 5:30 PM

All BSD students, families, educators, and community members are invited to join us online as we livestream an engaging round table discussion with regional civil rights leader, Larry Gossett. Read more and sign up here. Questions? Contact BSD.

BSD WEBSITES TO REQUIRE VISITOR VERIFICATION

To increase the security of BSD websites, we will require a quick verification from site visitors at this time. Read more here. Questions? Contact BSD.

FEBRUARY HIGHLIGHTS CTE IN BSD

Each February, the achievements and value of Career and Technical Education (CTE) in schools is acknowledged during National CTE Month. The Bellevue School District takes this opportunity to recognize our dedicated CTE educators and our many students who take part in CTE courses and offerings. Read more here. Questions? Contact BSD.

BSD NEWSLETTER

An e-newsletter was sent to BSD staff and families on Thursday, January 25. Learn about the 2024 College Conference Series, nominate someone or apply to join the school board, sign up to attend informational events, and more. Read it here. Don't receive the district newsletter? Sign up here! You can see all newsletters here. Questions? Contact BSD.

BELLEVUE SCHOOLS FOUNDATION PRESENTS SPRING FOR SCHOOLS

Join us as we cultivate the next generation with a garden party! Funding raised through Spring for Schools yields critical programming in Bellevue School District. Our annual fundraiser joins community leaders, corporate stakeholders, and philanthropic individuals who are committed to making sure that all 18,000+ students at 28 schools in the District can blossom through programs and enrichment opportunities critical to their growth as students and future leaders of our community.

Join or host a table, get a drink and meal with friends, and stroll through the showcase of student work that our donors support.

THIS EVENT IS FOR ADULTS ONLY!

Read more here. Questions? Email info@bsfdn.org.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH POP UP GALLERY: BO DIDDLEY



Saturday, January 20 — Thursday, February 29

This Black History Month, we delve into the birth of rock 'n' roll, honoring Bo Diddley, a legendary artist who influenced exhibitions like Guitar Gallery, Nirvana, and Hendrix Abroad. In the 20th century, few guitarists rival Bo Diddley, a core influence on the Beatles, Rolling Stones, The Clash, Buddy Holly, Elvis Presley, and others, shaping the birth of rock 'n' roll.

MoPOP's curatorial team explores the museum's collection, featuring a vintage Bo Diddley performance poster from Portland’s Crystal Ballroom, a 1960s custom Gretsch electric guitar played by Bo Diddley, and an exclusive oral history. Join us for an intimate look at the origins of modern American music and the iconic artist who rocked its foundation. Find out more here.

Questions? Email info@mopop.org.

3... 2... 1... BLAST OFF WITH CHILDREN’S FILM FESTIVAL SEATTLE 2024!

CFFS invites this generation’s greatest explorers to assemble their cosmic crew, head to the cinema, and set a course for the stars.

A galaxy of great films and activities await Seattle families this February! Northwest Film Forum invites you to come enjoy awe-inspiring and spectacular shorts, glittering features, and out-of-this-world workshops.

We send this call across the known universe: To join a dazzling voyage of discovery from Friday, February 2 to Saturday, February 10. The festival is available to youth, families, and film lovers of any age, both in-person and online. Explore the schedule and all the events here.

The 19th Annual Children’s Film Festival Seattle comes to Northwest Film Forum (1515 12th Ave, Seattle) and streams virtually from February 2–10! In-person, virtual, and hybrid (all-access) family passes are available now.

Questions? Contact kendra@nwfilmforum.org.

ALPENGIRL SUMMER CAMPS

Alpengirl Camp is a teen summer adventure camp for girls ages 11-16, with 1-2 week outdoor overnight trips in Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Washington, and Oregon. Alpengirls have the opportunity to participate in backcountry excursions, whether it be backpacking, canoeing, sea kayaking, or horse packing, along with a slew of other exciting outdoor activities -- rock climbing, whitewater rafting, river floating, surfing, and more!

Campers will also learn the ins and outs of camping, including campsite cooking, fire building, and tent life, and will engage in daily yoga practice. Alpengirl is an American Camp Association-accredited camp with small groups of only 10-13 girls per trip, led by 2-3 female Alpenguides.

We’d love to welcome more students from the International School, so please reach out with any questions to Keren Mikva, Alpengirl Assistant Camp Director at keren@alpengirlcamp.com, call 406-599-1364, check out our flyer, or visit alpengirlcamp.com for more information.

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.