December 18, 2023

MONDAY MESSENGER

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WINTER BREAK

THIS WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20–MONDAY, JANUARY 1

NO SCHOOL

The Monday Messenger will return on Monday, January 8.

THIS WEEK:

• Wednesday, 12/20–Monday 1/1 • No School (Winter Break)

LOOKING AHEAD:

• Monday, 1/1 • No School (New Year's Day)
• Tuesday, 1/2 • Back to School
• 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, 1/19 • Choice Schools Application Period Closes
• Wednesday, 1/24, 2 PM • AMC 8 Competition in IS Library*
• 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
• Wednesday, 2/7, 6 PM • Bite of IS*
• Thursday, 2/8, 6:30 PM • Middle School Parent Night
• 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, 3/6 • Staff Appreciation Luncheon Hosted by the 11th Grade Families
• Wednesday, 3/13, 7 PM • HS Orchestra Concert
• Thursday, 3/14, 7 PM • MS Orchestra Concert
• 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.

10TH-GRADE STAFF APPRECIATION LUNCHEON

Dear 10th-Grade Parents,

Winter and January are all about staying warm and being comfortable. Please help us in creating a luncheon for our awesome IS staff on Wednesday, January 3 with comfort foods like soups, quiches, crackers, etc. Sign up here. Please drop off your hot dish at 11:15 AM (lunch on Wednesdays is from 11:45 AM to 12:15 PM) at school. You can drop off other items in the morning. Thanks to all for participating to ensure it will be a great lunch! Questions? Email Angelika Koch-Leibmann and Renuka Getchell, our 10th-Grade Parent Reps.

COMING SOON - INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL 2024 AUCTION

Last year, almost 200 people joined the IS PTSA Auction to celebrate the school and raise funds to inspire and support our students and teachers. We're looking forward to another great night together.

• Save the Date! - This year's auction will be on Friday, February 2. More details coming soon. You won't want to miss this fantastic night celebrating IS students, teachers, and the community.
• Donate to the Auction! - Do you have season tickets? Consider donating tickets to a game or a performance for the auction. Gift cards, hosted dinners, boat rides, weekends at vacation homes, and unique experiences make great donations that help us raise funds. Email VPFundraising@isptsa.org today to inquire about donation opportunities.
• Join the Auction Team! - Help make the auction a success and enjoy the rewards. We're looking for volunteers to assist in the following roles: Food and Decorations, Marketing and Ticket Sales, Auction Procurement Support, and Auction Night Programming. Email VPFundraising@isptsa.org to join the team. Thank you!

Questions? Contact Phil Bloch and Gang Chen, Co-VPs of Fundraising.

HOLIDAY STAFF APPRECIATION LUNCHEON

As the festive spirit fills the air, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to each parent and volunteer who played a pivotal role in supporting the delightful holiday-themed lunch for our dedicated teachers on December 6. To our wonderful teachers, thank you for your unwavering dedication and the positive impact you make in our children's lives every day. Thanks a ton to the parents for your support: Dongfang Orien Kuang, Helene Law, Anna Zhang, Alice Chong, Pearl Ho, Monette Anderson, Qinghui Liu, Arty Christianto, Alison Parish, Lindsay Posner, T. May Kulthol, Kimberly Graves, Lita Lilia, Seonghui Chen, Jasmine Isaac, Kai Gao, Dennis Chow, Jun Park, Hua Yang, Hailey Moilanen. Special thanks to our volunteers: T. May Kulthol, Pearl Ho and Maggie Lo. Wishing everyone a joyful and peaceful holiday season! Questions? Email Kai Gao, 6th Grade Parent Rep.

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.

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

BELLEVUE PTSA COUNCIL RESOLUTION

The Bellevue PTSA Council published a resolution titled "Bellevue School District Budget Shortfall 2024 and Beyond" that was voted on and adopted by the general membership on December 4. Read it here. Questions? Contact them via their online form.

WASHINGTON STATE PTA

FOCUS DAY REGISTRATION OPEN FOR JANUARY 15

Join us at Focus Day IN PERSON in Olympia on January 15 to advocate for children and schools with elected officials, network with fellow PTA advocates and hear speakers. All WSPTA members are welcome. Bring your student with you!

Register for Focus Day today! The event is free. You can sign up for one of the Capitol tours (limited spaces on the tours) and order a boxed lunch (for an additional charge) when you register. Wear PTA blue. Scarves work great because they are easy to spot. See you there! Questions? Email support@wastatepta.org.

CHOICE SCHOOLS APPLICATION PERIOD

Reminder: The Choice Schools application period for the 2024-25 school year is open NOW through Friday, January 19. Don't forget that sibling applications to International must be filled out during this time! Read more here. Questions? Email studentplacement@bsd405.org.

EXCITING NEWS FROM OUR LIBRARY!

We’re thrilled to introduce our newest Winter Reads Collection for both Middle and High school students. This new set of books is made possible by part of the generous $750 library recurring grant from our fantastic PTSA. Their support has allowed us to provide the most needed resources to our students.

As the year comes to an end, I’d like to express my deepest gratitude to our PTSA for their generous donations and to our incredible parent and community member volunteers for their dedication and tireless efforts that have made a significant impact on our library.

Wishing our students and their families a joyous holiday season filled with the warmth of good books and festive cheer!

Happy Holidays,

Michele Dang

Library Specialist

BITE OF IS

Wednesday, February 7 at 6 PM

Join us for the Bite of IS, an annual multicultural potluck in the International School Gym! Contribute a dish reflecting your culture or perform a cultural act. Booth sign-ups are open till January 26. Proceeds support The Hunger Project, addressing hunger and poverty globally.

How to Participate:

• Booths: Host one individually, with a club, or as a family. Contribute to the Bite of IS Cookbook!
• Performances: Showcase your ethnic background through dance, song, etc. Solo or group performances welcome.

Event Details:

• Date: Wednesday, February 7 at 6 PM
• Venue: International School Gym
• Tickets: Information will be sent in January.

Support The Hunger Project and Embrace Diversity!

• Booth Sign-up
• Performance Sign-up
• Learn about The Hunger Project

Questions? Email Emelia Bechthold.

LOST AND FOUND

Students and Families: Despite our best efforts to reunite students with their belongings, our Lost and Found continues to grow! Don’t let your student go through these cold, wet winter months without their warm clothes! Please look carefully through these photos and have your student pick up their items ASAP. In addition to the very nice clothes, we have a host of water bottles and other accessories. We will donate all unclaimed items before Winter Break! Questions? Please contact Kyla in the front office. Thanks!

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL UPDATE

An International School Update was sent through email on Monday, December 11 to all current IS families with great updates. Questions? Email the IS Main Office.

WINTER BASKETBALL CAMP

The Sammamish basketball program is hosting a Winter Basketball Camp for 3rd - 8th graders over winter break on THIS Wednesday, December 20 through Friday, December 22 from 9 AM-12 PM at Sammamish High School (main gym).

The Girls Varsity team and coaches will be running the players through fun drills, competition, games, and scrimmages over the course of the three days. All levels welcome. Bring a snack and be ready to play!

More info here. Sign up here. Questions? Email jeanjpark13@icloud.com.

BUS ROUTE CANCELLATIONS

THIS Monday, December 18 and Tuesday, December 19, the following bus routes are canceled due to driver availability: 16, 26, 33, and 44. Impacted school communities include Cherry Crest, Chinook, Highland, Odle, Puesta del Sol, Tillicum and Tyee. Find out more here. Questions? Contact transportation@bsd405.org.

MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT – PAUSING THE CONSIDERATION OF A MIDDLE SCHOOL CONSOLIDATION

Superintendent Aramaki shares a message with the community regarding his decision to pause the consideration of consolidating middle schools to address BSD’s enrollment and budget challenges. Read it here. Questions? Contact BSD.

TRANSPORTATION UPDATES AVAILABLE THROUGH EDULOG PARENT PORTAL

Beginning in January, all BSD bus cancellations, delays, and updates will be shared directly through the Edulog Parent Portal, the district’s transportation information platform. Families who would like to receive notification about impacts to their bus routes must sign up for Edulog. Specific route cancellations, delays, and updates will not be shared routinely through direct district emails, text messages, robo calls, or social media in the new year. However, districtwide messages will continue to be sent at the discretion of the district, on an as-needed basis. Read more here. Questions? Contact transportation@bsd405.org.

APPLY NOW TO JOIN THE SUSTAINABILITY COMMUNITY ADVISORY GROUP

Did you know that Bellevue School District Policy 6811 states that the district seeks to minimize our impact on the environment and increase our individual and collective understanding and agency of how we can work toward an ecologically sustainable school district, community and world?

Join the Bellevue School District Sustainability Committee and be part of a transformative initiative to create a more ecologically sustainable school district and community. Apply here by 4 PM on Wednesday, January 10. Questions? Email sustainability@bsd405.org.

NEW WEBSITE PROJECT UPDATE: WEBSITE AUDIT, CONTENT MIGRATION, AND TRAINING

Since the last update, the BSD website project team has collaborated with internal staff, community members, and the website vendor, Finalsite, to complete the design portion of the Design and Development project phase and is now working to develop school and district webpages. Find out more here. Questions? Contact BSD.

BSD STRATEGIC PLAN GUIDING COALITION LAUNCHES

On Wednesday, November 29, the Guiding Coalition held its first meeting at Crossroads Community Center to launch the design of the vision for education in the Bellevue School District. They practiced utilizing an inclusive design process to guide their work. Find out more here. Questions? Email strategicplan@bsd405.org.

OPEN HOUSE EVENTS

Students and families are invited to learn more about schools and programs at individual school open houses going on NOW. Find all the school dates here. Questions? Contact BSD.

SEVERE WEATHER IMPACTS SCHOOLS AND TRANSPORTATION

Severe weather conditions can impact schools and transportation. Due to heavy rain, road closures and detours can cause delays and disruption to bus routes. Families that would like to have immediate notification of route delays or closures should sign up for the Edulog Parent Portal, the district’s transportation information platform. Sign up for Edulog for alerts.

We remain committed to running as many routes as possible while prioritizing student safety. Please contact transportation@bsd405.org with any questions.

Learn more about BSD’s inclement weather policies.

ACADEMIC AND STUDENT WELL-BEING ANNUAL PLAN FOR THE 2023-24 SCHOOL YEAR

The School Board has approved our 2023-24 Annual Plan on August 17, 2023 (PDF).

If you have any questions, please email pubinfo@bsd405.org.

BSD NEWSLETTER

An e-newsletter was sent to BSD staff and families on Thursday, December 14, with information about how community partners support BSD schools, mental health resources, preparing for school and program open houses, and more. Read it here. Don't receive the district newsletter? Sign up here! You can see all newsletters here. Questions? Contact BSD.

BELLEVUE DOWNTOWN ICE RINK

The Bellevue Downtown Ice Rink returns for its 26th year to the picturesque Bellevue Downtown Park NOW through January 15! Known as the Eastside’s largest open-air seasonal ice-skating experience, the ice rink is open daily, including holidays, and features 9,000 square feet of ice, a spacious viewing area, concessions, free parking, and more. From free skate lessons to special events, this holiday tradition is perfect for friendly get-togethers, celebratory outings, or family gatherings.

Rink opening times vary. Plan your visit and purchase online tickets. Walk-up tickets are limited, so visitors are strongly encouraged to purchase in advance at www.bellevueicerink.com. Questions? Call the Bellevue Downtown Association at (425)453-1223.

THE NUTCRACKER AT MEYDENBAUER THEATRE IN BELLEVUE

Celebrate the "Magic Season" with the International Ballet Theatre’s “The Nutcracker”, an Eastside holiday tradition! This classical version features a cast of 80 talented students and experienced professional dancers. Enjoy shows in the safety and comfort of Downtown Bellevue at the Meydenbauer Center Theatre, an intimate venue where all seats have a great view.

• When: December 8-23
• Where: Meydenbauer Center Theater, 11100 NE 6th St. Bellevue, WA 98004
• Cost: General $62, Child $31

Find out more info and purchase tickets here. Questions? Email info@ibtbellevue.org

BELLEVUE SCHOOLS FOUNDATION 2022-2023 GRATITUDE REPORT

Before we turn the page to 2024, we are thrilled to share our annual Gratitude Report. It's a tribute to every single dollar and donor invested in 2022-2023. View the Gratitude Report here. Questions? Email info@bsfdn.org.

BIKE BELLEVUE: HOW TO IMPROVE THE BICYCLE NETWORK

The City of Bellevue is looking for community members to participate in paid online focus groups or interviews about how to improve the bicycle network in the city's urban core — including Downtown, Wilburton, and BelRed. We are conducting online focus groups or interviews in English, Mandarin, and Spanish, that are easy to participate in from the comfort of your home, workplace, or anywhere where you can use a phone or computer and engage in a conversation. 

Participants will be paid $100-150 as a thank-you for participation.  

Please click on this link to complete this brief survey to determine your eligibility. Questions? Contact Freya Liu or Franz Loewenherz.

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.