February 26, 2024

MONDAY MESSENGER

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WELCOME BACK TO SCHOOL!

WE HOPE EVERYONE HAD A FUN MID-WINTER BREAK!

THIS WEEK:

• Wednesday, 2/28, 2–4 PM • iJazz Clinic
• Wednesday, 2/28 • HS Band 1 Eastshore
• Friday, 3/1, 7 PM • IS Drama: Amelie the Musical*
• Saturday, 3/2, 2 PM & 7 PM • IS Drama: Amelie the Musical*

NEXT WEEK:

• 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: Amelie the Musical*
• Saturday, 3/9, 2 PM & 7 PM • IS Drama: Amelie the Musical*

LOOKING AHEAD:

• 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, 3/20 • SAT (Juniors)
• Friday, 3/22 • School Open (Make-up Day)
• Wednesday, 3/27, 1:45 PM • Le Grand Concours*
• Thursday, 3/28, 7 PM • MS Band 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.

STAFF APPRECIATION WEEK CHAIR NEEDED!

Join our team as the Staff Appreciation Week Chair! Coordinate events to honor our hardworking staff during the week of Monday, May 6 through Friday, May 10. Work closely with the various Grade Level Reps and our Co-VP's of Community to help show our staff how much we love and appreciate all they do for us. Have questions or want to volunteer? Email VPCommunity@isptsa.org.

SENIOR CLASS CHIPOTLE FUNDRAISER

Help support the Senior Class by eating at Chipotle (the one by Crossroads, 1328 156th Ave NE, Bellevue) on Wednesday, March 6, between 5 and 9 PM. If you order in person mention International School or show the above flyer. If ordering online use the code L6XKXZG. The senior class will receive 33% of event sales which will go toward graduation activities. Thank you for helping support our seniors! Questions? Email Emilie Castle.

LUNAR NEW YEAR STAFF APPRECIATION LUNCHEON

Thank you to all of our amazing volunteers who put on a truly impressive spread for the Lunar New Year Staff Appreciation Luncheon on Wednesday, February 14! They spent days decorating beforehand and had many of the staff members reworking their schedules in order to be sure to attend. A group of parents from our Chinese community does this every year and we are truly grateful! Happy Lunar New Year! Questions? Contact VPCommunity@isptsa.org.

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.

BELLEVUE PTSA COUNCIL NEWS

STRATEGIES TO PROMOTE POSITIVE BEHAVIOR: PART 2

The BSD Special Education Department and the Bellevue Special Needs PTA present a family-focused session to build upon strategies to promote positive behavior.

• When: THIS Thursday, February 29, 6-7 PM
• Where: Microsoft Teams

Read more here. Questions? Contact specialedfamilyres@bsd405.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.

NEW Episode: Reimagining What Schools Look Like

It’s time to think creatively about school reform! Co-CEO of Transcend Education Aylon Samouha joined the show to share the latest in school transformation. Tune in to explore the purpose of education, innovative learning models and the journey towards creating extraordinary, equitable learning environments. Listen here. Questions? Contact info@pta.org.

TITIAN PLAYERS PRESENT AMELIE THE MUSICAL

Spring is just around the corner, and so is the International School Musical. Don't miss out on this opportunity to see our students shine! There will be six amazing shows spread across four days: THIS Friday, March 1; THIS Saturday, March 2; Friday, March 8; and Saturday, March 9. New this year, there is a discounted matinee show available to students on March 2 at 2 PM.

Buy tickets here.

Questions? Contact Renuka Getchell.

LE GRAND CONCOURS

The French Department at International School invites students to join Le Grand Concours, an annual French language competition by AATF. It's nationally recognized and endorsed by NASSP. The contest, on Wednesday, March 27 at 1:45 PM, lasts 1 hour 15 minutes, in person at the school. Fee: $6/student, due by THIS Friday, March 1. Read more here. Questions? Contact your French teacher.

IS RED CROSS CLUB BLOOD DRIVE

The IS Red Cross Club is holding a blood drive in the school library on Wednesday, March 6 from 1:30 PM to 7:00 PM. It is open to parents, staff, and students aged 16 and over. The drive is run by The American Red Cross (which is different from Bloodworks NW). If you are willing to donate, please scan the QR code to

sign up for a time slot. No QR scanner? Use this link. You will be prompted to create a Red Cross Account and then the site will take you to the page where you choose a time slot.  Students aged 16 and 17 need to get parental permission. Students should see Julie Reeder in Room 210 to pick up a permission form. Questions? Email Julie Reeder, IS Math Department Chair.

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL UPDATE

An International School Update was sent through email on Monday, February 12 to all current IS families with great updates. Questions? Email the IS Main Office.

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Somerset Elementary is seeking volunteers to help with their PTSA Pizza Bingo Night on Friday, March 8. High School Students can earn volunteer hours.

Shifts:

• Setup (setting up room/event): 5:15-6:00 PM
• Event shift 1 (pizza and game prep volunteer): 5:50-7:00 PM
• Event shift 2 (game play and prize volunteer): 6:50-8:00 PM
• Teardown (teardown event): 8:00-8:30 PM

Sign up here if interested, Questions? Contact them via this form.

COMMUNITY AWARENESS - UPCOMING CLOSURE OF FACTORIA BOULEVARD BEGINS IN FEBRUARY

The City of Bellevue is planning a stormwater conveyance improvement project along Factoria Boulevard. BSD educators, students and families can expect to be heavily impacted by road closures resulting from the proposed project. Read more here. Questions? Contact BSD.

SUPERINTENDENT'S BLOG: UPDATE ON BUDGET REDUCTION PLAN FOR THE 24-25 SCHOOL YEAR

Superintendent Aramaki shares a message with the BSD community regarding the board direction on cutting $10 million, areas for budget cuts, and a partnership with the Bellevue Schools Foundation to help close the budget gap. Read more here. Questions? Contact BSD.

FENTANYL INFORMATION - SPANISH SPEAKERS SESSION

On Wednesday, March 13, the Bellevue School District, together with community health partners, will present an information session for families about the dangers of fentanyl. The session will be conducted in Spanish at Highland Middle School starting at 6:00 PM. Read more here. Questions? Contact BSD.

BLACK STUDENT UNION LEADERS PROMOTE INCLUSION EFFORTS IN SCHOOLS

Over the past few months, Bellevue School District students have shared various examples of how they shape more equitable and welcoming spaces for all students through their leadership and advocacy. Read more here. Questions? Contact BSD.

BSD NEWSLETTER

An e-newsletter was sent to BSD staff and families on Thursday, February 22. 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.

SALMON AT DISCOVERY PARK

We are raising Chum salmon at the Discovery Park Visitor Center, which is located just south of the park's East Parking Lot! 220 precious eggs were introduced at the beginning of January.

Now that the eggs have hatched, come check out the alevin getting their swim on! Their egg sacs are mostly absorbed, but not quite ‘zipped up’ as they continue to develop into fry. The tank is in the Visitor Center, directly across from the Discovery Playroom!

Visit us (and the salmon!) at Discovery Park Visitor Center for FREE from 9 AM to 4:30 PM, Tuesday through Saturday, to watch them grow, learn about the salmon lifecycle, and prepare for their release at Carkeek Park in May! Questions? Email pks_info@seattle.gov.

CELEBRATING SPRING'S ARRIVAL: THE LA CONNER DAFFODIL FESTIVAL

Every year, as the fields burst into a sea of yellow daffodils, the town of La Conner transforms into a haven of festivities, attracting visitors from near and far to revel in the splendor of nature’s awakening. The La Conner Daffodil Festival is a testament to the resilience of community spirit and the joy of embracing the changing seasons.

Located in La Conner, WA 98257 and surrounding areas in Skagit Valley in March.

Find out more info here. Questions? Email info@laconnerchamber.com

EMERALD CITY COMIC CON

Emerald City Comic Con (ECCC) is back! It will run THIS Thursday, February 29 through THIS Sunday, March 3. There are over 400 exhibits, plus panels, Q&A's, gaming zones, cosplay, famous people, and lots of shopping. There is an additional digital ticket that allows you to watch the panels from home. Check it out here. Tickets are selling out, so buy them soon if you wish to attend. Questions? Email ECCCinfo@reedpop.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.

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.