January 15, 2024

MONDAY MESSENGER

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NO SCHOOL

TODAY, MONDAY, JANUARY 15

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY

SHOUT-OUTS!

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

Thank you Phil Bloch and Gang Chen for all of the hard work you have been putting into the upcoming Auction Gala! We can't wait to enjoy the amazing evening we know it will turn out to be!

THIS WEEK:

• Monday, 1/15 • No School (Martin Luther King Jr. Day)
• Thursday, 1/18, 6:30 PM • ISPTSA General Membership Meeting*
• Friday, 1/19 • Choice Schools Application Period Closes*

NEXT WEEK:

• Wednesday, 1/24, 2 PM • AMC 8 Competition in IS Library
• Monday, 1/22–Friday 1/26 • Finals Week*
• Friday, 1/26 • End of First Semester

LOOKING AHEAD:

• 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, 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, 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
• 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.

ISPTSA GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

Please join us!

THIS Thursday, January 18, at 7:00 PM

• Voting on budget changes
• Nomination Committee
• Grants
• Updates
• Principal Russell White will be speaking

We need a quorum to pass the budget so please plan on joining us for an informative meeting in the IS Commons. View the draft of the General Membership Meeting Minutes from October 5 here and the proposed budget here for approval.

You do not need to be a member to attend a meeting, everyone is welcome! You do need to be a member to vote. Want to be able to vote and help decide where the money we fundraise gets spent? Join now!

Questions? Contact ISPTSA.

2024 ISPTSA AUCTION GALA: I AM INTERNATIONAL

Buy your ticket today and plan to attend the 2024 ISPTSA Auction Gala on Friday, February 2, from 6:30-9:30 PM at the Embassy Suites by Hilton in Bellevue.

Last year more than 160 parents and teachers came together for an amazing event. Join us this year to celebrate our diversity and community while supporting our school. We hope to see you there!

For tickets and more details follow this link ($75 per person for early bird tickets with prices rising soon to $85 per person).

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

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. 

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

Questions? Email Emilie Castle.

10TH GRADE PARENT APPRECIATION LUNCHEON

Our IS staff is off to a good start this year, having enjoyed a great lunch on January 3. As winter is all about staying warm and being comfortable, 10th-grade parents provided comfort food to our unique and awesome staff, consisting of yummy soups, exquisite quiches, and delicious desserts. Special thanks to all the parents who prepared food, brought in drinks and supplies, and helped with setup and cleanup. Questions? Email parent-rep2026@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.

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.

BUS ROUTE CANCELATIONS

THIS Tuesday, January 16 through Friday, January 19, the following International School bus route(s) are canceled due to driver availability.

Route 50

No student pick‑ups will be available in both the A.M. and P.M. timeframes. Families impacted should plan alternate transportation for their students. All other bus routes servicing these schools will run normally as scheduled. Midday routes and activity routes for these canceled routes will run normally. Please contact transportation@bsd405.org with any questions.

WINTER 2 2024 SPORTS SEASON FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL

Registration for Winter 2 2024 Sports Season will open THIS Tuesday, January 16. Registration will remain open for 2 weeks before it automatically closes at 11:59 PM on January 26. Registration is lottery-based, meaning that if you complete the registration form before it closes you will be given the same chance of being on the team as everyone else who completed registration on time. Use the registration link found in your student BSD email.

Sports offerings for Winter 2 | 6^th-8^th Grade available for each option:  

• Coed Flag Football (Jubilee REACH)
• M, T, W, Th, F
• 3:45 PM to 4:45 PM
• Coed Volleyball (BSD)
• M, T, Th (no volleyball Friday)
• 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM

Here is what you need to know about registration and this season:  

• Registration forms can only be accessed via student BSD Email.      
• Registration Window: January 16 – January 26   
• Winter 2 2023 Season Length: February 5 – April 5  
• Students notified of placement: February 1  
• Registration for Jubilee REACH Sports and Activities does not guarantee your spot in the activity, a lottery is used to determine who will be placed on the team.
• Students are expected to attend most if not all practices and games. Students may only participate in one sport.

Questions? Visit our FAQ Page or email Trent Stauffer, IS Site Coach Specialist.

FINALS WEEK

Questions? Email the IS Main Office.

FOCUS WEEK EXPERTISE NEEDED!

Do you have experience with papermaking? I’m looking for help during Focus Week in May teaching this skill. Please email Julie Reeder at reederj@bsd405.org if you are willing to help or have any questions. Time commitment will be one half-day during Focus Week and a few conversations prior. Thanks!

CHOICE SCHOOLS APPLICATION PERIOD

Reminder: The Choice Schools application period for the 2024-25 school year closes THIS 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.

VOLUNTEER IN THE IS FRONT OFFICE

Ever wanted to get to know more of our amazing staff? Volunteering to work in the IS front office is a great way to meet people and feel involved with our community. There are currently three or four volunteer openings:

• Mondays: 12:15–3:15 PM, weekly or every other week
• Thursdays: 11:30 AM–1:30 PM, every other week only
• Thursdays: 1:30–3:30 PM, every other week only

If you are interested in volunteering or have any questions, please contact Mary Pyrah, IS Office Manager.

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL UPDATE

An International School Update was sent through email on Monday, January 8 to all current IS families with great updates. Questions? Email the IS Main Office.

STUDENT CLUBS

IS RED CROSS CLUB BLOOD DRIVE

Save the date: Wednesday, March 6

The IS Red Cross Club will be holding a blood drive on Wednesday, March 6 from 1:30–7:00 PM in the IS Library. Students who are 16 or older, parents, and community members are all encouraged to participate. Information on how to sign up will be sent out in February. Questions? Contact Julie Reeder.

JOIN THE IS INVESTMENT CLUB!

Have you ever wanted to make money while you sleep? If so, come join IS's Investment Club interest meeting! Whether you're a curious beginner or a seasoned trader, this club has something for everyone, even if you don't know anything about finance. The purpose of this club is to bring people together at the school to learn about the importance of investments and financial literacy. Our primary focus is to teach the students of IS the fundamentals and importance of investing, as well as managing personal finances early on in life to maximize their benefits later on.

Meeting Details:

The International School Investment Club is having one more interest meeting This Thursday, January 18, during lunch. Please come join us in person. We will provide pizza and snacks! Click on or scan the QR code to sign up. Questions? Contact Ethan Wong.

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES

VOLUNTEER

Cherry Crest Elementary is hosting our annual Spelling Bees and we need your help!

We're on a mission to make history at this year's Spelling Bee, and we need enthusiastic volunteers like you to be part of the magic. Join us in creating an unforgettable experience, celebrating language, and spelling our way to success. 

We are looking for high school volunteers interested in being the pronouncers. 

Sign-up here!

What: Cherry Crest Elementary Spelling Bee Finals

When: Wednesday, February 7, 6:00 PM–8:30 PM

Where: Cherry Crest Elementary

12400 NE 32nd St, Bellevue, WA 98005

**Volunteer hours available, please arrive by 5:45 PM

If school is canceled due to a snow day, the event will be rescheduled for Wednesday, February 14.

Please email Abhishek Sinha if you have any questions.

JANUARY IS AMERICANS OF CHINESE DESCENT MONTH IN WASHINGTON

January 2024 marks the first annual celebration of Americans of Chinese Descent Month in Washington State. Many students and families from the Bellevue School District helped to bring forth this month’s acknowledgment. Read more here. Questions? Contact BSD.

A YEAR IN REVIEW 2023

With the recent conclusion of another calendar year at BSD, it’s a good time to reflect on where we’ve been and what we’ve accomplished as a district. Read on to explore stories from the year and see some of the ways that the BSD community has shown that together, we can affirm, inspire, and thrive. Read more here. Questions? Contact BSD.

NOTICIAS EN ESPAÑOL

Noticias en español para familias de BSD y LWSD consists of weekly video news broadcasts delivered in Spanish for parents in both the Bellevue School District and the Lake Washington School District. We are committed to supporting our community of Spanish-speaking families through thoughtful and culturally-relevant communications. Questions? Contact BSD.

BELLEVUE SCHOOL DISTRICT RECOGNIZED AS 2024 BEST SCHOOL DISTRICT IN WASHINGTON

The Bellevue School District is proud to be recognized as the #1 School District in Washington for 2024 by Niche. The district earned this ranking by scoring highly in many factors that aim to capture what it’s really like to be a part of our learning community. Read more here. Questions? Contact BSD.

BSD CHOICE SCHOOL, LANGUAGE PROGRAM, AND ONLINE SCHOOL PROFILES

BSD offers many unique opportunities for students, including choice schools and programs and an online school, to best suit their learning needs and future goals. You can learn more about current offerings and how to apply for enrollment here. Questions contact the different programs listed in the article.

SCHOOL FUNDING 101 – SIX THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT SCHOOL BUDGETING

Learn key facts and common misconceptions about district budgeting and understand how property taxes are collected, where they go, and what they can be used for. Read more here. Questions? Contact BSD.

SCHOOL BOARD VACANCY NOMINATION AND APPLICATION PROCESS

The Bellevue School District seeks to fill a School Board Director vacancy for Director District 3 due to Director Joyce Shui’s resignation effective January 5. Read more here. Questions? Contact BSD.

BSD NEWSLETTER

An e-newsletter was sent to BSD staff and families on Thursday, January 11, with the Superintendent’s new year message to families, a look back on 2023 through a year in review, celebrations of innovation at BSD, and more. Read it here. Don't receive the district newsletter? Sign up here! You can see all newsletters here. Questions? Contact BSD.

NAAM KING DAY

Join the Nothwest African American Museum (NAAM} for our annual King Day celebration honoring the life, legacy and sacrifice of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Enjoy a day at NAAM full of music, movies, motivational speakers and activities for the entire family. Find out more here. Questions? Email info@naamnw.org.

BELLEVUE YOUTH THEATRE AUDITIONS

The Bellevue Youth Theatre provides inclusive recreational programs for youth ages 5-19, with a focus on teen participants. Persons with disabilities, families, and older adults are encouraged to participate. The emphasis of the theatre is to build self-esteem, teamwork, and confidence in youth while performing in a supportive environment. Children 11 and younger, and first-time participants, may have limited roles. For more information, please call 425-452-7155. Link: Auditions | City of Bellevue (bellevuewa.gov).

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.