Click here to view the District 2022–2023 calendar for families.

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With the midterm election behind us, I wanted to mention that young adults 18–20 voted in record numbers that we have not seen in over 30 years. I would like to mention that I think part of this is due to teaching our students high school civics courses at BSD schools and also some parent modeling. By teaching a course that shows the real outcomes of voting, students get excited about their ability to make a difference. I applaud the district, teachers, and parents for encouraging their students to vote when they come of age. I think it bodes well for our future.

P. S. Please remember to renew your membership this week. Our goal of 100% = strong community.

Dear IS families, we are working on a big push before Thanksgiving Break for membership renewals. Two families to join every day will help us reach our goal of 100% membership, meaning every IS student will be supported by an ISPTSA member!

Please sign in to renew OR click here to join today and help us reach this goal by December 15! Questions? Email Honglian Gao, Membership Chair.

TODAY, November 21, 6:30–8 PM

Wilburton Instructional Service Center (WISC - Rainier Room)

Click here to RSVP.

Bellevue Gifted Alliance (BGA) is hosting a High School Student panel to help students choose a high school. Please attend (with students). You will have an opportunity to hear and ask questions to students at Interlake, Newport, Bellevue, Sammamish, or the choice schools. We typically hear from students:

Donations of $10 are requested. Questions? Email BGA.

THIS Tuesday, November 22

Click here to sign up.

The Thanksgiving Staff Appreciation luncheon will be hosted by the 8th-grade class on Tuesday, November 22. Please join us in bringing dishes to share with our staff. Homemade dishes are welcome. No time to cook or shop? You can make a donation and we'll do the shopping for you.  Please sign up here. Thank you in advance for your help and support. Please contact Carrie Zhang, 8th-grade parent representative, if you have any questions.

Tuesday, November 29, 10:30 AM–2 PM

Thank you for supporting the IS Class of 2023 Fundraiser! Poinsettia and wreath pick-up will be on Tuesday, November 29, between 10:30 AM and 2:00 PM in the International School cafeteria. Students can pick up orders during lunch, 1:00–1:30 pm. Please know the names of the people that placed the order. It is acceptable to coordinate the pick-up of multiple orders. We will have volunteers who can help load plants and deliver them to your car. Please park in front of the school or in the visitor parking spots. Contact Peg Arsenault with questions.

SAVE THE DATE — INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY AUCTION: CELEBRATING OUR INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY

Saturday, February 4, 6–10 PM

Join a great group of volunteers on the Auction/Event Committee! Help out by donating a unique experience or becoming a sponsor? Email Phil Bloch and Emilie Castle, VPs of Fundraising.

Learn more about these positions here. Please email board@isptsa.org if you have questions or if you're interested in signing up. Thank you!

The Middle School Snowflake Social is Friday, December 2 from 7–8:30.  The theme is A Winter Wonderland. Tickets are $12 with an ASB card and $15 without, or $15 at the door. Cash only at the door. Hope to see you there!

Parents, please email Matt Lyon, ASB Advisor, if you would be willing to chaperone.

The Snowflake Food Drive is happening from Monday, November 28 to Friday, December 2. This year, International School is partnering with Renewal Food Bank to collect food for the hungry in East King County.

Each grade level will be electing a representative to promote the collection of goods. The grade level to collect the most goods will have their representatives crowned King and Queen of IS! This will be a fun week for students to support their community. Email Matt Lyon, ASB Advisor, with questions.

If you haven't already reserved your 2022–2023 yearbook, you're in luck! You can order a yearbook starting NOW on Touchbase for $50 each. This is the final sales window to guarantee receipt of a book, so be sure to purchase your yearbook before the sales window closes on Wednesday, November 30. For questions, email Jill Follett, Yearbook Advisor.

Outstanding middle school and high school music students from across Washington have received top honors by being selected to participate in one of the 2023 WMEA Junior All-State, All-Northwest, and All-State performing groups. These musicians were selected through auditions to participate in this outstanding event, which is sponsored by the Washington Music Educators Association. Please congratulate the International Music students listed here for receiving this honor. For questions, email Washington Music Educators Association or Joanne Whang, IS Choir Director.

International School’s Thanksgiving meal was a big hit and well attended. Excited students were served by Principal Russell White and Assistant Principal Traci Sullivan, and smiles were all around. Rolling up their sleeves behind the counter, Russell was heard saying, “This is my favorite day!” Russell and Traci embody leadership through service and our school is thankful for them. For questions, email the IS Main Office.

Has your child lost glasses, jacket, sweatshirt, or water bottle? Please have them check our lost and found rack. Also, the main office has two pairs of unclaimed eyeglasses and a couple of earbud chargers. Items will be donated at the end of the month. For questions, email the International School Main Office.

Interlake High School senior, Nathan Kim, shares his thoughts on why it is important to share your voice in the BSD Superintendent Search by serving on stakeholder interview panels. Read more here. Questions? Email BSD Superintendent Search.

In 1990, a joint resolution was approved by President George H.W. Bush, which called for November to be named National Native American Heritage Month. Read more here. Questions? Email BSD.

BSD will be distributing free COVID-19 at-home rapid test kits to students, staff, and their families November 21–23, ahead of Thanksgiving break. Read more here. Questions? Email BSD COVID testing.

The Equity and Family Engagement department, led by Shomari Jones, works with other departments throughout the BSD to ensure that the district is serving all families and helping them feel a sense of belonging. Read more here. Questions? Email BSD Equity, Family and Community Engagement.

Deadline to apply: Friday, March 3

The 2023 Teens in Public Service (TIPS) Summer Internship Application is now open. If you are enrolled in high school and will be aged 15-19 by summer 2023, you are invited to apply. Please review the TIPS Eligibility Requirements and Internship FAQ's. Register here for a free virtual informational session. Email apply@teensinpublicservice.org with questions.

Check out our wide variety of International School spiritwear! Hoodies, T-shirts, bags, and more, order soon for arrival in time for the holidays! You can pick up your order from Winner's Sportswear in Bellevue or have it delivered. Questions? Email Melissa Richardson, VP of Outreach.