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

* More information in the message below

As we enter December, busy with events for students and adults alike, let’s remember to be present during this time. Delight in a student concert well played and cheer if you feel like it. Delight in the ability of the school to offer entertainment for the students like the Snowflake Social. Even if your student doesn’t plan to attend, talk it up positively, but accept their decision, maybe next time. I delight in a terrific ISPTSA board that works hard to bring joy to teachers, students, and staff through events and support. Let’s delight in this period of time for the myriad of reasons that you alone know and celebrate.

TOMORROW, November 29, 10:30 AM–2 PM

Pick up your poinsettia and wreaths on Tuesday, November 29, between 10:30 AM and 2 PM in the International School cafeteria. Students can pick up orders at lunch, 1–1:30 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 visitor parking spots.

While you're here at school, remember to bring donation items for the Snowflake Drive. Thank you for supporting the IS Class of 2023 Fundraiser! Contact Peg Arsenault with questions.

Join us for social time and relevant discussions about 8th-grade events, and connect with other 8th-grade parents and caregivers. Please email Melissa Richardson, VP of Outreach, if you have any questions.

Monday, December 12, 6–8 PM

Table reservation deadline for vendors: December 9

Guests:

Let's celebrate winter, winter holidays, and our international community with a European-style Winter Market. All students, staff, families, and community members are welcome. Admission is free!

Vendors:

Calling all - Crafters! Bakers! Artists! Entrepreneurs! This is your chance to share your creative and business skills, all while earning some funds for the holidays or as a fundraiser for your student club. Sign up for a table here. Tables are limited. Need ideas? Homemade ornaments, jewelry, cards, baked goods, home decorations, useful gadgets, art, keychains, cooking mixes, knitting, coffee cozies, candles, snacks, clothing, treasure boxes, and more!

Questions? Email Melissa Richardon, VP of Outreach.

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.

Wow! The 8th-grade families contributed to an amazing spread for the Thanksgiving Staff Appreciation Luncheon last Tuesday, November 22. It's an expression of how thankful we are for our International School staff and teachers. A great success, many thanks to the 8th-Grade Families that contributed time and food! Questions? Email Yuting Zhu, Co-VP of Community.

These are our brand new Top 5 Legislative Priorities! Did you know PTSA is at its heart an Advocacy organization? Your MEMBERSHIP helps our voice be as strong as possible when we speak with our legislators about upcoming bills. Want to get involved? Reach out to advocacy@isptsa.org to get connected with advocacy opportunities, including meetings with legislators and testifying in Olympia.

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.

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 will be held on Friday, December 2 from 7–8:30, and we need chaperones. Parents, if you can help, please email Matt Lyon, ASB Advisor. Thank you!

THIS Monday, November 28 to THIS Friday, December 2

The Snowflake Food Drive is happening THIS WEEK! Snowflake has been a longstanding tradition at International School to support a local organization. This year, International School is partnering with Renewal Food Bank to collect food for the hungry in East King County. Click here for a list of the food, hygiene, and baby items that Renewal Food Bank needs most.

Each grade level will be electing a representative to promote the collection of goods. Snowflake Representatives are also known as our Snowflake Royalties during the Snowflake Assembly in December. 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.

THIS Monday, November 28 to THIS Friday, December 2

Please join us THIS WEEK for Winter Spirit Week as we start our annual tradition of Snowflake Food Drive! From Monday, November 28–Friday, December 2, please bring in your donation goods and show your spirit by participating in our Winter Spirit Week X Snowflake! See the plans for this week below. Thank you for supporting our Snowflake Drive and may the best grade level win! For questions, email Arty Christianto, Middle School Counselor.

Order by THIS Wednesday, November 30

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.

The Snowflake Social will be on Friday, December 2 from 7–8:30 PM.  The theme is A Winter Wonderland. Tickets are $12 with an ASB card and $15 without or at the door. Cash only at the door.

Hope to see you there! Questions? Email Matt Lyon, ASB Advisor.

Click here to sign up to help or contribute

The 11th-grade class will be hosting the Mexican food-themed staff appreciation lunch on Wednesday, December 14. We'll order the entrees from local restaurant Tapatio. Please join us in contributing to the funds or helping to bring the side items. Help with setup and cleanup is also much appreciated. Please contact Courtney or Sophia, 11th-Grade Class Parent Representatives, if you have any questions: Sophia Cheng (408) 892-5993 or Courtney Stanton (425) 289-9694.

Junior Appointments are one of the many benefits of being a Titan! Each junior will meet in person with our high school counselor, Colleen Courtney, while both parents/guardians join in person or virtually to discuss traction toward graduation and the college application process. Appointments are 30 minutes long and begin Monday, December 5. Sign up here. If a translator is needed, email Colleen Courtney, High School Counselor, as soon as possible.

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.

An e-newsletter was sent to BSD staff and families on Monday, November 21, which includes the latest BSD news, including stories from schools, district updates, upcoming events, and more. Read more here. Questions? Email BSD.

BSD recently released its Demographic and Enrollment Study, which addresses enrollment, demographic trends in our community, and what the district can expect in the years to come. BSD’s demographic consultant shares more about the key findings and next steps to address declining enrollment. Read more here. Questions? Email BSD.

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.

Eastgate Elementary Gym, 4255 153rd Ave SE

Register by Wednesday, December 7

Please join us on Wednesday, December 14 from 5–7 PM in the Eastgate Elementary Gymnasium for an evening filled with STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) activities. Click here for more details. The $40 registration fee includes dinner and take-home souvenirs. Families have the option of dropping off or staying for the fun! Register before Wednesday, December 7. Registration will increase by $10 starting on December 8. There is also a sibling discount! Questions? Email Wise Camps.

We have extended the registration to encourage K-3rd grade girls to sign up for this fun opportunity to learn basketball fundamentals with our BHS girls' basketball players & coaching staff. Registration is open until Saturday, December 10. Please click here to register. Questions? Email Courtney Tucker, BGB Youth Coordinator.

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.