November 20, 2023

MONDAY MESSENGER

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NO SCHOOL

THIS THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23

AND

THIS FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

SHOUT-OUTS!

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

A great big shout out to our 9th Grade Parent Representative Jenny Lin for organizing a stupendous Thanksgiving Staff Appreciation Luncheon. Thank you Jenny for all your hard work!

THIS WEEK:

• Thursday, 11/23–Friday, 11/24 • No School (Thanksgiving)

NEXT WEEK:

• Monday, 11/27 • Reflections Submission Deadline*
• Monday, 11/27–Friday, 12/1 • Snowflake Drive*
• Tuesday, 11/28, 6:30 PM • Middle School Parent Night
• Wednesday, 11/29, 7 PM • HS Orchestra Concert
• Thursday, 11/30, 7 PM • MS Band Concert
• Friday, 12/1, 7 PM • MS Snowflake Social*

LOOKING AHEAD:

• Monday, 12/4, 7 PM • HS Choir Concert
• Tuesday, 12/5, 7 PM • MS Choir Concert
• Wednesday, 12/6 • Staff Appreciation Luncheon Hosted by the 6th Grade Families*
• Wednesday, 12/6, 7 PM • MS Orchestra Concert
• Saturday, 12/9, 8 PM–10 PM • HS TOLO*
• Monday, 12/11, 4 PM–7 PM • Drama Auditions
• Wednesday, 12/13 • Winter Market*
• Tuesday, 12/19, 4 PM–7 PM • Drama Callbacks
• Wednesday, 12/20–Monday 1/1 • No School (Winter Break)
• 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, 1/26 • 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
• Thursday, 2/8, 6:30 PM • Middle School Parent Night
• Wednesday, 2/14 • Staff Appreciation Luncheon Hosted by Our Chinese Community
• 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
• 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.

REFLECTIONS

WHAT IS REFLECTIONS: A nationwide art competition hosted by the PTSA. Student winners from International School have the opportunity to move up through their district, region, and state PTA programs to the national level.

THEME: I Am Hopeful Because… 

DEADLINE: Monday, November 27

ENTRY FORM: Please download, fill out, and include this entry form with your submission.

FORMAT: Entries are accepted across 6 categories - Please click the link to read the rules for each category: Dance, Visual Art, Music Composition, Photography, Literature, and Film Production - {Special Artists Rules}

SUBMIT YOUR WORK TO: reflections@isptsa.org

Questions? Email reflections@isptsa.org

6TH GRADE STAFF APPRECIATION LUNCHEON

In order to express our gratitude to the hardworking and dedicated staff members here at the IS, the 6th Grade families would like to show our appreciation by providing lunch to them during the upcoming 6th Grade Staff Appreciation Luncheon on Wednesday, December 6. We are kindly asking any 6th grade families who can to please assist us by signing up to donate money. Additionally, we require one more volunteer to help with the setup and cleanup. If you are willing to volunteer or have any questions, please reach out to Kai Gao.

THE ISPTSA ANNUAL WINTER MARKET IS BACK!

Let's celebrate winter, winter holidays, and our international community with a European-style Winter Market. Come to sell or shop - or both!

Join us for a fun community night of food, crafts, music, gifts, and more at the annual ISPTSA Winter Market in the International School Commons on Wednesday, December 13, 6 PM - 8:30 PM. Come and check out all the tables or host a table yourself! Are you a musician? Sign up to perform! Last year was amazing, don't miss out! Questions? Check out our website or contact Melissa Richardson, ISPTSA VP of Outreach.

ISPTSA GRANTS

As IS's first semester concludes, we would like to share progress and upcoming opportunities for our PTSA grants. ISPTSA received 20 applications, totaling $44,000 in requests, highlighting urgent needs and program potential. Of our $30,000 budget, $20,000 was deployed this semester. Grants supported:



• Technology: Robotics and drama clubs received new laptops.
• Arts: Orchestra got a new cello, humanities classes can host Shakespeare workshops.
• Science: 8th grade scientists will experience a planetarium.
• Wellness: Weightlifting Club got new equipment, and Garden Club received funds for planters.

Remaining spring budget: $10,000 with more grant requests expected. Find out more about how our grant money was distributed here.

Your contributions can make an impact. Donate here and join us at the ISPTSA Auction on Friday, February 2 to help us continue providing our community with Grants. Questions? Contact grants@isptsa.org.

THANKSGIVING STAFF APPRECIATION LUNCHEON

Wow! What a tremendous show of support for our Thanksgiving Staff Appreciation Luncheon on Wednesday, November 15 from our 9th Grade parents! A big THANK YOU to the many parents (in alphabetical order) who contributed to this feast in honor of our beloved teachers and staff: Deana Ahn, Cindy Bayanmunkh, Derya Caglar, Emilie Castle, Bella Chan, Emmo Cho, Carrie Dang, Elena Dournova, Catherine Fan, Pearl Ho, Jasmine Isaac, Caroline Keene, Jackie Lang, Meechee Kim, Bonnie Lau, Kyoung Lee, Maggie Lo, Jie Ping, Melissa Richardson, Ashley Saidy, Sylvie Sanguin, Valerie Tam, Masako Tamura, Vivian Yu, Yeping Zhao. Questions? Email Jenny Lin, 9th 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
• WSPTA Game Development Competition Program Chair
• 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 and 9th 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

PTSA BOOK CLUB

Ever wondered what kinds of books your children are reading in school? Here is your chance to join other parents in reading and discussing books teachers may be assigning your children. Melissa Richardson runs a district-wide PTSA Book Club that chooses one book a month from the BSD High School Curriculum.

The PTSA Book Club will meet to discuss "The Leavers" on Wednesday, December 6 at 6 PM. The online link will be announced on the Bellevue PTSA Council Facebook Page once the date gets closer. Questions? Contact Bellevue PTSA Council.

FREE YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID ONLINE CLASS BY SEATTLE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL

Adults living in King County looking to gain skills on how to help an adolescent in crisis or who is experiencing a mental health challenge can take this FREE upcoming class - the first part is a self-guided portion to be completed before the live online class on Friday, December 15. Check this and other classes out here! Questions? Contact Seattle Children's Hospital.

WASHINGTON STATE PTA

SCHOLARSHIPS!

Washington State PTA (WSPTA) offers four $2,500 scholarships to graduating seniors from Washington State public high schools with an active PTA, who will be starting college (either two-year or four-year) in the fall. Applications are now open. Find out more and apply here! Application deadline is Thursday, February 15. Questions? Contact scholarship@wastatepta.org.

NATIONAL PTA

2024 OUTSTANDING ADVOCACY AWARD NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN NOW!

If you know of an outstanding youth or individual PTA advocate, or a local unit or state PTA that has done great advocacy work, nominate them to receive an award from National PTA for their efforts. You can also nominate yourself! The deadline to submit a nomination is Thursday, November 30. Questions? Contact info@pta.org.

NOTES FROM THE BACKPACK: A PODCAST FOR PARENTS, BY PARENTS

Real Experts. Real Parents. Real Conversations.

Notes from the Backpack is a PTA podcast designed for millions of parents and the decision-makers they influence.

Through the unique combination of expert, parent, and educator guests, each episode features engaging conversations that offer real-life advice and ideas on how to support children’s learning and development—all in parent-friendly language.

Latest Episode: How Schools Can Challenge All High Achievers

From supplemental instruction to grade skipping, there are options when it comes to challenging our most advanced learners, but these opportunities can be hard to access. Brandon Wright, editorial director at the Thomas B. Fordham Institute joins the show to share best practices in gifted education and what families can do if their child would benefit from a more advanced curriculum.  Questions? Contact info@pta.org.

E-CIGARETTES ARE A THREAT

E-cigarettes are hooking a new generation on nicotine—putting millions of kids at risk and threatening decades of progress in reducing youth tobacco use. It’s a nationwide crisis of youth addiction, fueled by thousands of kid-friendly flavors and massive doses of nicotine. Learn more about the crisis and what you can do to take action against Big Tobacco. Questions? Contact info@pta.org.

WINTER ACTIVITIES

International School Families! As we approach this festive season, we’d like to share some fun happenings at school. Please check out more information on the flyer about our Snowflake Donation Drive, Winter Spirit Week, Middle School Snowflake Social, and TOLO High School Dance. If you would like to chaperone for either the Middle School Snowflake Social and/or TOLO, please email christiantoa@bsd405.org.

During this time, we also would like to acknowledge how difficult times may be – whether that’s missing or remembering a loved one or requiring resources and assistance. If you or you know someone who would benefit from extra support (whatever that may mean) or would benefit from holiday support such as holiday meals/gifts, please reach out to christiantoa@bsd405.org. One of the things we love about International School is the strength of our community and our support for one another. Thank you!

WMEA JUNIOR ALL-STATE AND ALL-STATE HONOR GROUPS 2024

Outstanding middle school and high school music students from across Washington have received top honors by being selected to participate in one of the 2024 WMEA Junior All-State 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! Questions? Contact Joanne Whang, IS Choir Teacher.

VOLUNTEER IN THE OFFICE

International School is looking for a parent to volunteer in the office.

Available Shifts:

• Every other Monday from 10:15 AM–12:15 PM.
• Every other Thursday from 1:30–3:30 PM.

All volunteers must complete the district-required background check to work in the building. If you have questions or would like to volunteer, please contact Mary Pyrah, IS Office Manager.

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL UPDATE

An International School Update was sent through email on Monday, November 13 to all current IS families with great updates. Questions? Email the IS Main Office.

VOLUNTEER FOR CHERRY CREST ELEMENTARY SPELLING BEES!

Preliminary Event:

• When: Wednesday, December 6, 6–8 PM
• Where: Cherry Crest Elementary, Bellevue, WA
• Sign up: here

Finals Event:

• When: Wednesday, February 7, 6:15 PM–8:30 PM
• Where: Cherry Crest Elementary, Bellevue, WA
• Sign up: here

Details:

• High school volunteers needed.
• No experience required.
• Volunteer hours available.
• Responsibilities detailed in Pronouncer Role And Responsibility.docx.
• Arrive by 5:45 pm, help until 8:30 pm.

We appreciate your support! Questions? Contact Abhishek Sinha.

PLAY VOLLEYBALL - FOR FUN!

What: 2024 Winter Sunday Volleyball League

Who: Co-ed, Grades 6 - 12

Cost: $130

When: January 14 - March 10

Stay active this winter! This 8-week Sunday afternoon co-ed league is great for volleyball players of all levels. Keep your skills sharp for our super popular BGCB Volleyball League by participating in this fun skill development league. Leagues will be 6th-7th, 8th-9th, and 10th-12th grades. Sunday games only. All efforts are made to keep students from the same school together.

Register early to be assured a spot. Volunteer coaches needed for younger player leagues. Questions? Contact the Athletics Department at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue.

BUS ROUTE CANCELLATIONS

THIS Monday, November 20 through Wednesday, November 22, the following bus routes are canceled due to driver availability: 4, 10, 14, 25, 29, and 53. Impacted school communities include Ardmore, Bennett, Big Picture, Chinook, Clyde Hill, Highland, International, Jing Mei, Medina, Newport High School, Odle, Sherwood Forest, Tillicum, and Tyee. Read more here.

Transportation Update: 11 new drivers have been hired. 9 more would be ideal. It takes time to train new drivers, so they should be available to start filling in the canceled routes beginning sometime in December or January. If you, or anyone you know, is interested in being a BSD Bus Driver, apply here.

Questions? Contact BSD.

MIDDLE SCHOOL CONSOLIDATION

The District has requested that every family please take a moment to fill out their survey.

Thank you to everyone who participated in International School's District Listening Session on Thursday, November 16. The district sent representatives asking for feedback regarding what our community most values about our school, what our facility requirements are, and what questions we have for BSD. They did not answer questions, but their facilitators did listen to small groups of our members share their answers to BSD's three proposed questions.

For more information about the Middle School Consolidations try these links:

• Community Forums
• Middle School Consolidation Study
• Presentations from Past Events
• Timeline
• Demographer's Reports and Executive Summary
• Community Engagement
• Message from the Superintendent
• Frequently Asked Questions
• District Budget

Questions? Contact MSConsolidation@bsd405.org.

COMING SOON: OPEN TRANSFER, CHOICE SCHOOLS, AND PROGRAMS APPLICATION PERIOD

The Open Transfer and Choice Schools and Programs application period for the 2024-25 school year will take place from Monday, December 11 to Friday, January 19. Don't forget that sibling applications to International must also be filled out during this time! Read more here. Questions? Contact BSD.

INCLEMENT WEATHER AND POTENTIAL CLOSURE REMINDERS

Winter is approaching and may bring unpredictable weather. BSD encourages families to take the time to revisit the district’s emergency closure schedule protocols and our emergency closure decision-making process. During instances of inclement weather or severe conditions that could result in a delayed or canceled school day, BSD will communicate any schedule changes to families through direct messages, including email, text message, phone call, social media, FlashAlert, local media and posts to bsd405.org. Learn how to update your contact information in ParentVUE and set message preferences in SchoolMessenger to receive inclement weather and emergency communications according to your desired methods. While these decisions are made for the district at large, conditions may vary across the district. We encourage families to make personal decisions based on their specific circumstances. Read more here. Questions? Contact BSD.

BSD NEWSLETTER

An e-newsletter was sent to BSD staff and families on Thursday, November 9, with information about how families can help co-design the next BSD strategic plan, family resource events, recent school board recognition, and more. Read it here. Don't receive the district newsletter? Sign up here! You can see all newsletters here. Questions? Contact BSD.

FAMILIES HELPING FAMILIES THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE

The Families Helping Families Thanksgiving Food Drive is a long-running tradition in the Bellevue community. Families Helping Families provides Thanksgiving baskets to Bellevue School District families in need. Over the past 16 years, more than 40,000 people have received support through Families Helping Families.

Each year Families Helping Families strives to provide full and delicious holiday feasts. If you would like to ensure that requested meals are made available or have any questions, please contact info@familieshelpingfamiliesgive.com.

FREE ANNE FRANK EXHIBIT

• When: Now through Wednesday, November 22
• Where: Bellevue City Hall
• Cost: FREE

Bellevue City Hall hosts a traveling exhibition called “Anne Frank – A History for Today,” on the first-floor concourse. The multi-panel, traveling exhibition shares the history of the Holocaust and World War II through the eyes of the famous diarist and her family.

The self-guided exhibit is free to the public and is a collaboration with the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, the Consulate General of the Netherlands in San Francisco and the Holocaust Center for Humanity in Seattle. 

Anne’s story is one of discrimination and exclusion, but also of hope, determination and inspiration. The themes in her story still prevail today. Find out more here. Questions? Email mdegrand@bellevuewa.gov.

HARRY POTTER: MAGIC AT PLAY

Celebrate Harry's journey at this uniquely interactive, family-friendly experience, where hands-on magical moments bring out the young wizard in all of us.

Wizards, witches and Muggles of all ages are invited to experience a Wizarding World of their own at Harry Potter: Magic at Play. The first-of-its-kind experience allows fans of

all ages to engage with the Wizarding World like never before through more than 20 touchpoints of hands-on magical interactivity including games, exploration, sensory activations and more that celebrate Harry’s own journey in discovering the wizarding world.

• When: Wednesdays through Sundays, NOW until November 30, 10 AM–7 PM
• Where: The Shops at The Bravern
• Cost: Varies

Find out more information and buy tickets here. Questions? Contact them via the online form.

SNOWFLAKE LANE

When: November 24 – December 24, Every Night at 7 PM

Where: Bellevue Way

Cost: FREE

Experience the wonder of falling snow, dazzling lights, festive music, toy drummers, and dancers in this complimentary nightly parade of holiday floats. Join us on the sidewalks between Bellevue Square and Lincoln Square from NE 4th to NE 8th Streets every night at 7 pm. Park in any of our free parking garages and choose your favorite spot on the sidewalk to see the show. Find out more info here. Questions? Contact info@kemperdc.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.