January 22, 2024

MONDAY MESSENGER

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THIS WEEK IS FINALS WEEK

MONDAY, JANUARY 22 –

FRIDAY, JANUARY 26

GOOD LUCK!

SHOUT-OUTS!

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

Thank you Vera Ho for all of your hard work on social media! You do an amazing job at spreading the word about what is happening.

Congratulations to Anthony Tsim and Nikki Truitt for winning the free Auction tickets at the General Membership Meeting last week. We are really looking forward to seeing you on February 2!

THIS WEEK:

• Monday, 1/22–Friday 1/26 • Finals Week*
• Wednesday, 1/24, 2 PM • AMC 8 Competition in IS Library
• Friday, 1/26, 7 PM–8:30 PM • End of Semester Middle School Social*
• Friday, 1/26 • End of First Semester

NEXT WEEK:

• Friday, 2/2 • International School Winter Auction Gala*

LOOKING AHEAD:

• Sunday, 2/4 • Grants Application Deadline*
• 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.

2024 ISPTSA AUCTION GALA: I AM INTERNATIONAL

Join us for an unforgettable evening to celebrate and support International School on Friday, February 2, from 6:30-9:30 PM at the Embassy Suites, Bellevue.

Early Bird pricing of $75 per person ends TODAY, Monday, January 22. Buy your tickets before it's too late!

Last year nearly 1 in 3 families participated in our annual fundraising auction. Buy your tickets today to secure your place at this important event!

Contact: VPFundraising@ISPTSA.org to contribute items for the auction or with questions!

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!

Order from Chipotle on Wednesday, March 6, 5–9 PM, and support the Senior Class! Questions? Email Emilie Castle.

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.

WASHINGTON STATE PTA NEWS

ADVOCACY ACTION ALERTS

Did you know that one branch of PTAs focuses on advocacy? Part of making sure that our schools have what they need to provide our students with the best and safest education is to make sure that our politicians hear our voices. If you are interested in finding out more about Advocacy check out the Action Alerts here to see what legislation is moving through our government and how you can help. Questions? Email support@wastatepta.org.

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES

WSPTA Scholarship Application Due Date – February 15

Graduating high school seniors in Washington who attend a school with an active PTA are eligible for the WSPTA scholarship. Students must apply via the online application (located here, under Student Programs: https://wspta.smapply.io/) by February 15.

WSPTA Essay Contest Entry Due Date – February 15

Washington students grades K-12 attending a school with an active PTA may apply for the WSPTA Essay Contest via the online application (located here, under Student Programs: https://wspta.smapply.io/). The due date is February 15.

Questions? Email support@wastatepta.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.

Latest Episode: Advocating for an Accurate, Well-Rounded Curriculum

How is the political climate shaping the curricula in schools today? From book bans to censorship, our guest Denise Forte, president and CEO of the Education Trust, delves into the tensions facing education today. Tune in to discover current challenges and bright spots and explore where we go from here. Listen here.

END OF SEMESTER MIDDLE SCHOOL SOCIAL

Save the Date for our very first End of Semester Middle School Social THIS Friday, January 26, 7 PM – 8:30 PM! Let’s celebrate and have fun together!

Here are the details:

• Theme: DISCO FEVER
• Date: Friday, January 26
• Time: 7 PM – 8:30 PM
• Location: International School

Tickets will be available to purchase online on TouchBase from Tuesday, January 23 – Thursday, January 25. Advance online ticket prices will be $10 for students with ASB, and $12 without ASB. Tickets will also be available at the door (cash or check only) for $15.

This event will benefit our current seniors – Class of 2024. Thank you for helping us make this event successful! We hope you join us!

IMPORTANT: We do need parent chaperones! Please contact Arty Christianto if you can chaperone for this event or have any questions. Thank you!

WINTER 2 2024 SPORTS SEASON FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL

Registration for Winter 2 2024 Sports Season is OPEN NOW. Registration will remain open until 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!

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL UPDATE

An International School Update was sent through email on Tuesday, January 16 to all current IS families with great updates. Questions? Email the IS Main Office.

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.

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.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH POP UP GALLERY: BO DIDDLEY



Saturday, January 20 — Thursday, February 29

This Black History Month, we delve into the birth of rock 'n' roll, honoring Bo Diddley, a legendary artist who influenced exhibitions like Guitar Gallery, Nirvana, and Hendrix Abroad. In the 20th century, few guitarists rival Bo Diddley, a core influence on the Beatles, Rolling Stones, The Clash, Buddy Holly, Elvis Presley, and others, shaping the birth of rock 'n' roll.

MoPOP's curatorial team explores the museum's collection, featuring a vintage Bo Diddley performance poster from Portland’s Crystal Ballroom, a 1960s custom Gretsch electric guitar played by Bo Diddley, and an exclusive oral history. Join us for an intimate look at the origins of modern American music and the iconic artist who rocked its foundation. Find out more here.

Questions? Email info@mopop.org.

3... 2... 1... BLAST OFF WITH CHILDREN’S FILM FESTIVAL SEATTLE 2024!

CFFS invites this generation’s greatest explorers to assemble their cosmic crew, head to the cinema, and set a course for the stars.

A galaxy of great films and activities await Seattle families this February! Northwest Film Forum invites you to come enjoy awe-inspiring and spectacular shorts, glittering features, and out-of-this-world workshops.

We send this call across the known universe: To join a dazzling voyage of discovery from Friday, February 2 to Saturday, February 10. The festival is available to youth, families, and film lovers of any age, both in-person and online. Explore the schedule and all the events here.

The 19th Annual Children’s Film Festival Seattle comes to Northwest Film Forum (1515 12th Ave, Seattle) and streams virtually from February 2–10! In-person, virtual, and hybrid (all-access) family passes are available now.

Questions? Contact kendra@nwfilmforum.org.

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.