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February 27, 2023
MONDAY MESSENGER
UPCOMING DATES AND EVENTS
THIS WEEK:
  • Friday, 3/3, 7 PM IS Drama Performance of Newsies*
  • Saturday, 3/4, 2 PM & 7 PM IS Drama Performance of Newsies*

NEXT WEEK:
  • Wednesday, 3/8 • Staff Appreciation Lunch Hosted by 9th-Grade Families
  • Friday, 3/10, 7 PM IS Drama Performance of Newsies*
  • Saturday, 3/11, 2 PM & 7 PM IS Drama Performance of Newsies*

LOOKING AHEAD:
  • Tuesday, 3/14, 7 PM • Middle School Orchestra Concert
  • Wednesday, 3/15, 7 PM • High School Orchestra Concert
  • Friday, 3/17 No School: Professional Development Day
  • Tuesday, 3/21, 7 PM • Middle School Choir Concert
  • Wednesday, 3/22, 7 PM • High School Choir Concert
  • Wednesday, 3/22 • School Day SAT (Juniors)*
  • Thursday, 3/23, 7 PM • High School Band Concert
  • Tuesday, 3/28, 7 PM • Middle School Band Concert
  • Thursday, 3/30, 6:30 PM • IS 11th-Grade Parent Night
  • Friday, 3/31 • Talent Show
  • Wednesday, 4/6 • Staff Appreciation Lunch Hosted by 6th-Grade Families
  • Monday, 4/10–Friday, 4/14 No School: Spring Break
  • Tuesday, 4/18, 6:30 PM • IS 8th-Grade Parent Night
  • Thursday, 4/20 • End of 3rd Quarter
  • Monday, 4/24–Friday, 4/28 Spirit Week
  • Wednesday, 4/26, 7 PM • Middle School Band Concert
  • Monday, 5/1–Friday, 5/5 Staff Appreciation Week

Click here to view the District 2022–2023 calendar for families.
*More information in the message below
Orange denotes new/updated calendar entries.
PTSA NEWS
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Hello Everyone,

Welcome back! Whether it was a staycation or a vacation or time off for your kids, it's great to have a bit of a break. Did you accomplish some things during this time; Did you ski a more challenging course? Did you visit a new place? Maybe more of your accomplishment was of the relaxation type? I tried reading 2 to 3 books, and I'm happy to say I'm still reading.  I also tried to get my son, an eighth grader, to read a book.... for fun. This can be like pulling teeth but once you have them hooked, then they can't put the book down, and they feel a sense of accomplishment when they finish that book. As I mentioned before, here's to goals, accomplishments, and just the pure pleasure of reading. May a book, find its way to you.

Thank you,
Auction Logo
AUCTION NIGHT 2023

What an awesome sight to see such a fantastic turnout and support for International School at the Winter Auction! It truly was a night to celebrate our community. In addition to celebrating student performances, activities, and achievements, 160 parents and teachers raised their bid cards and clicked to bid or donate. While we’re still working to close the books on the auction – there’s still time for donors to request company matching donations (email vpfundraising@isptsa.org for assistance) and for you to donate if you couldn't attend. Early projections show us nearly doubling our fundraising target and raising approximately $70,000 for the PTSA after expenses. With funds secured, we’re working to ensure these funds are used to expand support for students and teachers at IS by providing opportunities, experiences, and equipment. Thank you! Questions? Contact VPFundraising@isptsa.org.
MIDDLE SCHOOL PARENT NIGHT AND SOCIAL

Thank you for coming to the MS Parent Social and Parent Night Tuesday, February 7. We had a good turnout: ~50+ people; almost filled up the library. Find out more info here.

  1. We want to thank Arty (our MS counselor) for her wonderful talk on character, emotional, and social education.
  2. A big thank you for coming and bringing in the tasty dishes! By showing up, you have made contributions to our school community.
  3. Parents who were not able to make it, there will be more opportunities in the future. We will announce the event earlier so that people have more time to plan. 

"We must remember that intelligence is not enough. Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education." - MLK

7TH GRADE TEACHER AND STAFF APPRECIATION LUNCHEON

Thanks to all of the 7th-grade families who supported and contributed to the Teacher and Staff Appreciation Luncheon on February 8. It was a wonderful event that showed how grateful we are to our teachers and staff. They help us build a warm, loving, and caring community for our kids to thrive in! Questions? Contact parent-rep2028@isptsa.org.
LEARNING LOSS: WHAT CAN WE DO ABOUT IT

National PTA President Anna King sat down with NBC’s Kate Snow, Turnaround for Children Founder and child psychiatrist Dr. Pamela Cantor and Excellence Community Charter Schools Co-CEO Dr. Charlene Reid to answer questions from parents on pandemic learning loss following the release of the Nation’s Report Card. Watch the discussion on TODAY Parents' Facebook page to see what they said. Questions? Contact info@pta.org.
NOTES FROM THE BACKPACK: FINDING THE BEST SUMMER PROGRAM FOR YOUR CHILD

Choosing a summer program that is fun, educational and affordable is no easy task. Brodrick Clarke, VP of Programs at the National Summer Learning Association joined our Notes From the Backpack podcast to help. He shares tools families can use to find high-quality summer programs and offers tips for finding a program that will be a good fit for your child. Listen now. Questions? Contact National PTA.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
ISPTSA 2023-2024 BOARD NOMINATIONS

Join other parents in supporting our children, our teachers, and our school. Meet new people, make new friends, and find out what is going on at our school and in our district. Join the 2023-2024 International School PTSA Board and be an active participant in shaping the future! The following positions are open for nominations:
  • President
  • VP of Community
  • VP of Outreach
  • VP of Communications
  • VP of Fundraising
  • Secretary
  • Treasurer 1
  • Treasurer 2
Position descriptions can be found here. Send nominations to nominations@istpsa.org. You can self-nominate or nominate someone you believe in! Questions? Contact the Nominations Committee.
THESE POSITIONS NEED YOU!

  • Parent Representative(s) for Grade 10

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!
SCHOOL NEWS
PARENTS AND GUARDIANS OF HIGH SCHOOLERS:

Every Thursday, Jill Follett emails the IS College Newsletter to you as partners in supporting your students through high school and the college application process. If you are not receiving this, please ensure your preferred email address is listed in Synergy. Some families find their spam/junk filters are blocking it. Because it’s sent through Synergy, you can always find it in your ParentVue inbox, too. Questions? Email Jill at follettj@bsd405.org
SPRING MUSICAL TICKETS

Performances:
  • THIS Friday, March 3 at 7 pm
  • THIS Saturday, March 4 at 2 pm** and 7 pm  
  • Friday, March 10 at 7 pm
  • Saturday, March 11 at 2 pm** and 7 pm

Tickets are $12, or $10 for students with ASB
**Special pricing for matinees - all tickets $10

This year’s spring musical is NEWSIES. Ticket sales are OPEN NOW (online presale closes the Tuesday before each show weekend). Find tickets on Touchbase under "My School" and "ASB Activities/Clubs." There will be assigned seating and any remaining tickets will be available to purchase at the door. These purchases are associated with a student account, so any extended family or friends tickets should be bought at the same time. For questions, please email Renuka Getchell, Drama Co-Parent.
SAT PROCTORS AND SUPPORT STAFF NEEDED

International School will be administering the school day SAT to 11th graders Wednesday, March 22. We are looking for parents who can proctor the test and parents who can provide school support. Parents of 11th graders CANNOT proctor the test or provide support. Find out more information here.
 
If you are interested in helping or have questions, contact Traci Sullivan.
FOUND! LOST ITEMS!
 
Parents, students, and families: Our lost-and-found drawer is overflowing and we would love more than anything to reunite you with your lost possessions. We have AirPod cases, AirPods, watches, glasses, jewelry, keys, and more. Please peruse the photos below, and if you recognize an item, come to the front office to claim it. At the end of the month, we will donate all unclaimed items. Thank you! Questions? Email the IS Main Office.
STUDENT NEWS & OPPORTUNITIES
BELLEVUE YOUTH LINK
 
A Middle and High school leadership and community service program in the City of Bellevue. Take the opportunity to engage in your community, but most importantly get your voice heard. More info can be found on Bellevue Youth Link. Apply at Bellevue Youth Council.
 
Upcoming special events: BellevUnity – THIS Friday, March 3, RSVP here.

Questions? Contact Bellevue Youth Link.
2023 TIPS INTERNSHIPS

Applications to intern at a non-profit this summer with Teens in Public Service are due THIS Friday, March 3. Find out more here. Questions? Contact TIPS.
BELLEVUE, INTERLAKE, NEWPORT, AND SAMMAMISH HIGH SCHOOL SPRING SPORTS
 
Register NOW to be sure your paperwork is completed in time for spring high school sports and activities (first practices begin soon!). Learn more on the BSD Athletics Webpage and your neighborhood high school athletics webpage:
 Contact your neighborhood high school for registration, testing, and tryout details, or call BSD Athletics with questions at (425) 456-4010.
SPRING GIRLS BASKETBALL 

Starting March 14th, join the Newport Select Girls Basketball League Tuesday & Thursday evenings from 6:00-8:00 PM in the Tyee Middle School Gym to work on your basketball skills! Our professional trainer and coaches will help girls work on their skills and organize scrimmages. These are open to girls of all experience levels in 3rd – 7th grade that eventually will go to Newport High School! Questions? Email Newport Girls Select Basketball for more details on how to register.
DISTRICT NEWS
PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE: REVIEW THE FULL RECOMMENDATIONS REPORT AND ATTEND UPCOMING HEARINGS

On Thursday, February 9, Interim Superintendent Jarvis shared the Bellevue School District's recommendations to consolidate schools in the 2023-2024 school year. On Thursday, February 16, a special meeting of the Board of Directors was held. The timeline of the next steps that our community can expect along with more information can be found here. Questions? Email BSD.
INTERIM SUPERINTENDENT RECOMMENDS AGAINST IMPLEMENTATION OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT OFFICER PROGRAM
 
Dr. Art Jarvis recently announced the continued suspension of the proposed replacement for the School Resource Officer (SRO) Program, the Community Engagement Officer (CEO) Program. Further, Dr. Jarvis shared a recommendation against implementing the proposed CEO program. BSD and the City of Bellevue have agreed to maintain an excellent relationship and continue any necessary police services through usual civic and emergency channels. Bellevue Police Department will continue to respond to safety emergencies and requested service. Read Dr. Jarvis’s full statement about this recommendation. Questions? Email BSD.
MATH INFORMATION SESSIONS

Several information sessions will be held to provide families with an opportunity to engage in reviewing the new Algebra 1, Geometry and Algebra 2 curriculum resources and to learn about the direction of secondary math in the district.  
  • THIS Tuesday, February 28 - Newport High School, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.  
  • Friday, March 3 - Sammamish High School, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. (Spanish translator on site)  
  • Wednesday, March 15 - Bellevue High School, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. 
Learn more about the information sessions by contacting p12mathupdate@BSD405.org. More information about BSD’s process of developing the new curriculum can be found on the AGA Instructional Material Adoption Committee webpage. Questions? Email BSD.
COMMUNITY NEWS
VIRTUAL: XYLEM GLOBAL STUDENT INNOVATION CHALLENGE 2023

THIS Wednesday, March 1 — Saturday, April 22

Join us in solving water challenges to expand water access and resilience for all. By competing in this virtual hackathon, you will have the opportunity to:
  • Over 8 weeks, solve one of the following challenge statements in teams of up to 5 students: 
  • Compete from a USD $20,000 prize pool awarded for projects in 2 tracks – high school (secondary) & university tracks and receive a certificate for submitting a project
  • Receive mentorship & participate in educational webinars with water industry experts 
  • Get access to the Xylem Water Master Class, a series of engaging video classes, to learn a range of important water topics from water sustainability to design thinking.
This global virtual hackathon is open to students between the ages of 13 and 25. Innovators of all experience levels are encouraged to join. Sign up and drop in to participate anytime during the duration of the program (until 4/22). Visit the website to learn more about the challenges and register TODAY! Questions? Contact sydney@bemyapp.com.
LA CONNER DAFFODIL FESTIVAL 2023

Join us for the annual La Conner Daffodil Festival! There’s nothing quite as extraordinary as entire fields of bright, cheery daffodils against our Mt. Baker backdrop. It’s just so beautiful in March with the Daffodils blooming, and there are so many fun events and exhibits in La Conner during the month of March. Did you know that more tulip, iris, and daffodil bulbs are produced here than in any other county in the United States? Find out more information here. Questions? Contact info@laconnerchamber.com.
VISIT MUSEUMS FOR FREE

Many museums around Puget Sound offer monthly (or bimonthly) free days, often with family programs happening on those very same days. And some wonderful museums — hello, Frye Art Museum and The Center for Wooden Boats — are always free. Some offer incredible deals for kids — note The Museum of Flight’s Connections program. Find out more here! Questions? Contact the individual museums.
WHEELS AND REELS: DRIVE-IN MOVIE SERIES

Enjoy a night out under the stars at Juanita Beach Park with our Drive-in Movie Series. Watch each movie on our giant LED movie screen! $20 per vehicle, pre-registration is required.

Location: Juanita Beach Park (NW parking lot) - 9703 NE Juanita Dr

Times: Movie starts at 7:00 PM (Parking lot opens at 6:00 PM)

  • March 4: Enchanted
  • April 22: Freaky Friday

To register, visit KirklandParks.net or call 425-587-3336, or visit the website.  All ages welcome. Snack vendors will be on site. Event is held rain or shine - no refunds. No RV's, limos, busses, tailgating or alcohol. Questions? Contact 425-587-3336.
FROM THE GROUND UP: BLACK ARCHITECTS AND DESIGNERS

On view at Seattle’s Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI) open now through April 30, From the Ground Up: Black Architects and Designers explores the past, present, and future of architectural talent, while learning about Black pioneers in the field. Find out more here. Questions? Contact MOHAI.
BHS FILL THE TRUCK FUNDRAISER

Bellevue High School Lower Parking Lot  
Saturday, March 11th, 9 am – 11:30 am or when the 2 trucks are full.  
  
Help the Bellevue High School Band Boosters raise money by cleaning out your closets and garage. Goodwill is bringing a truck to BHS on Saturday, March 11th to accept donations of used goods. The more trucks we can fill, the more money to support the Bellevue High Band (and you'll get a donation tax receipt). Donation guidelines can be found here. Questions? Contact Bellevue High PTSA.
SUPPORT OUR ISPTSA
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 PROGRAM

Start 2023 off with some stress relief for yourself! Signup 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.
MASTHEAD / DIRECTORY / LINKS
Serving International School in the Bellevue School District
President
Secretary
Treasurer 1
Treasurer 2
VP of Communications
VP's of Community
VP's of Fundraising
VP's of Outreach
Membership Chair
Grants
OPEN
Monday Messenger
Website
IS Staff Liaison
Local PTA #2.3.121
SCHOOL DIRECTORY & LINKS

Attendance 425-456-6545
Main Office 425-456-6500 
MS Counseling 425-456-6546
HS Counseling 425-456-6542 
Registrar 425-456-6535 

CONFUSED ABOUT SOMETHING?
The ISPTSA is always here to help answer your IS questions.

Email us here, and we'll help you find the answers you need.
PTSA Website: www.isptsa.org

Newsletter Submissions: news@isptsa.org
SUPPORT YOUR PTSA
Donate Anytime!
or
Or write your check to the International School PTSA and send it to:

ISPTSA
PO Box 221
Bellevue, WA 98009
MONDAY MESSENGER
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
  • Please submit articles by THURSDAY at 5:00 PM to news@isptsa.org.
  • Please limit articles to 600 characters including spaces.
  • Please include contact information for questions from readers.
  • We encourage submissions that align with our mission.
  • Submissions are subject to review by the ISPTSA and may be accepted, rejected, or edited.
  • Please use a separate email for each article submitted.
  • Documents in plain text are preferred, however, you are welcome to include an image or icon as a separate attachment—please do not include them in the body of your email or document.
  • If you need to link to a registration form or document, send us either the address of the link or a pdf copy of the document.
  • If you would like your article to repeat in successive Monday Messenger editions, please resubmit it for each edition in which you would like it to appear. If you do not resubmit it, it will not be republished.
  • Note: you will receive an automatic confirmation email response once you submit material to the Monday Messenger.