Click here to view the District 2021–2022 calendar for families.

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

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Congratulations to Emilie Castle and Melissa Richardson, our 2021–2022 ISPTSA Golden Acorn recipients!

Emilie Castle generously stepped up to become our ISPTSA president a year and a half ago when the former president had to suddenly step down. Not only has she done an amazing job during her time in the position, but Emilie has also taken on roles that went beyond the scope of president. She managed donation drives such as Smith Brothers, Bloodworks NW, Mod Pizza, and Goodwill; she coordinated the hygiene drive during the earlier days of the pandemic; and she managed ISPTSA grants. Emilie is the former ISPTSA VP of Fundraising and Grants Chair (at the same time). A valuable member of our community, she is the current President of Bellevue PTSA Council and a representative for WSPTA Region 2. As if that is not enough to keep Emilie busy, she is also a King County Master Gardener at the Bellevue Demonstration Garden, does committee work for Bellevue College's Parent's Advisory Committee, holds positions on Newport High School's athletic booster clubs, is a past PTSA president of both Somerset Elementary & Tyee Middle Schools, has chaired numerous successful school & local charity auctions, and recently helped plan Grad Night for Newport High School's Graduating class of 2022. This sounds like way more than any one human could contribute, but we are certain that we've left a few things out. ISPTSA is incredibly grateful that, when asked if she can help, Emilie has a difficult time saying 'no.' Ever-ready with a smile and a helping hand, Emilie Castle is a treasure to our community. 

Melissa Richardson has served as ISPTSA's VP of Community for two years and embodies the meaning of the word "community." She has organized potlucks for the staff, coordinated Teacher Appreciation Week, arranged ISPTSA food contributions to Dejeuner en Blanc, brought families together by planning parent meet-ups, and kept the ISPTSA online community vibrant with her contributions to its Facebook page. In order to foster community when students returned to the building after the lockdown, Melissa managed middle school socials and games during school lunch. ISPTSA's Spiritwear collection has been revived and updated by Melissa, who has managed its fundraising efforts through Winners Sportswear. She was a key advocate for students and our school during the school levy renewals in February. In the broader community, Melissa is active on the Bellevue PTSA Council, for which she has held the position of Vice President. She has also participated in committee work on the Gifted Advisory Committee and Grading Advisory Team for the Bellevue School District. Melissa Richardson is a willing volunteer when others shy away, and she always models a positive, can-do attitude. We are fortunate to have her dedication and commitment to our school.

Questions about the award? Email the Golden Acorn Committee.

Thank you to all for your continuous support, ISPTSA is proud to be the recipient of the 100% PTA Membership Award, 100% Staff Membership Award, Platinum Growth Membership Award recipient, and Outstanding Newsletter Silver Award Winner for 2021–2022!

Let’s keep it up with the strong community support for our students, teachers/staff, and school! ISPTSA membership will resume after July 15 for the 2022–2023 school year. For questions, email membership@isptsa.org.

From the scholarship committee, below are the scholarship recipients for the 2021–2022 ISPTSA scholarship.

Each recipient demonstrated outstanding achievement and impact on their communities through their essays and letter of recommendation. Congratulations to all of them! Thank you to all who submitted an application. For questions, email the ISPTSA Scholarship Committee.

Please welcome the following people to our new ISPTSA Executive board. The board comes with a wealth of experience to make next year a great year to support our students at International School. Click here to learn more about each board member and the role they will serve.

If you would like to be a part of this exciting group of people, please contact president@isptsa.org.

Enid Smith Becker's high school class had the opportunity to do a Raku fire at school thanks to a grant from the ISPTSA. Raku is an old Japanese glaze firing tradition in which ceramics are quickly brought up to 1800 degrees in a special kiln, taken out hot, and put into a can of combustibles. The smoke and reduced oxygen create a wonderful glaze effect with many unexpected colors. The students were delighted by the process, and it was an excellent learning opportunity. Their work is on display in the school case. For questions about the art class, email Enid Smith Becker, IS Art Teacher. For grant questions, email our ISPTSA President.

Would you be interested in joining this amazing newsletter team? Maybe interested in producing news publications or just have a knack for grammar and writing? Email Thyda Tsai, Monday Messenger Editor, to learn more.

H.S. RETREAT CHAPERONES NEEDED—JOIN US!

Warm Beach Camp, Stanwood, WA

This overnight trip is only possible with your support. We need your participation for a successful retreat and require male and female chaperones who can stay overnight. Chaperones attend free of charge. Please contact IS Teachers, Tamara Truax or Lee Holt, to join the fun!

We are looking for community connections to help us celebrate forms of cultural expression and examine topics in the Middle East and North Africa. (The academic content follows a four-year cycle of regions). If you have ideas, expertise, or expert contacts who are willing to lead a session, please contact us! Session topics can include dance, sports, cultural traditions, arts, and crafts (making things), or an exploration of cultural, economic, political, social, or environmental topics in the region. All sessions are about 45 minutes and repeat 6 times on Thursday, Sept. 8. An IS teacher will assist and should be done around 5:30 PM when you are free to leave. (Students and chaperones stay overnight and return to school Friday, September 9.) It’s a great way to share your culture and get involved! Please email IS Teachers, Tamara Truax or Lee Holt..

LAST CALL FOR FRENCH EXCHANGE 2022–2023 PARTICIPANTS!

Apply here by TOMORROW, June 21

Don't miss this unforgettable opportunity! The French Exchange has many available spots still open. If you are interested, consult the “Info for parents” PowerPoint on the school website for more details, and please submit your application by Tuesday, June 21. If you have any questions, reach out to Joe Kheriaty, IS French Teacher.

This year, IS students can check out up to two books per person to read during their summer break (some restrictions may apply). Please stop by the library TODAY, June 20, or TOMORROW, June 21, to get your favorite titles. Here are ideas for great books:

If you need any assistance, please contact Michele Dang.

Reminders for Juniors!

For questions, email Jill Follett, Counseling Secretary.

A warm thank you to all the families who contributed to Déjeuner en Blanc on Friday, June 10. Thank you for your time, hard work, and donations of games and flowers. Celebrating the school’s thirtieth anniversary was a welcome moment of cheer and community spirit after two difficult years. Merçi! For questions, email Gwen Geslin, IS French teacher.

In honor of International School’s 30th birthday, students and staff lined up in the shape of a 30 and the IS logo on the upper field holding a piece of cardstock above their heads. This photo was taken using Wesley Hung’s drone. Thank you, IS students Hansen Wang, Maksim Pavlicic, and Hanna Heywood, for coming up with the idea and coordinating this large-scale plan! It brought our community together in a memorable way for this special celebration. For questions, email Wesley Hung, IS Science Teacher.

International School is returning to an in-person Back to Business Day on August 25. During this time, students and families will be able to pay for fees, get school pictures, get an ORCA card, get their locker assignment, pick up their laptops, and many more opportunities. This is not a required event, as all of these can be taken care of at other times. Specific information will be sent out by the school in early August. For questions, email the IS Main Office.

Fresh cut pasta, homemade tomato sauce, and hand-rolled meatballs— yummy! During the "Food, Glorious Food" Focus Week, students chopped, kneaded, and simmered their way to a delicious take-home dinner. We’d love to share the love of cooking with all of our International School families. Click here for these great recipes. Buon appetito! For questions, email Janet Towne, IS History Teacher.

This is an overnight trip. All students in grades 9–12 participate. This program replaces all classes on these days and is a required activity. Click here for the flyer for directions and more information.

Questions? Please email IS Teachers, Tamara Truax or Lee Holt.

The district has compiled a list of summer resources for families. Read on for important information on summer learning, community programs, and preparing for the 2022–2023 school year. Read more here. For questions, email BSD.

The summer meal program provides free, nutritious meals to help children get the nutrition they need to learn, play, and grow. Read more here. For questions, email BSD Nutrition Services.

The USDA school lunch waiver expires this school year on June 30, so Nutrition Services expects to return to charging for meals next year.  Due to increased supply costs, meal prices for 2022–2023 are expected to go up.  You may apply here for School Meal Benefits beginning August 15. For questions, email the BSD Nutrition Services Department.

Click here to visit a full listing of July and August Recreation Programs online. Register now for July & August programs. Also, limited space is still available in several summer day camps. Visit Register.BellevueWA.gov and select the Day Camps category to see the full array of summer camps available for kids. For questions, email Bellevue Parks & Community Services.

With long 22-inch handles to make carrying a breeze, this roomy tote is an easy way to bypass paper and plastic grocery bags. Click here to shop for this and more! Orders can be picked up from Winner's Sportswear Bellevue for free or delivered. Proceeds benefit ISPTSA. Email Melissa, VP of Community, with questions.

Raise funds for ISPTSA with the Box Tops for Education app. By scanning your grocery and office supply store receipts, qualifying products will be instantly credited to our school. It's easy and adds up fast! Download the app on your phone, and select IS by searching zip code 98005. Questions? Email ISPTSA Fundraising.