September 20, 2021
MONDAY MESSENGER
UPCOMING DATES AND EVENTS
THIS WEEK:
  • Wednesday, 9/22 • IS Student and Staff Picture Day*

NEXT WEEK:
  • Wednesday, 9/29, 7:30–8:00 PM, 1:45–2:15 PM • ASB Club Fair at IS*

LOOKING AHEAD:
  • Tuesday, 10/5, 6:30 PM • Virtual Middle School Family Night
  • Friday, 10/8 • No School: Professional Development Day
  • Wednesday, 10/13 • Super Wednesday and PSAT Test for Juniors
  • Wednesday, 10/20 • Picture Retakes
  • Thursday, 10/27 • Smarter Balance Testing for Certain Grades*
  • Thursday, 10/28 • BSD School Day SAT Test for Juniors and Seniors*
  • Friday, 11/5 • End of First Quarter
  • Thursday, 11/11 • No School: Veterans Day Observed
  • Saturday, 11/20, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM • IS Goodwill Drive Fundraiser*
  • Thursday, 11/25–Friday, 11/26 • No School: Thanksgiving
  • Monday, 12/20–Monday, 1/3 • No School: Winter Break

Click here to view the District 2021-2022 calendar for families.
* More information included in message below
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
IN NEED OF AN IT SAVVY PERSON TO FIND US A NEW EMAIL FORWARDING SERVICE

The ISPTSA needs a new email forwarding service. We currently use Site5 that is not compatible with Yahoo addresses. Are you an IS parent that can help us find the best email forwarding service to fit our budget and our needs? We would only need your help for a short period of time. Please email Secretary@isptsa.org.
PSAT PROCTORS NEEDED
 
International School will be administering the PSAT to 11th grade students on Wednesday, October 13. We are looking for parents who are able to proctor the test. Proctoring involves:
  • Participating in a short proctor training (likely prerecorded or virtual)
  • Distributing testing materials on test day
  • Reading the directions out loud to the students
  • Monitoring the testing room
  • Recording testing irregularities
  • Collecting testing materials
 
If you are the parent of a student who is NOT in 11th grade, you are eligible to proctor the PSAT. We need at least 3 volunteers but more would always be appreciated. If you are able and interested, please contact Assistant Principal Traci Sullivan at sullivant@bsd405.org.
ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
 
After three weeks, the parking lot traffic is moving along pretty well. As students and families have become familiar with the rules and priorities, we are clearing the parking lot in 1520 minutes each day! Having set a good foundation, we would like to create a team of volunteers who can lead traffic duty in the morning and afternoons. 

If you are interested in directing parking lot traffic flow and you are available during the week from 8:008:15 AM or 3:153:30 on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays or 1:402:00 PM Wednesdays, please contact Assistant Principal Traci Sullivan at sullivant@bsd405.org.
OFFICE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
 
One of the things that makes International School exceptional is the level of support we get from our family volunteers, especially when it comes to volunteering in the main office. We count on daily volunteers to keep things running smoothly throughout the year. Volunteers will need to register and provide proof of vaccination status. We still need weekly or biweekly volunteers for the following time slots:
  • Mondays, 12:15–3:15 PM rotating every other week
  • Wednesdays, 10:15 AM–11:15 PM weekly (or rotating)
  • Thursdays, 11:15 AM–1:15 PM weekly (or rotating)
  • Fridays, 11:15 AM–1:15 PM weekly (or rotating) 

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Assistant Principal Traci Sullivan at sullivant@bsd405.org.
THESE POSITIONS NEED YOU!

  • Co-VP Fundraising, current school year
  • Co-VP of Communications, current school year
  • Co-VP of Outreach, current school year
  • Grade-Level Representatives, current school year

Please email board@isptsa.org to learn more and sign up. Thank you!
PTSA NEWS
MEMBERSHIP GIFT CARD RAFFLE

Do you like gift cards? ISPTSA membership is raffling gift cards for Starbucks, Amazon, Woods, Target and Chipotle. Everyone who becomes a member is eligible if your name is pulled. We will be awarding three gift cards a week to the lucky ISPTSA members. Join today, and be a part of the raffle!
 
Congratulations to this week's winners: Bonnie L., Hudong W. and Sungjin H.! A great big thank you to our new members, especially the eight teachers and staff members who have joined ISPTSA this week! We are now 53% toward our goal! By becoming a PTSA member, you help build a strong community of support for our students and teachers. Your voice and your vote are important in creating a budget that funds educational opportunities and allow teachers to provide 21st century teaching methods for our students. We are proud to be the only high school in Washington that had 100% membership (where each IS student supported by an ISPTSA member). Help us reach the goal of 100% membership again this year! 

Membership categories and annual fee:
               • Family membership, 3 people—$35
               • Dual membership, 2 people—$25
               • Single and student membership—$15
               • Teacher/staff—$10

Visit www.isptsa.org, and become a member today! Any questions, please contact Membership@isptsa.org.
PLATELET DONORS NEEDED

Bloodworks NW is in desperate need of platelet donors. On Monday, September 20, there are six open platelet appointments, and we welcome IS donors to fill them. Whether you choose to donate platelets or whole blood, your gift of blood not only helps a patient in need, but it helps ISPTSA raise money too. When you check in, share code "832B" for your donation to count toward our fundraiser. Please sign up now!

Want to learn more about platelet donation, whole blood donation or about Bloodworks NW? Visit BloodworksNW.org. For IS fundraiser questions, email president@isptsa.org.
SAVE THE DATE: GOODWILL DRIVE

Saturday, November 20, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
International School Parking Lot

Start gathering your donations! The International School PTSA will be hosting a Goodwill Drive on Saturday, November 20, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM. Clothes, shoes, household items, small electronics, books, toys, sporting goods and accessories can be collected. Please no large furniture. Goodwill is also a certified e-waste recycler, so they will take computers, peripherals, televisions, monitors and other e-waste. Email president@isptsa.org with questions.
SCHOOL NEWS
WEEKLY TITAN TEACHER TRIBUTE

New this year, we will be featuring an International School teacher every week to help build community. Thank you to Janet Towne, World History Teacher, for organizing this!

This week’s Titan Teacher of the Week is… CÉCILE CASANOVA! This year marks Cécile’s 23rd year of teaching… Oh là là! Cécile teaches 9th and 12th grade French. Her favorite class in school, French Literature, was taught by her favorite teacher, Madame Grandval. Cécile was born in France and earned a Master’s Degree in French Literature from La Sorbonne in Paris. When Cécile is not munching on delicious French bread, you can find her at plays, writing or traveling somewhere she has never been before. Next time you are in the 100 Hallway, say "Hi!" to Cécile Casanova, our Titan Teacher of the Week!

For questions about Titan Tribute of the Week, email townej@bsd405.org.
IS PICTURE DAY THIS WEDNESDAY

THIS Wednesday, September 22
Picture Day ID: EVTV9NZVJ

Don't forget about Picture Day at International School! Order online before picture day. Students will get photographed, and orders will be sent home with the student after photos have been processed. Contact Lifetouch with questions at 1-800-736-4753.
VIRTUAL CURRICULUM NIGHT

If you missed the International School Virtual Curriculum Night this past Friday, September 17, it is available for you to watch at your convenience. The introductory TEAMS event may be accessed HERE. You may access the teacher videos at https://flipgrid.com/3d5487cb. For questions, email internationalschooloffice@bsd405.org.
FOOD FACTS

Almost 300 students are partaking of the hot lunches at IS. This is double what normally happened prior to COVID, but Patti Lydon, Kitchen Manager, and her team try to keep the lines moving and keeping social distancing. Thank you!
DISTRICT NEWS
STATE TESTING UPDATE

As families may recall, state tests for English Language Arts (ELA), Math and Science did not happen in Spring 2021. The state’s Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) decided that the Spring 2021 tests would be postponed until Fall 2021. This Fall from September 27 through November 10, all schools will be administering state tests to students in certain grade levels. For more information about the tests and the tests each grade level will take, see the Bellevue School District webpage. Questions? Email the BSD testing manager, Chris Lindberg, at lindbergc@bsd405.org.
SCHOOL DAY SAT ON OCTOBER 28

Bellevue School District will offer the SAT to seniors and juniors during the regular school day on Thursday, October 28. There will be no cost to students, and all 11th and 12th grade students will be automatically registered to take the SAT on October 28. If you do NOT wish to take this test, follow the link in the BSD email sent to all 11th and 12th graders, and complete the Microsoft form. Check out the BSD Counseling webpage for more information on SAT testing through the Bellevue School District. For questions, contact Maria Frieboes-Gee, Director of Student Services, at frieboem@bsd405.org.
ACADEMIC GRADING FOR 2021–2022 SCHOOL YEAR

During the 2020-21 school year, teachers were encouraged to make shifts in their grading as part of an ongoing move towards more equitable and consistent grading across the district. In January 2021, there were changes to middle and high school semester report card grades in response to the conditions of remote learning. There is new information on grading for 2021–2022 as well as long-term grading plans on the BSD Grading Practices 2021–2022 page. For questions, contact Parent Help at (425) 456-4222, or email the District at pubinfo@bsd405.org.
DELETING OLD EMAILS IN YOUR PARENTVUE ACCOUNT

Tired of seeing last year's (or even further back) email when you view your student account in ParentVUE? Well, there is a way to delete them and start fresh this year. This can only be done on a pc, not a mobile device. Sign into your ParentVUE account. Select your student, and click on Synergy mail. Click on Inbox to display all your email. On the upper left corner, click on the empty square to select every email. Uncheck the emails you want to save. Then, click the wastebasket that appears to delete all checked emails, and there, it is empty of all the emails you wanted to delete! Any questions, contact Secretary@isptsa.org.
LET'S TALK! WITH BSD

BSD utilizes Let's Talk! to exchange messages with families. Find messaging options on our website. Please contact staff at your student's school about schedules, attendance and any other school-specific questions or concerns. Visit https://bsd405.org and select Schools in the top menu to find your school. 
FALL 2021 RESOURCES AND UPDATES

Stay up-to-date on important topics at BSD, including: district news, events, policies and procedures, and more with the the Fall 2021 Resources and Updates webpage. Check back regularly for the latest.
STUDENT NEWS & OPPORTUNITIES
NEWPORT GIRLS SELECT BASKETBALL

Does your athlete love basketball? The Newport Girls Select Basketball program exists to promote the development of girl basketball players for high school play. Tryouts for all 4th-8th grade teams are Saturday, September 25 and Sunday, September 26. We highly encourage athletes to attend both days. These sessions are only open for those kids in the Newport High School feeder area. Please visit our website to learn more about the program, and register today for tryouts. Questions? Please email Michael Ketchum at ketchcetera@gmail.com.
FREE CHESS LESSONS

425 Kids Chess, a Washington non-profit run by BSD high school and middle school students, is offering free weekly groups and 1-on-1 chess lessons to elementary and middle school students online. The hope is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of chess and foster creativity and critical thinking at a young age. These lessons are for beginners of all ages, teaching them the basics, openings, advanced strategies, and more! Learn more or register at 425kidschess.com.
Questions? Email 425kidschess@gmail.com.
CW ACADEMY ENROLLING

CW Academy just opened enrollment for over 15 FREE, exciting courses! Courses include Python 1, HTML, Introduction to Algebra, Biology, Psychology, Business/Economics, Chinese, Music Theory, and more, all taught by amazing high school students. To explore our full list of courses, please visit our course catalog to sign up. If you have any questions, please email cwacademybellevue@gmail.com.
MISSION INSPIRED CLASSES

Mission InspirEd is a nonprofit with the mission to provide a student launchpad for youth-to-youth learning in the Greater Seattle area. Elementary and middle school students learn from passionate high school instructors who are excited about their specialized topics. Enrollment is open, and classes begin in early October. See the Mission InspirEd website to learn more about their FREE class offerings, sign up, or ask questions.
UW YOUTH AND TEEN PROGRAMS

Register by THIS Wednesday, September 22

Hone a skill or discover a new talent this fall with remote enrichment courses! Courses are taught in real time in the evenings using a blend of whole group discussion, small group/partner work and individual work time.

For registration information and course details, visit the UW Youth and Teens website! Email sypinfo@uw.edu with questions.
COMMUNITY NEWS
FREE KCLS COLLEGE WORKSHOPS

Life After High School online events provide teens and families the information they need to plan for the future. These KCLS programs are hosted on Zoom Wednesdays at 6 PM. Register here for these and other career and college events:
  • September 22Demystifying the College Common App Essay Questions
  • September 29—All about Financial Aid for College
  • October 6—Reducing Anxiety About College Applications
  • October 13—Essays that Really Stand Out

For questions, contact Rochelle Brown, Newport Way Library Teen Services Librarian, at rochellb@kcls.org.
FREE ONLINE TUTORING & TEST PREP

Tutor.com is available FREE to KCLS library card holders. Get one-on-one, real-time tutoring. For students in grades K-12, entry-level college, and adult learners. Submit an essay, math problem, cover letter or resume for review. Prepare for the SAT, ACT, AP, or graduate school entrance exams. Get help with study skills for students and families. Check out what's available today!

For a list of session limits, subjects you can get help with, and tools for teachers view our frequently asked questions. For Tutor.com technical support, email librarysupport@tutor.com. For KCLS questions, get help here.
COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY

With schools reopening in-person, Backpack Meals for Kids will return to their model of providing weekend food packs. They need volunteers to help deliver the packs from the district warehouse (12037 NE 5th) to the individual schools on Thursday mornings, 10–11:30 AM. Interested parents, please contact Maggie Rader, Backpack Meals for Kids volunteer coordinator, at radermag@comcast.net.
SUPPORT OUR ISPTSA
ISPTSA TUMBLER—BE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL GREEN AND SHOW COMMUNITY SPIRIT!

These great looking 14 oz. dual wall insulated stainless steel tumblers have a swivel lid with drink thru opening and a plastic ring seal to stave off spills. Featuring the new ISPTSA logo, this tumbler will keep your drink hot or cold on the go, all while benefiting the International School PTSA! Click this link for the ISPTSA Store.
SUPPORT ISPTSA WITH YOUR AMAZON PURCHASES

Support IS PTSA with your Amazon purchases! Amazon donates a percentage of your Amazon Smile purchases to our school when you select Bellevue International School as your charity of choice. Click here to begin! Please email vpfundraising@isptsa.org with questions.
BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION

Help raise funds for ISPTSA with the Box Tops for Education app on your phone. By scanning your grocery and office supply store receipts, any qualifying products will be instantly credited to our school. It's quick and easy, and it adds up fast! Visit Box Tops for Education for more information. To select IS as your school, search zip code 98005. Any questions, email vpfundraising@isptsa.org.
FEATURED SPIRIT WEAR: INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL ESSENTIAL TEE–ONLY $10!

A year-round essential, our best-selling t-shirt has been voted “most popular” by groups, teams, clubs and schools across America. Made of 6.1-ounce 100% soft spun cotton.

CLICK HERE TO SHOPmore than featured here!

Orders are available for delivery or FREE pickup from Winner's Sportswear in Bellevue. Proceeds benefit ISPTSA. Email sam_mel@yahoo.com with questions.
MASTHEAD / DIRECTORY / LINKS
President
President-Elect
Secretary
Treasurer
VP of Communications
OPEN
VP of Community
VP of Fundraising
OPEN
VPs of Outreach
Membership Chair
Grants
Advocacy Chair
Monday Messenger
Website
IS Staff Liaison
OPEN
PTSA Website: www.isptsa.org
Newsletter Submissions: news@isptsa.org
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 

SUPPORT YOUR PTSA
Donate Anytime!
Write your check to the International School PTSA and send it to:
ISPTSA, PO Box 221, Bellevue WA 98009
Or, even easier, donate
via PayPal.
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.
MONDAY MESSENGER
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
  • Please submit articles by THURSDAY at 5:00 PM to news@isptsa.org.
  • 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.