The Monday Messenger newsletter stands as your weekly update from the International School PTSA. Our aim is to keep you in the loop regarding the most recent PTSA and school-related developments. Should you have any articles to share, kindly consult the submission guidelines located at the footer of this newsletter. Submit your articles to news@isptsa.org no later than Thursday at 5:00 PM for inclusion in the upcoming publication.

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

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

We would like to thank everyone that has stepped up to serve on this year's ISPTSA Executive Board: Emilie Castle, Qiong Chen, Amanda Johnson, Fenghua Shen, Judy Cam, Li Zhang, Jennifer Li, Maggie Lo, Anjum Anwar, Phil Bloch, Gang Chen, and Melissa Richardson. Thank you for helping us enrich our school for our children, our families, and our staff.

Unlock a Year of Excellence: Join or renew your ISPTSA Annual Membership today! Your membership powers unforgettable school programs, enriching students' journeys! Join today! Questions? Contact Melissa Richardson, VP of Outreach.

If you're ready to be the voice of our school community and help us keep our kids and families informed, join the Monday Messenger team today! If interested, or if you have any questions, contact Jennifer Li, VP of Communications.

You can find the complete list of open chair positions here. Chairpersons play a vital role in maintaining our stellar programs and are not always required to attend monthly meetings. We invite you to review the available positions and consider joining the team of parents dedicated to helping IS create an engaging and safe environment for students and staff to learn and work. To learn more or express your interest, please email Melissa Richardson, VP of Outreach.

ISPTSA needs your help on Back to Business Day, THIS THURSDAY, AUGUST 24! Help us welcome families to International School while your student gathers their schedule and passes, gets their photo taken, and reconnects with classmates. Sign up here to help at the ISPTSA table. Questions? Contact Melissa Richardson, ISPTSA VP of Outreach.

The school also needs volunteers to help demonstrate how to use lockers, assist with picture day, and support the office.

Shifts:

Please sign up here to help out in different areas of the school. You may sign up for more than one shift. Questions? Contact Mary Pyrah, International School Office Manager.

The ISPTSA is excited to announce that we have received a $1,400 grant from BPM to promote financial literacy and establish a finance club. We're currently seeking a few volunteers to assist in coordinating the club. For any questions or if you're interested in helping, please contact Emilie Castle, ISPTSA Co-President.

On June 20, Yuting Zhu and Qiong Chen, CO-VPs of Community, organized a "bring your own lunch" social event for IS Parent Representatives. During the gathering, they shared their experiences and eagerly anticipated the upcoming school year. Questions? Contact Qiong Chen, ISPTSA Co-President.

Keep checking the member discounts page for updated discounts. You received the login for the codes when you joined and were sent your membership card via email. Not a member yet? Join here! Questions? Contact support@wastatepta.org.

International School is asking for volunteers to help out in the office.

If you have questions, or would like to volunteer for a shift, please contact Mary Pyrah, IS Office Manager

We will be holding our Back to Business Day THIS THURSDAY, August 24. In order to maximize efficiency and minimize crowds, families and students are invited to arrive at the following times:

We recognize that some students and families will not be able to join us for Back to Business day and that is fine—this day is not required. Students who are unable to attend should access their class schedule in StudentVue prior to the first day of school.  For grades 6-8, the schedule will include their locker number and combination. The school photo make-up day is September 27 during the school day. Laptops for 9th graders will be distributed in the first days of school. Orca cards can be requested in the main office throughout the year. Questions? Email the IS Main Office.

FinalForms is an on-line platform that allows you to enter information required for students to attend field trips, after-school activities, and participate in extracurricular activities. For International students, this also includes full participation in the PE program, Focus Week, High School Retreat, and 6th Grade Retreat. As a result, this is required for all families.

Parents/Guardians and students need to update their information each school year. If you have not already done so, please sit down together as a family to complete your FinalForms documents before the first day of school.

Questions? Email the IS Main Office.

Two International School Updates were sent through email on Monday, August 7 and Friday, August 18 to all current IS families with great updates. Be sure to check your email and read over them for very important information about the beginning of school. Questions? Email the IS Main Office.

Hello Titans! Are you interested in telling stories through acting and/or providing behind-the-scenes support (from lighting and sound to artistic design)? Well, if the answer is yes, join Titan Players for our fall play next school year. Auditions for our fall play, "Cyrano De Bergerac," a hilarious and well-known story of love and miscommunications, will take place on the first Monday of school, September 11, 4 PM to 7 PM. You can also sign up for tech at auditions or by emailing Nate Bloch. Be a part of something magical next year and join the theatre!

If you have any questions or would like a reminder, don't hesitate to email Nate Bloch.

Visit BSD’s Back-to-School webpage to get prepared for the 2023-2024 School Year. This quick 10-step guide will steer new and current families through the information necessary to get the next school year started. Information on the page includes details about Annual Online Student Verification & Attendance Policy Agreement, Athletics & Activities, Transportation, Health and Safety and more. Please note, this page will be updated throughout the summer in preparation for fall. 

Visit the Back to School page to learn more. Questions? Email pubinfo@bsd405.org.

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.

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.