October 2, 2023

MONDAY MESSENGER

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A Huge thank you to all the volunteers who brought the delicious food to our Pasta Night: Shari Burkholder, Helen Maynard, Phil Bloch, Kathy Bessler, Amy Pellegrini, Adriana Santangelo, Monette Anderson, Thuy Shimizu, Amanda Johnson, Ramesh Pourlotfali, Qiong Chen, and our very own Arty Christianto.

We would like to thank Maggie Lo for coordinating both Tailgates, the Ice Cream Social, and the Curriculum Night Dinner. Your efforts have played a significant role in building a wonderful community at IS.

THIS WEEK:

• Thursday, 10/5 • ISPTSA General Membership Meeting*
• Sunday, 10/8 • ISPTSA S1 Grant Submission Deadline*

NEXT WEEK:

• Wednesday, 10/11 • Super Wednesday
• Friday, 10/13 • No School (District Training)

LOOKING AHEAD:

• Monday, 10/16–Friday, 10/20 • Spirit Week
• Thursday, 10/19, 6:30 PM–8 PM • 9th/10th Grade Parent Night
• Saturday, 10/21, 8 PM–10 PM • Homecoming (HS Only)
• Thursday, 11/2, 6:30 PM (Time Change) • 11th Grade Parent Night
• Friday, 11/3, 7 PM • IS Drama's "Cyrano De Bergerac"
• Saturday, 11/4, 2 pm & 7 PM • IS Drama's "Cyrano De Bergerac"
• Tuesday, 11/7, 6:30 PM • 6th Grade Parent Night
• Thursday, 11/9 • End of 1st Quarter
• Friday, 11/10 • No School (Veteran's Day)
• Wednesday, 11/15, 7 PM • HS Band Concert
• Thursday, 11/23–Friday, 11/24 • No School (Thanksgiving)
• Monday, 11/27–Friday, 12/1 • Snowflake Drive
• Tuesday, 11/28, 6:30 PM • Middle School Parent Night
• Wednesday, 11/29, 7 PM • Orchestra Concert
• Thursday, 11/30, 7 PM • MS Band Concert
• Friday, 12/1, 7 PM • MS Snowflake Social
• Monday, 12/4, 7 PM • HS Choir Concert
• Tuesday, 12/5, 7 PM • MS Choir Concert
• Wednesday, 12/6, 7 PM • Orchestra Concert
• Monday, 12/11, 4 PM–7 PM • Drama Auditions
• Wednesday, 12/20–Monday 1/1 • No School (Winter Break)

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.

ISPTSA MEMBERSHIP 2023–2024

We are currently at over 250 members. Great job, IS! We need double that amount, so if you have not renewed, please stop by isptsa.org and sign up. Our school loves your enthusiasm.

Questions? Contact membership@isptsa.org.

ISPTSA GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

When: THIS Thursday, October 5 at 6:30 PM

Where: IS Commons

What: ISPTSA General Membership Meeting and FREE Dinner

Please join us for the first ISPTSA General Membership Meeting of the year on Thursday, October 5 at 6:30 PM. Principal Russell White will speak. We will be voting on the standing rules and budget for the year. A FREE dinner will be served. Please RSVP by THIS Monday, October 2, and note any dietary restrictions. If you do not RSVP you are still welcome to attend, but RSVPing will give us a better idea of how much food to order.

Please review the meeting minutes from the Thursday, June 1 General Membership Meeting, the Standing Rules 2023-2024 draft, and the Budget for approval at the meeting.

Questions? Contact Co-VPs of Community, Maggie Lo and Anjum Anwar.

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 follwing positions) :

• Volunteer Coordinator
• Reflections Program Chair
• WSPTA Game Development Competition Program Chair
• ISPTSA Student Scholarship Chair
• Membership Chair (contact membership@isptsa.org)

Communications (Email vpcommunications@isptsa.org if interested in one of the following positions):

• Social Media
• Monday Messenger Liaisons
• Monday Messenger Proofreaders

Community (Email vpcommunity@isptsa.org if interested in one of the following positions):

• 6th Grade Parent Liaison
• 7th Grade Parent Liaison
• 11th Grade Parent Liaison

Learn more about these positions here. Please email the respective Board Member if you have questions or if you're interested in signing up.

THE MONDAY MESSENGER NEEDS YOUR HELP!

As a unique environment drawing from multiple high schools and middle schools in our district, we need your help to stay connected and informed!

Do you already receive another school's newsletter or love to keep up with what is happening at the district level? We're seeking liaisons who will be responsible for specific schools or community partners within our district. Your role will involve reading their newsletters and checking their websites regularly to identify any relevant events or opportunities for our students and families. You'll then submit that information to the editor to be added to the next Monday Messenger. By joining our team, you'll ensure that our students and families are well-informed about the incredible opportunities available to them.

If interested, or if you have any questions, contact Jennifer Li, VP of Communications.

RAISE THE TORCH – FALL DONATION DRIVE

This year, the ISPTSA will raise and spend more than $100,000 supporting our school and students. These funds will be allocated to important programs that enhance student experiences, provide supplemental materials, and offer grant funding for the school's greatest needs. We invite all IS families to participate in this fundraising effort because we all benefit from the sense of community, academic excellence, and school reputation that these funds support. Please join me in making a tax-deductible donation today to support our students.

Questions? Check out our website or email VPFundraising@isptsa.org.

POINSETTIA & WREATH SENIOR FUNDRAISER

Order Deadline: Wednesday, November 1

Click Here for Order Form

The International School Class of 2024 is hosting its traditional fundraiser, offering festive holiday poinsettias and wreaths from Squak Mountain Nursery in Issaquah. The proceeds will support graduation activities taking place this June.

• Poinsettias (Red, Pink, White): $20
• 24" Mixed Noble Wreaths: $30 (Bow not included)
• Pick-up on Tuesday, November 28, at International School. Further details to follow.
• Payments accepted via Credit card, Zelle, or Check. (More information available in the order form.)

Thank you for your support! Questions? Email kayokoprice@comcast.net.

PTSA GRANT APPLICATIONS DUE!

The ISPTSA Grants Committee meets twice a year, once in each semester, to review and finalize proposed grant approval recommendations for the ISPTSA board.

For the fall semester: The Grants Committee will present grant funding recommendations at the October 17 ISPTSA board meeting. The deadline for fall semester grant applications is THIS Sunday, October 8.

For the spring semester: The Grants Committee will present grant funding recommendations at the February 13 ISPTSA board meeting. The deadline for spring semester grant applications is Sunday, February 4.

Applications and information can be accessed here. Completed applications should be sent to grants@isptsa.org. Questions? Email grants@isptsa.org.

STAFF APPRECIATION PASTA NIGHT

In order to thank the hardworking and dedicated teachers here at IS, the PTSA, with the help of volunteers, hosted a pasta dinner during Curriculum Night on Thursday, September 29. We would like to thank all the volunteers who brought the delicious food: Shari Burkholder, Helen Maynard, Phil Bloch, Kathy Bessler, Amy Pellegrini, Adriana Santangelo, Monette Anderson, Thuy Shimizu, Amanda Johnson, Ramesh Pourlotfali, Qiong Chen, and our very own Arty Christianto.

ICE CREAM SOCIAL

Thank you, everyone, for showing up for our FIRST after-school family social event on Friday, September 15. It was nice to reconnect with old friends and to meet so many new IS families. We hope everyone had a great time. We cannot do things like this without the help of many volunteers and our PTSA. Thank you! Questions? Contact Co-VPs of Community, Maggie Lo and Anjum Anwar.

BELLEVUE PTSA COUNCIL NEWS

FINDING YOUR BEST FIT FOR COLLEGE

Find out more info here. Questions? Email VPOutreach@isptsa.org

WASHINGTON STATE PTA

PTA CONNECTED: A DIGITAL SAFETY RESOURCE

We’re pleased to share that Betty Gibbins, Washington State Champion has been selected to support National PTA’s PTA Connected initiative. Betty Gibbins will be connecting families with expert resources, best practices, and tools to help them navigate technology and interact safely in the digital space. Congratulations Betty Gibbins, we are #PTAProud of you!

Be on the lookout for PTA Connected: Digital Safety trainings and workshops!

More information about PTA Connected can be found at PTA.org/Connected.

Questions? Email betty.gibbins@wastatepta.org.

WASHINGTON STATE PTA COMMITTEE VOLUNTEERS

Do you have a passion for membership? Do you have amazing ideas for growing membership? Do you have a desire to be on a state committee but don’t know where to start? We’d love to have you join our team! The membership committee is looking for interested volunteers. It doesn’t matter whether you have been in PTA for one year or five. Please fill out the Volunteer Interest Form – or reach out to me directly for more information – ptamembdir@wastatepta.org.

WANTED: ADVOCACY DIRECTOR AND AREA D VICE PRESIDENT

Have you always wanted to take a bigger leadership role and be on the WSPTA Board? Now’s your chance to make a big impact! The Washington State PTA Nominating Committee is seeking nominations for an Advocacy Director and Area D Vice President (area D includes regions 3, 4, 11 & 12). Both elected positions will be on the board of directors through the current board term ending May 31, 2025.  

Heads up! We will soon be providing the online Nomination Form, so be on the lookout! There you will find eligibility requirements and the nomination form to fill out. The deadline for nominations is November 15. We look forward to serving our WSPTA members in our Nominating Committee capacity. Questions? Email support@wastatepta.org.

NATIONAL PTA NEWS

NATIONAL PTA NEWSLETTERS

The National PTA publishes five e-newsletters that reach a combined audience of more than 325,000 PTA leaders, parents, teachers and students. Sign up to receive one today. Questions? Email info@pta.org.Read More 

NOTES FROM THE BACKPACK: A PODCAST FOR PARENTS, BY PARENTS

Real Experts. Real Parents. Real Conversations.

Notes from the Backpack is a PTA podcast designed for millions of parents and the decision-makers they influence.

Through the unique combination of expert, parent, and educator guests, each episode features engaging conversations that offer real-life advice and ideas on how to support children’s learning and development—all in parent-friendly language.

This Episode: How to Talk with Your Kids About Addiction

Many parents feel unsure when they should start talking to their children about addiction and even more uncertain about what to say. In this episode, author and educator, Jessica Lahey, offers practical tips and guidance for having conversations about drug and alcohol use. She draws on the latest research and her own experiences to share what families need to know to keep their kids safe. Questions? Contact info@pta.org.

ATTENTION HIGH SCHOOL FAMILIES!

There are some important dates on the horizon for AP Testing, and some action items you need to complete. Please see below, and reach out to Kyla Carlson (who is taking over the AP Coordinator responsibilities from Jill Follett) with any questions.

• All tests are available online in the student’s Touchbase account. Please select and pay for the tests your student intends to take. Students may take tests not offered by International School – just pay for any desired tests, send a receipt to Kyla Carlson (email is fine), and she will provide your student the Join Codes required to access materials online.
• To avoid late fees, please pay for all AP tests by November 3.
• Families who are experiencing financial hardship may apply for a scholarship through the district for reduced test fees. The Scholarship Form for those who do not qualify for Fee Waiver Program is due October 20.

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Kyla Carlson (carlsonk@bsd405.org).

TITAN WEDNESDAYS ARE HERE!

Calling All Titans! Show your Titan spirit on Wednesday by wearing your Titan Gear (including the new 6th-grade tee-shirts!), GREEN or GREY. Go Titans!

The PTSA sells spirit wear in case you don't have any or your kids grew a lot over the summer. Questions? Contact Janet Towne, IS AP World History, Contemporary World Affairs, Human Geography.

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL UPDATE

An International School Update was sent through email on Monday, September 25 to all current IS families with great updates. Questions? Email the IS Main Office.

LOST AND FOUND

Even though it’s early in the school year, we have already amassed a plethora of lost and found items. Please have your students claim whatever is theirs! Clothing and other larger items are located in the commons, while electronics, keys, and other small goodies are in the front office. Questions? Please reach out to Kyla Carlson via email or in the front office.

EARN VOLUNTEER HOURS (OR GET PAID) AS A SKI OR SNOWBOARD INSTRUCTOR

Bellevue Ski School, since 1958, offers top-quality skiing and snowboarding instruction for students in grades 2-12. Ullr Snow Sports is hiring high school students, skilled skiers or snowboarders, to teach fellow students.

Ullr Cadets (instructor trainees) can earn pay or volunteer hours. Training begins with two meetings on October 4 and 10. For details, visit https://www.ullr.com, click 'Ullr Is Hiring.' In October and November, 6 online training sessions, and in December, 2 online sessions and 2 weekend on-snow training sessions. Full schedule: https://ullr.com/documents/sched24.pdf. To apply, visit https://www.ullr.com, click 'Ullr Is Hiring,' attend an October meeting, and commit to training and ski school dates in January-March.

Parents interested in volunteering as chaperones, visit https://bellevueskischool.com/volunteer.

EARN VOLUNTEER HOURS WITH WISE CAMPS

Do you enjoy science, technology, engineering, art and/or math? We are looking for students in 8th through 12th grade to earn volunteer hours by helping us out with 7 camps for elementary school kids through the 2023-2024 school year. Find out more about Wise Camps here. Please email wisecamps@gmail.com if interested in helping out or if you have any questions.

BELLEVUE GIRLS SELECT BASKETBALL TRYOUTS

Register Now for Bellevue Girls Select Basketball Tryouts!

• 4th-8th Grade Girls 
• THIS Tuesday, October 3
• Chinook Middle School
• Register here: https://www.bellevuegsb.com/tryouts

Questions? Email bellevuegirlsselect@gmail.com.

CONGRATULATIONS TO BSD'S 2024 NATIONAL MERIT SEMIFINALISTS

The Bellevue School District is proud to announce the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program Semifinalists! The nationwide pool of Semifinalists, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state. In September 2023, more than 16,000 Semifinalists were named, and these academically talented high school seniors will have an opportunity to continue in the competition for 7,140 scholarships, worth nearly $28 million. Congratulations to all of the BSD scholars who will move on to the next round of the competition! Read more about it here. Questions? Contact BSD.

CONTACT US WEBPAGE TO REPLACE LET'S TALK

As of the end of September 2023, the Let’s Talk platform will be removed from district webpages. In order to continue to center the needs of our community and provide consistent and timely two-way communication, a new Contact Us webpage is now available for community members to reach district departments. Read more about it here. Questions? Contact BSD.

BSD NEWSLETTER

An e-newsletter was sent to BSD staff and families on Thursday, September 28. Don't receive the district newsletter? Sign-up here! You can see all newsletters here. Questions? Contact BSD.

BELLEVUE SCHOOLS FOUNDATION

Find out more here. Questions? Email info@bsfdn.org.

Nile Nightmares Haunted House

When: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in October

Cost: $30, $10 for Family Funfest

Where: Nile Nightmares Haunted House

Nile Nightmares Haunted House 2023 will feature Seven updated Attractions! All for one ticket price!

DEADMAN'S COVE • CURSE OF THE NILE • SLAUGHTERHOUSE • INFERNUM MINING CO. • THE WICKED WORKSHOP • 3D CIRCUS • BALLINGER ASYLUM • Admission Also Includes: Hillbilly Holler Trail, Poison Petes Apple Orchard, and Ballinger Cemetery! There will also be Escape Rooms, vendors, and concessions for an additional cost.

Family Funfest: Saturday, October 21, 11 AM to 3 PM. This is a great event for the whole family! Adults get in Free with paid child's admission! This is a low scare, fun event for all ages. The vendor and concessions area will be open to all guests

Questions? Email info@nilenightmares.com.

FREE FIRST THURSDAYS AT PARTICIPATING MUSEUMS

Many museums in our area offer free admission on the first Thursday of each month! Check out this list of participating museums and visit one THIS Thursday, October 5, or any first Thursday you can. Questions? Contact the individual museums.

Issaquah Salmon Days

When: THIS Saturday, October 7 & This Sunday, October 8 @ 10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Cost: FREE

Where: Historic Shell Station & Downtown Issaquah

The Issaquah Salmon Days Festival is Issaquah’s annual, family-oriented festival celebrating the return of the spawning salmon to our lakes, creeks, and historic downtown hatchery each fall. FREE admission and special activities, such as live bands and a parade, for children and families, are what make the Festival beloved by many and a yearly tradition. The overall goal of the Festival is to provide an affordable, entertaining, educational, environmental, and successful event for people of all ages, highlighting the unique focus and miracle of our community’s treasure…the returning salmon and our historic downtown hatchery.

Questions? Visit the website or email info@SalmonDays.org.