September 25, 2023

Translate Newsletter

A huge thank you to Emilie, Phil, Eddy, Jane, Lindsay, Judy, Julia, Anjum, Dave, Dylan, Nate, Maggie, Nikki, Chloe, and everyone else who stepped up at the last minute to help with the Ice Cream Social!

THIS WEEK:

• Wednesday, 9/27 • Picture Retakes (Lifetouch Order Code EVT39XSC2)*
• Wednesday, 9/27, 2 PM • ASB Club Fair
• Thursday, 9/28, 6:30 PM • Curriculum Night
• Sunday, 10/1 • Goodwill Fundraiser

NEXT WEEK:

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

LOOKING AHEAD:

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

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.

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.

GOODWILL FALL DONATION DRIVE!

Clean up your basements, organize your garage, and empty out your closets. Our annual “FILL THE TRUCK” Goodwill fundraiser is on THIS Sunday, October 1, from 9 AM to 12 PM at International School. Bring your clothing, jewelry, household items, or electronics (no furniture, damaged items or TVs over 50 pounds). Let’s raise money for International School by giving up stuff we don’t really need anymore! Proceeds from the fundraiser benefit PTSA.

We also need volunteers to help unload cars and fill the truck (a great opportunity for high school students to earn community service hours). Sign up here.

Questions? Contact Phil Bloch.

STAFF APPRECIATION PASTA NIGHT

In order to thank the hardworking and dedicated teachers here at the IS, we would like to show our appreciation by providing dinner to them during the upcoming Curriculum Night on THIS Thursday, September 28th. Please help us by signing up to donate food.

For questions, email Co-VPs of Community, Maggie Lo and Anjum Anwar.

ISPTSA GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

When: 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 Sunday, October 1, and note any dietary restrictions.

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

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.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

We are looking for Grade Representatives for Grade 8 and Grade 11 Learn more about these positions here. Please email VPcommunity@isptsa.org if you have questions or if you're interested in signing up.

TAILGATE TIME!!!

We are off to a terrific year at International School! The ISPTSA welcomed our parents and guardians to the nearby Kelsey Creek Park parking lot right after drop-off to enjoy coffee and treats. Many of us took this great opportunity to meet up with our fellow International Families. The High School Tailgate was on Thursday, September 14.

The Middle School Tailgate took place on Thursday, September 7. A great group of folks showed up to meet and talk. It was a lot of fun to get to know new Middle School parents and touch base with returning ones.

For questions, email Co-VPs of Community, Maggie Lo and Anjum Anwar.

WASHINGTON STATE PTA

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.

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.

PICTURE RETAKES VOLUNTEERS

The school is looking for volunteers to help with Picture Retakes THIS Wednesday, September 27. We need 2 volunteers per time slot.

Time slots:

• 7 AM–9 AM
• 9 AM–11 AM
• 11 AM–1 PM
• 1 PM–2 PM

Duties will include: managing the lines, distributing student ID cards, and following directions from the photography crew.

To order pictures use the Lifetouch code EVT39XSC2.

Questions? Email Mary Pyrah.

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).

YEARBOOKS

Buy now! $55 each

• 2022-23: Limited quantity available 
• 2023-24: purchase now, available in June

Questions? Contact Jill Follett, IS Counseling Secretary, AP Coordinator, and Yearbook Advisor

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 Friday, September 15 to all current IS families with great updates. Questions? Email the IS Main Office.

TITAN ROBOTICS CLUB

We will be having an FRC Interest Meeting THIS Friday, September 29, in Lee Holt's classroom (Room 209) during lunch. Along with our technical sub-teams like mechanical and programming, we also have media, business, and outreach teams. We are looking for people who want to take photos, edit videos, help us manage our website + social media, host fundraisers, and participate in outreach events. So if you’re interested in exploring the STEM field, consider joining us to find out more about the club. See you there!

Questions? Email Aivy Wang.

PUESTA DEL SOL WALKATHON VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

DATE: THIS Friday, September, 29

TIME: 3:30 PM–6:30 PM (Please arrive by 4 PM or earlier)

LOCATION: Puesta del Sol Field

We need help with various tasks from high school volunteers looking to kickstart their community service hours with a really fun event at Puesta del Sol Elementary School’s annual Walkathon!

Some examples of help needed are putting up signage, escorting students, helping on the field, and cleaning up after! Additional tasks may include assistance at various stations or runners to help replenish supplies to tables as needed! Our Walkathon theme this year is about Outer Space. If you would like to dress in theme, we highly encourage you to do so!

This will be an amazing day with music, dancing, fantastic vendors selling great food, and lots of fun! If you want to volunteer or have questions, please email fundraising@puestadelsolpta.org.

BELLEVUE GIRLS SELECT BASKETBALL TRYOUTS

Register Now for Bellevue Girls Select Basketball Tryouts!

• 4th-8th Grade Girls 
• THIS Saturday, September 30 & Tuesday, September 3
• Chinook Middle School
• Register here: https://www.bellevuegsb.com/tryouts

Questions? Email bellevuegirlsselect@gmail.com.

BELLEVUE YOUTH CHOIRS

Questions? Visit the website or email Kayla Johnson.

HEALTHY WORLD QUEST

Are you or your children curious about the world and eager to make a difference? The Operation Smile Club at Bellevue High School is inviting elementary and middle school students (grades 2-8) to a FREE captivating educational event that will open their eyes to the challenges of health equity in developing countries!

**Date & Time of Each Session:**

THIS Sunday, October 1st, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Sunday, November 5th, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

**Location:**

Bellevue Public Library, 1111 110th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98004 (Room 1)

Find out more information and sign up here! Questions? Contact the club via the sign-up form.

BELLEVUE FAMILY HUB - NEW HOURS AND NEW SECOND LOCATION!

The Bellevue Family Hub has new hours at its location at Highland Middle School and recently opened a second site at Stevenson Elementary. Families can receive emergency financial assistance and support for basic needs. Students and families can also attend free educational workshops and get connected to community organizations in a welcoming, safe environment. The Bellevue Family Hub is generously supported through district partner, Bellevue LifeSpring.

Bellevue Family Hub Locations and Hours:

Appointments are encouraged and can be scheduled by emailing Help@BellevueLifeSpring.org. Walk-ups are also welcome. Learn more on the Bellevue LifeSpring website. Questions? Email info@bellevuelifespring.org.

SUPERINTENDENT'S BLOG: THE BEST SCHOOLS IN THE NATION

In this update to the community, Dr. Aramaki discusses the district’s innovative programs and accomplishments, reinforces its commitments to student mental health and wellness, and answers the community’s questions about declining enrollment at the middle school level, district transportation, and the school year schedule. Read the full update. Questions? Contact superintendent@bsd405.org.

BSD NEWSLETTER

An e-newsletter was sent to BSD staff and families on Thursday, September 14. Don't receive the district newsletter? Sign-up here! Questions? Contact BSD.

MOONCAKE FESTIVAL

When: THIS Friday, September 29 @ 5:00 PM–9:00 PM

Cost: FREE

Location: Renton Community Center

Celebrate the fall harvest and full moon. Families are invited to attend the city's first Mooncake Festival THIS Friday, September 29 from 5-7 PM at Renton Community Center. Enjoy live performances, refreshments, mooncakes, kids' crafts, photo opportunities, and community. In addition, a movie in the gym will be screening at 7 PM. Questions? Visit the website or Email recreation@rentonwa.gov.

CAMLANN MEDIEVAL VILLAGE MICHAELMASSE FESTIVAL

When:

• THIS Saturday, September 30 @ 12:00 PM–5:00 PM
• THIS Sunday, October 1 @ 12:00 PM–5:00 PM

Where:

• Camlann Medieval Village

The lord of Camlann invites you to attend his Michelmasse Festival, with cider pressing, puppetry, music, crafts, archery, and minstrels. Come to Somersetshire, ancient realm of Arthur the king, as our morning trumpet & charter proclamation open the village gates upon the colorful world of Chaucer's England in 1376. The pace is leisurely: everything does not happen at once. The scale is small, intimate: leave behind the hectic 21st century. Questions? Call 425-788-8624.

BELLWETHER 2023

A variety of performances, ranging from live music to video poems to a silent disco party, will feature in this year’s edition of Bellevue’s annual Bellwether Arts Festival. 

Upcoming FREE Events: 

• THIS Saturday, September 30, Downtown Park, 1–5 PM: Silent disco party with DJ Indica and Earthseed Collective as participants listen to music on headsets and dance, including family hour and professional dance demonstrations. Tech tent and food trucks.

For more information visit the website. Questions? Email info@pacelive.org.

Issaquah Salmon Days

When: Saturday, October 7 & 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.