November 6, 2023

MONDAY MESSENGER

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No School: THIS Friday, November 10

SHOUT-OUTS!

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

Thank you to Mac McDonald, BSD Purchasing Manager, for providing Notary services to our Taiwan Focus Week families. This service elevated access to all our families.

THIS WEEK:

• Tuesday, 11/7, 6:30 PM • 6th Grade Parent Night
• Wednesday, 11/8 • American Mathematics Competition (AMC) 10/12 A Competition
• Thursday, 11/9 • End of 1st Quarter
• Friday, 11/10 • No School (Veterans Day)

NEXT WEEK:

• Tuesday, 11/14 • American Mathematics Competition (AMC) 10/12 B Competition
• Wednesday, 11/15 • Staff Appreciation Luncheon Hosted by the 9th Grade Families*
• Wednesday, 11/15, 7 PM • HS Band Concert
• Thursday, 11/16, 6 PM • IS's Middle School Consolidation Meeting*

LOOKING AHEAD:

• 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 • HS 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 • Staff Appreciation Luncheon Hosted by the 6th Grade Families*
• Wednesday, 12/6, 7 PM • MS Orchestra Concert
• Saturday, 12/9, 8 PM–10 PM • HS TOLO
• Monday, 12/11, 4 PM–7 PM • Drama Auditions
• Wednesday, 12/13 • Winter Market
• Tuesday, 12/19, 4 PM–7 PM • Drama Callbacks
• Wednesday, 12/20–Monday 1/1 • No School (Winter Break)
• Friday, 2/2 • International School Winter Auction Gala
• Wednesday, 3/13, 7 PM • HS Orchestra Concert
• Thursday, 3/14, 7 PM • MS Orchestra Concert
• Wednesday, 6/5, 6 PM • MS Orchestra Concert
• Wednesday, 6/5, 7 PM • HS Orchestra 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

Unlock a Year of Excellence: we cordially invite you to join or renew your ISPTSA Annual Membership today. Your contribution is the driving force behind our exceptional school programs, elevating the educational journeys of our students.

Questions? Contact membership@isptsa.org.

RAISE THE TORCH – FALL FUNDRAISER HITS GOAL IN FINAL HOURS!

Thank you to everyone who donated during the Fall Fundraiser. With the help of about 120 families, we reached our goal just before the October 31 deadline. Less than 24 hours after the fundraiser ended, the PTSA board reviewed and approved grant proposal recommendations to partially or fully fund 16 grant requests. Thanks for your support, and we are excited to turn your investments into tangible benefits for our students! Questions? Contact Phil Bloch and Gang Chen, Co-VPs of Fundraising.

THE 2023–2024 ISPTSA DIRECTORY IS NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE VIA DIRECTORYSPOT!

This year's directory is now live! Download the app, available for iPhones and Android devices, and you will always have the directory with you. You can also access the directory from your computer at DirectorySpot.net (option to self-print a copy of the directory using downloadable PDFs). The website and app have different ways of viewing the information. Be sure to explore both to see all the options. Don't forget that you have to be in the directory to access the directory! Use the email address you gave to the school to log in. Please see this page for more details on how to gain access. Have questions or need help? Check out the FAQ or Email directory@isptsa.org.

9TH GRADE STAFF APPRECIATION LUNCHEON

Dear 9th-grade families, please join us in bringing dishes to share with our staff for the Thanksgiving Staff Appreciation Luncheon on Wednesday, November 15.

Last year was a great success, and the faculty truly appreciated our efforts as it was the first luncheon of the year. However, we fell short on food, and a few parents had to contribute disproportionately to meet the required volume. This year, we hope that every 9th-grade family can contribute something to show our gratitude to the staff members who spend each day with our children. Please bring serving sizes for 6 people. Both purchased and homemade dishes are greatly appreciated! Hot food should be dropped off between 12:00 and 12:15 PM. Please label everything indicating the dish name and ingredients (for allergies). If you don't have time to cook or shop, you can make a donation, and we'll handle the shopping for you.

Please sign up by THIS Saturday, November 11 so that we can plan ahead for any purchases or potential shortfalls. Thank you for your help and support. Questions? Email The 9th Grade Parent Reps.

6TH GRADE STAFF APPRECIATION LUNCHEON

In order to express our gratitude to the hardworking and dedicated staff members here at the IS, the 6th Grade families would like to show our appreciation by providing lunch to them during the upcoming 6th Grade Staff Appreciation Luncheon on Wednesday, December 6. We are kindly asking any 6th-grade families who can to please assist us by signing up to donate money. Additionally, we require one more volunteer to help with the setup and cleanup. If you are willing to volunteer or have any questions, please reach out to Kai Gao.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Our Social Media section (scroll to the bottom of the page) has been updated with a new Facebook page for the Class of 2025 (11th grade)!

Facebook and WhatsApp are great places to keep up with events, share ideas, and ask questions. Each group is subject to the rules laid out by the individual administrators and/or moderators. The ISPTSA does not monitor and is not responsible for them. If you have a group you would like to add to the list or any questions email Vera Ho, Social Media.

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 following positions):

• Volunteer Coordinator
• 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):

• Monday Messenger Liaisons

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

• Grade Parent Liaisons for 8th-grade

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

WASHINGTON STATE PTA

PUBLIC POLICY PRIORITIES OF NATIONAL PTA AND WSPTA

What does PTA have to do with federal legislation? It turns out, quite a bit. 

2024 is the second of the two-year legislative cycle for Congress. 2024 is also a big election year. It’s important that we engage in the federal public policy process and vote. The Top 5 Legislative Priorities for the Washington State PTA can be found here

You can help advocate by sharing PTA’s priorities with your members of Congress and help engage in the public policy process. Find out about ways to engage and more Policy Priorities here! Questions? Email Susan Baird-Joshi, WSPTA Federal Legislative Chair.

NATIONAL PTA

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.

Latest Episode: Preparing Educators to Engage Families

How do teachers find the most effective ways to engage families? Teachers often learn from their colleagues and even their own experiences as students. In this episode, Dr. Soo Hong, researcher and professor at Wellesley College, highlights the lack of formal family engagement training and the systemic changes needed to support early career teachers. Questions? Contact info@pta.org.

JANET TOWNE'S PERIOD 1 HUMAN GEOGRAPHY CLASS NEEDS YOUR HELP!

To what extent does geography impact the decisions we make, like where to go to college? Janet Towne’s Period 1 Human Geography class wants to know, but we need your help! You are invited to the Geography of College Fair! All Parents are welcome!

Date and Time: Please join us in the library, during period 1, THIS Thursday, November 9. The fair will begin at 8:25 AM. 

What to Expect: Visit college booths to learn about the way in which geography shapes 10 colleges around the United States and explore how much geography impacts our decisions about where to study.

Questions? Email Janet Towne, IS AP World History, Contemporary World Affairs, Human Geography.

VOLUNTEER IN THE OFFICE

International School is looking for a parent to volunteer in the office every other Monday from 10:15 AM–12:15 PM. All volunteers must complete the district-required background check to work in the building.

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

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL UPDATE

An International School Update was sent through email on Monday, October 30 to all current IS families with great updates. Questions? Email the IS Main Office.

LOST AND FOUND

Families! Our lost-and-found collection continues to grow! Please peruse the photos and claim your items ASAP! We will donate all unclaimed items after our Thanksgiving break. If you have any questions, please contact Kyla Carlson or Ellen Stone. Thank you! 

GET HOMEWORK HELP AND TUTORING FOR FREE THROUGH KING COUNTY LIBRARY

Study Zone Plus

Connect to homework help and resources in person and online! Students in grades K-12 can work with a tutor or find recharge activities, language, and reading support. Programs include Tutors, Math Club, Reading Buddies, and kids & Teens Talk Time. Questions? Check out the website or contact KCLS.

Brainfuse Free Online Tutoring 

Get one-on-one, real-time tutoring from 1 PM to 11 PM daily. Get writing help. For students in grades K-12, college, and adult learners. Available via chat and audio. Questions? Check out the FAQ or email info@brainfuse.com

WINTER SPORTS 2023-2024

High School winter sports begin November 13!

International School students who reside within Bellevue School District maintain athletic eligibility at the comprehensive high school serving the neighborhood in which they reside (attendance area school). Students attending International School who do not reside in the Bellevue School District are eligible to compete for Bellevue High School.

Find out more information, requirements, and what forms need to be filled out here. Register via FinalForms. Questions? Contact BSD or the individual schools.

ELECTION DAY IS NOVEMBER 7!

Election Day is THIS Tuesday, November 7. Your vote is important! Return your ballot to a ballot drop box by 8 PM on Election Day. Learn about the ballot measures and candidates, which include those for several BSD school board director positions. Questions? Contact King County via its online contact page.

BELLEVUE SCHOOL DISTRICT STRATEGIC PLAN: JOIN THE GUIDING COALITION

We are forming a Guiding Coalition— a team of students, staff, families, community members, and Dr. Aramaki — that will actively engage with our broader community to co-design our next strategic plan. This year, we will be engaging in a design process to create a new five-year strategic plan.

The application period to be on the Guiding Coalition will close on Wednesday, November 15, at 4:00 PM. Applicants who are selected will be notified by Monday, November 20, and the first Coalition meeting will take place on Wednesday, November 29, 4:00 to 6:00 PM.

Click here to apply to become a member of the Strategic Plan Guiding Coalition! More information about commitment details, meeting dates, and a tentative timeline will be posted on the district website soon. Read the entire newsletter here. Questions? Contact BSD.

MIDDLE SCHOOL CONSOLIDATION

Community engagement for the Middle School Consolidation Study has begun. Community forums were held at each of the five comprehensive middle schools, where participants will review the demographers' findings, discuss the implications, and share their thoughts with district leaders.

Presentations from past events have been published on the district website for BSD community members who were/are unable to attend the sessions or who would like to review them online

A separate time has been set aside for International Families to discuss our unique needs, wants, and fears with the District Leadership on Thursday, November 16 at 6 PM at International School.

The Middle School Consolidation Timeline can be found here. A district study of the demographer's reports as well as an executive summary of each report have been posted. More info can be found here. The Message from the Superintendent can be found here. Questions? Contact BSD.

BUS ROUTE CANCELLATIONS

THIS Monday, November 6 through Thursday, November 9, the following bus routes are canceled due to driver availability: 14, 19, 25, 31, 43, and 46. Impacted school communities include Ardmore, Bennett, Clyde Hill, Highland, Jing Mei, Medina, Newport Heights, Odle, Puesta del Sol, Sherwood Forest and Woodridge. Read more here. Questions? Contact BSD.

FENTANYL INFORMATION EVENT FOR BSD FAMILIES

On Wednesday, November 15, Bellevue School District will bring together experts from local, state, and federal agencies to provide a comprehensive look at the dangers of fentanyl and opioids in our community. The program will take place at Sammamish High School beginning at 6:00 PM. Find out more info here. Questions? Contact BSD.

BSD NEWSLETTER

An e-newsletter was sent to BSD staff and families on Thursday, October 26, with information on the Middle School Consolidation Study and community engagement dates, celebrations in the BSD learning community, and more. Read it here. Don't receive the district newsletter? Sign-up here! You can see all newsletters here. Questions? Contact BSD.

WASHINGTON STATE PARKS FREE DAYS

Washington State Parks has announced the following free entrance days when a Discover Pass will not be required to park a vehicle in a state park. 

2023 Discover Pass free days: 

• THIS Saturday, November 11 – Veterans Day
• Saturday, November. 25 – Autumn Day

2024 Discover Pass free days:

• January 1 — First Day Hikes; New Year’s Day
• January 15 — Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• March 9 -- Billy Frank Junior's Birthday
• March 19 — State Parks’ 111th Birthday
• April 22 — Earth Day
• June 8 — National Get Outdoors Day
• June 9 — Free Fishing Day
• June 19 — Juneteenth
• September 28 — National Public Lands Day
• October 10 -- World Mental Health Day
• November 11 — Veterans Day
• November 29 — Autumn Day

Please note, free days apply only to day use (not overnight stays or rented facilities), A Discover Pass will still be required on these days to access lands managed by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (unless noted). Questions? Contact Discover Pass.

BELLEVUE SCHOOLS FOUNDATION CHALLENGE MATCH

If you give over $100 your donation will be matched by two generous donors.

Let’s work together to support our students. State funding for education dropped from 50% to 42% of the state budget. Our donations to BSF create new pathways for students. Let's ensure that ALL of Bellevue’s students get access to early learning, mental health services, an integrated computer science curriculum, support for their teachers, and the best learning opportunities. While other funding sources dry up, we're here to make sure students still get the great education they deserve. Thank you for standing in the gap with us. BFF with BSF! Find out more about BSF: About Us, Our Programs, Program Videos. Questions? Email info@bsfdn.org.

CELEBRATE DIWALI AT THE BELLEVUE COLLECTION

Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is one of India’s most celebrated holidays and symbolizes the victory of light over darkness. Join The Bellevue Collection and Seattle Maharashtra Mandal community for this celebration of new beginnings, light, and joy with performances, cultural displays, henna, and Diwali crafts from Wednesday, November 1 through Monday, November 20. Find out more here. Questions? Email info@kemperdc.com.

37TH ANNUAL NEWPORT SKI SWAP

When:

• THIS Friday, November 10, 1–9 PM
• THIS Saturday, November 11, 9 AM–3 PM

Where:

• Newport High School

The Newport Ski Swap is the largest ski swap in the Seattle area. Find out more here. Read the flier here. Depending on the time of day you may have to pay a fee or sign-up for an Entry Time. Questions? Email SkiSwapHelp@gmail.com.

SHOW YOUR SCHOOL SPIRIT!

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.