October 9, 2023

MONDAY MESSENGER

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Thank you to all the PTSA members that showed up to the General Membership Meeting last week and helped us make important decisions. Thank you also to Maggie Lo for the amazing dinner!

THIS WEEK:

• Tuesday, 10/10, 9 AM–10 AM • Principal Coffee (IS Library)
• Wednesday, 10/11 • Super Wednesday
• Thursday, 10/12 • Hall Decs
• Friday, 10/13 • No School (District Training)

NEXT WEEK:

• Monday, 10/16–Friday, 10/20 • Spirit Week
• Thursday, 10/19, 6:30 PM–8 PM • 9th/10th Grade Parent Night
• Friday, 10/20 • American Mathematics Competition (AMC) 10/12 A Registration Deadline
• Saturday, 10/21, 8 PM–10 PM • Homecoming (HS Only)

LOOKING AHEAD:

• Friday, 10/27• American Mathematics Competition (AMC) 10/12 B Registration Deadline
• Thursday, 11/2, 6:30 PM • 11th Grade Parent Night
• Friday, 11/3, 7 PM • IS Drama's "Cyrano de Bergerac"
• Friday, 11/3 • AP Testing Registration Deadline
• Saturday, 11/4, 2 pm & 7 PM • IS Drama's "Cyrano de Bergerac"
• 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 (Veteran's Day)
• Tuesday, 11/14 • American Mathematics Competition (AMC) 10/12 B Competition
• 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 • 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, 7 PM • MS Orchestra Concert
• Saturday, 12/9, 8 PM–10 PM • HS TOLO
• Monday, 12/11, 4 PM–7 PM • Drama Auditions
• Wednesday, 12/20–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 300 members. Great job, IS! Let's go for 100% again this year. If you have not renewed, please stop by isptsa.org and sign up. Our school loves your enthusiasm.

Questions? Contact membership@isptsa.org.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

BELLEVUE PTSA COUNCIL NEWS

PTSA 101 FOR MANDARIN SPEAKING FAMILIES

Bellevue PTSA Council will host an "Introduction to PTSA" seminar THIS Wednesday, October 11, at 7:00 PM. The session will be conducted in Mandarin Chinese. The seminar will discuss the role of PTSA in the student's education and the ways to get involved with PTSA. Zoom Meeting Link can be found here. Questions? Contact them via their online form here.

BELLEVUE SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATE FORUM

The Bellevue PTSA Council hosted a School Board Candidate Forum over the summer for all candidates running for a Bellevue School Board position in the elections this November. Watch the YouTube video below if you would like to know more about them and keep an eye out for more Forums, one of which should take place sometime this month.

Questions? Contact them via their online form here.

FINDING YOUR BEST FIT FOR COLLEGE

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

BELLEVUE PTSA COUNCIL YOUTH CLUB COOKING CLUB

Middle and High School students are invited to join the Bellevue PTSA Council Youth Cooking Club. Find out more at the Information Night on Monday, October 16 at 7 PM on Zoom. Contact them via their online form here.

WASHINGTON STATE PTA

WA STATE GENERAL ELECTION NOVEMBER 7!

Be sure to vote on November 7! Not registered? Register here. More information about voting and elections for King County can be found here. Questions? Email elections@kingcounty.gov.

DONATE YOUR OLD REFRIGERATOR!

Are you thinking about replacing your refrigerator this year? If your old refrigerator is still functional, you can donate it to International School for use during Focus Week! Please contact Janet Towne, at townej@bsd405.org, if you are interested in contributing your refrigerator. 

ATTENTION FAMILIES!

Please be sure to familiarize yourself with International's attendance and early release procedures. When your student needs to leave for an appointment, parents MUST notify the Attendance Office, preferably by emailing isattendance@bsd405.org with the date and time the student is to be released from class. Please email the school NO LATER than 10:00 AM on the day the student needs to be released (earlier notification is fine too!). We will write a dismissal slip for your student to pick up during NON-CLASS TIMES (before/after school, break, lunch, passing periods). Students will not be released from class unless they have a slip from attendance. Additionally, we will not release students for immediate pick-up during the last 15 minutes of the school day. If you have questions, please reach out to the Attendance Office at the email provided.

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).

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL UPDATE

An International School Update was sent through email on Monday, October 2 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.

TITAN ROBOTICS

Titan Robotics 492 high school FRC Team is competing in an off-season event this weekend, Bordie Charged, at Sammamish High School on THIS Saturday, October 14, and THIS Sunday, October 15. This would be a great activity to bring your family to and check out USFIRST FRC Robotics in action! Qualification matches begin at 10 AM Saturday and will run until approximately 6 PM. Sunday qualification matches begin at 9:20 AM with playoffs in the afternoon ending at approximately 4:30 PM. Questions? Email Gail Nelson, TRC Mentor.

EARN VOLUNTEER HOURS AT PUESTA DEL SOL

Puesta del Sol's Annual Pumpkin Bash Volunteers Needed!

Date: Friday, October 27

Time: 4:00–8:50 PM

Location: Puesta del Sol Elementary School

Join our Pumpkin Bash! Help welcome families, direct cars, set up, check-in, and more. Wear costumes (no masks or weapons). Sign up if interested.

Note: Event is rain or shine at Puesta del Sol. No transportation provided.

High school students earn community service hours. Volunteers and guardians must be okay without direct adult supervision.

Clean-up: Starts 7:30–7:45 PM for trunk area, 8:00 PM for dance & teatro. School should be clean by 9 PM.

Questions? Email Sarah Moon, Director of Special Events Puesta Del Sol PTA.

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.

BSD NEWSLETTER

An e-newsletter was sent to BSD staff and families on Thursday, September 28, with information on how to participate in district activities and advisory groups, important testing dates, School Board updates, and more. Read it here. Don't receive the district newsletter? Sign-up here! You can see all newsletters here. Questions? Contact BSD.

BSD COMMUNITY ADVISORY GROUPS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

2023-2024 Community Advisory Groups

• BSD’s Community Advisory Groups currently seeking members include:
• Superintendent Community Advisory Council (S-CAC)
• Strategic Plan Steering Committee
• Sustainability Community Advisory Group
• Wellness Committee
• Student Well-Being Advisory
• Reimagining Middle School (RMS) Consultancy Board
• Equity Advisory and Advocacy Collaborative (EAAC)

Learn more about each group and apply on the Community Advisory Groups 2023-2024 webpage.

Apply Now: Students, family members, community members, and staff are encouraged to express their interest in serving on one or more of our Community Advisory Groups for the 2023-2024 school year by completing the Community Advisory Group application form. Questions? Contact BSD.

BELLEVUE SCHOOLS FOUNDATION

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

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.

FALL FESTIVALS

Fall festivals are popping up all over the place! Here are some of them:

• Spooner Farms Harvest Festival
• Carpinito Brothers Fall Festival
• Thomasson Family Farm Fall Festival
• Stocker Farms Fall Festival
• Swans Trail Farms Fall Festival
• Schilter Family Farm Fall Harvest Festival
• Picha Farms Fall Festival
• Craven Farm Fall Festival
• Thomas Family Farm Fall Festival
• Fox Hollow Farm Fall Festival
• Maris Farms Fall Festival
• Carleton Farm Fall Festival
• Lattin’s Fall Festival
• Fall Festival at First Light Farm

Fall is a fun time in the Pacific Northwest! Questions? Contact the individual farms.

CROSS-CULTURAL CENTER WITHOUT WALLS: COMMUNITY WORSKSHOP #2

We would like to invite you to the second Community Workshop on Tuesday, October 17 at 6:00 PM in the Odle Middle School Commons. Check out the flyer here and register here. Registration is encouraged, but not required.

At this workshop, you will work together in small groups to pull out some of the “big ideas” from the dozens of ideas for cross-cultural activities created at the first workshop. This will help us start creating the shape and structure of the Cross-Cultural Center without Walls program. Participants will also have the opportunity to meet new people and start thinking about what future collaboration may look like.

We hope you can join us! Anyone who works, lives, studies, or plays in Bellevue is welcome to participate. Attendance of the first Community Workshop is not required! Questions? Email diversity@bellevuewa.gov.

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.