February 5, 2024

MONDAY MESSENGER

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SHOUT-OUTS!

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

Thank you to all of our wonderful volunteers who helped with the Auction on Friday and a huge thank you to Phil Bloch for spearheading it! What an amazing night!

THIS WEEK:

• Tuesday, 2/6 • Poster Contest Deadline*
• Tuesday, 2/6, 6:30 PM • Admitted 5th Grade Parent Night for 2024–2025
• Wednesday, 2/7, 6 PM • Bite of IS*
• Thursday, 2/8, 6:30 PM • Middle School Parent Night

NEXT WEEK:

• Monday, 2/12–Friday 2/16 • Scholastic Book Fair*
• Wednesday, 2/14 • Staff Appreciation Luncheon Hosted by Our Chinese Community

LOOKING AHEAD:

• Monday, 2/19–Friday 2/23 • No School (Mid-Winter Break)
• Wednesday, 2/28, 2–4 PM • iJazz Clinic
• Wednesday, 2/28 • HS Band 1 Eastshore
• Friday, 3/1, 7 PM • IS Drama: Amelie the Musical
• Saturday, 3/2, 2 PM & 7 PM • IS Drama: Amelie the Musical
• Wednesday, 3/6 • Staff Appreciation Luncheon Hosted by the 11th Grade Families
• Wednesday, 3/6, 1:30–7 PM • IS Red Cross Club Blood Drive
• Wednesday, 3/6, 5–9 PM • Senior Class Chipotle Fundraiser
• Thursday, 3/7, 8:30 AM–3 PM • HS Orchestra 1 Eastshore
• Thursday, 3/7, 8:30 AM–3 PM • HS Choir 1 Eastshore
• Friday, 3/8 • iJazz: DeMiero Jazz Festival
• Friday, 3/8, 7 PM • IS Drama: Amelie the Musical
• Saturday, 3/9, 2 PM & 7 PM • IS Drama: Amelie the Musical
• Tuesday, 3/12, 7 PM • HS Band Concert
• Wednesday, 3/13, 7 PM • HS Orchestra Concert
• Thursday, 3/14, 8:30 AM–3 PM • HS Choir 2 Eastshore
• Thursday, 3/14, 6 PM • 11th Grade Parent Night Pt. 2
• Thursday, 3/14, 7 PM • MS Orchestra Concert
• Saturday, 3/16 • iJazz: Commencement Bay Jazz Competition
• Monday, 3/18, 7 PM • HS Choir Concert
• Tuesday, 3/19, 8:30 AM–3 PM • HS Band 2 Eastshore
• Tuesday, 3/19, 8:30 AM–3 PM • Orchestra 2 Eastshore
• Tuesday, 3/19, 7 PM • MS Choir Concert
• Wednesday, 3/20 • SAT (Juniors)
• Friday, 3/22 • School Open (Make-up Day)
• Wednesday, 3/27, 1:45 PM • Le Grand Concours (Date & Time Change)
• Thursday, 3/28, 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.

THE SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR IS BACK!

Join us in the International School Library, on Tuesday, February 13 - Friday, February 16 to shop our book fair before school, at lunch, and after school (in-class preview day, February 12). Visit our school's custom Scholastic homepage for additional details and book previews.

Parents, please consider volunteering for a shift; we can't do it without you. Sign up here.

Questions? Contact Amanda Johnson, ISPTSA Treasurer 1.

ISPTSA 2024-2025 BOARD NOMINATIONS

The Nominations Committee was confirmed at our General Membership Meeting on Thursday, January 18. The committee members are Jennifer Li, Phil Bloch, and Amanda Johnson.

Nominations for the 2024-2025 International School PTSA Board can be sent to nominations@isptsa.org. The following positions are open for nominations: President, VP of Community, VP of Outreach, VP of Communications, VP of Fundraising, Secretary, Treasurer 1, and Treasurer 2. Position descriptions can be accessed here and here. You can self-nominate!

Questions? Contact the Nominations Committee.

PARENT REPRESENTATIVES INFORMATION NIGHT

On Wednesday, January 24, Maggie Lo, ISPTSA Co-VP of Community, hosted an information night for all of the Grade Level Parent Representatives at Bellevue Library. Thank you Maggie! Questions? Email Qiong Chen, ISPTSA Co-President.

ISPTSA MEMBERSHIP

All ISPTSA members are Washington State PTA and National PTA members. Please click the link to the websites WSPTA member discounts and National PTA member offers for special member discounts, such as: 15% off concert and event tickets at the Seattle Symphony;  25% Off Rentals at Avis Car Rentals; 30% off at Great Wolf Lodge; Special Rates for Printing at FedEx Office; and much more.

We are inviting every IS family to join ISPTSA to help us reach the 100% membership goal and help you with some amazing discounts. Please Sign in to Renew OR Click here to Join today!

Questions? Contact membership@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
• 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
• Staff Appreciation Chair

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

BELLEVUE PTSA COUNCIL NEWS

ADVOCACY ACTION ALERTS

Did you know that one branch of PTAs focuses on advocacy? Part of making sure that our schools have what they need to provide our students with the best and safest education is to make sure that our politicians hear our voices. If you are interested in finding out more about Advocacy check out the Action Alerts here to see what legislation is moving through our government and how you can help. Questions? Email advocacy@bellevueptsacouncil.com.

WASHINGTON STATE PTA NEWS

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES

WSPTA Scholarship Application Due Date – February 15

Graduating high school seniors in Washington who attend a school with an active PTA are eligible for the WSPTA scholarship. Students must apply via the online application (located here, under Student Programs: https://wspta.smapply.io/) by February 15.

WSPTA Essay Contest Entry Due Date – February 15

Washington students grades K-12 attending a school with an active PTA may apply for the WSPTA Essay Contest via the online application (located here, under Student Programs: https://wspta.smapply.io/). The due date is February 15.

Questions? Email support@wastatepta.org.

NATIONAL PTA NEWS

2024 NATIONAL PTA VIRTUAL REFLECTIONS STUDENT ARTS SHOWCASE

This celebration on Wednesday, January 31, recognized all national winners from the 2022-2023 "Show Your Voice" Reflections program. It featured over 20 short interviews with select student artists—and a few special guests—discussing their award-winning artwork.

National PTA received over 900 student entries from 44 state PTA congresses in all the available arts categories. Of those submissions, we are thrilled to have awarded over 200 student artists on the national level. View winners here. Find out more about the Reflections program here. Questions? Contact info@pta.org.

NOTES FROM THE BACKPACK

Real Experts. Real Parents. Real Conversations.

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

Latest Episode: Promising Practices in Rural Schools

Innovations in rural schools are paving the way for more successful futures for our youth! Tune in as Michael Gonzalez, executive director of the Rural Schools Innovation Zone shares about the challenges rural schools face and how they’re facing them head on. From expanding career and technical offerings to substantial teacher retention bonuses, Mike shares how pooling resources between districts in rural Texas has been a game changer for their students. Listen here. Questions? Contact info@pta.org.

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES

POSTER CONTEST

The Scholastic Book Fair is coming to our school! Want to win $30 to spend at the fair? Enter our Book Fair Poster Contest. Design a physical or digital poster about Books, Reading, Storytelling, Book Fairs...use your creativity and imagination. E-mail your designs to our librarian, Michele Dang or drop them off in the library. Due date for submissions is TOMORROW, TUESDAY, February 6. The winner will receive $30 Scholastic Dollars to spend at the book fair and their poster will be on display in the library all week. Questions? Contact DangT@bsd405.org.

BITE OF IS

Wednesday, February 7 at 6 PM

Tickets can now be purchased on TouchBase under Miscellaneous à Food Festival for $12/each.

Join us for the Bite of IS, an annual multicultural potluck in the International School Gym! Try foods and watch performances representing many of the different cultures in our community. We are also excited to announce that our Flamenco Dancers will be returning to perform this year. Proceeds support The Hunger Project, addressing hunger and poverty globally.

Event Details:

• Date: Wednesday, February 7 at 6 PM
• Venue: International School Gym
• Tickets: Available on TouchBase for $12/each

Questions? Email Emelia Bechthold.

IS RED CROSS CLUB BLOOD DRIVE

The IS Red Cross Club is holding a blood drive in the school library on Wednesday, March 6 from 1:30 PM to 7:00 PM. It is open to parents, staff, and students aged 16 and over. The drive is run by The American Red Cross (which is different from Bloodworks NW). If you are willing to donate, please scan the QR code to

sign up for a time slot. No QR scanner? Use this link. You will be prompted to create a Red Cross Account and then the site will take you to the page where you choose a time slot.  Students aged 16 and 17 need to get parental permission. Students should see Julie Reeder in Room 210 to pick up a permission form. Questions? Email Julie Reeder, IS Math Department Chair.

PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER NEEDED!

Attention Titan parents: Are you a professional photographer? Do you enjoy photography or photoshop as a hobby? Please volunteer your time and talents to enrich the Focus Week experience for students! We are flexible and can work around your schedule. Please email Janet Towne at townej@bsd405.org to communicate your willingness to support Focus Week and our student photographers. 

FRANCO-BEE EVENT

The Franco-Bee event, an annual tradition at International School, took place during Community on Wednesday, January 24. Ten brave and talented students, each representing a middle school French class, participated in the competition. They faced challenging trivia questions centered around francophone cultures in Asia/Oceania. The event took place in the auditorium in front of an enthusiastic middle school crowd. Congratulations to all participants: Hennry Lou, Adeleine Nemoto, Aran Mahadevan, Sara Alkabra, Jack Lo, Nidheesh Pusuluri, Ashlyn Han, Lauren Lee, Adelyn Swetman and Iris Kuan.

Special recognition for the three ultimate winners: Hennry Lou, Aran Mahadevan, and Adeleine Nemoto.

Questions? Email Gwen Geslin, IS French Teacher.

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL UPDATE

An International School Update was sent through email on Monday, January 29 to all current IS families with great updates. Questions? Email the IS Main Office.

BSD CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Black History Month is an annual opportunity to recognize the significant role Black Americans have played throughout history and celebrate African American achievements. Read more here. Questions? Contact BSD.

SUPERINTENDENT'S BLOG: SCHOOL BOARD RECOGNITION MONTH

Superintendent Aramaki shares a message with the BSD community celebrating School Board Recognition Month. Read more here. Questions? Contact BSD.

ATTEND THE BSD CERTIFICATED STAFF JOB FAIR

Attend the BSD Certificated Staff Job Fair on Saturday, February 10, to learn about certificated positions in the district. Read more here. Questions? Contact BSD.

FEBRUARY HIGHLIGHTS CTE IN BSD

Each February, the achievements and value of Career and Technical Education (CTE) in schools is acknowledged during National CTE Month. The Bellevue School District takes this opportunity to recognize our dedicated CTE educators and our many students who take part in CTE courses and offerings. Read more here. Questions? Contact BSD.

BSD NEWSLETTER

An e-newsletter was sent to BSD staff and families on Thursday, January 25. Learn about the 2024 College Conference Series, nominate someone or apply to join the school board, sign up to attend informational events, and more. Read it here. Don't receive the district newsletter? Sign up here! You can see all newsletters here. Questions? Contact BSD.

BELLEVUE SCHOOLS FOUNDATION PRESENTS SPRING FOR SCHOOLS

Join us as we cultivate the next generation with a garden party! Funding raised through Spring for Schools yields critical programming in Bellevue School District. Our annual fundraiser joins community leaders, corporate stakeholders, and philanthropic individuals who are committed to making sure that all 18,000+ students at 28 schools in the District can blossom through programs and enrichment opportunities critical to their growth as students and future leaders of our community.

Join or host a table, get a drink and meal with friends, and stroll through the showcase of student work that our donors support.

THIS EVENT IS FOR ADULTS ONLY!

Read more here. Questions? Email info@bsfdn.org.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH EXHIBIT AT BELLEVUE CITY HALL: 'ELEVATING VOICES'

In celebration of Black History Month, the City of Bellevue, in partnership with Seattle architecture firm MG2 and Onyx Fine Arts Collective, is presenting the exhibit “Elevating Voices,” featuring the work of 17 Pacific Northwest Black artists.

• When: TODAY, MONDAY, February 5 — Thursday, February 29
• Cost: FREE
• Where: Bellevue City Hall

Curated by Jay Taylor, an associate at MG2, the exhibit includes paintings, photography, sculptures, textiles, and fashion. The exhibit will be on display and open to the public throughout the month of February on the City Hall concourse. Find out more here. Questions? Email diversity@bellevuewa.gov

LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION AT WESTFIELD SOUTHCENTER

Experience Lunar New Year like never before! Westfield Southcenter will be transformed into a mesmerizing celebration of culture featuring a 25' dragon, Moon Gate, Wishing Tree, and cherry blossom trees. On February 10, enjoy live traditional performances like lion dancers. Don't miss an unforgettable Lunar New Year experience and take part in the fun by naming the dragon and submitting your wishes for the New Year on our Wishing Tree.

• Wishing Tree Dedication by Rep. My-Linh Thai and Tukwila Mayor Thomas McLeod (11:00 AM - 11:30 AM): Share your hopes for the new year by writing your wishes for the tree.
• Lion Dancing Performances (11:30 AM - 12:00 PM)
• Calligraphy Artist Demonstration (12:00 PM - 12:30 PM)
• Ribbon Dancer Performance by Northwest Kung Fu and Fitness (12:30 PM - 1:00 PM)

All activities are FREE to attend. Find out more here. Questions? Email southcenter@urw.com

ALPENGIRL SUMMER CAMPS

Alpengirl Camp is a teen summer adventure camp for girls ages 11-16, with 1-2 week outdoor overnight trips in Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Washington, and Oregon. Alpengirls have the opportunity to participate in backcountry excursions, whether it be backpacking, canoeing, sea kayaking, or horse packing, along with a slew of other exciting outdoor activities -- rock climbing, whitewater rafting, river floating, surfing, and more!

Campers will also learn the ins and outs of camping, including campsite cooking, fire building, and tent life, and will engage in daily yoga practice. Alpengirl is an American Camp Association-accredited camp with small groups of only 10-13 girls per trip, led by 2-3 female Alpenguides.

We’d love to welcome more students from the International School, so please reach out with any questions to Keren Mikva, Alpengirl Assistant Camp Director at keren@alpengirlcamp.com, call 406-599-1364, check out our flyer, or visit alpengirlcamp.com for more information.

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.

SMITH BROTHERS FARMS MILK FUND PROGRAMS

Sign up 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.