November 27, 2023

MONDAY MESSENGER

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THIS WEEK:

• Monday, 11/27 • Reflections Submission Deadline*
• 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*

NEXT WEEK:

• 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*

LOOKING AHEAD:

• 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)
• Wednesday, 1/3 • Staff Appreciation Luncheon Hosted by the 10th Grade Families
• Thursday, 1/11, 8 AM–1 PM • MS Jazz Festival
• Monday, 1/15 • No School (Martin Luther King Jr. Day)
• Friday, 1/26 • End of First Semester
• Friday, 2/2 • International School Winter Auction Gala
• Tuesday, 2/6, 6:30 PM • Admitted 5th Grade Parent Night for 2024–2025
• Thursday, 2/8, 6:30 PM • Middle School Parent Night
• Wednesday, 2/14 • Staff Appreciation Luncheon Hosted by Our Chinese Community
• Wednesday, 3/6 • Staff Appreciation Luncheon Hosted by the 11th Grade Families
• Wednesday, 3/13, 7 PM • HS Orchestra Concert
• Thursday, 3/14, 7 PM • MS Orchestra Concert
• Wednesday, 4/3 • Staff Appreciation Luncheon Hosted by the 7th Grade Families
• Tuesday, 4/16, 6:30 PM • 8th Grade Parent Night
• Monday 5/6–Friday 5/10 • Staff Appreciation Week
• Wednesday, 5/8 • Staff Appreciation Luncheon Hosted by the 8th Grade Families
• Wednesday, 6/5 • Seniors and Staff Luncheon Hosted by the 12th Grade Families
• 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.

REFLECTIONS

WHAT IS REFLECTIONS: A nationwide art competition hosted by the PTSA. Student winners from International School have the opportunity to move up through their district, region, and state PTA programs to the national level.

THEME: I Am Hopeful Because… 

DEADLINE: THIS Monday, November 27

ENTRY FORM: Please download, fill out, and include this entry form with your submission.

FORMAT: Entries are accepted across 6 categories - Please click the link to read the rules for each category: Dance, Visual Art, Music Composition, Photography, Literature, and Film Production - {Special Artists Rules}

SUBMIT YOUR WORK TO: reflections@isptsa.org

Questions? Email reflections@isptsa.org

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. We are still $500 short! For any family that signed up, but has not donated yet, please use Zelle: treasurer2@isptsa.org. Questions? Email Kai Gao, 6th Grade Parent Rep.

THE ISPTSA ANNUAL WINTER MARKET IS BACK!

Let's celebrate winter, winter holidays, and our international community with a European-style Winter Market. Come to sell or shop - or both!

Join us for a fun community night of food, crafts, music, gifts, and more at the annual ISPTSA Winter Market in the International School Commons on Wednesday, December 13, 6 PM - 8:30 PM. Come and check out all the tables or host a table yourself! Are you a musician? Sign up to perform! Last year was amazing, don't miss out! Questions? Check out our website or contact Melissa Richardson, ISPTSA VP of Outreach.

ISPTSA GRANTS

As IS's first semester concludes, we would like to share progress and upcoming opportunities for our PTSA grants. ISPTSA received 20 applications, totaling $44,000 in requests, highlighting urgent needs and program potential. Of our $30,000 budget, $20,000 was deployed this semester. Grants supported:



• Technology: Robotics and drama clubs received new laptops.
• Arts: Orchestra got a new cello, humanities classes can host Shakespeare workshops.
• Science: 8th grade scientists will experience a planetarium.
• Wellness: Weightlifting Club got new equipment, and Garden Club received funds for planters.

Remaining spring budget: $10,000 with more grant requests expected. Find out more about how our grant money was distributed here.

Your contributions can make an impact. Donate here and join us at the ISPTSA Auction on Friday, February 2 to help us continue providing our community with Grants. Questions? Contact grants@isptsa.org.

THANKSGIVING STAFF APPRECIATION LUNCHEON

Wow! What a tremendous show of support for our Thanksgiving Staff Appreciation Luncheon on Wednesday, November 15 from our 9th Grade parents! A big THANK YOU to the many parents (in alphabetical order) who contributed to this feast in honor of our beloved teachers and staff: Deana Ahn, Cindy Bayanmunkh, Derya Caglar, Emilie Castle, Bella Chan, Emmo Cho, Carrie Dang, Elena Dournova, Catherine Fan, Pearl Ho, Jasmine Isaac, Caroline Keene, Jackie Lang, Meechee Kim, Bonnie Lau, Kyoung Lee, Maggie Lo, Jie Ping, Melissa Richardson, Ashley Saidy, Sylvie Sanguin, Valerie Tam, Masako Tamura, Vivian Yu, Yeping Zhao. Questions? Email Jenny Lin, 9th Grade Parent Rep.

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.

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

DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION SESSION AND APPLICATION WORKSHOP

Join the BSD Special Education department and Bellevue Special Needs PTA on Wednesday, December 6 at 6:00 PM, for an informational session and workshop about the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA). There will be a brief presentation on eligibility and services. Find out more here. Questions? Contact BSD.

FREE YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID ONLINE CLASS BY SEATTLE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL

Adults living in King County looking to gain skills on how to help an adolescent in crisis or who is experiencing a mental health challenge can take this FREE upcoming class - the first part is a self-guided portion to be completed before the live online class on Friday, December 15. Check this and other classes out here! Questions? Contact Seattle Children's Hospital.

WASHINGTON STATE PTA

SCHOLARSHIPS!

Washington State PTA (WSPTA) offers four $2,500 scholarships to graduating seniors from Washington State public high schools with an active PTA, who will be starting college (either two-year or four-year) in the fall. Applications are now open. Find out more and apply here! Application deadline is Thursday, February 15. Questions? Contact scholarship@wastatepta.org.

NATIONAL PTA

CALL FOR PRESENTERS FOR THE 2024 NATIONAL PTA VIRTUAL CONVENTION

The call for presenters for the 2024 National PTA Virtual Convention is NOW OPEN and YOU are invited to share your workshop proposals. We are seeking thought leaders with impactful ideas and experience to help us achieve our mission.

All proposals will be peer reviewed and chosen based on their demonstrated effectiveness to engage and inspire excellence for PTA leaders. Applications must be submitted by 9 PM, December 10. All proposed presenters will be notified of their workshop status by mid-February. Find out more and apply here! Questions? Email info@pta.org.

WINTER ACTIVITIES

International School Families! As we approach this festive season, we’d like to share some fun happenings at school. Please check out more information on the flyer about our Snowflake Donation Drive, Winter Spirit Week, Middle School Snowflake Social, and TOLO High School Dance. If you would like to chaperone for either the Middle School Snowflake Social and/or TOLO, please email christiantoa@bsd405.org.

During this time, we also would like to acknowledge how difficult times may be – whether that’s missing or remembering a loved one or requiring resources and assistance. If you or you know someone who would benefit from extra support (whatever that may mean) or would benefit from holiday support such as holiday meals/gifts, please reach out to christiantoa@bsd405.org. One of the things we love about International School is the strength of our community and our support for one another. Thank you!

WMEA JUNIOR ALL-STATE AND ALL-STATE HONOR GROUPS 2024

Outstanding middle school and high school music students from across Washington have received top honors by being selected to participate in one of the 2024 WMEA Junior All-State and All-State performing groups. These musicians were selected through auditions to participate in this outstanding

event, which is sponsored by the Washington Music Educators Association.

Please congratulate the International Music students listed here for receiving this honor! Questions? Contact Joanne Whang, IS Choir Teacher.

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL UPDATE

An International School Update was sent through email on Monday, November 20 to all current IS families with great updates. Questions? Email the IS Main Office.

PLAY VOLLEYBALL - FOR FUN!

What: 2024 Winter Sunday Volleyball League

Who: Co-ed, Grades 6 - 12

Cost: $130

When: January 14 - March 10

Stay active this winter! This 8-week Sunday afternoon co-ed league is great for volleyball players of all levels. Keep your skills sharp for our super popular BGCB Volleyball League by participating in this fun skill development league. Leagues will be 6th-7th, 8th-9th, and 10th-12th grades. Sunday games only. All efforts are made to keep students from the same school together.

Register early to be assured a spot. Volunteer coaches needed for younger player leagues. Questions? Contact the Athletics Department at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue.

REAL MADRID FOUNDATION SUMMER CAMP

The Real Madrid Foundation Summer Camp for Bellevue School District students is returning this summer from July 15–19! This soccer summer camp is open to students between the ages of 6 and 17, of all playing levels from beginner to advanced. The camp will be hosted at Highland Middle School from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (with an option to extend the time from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.). The Real Madrid Foundation is offering fifteen scholarships, and there will be additional scholarships added if funding is available. To request a scholarship, please fill out this form by January 15. Recipients of the scholarships will be contacted on January 29. Register here. Questions? Contact them via this form.

BUS ROUTE CANCELLATIONS

THIS Monday, November 27 through Friday, December 1, the following bus routes are canceled due to driver availability: 7, 35, 37, 44, 46 and 49. Impacted school communities include Ardmore, Cherry Crest, Chinook, Medina, Odle, Puesta del Sol, Sherwood Forest, Tillicum, Tyee and Woodridge. Read more here.

Transportation Update: 11 new drivers have been hired. 9 more would be ideal. It takes time to train new drivers, so they should be available to start filling in the canceled routes beginning sometime in December or January. If you, or anyone you know, is interested in being a BSD Bus Driver, apply here.

Questions? Contact BSD.

COMING SOON: OPEN TRANSFER, CHOICE SCHOOLS, AND PROGRAMS APPLICATION PERIOD

The Open Transfer and Choice Schools and Programs application period for the 2024-25 school year will take place from Monday, December 11 to Friday, January 19. Don't forget that sibling applications to International must also be filled out during this time! Read more here. Questions? Contact BSD.

SCHOOL FUNDING 101 - UNDERSTANDING OUR MONEY SOURCES

Learn more about the district’s sources of money and how we can spend them. In school districts, we have multiple buckets of funds where our money is accounted for. Each of these funds has designated uses and we as a district are limited in how we can transfer money between these funds based on state law. Questions? Contact BSD.

BSD CELEBRATES A SEASON OF GIVING AND GRATITUDE

Over the past several months, many members of our community have sought out ways to support Bellevue School District students, staff and families. We invite all those interested to take part in the season of giving by learning more about how they can support our community partners. Whether through the giving of time, treasure or talent, we are grateful to all those who enrich and uplift our school district. Read more here. Questions? Contact BSD.

CARE SOLACE MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES

The Bellevue School District has partnered with Care Solace to complement districtwide efforts that support the well-being of students, families, and staff. Care Solace is a free and confidential care coordination service that can help you quickly find mental health or substance use treatment options matched to your needs, regardless of circumstance. Care Solace is NOT an emergency response service or mental health service provider. If you have a life-threatening emergency, please call 911 or The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. Find out more info here. Questions? Contact BSD.

MIDDLE SCHOOL CONSOLIDATION

The District has requested that every family please take a moment to fill out their survey.

Thank you to everyone who participated in International School's District Listening Session on Thursday, November 16. The district sent representatives asking for feedback regarding what our community most values about our school, what our facility requirements are, and what questions we have for BSD. They did not answer questions, but their facilitators did listen to small groups of our members share their answers to BSD's three proposed questions.

For more information about the Middle School Consolidations try these links:

• Community Forums
• Middle School Consolidation Study
• Presentations from Past Events
• Timeline
• Demographer's Reports and Executive Summary
• Community Engagement
• Message from the Superintendent
• Frequently Asked Questions
• District Budget

Questions? Contact MSConsolidation@bsd405.org.

BSD NEWSLETTER

An e-newsletter was sent to BSD staff and families on Wednesday, November 22, with information about how community partners support BSD schools, mental health resources, preparing for school and program open houses, and more. Read it here. Don't receive the district newsletter? Sign up here! You can see all newsletters here. Questions? Contact BSD.

SNOWFLAKE LANE

When: November 24 – December 24, Every Night at 7 PM

Where: Bellevue Way

Cost: FREE

Experience the wonder of falling snow, dazzling lights, festive music, toy drummers, and dancers in this complimentary nightly parade of holiday floats. Join us on the sidewalks between Bellevue Square and Lincoln Square from NE 4th to NE 8th Streets every night at 7 pm. Park in any of our free parking garages and choose your favorite spot on the sidewalk to see the show. Find out more info here. Questions? Contact info@kemperdc.com.

GARDEN D'LIGHTS 2023

Garden d’Lights features over half a million sparkling lights formed into the whimsical shapes of plants, flowers, birds, animals, and cascading waterfalls set amid the natural beauty of the Bellevue Botanical Garden.

• When: Saturday, November 25 – Sunday, December 31 (closed December 25) 4:30–8 PM
• Where: Bellevue Botanical Garden, 12001 Main Street, Bellevue, WA
• Cost: 11 Years and Older: $5 per person. Kids 10 and under are free.

Find out more info and purchase tickets here. Questions? Email gardendlights@bellevuebotanical.org.

LIGHTED BOAT PARADE

Each night, from late November to December 23, the Argosy Christmas Ship sails to different Puget Sound waterfront locations. Other lighted boats join in to make a boat parade. At departure, return, and/or planned stops en route, the public is invited to gather on shore, view the ships, and listen to the ship’s choir sing (broadcast via a speaker system). Some locations feature a bonfire as well!

• When: Every night from now until December 23. Get the schedule here
• Where: Waterfront Parks all around the Puget Sound. Get the schedule here
• Cost: FREE to watch on shore, Cruises have a cost.

Questions? Email the individual cities hosting the park events for the night you have a question about.

THEATRE33'S ANNUAL WINTER CRAFT FAIR

Support local crafters and Theatre33! Admission is free, there is plenty of parking. Light refreshments will be served. Check out the different vendors who will be showcasing their crafts! 10% of all sales will be donated to Theatre33.

When: THIS Saturday, December 2, 11 AM–4 PM

Where: Theatre33

Cost: FREE admission

Questions? Email info@theatre33wa.org.

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.