Dear International School Families,

On behalf of the International School staff, we are very excited to begin another school year!  We remain committed to our mission of affirming and inspiring each and every student to learn and thrive as creators of their future world. We hope that this summer provided some time for refreshment and we are looking forward to seeing all of our students very soon. We are also looking forward to the continued return of many traditions that are familiar to International School as well as the opportunity to innovate and continue the tradition of excellence that is essential to us. Already, staff and student leadership teams are planning for some fun and engaging opportunities to build community connections.

Another way we build connections is through support of our PTSA, parents, and community. Below is a message from our PTSA about ways to get involved. This year, we have many opportunities for family members to volunteer and to be involved in the school. We strongly encourage everyone to join our PTSA and to be part of the larger conversation with the school community.

This communication provides some broad information about getting ready for school as well as some action steps families need to take before school begins. As we approach the start of school, more specific information will be sent out.

We hope you enjoy these final weeks of summer and look forward to seeing all of you in the coming days.

Respectfully,

 

Russell White, Principal

Traci Sullivan, Assistant Principal

 

Staff Changes

While we still have a few positions to fill, we do want to welcome some new staff to the International School Community:

  • Annie Daulton (Orchestra)
  • Will Harvey (Band)
  • Francesca Lee (Visual Arts)
  • Vanessa Grasing (Visual Arts)
  • India Fitting (French)
  • Adrienne Chodnowsky (Math)
  • Bonnie Hollon (Math)

 

Back to Business Day

We will be holding our Back to Business day on Thursday, August 25th.  In order to maximize efficiency and minimize crowds, families and students are invited to arrive at the following times:

  • 7:30-9:30    Families with last names A-G
  • 9:30-11:30  Families with last names H-O
  • 12:30-2:30    Families with last names P-Z

The following services will be provided at Back to Business:

  • 2022-23 School photos
  • Orca card distribution
  • Laptop distribution for grades 7-12
  • Locker assignment for grades 6-9
  • PTSA sign-up
  • King County Library Systems (KCLS) card requests
  • Learn how to set up Nutrition Services accounts
  • Learn how to pay for fees in TouchBase
  • Learn how to check student class schedules in StudentVue
  • Learn how to update student information in FinalForms

We recognize that some students and families will not be able to join us for Back to Business day.  Students who are unable to attend should access their class schedule in StudentVue prior to the first day of school.   For grades 6-9, the schedule will include their locker number and combination.  The school photo make-up day is Wednesday, October 19th during the school day.  Laptops will be distributed in the first days of school.  Orca cards can be requested in the main office throughout the year.

 

FinalForms (action required for all families)

FinalForms is an on-line platform that allows you to enter information required for students to attend field trips, after-school activities, and participate in extracurricular activities.  For International students, this also includes full participation in the PE program, Focus Week, High School Retreat, and 6th Grade Retreat.

Parents/Guardians and students need to update their information each school year.  If you have not already done so, please sit down together as a family to complete your FinalForms documents before the first day of school.

 

Online Student Data Verification (action required for all families)

Parents and guardians are required to verify their student’s information annually. Families will be able to complete this process electronically via ParentVUE. Health updates are included in this data update.  Even if nothing has changed for your student, you will need to complete this process to verify that all information is accurate. You will not be able to access other features of ParentVUE (including checking your student’s grades) until this verification process has been completed. This verification is available through ParentVUE beginning August 17. For more information, visit the district website: https://bsd405.org/departments/district-technology/online-student-data-verification/

 

Fees

We continue with the reduction in fees for classes in order to ensure that all classes are accessible for every student. However, some fees may apply for your student. The easiest way to pay class/school fees is online at https://wa-bellevue.intouchreceipting.com/.  Fees for families that may be paid will include:

  • Music classes may have some fees that will vary for students
  • High School Retreat (students in grades 9 – 12)
  • Yearbook order (optional—see below for more information)
  • ASB membership (optional but strongly encouraged—these funds provide the basis for all clubs and social activities at the school for students. All students who participate in a club or school activity MUST have an ASB card.)
  • Parking passes (see below for more information)

 

Associated Student Body (ASB)

ASB cards are available for the 2022-23 school year. ASB membership gives students access to participate in ASB clubs and supports school wide events such as assemblies, socials and retreats. Please click here for a full list of our ASB Clubs. You can purchase your ASB card online here https://wa-bellevue.intouchreceipting.com/

Thank you for your support!

 

Yearbooks and Senior Grad Ads

International’s 2022-23 yearbook will be available for purchase Aug 25-Sept 8 for $50.  Purchase here: https://wa-bellevue.intouchreceipting.com/.

SENIORS:  Purchase your grad ad ($40 full page, $30 half page) no later than Sept 8 and submit the ad by 11/14.  Senior portrait, baby picture, and senior thank you due 9/26.  More details here: https://bsd405.org/international/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2022/02/2023-senior-yearbook-info-and-deadlines.pdf.

 

How to Pay for School Lunches

Since the beginning of the pandemic, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has allowed meals to be provided to students at no cost to families.  The waivers that allowed for this practice expired on June 30, 2022. As a result, the district will start charging fees again for meals starting in the 2022-23 school year.

Nutrition Services uses PayPAMS for online payments for school meals. Go to https://paypams.com for more information.

PayPams will charge a $1.95 fee per family, rather than per student for online payments.  PayPAMS can also be used to set up low balance reminders and automatic deposits. Families may also pay for meals by check or cash at your child’s school.   Checks should be made payable to Bellevue School District.

Download the PayPAMS Mobile App: The free PayPAMS mobile app is available for Android and iPhone devices. Log in with the same user name and password as you do on payPAMS.com.

 

Free and Reduced Lunches / Fee Waivers

International School families may be eligible for free and/or reduced lunches. Additionally, families might also be eligible to have other school fees reduced or waived. To access this, families need to complete and submit an application for Free and Reduced Meals through Nutrition Services to be eligible for either free or reduced fees. Families must check the Fee Waiver box when submitting these forms. This application is available at the district’s website (https://bsd405.org/services/nutrition-services/free-reduced/).

 

Student Parking

If you submitted your parking application in June of 2021 and received a confirmation approval, you can pick up your pass at Back to Business Day. You can pay online here https://wa-bellevue.intouchreceipting.com/

If you got your license over the summer and would like to submit an application, a message with a link will go out the first week of school via TEAMS and Email. Applications will be processed on a first come, first serve basis.

 

Transportation

Students at International School typically have transportation options provided by both the district (“yellow busses”) and King County Metro (“ORCA cards”). Bus route information will be available on the district transportation page: https://bsd405.org/departments/transportation/bus-routes/

 

High School Retreat Date Change (Date Change)

This year’s high school retreat for students in grades 9 – 12 will take place September 14 – 15 at Warm Beach Camp. This overnight camp is an opportunity to build the foundation of a strong and caring community for the year ahead. We also honor our commitment to a globally-focused education. This year we will focus on the Middle East and North Africa. More information may be found HERE.

Steps to take include the following:

  • Complete FinalForms for the 2022-23 school year.
  • Pay the retreat fee of $100 through the online portal. Scholarships are available. Contact our high school counselor (Colleen Courtney) at [email protected].

 

PTSA

Greetings from your ISPTSA! The ISPTSA is preparing for a great school year and planning events both in person and virtual. Joining the ISPTSA supports our community in many ways. But most important to remember; Every student’s success is supported by PTSA.

  • Become a PTSA member and become a part of a community that values International School.  Parents, guardians, teachers, staff and students can become a part of this community.   Join or renew at www.isptsa.org
  • ISPTSA has opportunities if you would like to get more involved and support IS.  We have a complete board this year and various committees under each VP.  Our committees give people an opportunity to try new things.  Visit www.ISPTSA.org
  • Find us on Facebook! Stay connected with the IS Community and the BSD community through one of the Facebook groups. Share ideas and ask questions. Keep up-to-date on school, district, and community events and information. Look for the following groups on Facebook:

The Monday Messenger is our weekly International School PTA e-newsletter. Arriving in email inboxes most Monday mornings during the school year, this newsletter provides school news, upcoming events, PTA activities as well as district and community information of interest to families.  If you are a new family to International School or if you are not currently receiving the Monday Messenger, click here to subscribe today! Learn more about International School’s active PTA organization by visiting https://isptsa.org/.

Let’s continue International School’s tradition of working together to give our students the best education and school experience!

 

Parent Volunteers

One of the things that makes International School exceptional is the level of support we get from our family volunteers, especially when it comes to volunteering in the main office.  We count on daily volunteers to keep things running smoothly throughout the year.

Thank you to those who have stepped up already to volunteer.  We greatly appreciate all you do for IS. We still have some weekly or biweekly time slots available for office volunteers.  If you are interested in contributing 2-3 hours a week as an office volunteer, please contact Traci Sullivan: [email protected]

 

Bellevue Schools Foundation: Welcome Back and Block Party

We look forward to welcoming you to the 2022—2023 school year at kick-off events in the coming weeks. We have been eagerly awaiting your return! Bellevue Schools Foundation is thrilled to announce its support for the upcoming year: $800,000 in funding, available to all 30 school communities.

Blocks of 2022-2023 Funding:

We invite you to join us in celebrating the 2022—2023 School Year with a gift in honor of your students, the entire school community, and BSF’s programming by clicking here. Our Block Party on October 1 at Bellevue Downtown Park will also offer us all a chance to gather and support the blocks of funding provided by BSF. Stay tuned for more information, or contact [email protected].

If you are interested in getting more involved with BSF, and/or becoming a BSF Ambassador, please contact [email protected]. Not sure exactly what BSF is, or what we do? Our award-winning film is a great way to learn more!

 

Upcoming Dates

  • College Boot Camp for Seniors (August 15 – 19)
  • Back to Business Day (August 25)
  • First Day of School (September 1)
  • High School Retreat (September 14 – 15, all school day)
  • No School: Labor Day (September 5)
  • 6th Grade Retreat (September 7)
The Bellevue School District acknowledges that we learn, work, live and gather on the Indigenous Land of the Coast Salish peoples, specifically the Duwamish and Snoqualmie Tribes. We thank these caretakers of this land, who have lived and continue to live here, since time immemorial.