Student Organizations
The Bellevue School District offers students opportunities to extend their learning through extracurricular and after school activity programs. It is the District’s intention to provide high quality opportunities for student participation in extracurricular and after school activity programs. To that end:
Bellevue School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts of America and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:
- Civil Rights, Racial Discrimination, and Gender Expression or Identity Discrimination: Civil Rights/Nondiscrimination Compliance Coordinator Nancy Pham, (425) 456-4040 or [email protected]
- Sex-based Discrimination, including Sexual Harassment: Title IX Coordinator: Jeff Lowell, (425) 456-4010 or [email protected]
- Disability Discrimination: Section 504/ADA Coordinator: Heather Edlund, (425) 456-4156 or [email protected]
Mailing address for all three: 12111 NE 1st Street, Bellevue, WA 98005.
The Bellevue School District is also committed to providing a safe and civil educational environment that is free from harassment, intimidation, or bullying. Report harassment, intimidation or bullying with Vector Alert or at your school. The Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying Compliance Officer is Nancy Pham, (425) 456-4040 or [email protected].
ASB Instagram
ASB (Associated Student Body) is the student council organization for the school. Students are elected each year by their peers to lead and serve the school community. Along with overseeing our student clubs, ASB is responsible for the planning, implementing, and accounting for all monies associated with all socials, dances, assemblies, and spirit activities. ASB meets weekly on Mondays during lunch time.
Any student that has purchased an ASB card may run for class office. Any student, regardless of ASB membership or not, may participate in voting during ASB Elections. All students who are involved in ASB or ASB clubs must have an ASB card to participate. Fee waivers are available for those students who may not be able to afford an ASB card. Please connect with the ASB Advisor if you have any questions at all.
ASB Advisor: Arty Christianto – [email protected], Wesley Hung – [email protected], Hannah Merisko – [email protected]
ASB Accountant: Merin Julien – [email protected]
Get involved!
Being involved in a school team or club is a great way to get to know other students at your school and to participate in something you are interested in. We highly encourage all students to participate!
Don’t see a club that you’d like to join? Start one! Here’s how to start a club at International School:
- Gather up your team (president, vice president, secretary, treasurer) and find an advisor
- Complete the Club Application/Constitution Form – pick one up from the ASB Advisor in the Front Office or e-mail ASB Advisor
- Create a flier for a club interest meeting – fliers must be approved by ASB Advisor
- Hold two interest meetings and one club meeting – make note of the number of students who attended
- Connect with our ASB Executive Secretary to attend an ASB Meeting (Monday lunch time) and present your club for approval
- Please note that our ASB Officers take a simple majority vote for approving a club
- Many of our decisions are based on your club’s goal and purpose, uniqueness (different from other established clubs), number of interested members, and sustainability
- Receive training from our Executive Officers about club processes
Student Leadership Teams
Along with our ASB, we have three very active and amazing Student Leadership Teams that work together with our school staff to support the safety and culture of our school:
SOAR (Students Organized Against Racism) works in direct partnership with International School’s REI (Racial Equity and Inclusion) Team. Students participating in SOAR are passionate about their community and the current issues in our society. SOAR holds and organizes discussions on race and ethnicity and their effects on education and beyond. SOAR is driven by the goal of breaking down barriers and creating a safe and inclusive community for all students. SOAR student leaders also participate in district led events – BOOM and SHOUT. SOAR meets on Fridays during Lunch in Room 206.
IS Next is a 6-8 and 9-12 student leadership group focuses on improving the culture and climate at IS. IS Next partners with the staff Positive Behavior Interventions and Systems (PBIS) Team to identify ways in which we can improve student’s sense of belonging. IS Next came into being during the 2018-19 school year and began several projects that are continued to be developed this year. These projects include introducing school-wide “spirt-wear” for students and staff to wear to show school pride and unity and working directly with teachers to incorporate short activities that provide an opportunity for connection between staff and students over hot chocolate, tea, or lemonade. Please contact Dr. K for more information.
The Student Safety Team works in direct partnership with the IS School Safety Team. The two groups collaborate to create and facilitate school-wide trainings to prepare both students and staff for safety drills. Students engage in drill facilitation, data collection during drills, and engage in reflection post-drills to improve processes alongside staff members. Please contact Dr. K for more information.
Makerspace Team – The Makerspace is a place for 6th-12th graders who want to build, create, and innovate. We encourage our members to build whatever they can think of using the tools at their disposal in the makerspace: soldering irons, 3d printers, die cutter, and much more. On top of this, we have a wide range of community service and leadership opportunities for high schoolers. For more information, please contact Loren Digges.
CURRENT ACTIVE CLUBS and INTEREST GROUPS for the 2023-2024 School Year
Most clubs meet during LUNCH TIME
Open to ALL students middle school and high school:
| Name of Club | Description of Club | Day/Location
|
Time | Club President
Club Advisor* |
| Art Club | The Art Club is a club open to middle and high school and students not taking art that explores various artists, art techniques, and careers in art. Students can learn about competition opportunities, how to make themed crafts, and participate in volunteering events outside of school.
|
Thursdays
Room 118 |
Lunch | Jillian Nguyen
Francesca Lee* |
| Chess Club
|
Mondays
Room 103 |
Lunch | Aayan Hetamsaria
Tami Wietfeldt*
|
|
| Civic Club
(Interest Group) |
Civic Club members discuss current events happening around the world, such as COVID-19 and/or police brutality. The club seeks to educate others about situations as well as provides viable solutions. While providing solutions, members also can earn volunteer hours and host fundraisers.
|
3rd Fridays
Room 216 |
Lunch
|
Minh Huynh
Stacy Kunst*
|
| Crochet Club
|
Yeva Ivchenko
Bonnie Hollon* |
|||
| Drama | Monday-Friday
IPAC |
After School
|
Karen Gath*
|
|
| FBLA | Future Business Leaders of America is the largest career student business organization in the world. Each year, FBLA helps over 230,000 members prepare for careers in business with events ranging from sports management to creating your own business plan. FBLA inspires and prepares students to become community-minded business leaders in a global society through relevant career preparation and leadership experiences.
|
3rd Wednesdays
Small Gym |
Lunch
|
Kenneth Choi
Bryon Combs* |
| Future Health Professionals | Future Health Professionals is a club dedicated to helping students explore careers within the healthcare industry. Most students believe that having a doctorate is the only way to be a health care professional and we will teach them about the other opportunities available. Throughout the year we will hear from professionals, look into the MCAT, and provide students with resources so they can be a part of these fields outside of school.
|
3rd Tuesdays
Room 108 |
Lunch | Jayna Laserna
Wesley Hung* |
| Garden Club
|
Garden Club is a small community of students who learn about and care for the environment. Projects in this club are to introduce beauty and wildlife throughout the school to brighten student’s day and develop gardening skills to lead an eco-friendly life in the future. This group of individual’s goal is to influence a healthy and bright environment upon the students of International School.
|
Thursdays
Room 115 |
Lunch | Hannah Heywood
Gwen Geslin*
|
| Green Team | Green Team is a group of individuals who create and implement projects that increase the environmental sustainability of International School and the local community. Projects are focused on promoting environmental awareness and responsibility and are created in ways that teach members valuable project management and leadership skills. Its purpose is to give students who are passionate about helping the environment an opportunity to make measurable change in their community.
|
Wednesdays
Room 206 |
Lunch | Mark Bedrosian
Tamara Truax* |
| Hack Club | IS Hack Club is a club dedicated to hackers, makers, coders, and more to learn and work together in the growing world of STEM. We collaborate with the IS PTSA and participate in the Game Development Competition. This club is dedicated to facilitating and teaching the skills necessary to build a video game from the ground up, fusing aspects of artistry, music and sound design, programming, and game design. After the competition, students will participate in hackathons and learn lessons on the importance on cybersecurity or internet safety.
|
Mondays
Room 101 |
Lunch
|
Will McDonald
Mathew Hong* |
| Investment Club | Our club is dedicated to empowering students with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complex world of investing and personal finance. Whether you are a seasoned investor or just starting out, we provide a supportive environment where you can learn, grow, and thrive. Our club offers a variety of educational opportunities, such as guest speakers and interactive sessions on investment fundamentals and personal finance. We also provide hands-on experience through simulated real-world scenarios using our Investment Simulator, which prepares you for National Investment Competitions.
|
Thursdays
Room 111 |
Lunch | Ethan Wong
Dave Bennett* |
| Key Club | Key Club is an international, student-led organization that provides its members with opportunities to provide service, build character, and develop leadership.
|
2nd and 4th Fridays
Room 208 |
Lunch | Eesha Konatham
Charise Hallberg*
|
| MATHCOUNTS
|
For all students who enjoy math! We meet once a week, discuss math, and practice for the MATHCOUNTS competition!
|
Thursdays
Room 107 |
Lunch | Avijit Dube
Adrienne Chodnowsky*
|
| Newspaper Club | The IS Newspaper Club is a group of motivated and creative middle and high school students who work on a monthly newspaper sent out to the entire school. The paper informs students of current events, spreads school information, and cultivates a more expressive and collaborative educational environment. The purpose of the IS Newspaper Club is to expand on students’ writing, designing, editing, and creative skills.
|
Wednesdays
Room 202 |
Lunch | Sophia Zhang
Jen Sorenson* |
| QSA
|
QSA is a student-run organization that unites LGBTQ+ and allied youth to build community and talk about issues surrounding queer youth today. Come join us!
|
Wednesdays
Room 113 |
Lunch | Matthew Bedrosian
Joe Kheriaty*
|
| Red Cross Club | The Red Cross Club is a national student run organization connected to the American Red Cross that works to provide worldwide disaster relief and education. For its members, the club gives an opportunity for community service hours, training in CPR, and leadership. It is the perfect chance to impact not only the school community, but our global community as well.
|
1st Tuesdays
Room 210 |
Lunch | Isabella Chu
Julie Reeder* |
| Robotics | The Titan Robotics Club is for students interested in mechanical, electrical, and software engineering. Positions are also available for students interested in video editing, graphic design, computer animation, marketing, management, and team spirit. Students are encouraged to join during Back to Business Day in August so they can fully participate in the entire year.
Robotics participate in the First Robotics Program through middle school First Lego League, middle/high school First Tech Challenge, and high school First Robotics Competition.
|
Tuesdays
Room 209 |
Lunch | Jackson Blunt and Aivy Wang
Lee Holt* |
| Robotics – FLL – First Lego League
|
First Lego League is a middle school robotics club where students build and program robots to complete challenges. Students must sign up in advance – usually in September.
|
Mondays 4:00 – 6:00PM
Wednesdays 2:00 – 5:00PM Art Room
|
After School | Annabelle Chen
Wesley Hung* |
| Seattle Humane Support Club
|
Seattle Humane Support Club is a club that focuses on unhoused pets in our community, and directly helps Seattle Humane through the facilitation of food drives and toy drives, as well as makes toys and blankets throughout meetings to donate to Seattle Humane. Additionally, Seattle Humane club focuses on volunteer opportunities within our communities for members to express their passion for helping animals.
|
Isla Hanleybrown
|
||
| Titan Minds Matter | The goal of our club is to spread awareness of mental health issues, educate IS students, end the stigma of mental health, support those in need within our community, and share positive coping strategies.
During meetings we’ll be doing fun activities and try to get to know each other better. We’re also going to explore different ways to become mindful of others, no matter who they are. We hope to give students more student-to-student support as they can be more effective than other ways.
|
1st and 3rd Thursdays
Room 200 |
Lunch | Srinidhi Muralidharan
Janet Towne*
|
| Yearbook | Applicants chosen are inducted into the yearbook committee. The yearbook committee is a group of students (typically 3-4 people per grade) who’ve shown dedication and creativity. This committee oversees creating the yearbook that will be distributed at the end of the year, showcasing all the fun memories International had that year. This club is open to all except for incoming 6th grade students.
|
Thursdays
Room 118
|
3:15pm – 4:15pm | Matthew B., Lauren D., Malia O., Aivy W.
Jill Follett* |
Open to only high school students:
| Name of Club | Description of Club | Day | Time | Club President
Club Advisor* |
| Book Club (Interest Group) | The Book Club is an excellent way to explore more genres of books with people who share similar interests with you. We will be exploring different authors and discussing the books in a deeper perspective. This is a cool opportunity to expand your knowledge on books, while meeting new people!
|
Amy Carlson
Michele Dang* |
||
| International Buddy | International Buddy is a club dedicated to helping kids with autism as well as their family through various ways. We volunteer with the kids, with the goal of giving them someone to talk to, play with, and help them learn, whether that learning is academic or not. We have daily volunteering in the academic help room during tutorial and on Wednesdays during lunch.
|
Fridays
Room 211 |
3:15 PM – 3:45 PM | Hansley Wang
Becci Kerstetter* |
| JSA | Junior State of America (JSA) is an American non-partisan student led organization. The purpose of JSA is to help high school students acquire leadership skills and the knowledge necessary to be effective debaters and civic participants. It also encourages youth awareness of today’s current issues.
|
Thursdays
Room 202 |
Lunch | Taran Brown
Jen Sorenson* |
| Learn To Be | Learn To Be (LTB) is a charity organization that provides free virtual one on one tutoring to children in underprivileged communities in the United States. Learn To Be works with schools and special education programs all around the country and connects volunteer tutors to students.
|
Lunch | Alex Tsiktsiris
Bryon Combs* |
|
| MUN | Model United Nations (MUN) are conferences run all over the world that allow students to learn about global politics and international diplomacy. It allows students to represent the views and international standing of countries around the world.
|
Thursdays
Room 206 |
Lunch | Niv Vijaya
Tamara Truax* |
| Photography | IS Photography Club seeks to provide a space for both seasoned photographers and those only just starting to learn. We teach topics ranging from basic camera concepts to editing with Adobe Lightroom, with the ultimate goal of winning the Washington State High School Competition.
|
Fridays
Room 202 |
Lunch | Maksim Pavlicic
Jen Sorenson*
|
| Roots and Shoots
|
Roots and Shoots is a fun and collaborative club that works towards bettering our community both in and out of school. In Roots and Shoots, we oversee Big Buddies for the 6th graders, make teacher posters, and have previously hosted senior citizens prom. You can earn community service hours through these activities.
|
1st Fridays
Big Gym |
Lunch | Jessie Bai
Arty Christianto* |
| Weightlifting
(Interest Group) |
The purpose of the High School Weightlifting Club is to promote fitness, strength, and a healthy lifestyle among our school community through the sport of weightlifting. We aim to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where students of all fitness levels can safely and effectively engage in strength training, set and achieve fitness goals, and develop a sense of camaraderie.
|
Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays
Small Gym |
Lunch | Bryan Son
Matt Hazen* |
National Honor Societies – High School Only – Application Required:
**For a description and application process for each of the honor society, please go to our website: https://bsd405.org/international/titans/honor-societies/. Please contact the advisor, if you have specific questions.
| Name of Honor Society | Club President
Club Advisor* |
| International Thespian Society
|
Nate Bloch
Karen Gath* |
| Math Honor Society
|
Maple Dang
Mary Chu* |
| National Honor Society
|
Isla Hanleybrown
Joanne Whang* |
| National Art Honor Society
|
Taran Brown
Francesca Lee* |
| National French Honor Society
|
Bella Morisseau
Tami Wietfeldt* |
| National Technical Honor Society
|
Sophia Zhang
Mathew Hong* |
| Science National Honor Society
|
Isabella Chu
Wesley Hung* |
| Tri-M Music Honor Society
|
Juliana He
Anna Silarski* |