Titan Tidings

NO SCHOOL ON WEDNESDAY

It is time for an update on our new school and our plans for the transition ahead.

We are currently in the permitting process with the City of Bellevue. This process takes time, but our architects and the district continue to work closely with the city to keep the project moving forward. We are currently scheduled to begin construction this summer. Construction is expected to take approximately two years, with the new International School anticipated to open in fall 2029.

During construction, International School will temporarily relocate to Ringdall Junior High. Ringdall has served as a transition school for BSD middle schools during construction, as well as for schools from other districts and private schools. The campus is considerably larger than our current facility, so International School will not need to use the entire building.

Transportation

Transportation has understandably been one of the biggest questions surrounding our move. We know families have concerns about getting students to and from Ringdall and what our school schedule will look like at the temporary location.

Schools that transition to Ringdall often operate on a later schedule to accommodate transportation. International School, however, has some unique scheduling considerations. Our high school students need to be able to access athletics at the comprehensive high schools, while we also have students participating in zero-period Jazz classes. Together, these needs create a relatively narrow window for a start and end time that works well for our students.

Since the beginning of the school year, we have had multiple conversations with the district to problem-solve these issues and develop a plan that works as well as possible for our students and families. Nothing has been finalized yet, but here is where things currently stand:

• The district currently provides bus transportation to International School and will continue to provide bus transportation at our temporary location.
• One challenge is the interconnected nature of the district's transportation system. Our buses also serve Big Picture, and after completing those routes, the same buses immediately begin routes serving other schools. This creates some important scheduling parameters that we need to work within.
• Our first priority is to establish school start and end times that work within the district's transportation system while still allowing us to offer zero-period classes and ensuring our high school athletes can reach the comprehensive high schools. Our goal is to have this information finalized and shared as soon as possible.
• We are also aware of nearby Metro routes, including routes that connect to park-and-ride locations. We will share more information about these options as our planning continues.
• Families have also asked about the possibility of local drop-off and pick-up locations that could be served by district buses. The district is exploring the feasibility of this option.

We know transportation is an important issue for families, and we will continue to share information as decisions are made.

Ringdall Facility

The district is actively working to prepare our temporary "home" for International School. The roof was recently replaced, most classrooms have received fresh paint, and the IT network has been upgraded. District Operations leaders representing electrical, plumbing, IT, painting, HVAC, landscaping, and other areas have visited the campus to identify additional work that needs to be completed before our arrival.

In short, there is a great deal of work happening behind the scenes to make sure Ringdall is as ready as possible to welcome our students and staff.

Last week, our staff had their first opportunity to visit the campus. (Ms. Towne has already suggested calling it "IS South." Perhaps it will catch on!)

Overall, staff had a very positive experience touring the school and beginning to imagine International School in the space. Several of our staff members have previously worked at Ringdall with other schools, and they shared positive experiences as well. Teachers appreciated the outdoor spaces, the layout of the campus, the science facilities, and the size of many of the common spaces. Several aspects of the campus were described as an "upgrade from our current facility."

Here are a few reflections from our staff:

• "For me, the best part is the space. It creates more opportunities to be outside!"
• "The science facilities at Ringdall are great!"
• "This move is more than a relocation. It is a chance for our students to create a legacy. They will be the generation that bridges our current school and our future school, helping define what our community stands for regardless of the building we're in."
• "Ringdall will be International's home away from home: a large, beautiful campus with improved science rooms and familiar faces."
• "We're still the same school community! It'll be worth it :)"
• "Ringdall offers a beautiful, retreat-like setting where students can learn, connect, and grow amid mature landscaping and spacious facilities."

One staff member perhaps captured the spirit of the transition best:

"Moving can be scary. Instead of focusing on what we will miss or what we can't control, we can focus on the adventure that awaits. International School has never been about our building. International School has always been about the people inside the building. It's about learning and community. Our temporary home is going to be awesome because we will be there together."

Looking Ahead

We know there are still problems to solve and many details about this transition that we will need to share in the months ahead. We also recognize that change can bring both excitement and uncertainty, and we will continue to communicate openly as plans are finalized.

At the same time, our staff left Ringdall feeling genuinely excited about what is possible there. Our goal is not simply to relocate International School for two years. Our goal is to make Ringdall feel like International School.

We will bring our traditions, programs, relationships, high expectations, and sense of community with us. Together, we have an opportunity to create a temporary home that feels uniquely ours while we watch our new school take shape.

And then, in fall 2029, we will have the opportunity to bring that same community into a brand-new International School.

Russell White

Main entrance to Ringdall

Family members are invited to this year's first Principal Coffee on Thursday, November 19 in the IS Library from 9:30 - 10:30. Come learn about some of the priorities of the school this year, an update on the new school, and upcoming events. Parking will be available in the bus lane on the north curb after student drop off.

Tickets for Clue are now available!

The Titan Players are excited to present Clue, a hilarious murder mystery based on the classic board game. Join us for an evening of twists, laughs, and suspense as our talented students bring this beloved story to life on stage!

Performances will be held on Friday, November 13 at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, November 14 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Don’t miss your chance to support the Titan Players and enjoy a fun night of mystery and entertainment. We hope to see you there!

We have two French Exchange students who will be visiting us in December who need a host home. One for a girl and one for a boy. This ask is ONLY for someone to host on this end of the exchange; it is not a commitment to travel to France in the spring.

This is open to ANY family in the International School community. If your student has participated in the Exchange in the past, this could be an opportunity to build another relationship. If you have an older student who was unable to participate in the past, this could be an easy way to participate in the experience. If you have a younger student, this could be a way to introduce them to the experience. We believe in the value of building relationships with others from different cultures, and this is a great way to do so.

The students will be with us December 4 - 16. If you are interested, please reach out to our lead teacher Agnes Leguennec at leguenneca@bsd405.org.

We know that there is always lots of interest in middle school badminton. However, we have not been able to secure a head coach for the team--either through IS staff, through parent volunteers, or through district volunteers. As a result, International School will NOT be participating in badminton season this year.

Students will have the opportunity to sign up and participate in Jubilee Reach's "Retreat Club." See the post in Middle School Teams or prior emails for information about this activity.

Talking Points - At our 9th/10th Parent and Guardian Night, less than half attendees reported receiving the BSD-wide Talking Points texts on September 2nd and 8th. Texts are sent to the cell number on file in Synergy, so please use the end of daylight savings time to not only check your smoke alarm batteries but also check your Synergy profile. Learn about BSD’s new attendance notification practice at https://www.bsd405.org/about-us/news/news-details/~board/bsd-news/post/attendance-notifications-via-text-message-with-talking-points

WLCC - 53% of IS students spoke their first words in a language other than English. If you speak a World Language, you're eligible for World Language high school credits and a Seal of Biliteracy. Unlike Advanced Placement, the WLCC program offers tests in a long list of languages. International is partnered with Sammamish for testing at the SHS Library on February 3. Registration for this test closes Sunday, January 24, 2027.

College list - Keep an open mind and look beyond a colleges’ sticker price for deep pockets. Read this WSJ article about hidden bargains. Learn about the Whitman Promise that caps tuition at 10% of your family income and The Reed Promise that offers free tuition to students whose families earn under $100,000.

Wishing our seniors the best of luck with their UW applications due November 15!

• Grades, GPA, and college - first quarter ended last Friday, and grades will be posted soon. Q1 grades do NOT go on your transcript. Reflect on how your study habits affected your Q1 grades and how you might adjust to finish strong at the end of first semester. If you’re not already attending tutorial, start there. Reach out to your teacher and counseling team for support. Your semester grades are used to calculate your GPA, and colleges see your courses and grades from 9th-11th when you apply in the fall of senior year.
• College list – expand your knowledge of the 4000+ colleges. You don’t need to spend hours researching them. Instead, simply be curious about colleges that organically come into your day through conversations, commercials, and travel. Expose yourself to as many colleges as possible to develop an understanding of the vast variety of size, location, and vibe.
• Parents and guardians, thank you to those who attended Wednesday night’s event. ICYMI, Colleen sent the slide deck and recap email to parents/guardians on Friday. Plan for IS College Boot Camp mid-August 2029!

• Save these dates:
• Oct 6, 2027 – PSAT/NMSQT
• March 2028 – SAT School Day
• Mid-August (tent 8/14-18/2028 IS College Boot Camp
• Parents and guardians, thank you to those who attended Wednesday night’s event. ICYMI, Colleen sent the slide deck and recap email to parents/guardians on Friday.

• Junior Appointments with counselor, student, and parents/guardians are unique to International! If you haven’t already, SIGN UP for your Jr. Appt as a family to take advantage of this opportunity. 30 minutes are reserved between Nov 4-Dec 18 for each 11th grader and parents/guardians to discuss graduation traction and post-secondary plans with HS Counselor Colleen Courtney. Limited rescheduling opportunities, so careful planning is strongly encouraged. Please check your schedules and reserve your meeting time ASAP. Students: use SchooLinks to prepare by favoriting 5+ colleges and exporting your resume from Profile.
• Registration is OPEN for IS College Boot Camp Aug 16-20, 2027. Payment in Touchbase is registration for the AM (9-noon) or PM (1pm-4pm) session. Space is limited per session, and AM typically fills first.
• College List – use SchooLinks to research colleges and Favorite schools where you might apply.

• We’re so proud of you!! Congratulations on submitting applications in time for the big November 1 deadline and working hard toward the University of Washington’s one and only November 15 deadline! And, you’re juggling classes, too!
• Financial Aid – check out Washington Student Achievement Council’s live events next week (registration below), watch the recorded Financial Aid 101, and reference these guidebooks from College Aid Pro:
• Your [CAP] Quick Guide to the 2027-28 FAFSA
• The [CAP] CSS Profile Playbook

Track hours in SchooLinks>Engage>Experience Tracking to meet your 40-service hour graduation requirement

Find opportunities in SchooLinks by clicking Engage > Opportunity Board > then, from the drop-down menu under Opportunity Type, click Volunteer

Young Explorers Club is hiring STEM TAs and Summer Camp Counselors at $18-22/hour. Must be 16+.

College visits at International are for 11th and 12th grade students during the school day

1. Get teacher permission in advance
2. Register in SchooLinks; registration closes 2 days prior to visit
3. Maximum 5 visits per student

Week of Nov 9college rep visits (check SchooLinks for updated list):

• Whitworth University

***See SchooLinks>Engage>Events for an expanded list of outside events***

Nov 12

Best in the West College Fair

6-7:30pm/Seattle Public Library – Broadview Branch

Nov 12

Notre Dame presents: Financial Aid 101: The Basics of Financial Aid

4pm/virtual

Register

Nov 14

9th Annual Seattle Black College Expo - FREE

10am-2pm/Highline College, Des Moines

Registration

Nov 14

Bellevue College Fall Discovery Day

10am-2pm/BC U Building

Register

Nov 17

WSAC Class of 2027 Financial Aid Night (for students)

5:30pm/Zoom

Register

Nov 18

WSAC Parent & Caregiver Financial Aid Night

5:30pm/Zoom

Register

Nov 21

Northwest College of Art & Design open house

9am-1pm/NCAD (Tacoma)

Register

Nov 27

UBC Vancouver Info Day for students and families

10am-3pm/UBC Vancouver

Register

Nov 28

UBC Okanagan Info Day for students and families

10-3:30/UBC Okanagan (Kelowna)

Register

• Virtual college tour info: NACAC, appily, campustours.com and university sites.
• Financing Higher Education, FREE (5) 15-minute digital lessons in English or Spanish
• Financial Aid 101 on Demand (English, Spanish)

Get tips on writing a scholarship essay from the College Essay Guy.

• Fast Web’s list of full-tuition scholarships
• WashBoard.org connects Washington students with scholarships without selling student information.
• Sign up for College Aid Pro Weekly Private Scholarship List

• No School: Veteran's Day (November 11)
• Fall Play Performances (November 13 - 14)
• 6th Grade Parent Night (November 17, 6:30 - 7:30, Library)
• Principal Coffee (November 19, 9:30 - 10:30am, Library) - NEW
• High School Band Concert (November 19, 7:00, IPAC)
• No School: Thanksgiving Break (November 26 - 27)
• Middle School Orchestra Concert (December 2, 7:00, IPAC)
• High School Orchestra Concert (December 3, 7:00, IPAC)
• Middle School Social (December 4, 7:00 - 8:30)
• High School Choir Concert (December 7, 7:00, IPAC)
• Middle School Choir Concert (December 8, 7:00, IPAC)
• PTSA Winter Market (December 9, 7:00 - 8:30pm)
• Middle School Band Concert (December 10, 7:00, IPAC)
• High School TOLO (December 12, 8:00 - 10:00pm)