Reflections Art Contest
Reflections is a National PTA and Washington State PTA cultural arts competition in which all Issaquah School District (ISD) schools participate. It provides students with an opportunity to showcase their creative talents, in an expression of original artworks. This year’s theme is “I am Hopeful Because…” Artistic entries are typically due in late October. Check your specific school’s PTSA website (links below) for details and dates.
Issaquah High School Senior Portraits
Fall is a busy time at Issaquah High School (IHS) with club activities, athletic competitions, college planning and more. Seniors do not want to miss submitting 2024 senior portraits by the Oct. 16 deadline. Parents can stay up to date by attending general meetings for the IHS Booster Club on Oct. 10 and PTSA on Oct. 17. Check their websites (links below) for more details.
Parents, Power Up Your Learning This Fall
As the kids start a new school year, it can often bring new challenges for parents. To support parents in their journey to raise thriving individuals, ParentWiser will host five events this year, kicking off with Phyllis Fagell on “Middle School Matters” on Oct. 3. Find the full schedule and register here. On Saturday morning, Oct. 14, Issaquah Schools Foundation (ISF) is offering the first Parent Connect conference, bringing in local experts to facilitate discussions on a number of youth mental health topics—from dealing with stress to navigating friendships to healthy eating and talking about substance use. Learn more and sign up here.
Pacific Cascade PTSA General Meeting with the Principal
All parents and caregivers are invited to the first Pacific Cascade Middle School (PCMS) PTSA general meeting of the year at the school on Tuesday, Oct. 24 at 1 p.m. Hear from Principal McGowan on how the school year has started, ask any questions, and connect with other PCMS parents.
Fall Celebrations
As the leaves change color and the air becomes brisk, our elementary school PTSA’s host fall celebrations for the whole family. Grand Ridge Elementary PTSA will bring back Falloween on the evening of Wednesday, Oct. 25. This is a fun evening where kids can dress up in costume to dance and enjoy fall games with family and school friends. Clark Elementary PTA is also planning a Trunk or Treat for the school community on Friday, Oct. 27. Check out the PTA/PTSA websites (links below) for times, details and to volunteer if you can.
Monster Mash 5K Returns Oct. 28
Help the ISF raise a monstrous amount of support for local students by joining the Monster Mash 5K on Oct. 28! Hosted at Lake Sammamish State Park Boat Launch and the East Lake Sammamish Trail, this professionally chip-timed 5K route is perfect for soaking up the fall colors and fresh air! Phased start waves are offered to welcome participants at all activity levels, whether you are an elite runner looking to PR, a fully costumed casual walker, or somewhere in between. Registrations include fun race swag and a raffle for gift cards/prizes from local businesses, so don’t miss out! Last year’s event sold out. Sign up here.
Volunteer with Issaquah Middle School’s Walkabout Program
Issaquah Middle School (IMS) PTSA is looking for adult volunteers to lace up their sneakers and offer a smiling face and adult presence on campus during lunches and before/after school. Walkabout volunteers help students feel safe and build a stronger Panther community. See the PTSA (link below) for details and to sign up.
Key Resource for the School Year
The Cultural Bridges Family Guide is an indispensable resource for all ISD families. It shares important information about how the school system works from preschool through high school. Plus, it’s offered in eight languages. Read/download Cultural Bridges magazine in Arabic, Chinese, English, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Spanish or Vietnamese here.
Individual School and PTSA Websites
Check the Issaquah School District website (isd411.org) as well as individual school and PTSA websites to confirm details and dates. Find the ISD
calendar at isd411.org/about-us/calendars. Specific school calendars are on each school’s website.
PTA/Booster Websites:
Stay Informed about District Happenings
Looking to stay informed about what’s happening at your student’s school or the district level? Listed below are the district and schools’ official means of communications with families and community members.
- School Bulletins: Each school building sends out a bulletin between 4-6 p.m. on Thursdays during the school year. Emergency bulletins are sent if something timely is happening on campus (bear sighting, police activity near a school, modified lockdown, or other emergencies).
- District Weekly Bulletin “The 411:” The district’s weekly bulletin is sent out in the afternoon on Mondays (and some Tuesdays when holidays fall on Mondays).
- Emergency Notifications: During an emergency, the district will first ensure that students and staff are safe, and then send information to staff and families affiliated with that location via email, text (you must opt-in for text messages from a mobile phone number that is listed in your guardian Family Access account), and occasionally robocalls.
- Websites: For upcoming events, news, staff directory information, lunch menus, bus routes and much more, visit your school’s website or the district website. To translate the websites, use the drop-down menu in the top right corner of the screen (or on mobile, use the menu indicated by the three horizontal lines in the top right).
- Social Media: Our official district social media platforms include Facebook @IssaquahSchools,Twitter @IssaquahSchools, Instagram @issaquahschoolsand YouTube at com/issaquahschools. Superintendent Heather Tow-Yick is also on Instagram: @suptowyick.
As published in fall 2023 Connections >>>
Laura Gaffney is a Grand View Park resident.
