What's Up Westside

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• February 9: Lunar New Year Celebration (7–8:30pm, WSHS Theater)
  
• February 10: Water Polo Tread-a-Thon (3–5pm, Medgar Evers Pool)
• February 12: West Seattle Booster Club Meeting (7pm, WSHS Library)
• February 14 & 15: Pops Concert (7pm, WSHS Theater)
• February 15: Carnaval/Mardi Gras Celebration (11:45am, Commons)
  
• February 15: Lacrosse Dine-Out Fundraiser (2–10pm, Zeek's Pizza and Beer Star)
• February 15: WSPTA Student Scholarship Application Due
  
• February 16: Seattle Promise Scholarship Application Due

• Congratulations to Wildcat Molly Combs, who earned a medal in the 3A State Bowling Individual Championship!
• Congratulations to trombonist Levon Reeves, who won one of the outstanding soloist awards at the Bellevue College Jazz Festival!

Congratulations to the following Wildcats who signed National Letters of Intent this week!

• Lucy Larson (Seattle University)
• Caden Fahy (University of Pennsylvania)
• Tristian Buehring (Whitman College)
• Bobby Trigg (Bellevue College)
• Miles Chandler (Washington State University)
• Matthew Henning (University of Washington)
• Simon Vance (Southwestern Oregon College)
• Bo Gionet (Central Washington University)

Friday, February 9, 7–8:30pm, WSHS Theater

WSHS families are invited to welcome the Year of the Dragon! Program starts with a lion dance, music, martial arts, and student fashion show. After the show, visit the Lunar New Year Fair in the Commons to enjoy cultural displays, games, activities, and delicious food samples. Dress in your best red (for luck) and capture colorful memories at the photo booth. Admission is free. This event is presented by the WSHS Chinese Program and AAPI Club, and is sponsored by the WSHS and Madison PTSAs.

Monday, February 12, 7pm, WSHS Library

West Seattle Booster Club is a 501(c) non-profit organization that supports athletic programs at West Seattle High School. We are seeking more parent involvement. Please reach out to us at hello@wsbooster.org for additional information.

Wednesday and Thursday, February 14 and 15, 7pm, WSHS Theater

Enjoy traditional pop and show tunes with the WSHS Concert & Symphonic Band, Concert & Chamber Orchestra, Percussion Ensemble, Choir, and a few other surprises!

Thursday, February 15, During Lunch, in the Commons

Celebrate Carnaval and Mardi Gras, an annual festival observed in many Spanish- and French-speaking countries around the world. We will have culturally-inspired activities, including stations to create masks, build marshmallow snowmen, watch Carnaval celebrations and parades, and go on a scavenger hunt. Beads will be available!

Application Due Thursday, February 15

Washington State PTA (WSPTA) offers four $2,500 scholarships to graduating seniors from Washington state public high schools with an active PTSA, who will be starting college (either two-year or four-year) in the fall. View requirements and apply.

Application Due Friday, February 16

The Seattle Promise scholarship provides up to two years or 90 credits of tuition at Seattle Central College, North Seattle College, or South Seattle College. All Seattle Public School graduates from the Class of 2024 are eligible for Seattle Promise, regardless of GPA, income, or country of birth. Seattle Promise students receive additional year-round support including advising, transfer assistance, and long-term career planning. Apply now!

Attention Senior Families! Please double check this list to make sure that your student has successfully turned in their senior photo, baby photo, and senior quote to the yearbook staff. Please follow these instructions to submit any missing pieces no later than Sunday, February 25.

Here are the Slides from the Senior Information Meeting last week, including details on graduation requirements, the graduation ceremony, prom, and much more. Next senior meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 27.

Due Wednesday, February 28

The online class registration portal for the 2024-2025 school year is now open on The Source. Students must sign up for classes online and also complete the paper option sheet handed out in homeroom. Parents play a key role in registration and we encourage you to have conversations with your student at home about classes they choose for next year.

Registration will close on Wednesday, February 28. Students who do not make their class choices before the deadline will have courses assigned by the counselors.

For additional resources and information about registration, please visit the registration section of the counseling website. School counselors will be available during lunch in the Commons for drop-in support.

Thursday, March 7, 6:30–8:30pm, WSHS Library

WSHS Counselors will host this parent night focusing on the statistics and risk factors for teen suicide. They will introduce active listening skills and teach parents how to listen to their teens with empathy. Preventing death by suicide is everyone’s job—from school staff to parents, friends, and the community as a whole. WSHS has partnered with Forefront in the Schools to educate our entire West Seattle community on suicide and how we, as a team, play a role in prevention. RSVP requested. Questions? Contact School Counselor Mallory Neuman.

Friday, March 15

The Big Band Dinner Dance is an annual fundraiser that supports the WSHS music program. There will be music featuring all of our school performing ensembles, the West Seattle Big Band directed by Jim Edwards, food prepared by our wonderful Culinary Arts program, a silent auction, and lots of fun! Ticket sales will open just prior to mid-winter break.

Here is what we need help with now:

• Procurement: Do you have a business, something to donate, or know of a business that might be willing to donate to our silent auction? We would love to hear from you! The Procurement Form is included below.
• Volunteers: Check out the many ways you can help!

Friday, March 22, 6–8:30pm

Celebrate and highlight the many beautiful cultures of WSHS! The student-led Multi-Cultural Night Planning Committee needs your help. Please contact Stacey Fernandez if you are a member of our community who has connections to culturally representative foods, arts, and crafts. In addition, our decorations committee has compiled a wish list. Please consider purchasing items directly from the list and using "Stacey Fernandez's Gift Registry Address" for shipping. Finally, donations are welcome to help procure food, decorations, and entertainment which are reflective of our community. Questions regarding this event can be sent to Megan Claus.

Friday, June 7, 8–11pm, Fremont Foundry

Tickets on sale next week for $24 each!

Visit the Counseling Center Website for resources related to academics, college and career, and mental health and wellness.

• Erica Nguyen (Last Names A-Fe)
• Kinsey Hedeen (Last Names Fi-Marg)
• Mallory Neuman (Last Names Mari-Pig)
• Christine Nutters (Last Names Pin-Z)

• Service Learning Form and Reflection
• Physical Education (PE) Waiver Request Form

• February 9: Gymnastics Metro Championship (4pm, Nathan Hale HS)
  
• February 9: District 2 3A Boys Swim Championship (6pm, Mary Wayte Pool)
• February 10: District 2 3A Boys Dive Championship (9:30am, Juanita HS)
• February 10: Wrestling State Qualifying Tournament (Eastside Catholic)
• February 10 Ultimate vs. Ingraham (12:15pm, Garfield HS)
• February 10: Girls Basketball vs. Bishop Blanchet (5:30pm, WSHS, Tickets)
• February 10: Boys Basketball vs. Roosevelt (7pm, WSHS, Tickets)

Saturday, February 10, 3–5pm, Medgar Evers Pool

West Seattle Water Polo is holding a fundraiser! Come support our players as they attempt to tread water for 100 minutes. Please consider a donation through the West Seattle Booster Club (be sure to put "Water Polo" in the notes!)

Thursday, February 15, 2–10pm, Zeek's Pizza and Beer Star (White Center)

Support the Lacrosse Club by visiting Zeek's Pizza and Beer Star in White Center. Be sure to mention West Seattle Lacrosse so that a portion of your purchase goes to the club!

• West Seattle High School Athletics
• FinalForms
• WSHS Spirit Store
• West Seattle Booster Club
• Metro League’s HomeTown Ticketing digital box office

Sunday, February 25, 3–6pm, Breath of Life SDA Church, 9807 26th Avenue SW

An opportunity for youth to create, learn, and win prizes! Participants are encouraged to submit entries in one of seven categories—Poster, Cartoon, Jingle, Poem, Short Story, Oration, Multimedia—based on the following topics:

• Healthy lifestyle (nutrition, exercise, use of water, sunlight, fresh air, proper rest, moderation, positive value system)
• Negative effects of eating disorders
• Positive ways to deal with stress at school
• Dangers of drugs, alcohol, smoking, and prescription drugs
• How e-cigarettes and vaping negatively impact health
• Negative effects of social media (Grades 5 and up)
• The importance of remaining abstinent in a sex-crazed world (no vulgarity or disrespect in submitted work)
• Bullying
• Health Benefits of Forgiveness
• Better Racial Relations

Register now.

Thursday, February 29, 6:30–8pm, WSHS Theater

Join us to examine the impact of our digital age on teens' decision-making in relation to substances such as vaping, drugs, and alcohol. Exploring the latest research and learning more about the personal experiences of teens and families, this film highlights the changing landscape of the substances themselves, offering solutions for how we can best empower teens as they face decisions about what they will and will not be influenced by. This event is FREE, but registration is requested.

This year the Self Help Projects team is looking for some Environmental Stewardship support at SPS properties and hoping to support High School students in obtaining their Service Learning hours in the process. Join us at an invasive plant removal work party. There are three opportunities scattered throughout our city. Volunteers can participate in as many as they wish. All tools are provided. Register now.

Stay up to date with vaccines—including boosters—at vaccination clinic for children and adults. SPS is offering free flu, COVID-19 and school-required vaccines for children ages six months to 18 years. Insurance is not required. Find a date and location that is convenient for you and your family.

Are you interested in furthering racial equity within Seattle Public Schools? ERAC meets virtually once a month on the second Monday from 5–6:30pm. Members discuss current issues within SPS, review data, and make recommendations to the Superintendent. This committee has a rolling deadline for applications. Apply today!

TIPS offers young leaders, ages 15-19 years-old, paid community service internships in local non-profits throughout the Seattle area. The 2024 Internship Application is now open! TIPS is hosting four information sessions via Zoom where you can learn more about the internship experience. The first session is January 10 at 5pm. Register for info sessions.

The University of Washington’s Youth & Teen Programs offers the following after-school online classes for 9th to 12th graders:

• Architectural Studies
• Writers Workshop
• Writing Arguments That Matter

For course dates, time and registration details visit the Spring 2024 page.

WSHS Website

WSHS PTSA

ASB Instagram

Athletics * Attendance * Bell Schedule * Calendar

Counseling Center * Library * Teen Health Center

Volunteering

Friends of West Seattle Music & Drama

West Seattle Booster Club

Westside HEY Coalition

If you would like to share news or publicize an event or opportunity relevant to the West Seattle High School community, please contact communications@wshsptsa.org.

https://westseattlehs.seattleschools.org/calendar-and-news/whats-up-westside/

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