What's Up Westside

• November 25th - Native American Heritage Day - NO SCHOOL

• November 29th - Auditions for Student Directed Winter Show 4pm

• December 6th - PTSA Parent's Night Out at Larry's Tavern after 4pm

• December 10th - Saturday School 9AM-12PM in the School Library

• December 14th - Deadline for ASB Coat Drive

• December 19th - 30th - Winter Break - NO SCHOOL

Well, looks like I missed our regular schedule of pushing out our newsletter on Friday. So, here it is. As we move into the next few weeks before winter break, there are several announcements and opportunities to help support our students and our community. I know that there will be much discussion around snow days as any flakes of snow fall from the sky. As of right now, there is not an official district plan for remote learning if there is a snow day. SPS is working on one, but the details have not been formalized yet. So, please stay tuned to any district communication regarding any snow event plans. Also, please continue to encourage your students to take advantage of help opportunities during lunch and/or our upcoming Saturday school. In addition, get out and support our winter sports as those seasons will be starting up this week. Stay warm. Go Wildcats!

SATURDAY STUDY HALL TUTORING

Saturday Study Hall is happening on December 10th. All students are welcome. Students with a D, E, or I in any core subject are strongly encouraged to attend 9am-12pm in the West Seattle High School Library. Tutors will be available to help all students, and teachers have been asked to provide re-tests and missing work.

Breakfast will be served.

If you have any questions about Saturday Study Hall, please email Amy Doll at asdoll@seattleschools.org. If you have any questions about a specific class, Incomplete, or current grade, please contact that teacher directly. All teacher emails can be found on our West Seattle High School website.

SPS COMMUNICATIONS SURVEY

Communications Survey Seattle Public Schools is collecting feedback from students, families, staff, and the community to evaluate and improve communications. This is your chance!

TEEN HEALTH CENTER

During the colder months, we encourage our school community to take the following steps to limit the spread of RSV and other respiratory illnesses such the flu, cold, and COVID-19.

• Feeling sick? Stay home and test for COVID-19. Even if you test negative, it’s important to follow Department of Health guidance and stay home if you are experiencing symptoms.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. Use hand sanitizer when unable to wash hands.
• Cover coughs and sneezes—consider wearing a mask.
• Get vaccinated. Vaccines and boosters are the best protection against illnesses like the flu and COVID-19.

Remember, please continue to protect school communities by testing for COVID-19 before and after travel and follow the CDC’s recommendations for mask wearing. More information is available on the SPS website.

Vaccine Clinics

SPS is offering flu and COVID-19 vaccine clinics throughout November. The clinics are open to all SPS staff, families, and students—regardless of their enrolled school.

Please visit the SPS vaccine clinic web page for more information and to register for a clinic.

West Seattle Teen Health Center is open for sports physicals, check ups, vaccines, and more! The Health Center is located inside of West Seattle High School right across from the main office. Seattle Public School students can access appointments and care for no cost! Please reach out to us if you'd like to schedule an appointment for your student! Give us a call at 206-658-8048 or email our Health Center Coordinator at hannas@neighborcare.org to schedule appointments or with any questions. Stay healthy, Wildcats!

CARE PACKAGE DRIVE

Again this year, our Teen Health Center closes during school winter break. When school is in session, the Teen Health Center provides free hygiene products to all of our students. When our Teen Health Center closes along with the school hours, students in need may experience a gap in these resources. As we did successfully last year, we are organizing another hygiene product, food, and clothing drive for West Seattle High School students. With your help, our goal is to assemble even more care packages this year.

Student volunteers, many of which are part of our Teen Health Advisory Council and National Honor Society, will assemble care packages Friday, 12/9.

Students in need at West Seattle High School can then pick them up during the week of 12/12-12/16, the week before winter break starts.

Hygiene products in need:

- unopened hand sanitizer

- unopened protein bars/granola bars/snacks

- packaged masks

- unopened bars of soap

- unopened feminine hygiene products

- unopened deodorant

- unused toothbrushes

- unopened toothpaste

- unopened chapstick

- hand warmers

- any other unopened hygiene products you're willing to donate are welcome!

Food items in need:

- unopened snacks/protein bars/granola bars

- pasta

- any non-perishable canned foods

Clothing & other items in need (used):

- jackets, sweaters, pants

- backpacks

- socks

- blankets

- gloves, hats, scarves

DONATIONS FOR CARE COORDINATION

Care Coordination supports WSHS students and families in need for a variety of reasons, including food and housing insecurities. The number of homeless families and unaccompanied youth (not living with parents) has drastically increased. We are collecting kid friendly non-perishable food, shelf-stable milk, dry goods, snacks, hygiene products, grocery and Target gift cards, and school supplies on an ongoing basis to try to keep up with the need.

Donations should be delivered to the front office. Questions? Contact Stacey Fernandez

Counselor Caseloads:

Last Names A- Fa, Erica Nguyen etnguyen@seattleschools.org

Last Names Fe-Mar, Kinsey Hedeen krhedeen@seattleschools.org

Last Names Mas-Po, Mallory Neuman mlneuman@seattleschools.org

Last Names Pr-Z, Christine Nutters canutters@seattlesch

TEEN LINK RESOURCE

Where to Turn For Teens - Teen Link

Teen Link is a program of Crisis Connections that serves youth in Washington State. Teen volunteers are trained to listen to concerns and talk about whatever's is on your teen's mind – bullying, drug and alcohol concerns, relationships, stress, depression or any other issues your teen may be facing.

If a teen or an adult concerned about a teen or has questions or concerns about drug use, they can now call, chat, or text to www.teenlink.org

The Westside HEY (Healthy Empowered Youth) Coalition works to prevent youth substance use in West Seattle. Please help us assess our community needs by filling out the 2022 Community Survey. The data from the survey will be used to implement evidence-based prevention programs in middle and high schools in the community, including Madison Middle School and West Seattle High School.

ONLINE SURVEY ENGLISH

https://www.research.net/r/KIWEEN2022

ONLINE SURVEY SPANISH

https://es.research.net/r/KIWESP2022

PARENT'S NIGHT OUT BENEFITING WSHS ACADEMICS

Darn your ugliest sweater and come with, or to meet, other Wildcat parents and caregivers at Larry's Tavern Tuesday, December 6th anytime after 4pm. Larry's Tavern is generously donating partial proceeds from the whole night (4pm to close) to fund academic support. Come build community while supporting West Seattle High School students!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Lead Sports Coordinator: If you have found yourself frustrated about sports logistics and are looking for a solution, this is the position for you. We are looking for someone to help coordinate "team parents".

Team Parents: We are looking for a representative from each sport's team to act as a liaison between the coach and team parents. This person will help facilitate team communications and carpooling when transportation is not provided.

Special Education Board Representative: We are looking for a board representative for our families receiving special education services. This person will ensure the voice of special education families is heard loud and clear. Board members meet the 2nd Thursday of the month, and attend 3 membership meetings throughout the year on the 3rd Thursday of the month.

Please contact wshsptsapresident@gmail.com if you are interested in any of these roles or need more information before committing.

MINI-GRANT REQUESTS

We have received a number of applications for PTSA mini-grants. Our mini-grant process is how we determine the funding for a wide range of staff and student needs that go beyond what the district funds. We are hoping to fund as many requests as possible, but that depends on donations. The mini-grant committee is reviewing applications and will have decisions made by December 12th. If you haven't already, please consider making a donation.

ACADEMIC SUPPORT FUNDING

Due to an expired levy, WSHS does not have the funds for its long running tutoring program. Thanks to those that have already donated, Saturday School is back in session!! We still have a ways to go in order to bring back the program in full AND to be able to support our mini-grant applications from student groups and staff. If you are able, please consider making a donation toward student academic support.

http://wshsptsa.org/direct-drive-campaign

Amazon Smile - seamlessly support the PTSA when you shop

Just follow these simple steps to turn your purchases into donations for the WSHS PTSA. https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/community/how-to-sign-up-for-amazonsmile

JOIN US

Become a member of the PTSA at: http://wshsptsa.org/

The PTSA is a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Add your voice and help make WSHS the community you want to be a part of.

We are pleased to announce that our membership has grown considerably this year, and as a result the WSHS PTSA has recently been recognized by Washington State PTA as a Platinum Membership Growth Award recipient! If you haven’t yet signed up for a 2022-2023 PTSA membership, please consider joining today! By doing so, you are demonstrating your support for our PTSA and all it does for West Seattle High School.

MUSIC BOOSTERS DIRECT DRIVE

We receive only $300 from the school to support the entire music program (2 bands, 2 jazz ensembles, orchestra, choir, percussion ensemble, and guitar) so most of our financial support comes through fundraising. To see our fundraising goals and get the complete story, visit our website: http://www.wshsmusic.org/

Consider donating an amount that is comfortable, or maybe a little stretch, to help us reach our funding goals.

Direct Drive Donations labeled Music or made online at our Music Donation link will go straight to the Music Program.

Donations can be made one of 3 ways:

● Online through Square

● Venmo - @fowsmd mention Music

● Check - made out to FOWSMD, mention Music

Help us spread the word by sharing this fundraising drive with friends, family, and neighbors.

WINTER STUDENT DIRECTED SHOW

Get ready for the winter student directed show, "Love of a Pig", written by Leslie Caveny and directed by our very own Esme Jablonsky!

Auditions will be held November 29th at 4pm in the theatre.

If you are interested in auditioning for the cast or crew, fill out this form before auditions on the 29th.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Visit our website

Students, join the Drama Program Schoology Page! (access code JJQT-BGFR-4t94P)

To receive Remind messages: text @dramawshs to 81010

Our Instagram Account is: @westsidedramawshs

Questions? Contact admin@westsidedrama.com or Mr Wiener at dmwiener@seattleschools.org

YEARBOOK SALES

Yearbook sales are reopening on December 6th -27th. Get your yearbooks before they sell-out! The next round of books will be sold through SchoolPay or in-person in our fiscal office. $55 each

Cash, check (payable to WSHS) and credit cards can be made at the fiscal office during lunch or before & after school. https://schoolpay.com/link/2023YearbookSales

Questions can be sent to mpenner@seattleschools.org

ASB COAT DRIVE

Now until December 14th bring in new or gently used coats of any size to first and foremost support families in need here at WSHS, and the rest will be donated to the greater community.

ASB STICKER PURCHASE

Get your ASB sticker for the Winter Sports season! It's required by all athletes to participate, but should be purchased by all students. Pay using School Pay: https://schoolpay.com/link/2023WSHSActivityCards

Students get discounts on:

• Free home basketball game entrance
• Discount on WSHS merchandise
• Discount on dances
• Free ASB bonus activities and events coming soon

UPCOMING SENIOR DEADLINES

December 18th Graduation cap & gown order due
https://westsidewildcats.itemorder.com/shop/home/
January 9th Senior Portrait and Baby/Toddler photos due
https://www.hjeshare.com/eShare/home?code=west%20seattle
West Seattle (code)

JOIN THE STUDENT RACIAL EQUITY TEAM

Discuss ongoing racial issues within our school and lead the change you want to see in our building! Meets once a month in room 230. Our next meeting is November 30th during lunch.

LATINEX STUDENT UNION

Latinx Student Union (LSU) hosted a community cleanup service opportunity on November 15th during lunchtime. There was a wonderful turnout and students worked hard to get this done! LSU meets on Tuesdays in room 219 during lunchtime. All are welcome! For questions, please contact the LSU Advisor at stfernandez@seattleschools.org

WSHS DIVERSE PARENT CAUCUS

We want to hear from our diverse parent community. See the flyer for details and use the QR code to fill out the survey.

QR code link

To support our Wildcat Athletes, check schedules and scores at:

https://www.metroleaguewa.org/

The Winter Sports line up:

• Cheer (co-ed)
• Boys Basketball
• Girls Basketball
  
• Gymnastics (co-ed)
  
• Boys Swimming
  
• Wrestling (co-ed)
  

For more team details check these Athletic Department links:

• https://westseattlehs.seattleschools.org/student-life/athletics/fall-sports/
• https://twitter.com/WSHSAthletics1
• https://www.instagram.com/westseattle.athletics/
• https://www.facebook.com/WSHSAthletics1

WSHS Boosters Club works to defray equipment and transportation costs. To make a donation or purchase spirit wear visit: https://westseattleboosterclub.org/

HONORED STUDENT

Junior, Gaia Corvino, was honored by the Holocaust Center for Humanity for her work creating a video with WSHS Black Student Union. The video was on the experiences and challenges of black students at West Seattle High School. It was shown schoolwide during Black History Month in 2022 to raise awareness among students about what it is like to be a student of color, particularly a black student, at a white majority high school. Gaia's photo and description of her activism is currently on display on the Upstander Wall at the Holocaust Center for Humanity. Gaia was nominated for this honor by Ms. Dahms, her AP World History Teacher.

SIGNING DAY

Congratulations to three West Seattle High School student athletes signing with colleges! Miles Gosztola, will play baseball at Gonzaga University. Jake Lockwood, will play baseball at Everett Community College. Lina Delgado, will play softball at Missouri Western State University.

GIRLS SOCCER METRO LEAGUE HONORS

Following the girls soccer team’s strong season, the team won numerous Metro League honors. Head coach Andres Lara, was honored as one of two Metro League Coaches of the Year. Brooke Swanson was named the division MVP. Brooke Swanson (forward), Kate Cowan (midfield) and Allie Bennett (defense) were honored as 1st Team All‐Division. Olivia Shih (midfield) and Lola Personett (defense) were honored as 2nd Team All‐Division. Annabelle Braun, Hudson Steere, Mevina Ott received Honorable Mention.

If you would like to share something with the West Seattle High School community, please contact wshsptsacommunications1@gmail.com

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

Email: wshsptsacommunications1@gmail.com
Website: westseattlehs.seattleschools.org
Location: 3000 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116, USA
Phone: 206-252-8800