What's Up Westside

• October 11: School-Day SAT (12th grade only, 8am, WSHS Gym)
  
• October 12: Curriculum Night (6:30–8:30pm)
• October 13: No School: State Inservice Day
• October 17: Washington State Health Youth Survey Administered (10th and 12th grades only)
  
• October 17: Picture Retake Day (Pre-order photos)
• October 18: Student College & Career Fair (11:45am–12:25pm, WSHS Gym)
• October 19: Westside HEY Parent Ed: Homecoming and Coming Home (6–7:30pm, WSHS Library)
• October 20–27: School Day PSAT (11th grade only, WSHS Library)
• October 21: Homecoming Dance (8–11pm, WSHS Gym)
• October 24: PTSA Presents: Planning for Life After High School (6–8pm, WSHS Library)
• November 2: First Thursdays Parent Group (6:30–8pm, Room 105)
• November 4: PTSA Tailgate Auction

What's Up Westside! We are into October now and we have a busy month ahead. As you can see below, there are many activities happening at WSHS. One event coming up next week is our annual Curriculum Night. This is a chance to go through your student's schedule, learn about their classes and meet their teacher. Here is the schedule for Curriculum Night:

• 6:15-6:45pm: Reception in the commons with snacks, schedules, and maps
• 6:50-7:00pm: Period 1
• 7:05-7:15pm: Period 2
• 7:20-7:30pm: Period 3
• 7:35-7:45pm: Period 4
• 7:50-8:00pm: Period 5
• 8:05-8:20pm: Period 6
• Dismissal

We will have copies of schedules, but it will be quicker and easier to just pull the schedule off of The Source. You can double-check with your student about the schedule and classes because it might be a little confusing just looking at the schedule. We will also have students in the halls to help guide you to the classes. This is a fun night and chance to connect with the community. Be sure to check out the rest of the activities this month. I hope to you see you all at Curriculum Night. Go Wildcats!

Wednesday, October 11, 8am, WSHS Gym

WSHS will administer the school-day SAT to all 12th grade students, including Running Start students. Please read the document below for details, instructions, and test prep recommendations.

Thursday, October 12, 6:30–8pm

All parents and guardians are invited to the school curriculum night! This is a chance to go through your student’s class schedule. During each period, teachers will introduce their course and share classroom expectations.

Thursday, October 19, 6–7:30pm, WSHS Library

Parents and guardians, join the Westside HEY Coalition for tips to help you talk with your teens about substance abuse, underage drinking, making healthy choices, and staying safe during Homecoming. There will also be a special student presentation from the WSHS Sexual Violence Resource Group. Registration required; please email Donna Kelly.

October 20–27, WSHS Library

West Seattle HS is proud to offer the PSAT free of charge to our juniors. This year the PSAT is a digital exam that will be administered to groups of students over a period of one week. Please read the document below for details and instructions.

Thursday, November 2, 6:30–8pm, Room 105

Parents and guardians are welcome to drop in occasionally or come every month. We are tackling the tough topics as we prepare for the holidays that celebrate family. Join us in building a community of caring, supportive parents. Guided by Crissa Parsley, WSHS Social Worker. Register by emailing dmkelly@seattleschools.org.

Please read the document below to learn about attendance and strategies that make a difference.

Congratulations to WSHS students Afra Mirza, Raven Carroll, and Will Pfyer, whose artwork will be showcased at Everyday Unseen, an exhibition for young visual and performing artists in Seattle. Those selected receive a stipend, goods, and opportunities to connect with other participants. Come celebrate these artists at the opening night, Saturday, October 7, 6–9pm, at The Vera Project (161 Republican Street).

WSHS students who are fluent and literate in a language other than English should consider SPS World Language Credit Testing. Qualified students can potentially earn up to four competency-based credits and receive the Washington State Seal of Biliteracy. There are many language tests offered, but slots are filling up fast. Register now! Questions? Speak with Ms. Patman in Room 221.

2023-2024 Activity Cards are now on sale via SchoolPay. Activity cards provide discounts on dance tickets, football tickets, and school store purchases, as well as free entry to home games and certain ASB-sponsored events. Student athletes are required to purchase an activity card before participating in any sport. Students who have paid online can get the sticker for their student ID from Mrs. Penner in the front office.

Tickets for Haunted HoCo will go on sale next week! October 9–13 the cost is $15 or $10 with ASB sticker. October 16–20 the cost is $20 or $15 with ASB sticker. The Homecoming Dance will be on Saturday, October 21, 8–11pm, in WSHS Gym.

October 16–20

WSHS ASB has announced the daily themes for Homecoming Spirit Week:

• Monday: Pajama Day
• Tuesday: Twin Day
• Wednesday: Class Color Wars

(Seniors BLUE, Juniors WHITE, Sophomores BLACK, Freshmen YELLOW)

• Thursday: Jersey Day
• Friday: Barbenheimer

Tuesday, October 17

10th- and 12th-graders will be administered the Healthy Youth Survey during their English Language Arts class. Running Start Students can take the survey at WSHS October 17–20. Student participation is completely voluntary and anonymous.

Parents/Guardians please discuss with your student the value of participating in this survey. The Healthy Youth Survey provides important information about the health of adolescents in Washington. Our school and district use this information to contribute to the Continuous School Improvement Plan process. Results can have important value in proposal writing, county prevention plans, and professional development for staff.

Please read the Parent and Student Notification Letter for more information, available in English (PDF), Spanish (PDF), Somali (PDF), Vietnamese (PDF), and Russian (PDF). HYS provides additional Student Resources if your student needs help, or just someone to talk to.

Tuesday, October 17

Missed picture day? Students who missed the September picture day should plan on getting a photo taken on October 17. Preorder photos.

Didn't like your photo and would like a retake? Students can return their portrait package in exchange for a complimentary retake replacement. View and order photos from picture day using your student’s SPS ID number and an email address.

Wednesday, October 18, 11:45am–12:25pm, WSHS Gym

Plan for the future, learn about post-graduation opportunities, and get your questions answered. Meet representatives from colleges, universities, apprenticeship programs, employers, unions, and the military. Learn what recruiters are looking for in applicants.

Tuesday, October 17, 6–8pm, WSHS Library

PTSA Board Meetings are open to all current PTSA members. Please RSVP to president@wshsptsa.org.

Tuesday, October 24, 6–8pm, WSHS Library

No matter where your student is in the process—freshman or senior—setting them up for success after high school can feel daunting. Join us with the school counselors as they give an overview of the options available and offer resources. We will also hear from parents sharing their experiences through the process. This parent-focused presentation is part one of the Counseling Center's "College 101" parent education series.

Saturday, November 4, 6–9pm, Dakota Place Park

Enjoy a fun night out while supporting your favorite team—the Wildcats! We have a wide array of items for you to bid on. Check out the catalog and get your tickets to The Tailgate auction today! All funds raised will go towards academic supports for students and staff that are not covered by state funding.

• Legislative Chair: Are you a passionate advocate for kids? The Washington Legislature session is coming up and we want to contribute to the conversation. Help Washington State PTA build its priority list to take to the state legislature and help keep our members informed about local issues.

• Racial Equity Team Representative: Are you a concerned voice for diversity, equity and inclusion? We need you to help lift up the voices of those who feel shut out. Support the work of the staff's Racial Equity Team.

• Secretary: Are you looking for an easy way to get involved? Attend and keep minutes at all membership and board meetings.

Not sure you can take it on alone? Co-sharing of positions is allowed! Come to a board meeting to check it out before committing. If interested, please email president@wshsptsa.org.

Sunday, May 19, 2024

Save the date for the annual West Seattle 5K! We are currently forming a committee to help plan this year's event with co-chairs Kelley O’Connor and Athena Frederick. Interested? Please email westseattle5k@westseattle5k.com.

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

Class of 2024, it's time to apply for your Seattle Promise scholarship. Get two-years of tuition-free college and mentorship to help you succeed. All Seattle public high school graduates are eligible regardless of GPA, income, ability, or country of birth. Apply today!

The following schools will be visiting WSHS:

• Gonzaga University, October 12 at 1:45pm
  
• Willamette University, October 24 at 11:45am
  
• Vassar College, October 25 at 1pm
  
• Knox College, October 27 at 11:45am

Interested students, please email Ms. Stacey at stfernandez@seattleschools.org. Sign-up sheets are also located outside the counselors' offices.

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

• October 6: Golf vs. Holy Names Academy and O'Dea (Jackson Park Golf Co., 3pm)
  
• October 6: Swim and Dive vs. Ingraham (Helene Madison Pool, 4pm)
• October 6: Football vs. Lakeside (NWAC, 7pm)
• October 7: Cross Country Hole in the Wall Invitational (Lakewood HS)
• October 7: Volleyball vs. Juanita (WSHS, 1:30pm)
• October 9: Soccer at Bishop Blanchet (7pm)
• October 9: Volleyball vs. Lakeside (WSHS. 7pm)
• October 11: Cross Country Meet (Woodland Park, Girls 3pm/Boys 3:40pm)
• October 11: Golf vs. Lakeside (Jefferson Park Golf Co., 3:30pm)
• October 11: Soccer vs. Seattle Prep (Magnuson Park, 4pm)
• October 12: Volleyball at Chief Sealth HS (7pm)
• October 13: Golf vs. Nathan Hale (Jefferson Park Golf Co., 3pm)
• October 13: Swim and Dive vs. Garfield (Medgar Evers Pool, 4pm)
• October 13: Football vs. Ingraham (NWAC, 5pm)

View complete WSHS sports schedules.

The West Seattle Lacrosse Club welcomes any West Seattle High School girl! No experience necessary to play. Learn a new sport and get involved in our community. Register now.

Wednesday, October 18, 4755 Fauntleroy Way SW

WSHS Boys Basketball will receive 25% of fundraiser sales. Order online using the code MODGIVES25 or visit the West Seattle MOD and mention the fundraiser at checkout.

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

Stay up to date with vaccines, including boosters, at SPS vaccination clinics for children and adults. Pre-enrolling for an appointment on the SVNA website or GO VAX Kids registration form is required, however people who walk up may use their cell phone to enroll. These are regional clinics open to all in the SPS community. You do not have to be a student of staff of a particular school to make an appointment.

Find a date and location that is convenient for you and your family or check out these upcoming clinics in West Seattle:

• October 7: Louisa Boren STEM K–8, 9am–3pm, registration page.
• October 8: Chief Sealth High School, 9am–3pm, registration page.

• October 14: Madison Middle School, 9am–3pm, registration page.

• October 21: Chief Sealth High School, 9am–3pm, registration page.

• October 29: Madison Middle School, 9am–3pm, registration page.

Saturday, November 4, 5–7pm, Meany Middle School

This event is open to LGBTQ+ parents/guardians and their students who attend Seattle Public Schools, as well as LGBTQ+/gender-expansive kids in SPS and their parents/guardians. Expect food, connection, activities for kids, and opportunities to learn about community resources for families. RSVP today!

If you would like to receive more content for SPS LGBTQ+ families, sign up for the mailing list.

October 10, 6-8pm, Rainier Avenue Church (5900 Rainier Avenue S)

Join the Alliance for Education at a community meal and meet your local Seattle School Board and Seattle City Council candidates. This event is free and open to all members of the community. RSVP to attend.

Saturday, October 14, 12–1:30pm, Via Zoom

Join Black Lives Matter at School and The Circle Keepers for an afternoon of learning, community building, and celebration around the theme of restorative justice. This teaching will be led by high school seniors. Register now.

Saturday, November 4, 10am–4pm, Rainier Beach High School

Seniors and Juniors, meet one-on-one with HBCUs, other colleges, universities, and educational programs. Bring your transcripts and test scores to get acceptances and scholarships on the spot! Participate in informative seminars and workshops. Access jobs, internships, and career information. This event is free. Register now.

The Equity and Inclusion Virtual Speaker Series is a program sponsored by POCIS Seattle, People of Color of Independent Schools in the Northwest, to offer our communities the opportunity to connect, learn, and engage in topics around equity, inclusion, and antiracist education and action. These events are free and accessible to all. See this year's speakers and sign up to participate.

The Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) has international students who are waiting to be connected to a host family from January to June 2024. Students have their own health insurance and cover all their personal expenses. If interested, please email Shawna Busey or text (253) 273-8453 for more info.

The Seattle Public Library offers a free after-school tutoring service—Homework Help. At Homework Help, trained volunteer tutors help students with their homework in math, science, English, and social studies. No reservations are needed. Find SPL branch locations and Homework Help hours.

Students can also access free one-on-one virtual tutoring through the library’s Tutor.com service in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese seven days a week.

• WSHS Website
• ASB Instagram
• Athletics
• Attendance
• Bell Schedule
• Calendar
• Counseling Center
• Library
• Teen Health Center
• Volunteering
• Friends of Washington Music & Drama
• West Seattle Booster Club
• Westside HEY Coalition
• WSHS PTSA

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.

Find past issues of the newsletter at:

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

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