What's Up Westside

• May 11th - Dine Out at Duke's for WSHS Athletics
• May 13th - Big Band Dinner and Dance Music Program Annual Benefit
• May 13th - Suicide Prevention Parent Event
  
• May 15th - Last Day to Order Yearbooks
• May 18th - PTSA Presents: "Preparing for Summer: Keeping our Kids Safe and Healthy"

• May 20th - Talent Show

• May 30th - Memorial Day - NO SCHOOL

Thirty Days until the end of the school year, but who is counting? As we move into May and June, there is still plenty of learning happening and need to stay focused to the end. This may be a little harder to do for our Seniors, but I am confident we will all get there. Graduation is planned for June 13 at SWAC. This will be a special time for everyone and I very much look forward to the celebration. I have a few items to highlight in my brief section here and please read through the newsletter for other updates. I want to highlight 3 topics here:

1. Covid Updates: We are hearing about upticks in Covid infections in our area. At WSHS, we still have very few positive cases popping up among students or staff. We continue to encourage masking, distancing when possible, and hand-washing. If your student does test positive, please let attendance know. Notification protocols have changed, so only students who are immuno-compromised would be notified if exposed to a positive case. You can track data at: https://www.seattleschools.org/resources/covid-19-dashboard/
2. Testing: The month of May is filled with testing. This includes Advanced Placement testing (students in AP classes who signed up for testing) as well as Smarter Balance Testing (10th grade students). We communicate clearly with students on this, so this is more of a heads up that these things are happening, if you were not already aware.
3. Next Year Schedule and Start Time: As you may have seen in district communications, SPS is shifting back to a 3-tier system. High Schools will almost certainly fall into the Tier-2, 8:30am-3:20pm time frame. Our actual schedule of 6 periods per day, may shift slightly for 2022-2023. We will send out information once this is all finalized.

Best of luck in the post-season to our spring sport athletes and teams. Let's finish strong and be ready to celebrate our Seniors at graduation on the 13th! Go Wildcats!

Sophomores should go directly to the Library instead of attending their regular classes following the below schedule.

Students must come during their scheduled time due to WIFI issues.

Students will need their district laptops for the assessment, if they don't have one we will provide a loaner laptop.

Testing Schedule:

IMPORTANT UPDATE FOR SENIOR FAMILIES:

Due to supply chain issues, the cap and gown distribution has been moved from Monday, May 9th to Friday, May 13th 12-1:30pm.

All the dates families will need to get them to the graduation stage are linked HERE.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT EXAMS

For Students that have prepaid and registered for May AP exams, the exams will be held in the School Library. Students testing with accommodations will test in the School Library Conference Room. AP orders have been finalized. Any student wishing to cancel their exam can request a refund after May 13th. College Board will keep $40.00 per exam as a processing fee.

Questions about testing contact Amy Doll asdoll@seattleschools.org

Exam Schedule: AP Exam dates on CollegeBoard

STATE TESTING FOR WSHS STUDENTS

Smarter Balanced English/Language Arts and Math– March 7 to June 3

Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science– April 11 to June 3

Spring 2022 ELA, math, and science will be at grade level. Students in grades 10 are required to take the ELA and math assessments. Students in grades 11 are required to take the science assessment. Students in grades 11 or 12 may elect to take ELA and/or math in order to fulfill a graduation pathway.

Please visit SPS Testing and Assessments page for updates and news on how assessments are used and their requirements in Seattle Public Schools.

ACADEMIC SUPPORT - AFTER SCHOOL TUTORING

After school tutoring is now available every Tuesday and Thursday from 3:45-5:00pm in the library! Please make sure that you have access to your assignments before arriving. We look forward to seeing you after school in the library and helping you with your classes.

Questions? Contact Academic Interventionist, Sandi Whiton at: sswhiton@seattleschools.org

PROPOSED BELL TIME CHANGES FOR 2022-23 SCHOOL YEAR

As a result of community input, the district is slowing down the decision-making process in order to identify ways to alleviate the concerns that have been raised. For more information visit: https://www.seattleschools.org/resources/bell-schedules/bell-time-changes/

SPS SUPERINTENDENT DR. BRENT JONES LISTENING TOUR

The Seattle Council PTSA is hosting a series of on-line community engagements with Seattle Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Brent Jones. Please join us to share your voice with our district leader about safe and welcoming environments. To register, please use the following links. ASL and closed captioning will be available at each listening session. Interpretation in each of the top 5 languages (Spanish, Somali, Vietnamese, Cantonese, and Amharic) is available as well. All listening sessions are 5:30PM to 7:30PM on the dates listed.

May 9: Special Education families https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYodOquqTsiE9y1KJnM5pJrMa39aTSb7ra2

May 16: General public https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMsfuGhpjovH9cM5rCAYrbaALSxwjX1YL7Q

PAID VIRTUAL FOCUS GROUP for SPS PARENTS/GUARDIANS

TO REGISTER: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/spsdiscipline

The district’s Prevention and Intervention Department works to enhance student learning and well-being through the delivery of comprehensive prevention programming, with a focus on reducing substance abuse and other risky behaviors.

They are conducting paid virtual focus groups with parents/guardians to gather feedback on SPS' Substance Abuse Disciplinary Procedure. They will discuss what parents know about the drug/alcohol policy and procedure, what works well with the current disciplinary practices, and how they can improve them. No information about personal experience with the disciplinary procedure will be asked. No special knowledge is required to participate. The discussion will last one hour, and participants will be provided incentives worth $50 for their time which will be mailed to them. They are holding sessions in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Somali, and Amharic.

English Speaking Participants: 5/10/22 and 5/16/22 at 6:30-7:30

Spanish Speaking Participants: 5/12/22 at 6:30-7:30 PM

Vietnamese Speaking Participants: 5/17/22 at 6:30-7:30 PM

Chinese Speaking Participants: 5/18/22 at 6:30-7:30 PM

Somali Speaking Participants: 5/11/22 at 6:30-7:30 PM

Amharic Speaking Participants: 5/13/22 at 6:30-7:30 PM

Questions or Concerns?

Reach out to Hena Parveen @ heparveen@seattleschools.org

GRADING - NO ZERO'S - 50% is a warning

We are hearing from some parents about confusion when looking at The Source and seeing grades that represent a 50%. At the start of this school year, SPS put in place mandatory grading policies that include making adjustments to a 100point grading scale. I am attaching a link HERE to an article and short video describing the reasoning behind this shift. I am also including this as a heads up that if your student has a 50% on an assignment or as an overall grade, they are likely significantly behind or have not turned in that particular assignment or assessment. This is a shift in how to look at grades, and how to support students in earning credits. We will continue to send out updates on grading, but wanted to re-iterate this shift to clarify what you may be seeing when you look at student grades.

PTSA MEETING and PARENT EDUCATION EVENT

7-8:30pm MAY 18TH - "Preparing for Summer: Keeping our Kids Safe and Healthy" with SPS Healthy Youth Survey Manager, Lisa Davidson

Meeting Registration Link (6)

This will be our final meeting of the year, and hopefully the last virtual meeting ever! We need members to attend and vote on next year's budget and proposed slate of officers.

Also, Lisa Davidson will share the Healthy Youth Survey data that she collected from WSHS students in the fall. She will then help parents understand the data and give some guidance and resources available to help our kids stay healthy and safe over the summer.

URGENT NEED FOR PTSA EXECUTIVE BOARD VOLUNTEERS

The PTSA is looking for volunteers to fill the key positions required to be recognized as a legitimate PTSA. We need a President and a Vice President, as well as volunteers to help with fundraising, membership, communications, and serve as a Building Leadership Team representative. All of these roles offer you a chance to make new connections and to have an impact on our school community. Be a part of making WSHS the school community you want! These positions could be shared - many hands make light work! There are 4 general membership meetings and a monthly board meeting to attend September to June.

Please consider adding your talents to the team! Contact PTSA President, Michele Starkey, if interested or for more information at: wshsptsapresident@gmail.com

You can also send questions to: wshsptsacommunications1@gmail.com

GOLDEN APPLE AND GOLDEN ACORN AWARDS

Each year PTSA gives out awards to outstanding individuals who have served the school community.
The Golden Apple Award is for an outstanding educator who has gone beyond the normal expectations of their job to make the learning environment fun, beneficial and challenging.
The Golden Acorn Award is presented to a volunteer in recognition of their dedication and service to children and youth.

Please use this form to make your nominations:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeajd_oUwXiBY-hXai-Zf7jL4fJho65SsIrx3pSz6L_qYJYJg/viewform

Students are encouraged to participate.

Please submit by May 11th

WHY PTSA?

This newsletter, parent ed events, staff support and appreciation, advocating for students, funding needs beyond the building budget, and, when able, joining as a community. At it's core the PTSA is about advocating for kids, supporting staff, and building community. It takes donations and volunteers to do it.

AMAZON SMILE - SUPPORT PTSA WHEN YOU SHOP

Did you know that when you shop on AmazonSmile your purchases can also support the West Seattle High School PTSA? It's free and only takes two minutes to setup. A percentage of your Amazon purchases will be donated to the WSHS PTSA. 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

BECOME A MEMBER

Be a part of making WSHS the school community you want! Become a member of the PTSA at: http://wshsptsa.org/

The WSHS PTSA celebrated our hard working educators this week with gestures of appreciation. Thank you WSHS Teachers and Staff for your daily commitment to our kids! We appreciate you!

Scholarship Opportunities: Seniors, there are still several scholarship opportunities available, including local WSHS scholarships! To see the full list and apply visit https://westseattlehs.seattleschools.org/resources/counseling-center/scholarship-bulletin/

Suicide Prevention Parent Event: WSHS will be hosting our fifth annual Forefront Suicide Prevention parent event, Friday, May 13th from 9-10 am. This topic has never been more important as suicide rates are up in King County and across the nation since the start of the pandemic. Preventing death by suicide is everyone’s job- from school staff to parents, friends and the community as a whole.

This parent event will focus on learning the stats and risk factors for teen suicide, as well as teaching parents active listening skills and how to listen to their teens with empathy. The event will be virtual, and no RSVP is required. Link to the virtual Teams event: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ZjA4YTVkZDktNjI5NC00ZjY4LWI5ZGItZjlkMDdmNmQ2MDUw%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22d431d158-6074-4832-8783-51ea6f6dd227%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22005d032f-8037-45e7-a0f1-af261770432e%22%2c%22IsBroadcastMeeting%22%3atrue%7d&btype=a&role=a

Questions? Contact Mallory Neuman at mlneuman@seattleschools.org

Open Enrollment Updates: The 2022-23 open enrollment results and waitlist information will be available on the SPS website Tuesday, April 19.

Families and students can access results through the SPS Assignment Look Up Tool or The Source.

A student ID number is needed to access the Assignment Look Up Tool. If you don’t have this information, please check The Source or contact the Admissions Office at admissions@seattleschools.org or 206-252-0760.

Students assigned to a choice school during open enrollment will receive a new assignment letter by email or mail by late April.

School Choice applications will continue to be accepted through Tuesday, May 31.

To dispute the open enrollment process, submit an Inquiry form online, by mail, or in person at the John Stanford Center (2445 3rd Ave. S., mailstop 11-161). Forms are available Tuesday, April 19 through Wednesday, August 31. Outcomes can take up to two weeks to resolve.

To dispute a student’s next year assignment, submit a Transfer Request Appeal form, available Wednesday, June 1.

Waitlists will be managed throughout the summer. As seats become available, the Admissions Office will contact families directly by email or phone. Please make sure all contact information in The Source is current.

If you have not received information from the Admissions Office by August 31, then your student did not get into their choice school and are expected to attend their assigned school for the new school year. Please use the Assignment Lookup Tool or contact the Admissions office for information about your student’s assigned school.

New to WSHS, or just looking to make some new friends? Join the “Fun Time Lunch Time” crew in the ASB room (north side of the Commons) to play games, socialize, and meet new people. The room will be open every Thursday during both lunches.

Counselor Caseloads:

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

Last Names Go-Pa, Mallory Neuman mlneuman@seattleschools.org

Last Names Pe-Z, Christine Nutters canutters@seattleschools.org

TALENT SHOW

Our talent show is back and will be live and in-person again this year. If you are interested in showing off your unique talents, please complete this registration form and an ASB member will be in contact with you to give you further details.

FIELD DAY - JUNE 1ST!

Parent volunteers

West Seattle ASB is holding their first field day in YEARS! We’re looking for parent volunteers to help out on Wednesday June 1st from 1-3:30 pm.

If you are interested, start by completing the district volunteer application found here: https://westseattlehs.seattleschools.org/get-involved/how-to-volunteer/

Complete the following form to get connected directly to the field day coordinators. https://forms.gle/tKVUq18DbLVLQ5v5A

We are working with a much smaller budget than in the past, because of the limited fundraising opportunities we had with Covid restrictions in place. Any donation, big or small would be greatly appreciated and will go towards student engagement and fun.

Link to donate: https://schoolpay.com/link/2022FieldDay

ASB thanks you in advance for your willingness to support our return to FUN!

THE LATEST EPISODE OF "WARM ONES"

A student produced interview program https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jxn573buBuM

YEARBOOK SALES

Yearbooks are $55 each and can be purchased online through SchoolPay or in-person with cash, check, or card in our fiscal office.

BLUE SWEATSHIRT PICK UP

The pre-ordered blue sweatshirts are in and available for pick up during both lunches in the school store.

If you didn't pre-order one, no worries! There are extras for sale. $35 cash or check.

BELLEVUE JAZZ FESTIVAL

The West Seattle HS Jazz Ensembles are participating in the Bellevue Jazz Festival this Saturday. This is a competition where they will be competing against other schools in Western Washington. https://www.bellevuehighband.com/jazz

BIG BAND DINNER AND DANCE

West Seattle Big Band Dinner Dance 2022

Friday, May 13th from 6-9pm

WSHS Courtyard (or Commons if rainy)

Volunteers needed! We need just a few volunteers to make our event go smoothly. We will make sure that parent volunteers will be able to leave their "post" if their musician is performing. We are looking for folks to help with set up, check in, a photographer, a clean up supervisor to answer "where does this go?", and a pizza pick up at Costco. Thanks for having a look!

Sign up to volunteer here

Procurements - We're still accepting donations for our raffle baskets! Do you have some games that look brand new? Maybe some local swag? Your favorite packaged snacks? Email westseattle.musicboosters@gmail.com for pick up.

Tickets On Sale - Don't forget to buy your tickets! Reserve your seats here We've sold over half of our dinner tickets, you don't want to miss out on the Thai U Up dinner!

DINE OUT AT DUKE'S

Wednesday May 11th, 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Duke's Seafood, together with West Seattle High School Athletics, cordially invites you and your family to enjoy a delicious dinner on Wednesday May 11th, at Duke's Alki. Meet or make friends while enjoying Duke's Sustainable Seafood & Award Winning Chowders with West Seattle HS Athletics supporters. 50% of sales that evening will go directly to the West Seattle Athletics to help raise money for: uniforms, warm ups, equipment, and tournament/ jamboree fees.

Special thanks to Manny’s for providing drink specials. 100% of the portion of the sale of these items will go directly to our athletics program!

POST SEASON SPRING SPORTS

Spring sports finished up their regular season games this week and are heading into post season tournaments. Get out and cheer on our athletes!

To keep up on all the stats and schedules check out:

http://www.metroleaguewa.org/index.php?pid=0.8.85.6.321

And for the latest on spectator rules:

https://www.seattleschools.org/news/athletics-health-safety/

Boys Baseball won the “Best of the West” trophy. They finished the regular season ranked #1 in both the MetroLeague and the WIAA 3A State Rankings.

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