What's Up Westside

• November 23: No School, Thanksgiving
  
• November 24: No School, Native American Heritage Day
• November 27: Yearbook Sales Reopening
• November 29: CIEE Study Abroad Parent Information Session (7pm, WSHS Commons)
• December 2: Boys Basketball Slam Dunk Social (6–9pm, Easy Street Records, Tickets)
• December 5: PTSA First Tuesdays Parent Social (7pm, Larry's Tavern)
• December 6: Counseling Center Financial Aid Night (6:30–8pm, WSHS Library or Join via Microsoft Teams)
  

Donate new or gently-used coats, hats, and other cold weather clothes for Wildcats and their families in need. Donation bins are located in front of the school store. The homeroom with the most donations wins a donut party for their class!

Wednesday, November 29, 7pm, WSHS Commons

Is your student interested in the possibility of study abroad? CIEE is a non-profit organization with programs in language and culture, arts, business, STEM, service learning and more in 25 countries. If you can't make this session, there will also be a virtual webinar on Wednesday, December 6.

Students in world language classes will be attending CIEE study abroad presentations during class on November 29. Students who aren’t in world language classes can come to the cafeteria during homeroom or meet in Room 235 after school.

Tuesday, December 5, 7pm, Larry's Tavern (3405 California Ave SW)

Socialize with other WSHS parents while benefitting our students! Every first Tuesday of the month, Larry’s Tavern donates partial proceeds to the WSHS PTSA. Board members will be available 7–8pm to greet you. All are welcome! You do not have to be a PTSA member to attend.

Wednesday, December 6, 6:30–8pm, WSHS Library or Join via Microsoft Teams

Counselors will walk families through paying for college and completing the updated Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). There are lots of changes to the 2024-2025 FAFSA, so even if you’ve submitted one before, you will want to hear about the updates.

Due January 18, 2024

To take an AP Exam with accommodations, a student must be approved for accommodations by the College Board Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) office. WSHS students with an existing 504 or IEP who wish to test with accommodations must complete the signed consent form below and return it to Amy Doll, our SSD Coordinator. Most accommodations included in a student’s IEP or 504 plan are approved upon request; some may require additional documentation.

Roxhill, Tuesdays, 2:40-3:40pm; Sanislo, Thursdays, 3:40-4:40pm

Can you give one hour, one day a week to help a student build confidence and experience academic success? Invest in Youth provides 1:1 tutoring at no cost for SPS elementary students furthest from educational justice. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer tutor for a 3rd–5th grade child, please fill out a tutor application form. This could be a wonderful opportunity for adults to give back or for Running Start/high school students with flexible schedules to receive service learning hours.

Yes, the WSHS PTSA board still needs a secretary, legislative chair, and Racial Equity Team representative. What's holding you back?

• Time commitment? It's only 1 or 2 meetings per month with a fun, dedicated group.
• Don't feel qualified? We are all parents doing our best, and there's training available.
• Not sure you can take it on alone? Co-sharing of positions is allowed!
• You've been burned by PTA before? High school PTA is a different experience, and parental involvement is still necessary.

Join us at our next board meeting on Tuesday, December 5, at 6pm in the WSHS Library to see what you're missing! If interested, please email president@wshsptsa.org.

December 13, 7–8:30pm, via Zoom

Join key leaders of the Washington State Legislature for a preview of priorities for the 2024 Legislative Session.

Monday, January 15, 2024

Registration is now open for Focus on Advocacy Day, which will take place at the Capitol Building in Olympia. You can help make PTA’s grassroots advocacy a success by connecting with legislators about our priorities. If interested, please email president@wshsptsa.org.

Advocacy is not a one-day event; it is an everyday action. We encourage members to continue to stay informed and engaged throughout the year, keeping our efforts focused on the mission. Subscribe to WSPTA Action Network.

Our band, orchestra, jazz ensembles, drumline, and choir are all growing! We raise funds to purchase new instruments, repair worn-out equipment, update our music library, and fund field trips. In addition, we are planning to replace the acoustic sound shells in our theater. Help support the growth of our music program, provide unforgettable opportunities for students, and ensure that our program is equitable for every student! Donate today!

Tuesday, December 12, 7pm, WSHS Theater

Come hear Jazz Ensembles I and II in concert under the direction of Mr. Ethan Thomas.

Wednesday, December 13, 7pm, WSHS Theater

Come hear the Concert Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, and Choir in concert under the direction of Mr. Taylor Fritts.

Thursday, December 14, 7pm, WSHS Theater

Come hear the Concert Band, Symphonic Band, and Percussion Ensemble in concert under the direction of Mr. Ethan Thomas.

• November 29: Bowling vs. Ballard (3pm, West Seattle Bowl)
  
• November 29: Boys Basketball vs. Woodinville (7:30pm, WSHS)
• December 1: Swim vs. Garfield (4pm, Southwest CC)
  
• December 1: Girls Basketball vs. Holy Names (7pm, WSHS)
• December 1: Boys Basketball vs. O'Dea (8:30pm, WSHS)
• December 2: Wrestling Tournament (8am, Chief Sealth HS)
• December 2: Girls Basketball vs. Mount Si (5:45pm, WSHS)

Congratulations to the WSHS girls soccer players who received Metro Honors this season!

1st Team Mountain Division

• Madison Jacobson (11, Midfield)

2nd Team Mountain Division

• Ellie Miller (10, Midfield)
• Olivia Shih (11, Midfield)
  
• Annabelle Braun (11, Defense)
  

Honorable Mention

• Marika Nelson (11)
• Ceci Snyder (12)
  

Saturday, December 2, 6–9pm, Easy Street Records

Celebrate and support the boys basketball players and program with dinner, music, and a silent auction. Get your tickets now!

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

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
• Senior Recommendation Packet

Applications Due February 16, 2024

The Seattle Promise Scholarship is open to all SPS graduates and provides up to two years or 90 credits of tuition at Seattle Central College, North Seattle College, or South Seattle College. All SPS graduates are eligible to apply for the Seattle Promise Scholarship, regardless of GPA, income, ability, or country of birth. Apply now!

Wednesday, November 22, 5–8pm, SafeFutures Youth Center (6337 35th Avenue SW)

Enjoy a night of fun, food, and games. Sign up now!

Saturday, December 2, 5:30pm, Brockey Center at South Seattle Community College

Join our friends at Chief Sealth for an evening soiree supporting their PTSA, Athletics, and Denny/Sealth Performing Arts. Register today!

Seattle JazzED is your home for excellent music education. Students in grades 8 to 12 can sign up for Exploration ensembles, including Drumline and New Works. No auditions are required. Seattle JazzED is committed to their programs being financially accessible for ALL families. Sliding scale tuition is offered. Learn more and register.

Due Monday, March 4, 2024

Teens in Public Service is a nonprofit dedicated to developing young leaders committed to their communities. TIPS hires teen leaders for paid community service internships and pairs them with nonprofit organizations over the summer. Apply now!

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.

Find past issues of the newsletter at:

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

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