
What's Up Westside
January 19, 2024
This Week At a Glance
- January 19: "Almost, Maine" Closing Night (7:30pm, WSHS Theater, Tickets)
- January 20: Saturday Study Hall (9am–12pm, WSHS Library)
- January 20: Midnight Masquerade Winter Formal (7:30–10:30p, Fisher Pavilion)
- January 23: WSHS PTSA Student Spotlight (6:30–8pm, WSHS Library)
- January 25: Westside HEY Parent Education Night (6:30–8pm, WSHS Library)
Upcoming Events
Closing Night for "Almost, Maine"
Friday, January 19, 7:30pm, WSHS Theater
Don't miss the last chance to enjoy this collection of intimate stories about people seeking love, connection and redemption one evening under the northern lights in the town of Almost, Maine. Get your tickets!
Saturday Study Hall
Saturday, January 20, 9am–12pm, WSHS Library
Saturday Study Hall is available for all WSHS students to finish the semester strong with a tutor's support. Students should connect with their teachers in advance to get missing work/projects and to retake tests. Additionally, students who have not met their Washington State History requirement should attend to complete a work packet. Washington State History is a graduation requirement!
Winter Formal: Midnight Masquerade
Saturday, January 20, 7:30–10:30pm, Fisher Pavilion
See attached document for important details.
PTSA Presents: Student Spotlight
Tuesday, January 23, 6:30–8pm, WSHS Library
Come hear from our student leaders about the exciting clubs and activities at WSHS. Learn about how your PTSA donations allow us to fund grants and co-sponsor events that benefit the entire student body. All are welcome! You do not have to be a PTSA member to attend.
Westside HEY Parent Education Night
Learn about the social and mental impact of youth cannabis use. Register by emailing Donna Kelly.
Finals Schedule
The first semester ends on Wednesday, January 31. WSHS will have a modified schedule for finals.
Class of 2024 Important Deadlines
- Cap and Gown Orders were due on December 15. If you missed the deadline, there is still time to place your order, but you need to act quickly to receive in time for graduation.
- Senior Shoutout due January 31. Parents, leave a brief message for your Senior!
- Graduation will be on Tuesday, June 18, at 8pm in Memorial Stadium.
Student Shout Outs
DECA Club Members Place in Competitive Events
Congratulations to the WSHS DECA club on its fine performance at the Area 2 Conference last weekend. DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management.
PTSA Presents
Seattle Special Education PTSA Sip & Chat
Thursday, January 25, 7–8pm, via Zoom
'Sip & Chat' is a community gathering with families of students with disabilities where we come together to:
- Listen to our community needs.
- Support and share resources, provide a sounding board, create a sense of belonging, and develop relationships.
- Share what we learn with the district to advocate for our students.
SCPTSA School to Prison Pipeline Open Discussion
Monday, January 29, 5:30–7pm, via Zoom
You are invited to an insightful discussion on racial equity, featuring esteemed speakers dedicated to addressing the complex issue of the school-to-prison pipeline within Seattle Public Schools. Register for the Zoom link.
Apply for the WSPTA Student Scholarship
Deadline for applications is 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.
Westside HEY
First Thursdays Parent Group
Thursday, February 1, 6:30–8pm, Room 105
Join us in building a community of caring, supportive parents. Guided by Crissa Parsley, WSHS Social Worker. RSVP by emailing Donna Kelly.
Save the Date: Screenagers Under the Influence
Thursday, February 29, 6:30pm, WSHS Theater
Examine the impact of our digital age on teens' decision-making in relation to substances such as vaping, drugs, and alcohol.
Counseling Center
Visit the Counseling Center Website for resources related to academics, college and career, and mental health and wellness.
Seattle Promise Info Night
Thursday, February 8, 6:30pm, WSHS Library
Join your WSHS counselors to learn about the Seattle Promise program and how to submit an application for Fall 2024.
Join the Forefront Suicide Prevention Team
The counseling department is looking for parent volunteers to join our Forefront Suicide Prevention Team. Specifically, we are asking for help in running our annual Forefront Parent Night the evening of Thursday, March 7. Forefront is an organization that seeks to prevent suicide in youth through education with students, staff and families in the school community. Learn more about Forefront. Please contact Mallory Neuman if you’re interested in volunteering.
Book an Appointment with Your Counselor
- Erica Nguyen (Last Names A-Fe)
- Kinsey Hedeen (Last Names Fi-Marg)
- Mallory Neuman (Last Names Mari-Pig)
- Christine Nutters (Last Names Pin-Z)
Athletic Announcements
This Week's Varsity Sports Schedule
- January 19: Bowling vs. Ballard (3pm, West Seattle Bowl)
- January 19: Gymnastics vs. Nathan Hale and Roosevelt (4pm, WSHS)
- January 19: Boys Swim vs. Seattle Prep (4pm, Queen Anne Pool)
- January 19: Wrestling vs. Chief Sealth, Cleveland, and Lincoln (6pm, Chief Sealth HS)
- January 20: Girls Basketball vs. Bishop Blanchet (12:30pm, Bishop Blanchet HS)
- January 20: Ultimate vs. Nathan Hale (5pm, Magnuson Park)
- January 20: Boys Basketball vs. Rainier Beach (6pm, Rainier Beach HS)
- January 23: Boys Basketball vs. Nathan Hale (7:30pm, WSHS)
- January 24: Wrestling vs. Bishop Blanchet (5pm, Lakeside HS)
- January 24: Girls Basketball vs. Lakeside (7:30pm, WSHS)
- January 24: Wrestling vs. Lakeside (8pm, Lakeside HS)
- January 26: Wrestling Tournament (2pm, Chief Sealth HS)
- January 26: Boys Swim vs. Chief Sealth (4pm, SW Community Pool)
- January 26: Gymnastics vs. Ballard, Lincoln, and Nathan Hale (7pm, Nathan Hale HS)
- January 26: Girls Basketball vs. Eastside Catholic (7pm, Eastside Catholic)
- January 26: Boys Basketball vs. Eastside Catholic (8:30pm, Eastside Catholic)
Dine Out at West Wings for Boys Basketball
Monday, January 29, 3–9pm, West Wings (2329 California Ave SW)
West Wings will donate 25% of sales from the Regular Menu back to WSHS Boys Basketball! Donation is not available for items on the Happy Hour Menu.
Donate to Our Food Drive
Please help us collect non-perishable food items for WSHS students. Bring your donation to the home basketball game vs. Chief Sealth!
Support the WSHS Water Polo Team
A group of tenacious WSHS students has long been advocating for a water polo team. Well, it’s officially going to happen and the season starts in late February! However, the team has no funds to cover pool time, equipment, or coaching. Please consider supporting them through the West Seattle Booster Club (be sure to put "Water Polo" in the notes!)
West Seattle Booster Club Meeting
Monday, February 5, 7pm, WSHS Library
West Seattle Booster Club is a 501(c) non-profit organization that supports athletic programs at West Seattle High School. Approximately 80% of WSHS students participate in extracurricular athletic programs. The district supports a very small fraction of the resources necessary to fund these programs. We are seeking more parent involvement. Please reach out to us at hello@wsbooster.org for additional information. We hope to meet you at one of our monthly meetings and upcoming sporting events.
Seattle Public Schools News
Community Meeting with School Board Director Gina Topp
Sunday, January 28, 1:30–2:30pm, High Point Library
Join new School Board Director Gina Topp (District 6) for a community meeting.
Join the Equity and Race Advisory Committee
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. Consider applying today!
Seattle Promise Scholarship
Application Due by 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. Our WSHS counselors will be hosting an information night on February 8 (see above). Apply now!
Community Connections
Teens In Public Service Internship Program
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.
Helpful Links
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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