What's Up Westside

• October 14: Theater Tech Day (10am–3pm, WSHS Theater)
• October 16–20: Homecoming Spirit Week
• 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–2:15pm, WSHS Gym)
• October 18: Boys Basketball MOD Pizza Fundraiser (4755 Fauntleroy Way SW)
• October 19: Racial Equity Team Meeting (4–5:30pm, WSHS Library)
• 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)
• October 30: WSHS Fall Fest (4:30–7pm, WSHS Courtyard)
• November 2: College 101 (6:30–7:30pm, WSHS Library)
• November 2: First Thursdays Parent Group (6:30–8pm, Room 105)
• November 4: PTSA Tailgate Auction (Get your tickets now!)

Thursday, October 19, 4–5:30pm, WSHS Library

The Racial Equity Team is a working group comprised of staff, administrators, and family members that works towards improving the culture at WSHS and ensuring that racial equity is at the forefront of decisions being made on campus. Parents and guardians are invited to attend RET meetings to provide feedback on concerns they have surrounding racial equity. (The Student RET meets on the first Tuesday of each month during lunchtime.)

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.

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. Our school counselors will give an overview of graduation requirements and the options available after high school. We will also hear from parents sharing their experiences through the process.

Monday, October 30, 4:30–7pm, WSHS Courtyard

Fun for the whole family! Halloween-themed carnival games, food, and a movie. Entry is free, but bring money for game tickets and concessions. All funds support the sophomore class of 2026.

Thursday, November 2, 6:30–7:30pm, WSHS Library or Join via Microsoft Teams

Counselors will dive into the college selection and application process.

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 Donna Kelly.

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.

• Counselor Letter of Recommendation Packet due three weeks before your college deadline. Your counselor needs time to review your academic record, collect teacher evaluation forms, and write a thoughtful letter of recommendation.
• Senior Quote due November 15. Log in with your Seattle Schools email address. Choose your words wisely!
• Cap & Gown Order due December 15. Required to participate in the graduation ceremony! If you have access to an old cap and gown, you are welcome to wear it; you only need to order the 2024 tassel and stole. If finances are an issue, please email Stacey Fernandez, our Care Coordinator, to see about options to borrow or get a new gown ordered.
• Senior Portrait and Baby Photo due January 15 (Enter School Code "west seattle")
• Adult Shoutout due January 31. Leave a brief message for your Senior!

Read all the details on Yearbook Senior Deadlines. And if your student missed the October 4 Senior Meeting, they can still view the slideshow.

Saturday, October 14, 10am–3pm, WSHS Theater

Join the Theater Department for a training and team-building day for any student who wants to learn about technical theater. Please complete this information form.

October 16–20

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

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

(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. 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

Students who missed the September picture day should plan on getting a photo taken on October 17. Didn't like your photo and would like a retake? Students can return their portrait package in exchange for a complimentary retake replacement. Pre-order photos using your student’s SPS ID number and an email address.

Wednesday, October 18, 11:45am–2:15pm, WSHS Gym

Meet representatives from colleges and universities. Learn about college admissions, financial aid, and student loans. Meet representatives from apprenticeship programs, employers, unions, and the military. Learn about careers that do not require college degrees.

October 20–27, WSHS Library

West Seattle HS offers 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.

Saturday, October 21, 8–11pm (no entry after 9:30pm), WSHS Gym

Join your peers for a night of ghoulish dancing to celebrate our annual Homecoming week. Get creative with your costumes, but be sure to follow the school dress code (no masks and no fake weapons).

Tickets for Haunted HoCo will continue to be on sale through October 20. The cost is $20 or $15 with an ASB sticker. Tickets may be purchased by cash (exact change requested) or check (made out to West Seattle High School) at lunchtime in the ASB School Store or via SchoolPay.

Limit of one guest allowed per WSHS student. A completed, signed guest form must be presented when purchasing guest tickets.

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

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

• Legislative Chair: Are you a passionate advocate for kids? Help the 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? 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, Athena Frederick, and Amy Huey. Interested? Please email westseattle5k@westseattle5k.com.

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

The following schools will be visiting WSHS:

• 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.

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.

• Service Learning Form and Reflection
• Physican Education (PE) Waiver Request Form

• 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 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)
• October 16: Soccer vs. Eastside Catholic (Eastside Catholic School, 4pm)
• October 16: Volleyball vs. Seattle Prep (WSHS, 7pm)
• October 18: Soccer vs. Lakeside (Walt Hundley, 4pm)
  
• October 18: Volleyball vs. Roosevelt (Roosevelt HS, 7pm)
  
• October 19: Cross Country Metro Championship (Lower Woodland, 1pm)
• October 20: Swim and Dive vs. Chief Sealth (Southwest Community Pool, 4pm)
• October 20: Football vs. Nathan Hale (SWAC, 7pm)

View complete WSHS sports schedules.

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.

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.

• 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 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 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.

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.

Monday, October 16, 7–8:30pm, Via Zoom and Livestreamed on YouTube

The League of Women Voters of Seattle-King County presents a forum with all eight Seattle School Board candidates. This event is open to all.

Thursday, October 19, 10:19am

Join millions of people across Washington practicing earthquake safety! Families, schools, businesses, or organizations can register to participate in the drill. Registered participants will receive information on how to plan their drill and involve others. At the minimum, practice one of the recommended protective actions. For more information, visit the Shake Out website.

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 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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