What's Up Westside

• January 9: Senior Portrait and Baby Photo Due
• January 11: WSHS Student Art Show (5–8pm, West Seattle Grounds)
• January 15: NO SCHOOL: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• January 15: WSPTA Focus on Advocacy Day (Olympia, WA)
• January 16: WSHS PTSA Board Meeting (6:30pm, WSHS Library)
• January 17–19: Almost, Maine (7:30pm, WSHS Theater)
• January 18: AP Exam Accommodations Requests Due
  
• January 18: Racial Equity Team Meeting (4pm, WSHS Library)
• January 18: Incoming Student Open House (6:30–8pm, WSHS Commons)
• January 20: Saturday Study Hall (9am, WSHS Library)
• January 20: Winter Formal: Midnight Masquerade (7:30–10:30p, Fisher Pavilion)
• January 23: PTSA General Meeting: Student Spotlight (6:30pm, WSHS Library)
• January 25: Westside HEY Youth Cannabis Prevention (6:30–8pm, WSHS Library)
  
• January 29: Dine out at West Wings for Boys Basketball
• January 31: End of First Semester
• January 31: Senior Shout Out Due

Happy New Year. I love the fact that we get to celebrate the start of a new school year in September and a new calendar year in January. Two opportunities to come back re-energized and excited for what is to come. For our students, now is the time to buckle down and concentrate on finishing the first semester strong. The end of the semester is January 31. For those new to high school, the grades at the end of the semester are the grades that go onto student's transcripts and are used to determine GPA's. So, important to get caught up and stay on top of things these next few weeks. Also a good time for parents to check the Source. We are in the middle of winter sports and a couple of weeks away from our next drama production. Our What's Up Westside newsletter is the place to get all the latest information on what is happening. There is a little bit of a buzz about some snow at the end of next week, so as a reminder, SPS's policy now is that if there is no "in-person" school due to weather, we will shift to "on-line" on that day. Students should bring their laptops home ahead of any potential weather and be prepared to log into their classes via TEAMS. I do not anticipate this happening, but good to know just in case. All right, enjoy this edition and as always, Go, Wildcats!

• Senior Portrait and Baby Photo due January 9. (Enter School Code "west seattle")
  
• 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.
  

Thursday, January 11, 5–8pm, West Seattle Grounds (2141 California Avenue SW)

Stop by during the West Seattle Art Walk to see some fantastic work by WSHS student artists in Ceramics, Painting and Drawing, and Photography and Graphic Design classes this semester! The works will remain on display throughout January.

January 17–19, 7:30pm, WSHS Theater

Come 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 tickets.

Thursday, January 18, 4–5:30pm, WSHS Library

The Racial Equity Team is a group of staff, administrators, and family members that works towards 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.

Thursday, January 18, 6:30–8pm, WSHS Commons

Welcome, prospective Wildcats! You are invited to our Open House to meet staff, learn about clubs and sports, and get a tour of the building.

Due January 18

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.

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 will receive an email invitation to attend Saturday School. Washington State History is a graduation requirement. Students that didn't attend public middle school/lived out of state/or failed to meet the requirement will need to complete a packet. If you have any questions about the Washington State History requirement, please contact your student's counselor.

Saturday, January 20, 7:30–10:30pm, Fisher Pavilion

Tickets on sale January 8–12 ($25 with activity sticker/$30 without) and January 15–19 ($30 with activity sticker/$35 without).

The first semester ends on January 31. WSHS will have a modified schedule for finals.

Monday, January 15

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's Action Network.

Tuesday, January 23, 6–8pm, 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.

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, January 16, at 6pm in the WSHS Library to see what you're missing! If interested, please email president@wshsptsa.org.

Thursday, January 25, 6:30–8pm, WSHS Library

Learn about the social and mental impact of youth cannabis use. Register by emailing Donna Kelly.

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

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.

• 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

• January 5: Bowling vs. Nathan Hale (3pm, West Seattle Bowl)
• January 6: Ultimate vs. Eastside Prep (11am, Loyola Heights Playfield)
• January 6: Girls Basketball vs. Seattle Prep (4:30pm, Seattle Prep)
• January 6: Boys Basketball vs. Seattle Prep (6pm, Seattle Prep)
• January 8: Bowling vs. Lincoln (3pm, West Seattle Bowl)
  
• January 9: Boys Basketball vs. O'Dea (7:30pm, O'Dea)
• January 10: Bowling vs. Nathan Hale (3pm, West Seattle Bowl)
  
• January 10: Wrestling vs. Roosevelt (6pm, WSHS)
• January 10: Wrestling vs. Chief Sealth (7:30pm, WSHS)
  
• January 10: Girls Basketball vs. Holy Names (7:30pm, Holy Names)
• January 12: Bowling vs. Holy Names (3pm, West Seattle Bowl)
  
• January 12: Boys Swim vs. Nathan Hale (4pm, Southwest CC)
• January 12: Gymnastics vs. Roosevelt, Chief Sealth, and Ballard (7pm, WSHS)
• January 12: Girls Basketball vs. Garfield (7pm, Garfield HS)
  
• January 12: Boys Basketball vs. Garfield (8:30pm, Garfield HS)

Monday, January 29

Stay tuned for details!

Friday, February 2, 6pm, WSHS Gym

Please help us collect non-perishable food items for WSHS students. Bring your donation to the home basketball game vs. Chief Sealth!

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

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!

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!

Application Due TODAY, Friday, January 5

CIEE is a nonprofit study abroad and intercultural exchange organization. Students can go abroad during high school or after graduation for as little as 3 weeks to a full semester or academic year.

Students who submit their completed applications by January 5, will be automatically entered into the Early Birds Fly Free raffle. One WSHS student just won a free flight to France for her study abroad program with CIEE next summer! Questions? Email the PNW Global Education Specialist, Chris Reyes, or our Volunteer Site Coordinator Meghan Schumacher.

Application Due on Monday, March 4

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.

January 11–15

Join the MLK Jr. Coalition for a program that seeks to elevate and give power to black and minority art, music, and culture. The weekend begins with a community dialog on mass incarceration and a youth leadership event. It continues with an opportunity fair and workshops and culminates in a rally and march. View the complete scheduled of events.

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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