What's Up Westside
December 8, 2023
At a Glance
- December 9: Saturday Study Hall (9am–12pm, WSHS Library)
- December 11–15: Winter Spirit Week
- December 12: Jazz and Choir Concert (7pm, WSHS Theater)
- December 12: West Seattle Booster Club Meeting (7pm, WSHS Library)
- December 13: PTSA Staff Appreciation Breakfast (Sign up)
- December 13: Orchestra Concert (7pm, WSHS Theater)
- December 14: Counseling Center Mental Health Workshop (11:45am, Room 129)
- December 14: Band and Percussion Concert (7pm, WSHS Theater)
- December 15: One-Hour Early Dismissal
- December 15: Cap and Gown Orders Due (Order Here)
- December 17: Yearbook Pre-Orders Due (Order Here)
- December 18–January 1, 2024: No School, Winter Break
Community Safety Reminder
As we move into winter with it getting dark earlier and with many events happening after school, we are sending out a short reminder about safety around campus and the community. Being alert and reporting any incidents to Seattle Police and/or school or district security is very helpful. In addition, here is a link to the Seattle School page with several resources and strategies on how to be safe in the community. Safe and Welcoming Schools Resources - Seattle Public Schools (seattleschools.org)
Giving Opportunities
Winter Basket Drive
Now through Monday, December 11
Help our Seattle Education Association Representatives collect items to create holiday baskets for WSHS students. They are seeking:
- Winter hats, gloves and scarves
- Chips, candy, popcorn, and other snacks
- Hot cocoa and tea
- Puzzles, coloring books, colored pencils, and markers
PTSA Winter Staff Appreciation Breakfast
Wednesday, December 13
The PTSA is hosting a breakfast and hot cocoa bar to shower some much-deserved love and appreciation on our WSHS teachers and staff before we head into winter break. Please sign up to bring breakfast items and festive holiday treats! We also need a couple of volunteers to help with set-up and clean-up. Thank you for helping us to spread some winter cheer to these amazing humans who nurture and care for our students every day!
Westside Warm Drive
Now through Friday, December 15
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!
Support WSHS Families This Holiday Season
Our Care Coordinator, Stacey Fernandez, is once again organizing a Holiday Gift Card Fund. Your donations will go directly towards providing WSHS students and families with items to meet their basic needs, including food, warm clothing, and personal hygiene supplies. No donation is too small. Give today!
Upcoming Events
Saturday Study Hall
Saturday, December 9, 9am–12pm, WSHS LIbrary
Please check your student’s grades on The Source; if they have a D or E in any subject, encourage them to attend Saturday Study Hall. Tutors will be available to help, and students can retake tests or complete missing work. Breakfast will be served.
Winter Spirit Week
December 11–15
ASB has announced the themes for Winter Spirit Week:
- Monday: Channel Your Flannel
- Tuesday: Ugly Sweater Day
- Wednesday: Cozy Cocoa Day (Bring a mug, get hot cocoa)
- Thursday: Blizzard Fit
- Friday: Anything But a Winter Holiday
Jazz and Choir Concert
Come hear Jazz Ensembles I and II in concert under the direction of Mr. Ethan Thomas, as well as Choir under the direction of Mr. Taylor Fritts.
West Seattle Booster Club Meeting
Tuesday, December 12, 7pm, WSHS Library
The West Seattle Booster Club is a nonprofit organization that supports all athletic programs at WSHS. Come learn how you can help support our student athletes.
Orchestra Concert
Come hear the Concert Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra in concert under the direction of Mr. Taylor Fritts.
Mental Health Workshop
Thursday, December 14, 11:45am, Room 129
Students, do you need some winter season self-care? Join our counselors for a workshop on "Mindful Forts: Building Mental Health Resilience with Fun."
Band and Percussion Concert
Come hear the Concert Band, Symphonic Band, and Percussion Ensemble in concert under the direction of Mr. Ethan Thomas.
Class of 2024 Important Deadlines
- 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, 2024 (Enter School Code "west seattle")
- Adult Shoutout due January 31, 2024. Leave a brief message for your Senior!
- Graduation will be on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at 8pm in Memorial Stadium.
Yearbook Pre-Orders
Now Through Sunday, December 17
The 2023-2024 Kimtah Yearbook is now available for pre-order at the cost of $55. You can order online via SchoolPay or bring cash, check (payable to WSHS), debit cards or credit cards to the fiscal office during lunch or before and after school.
Accommodations for AP Exams
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.
PTSA Presents
We Need You! (Yes, YOU!)
- 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.
Washington State PTA Legislator Panel
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.
Washington State PTA Focus on Advocacy Day
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.
Counseling Center
Visit the Counseling Center Website for resources related to academics, college and career, and mental health and wellness.
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
- December 8: Bowling vs. Roosevelt (3pm, West Seattle Bowl)
- December 8: Swim vs. Cleveland and Franklin (4pm, Ranier Beach Pool)
- December 8: Gymnastics vs. Holy Names, Lincoln, and Roosevelt (7pm, WSHS)
- December 8: Girls Basketball vs. Roosevelt (7:30pm, Roosevelt HS)
- December 8: Boys Basketball vs. Bishop Blanchet (8:30pm, Bishop Blanchet)
- December 11: Bowling vs. Rainier Beach (3pm, West Seattle Bowl)
- December 12: Boys Basketball vs. Rainier Beach (7:30pm, WSHS)
- December 13: Wrestling vs. O'Dea (6pm, O'Dea HS)
- December 13: Wrestling vs. Ballard (7:30pm, O'Dea HS)
- December 13: Girls Basketball vs. Bishop Blanchet (7:30pm, WSHS)
- December 13: Bowling vs. Ingraham (3pm, West Seattle Bowl)
- December 15: Swim vs. Lincoln (4pm, Queen Anne Pool)
- December 15: Girls Basketball vs. Lakeside (7pm, Lakeside HS)
- December 15: Gymnastics vs. Chief Sealth, Holy Names, and Nathan Hale (7pm, WSHS)
- December 15: Boys Basketball vs. Nathan Hale (7:30pm, Nathan Hale)
Seattle Public Schools News
School Board Regular Meeting
Wednesday, December 13, 4:15–8:30pm, John Stanford Center
Sign up to provide public testimony beginning on Monday, December 11, at 8am. This meeting will also be live streamed on SPSTV.
Preparing for Winter Weather
SPS and Seattle Education Association worked together to create a remote instruction plan for potential snow days. Based on weather conditions, we have two possible scenarios: two-hour late start with in-person learning or school buildings closed with students at home engaged in remote learning. Read more about Preparing for Winter Weather and how to stay informed.
Learning Center Seattle Resources
The Learning Center Seattle program is free of charge to eligible students who are 16 to 21 years old and have not completed high school but want to earn their GED to go on to college, technical training and/or start a career. Learning Center Seattle provides one-on-one education advocacy and case management services as well as tuition-free college at any of the Seattle colleges up to an AA degree. Our instructors, case managers, education advocates and tutors can help you at every step of the way—from completing your GED, to finishing your degree or technical training, and even finding employment. For more information or to inquire about program details and eligibility, please contact learningcenter@seattlecolleges.edu or text 503-451-5276.
Volunteer with the Youth Tutoring Program
The Youth Tutoring Program is an after-school educational enrichment program for 1st through 12th grade students who live in five low-income and public housing communities in Seattle. The locations include:
- Jackson Park (Lake City)
- High Point (West Seattle)
- New Holly (South Beacon Hill)
- Yesler Terrace (First Hill)
- Rainier Vista (Columbia City)
Community Connections
Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship
Applications Due Friday, December 15
Do you plan to study engineering, computer science, or other related fields? High school seniors can receive a scholarship of up to $40,000 (up to $10,000/year) towards an undergraduate degree in engineering or computer science and an offer to complete a summer internship at Amazon! Apply now.
Winter Roller Skate Night
Thursday, December 21, 5–8pm, Southgate Roller Rink
The Southwest Seattle Youth Alliance in partnership with many SW Seattle and White Center organizations will be hosting a FREE Winter Roller Skating night in White Center. This event is open to all youth and families and will include food, games, crafting, music, and more.
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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