
What's Up Westside
March 22, 2024
This Week At-A-Glance
- March 22: Multicultural Night (6–8:30pm, WSHS)
- March 26–29: Cheer Team Tryouts (4:30–8pm, WSHS Historical Entrance)
- March 27: Seattle School Board Candidate Forum (6–8:30pm, Lincoln HS, SPSTV)
- March 28: Softball Fundraiser (10:30am–11pm, MOD Pizza, 2800 SW Barton Street)
- March 28–30: Mean Girls Spring Musical (7pm, WSHS Theater, Tickets)
- March 30: Saturday Study Hall (9am-12pm, WSHS Library)
Upcoming Events
Multi-Cultural Night Tonight!
Friday, March 22, 6–8:30pm
Join us for a celebration of diversity through music, dance, and global cuisine. We will have student performances, education, community resources, and fun for the whole family! WSHS will provide food, and you are also invited to bring your favorite dish to share at a potluck dinner. In observance of Ramadan, prayer spaces will be available. All are welcome to come together for an evening of cultural exploration and unity!
Join the WSHS Cheer Teams
Tryouts, March 26-29, 4:30–8pm, WSHS Historical Entrance
Interested candidates must submit the Application, Student-Athlete Registration Packet, Physical Examination, and Parent/Guardian Release Form. Apply here.
Seattle School Board Candidate Forum
Wednesday, March 27, 6–8:30pm, Lincoln High School
The Seattle School Board has selected eight finalists for the candidates in District 2 and District 4. This meeting will also be live streamed on SPSTV.
Softball Fundraiser
Thursday, March 28, 10:30am–11pm, MOD Pizza, 2800 SW Barton Street
The WSHS Girls Fastpitch Softball team is raising funds for uniforms, travel, and team events. You can help by bringing in the attached flyer or ordering online or thru the MOD app using the code MODGIVES25. The team will receive 25% of sales. Thank you for your support!
WSHS Drama's Spring Musical
March 28–30 and April 3–5, 7pm, WSHS Theater
Based on the 2004 movie starring Lindsey Lohan, the musical version of this larger-than-life tale of high school carnage makes its way to the Westside stage in a big, bold way. We invite you to join us for a wacky, irreverent safari journey into the modern American high school social landscape. (Like the movie, this musical is rated PG-13 for language, sexual references and general teenage romantic themes, and may be inappropriate for young audience members). Get your tickets.Saturday Study Hall
Saturday, March 30, 9am-12pm, WSHS Library
Tutors will be available for students to assist with test prep, test corrections, late assignments, and missing assignments. Students are strongly encouraged to contact their teachers for missing or late work prior to Saturday School. We provide breakfast; you bring your laptop and a desire to learn!
Spring Yearbook Presale
Now Through Friday, April 5
This is your last chance to pre-order 2024 yearbooks before they are distributed in June! The cost is $55 via SchoolPay. Need to pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card? Visit Maria Penner in the Fiscal Office during lunch or before or after school.
Save the Dates
WSHS Ongoing Food Drive
Monday–Friday, 8am–4pm, Main Office
WSHS maintains a pantry to provide basic necessities for students. We are in need of non-perishable foods and personal hygiene products. Students can drop off donations at the main office during regular school hours. Ms. Stacey will be also accepting donations at the WSHS historical entrance after school on Tuesday, April 2.
WSHS Job and Internship Fair
Wednesday, April 3, 11:30am-2:30pm, WSHS Gym
Are you a manager or owner of a business that hires teens and/or soon-to-be high school graduates? Come showcase your opportunities and connect with students. Positions offered can be paid, volunteer, internships, permanent, seasonal, pre-apprenticeships or apprenticeships. Register Here.
Red Cross Club Blood Drive
Friday, April 19, 9am–3pm, WSHS Gym
Be a hero; donate blood! Signups will begin on Tuesday, March 26, during lunch. Donors must weigh at least 125 lbs. to minimize chances of vasovagal reaction. Students under 18 require permission from a parent/legal guardian.
ASVAB Exam for Seniors
Tuesday, April 30, 9am and 1pm, JSCEE
Tuesday, May 14, 9am and 1pm, JSCEE
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) Exam is being administered as part of Washington State’s graduation pathway options and is open to all SPS 12th graders. The ASVAB is an aptitude test that measures a young adult’s strengths and potential for success in military training. Students must earn a minimum score of 31 on the Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) component of the exam in order to meet the Washington State graduation pathway option. Results will be released ONLY to the student and their school counselor.
Students and their parent/caregiver must complete the ASVAB Exam Registration and Permission Form in order to participate. The deadline for submitting the permission form is Wednesday, April 10, at 9pm. If you have questions about the administration of the ASVAB, please contact the Office of Assessment and Instructional Improvement.
WSHS Night at the Sounders
Saturday, May 18, 7:30pm, Lumen Field
Come and cheer on the Seattle Sounders vs. the Vancouver Whitecaps! Celebrate and enjoy the match with West Seattle High School. All Wildcats will sit together in the same section. Tickets are $35 plus fees, with an opportunity to make a donation to the WSHS ASB. The purchase deadline is May 4.
Join us at the West Seattle 5K!
Sunday, May 19, Alki Beach
The WSHS PTSA is excited to announce the return of the annual West Seattle 5K! All profits raised will allow the PTSA to fund important needs like Saturday Study Hall, classroom supplies, and student-led initiatives. Register now!
Returning this year is a grade level competition among WSHS students. The goal is to create a friendly competition to see which grade gets the most classmates to register. The winning grade gets out of Homeroom early for a donut party and cash ($250) to their grade level ASB.
AP Exam Refund Policy for 2024
Students who are unable to take the AP exam(s) after their exam has been ordered are eligible for a partial refund of $78 per exam, if they paid the full College Board and District fees. The WSHS AP Coordinator will work with our fiscal specialist to issue refunds through SchoolPay as soon as possible following the last AP Exam on May 23. For questions regarding AP exams and refunds, please contact Amy Doll.
WSHS Spring Testing Schedule
All students in grade 10 are required to take the Smarter Balanced Assessments (SBA). All students in grade 11 are required to take the Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS). A parent or guardian may opt out a student by submitting a Refusal Request. Students who do not participate will receive a “zero” score on the assessment and be considered non-proficient. This may impact the student's future class choices.
- April 1–5: SBA ELA (all grade 10 students)
May 20–22 & May 28–30: SBA Math (all grade 10 students and grade 11 students in Algebra II and Geometry)
May–June: WCAS (all grade 11 students in Science class, dates TBD)
Smarter Balanced Assessments
All Students are required to meet State Standards in English Language and Math to earn a diploma. The most efficient way to demonstrate proficiency is by taking and passing the state exams given to students in the spring of their sophomore year.
Students must bring a district issued laptop; WSHS will provide headphones and test tickets. The SBA Assessment is untimed (ELA averages 3–4 hours and Math averages 2–3). SBA Assessments are divided into two sections:
- CAT (computer adaptive test) 20 items
PT (performance task)
- Segment one: Short answer or constructed response
- Segment two: Longer writing task associated with the same articles/sources
Items prohibited during test sessions:
- Backpacks/bags, cell phones, AirPods/earbuds, smart watches, other electronics
Questions? Please contact Amy Doll.
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)
WSHS Alumni Scholarship Now Open
Applications Due Friday, April 5
The West Seattle Alumni Association provides scholarships to deserving students pursuing college degrees. Students can download the application form or pick up a copy from their LA or American Government teachers, as well as the Counseling Center (Room 214). Applications must be submitted by mail and postmarked by the deadline. Questions may be directed to Sandy DuBuque, Scholarship Chairperson.
Volunteers Needed for 8th Grade Registration
Thursday, April 18, Madison Middle School
We need 12th-grade volunteers to assist our school counselors with the high school course registration process. Student volunteers will work in teams to support our incoming freshmen as they select courses. Interested 12th-graders should complete this interest form. Counselors will contact interested students during the first week of April with permission slips, followed by two volunteer trainings prior to prepare for field trip to Madison. Volunteer hours are available!
Running Start Orientation
Tuesday, April 30, 11:45am-12:45pm, WSHS Theater
Current Sophomores and Juniors: Are you interested in Running Start for the 2024-2025 school year? The first step is to attend this Running Start information session. Parents are welcome (but not required) to attend. Please RSVP.
Senior Letters
By now, all 12th grade families should have received a letter regarding your student’s graduation progress. We’re almost halfway through the semester! Please contact your student’s counselor and administrator if you have any questions or did not receive the letter.
Service Learning
Reminder to all students that they must complete 60 service learning hours by graduation. Current seniors must submit their service hour learning forms to the Counseling Center or they will not be able to attend senior spring activities such as prom, senior breakfast, or graduation rehearsal.
PE Waivers
All students must complete at least one semester of PE class at West Seattle High School. If students play a sport at school or through club, students are eligible to waive their remaining semesters by completing this PE waiver form. Each form submitted waives one semester of PE. Current seniors who need to submit PE waivers must submit them before the end of May or they will not be able to attend senior spring activities such as prom, senior breakfast, or graduation rehearsal.
Athletic Announcements
This Week's Varsity Sports Schedule
- March 22: Soccer vs. Bishop Blanchet (4pm, Walt Hundley)
- March 22: Softball vs. Kentlake (4pm, SWAC)
March 22: Baseball vs. Ingraham (7pm, SWAC)
March 25: Tennis vs. Eastside Catholic (3:30pm, Eastside Catholic HS)
March 25: Baseball vs. O'Dea (4pm, Bannerwood Sports Park, Bellevue)
March 26: Softball vs. Seattle Prep (4pm, SWAC)
March 26: Soccer vs. Cleveland (4pm, Cleveland HS)
March 27: Track Meet (2:45pm, SWAC)
March 27: Water Polo vs. Shorewood (3pm, Shorewood HS)
March 27: Baseball vs. Ballard (7pm, SWAC)
March 28: Softball vs. Ingraham (4pm, SWAC)
March 28: Soccer vs. Ingraham (4pm, Walt Hundley)
March 29: Softball vs. Silas (4pm, SWAC)
March 29: Baseball vs. Lakeside (4pm, SWAC)
March 29: Tennis vs. Garfield (4pm, Amy Yee Tennis Center)
Girls Soccer Fundraiser
Support the WSHS Girls Soccer team! Come and experience the thrill of a Seattle Reign FC match, where every ticket you purchase contributes $5 to the team. Get your tickets today.
Join the West Seattle Lacrosse Club
There is still time to register for boys and girls lacrosse. The teams are excited to welcome new players! Register here.
Seattle Public Schools News
Most Spirited Teacher Nomination
Nominations Due TODAY, Friday, March 22
We’re looking for the district’s most spirited teacher! Nominate the one teacher whom you feel best represents your school in the most positive way. Submit your nomination.
Become a Seattle School Board Student Member
Applications Due Wednesday, April 10
Students entering their junior or senior year are eligible to apply for a one-year term as a School Board member, with the term beginning in August 2024 and concluding in June 2025. Learn more about the position and apply now!
Earn Service Learning Hours
Saturday, April 20, 10am–2pm, Sand Point Elementary School
Saturday, May 18, 10am–4pm, Jane Addams Middle School
Join us at an invasive plant removal work party. All tools are provided. Register now.
School Year Skills Center Application is Open
The Seattle Skills Center application for the 2024-25 school year is now open. Find a wide range of courses designed to prepare students for college, career and life! Apply now.
Community Connections
Congressional Arts Competition
Submissions Due Friday, April 26
Each spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in each congressional district. The winning works are displayed for one year at the U.S. Capitol. Artwork must be submitted to Pramila Jayapal's district office in Seattle. View Rules and Instructions.
Amazon’s Career Quest
Application Due Friday, April 26
Amazon’s Career Quest is a paid, two-week computer science and career exploration experience for SPS high school students. The application is open for rising 9th, 10th, and 11th graders. The program aims to inspire SPS high school students to pursue technology careers of the future, prioritizing students furthest from educational justice. Apply now.
Join the Seattle Youth Commission
Application Due Wednesday, May 1
The Seattle Youth Commission is a group of 15 Seattle teens from all over the city who are appointed by the Mayor and City Council to connect youth to local elected officials, advise on City policies, and discuss issues that youth in Seattle are facing. Youth Commissioners must be between the ages of 13–19 and live or go to school in Seattle. Apply today!
Discover Washington: Youth Heritage Project
Application Due Friday, May 17
The Washington Trust for Historic Preservation invites high school students to participate in a four-day, hands-on interactive field-school at Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve, July 16–19. Students will explore the nation’s oldest historical reserve to learn about maritime heritage and the impact of climate change on the preservation of historic and cultural resources. There will be opportunities to engage in hands-on activities to help conservation efforts, visit historic sites throughout the Reserve, learn about co-management of cultural resources, and to better understand this historic area. Apply here.
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 us at communications@wshsptsa.org.