What's Up Westside

• January 27: Saturday Study Hall (9am–12pm, WSHS Library)
• January 27: Alki Beach Cleanup (10am, Meet at Statue of Liberty)
• January 28: Community Meeting with Gina Topp (1:30–2:30pm, High Point Library)
• January 29: Dine Out for Boys Basketball at West Wings (3–9pm, 2329 California Ave SW)
• January 31: End of First Semester
• January 31: Senior Shout Out Due
• February 1: First Thursdays Parent Group (6:30–8pm, Room 105)
• February 2: Food Drive (6pm, WSHS Gym)

SPS continues to follow mitigation strategies to minimize transmission of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses. Students and staff experiencing new, changed, or worsening of respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms should stay home, get tested for COVID-19, and follow Department of Health recommendations. Any student or staff who tests positive for COVID-19 is required to isolate at home for five full days regardless of vaccination status. Learn More.

We had such a successful Saturday School last weekend that we have decided to keep the momentum going this weekend! We are offering additional support for students who are facing academic challenges in core classes. Students can get assistance with test preparation, completing late assignments, and making test corrections before the semester ends on January 31. Bring your laptop and any missing work. Free tutors and breakfast provided.

Saturday, January 27, 10am, Meet at the Statue of Liberty

Join DECA and Key Club to clean up Alki Beach!

Sunday, January 28, 1:30–2:30pm, High Point Library

Join new School Board Director Gina Topp (District 6) for a community meeting.

Monday, January 29, 3–9pm, 2329 California Ave SW

West Wings will donate 25% of sales from the Regular Menu back to WSHS Boys Basketball!

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

• 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!
• Senior Meeting on Wednesday, February 7, 1:10pm (during homeroom) in the WSHS Theater.

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.

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

Thursday, February 8, 6:30pm, WSHS Library

Join our WSHS counselors for valuable event focused on guiding you through the Seattle Promise application and providing insights into the FAFSA/WASFA application process. Seattle Promise provides up to two years (or 90 college credits) of free tuition at North Seattle College, Seattle Central College, or South Seattle College, as well as wraparound support to ensure you succeed. FAFSA and WASFA are the applications for federal and state financial aid. This in-person workshop will offer hands-on assistance to complete these applications. Our team will be there to answer questions and support you throughout.

Friday, February 9, 7-8:30pm, WSHS Theater

All WSHS families are invited to wear your best red (for luck) and join the festivities to welcome the Year of the Dragon! Doors open at 6:45pm, and the program starts at 7pm with lion dancing, traditional music, and a student fashion show. There will be a Lunar New Year Fair in the Commons featuring cultural displays, games/activities, and Asian food. Capture some colorful memories at the photo booth! Admission is free. This event is presented by students from the WSHS Chinese Program and AAPI Club, with sponsorship by the WSHS and Madison PTSAs.

We are pleased to announce that $17,284 in small grants have been awarded for projects or supplies that benefit the student body. Thank you for your support of the WSHS PTSA, which makes these grants possible! Donate today.

• Science Department: $800 for biology models and kits
• Fine Arts Department: $2,000 toward ceramic kilns
• Fine Arts Department: $2,660 for a keyboard
• World Language Department: $427 for Chinese textbooks
• World Language Department: $2,180 for Edpuzzle software
• IEP Department: $500 for classroom support
  
• Social Worker: $900 for a mental health workshop
• Care Coordinator: $309 for a utility cart
• Administration: $2,833 for online credit recovery courses
• Administration: $600 for attendance incentives
• Student Racial Equity Team: $500 for supplies
• Unified Sports: $975 for uniforms and equipment
• DECA: $800 to attend convention
• Chinese Culture Club: $1,000 for Chinese Language Day
  
• Asian American/Pacific Islander (AAPI) Club: $800 for assembly

Monday, January 29, 5:30–7pm, via Zoom

You are invited to an insightful discussion on racial equity, featuring speakers dedicated to addressing the complex issue of the school-to-prison pipeline within Seattle Public Schools. Register for the Zoom link.

Tuesday, February 6, 7–8pm, Larry's Tavern (3405 California Ave SW)

Socialize with other WSHS parents while benefitting our students! Every first Tuesday of the month, Larry’s Tavern donates partial proceeds to the WSHS PTSA. Board members will be available 7–8pm to greet you. All are welcome! You do not have to be a PTSA member to attend.

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.

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.

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

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.

• 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

Congratulations to the WSHS bowling team on winning a 5th straight Metro League Bowling Championship!

• January 26: Wrestling Tournament (2pm, Chief Sealth HS)
  
• January 26: Boys Swim vs. Chief Sealth (4pm, SW Community Pool)
• January 26: Gymnastics Meet (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)
• January 27: Ultimate vs. Northwest (1:45pm, Delridge)
• January 30: Boys Basketball vs. Seattle Prep (7:30pm, WSHS)
• January 31: Girls Basketball vs. Seattle Prep (7:30pm, WSHS)
  
• January 26: Gymnastics Meet (7pm, Ballard HS)
  
• February 2: Cheerleading State Championship (3pm, Battle Ground HS)
• February 2: Girls Basketball vs. Chief Sealth (7pm, WSHS)
  
• February 2: Boys Basketball vs. Chief Sealth (8:30pm, WSHS)
  

Sunday, February 5, 9–11:45am, Southwest Athletic Complex, Upper Field

The WSHS softball teams is hosting its annual skills camp with West Seattle Little League. The morning will be split between two groups:

• 9–10:15am: Rookies and Minors (League Age 7-10) for beginners or those newer to softball
• 10:30–11:45am: Majors and Juniors (League Age 11-14) for advanced players or those with 2+ years of experience in softball

[NEW DATE] Monday, February 12, 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.

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

Next year's school year calendar has been approved, and key dates are now posted to the district website. The first day of school for grades 1–12 will be Wednesday, September 4.

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 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!

Monday, January 29, 10am, Olympia Ballroom (116 Legion Way SE, Olympia)

Youth Lobby Day, supported by the Washington Youth Alliance, is an opportunity to connect with your legislators and speak up regarding bills addressing gun violence prevention and mental health supports in our schools. Participating youth are awarded 10 community service hours and are provided with snacks and lunch. Register now.

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.

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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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