What's Up Westside

• April 8th - Final performance of The Lightning Thief - The Percy Jackson Musical
• April 11-15th - Spring Break - NO SCHOOL
• April 23rd - ASB Fundraiser
• April 27th - PTSA hosts Jo Langford for LGBT Q&A
• April 28th - Music Program's Pops Concert
• May - Mother's Day Flower Fundraiser
• May 13th - Big Band Dinner and Dance Music Program Annual Benefit

Well we made it this far, Spring Break! I can tell you that our students and staff are looking forward to a few days off next week. You still have time to catch the last show of our spring musical tonight, "The Lighting Thief" So, be sure to check it out in person or streaming. click here to purchase tickets. This will also be a good time to look at your calendars for the few weeks we get back in order to check out any of our spring sports as they move towards the end of their seasons and into playoffs. Here is a link to the MetroLeagueWA website where you can see all of our sports schedules. Going to keep my part short as there is a lot of good information below. Thanks to our students and staff for pushing through these past few weeks. I look forward to closing out the school year strong and setting a strong foundation for what is to come. Go Wildcats!

COVID TEST KITS AND ON-DEMAND TESTING

Spring break is coming, and Seattle Public Schools wants you to know that we are working hard to help ensure the health and safety of students, staff, and communities.

SPS is preparing by:

• Sending iHealth home rapid antigen tests home with every SPS student and staff member before spring break, to be taken within 24 hours of returning to school on April 18
• Encouraging families to opt-in to in-school on-demand testing
• Maintaining a supply of high-quality masks and rapid COVID tests to send to schools if needed.
• Continuing important COVID safety measures in our schools like staying home when sick, testing, and strong air flow
• Having a plan for when to re-instate COVID safety measures like masking when rates increase

Families may prepare by:

• Talking with your child about when we may need to wear masks again and keeping a supply of high-quality masks on hand. You may get free masks at local drugstores.
• Keeping a supply of home COVID tests on hand. You may get free home tests from the State of Washington. Your school may also provide home COVID tests.
• Vaccinating yourself and your family – see vaccine clinics happening this weekend

Please visit our website for SPS COVID information.

SPS SUPERINTENDENT DR. BRENT JONES LISTENING TOUR

The Seattle Council PTSA is hosting a series of on-line community engagements with Seattle Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Brent Jones. Please join us to share your voice with our district leader about safe and welcoming environments. To register, please use the following links. ASL and closed captioning will be available at each listening session. Interpretation in each of the top 5 languages (Spanish, Somali, Vietnamese, Cantonese, and Amharic) is available as well. All listening sessions are 5:30PM to 7:30PM on the dates listed.

April 19: Native families https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMpd-qgrzMrEtB9eyuW5z09U-yz02q-GfPy

April 21: Multilingual families https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEod-uopz4rHNOw4A4NT37eXz8isXu8v6kh

April 25: Black families: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYpc-yopz0oG9xIbq62En8Fm5iMF_KBJKEO (Interpretation in Oromo and Tigrinya available in addition to the languages listed above)

May 2: Students with IEPs/504s https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMsf-ygqDojG9BBIRmAAQafIss9xkzV6KLc

May 5: Students https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0ocOugqT4vEtDaKS3xGJwtdZrKjYpQFw8c

May 9: Special Education families https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYodOquqTsiE9y1KJnM5pJrMa39aTSb7ra2

May 16: General public https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMsfuGhpjovH9cM5rCAYrbaALSxwjX1YL7Q

UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON | SUMMER ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Registration is now open for remote and in-person summer enrichment classes at the University of Washington. This is a great opportunity for high school students looking for unique summer learning with classes in creative writing, Engineering Design, Coding in Java and Python, Esports, Algorithmic Thinking and more!

Visit www.youth-teen.uw.edu for registration information and to see a complete list of summer 2022 courses.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT EXAMS

For Students that have prepaid and registered for May AP exams, the exams will be held in the School Library. Students are encouraged to access their College Board account to make sure their personal information is correct.

Questions about testing contact Amy Doll asdoll@seattleschools.org

Exam Schedule: AP Exam dates on CollegeBoard

GRADING - NO ZERO'S - 50% is a warning

We are hearing from some parents about confusion when looking at The Source and seeing grades that represent a 50%. At the start of this school year, SPS put in place mandatory grading policies that include making adjustments to a 100point grading scale. I am attaching a link HERE to an article and short video describing the reasoning behind this shift. I am also including this as a heads up that if your student has a 50% on an assignment or as an overall grade, they are likely significantly behind or have not turned in that particular assignment or assessment. This is a shift in how to look at grades, and how to support students in earning credits. We will continue to send out updates on grading, but wanted to re-iterate this shift to clarify what you may be seeing when you look at student grades.

STATE TESTING FOR WSHS STUDENTS

Smarter Balanced English/Language Arts and Math– March 7 to June 3

Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science– April 11 to June 3

Spring 2022 ELA, math, and science will be at grade level. Students in grades 10 are required to take the ELA and math assessments. Students in grades 11 are required to take the science assessment. Students in grades 11 or 12 may elect to take ELA and/or math in order to fulfill a graduation pathway.

Please visit SPS Testing and Assessments page for updates and news on how assessments are used and their requirements in Seattle Public Schools.

WHY PTSA?

This newsletter, parent ed events, staff support and appreciation, advocating for students, funding needs beyond the building budget, and, when able, joining as a community. At it's core the PTSA is about advocating for kids, supporting staff, and building community. It takes donations and volunteers to do it.

URGENT NEED FOR PTSA EXECUTIVE BOARD VOLUNTEERS

The current executive board (President, Vice President, and Secretary) have all served to their term limits, and we are in need of volunteers to fill next year's slate of officers.

Please consider adding your talents to the team! Contact PTSA President, Michele Starkey, if interested or for more information at: wshsptsapresident@gmail.com

MOTHER'S DAY FLOWER FUNDRAISER

Celebrate Moms & Support Seattle Public Schools by ordering a beautiful bouquet from Friendly Hmong Farms!

https://www.friendlyhmongfarms.com/sps-fundraiser

Once you place the SPS Mother’s Day Weekend Fundraiser bouquet in your cart, you will be asked to designate which school you would like to support and then you will select the pick-up location. At check out, in the Pick-Up Order section, please select “SPS Fundraiser." Items will be available for pick up on Saturday, May 7th.

UPCOMING PARENT ED EVENTS

APRIL 27TH 7-8:30pm - PTSA Hosts "LGBT Q&A" with Jo Langford

Meeting Registration Link (5)

Language exists to clarify, but how familiar is the average American with LGBTQ+ terminology? How does the understanding of LGBTQ+ language like pansexuality, heteronormativity, and gender-neutral pronouns differ by generation, sexual orientation, or gender identity?

We are lucky enough to have Jo Langford (author of "The Pride Guide") a second time to help us better understand the current sex, gender, identity, and expression vocabulary, concepts, and etiquette. This talk is for everyone that knows anyone and will offer a safe-space to start where you're at.

MAY 18TH - "Preparing for Summer: Keeping our Kids Safe and Healthy" with SPS Healthy Youth Survey Manager, Lisa Davidson

Meeting Registration Link (6)

Lisa Davidson will share the Healthy Youth Survey data that she collected from WSHS students in the fall. She will then help parents understand the data and give some guidance and resources available to help our kids stay healthy and safe over the summer.

MINI-GRANTS FUNDED

The PTSA receives requests for funds to support staff and students beyond what the building budget can afford. The executive board reviews the grants and through donations, funds these requests responsibly. This year we were able to fund requests from the Music Program for instruments, Woodshop for specialized tools, Foreign Language Department for books, Science Department for fans, Fine Arts Department for training, Special Education Department for a specialized desk, Social Studies Department for software, and from our growing number of student cycling commuters for new bike racks.

DONOR THANK YOU

This month the PTSA had some very generous Direct Give Donations. Many thanks to all of our members for their generosity! Your donations are responsible for our ability to fund this year's mini-grants for teachers, staff, and students at a time when our fundraising ability is limited. THANK YOU!!

Of course, you haven't missed your chance, if you would still like to donate. You can donate anytime at: http://wshsptsa.org/direct-drive-campaign

AMAZON SMILE

Did you know that when you shop on AmazonSmile your purchases can also support the West Seattle High School PTSA? It's free and only takes two minutes to setup. A percentage of your Amazon purchases will be donated to the WSHS PTSA. Just follow these simple steps to turn your purchases into donations for the WSHS PTSA. https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/community/how-to-sign-up-for-amazonsmile

GOLDEN APPLE AND GOLDEN ACORN AWARDS

Each year PTSA gives out awards to outstanding individuals who have served the school community.
The Golden Apple Award is for an outstanding educator who has gone beyond the normal expectations of their job to make the learning environment fun, beneficial and challenging.
The Golden Acorn Award is presented to a volunteer in recognition of their dedication and service to children and youth.

Please use this form to make your nominations:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeajd_oUwXiBY-hXai-Zf7jL4fJho65SsIrx3pSz6L_qYJYJg/viewform

Students are encouraged to participate.

BECOME A MEMBER

Be a part of making WSHS the school community you want! Become a member of the PTSA at: http://wshsptsa.org/

STUDENTS WELCOME

Ever wondered about that "S" in PTSA? It stands for "students"! We want more (any) student voices as we work to best support our whole community - Parents, Teachers, and Students.

EQUITY AND INCLUSION VIRTUAL SPEAKER SERIES

To register: https://sites.google.com/meridianschool.edu/virtual-speaker-series/home

MAY 5TH - Dr. Bettina Love author of "We Want to Do More Than Survive: Abolitionist Teaching and the Pursuit of Educational Freedom"

GUN SAFETY RESOURCES

http://wshsptsa.org/guns-and-safety-resources

Recent events present an opportunity to revisit what we can do to keep our kids and community safe. We have resources from beSMART on our website.

Final Show of The Lightning Thief - The Percy Jackson Musical

Tonight, April 8th at 7:30pm

click here to purchase tickets

ASB UPDATES

Two Part Fundraiser

Come support the students of WSHS on Saturday, April 23rd, at Lady Jaye!

A percentage of the profits from the butcher shop and from the restaurant will be going to the WSHS ASB. The butcher shop opens at 10 am and the restaurant opens at 4 pm, and any purchases made at any time during the day or evening on the 23rd will be counted toward the fundraiser. Make reservations here: bit.ly/38b6cC0 and order takeout here: bit.ly/3wU7D1Z!

Optional: Parents, drop your (potty-trained, ages 4 -11) kids off at the parents’ night out from 5:30 – 10:30. Pizza, games, crafts, and a movie will be provided.

Here's a flyer for sign up info:

https://cdn.westseattleblog.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/nightout.pdf

ASB Elections are happening for 9th-11th grade

April 8th: info meeting at both lunches
April 19th: info meeting after school
April 21st: applications due
April 27th: Live speeches in Advisory
May 4th: Voting in Advisory

FIELD DAY!

Our beloved Field Day is back after a two year Covid restricted hiatus. This is a school tradition where we put our books down for an afternoon and enjoy games, food, performances, and the company of our peers and staff members out on the Hiawatha field. Due to restrictions on fundraising and a lack of ASB card sales these past years, we are working with a much smaller budget than in the past. Any donation, big or small would be greatly appreciated and will go towards student engagement and fun.

Link to donate: https://schoolpay.com/link/2022FieldDay

Parent volunteers

West Seattle ASB is holding their first field day in YEARS! We’re looking for parent volunteers to help out on Wednesday June 1st from 1-3:30 pm.

If you are interested, start by completing the district volunteer application found here: https://westseattlehs.seattleschools.org/get-involved/how-to-volunteer/

Next complete the following form to get connected directly to the field day coordinators. https://forms.gle/tKVUq18DbLVLQ5v5A

ASB thanks you in advance for your willingness to support our return to FUN!

ORDER YOUR 2021-2022 YEARBOOK

Remember to order this year’s yearbook! It’s $55 each and here is the direct link to purchase: https://schoolpay.com/link/2122wshskimtah

If you are trying to purchase a yearbook you have not missed your opportunity. We have closed the sales temporarily for tax purposes, but will start sales back up again when we return from Spring Break. They will be $55 each and available on SchoolPay.

FIRST ANNUAL POPS CONCERT

April 28th at 7:30pm in the WSHS Theater

This concert will feature both concert and symphonic bands, orchestra, and choir performing music from Movies, TV, Video Games, Musicals, and more!

Free and open to the public.

BIG BAND DINNER AND DANCE MUSIC PROGRAM ANNUAL BENEFIT IS BACK!

Save the Date: Friday, May 13th, 6-9pm

Join us for a evening of great music from all of our ensembles, but featuring our Jazz Ensembles and the West Seattle Big Band. It will be hosted in the Courtyard (weather permitting). Ticket info to follow soon. Thank you to West Side Music Academy for sponsoring!

If you would like to make a donation to support our musicians visit: http://www.wshsmusic.org/

Spring sports are in full swing!

To keep up on all the stats and schedules check out:

http://www.metroleaguewa.org/index.php?pid=0.8.85.6.321

And for the latest on spectator rules:

https://www.seattleschools.org/news/athletics-health-safety/

Counselor Caseload Updates: Another friendly reminder that counselor alpha assignments have updated to the following:

Last Names A- GL, Erica Nguyen etnguyen@seattleschools.org

Last Names Go-Pa, Mallory Neuman mlneuman@seattleschools.org

Last Names Pe-Z, Christine Nutters canutters@seattleschools.org

New to WSHS, or just looking to make some new friends? Join the “Fun Time Lunch Time” crew in the ASB room (north side of the Commons) to play games, socialize, and meet new people. The room will be open every Thursday during both lunches starting February 10th.

Seattle Promise Scholarship: The next task and deadline for Seattle Promise is to complete the FAFSA (www.fafsa.gov) or WASFA (https://wsac.wa.gov/WASFAelig) by April 30th. Contact the new Seattle Promise liaison Alma Salgado with any questions, Alma.Salgado@Seattlecolleges.edu. Wednesdays

Seattle Skills Center 2022-23 Information: Do you want to learn advanced, hands-on, practical career skills and have the opportunity to earn industry certification, dual college credit, or participate in an internship or pre-apprenticeship while still attending high school? Apply for a Seattle Skills Center school year program!

If you are a high school student in Seattle Public Schools, you can enroll in one HALF DAY Skills Center course for up to 3 Career and Technical Education (CTE) credits per year, while still attending your regular school the other half of the school day. You can still participate in sports, activities, and stay connected with friends. Students can get transportation (usually a taxi, van, or school bus) to and from their Skills Center class.

Each class requires 3 periods per day in a typical 6 period high school schedule (periods 1-3 for AM classes, and periods 4-6 for PM classes). Regardless of which high school you attend, you can take any Skills Center class.

Materials to Review:

• See our webpage for full course descriptions: https://skillscenter.seattleschools.org/school-year/
• New locations and times listed in RED on the map of Skills Center locations: https://skillscenter.seattleschools.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/88/2022/02/SkillsCenter_2022.pdf
• Required Online Application

Learn more about school year and summer courses by calling 206.252.0730 or by visiting http://skillscenter.seattleschools.org

If you would like to share something with the West Seattle High School community, please contact wshsptsacommunications1@gmail.com

Find past issues of the newsletter HERE.

Email: wshsptsacommunications1@gmail.com
Website: westseattlehs.seattleschools.org
Location: 3000 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116, USA
Phone: 206-252-8800