What's Up Westside

• March 3rd - Music Department Big Band Dinner and Dance 6-9pm WSHS Commons

• March 7th - PTSA First Tuesday at Larry's Tavern

• March 7th - Indigenous People's Club and ASB Fundraiser - MOD for a Mural

• March 13th-17th - Spirit Week

• March 15th - Class Registration Deadline

• March 15th - Senior Meeting in the WSHS Commons 12:45-1:45pm

• March 16th - PTSA Presents: "Meet WSHS Student Leaders and Community Partners" 7-8:30pm in the WSHS Library

• March 18th - Pot of Gold Dance 8-11pm in the WSHS Commons

It was only a week since our last What's Up Westside. However, I do want to highlight three things in my portion here.

1. There are many upcoming events both at the school and for the school. Check out the calendar above and descriptions below. I hope you can get out and support the school and our students.
2. One item of note that you will not find below, is in regards to parking at WSHS. We are seeing an increase in students parking erratically (taking up multiple spots, parking in fire zones) and even parking in the Handicap parking areas. Please remind your student that parking in a Handicap spot without a permit is a ticketable offense. Not by the school, but by Seattle Parking Enforcement. We are putting out warnings for the next couple of days and then will turn it over to Seattle Parking Enforcement. I know that parking is an ongoing issue and is one in which we have very few options to correct. So, follow the rules and find alternate transportation when possible. This is only going to get worse next year when we possibly have multiple portable classrooms taking up space. Stay tuned for updates on that as we get closer to the summer.
3. Lastly, I just want to sent a quick note regarding budgeting and staffing. There is some media coverage regarding cuts in SPS. Our Building Leadership Team is in the process of finalizing a budget based on our allocations for 2023-2024. So far, what we are seeing at WSHS, is that our proposed increase in enrollment is offsetting the need for cuts at the building level. I am cautiously optimistic right now that we will be able to maintain and even expand slightly, our staffing. We should have a mostly completed budget plan by the end of next week. We may not be able to increase the staffing and reduce class sizes to the degree we would like, however, I am not anticipating needing to make any cuts.

Well there you go. I will wrap this edition up and look forward to continuing our support for all of our staff, students and community.

Go Wildcats!

2023-2024 Registration for 9th/10th/11th Grade Students

Registration for the 2023-2024 school year is underway!

March 1st Class Selection

Registration officially kicks off on Wednesday, March 1st. On this day, students will receive copies of their paper option sheets in homeroom as well as learn about course offerings for next year. The online registration portal on the Source will also open on this date. We ask students to sign up for classes both online and to also complete the paper option sheet. The paper option sheet serves as a backup in case something goes wrong with the online request; it also provides a place for parent signature.

Parents play a key role in registration and we encourage you to have conversations with your student at home about classes they choose for next year. Please also sign off on the paper option sheet that they bring home.

March 8th Student Advice Panel

The next week, on Wednesday, March 8th, students will have the opportunity to hear from their peers through a Teams Live broadcast in homeroom. A student panel will speak on advice they have for underclassmen in course selection, some of their favorite classes to take, experiences with Running Start, and other relevant topics.

March 15th Final Class Selection Deadline

Finally, on March 15th, registration will close. Homeroom teachers will collect paper option sheets in homeroom on this day, and the online portal will close at midnight.

Please note that students can access the portal and make changes at any time during the two week window (March 1st-March 15th). It is imperative that students make their choices before the deadline. If not, counselors will choose courses for students based on their credits needed for graduation and students will have limited ability to make changes.

Completing registration in an accurate, timely matter is important for both students and staff. For students, making their course requests ensures they get into courses of their choice and that they stay on track for graduation. We build our comprehensive school schedule from scratch every year based on student requests, and those requests drive section numbers, class sizes and ultimately staffing at WSHS.

Have Questions?

For additional resources and information about registration, please visit the registration section of the counseling website. There you will find copies of registration materials, homeroom lessons, the WSHS course catalog, and how-to videos: https://westseattlehs.seattleschools.org/resources/counseling-center/registration/

If students have questions or need help choosing classes, school counselors will be available during lunch the entire two week window that registration is live. Counselors will have a table set up on the south end of the Commons and will be available for drop in support.

Counselor Caseloads:

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

Last Names Fe-Mar, Kinsey Hedeen krhedeen@seattleschools.org

Last Names Mas-Po, Mallory Neuman mlneuman@seattleschools.org

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

TEEN LINK RESOURCE

Where to Turn For Teens - Teen Link

Teen Link is a program of Crisis Connections that serves youth in Washington State. Teen volunteers are trained to listen to concerns and talk about whatever's is on your teen's mind – bullying, drug and alcohol concerns, relationships, stress, depression or any other issues your teen may be facing.

If a teen or an adult concerned about a teen or has questions or concerns about drug use, they can now call, chat, or text to www.teenlink.org

The PTSA is a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Add your voice and help make WSHS the community you want to be a part of.

JOIN US

First Tuesdays Parent Social at Larry's Tavern - with BINGO!

March 7th is First Tuesday at Larry's!

Take the opportunity to socialize AND benefit WSHS students!

While partial proceeds from the whole night (4pm to close) will go towards our fundraising efforts, 7pm is the "prime time" to meet other WSHS community members and BINGO will begin at 8pm.

March 16th PTSA Presents: "Meet WSHS Student Leaders and Community Partners" 7-8:30pm in the school library

Come hear from student leaders and our school partners about some of the amazing things going on at WSHS.

HELP WANTED

Send your interest and questions to wshsptsapresident@gmail.com!

Please consider adding your talents to already established committees:

We have a number of committees of one (or two) and are looking for more people to help push forward our great ideas.

• Communications - We need help with social media, the newsletter, our website, member communication. Imagine how easy it would be to take just one piece of this.
• Fundraising - You know it takes a village to put on fun and profitable events.
• Legislative/ Advocacy - So many issues to address from national to classroom. We need a team!
• Future Board Nomination - help find candidates for pres and treasurer (not filling the role just finding the people)
• 2023-2024 Budget Builders - come to a couple meetings to set us up for next year
• Community Recognition Awards (Golden Apple and Golden Acorn) - make some nominations.

Lead Spring Sports Coordinator: If you have found yourself frustrated about sports logistics and are looking for a solution, this is the position for you! We are looking for someone to help coordinate "team parents".

Spring Team Parents: We are looking for a representative from each sport's team to act as a liaison between the coach and team parents. This person will help facilitate team communications and carpooling when transportation is not provided.

Spirit Week

Spirit Week coming up March 13th-17th! ASB is planning an additional Spirit Week to add some fun to the long month of March and leading in to our upcoming dance.

• Monday: Rise & Shine: Pajama Day
• Tuesday: March Madness: Kickoff day one of March Madness by repping your favorite college gear.
• Wednesday: Flower Power: Peace, love, and everything Hippie
• Thursday: Rainbow/ Monochrome: Pick one color or all the colors and make WS a walking Rainbow
• Friday: Don't Pinch Me: wear your green today.

Pot of Gold Dance

Saturday March 18th

8-11 pm in the Commons

Tickets go on sale starting Monday. $10 with an ASB sticker. $15 without an ASB sticker.

Senior Meeting: Wednesday March 15th (12:45-1:45) in the Commons

• Graduation announcements
• Prom announcements
• Senior photo
• Senior Superlative vote
• Senior Standout vote
• Graduation speaker vote

MOD for a Mural Fundraiser March 7th (all day)

Join the Indigenous People's Club and the ASB as they host a fundraiser at the Fauntleroy Way MOD Pizza location: 4755 Fauntleroy Way SW, Suite 150 Seattle 98126

Students, staff, tribal leaders, and Indigenous artists have all worked together to create a land acknowledgement mural that will go in the upstairs hall of the school. While we have some funding to cover the project, it is important for the Indigenous People's club that the full funding does not come out of the pockets of local tribes.

Thanks in advance for supporting this fundraiser and we look forward to seeing you and your families there.

If ordering in-person mention that you are with the WS fundraiser. If ordering online, use the code MODGIVES20.

If you would like to give directly to the cause, please reach out to Maria Penner our fiscal specialist and she will arrange a donation for you.

Willow is an 8 billion dollar oil drilling project waiting to be approved by the Biden administration. Its proposed site is located on the Northern Slopes of Alaska. The ice pack in the Arctic is melting at a rapid pace due to green house gases. This proposed project would release around 280 million metric tons of gas pollution into the atmosphere. This damage would be devastating and the planet would be extremely unlikely to recover. Not only would it create pollution but it would ruin the natural habitat of hundreds of animal species. The project is set for approval on March 6, however by voicing your opinion we can hopefully demand reconsideration of the project. TAKE ACTION TO STOP PROJECT WILLOW!

Sign these petitions:

• https://chng.it/5zhdZWTNdF (https://chng.it/5zhdZWTNdF)

• https://www.dailykos.com/campaigns/petitions/sign-stop-the-willow-project-from-destroying-the-arctic?one_click_ab_redirect=true&ab_page_name=ads_dk4fote-arctic_c3&ab_refcode=ads_dk4fote-Arctic_c3&widget_st_1 (https://www.dailykos.com/campaigns/petitions/sign-stop-the-willow-project-from-destroying-the-arctic?one_click_ab_redirect=true&ab_page_name=ads_dk4fote-arctic_c3&ab_refcode=ads_dk4fote-Arctic_c3&widget_st_1)

Sign an email or record a voicemail to the Biden Administration:

https://www.protectthearctic.org/stop-willow

Save the date for "Little Shop of Horrors"

The Spring Musical will run: March 23th, 24th, 25th, 29th, 30th, and 31st

Find out more on our Instagram (@wshstheatre) or our website

To Purchase Tickets

​Performance by our Special Guest - The West Seattle Big Band!
Performances by all our music groups - Jazz I & II, Band, Choir, Orchestra and Percussion
Dinner provided by the West Seattle High School Culinary Department.
Silent Auction, Raise the Paddle, and all Donations gratefully accepted!
Thank you to our wonderful sponsor, West Side Music Academy!

More info at http://www.wshsmusic.org/big-band-dinner-dance-2023.html

Still have questions? Contact: westseattle.musicboosters@gmail.com

Follow Wildcat schedules and scores at:

https://www.metroleaguewa.org/

Spring Sports are underway

• Boys Baseball
• Boys Soccer
• Girls Softball (Fastpitch and Slowpitch)
• Tennis (co-ed)
• Track and Field (co-ed)

Club Sports

• Girls Ultimate Frisbee - Contact: wshsfrisbee@gmail.com

To participate, complete online registration, fees, and physical forms to get final athletic clearance with the Athletic Department. You can schedule a physical at the Teen Health Center at 206-658-8048 or email our Health Center Coordinator at hannas@neighborcare.org

For more team details check these Athletic Department links:

• https://westseattlehs.seattleschools.org/student-life/athletics/winter-sports/
• https://twitter.com/WSHSAthletics1
• https://www.instagram.com/westseattle.athletics/
• https://www.facebook.com/WSHSAthletics1

WSHS Boosters Club works to defray equipment and transportation costs. To make a donation or purchase spirit wear visit: https://westseattleboosterclub.org/

LOOKING TO HIRE TEENS?

Hey business owners, hiring managers and community organizers! West Seattle High School will be hosting a Job and Internship Fair on April 5, 2023 from 12:00pm to 3:00pm. If you’re hiring teens for any summer or long-term positions, reach out to Katie Meyer at kemeyer@seattleschools.org

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

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