What's Up Westside

REMINDER: All schools will be closed for Midwinter Break

Monday, February 19–Friday, February 23.

Schools will reopen on Monday, February 26.

• February 16: Seattle Promise Scholarship Application Due
  
• February 19–23: Midwinter Break
• February 22: Community Meeting with School Board Director Gina Topp (6–7pm, Join via Teams)
• February 25: Senior Submissions Deadline
• February 26: WSHS Ongoing Food Drive Begins
• February 28: Class Registration Due
• February 29: Screenagers Under the Influence (6:30–8pm, WSHS Theater)

Application Due 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. Apply now!

Thursday, February 22, 6–7pm, Join via Teams

Join new School Board Director Gina Topp (District 6) for a community meeting. This meeting will be held remotely via Microsoft Teams.

Meeting ID: 278 111 239 465

Passcode: XjdTiN

Attention Senior Families! Please double check this list to make sure that your student has successfully turned in their senior photo, baby photo, and senior quote to the yearbook staff. Please follow these instructions to submit any missing pieces no later than Sunday, February 25.

Here are the Slides from the Senior Information Meeting, including details on graduation requirements, the graduation ceremony, prom, and much more. Next senior meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 27.

Beginning February 26, Monday–Friday, 8am–4pm, Main Office

and Tuesday, March 12, 4–5:30pm, WSHS Historical Entrance

WSHS maintains a pantry to provide basic necessities for students. We are in need of non-perishable foods and personal hygiene products. Drop off donations at the main office during school hours. Ms. Stacey also will be accepting donations at the WSHS historical entrance after school on Tuesday, March 12.

Due Wednesday, February 28

The online class registration portal for the 2024-2025 school year is open on The Source. Students must sign up for classes online and also complete the paper option sheet handed out in homeroom. 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.

Registration will close on Wednesday, February 28. Students who do not make their class choices before the deadline will have courses assigned by the counselors. For additional resources and information about registration, please visit the registration section of the counseling website.

Thursday, February 29, 6:30–8pm, WSHS Theater

Join us to examine the impact of our digital age on teens' decision-making in relation to substances such as vaping, drugs, and alcohol. Exploring the latest research and learning more about the personal experiences of teens and families, this film highlights the changing landscape of the substances themselves, offering solutions for how we can best empower teens as they face decisions about what they will and will not be influenced by. This event is FREE, but registration is requested.

Thursday, March 7, 6:30–8:30pm, WSHS Library

WSHS Counselors will host this parent night focusing on the statistics and risk factors for teen suicide. They will introduce active listening skills and teach parents how to listen to their teens with empathy. Preventing death by suicide is everyone’s job—from school staff to parents, friends, and the community as a whole. WSHS has partnered with Forefront in the Schools to educate our entire West Seattle community on suicide and how we, as a team, play a role in prevention. RSVP requested. Questions? Contact School Counselor Mallory Neuman.

Friday, March 15, 6–9pm, WSHS Commons

The Big Band Dinner Dance is an annual fundraiser that supports the WSHS music program. There will be music featuring all of our school performing ensembles, the West Seattle Big Band directed by Jim Edwards, food prepared by our wonderful Culinary Arts program, a silent auction, and lots of fun! Ticket sales will open just prior to mid-winter break.

Here is what we need help with now:

• Procurement: Do you own a business, have something to donate, or know of a business that might be willing to donate to our silent auction? We would love to hear from you! The Procurement Form is included below.
• Volunteers: Check out the many ways you can help!

Friday, March 22, 6–8:30pm

Celebrate and highlight the many beautiful cultures of WSHS! The student-led Multi-Cultural Night Planning Committee needs your help. Please sign up to volunteer before, during, and after the event. In addition, our decorations committee has compiled a wish list. Please consider purchasing items directly from the list and using "Stacey Fernandez's Gift Registry Address" for shipping. Finally, donations are welcome to help procure food, decorations, and entertainment which are reflective of our community. Questions regarding this event can be sent to Megan Claus.

Friday, June 7, 8–11pm, Fremont Foundry

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

• 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

• February 17: Boys Swim 3A State Championship (8:30am, King County Aquatic Center, Tickets)
• February 17: Boys Wrestling 3A State Championship (10am, Tacoma Dome, Tickets)
• February 17: Gymnastics 3A District 2 Championship (10am, Ballard HS, Tickets)
• February 17: Boys Basketball 3A District 2 Championship vs. Eastside Catholic (6:30pm, Bellevue College, Tickets)
• February 20–24: Boys Basketball 3A State Opening Rounds
• February 23–24: Gymnastics 3A State Championship (Sammamish HS)

Due Monday, February 26

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

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

Sunday, February 25, 3–6pm, Breath of Life SDA Church, 9807 26th Avenue SW

An opportunity for youth to create, learn, and win prizes! Participants are encouraged to submit entries in one of seven categories—Poster, Cartoon, Jingle, Poem, Short Story, Oration, Multimedia—based on the following topics:

• Healthy lifestyle (nutrition, exercise, use of water, sunlight, fresh air, proper rest, moderation, positive value system)
• Negative effects of eating disorders
• Positive ways to deal with stress at school
• Dangers of drugs, alcohol, smoking, and prescription drugs
• How e-cigarettes and vaping negatively impact health
• Negative effects of social media (Grades 5 and up)
• The importance of remaining abstinent in a sex-crazed world (no vulgarity or disrespect in submitted work)
• Bullying
• Health Benefits of Forgiveness
• Better Racial Relations

Register now.

This year the Self Help Projects team is looking for some Environmental Stewardship support at SPS properties and hoping to support High School students in obtaining their Service Learning hours in the process. Join us at an invasive plant removal work party. There are three opportunities scattered throughout our city. Volunteers can participate in as many as they wish. All tools are provided. Register now.

Stay up to date with vaccines—including boosters—at vaccination clinic for children and adults. SPS is offering free flu, COVID-19 and school-required vaccines for children ages six months to 18 years. Insurance is not required. Find a date and location that is convenient for you and your family.

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. Apply today!

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.

The University of Washington’s Youth & Teen Programs offers the following after-school online classes for 9th to 12th graders:

• Architectural Studies
• Writers Workshop
• Writing Arguments That Matter

For course dates, time and registration details visit the Spring 2024 page.

WSHS Website

WSHS PTSA

ASB Instagram

Athletics * Attendance * Bell Schedule * Calendar

Counseling Center * Library * Teen Health Center

Volunteering

Friends of West Seattle Music & Drama

West Seattle Booster Club

Westside HEY Coalition

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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