What's Up Westside

• October 7: WSHS Booster Club Meeting (West Seattle Realty, 7pm)
• October 10: Curriculum Night (WSHS Commons, 6–8:15pm)
  

• October 11: NO SCHOOL, Professional Development Day

• October 14–18: SAT (12th Graders)

• October 15: CIEE Parent Information Meeting (WSHS Commons, 7pm)

• October 19: Homecoming Dance (The Shop Club, 8–11pm, Tickets)
  

• October 21–25: PSAT (11th Graders)

• October 22: Picture Retake Day

• November 1: PTSA Mini-Grant Proposals Due (Apply Now)
  

• November 2: Saturday Study Hall (WSHS Library, 9am-12pm)
  

• November 15: PTSA Fall Fundraiser (WSHS Commons, 5–7pm, $20 Tickets)

Wildcat Families,

As we are over a month into a new school year, I am thrilled to share the positive energy and enthusiasm that fills our halls. Our students are engaged with a record number participating in various activities, clubs, and sports. This involvement not only enriches their school experience but also fosters a vibrant and supportive community. We continue to be challenged by some overcrowding in classes, but our teachers are working hard to make it work as best we can.

I want to remind you about our upcoming Curriculum Night on Thursday, October 10, from 6:00 PM to 8:15 PM. This event is a wonderful opportunity for you to walk through your student’s schedule and meet their teachers. Doors will open at 6:00 PM, and the first period will begin promptly at 6:30 PM. See below for more details. We look forward to seeing you there and sharing more about the exciting learning opportunities ahead.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership. Together, we are creating a positive and dynamic environment where every student belongs.

Go, Wildcats!

West Seattle HS has earned a place on the College Board's AP School Honor Roll for the 2023–24 school year! The AP School Honor Roll recognizes schools that have done outstanding work to welcome more students into AP courses and support them on the path to college success. It takes a significant schoolwide effort—dedication from teachers, counselors, administrators, students, and parents—to make AP access a priority. Congratulations!

• 471 Students took 861 exams at WSHS for 2023–24 School Year.
• 78 Students earned AP Scholar status with average score of 3.49.
• 25 Students earned AP Scholar with Honors with average score of 4.01.
• 57 Students earned AP Scholar with Distinction with average score of 4.22.

Monday, October 7, West Seattle Realty (2715 California Ave SW), 7pm

Parents, alumni, and passionate fans are all welcome to learn how you can support the West Seattle High School athletic program.

Thursday, October 10, WSHS Commons, 6–8:15pm [NEW START TIME]

This is a chance for parents and guardians to go through your student’s class schedule. Please take a screen shot of your student's schedule from The Source in advance. If you forget, you can pick up a copy of your student’s schedule and a map of the building in the Commons. Also in the Commons, you will be able to connect with administrators, counselors and other school support staff; purchase spirit gear; join the WSHS PTSA; and complete the SPS Volunteer Application. The first class starts promptly at 6:30pm. During each period, teachers will introduce their course and share classroom expectations.

Tuesday, October 15, WSHS Commons, 7pm

Is your student interested in the possibility of studying abroad this summer or at some point during high school? Please attend this presentation by the Council for International Educational Exchange (CIEE). There are generous scholarships for students who need them, including a free flight raffle for students who apply before November 1! For more information or questions, please contact volunteer site coordinator Meghan Schumacher at mkschumacher@seattleschools.org.

Friday, November 15, WSHS Commons, 5–7pm, $20 Tickets

This annual event is an evening to celebrate with each other as well as raise money to fund staff and student needs. Join us to feast on appetizers prepared by students in the culinary program, enjoy an assortment of top-notch mocktails, bid and win at auction, and raise your paddles for our school.

Fall Fundraiser Sponsorships and Donations Needed

To make our Fall Fundraiser a success, we are looking for event sponsors and donations of goods and services. If you own a business, work for a business, or frequent a business, please consider a donation for our auction. If you would like to expand your reach within our community, check out our sponsorship packages. Please email Fred Northup at fred@frednorthup.com with any questions.

Can't Make the Party?

You can still help bridge the funding gap for our students by making a gift directly on the PTSA website.

Opt In by Sunday, November 24, Consent Form

Seattle Public Schools has partnered with Forefront Suicide Prevention and The Jed Foundation to enhance our efforts to support the mental health and well-being of our students. As part of this effort, six district high schools are participating in JED High School delivered by Forefront, a 3-year program that provides high schools and districts with expert support, evidence-based best practices, and data-driven guidance to protect student mental health and prevent suicide.

Students and staff at WSHS are being surveyed to inform our school's strategic planning process and subsequent actions. Student input is critical to improving student well-being, academic success, and social connectedness; we hope that families will choose to opt their students in to this assessment.

If you would like for your student to participate in the survey, please fill out this consent form by November 24. Student responses will be kept confidential and secure, and will not be connected with their name, email, or any other information that identifies them. If you allow your student to participate, your student may choose to skip questions or stop participating at any time. The survey typically takes around 30-45 minutes to complete.

For study-related questions, please email the principal investigator Dr. Michelle Mullen at HSStudentSurvey@jedfoundation.org. Feel free to reach out to Ms. Christine Nutters, School Counselor, or Ms. Megan Claus, Assistant Principal, for more information.

October 14–18, SAT (12th Grade, WSHS Library)

October 21–25, PSAT (11th Grade, WSHS Library)

West Seattle HS will offer a free school-day SAT for 12th graders and PSAT for 11th graders throughout the month of October. All 11th and 12th graders have been registered for their respective exams. Test sessions are assigned based on ELA class; please reference the schedule below. The exams have transitioned to a digital platform and students are required to use their SPS-issued device. Students must arrive on time; late arrivals will not be admitted to the exam.

Ticket on sale now: $20 with activity sticker, $25 without. Starting Monday, October 7, prices go up to $25 with activity sticker, $30 without. Limit one guest per student. Guest forms are available by the student store and are due on Wednesday, October 16, at 4pm.

Saturday, November 2, WSHS Library, 9am-12pm

Saturday Study Hall is available for all WSHS students to finish the first quarter strong with a tutor's support. Tutors will be available to assist with test prep, test corrections, late assignments, and missing assignments. Students should connect with their teachers in advance to get missing work/projects and arrange test retakes. We provide breakfast; students bring their laptop and a desire to learn!

• November 20: Senior Quotes Due
  
• January 10, 2025: Senior Portrait and Baby Photo Due
• January 31, 2025: Senior Shoutout Due

Applications Due Friday, February 14, 2025, Apply Now

The Seattle Promise scholarship provides up to two years or 90 credits of tuition at one of the three Seattle Colleges. All SPS graduates from the Class of 2025 are eligible for Seattle Promise, regardless of GPA, income, or country of birth.

The WSHS PTSA advocates for our students, supports school staff, and builds community. It takes members like you to do this well! Become a member of the WSHS PTSA today. The WSHS PTSA offers membership scholarships to those who are unable to afford our membership fees; please email membership@wshsptsa.org. Be a part of making WSHS the school community you want!

Applications Due Friday, November 1, Apply Now

WSHS PTSA is pleased to fund mini-grants to support teaching and learning at WSHS. Grants are available to teachers, student groups, and school volunteers. Grants can be used to purchase equipment, supplies or other tangible goods. We prioritize projects that have a lasting impact, improve equity, benefit a greater number of students, and receive no funding from SPS.

The WSHS PTSA aims to be your most reliable source of up-to-date information. Please bookmark our website and like and follow us on social media.

• WSHS PTSA Website: https://wshsptsa.org/
• WSHS PTSA Facebook Page: facebook.com/westseattlehsptsa
  
• WSHS PTSA Instagram Page: instagram.com/westseattlehsptsa
• Email questions to: president@wshsptsa.org

• October 7: Reed College Portland (Commons)
  
• October 8: UW Seattle (Library)
• October 10: Voter Registration Women's Group (Commons )
• October 16: Cornish College of the Arts (Commons)
• October 21: US Army/US Army Reserve (Commons)

• October 24: Oregon State (Career Center)

• October 29: University of Portland (Library)
• November 6: San Diego State University (Library)
• November 6: California Polytechnic State University (Library)

Questions? Contact your school counselor.

Sunday, October 6, Garfield High School, 11am–3pm, Register Now

UNCF is hosting the annual “Stepping Toward Success” College and Career Fair with more than 40 regional schools, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU), and community and corporate tables. This event is FREE and open to the community. Music, food, prizes, and more!

• October 5: Football vs. Franklin (Memorial Stadium, 2pm)
  
• October 8: Golf vs. Franklin (West Seattle Golf, 3pm)
  
• October 8: Girls Soccer vs. Chief Sealth (Walt Hundley, 4pm)
  
• October 8: Volleyball vs. Roosevelt (WSHS, 7pm)
  
• October 10: Girls Soccer vs. Seattle Academy (Delridge, 4pm)
  
• October 11: Golf vs. Seattle Prep (West Seattle Golf, 3pm)
  
• October 11: Girls Swim vs. Ballard (SW Community Pool, 4pm)
  
• October 11: Football vs. Lakeside (SWAC, 4:30pm)
  

Stay up to date with vaccines including boosters at vaccination clinics for children and adults. Find a Vaccination Clinic date and location that is convenient for you and your family. These are regional clinics open to all in the SPS community. School-based health centers also offer free vaccinations for students including COVID-19, flu, and required childhood vaccines.

Applications due Monday, October 7, 5pm, Apply Now

The School Board is planning to place two levies on the ballot in February 2025. As required by state law, the district must appoint committees to prepare written statements in support of and in opposition to each levy. These statements will appear in the King County voters’ pamphlet. If you are interested in serving on a committee advocating for approval or rejection of either levy, please submit an online application.

Visit the transportation webpage for more information.

Help students feel safe and welcome when arriving to school with this part-time position. We have many schools that could use additional support to help students who walk to school safely cross dangerous roads and intersections. Questions? Please contact SPS Field Staff Supervisor Yvonne Carpenter at ylcarpenter@seattleschools.org or 206-252-0907.

Wednesday, October 9, 5–6:15pm, Sign Up for This Event

Dr. Gholdy Muhammad offers a unique, culturally, and historically responsive approach to cultivating genius and joy in education. Dr. Gholnecsar (Gholdy) Muhammad is an Associate Professor of Literacy, Language, and Culture at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Thursday, October 17

Washington state will be practicing earthquake preparedness! Families, schools, businesses, or organizations can register to participate in the drill. For more information, visit the Shake Out website.

October 21, 2024–June 13, 2025, Registration due October 6

The OneWorld Now After-School Program combines world language learning and leadership development. The program is open to students in grades 8–12. Tuition is priced on a sliding scale to allow as many students as possible to participate.

Sunday, November 3, UW Campus, 8:30am–2pm, FREE, Register Now

This event aims to help high school students explore STEM majors and careers. This free admission fair will exhibit UW STEM departments, student organizations, and research. It will also include informational sessions to help attendees navigate college decision-making and opportunities to explore STEM careers with STEM professionals.

WSHS Website * WSHS PTSA * ASB Instagram

Bell Schedule * Calendar * Volunteering

Athletics * Attendance * Counseling Center * Library * Teen Health Center

Friends of West Seattle Music & Drama * West Seattle Booster Club * Westside HEY Coalition

Read past issues of this newsletter

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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 us at communications@wshsptsa.org.