What's Up Westside

• February 1: Winter Formal (Seattle Design Center, 8–11pm, Volunteer)
• February 4: First Tuesdays Parent Social (Larry's Tavern, 7pm)
• February 6: Water Polo Pre-Season Meeting (WSHS Library, 3:45pm)
• February 7: Lunar New Year Celebration (WSHS Theater and Commons, 7–8:30pm, Volunteer)
• February 8: Bellevue College Jazz Festival (Bellevue College, 9am–5pm)
• February 10: West Seattle Booster Club Meeting (West Seattle Realty, 7pm)
• February 17–21: NO SCHOOL, Mid Winter Break
• February 26: Screenagers: Under the Influence (WSHS Theater, 6pm)

Saturday, February 1, Seattle Design Center, 8–11pm, Sign Up

Parents and guardians, the ASB needs volunteers to chaperone the Winter Formal dance. Choose from two short shifts.

We need adult volunteers to help the student organizers set up and run the event. Please sign up to help if you can.

Sunday, May 18

The West Seattle 5K Run/Walk is an annual fundraiser benefiting educational programming at West Seattle High School. We are currently forming a committee to help plan this year’s event with co-chairs Kelley O’Connor and Athena Frederick. Interested? Please email westseattle5k@westseattle5k.com.

Tuesday, February 4, Larry's Tavern (3405 California Ave SW), 7pm

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 at 7pm to greet you and answer your questions. Bingo starts at 7:30pm. All are welcome! You do not have to be a PTSA member to attend.

Friday, February 7, WSHS Theater and Commons, 7–8:30pm

The Year of the Snake is here! Join the AAPI Club and Chinese Program next Friday evening for a festive, all-ages community celebration featuring lion dancing, music, traditional foods, boba tea, a dumpling making demo, noodle eating contest, and much more! Be sure to wear your best traditional dress or red for good luck to capture memories at our fabulous photo booth! Admission is free and open to all WSHS families. We are in need of volunteers to help out at the event, so please sign up here if you can help!

Come support our talented music students as they showcase their jazz skills and compete for top honors. The WSHS Jazz Band, directed by Ethan Thomas, will perform at 3:30pm.

Monday, February 10, West Seattle Realty (2715 California Ave SW), 7pm

Parents, alumni, and passionate fans are all welcome to learn how you can support the WSHS athletic program.

Wednesday February 26, WSHS Theater, 6pm

Westside HEY invites you to examine the impact of our digital age on teens' decision-making in relation to substances such as vaping, drugs, and alcohol. Stay after the film to meet Seattle Public Schools prevention and intervention professionals. Popcorn and light refreshments provided. Please fill out this form if you intend on using the free childcare provided. Questions? Contact Amie DeWolf.

Thursday, March 6, WSHS Library, 6–8pm, RSVP

This parent night will focus on learning the statistics and risk factors for teen suicide, as well as teaching parents active listening skills and 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 is recommended, not required. Questions? Email School Counselor Mallory Neuman at mlneuman@seattleschools.org.

Seniors, if you have heard from colleges requesting your mid-year transcripts, please read below for next steps.

• Common App Applications: If you completed the college application through the Common App, we will send your updated transcript after February 24 and no further action is required. If the college is requesting your transcript sooner, please inform them that transcripts won't be available until after February 24.
• Naviance/Non-Common App Applications: Please submit a request for a mid-year report following the instructions below. We appreciate your prompt attention to this matter.

1. Log in to your Naviance account.
2. Navigate to the "Colleges" tab.
3. Select "Manage Transcripts."
4. Click the large + sign to request a mid year transcript.

Good luck on your applications!

We are currently seeking dedicated parents, teachers, and students to join the PTSA Board for the upcoming 2025–2026 school year! If you are passionate about supporting our school community and making a positive impact on students' experiences, we encourage you to consider a leadership role.

Available Positions:

• President
• Vice President
• Treasurer
• Secretary
• Committee Chairs (Various)

Being a part of the PTSA board is a rewarding experience that allows you to collaborate with others and advocate for the needs of students and staff. If you're interested or would like more information, please email president@wshsptsa.org.

February 10–14, Subscribe to WSPTA action alerts

During this week, WSPTA will send out action alerts, focused on Top 5 issues, to members who have signed up to help by sending emails to legislators. Your voice matters!

Application Due Thursday, February 13, Apply Now

Washington State PTA offers four $2,500 scholarships to graduating seniors from Washington state public high schools with an active PTA, who will be starting college (either two-year or four-year) in the fall. More information here.

Monday, February 17, Register Now

Join us for Focus Day at the State Capitol in Olympia. Come advocate to close the funding gaps and ensure financial stability for schools and other vital issues that impact students around the state! All WSPTA members are welcome. Bring your children to join in the fun! We need your stories, we need your voice, we need you!

Thousands of scholarships are available to seniors and go unclaimed every year! Here are a few available opportunities for Seattle Public Schools students.

Tuesday, February 11, Roosevelt HS, 6–8:30pm, Register Now

Connect with gap year program providers, counselors, alumni, and college admissions representatives to learn about taking a gap year, including applying for gap year scholarships.

Application Due Friday, February 14, 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 Counseling Office prioritizes student meetings. Students can book an appointment with their assigned school counselor through the Counseling Center website. Parents/caregivers who would like to speak with a counselor should please email wshscounseling@seattleschools.org. Counselor assignments are as follows:

• Erica Nguyen: Last Names A–Et
• Kinsey Hedeen: Last Names Ev–Marg
• Mallory Neuman: Last Names Mari–Pig
• Christine Nutters: Last Names Pin–Z

• January 31: Boys Swim vs. Garfield (Medgar Evers Pool, 4pm)
• January 31: Wrestling vs. Chief Sealth ( Chief Sealth HS, 6pm)
• January 31: Gymnastics Meet (WSHS, 7pm)
• February 1: Girls Basketball vs. Seattle Prep (Seattle Prep HS, 5:15pm)
• February 1: Boys Basketball vs. Seattle Prep (Seattle Prep HS, 7pm)
• February 3: Girls Basketball vs. Chief Sealth (Chief Sealth HS, 5:30pm)
• February 3: Boys Basketball vs. Chief Sealth (Chief Sealth HS, 7pm)
• February 4: Boys Basketball vs. Nathan Hale (WSHS, 7:30pm)
• February 5: Girls Basketball vs. Lakeside (WSHS, 7:30pm)
• February 6: Boys Basketball vs. O'Dea (WSHS, 7:30pm)
• February 7: Gymnastics Metro Championships (WSHS, 4pm)
• February 7–8: Boys Swim and Dive Metro Championships (Snohomish Aquatic Center)

Thursday, February 6, WSHS Library, 3:45pm, Sign Up

Meet the coaches and pick up a registration packet. All levels welcome, no experience needed!

Sunday, February 9, SWAC Upper Field, Beginners 8:30–10 am, Advanced 10:15–11:45am

The WSHS Varsity Softball team is hosting a one-day softball skills clinic for girls ages 7–13, for only $25. Each session will cover the skills in the infield, outfield, and hitting. No pitching and catching instruction will be provided. Players, please bring your own softball equipment. Register Now!

Application due Friday, February 7, Apply Now

SPS Capital Projects and Planning Department is seeking qualified individuals to apply for an opening on the Building Excellence (BEX) and Buildings, Technology and Academics (BTA) Capital Programs Oversight Committee. The BEX/BTA Oversight Committee supports the School Board and the district’s strategic plan “Seattle Excellence,” which centers students of color who are furthest away from educational justice. To advance that work, community members and groups who have not historically been included or represented in district decision-making processes—including women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ people—are encouraged to apply. For full information and the application, please visit the BEX and BTA Capital Programs Oversight Committee webpage.

Every three years, Seattle Public Schools asks voters to consider renewing two levies that support our students, staff, and schools. While SPS receives funding, based on enrollment, from state and federal sources, the district also relies on local levies to fund our schools. Levies help bridge the gap between what we need for students, staff, and schools and what we receive from the state.

The February 2025 levies replace current local funding sources and help SPS fund day-to-day operations for our schools and help make sure students have safe and healthy school buildings, including access to technology to meet today’s learning needs. The money collected from local, voter approved levies stays in our district to support our students. These levies will not resolve the district’s budget shortfall; they renew current funding to maintain essential school operations, provide special education services, support classroom technology, enhance school safety, and fund the renovation and repair of school facilities.

Visit the SPS website for more information.

Application Due Sunday, February 2

Seattle Office of Civil Right's Youth Civic Engagement Program equips Seattle high school students with skills to drive powerful change in their communities through policy and advocacy experiences. In this program, you will learn about local government and the legislative process, receive mentorship, and write an advocacy letter about an issue you care about. You will also meet elected representatives, gain leadership and critical advocacy skills alongside your peers, boost your resume, and have fun!

Registration Deadline Thursday, February 20

During the spring quarter, you can enroll in after-school courses, with topics ranging from STEAM and computer-aided design to architecture and writing. Visit the Winter & Spring 2025 Courses page to see the list of programs.

Application Due Saturday, March 1, Apply Now

High school students can apply for two youth board slots, which begin September 2025. Youth Board Members attend our local YMCA Board Meetings, learn about the Y's programs and bring a youth voice to the work.

Register Now

WSCO provides community musicians of all ages and abilities with opportunities for performance and growth. WSCO currently serves about 260 musicians, including approximately 90 students. WSCO's large ensembles include the Symphony Orchestra, Concert Orchestra, Debut Orchestra, and Wind Symphony and small classes include Student Beginning Strings, Adult Beginning Strings, and Adult Beginning Band.

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

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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.