
What's Up Westside
February 28, 2025
Month At A Glance
- March 4: First Tuesdays Parent Social (Larry's Tavern, 7pm)
- March 6: Forefront Suicide Prevention Parent Night (WSHS Library, 6–8pm)
- March 10: WSHS Booster Club Meeting (West Seattle Realty, 7pm)
- March 11: Parent to Parent Night (Room 129, 6–7:30pm)
- March 14: Big Band Dinner Dance
- March 20: PTSA Student Spotlight (WSHS Library, 6:30–8pm)
- March 23: Yearbook Presale Ends
- March 26: WSHS Job Fair (11:45am–2:30pm)
- March 27–29 and April 3–5: Spring Musical: Chicago
For WSHS Families
First Tuesdays Parent Social
Tuesday, March 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.
Forefront Suicide Prevention Parent Night
Thursday, March 6, WSHS Library, 6–8pm, RSVP
Join our WSHS Counselors for a night focusing on 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.
WSHS Booster Club Meeting
Monday, March 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.
Parent to Parent Night
Tuesday, March 11, Room 129, 6–7:30pm
All are welcome at Parent to Parent night facilitated by school social worker Crissa Parsley. Join other parents in a safe space to talk about the issues facing you and your teen.
Big Band Dinner Dance
Friday, March 14
Mark your calendars for this fun event for the whole family! There will be music provided by the entire WSHS Music program, dinner prepared by the WSHS Culinary Arts program, a silent auction, and dancing to the wonderful West Seattle Big Band directed by Jim Edwards. Ticket info coming soon!
PTSA Student Spotlight
Thursday, March 20, WSHS Library. 6:30–8pm
We will be showcasing the exciting programs our student leaders bring to WSHS. Come learn from student representatives about their club's mission and accomplishments. See how your PTSA donations allow us to fund grants and co-sponsor events that benefit the entire student body. Let's celebrate our students!
2024–2025 Yearbook Presale
March 3–23, via SchoolPay
The 2024–2025 Kimtah Yearbook will be on sale for three weeks, March 3–23. This will be the final presale and we cannot guarantee that there will be additional yearbooks available for purchase in June. Order this month to secure your copy! Pre-order a yearbook for $55 online via SchoolPay or bring cash or check (payable to WSHS) to the Fiscal Office during lunch or before and after school. Questions? Email Maria Penner, Fiscal Specialist, mpenner@seattleschools.org.
Sign Up Your Business for the WSHS Job Fair
Wednesday, March 26, 11:45am–2:30pm, Sign Up
Do you own or manage a local business or organization? Do you work for a great local company? You are invited to showcase your spring, summer and fall positions available to our high school students and soon-to-be graduates.
Spring Musical: Chicago
Come on down and paint the town with WSHS's spring musical, Chicago! Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the razzle dazzle of this hit American musical. Ticket info coming soon.
MultiCultural Night
Friday, April 25, WSHS Gym and Commons, , 6–8:30pm
All are welcome to join our school community for our 2nd annual Multicultural Night celebration hosted by the student and staff Racial Equity Teams! This all-ages, family-friendly event is all about celebrating our school’s diversity, sharing cultures, and bringing our community together. The festive evening will feature live music and dance, crafts, games, a fashion show, delicious food and much more! The event is free and open to all WSHS families due to a generous grant from the PTSA.
The student-led organizing committee is currently seeking performers and volunteers to help make the event a success. Please fill out the interest form if you have a talent to share or would like to volunteer to help!
Volunteer Opportunity
Help Plan Future West Seattle 5Ks
The West Seattle 5K Run/Walk is an annual fundraiser benefiting educational programming at West Seattle High School. We are seeking community members to help lead the event in future years. There are three big jobs to oversee:
- Marketing. Lead needed ASAP. This person oversees a few volunteers handling the 5K website, social media, student competition, WSHS 5K Club liaison, and communications for the event.
- Sponsorships managed by Nicole Ott. Nicole needs a procurement committee of 3–4 people from now until April to help grow sponsor revenue.
- Logistics/Contracts/Registration managed by Kelley O'Connor. Kelley is willing to help a few more years, but wishes to train a new lead on this role for them to take over starting this summer.
Interested? Please email westseattle5k@westseattle5k.com for more details.
Student Life
School Year Skills Center Courses
The Seattle Skills Center prepares students for college, career, and life through advanced Career and Technical Education courses. All SPS students are eligible to register for and earn credit from our half-day Skills Center courses while attending their current high school. Our classes provide rigorous, hands-on learning opportunities for students interested in building skills in careers like healthcare, firefighting, education, maritime, and many more. Many of our classes offer dual college credit with Seattle Colleges, where students earn credits towards their associate's degree with free tuition through the Seattle Promise Scholarship.
Steps for students interested in applying:
- Visit our website for full course descriptions and to watch videos about specific courses
- Complete the required online application
- Have any questions or concerns? Let us know at skillscenterinfo@seattleschools.org
PTSA Presents
WSHS PTSA Seeks Board Members for 2025–2026
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.
Counseling Corner
Seniors: Scholarship Opportunities Begin Here
Thousands of scholarships are available to seniors and go unclaimed every year! Here are a few available opportunities for Seattle Public Schools students.
Book an Appointment with Your School Counselor
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
Athletic Announcements
Spring Sports Begin March 3
Students must ensure that their registration is complete via FinalForms and that they have purchased an ASB Activity card via SchoolPay.
Cheerleading Tryouts
Applications Due Monday, March 3, Apply Now
All forms must be completed and submitted before participating in clinics and/or tryouts.
- March 4: Cheer Clinic, 4–5pm
- March 5: Stunt Clinic, 4–6pm
- March 6–7: Tryouts, 4–6:30pm
- March 8: Final Tryouts, 8am
Join the Westside Girls Ultimate Team
Registration Due Wednesday, April 30, Register Now
Registration is now open for the spring high school girls league. Whether you are new to Ultimate or have played for years, we have a spot for you!
Seattle Public Schools News
School Board Regular Meeting
Wednesday, March 12, JSCEE, 4:15pm
The Seattle School Board welcomes members of the public to the Regular meetings of the Board. This meeting will also be live streamed on SPSTV .
Nominate an Outstanding SPS Educator!
Nominations Due Friday, March 14, Submit a Nomination
Do you know an amazing principal, educator, counselor, or staff member making a difference in Seattle Public Schools? The Alliance for Education is accepting nominations for three prestigious awards:
- Thomas B. Foster Award for Excellence
- Philip B. Swain Excellence in Education Award
- Adrienne Weaver Science Teaching Award
These awards honor exceptional SPS staff who are advancing educational justice and racial equity in their schools and classrooms.
Community Connections
Community Reuse and Recycling Event
Saturday, March 8, South Seattle College, 9am–12pm
Seattle residents can drop off these items for free:
- Small electronics or appliances
- Paper for shredding
- Household batteries
- Fluorescent light bulbs
- Small propane cans
- Foam blocks and peanuts
- Clothing and textiles
Teen Action Fair: Our Future is Within Grasp
Saturday, March 22, 10am–3pm, Gates Foundation Discovery Center
The annual Teen Action Fair explores what we are truly capable of when we come together to create change. Meet with local organizations and discover how you can get involved in your community. Learn about volunteer opportunities and programs that appeal to a wide variety of interests. There will also be tours, fun activities, and snacks. This event is FREE and no registration is required.
YMCA Earth Service Corps Environmental Symposium
Friday, March 28, University of Washington, 8:30am–1:30pm, Register
The Symposium gathers passionate, motivated student leaders to learn about the environmental issues facing our world and how to create a sustainable future for our schools, communities and beyond! Participants will take part in hands-on workshops led by local organizations and designed to educate students about environmental topics as well as give teens the skills they need to address environmental issues in their schools and communities. Lunch will be provided. Register online by March 14.
Helpful Links
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.