What's Up Westside

• February 17–21: NO SCHOOL, Mid Winter Break
• February 26: Screenagers: Under the Influence (WSHS Theater, 6pm)
• February 26: CIEE Scholarship Deadline
• March 6: Forefront Suicide Prevention Parent Night (WSHS Library, 6–8pm)

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:

1. 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.
2. Sponsorships managed by Nicole Ott. Nicole needs a procurement committee of 3–4 people from now until April to help grow sponsor revenue.
3. 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.

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 to use 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.

Due Wednesday, February 26, Apply Now

CIEE has extended their scholarship application deadline for summer study abroad. If you planned to apply but missed the original deadline, it’s not too late!

1. Start your application with a discount referral code
2. Learn more about summer abroad programs (including a free flight raffle)
3. Attend a virtual presentation
4. Read about personal experiences

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.

Congratulations to the students from the AAPI Club and the Chinese Program for organizing such a spectacular Lunar New Year celebration!

Congratulations to Mr. Fritts, Mr. Thomas, and the WSHS music students who showcased their talents in the annual Pops Concert. This year’s performance featured musical theatre, movie soundtracks, rock music, and more.

Do you want to advocate for students in Washington, but wonder how to start? Check out the WSPTA Action Alerts! The WSPTA offers tools to help you message your legislators about these top 5 issues:

1. Closing the funding gaps
2. Addressing the student mental health crisis
3. Addressing funding, inclusion, and supports in special education
4. Preventing and reducing gun violence and suicide
5. Expanding school construction funding options

You'll only need a few minutes to let your legislators know what is important for our students. Your voice matters!

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!

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.

Photos by the West Seattle Blog

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

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

• February 14–15: Boys Swim and Dive District Championships (Mary Wayte and Linbergh Pools)
• February 15: Gymnastics District Championships (Ballard HS, 10am)
• February 15–22: Girls Basketball District Championships
• February 15–22: Boys Basketball District Championships

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

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!

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.

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.

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

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.

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.