What's Up Westside

• September 9: WSHS Booster Club Meeting (West Seattle Realty, 7pm)
  
• September 13: Yearbook Presale Ends ($55.00 via SchoolPay)
• September 17: Picture Day (Order online)

• September 19: PTSA Presents: How to High School (WSHS Library, 6:00pm)

• September 25: Community Meeting with School Board Director Gina Topp (West Seattle Library, 6pm)

We had a successful start to the school year this week. A lot of positive energy in our hallways and classrooms. Yes, we are over our enrollment projections, but hopefully things will settle down a little bit once we begin moving students who are not coming to WSHS, off our roles. Next week will give us a much better picture of where we are with our enrollment. Our fall sports are in full swing now with record numbers of students participating including in our no-cut sports like cross-country and football. We are in a "soft" launch of our Phones Off, Learning On policy, with a hard start on Monday. Please continue to support our students and staff and we are already feeling positive outcomes from just a couple of days. Laptops are being distributed and we should have distributed 1500 computers to students by the end of Friday. Big thanks to our staff for being prepared and ready and for our students for their flexibility and positive attitudes. Here is to a great 2024-2025 school year.

Last spring, the staff at West Seattle High School (WSHS) participated in training focused on trauma-informed practices and sexual violence awareness, organized by the WSHS Sexual Violence Resource Group (SVRG) in collaboration with the King County Sexual Assault Resource Center (KCSARC). Twenty-two staff members voluntarily took part in this training to enhance their understanding of these critical topics. On August 28, 2024, these staff members received additional training from KCSARC on sexual violence prevention, how to support students, and creating a safe environment for survivors of sexual violence. Following the training, participating staff will identify themselves to students with a door decal and poster. Please note that these staff members are not trained mental health providers.

What is the Teal Ribbon Project?

The Teal Ribbon Project is a program aimed at promoting sexual violence prevention and establishing safe spaces for students at West Seattle High School. Developed by the student-run WSHS Sexual Violence Resource Group (SVRG) in partnership with KCSARC, this initiative will launch in the upcoming school year.

What is a Teal Ribbon Staff Member?

By becoming a “Teal Ribbon Staff Member,” WSHS staff members can identify themselves as a supportive resource for students to report sexual violence and seek assistance.

Go, Wildcats!

All school volunteers must complete an application and be approved to volunteer. Please do not sign up until you have confirmed your eligibility via the SPS Volunteer Portal.

Ms. Vattuone, our school Librarian, is seeking parent volunteers:

• Help distribute devices to students on Monday, September 9. Sign up.
• Commit to weekly or biweekly shifts in the Library. Email Ms. Vattuone at acvattuone@seattleschools.org.

Tuesday, September 17

The school is looking a few volunteers to make Picture Day go smoothly. Please email Amy Huber at aahuber1@seattleschools.org.

Monday, September 9, 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.

Through Friday, September 13, $55.00 via SchoolPay

Purchase your 2024–2025 Kimtah Yearbook in advance as availability is limited! Purchase online via SchoolPay or bring $55 in cash, check (payable to WSHS), debit card or credit card to the Fiscal Office during lunch or before and after school. Questions? Email Maria Penner, Fiscal Specialist, mpenner@seattleschools.org.

Tuesday, September 17, Order online

Students will have their picture taken during their Language Arts class. Questions? Call the Main Office at 206-252-8800.

Thursday, September 19, WSHS Library, 6–8pm (updated time)

All are welcome! You do not have to be a PTSA member to participate.

High School comes with a whole new vocabulary and list of concerns. Navigating the first few months can be challenging for both parents and students as they adjust to a new normal. While this panel of students, administrators, support staff, and parents will address the basics, this is not solely an opportunity for 9th grade families. It's amazing how much things change year to year and what gets missed! Everyone will learn a thing or two about how to make the most of your time as a student at WSHS.

Join School Board Director Gina Topp (District 6) at a community meeting to listen to your input about Seattle Public Schools.

September 9–13

Students can try out for one of our jazz ensembles during the first full week of school. Information and sign ups will be posted in the music room on the first day of school.

Tuesday, September 10, Room 140, During Lunch

Students can find out about writing for The Olympian, our WSHS newspaper.

Thursday, September 12, WSHS Theater, 4–5pm

Students can learn how to get involved in the WSHS drama program. Be a part of our fall play: "Ophelia."

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!

Tuesday, October 1, Larry's Tavern (3405 California Ave SW), 7pm

All are welcome! You do not have to be a PTSA member to attend.

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 7–8pm to greet you and answer your questions. Bingo starts at 8pm.

Friday, November 15, WSHS Commons, 5–7:30pm

This annual dinner and auction is an evening to celebrate with each other as well as raise money to fund mini-grants for faculty, students, and staff. Join us to bid on unique auction items, feast on food prepared by students in the culinary program, and enjoy an assortment of top-notch mocktails.

We are now accepting event sponsorships and donations for the auction. To sponsor the event or to donate an item for the auction, please email Fred Northup at fred@frednorthup.com.

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

You can book a 30-minute appointment with your counselor! Meetings are held via Microsoft Teams. Counselor caseloads this year are as follows;

• Last Names A–Et, Book an appointment with Erica Nguyen
• Last Names Ev–Mad, Book an appointment with Kinsey Hedeen
• Last Names Mah–Pet, Book an appointment with Mallory Neuman
• Last Names Ph–Z, Book an appointment with Christine Nutters

A QR code has been provided for students who need to request a schedule change. Schedules will only be changed for the following reasons:

1. Course is at the wrong level (ex: student needs Algebra 1 instead of Geometry)
2. Duplicate courses (ex: ceramics scheduled twice)
3. Course already taken (in previous years or in summer school)
4. Student is missing a course

Brian Fitzgerald, Career Connected Learning Coordinator, will sign all Parent School Work Authorizations. Please email digital forms to bjfitzgerald@seattleschools.org or have your student drop them off at the Career Center in the cafeteria.

• September 10: Golf vs. Roosevelt (West Seattle Golf Course, 3:30pm)
  
• September 10: Girls Soccer vs. Holy Names (Walt Hundley, 4pm)
• September 10: Volleyball vs. Roosevelt (Roosevelt HS, 7pm)
• September 12: Volleyball vs. Lakeside (West Seattle HS, 7pm)
• September 12: Girls Soccer vs Bishop Blanchet (Bishop Blanchet HS, 7pm)
• September 13: Golf vs. Lakeside (Jackson Park, 3:30pm)
  
• September 13: Football vs. Interlake (SWAC, 7:30pm)

SPS is introducing a new voluntary fee for high school sports to help cover growing costs like transportation and officials. The fee is $200 per student per sport, with a maximum of $400 per year for students who participate in more than one sport. Pay online via SchoolPay; the item is named “24–25 Sports Fee.” This fee is optional. A student can still participate in sports even if a family chooses not to pay.

Orders Close Friday, September 13, $75 from WS Booster Club

Pre-order your customized WSHS duffel bag now! Before placing your order, please remember to include your student's last name in the "Order notes" section.

SPS has created a back-to-school webpage for essential resources.

• Complete the Student Data Verification form September 4-30. Update important student health information, emergency and family contact information, and much more. To access, log in to your Source account and select Student Data Verification form from the navigation menu.
• Apply for Child Nutrition Eligibility and Education Benefits. Students approved for free and reduced-price meals may also be eligible to receive reduced fees for events, field trips, Running Start books, Associated Student Body (ASB) fees, pre-college exams (PSAT/SAT/ACT), college application fees, and yearbook fees. Apply online or submit the paper application.

• Opt out of the release of directory information about your student. SPS may disclose appropriately designated “directory information,” unless you notify SPS in writing that you do not want the information released. If a parent/guardian would like to exclude a student’s information under FERPA, they must complete and submit the FERPA Opt Out form to their student’s school by October 1.

Wednesday, September 18, JSCEE, 4:15pm

The Seattle School Board welcomes members of the public to the Regular meetings of the Board. Meeting agendas and relevant materials are posted at least 24 hours in advance of the scheduled meeting. This meeting will be live streamed on SPSTV .

Application Due September 22, Apply Now

SPS is seeking members for the Information Technology Advisory Committee. The committee will advise on the strategic alignment, planning, prioritization and implementation of current and future information and education technology projects.

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.