What's Up Westside

February is Black History Month! SPS honors the rich history and contributions of all Black Americans—past and present. SPS is committed to honoring Black excellence and fostering an inclusive and supportive community for all students.

• February 7: Lunar New Year Celebration (WSHS Theater and Commons, 7–8:30pm)
• February 10: West Seattle Booster Club Meeting (West Seattle Realty, 7pm)
• February 12 & 13: WSHS Pops Concert (WSHS Theater, 7–9pm)
• February 14: Seattle Promise Scholarship Deadline
• February 17–21: NO SCHOOL, Mid Winter Break
• February 26: Screenagers: Under the Influence (WSHS Theater, 6pm)
• February 26: CIEE Scholarship Deadline

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

All are welcome to join AAPI Club & the Chinese program students for a free, all-ages community celebration featuring lion dancing, music, martial arts, trivia, traditional foods, boba tea, a dumpling making demo, noodle eating contest, and much more! Doors open at 6:45pm, show starts in the theater at 7pm, followed by food and fun in the Commons at 7:30pm. Fabulous prizes await the lucky, but you need to come out to win! Be sure to wear your best traditional dress or red for good luck to capture memories at our festive photo booth! Admission is free and open to all.

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 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.

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.

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. You must complete both applications by the deadline:

• Seattle Promise College Scholarship Application
• Seattle College Admission Application

Deadline extended to 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.

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.

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 7: Gymnastics Metro Championships (WSHS, 4pm)
• February 7–8: Boys Swim and Dive Metro Championships (Snohomish Aquatic Center)
• February 8: Boys Basketball vs. O'Dea (WSHS, 5pm)
• February 8: Girls Basketball vs. Lakeside (WSHS, 8pm)
• February 10–14: Girls Basketball Metro Championships
• February 10–14: Boys Basketball Metro Championships

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.

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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