What's Up Westside
November 29, 2024
At A Glance
- December 5: CIEE Fundraising Presentation (During Advisory)
- December 5: Financial Aid Night, (WSHS Library, 6–7:30pm)
- December 6: AAPI Club Fundraiser: "Moana" (WSHS Theater, 6:30pm)
- December 7: Fundraiser for WSHS Music (WS Eagles, 5pm)
- December 10: Yearbook Presale Ends (via SchoolPay)
For WSHS Families
Financial Aid Night
Thursday, December 5, WSHS Library, 6–7:30pm, or Via Teams
Join our school counselors to discuss paying for college and completing the FAFSA. A representative from the Seattle University Office of Financial Aid will be on hand to review the 2025–2026 FAFSA process. This is an excellent opportunity for families to gain valuable insights as you prepare for your student’s college journey. The 2025–2026 FAFSA opens on December 1; you can access the application at www.fafsa.gov.
AAPI Club Fundraiser
Friday, December 6, WSHS Theater, 6:30pm, Tickets
WSHS families are invited to a screening of "Moana ." All proceeds benefit the AAPI Club. Bring cash for concessions!
Fundraiser for WSHS Music
Saturday, December 7, West Seattle Eagles, 4426 California Ave SW, 5pm
Enjoy a garden lasagna meal and live music performed by WSHS students. All proceeds will be donated directly to the WSHS Music program. No Eagles membership is necessary to attend; all in the community are welcome!
2024–2025 Yearbook Pre-Sale
Through December 10, $55.00 via SchoolPay
Purchase your yearbook in advance as availability is limited! The 2024–2025 Kimtah Yearbook will be on sale for three weeks. 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.
Student Life
CIEE Fundraising Presentation
Thursday, December 5, During Advisory
Planning on studying abroad this summer or in the future? The CIEE Alumni Club has prepared an outstanding presentation on fundraising that they’d love to share with students. You will come away with a plan for fundraising with at least three elements. Remember that the scholarship deadline is coming up on January 15, so get those applications submitted! Questions? Contact Meghan Schumacher. Click here for more info from CIEE.
Class of 2025 Information and Important Dates
* Order your cap and gown, graduation announcements, and senior swag from National Achiever.
- January 10, 2025: Senior Portrait and Baby Photo Due
- January 31, 2025: Senior Shoutout Due
World Language Credit Testing
Students who are proficient in another language may be able to earn high school credit! Seattle Public Schools offers World Language Credit Testing in many languages on the following dates:
- January 18, 2025
- February 15, 2025
Find out more information about World Language Credit Testing, including languages offered and eligibility criteria.
Save the Date for Winter Formal
Saturday, February 1, 2025
PTSA Presents
Join the PTSA!
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 membership dues; please email membership@wshsptsa.org. Be a part of making WSHS the school community you want!
Counseling Corner
Book an Appointment with Your School Counselor
The WSHS Counseling Office prioritizes student meetings. Students can book an appointment with their assigned school counselor below:
- 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
Parents/caregivers who would like to speak with a counselor should please email wshscounseling@seattleschools.org
Seattle Gap year Fair
Tuesday, February 11, 2025, Roosevelt HS, 6–8:30pm, Register
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.
Seattle Promise Scholarship
Applications Due Friday, February 14, 2025, 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.
Athletic Announcements
This Week's Varsity Sports Schedule
- November 30: Boys Basketball Jamboree (Kentridge HS 1pm)
- December 2: Bowling vs. Rainier Beach (West Seattle Bowl 3pm)
- December 4: Boys Basketball vs. Thomas Jefferson (WSHS 3:30pm)
- December 4: Girls Basketball vs. Orting (WSHS 5:30pm)
- December 6: Bowling vs. Nathan Hale (West Seattle Bowl 3pm)
- December 6: Gymnastics Meet (WSHS 7pm)
Community Connections
College Planning Webinar
Tuesday, December 10, 7pm, Via Zoom
Join a a FREE college planning webinar to learn about the latest changes to college admissions. Find out how these changes might impact your high school student on their path to college.
- Teri Thompson, of Thompson College Consulting, will discuss the latest from the UW, including the role of extracurricular activities in the college process. She will also discuss merit scholarships and surprisingly affordable international options.
- Greg Smith, of Northwest Educational Services will discuss the test-optional landscape and how students can prepare for tests, including the new Digital SAT and updates to the ACT.
- Finally, financial planner Albert Israel will talk about the updated FAFSA, how college aid is quantified, and what you can do to prepare when it comes to planning for paying for college.
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.