What's Up Westside

This is National Hispanic-American/Latinx Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the multifaceted heritage, culture, and contributions of Hispanic Americans. Together, let's honor the rich history, traditions, and diversity that help shape our school district.

• September 25: College 101 (WSHS Library, 6:30pm)
  
• September 30: Student Data Verification Form Due (Via The Source)
• October 1: FERPA Directory Information Opt Out Form Due
• October 1: First Tuesdays Parent Social (Larry's Tavern, 7pm)
• October 10: Curriculum Night (WSHS Commons, 6:30–8pm)
  

• October 11: NO SCHOOL, Professional Development Day

• October 15: CIEE Parent Information Meeting (WSHS Commons, 7pm)

• October 22: Picture Retake Day

• November 15: PTSA Fall Fundraiser (WSHS Commons, 5–7pm)

We are thrilled to announce that West Seattle High School has been recognized as a 2024 National Banner School. This honor is given for dedication to fostering inclusive environments through the Unified Champion Schools program. Let us dedicate ourselves to building a community where students of all abilities come together to learn, grow, and play unified

Tuesday, October 1, 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 7–8pm to greet you and answer your questions. Bingo starts at 8pm. All are welcome! You do not have to be a PTSA member.

Thursday, October 10, 6:30–8pm

This is a chance for parents and guardians to go through your student’s class schedule. During each period, teachers will introduce their course and share classroom expectations.

Tuesday, October 15, WSHS Commons, 7pm [CORRECTED DATE]

Is your student interested in the possibility of studying abroad this summer or at some point during high school? Please attend this presentation by the Council for International Educational Exchange (CIEE). WSHS has sent 300 students abroad on these programs and has earned $300,000 in scholarships since 2017. It can be a life-changing experience where students gain a sense of independence, cultural understanding, and advance their language proficiency. There are generous scholarships for students who need them, including a free flight raffle for students who apply before November 1! For more information or questions, please contact volunteer site coordinator Meghan Schumacher at mkschumacher@seattleschools.org.

• Complete the Student Data Verification form by September 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 by October 1. 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.

Monday, September 23, WSHS Gym

9th graders will visit during Advisory, while 10th–12th graders will visit during Lunch.

• October 2: Cap and Gown Meeting (During Advisory)

• November 20: Senior Quotes Due (Details and Link Here)
• January 10, 2025: Senior Portrait and Baby Photo Due (Details and Link Here)
• January 31, 2025: Senior Shoutout Due (Details and Link Here)
• June 17, 2025: Graduation Ceremony (Memorial Stadium, 5pm)

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!

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

This annual event is an evening to celebrate with each other as well as raise money to fund staff and student needs. Join us to feast on appetizers prepared by students in the culinary program, enjoy an assortment of top-notch mocktails, bid and win at the auction, and raise your paddles for our school.

We are now accepting event sponsorships and donations for the auction. Please email Fred Northup at fred@frednorthup.com with any questions.

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

• September 24: Arizona State University (Commons)
• September 24: US Marines (Commons)
• October 7: Reed College Portland (Commons)
  
• October 8: UW Seattle (Library)
• October 10: Voter Registration Women's Group (Commons )
• October 16: Cornish College of the Arts (Commons)
• October 21: US Army/US Army Reserve (Commons)

• October 24: Oregon State (Career Center)

• October 29: University of Portland (Library)
• November 6: San Diego State University (Library)
• November 6: California Polytechnic State University (Library)

Questions? Contact your school counselor.

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

• September 20: Girls Swim vs. Cleveland and Franklin (Rainier Beach Pool, 4pm)
  
• September 20: Football vs. Chief Sealth (SWAC, 6pm)
• September 23: Golf vs. Bishop Blanchet (West Seattle Golf, 3:30pm)
  
• September 24: Girls Soccer vs. Seattle Prep (Magnuson Park, 4pm)
• September 25: Cross Country Meet (Lower Woodland Park, Boys 3:40pm Girls 4:10pm)
• September 25: Ultimate vs. Ingraham (Robert Eagle Staff MS, 4:30pm)
• September 26: Golf vs. Holy Names and O'Dea (West Seattle Golf, 3:30pm)
• September 26: Volleyball vs. Seattle Prep (WSHS, 7pm)
• September 26: Girls Soccer vs. Ballard (Ballard HS, 7pm)
  
• September 27: Girls Swim vs. Nathan Hale (Southwest Pool, 4pm)
  
• September 27: Football vs. Lincoln (SWAC 4:30pm)
• September 27: Ultimate vs. Franklin (Franklin HS, 7:15pm)

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.

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

Wednesday, September 25, Genesee Hill Elementary (5013 SW Dakota St), 6:30pm, RSVP

You are invited to a community meeting to discuss Seattle Public Schools' plans to reimagine a system of well-resourced, safe, and equitable schools. SPS leaders will share how the district is working to ensure every student receives the support they need at a school close to home.

Translation and interpretation services will be provided at each meeting. After the online meeting, a recording will be posted to the district website.

Learn more about Well-Resourced Schools plans, timeline, and FAQs.

Applications due Monday, October 7, 5pm, Apply Now

The School Board is planning to place two levies on the ballot in February 2025. As required by state law, the district must appoint committees to prepare written statements in support of and in opposition to each levy. These statements will appear in the King County voters’ pamphlet. If you are interested in serving on a committee advocating for approval or rejection of either levy, please submit an online application.

Saturday, September 21, Fauntleory Church , 9am–3pm

Bring any of these items for free, responsible recycling!

Wednesday, October 9, 5–6:15pm, Sign Up for This Event

Dr. Gholdy Muhammad offers a unique, culturally, and historically responsive approach to cultivating genius and joy in education. Dr. Gholnecsar (Gholdy) Muhammad is an Associate Professor of Literacy, Language, and Culture at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

October 21, 2024–June 13, 2025, Registration due October 6

The OneWorld Now After-School Program combines world language learning and leadership development. The program is open to students in grades 8–12. Tuition is priced on a sliding scale to allow as many students as possible to participate.

Sunday, November 3, UW Campus, 8:30am–2pm, FREE, Register Now

This event aims to help high school students explore STEM majors and careers. This free admission fair will exhibit UW STEM departments, student organizations, and research. It will also include informational sessions to help attendees navigate college decision-making and opportunities to explore STEM careers with STEM professionals.

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

Read past issues of this newsletter

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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.