What's Up Westside

• October 14–18: SAT (12th Graders)
  

• October 15: Dine Out for WSHS Football (West Wings, 4–8pm)

• October 15: CIEE Parent Information Meeting (WSHS Commons, 7–8pm)

• October 18: National Honor Society Applications Due (4pm, Apply Here)

• October 19: Homecoming Dance (The Shop Club, 8–11pm, Tickets)
  

• October 21–25: PSAT (11th Graders)

• October 21: Friends of WS Music & Drama Volunteer Meeting (7pm, via Zoom)

• October 22: Picture Make-Up/Retake Day

• November 1: PTSA Mini-Grant Proposals Due (Apply Now)
  

• November 2: Saturday Study Hall (WSHS Library, 9am–12pm)
  

• November 5: First Tuesdays Parent Social (Larry's Tavern, 7pm)

• November 6: AP Exam Registration and Payment Due

• November 12: Parent to Parent Night (WSHS Care Center, 6–7:30pm)

• November 14–16 and 20–22: Ophelia (WSHS Theater, 7:30pm)

• November 15: PTSA Fall Fundraiser (WSHS Commons, 5–7pm, $20 Tickets)

Tuesday, October 15, WSHS Commons, 7–8pm

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). 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.

Monday, October 21, 7pm, via Zoom

Tuesday, October 22

• Make-up portraits: Students who missed the September picture day should plan on getting their portrait taken. Families can preorder make-up portraits from Yuen Li.
• Retake portraits: Students who wish to retake their September picture can return their photo package to the photographer in exchange for a retake. A new package of the retake image will be issued at no charge.
• View and order portraits: Families can still view and order portraits from the September picture day. The online code is your student's SPS ID number. October portraits will also be available for viewing at the same link about one or two weeks after makeup/retake day.

Tuesday, November 5, Larry's Tavern (3405 California Ave SW), 7pm

Take your mind off the national election! Every first Tuesday of the month, Larry’s Tavern donates partial proceeds to the WSHS PTSA. Board members will be available starting at 7pm to greet you and answer your questions. Bingo starts at 7:30pm. All are welcome! You do not have to be a PTSA member.

Due Wednesday, November 6
Students enrolled in AP courses must register for the exam(s) via the College Board. Teachers will provide a join code to add the AP course. The fee of $120 per exam is due either via SchoolPay or via cash or check (payable to West Seattle High School) and delivered to Ms. Penner in the Fiscal Office.

• The exam fee is only $20 for students eligible for free or reduced-price meals. Please complete the Free or Reduced-Price Meal Application by October 31. Be sure to opt into other benefits including pre-college exams. Eligible students need to notify our exam coordinator, Amy Doll to receive exam fee reductions or waivers.

• Students who are unable to take the AP exam(s) after their exam has been ordered for any reason are eligible for a partial refund of $78 per exam.
• Students not enrolled in AP courses at WSHS that wish to take an AP Exam must contact the SPS Office of Assessment and Instructional Improvement Director Aira Jackson.
  

Tuesday, November 12, WSHS Care Center, Room 129, 6–7:30pm

Join other parents and caregivers as we create a safe space to support one another during this important and often challenging time in your teen’s life. Facilitated by school social worker and adolescent therapist Crissa Parsley, LICSW, this monthly meeting brings together parents/guardians to discuss the issues facing you and your teen: friendships, mental health, substance use, setting boundaries, discipline, and more. This is not a class, but rather a space where parents share wisdom and understanding, creating community around the shared experience of parenting.

November 14–16 and 20–22, WSHS Theater, 7:30pm

Please mark your calendars and stay tuned for ticket information.

Friday, November 15, WSHS Commons, 5–7pm, $20 Tickets

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 auction, and raise your paddles for our school.

Fall Fundraiser Sponsorships and Donations Needed

To make our Fall Fundraiser a success, we are looking for event sponsors and donations of goods and services. If you own a business, work for a business, or frequent a business, please consider a donation for our auction. If you would like to expand your reach within our community, check out our sponsorship packages. Please email Fred Northup at fred@frednorthup.com with any questions.

Can't Make the Party?

You can still help bridge the funding gap for our students by making a gift directly on the PTSA website.

Opt In by Sunday, November 24, Consent Form

Seattle Public Schools has partnered with Forefront Suicide Prevention and The Jed Foundation to support the mental health and well-being of our students. WSHS is participating in JED High School delivered by Forefront, a 3-year program that provides expert support, evidence-based best practices, and data-driven guidance to protect student mental health and prevent suicide.

Students and staff at WSHS are being surveyed to inform our school's strategic planning process and subsequent actions. Student input is critical to improving student well-being, academic success, and social connectedness. We hope that families will choose to opt their students in to this assessment by completing this consent form by November 24. Student responses will be kept confidential and secure, and will not be connected with their name, email, or any other information that identifies them.

2024–2025 Club List

See the full list of clubs at WSHS. Follow them on social media or send an email to connect.

October 14–18, SAT (12th Grade, WSHS Library)

October 21–25, PSAT (11th Grade, WSHS Library)

West Seattle HS will offer a free school-day SAT for 12th graders and PSAT for 11th graders throughout the month of October. All 11th and 12th graders have been registered for their respective exams. Test sessions are assigned based on ELA class; please reference the schedule below. The exams have transitioned to a digital platform and students are required to use their SPS-issued device. Students must arrive on time; late arrivals will not be admitted to the exam.

Applications Due October 18, 4pm, Apply Now

The NHS recognizes outstanding students, encourages service, and promotes leadership. Membership is open to students with a GPA of 3.5 or higher.

Join your peers for our first ever off-campus Homecoming Dance! Tickets on sale now: $25 with activity sticker, $35 without. After today, prices go up to $30 with activity sticker, $35 without. Your ticket includes unlimited professional photo booth pictures, light snacks and drinks, and a professional DJ. Limit one guest per student. Guest forms are available by the student store and are due on Wednesday, October 16, at 4pm.

Saturday, November 2, WSHS Library, 9am–12pm

Saturday Study Hall is available for all WSHS students to finish the first quarter strong with a tutor's support. Tutors will be available to assist with test prep, test corrections, late assignments, and missing assignments. Students should connect with their teachers in advance to get missing work/projects and arrange test retakes. We provide breakfast; students bring their laptop and a desire to learn!

• November 20: Senior Quotes Due
  
• January 10, 2025: Senior Portrait and Baby Photo Due
• January 31, 2025: Senior Shoutout Due

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.

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!

Applications Due Friday, November 1, Apply Now

WSHS PTSA is pleased to fund mini-grants to support teaching and learning at WSHS. Grants are available to teachers, student groups, and school volunteers. Grants can be used to purchase equipment, supplies or other tangible goods. We prioritize projects that have a lasting impact, improve equity, benefit a greater number of students, and receive no funding from SPS.

• Erica Nguyen, Student Last Names A-Et, etnguyen@seattleschools.org, 206-252-8909
• Kinsey Hedeen, Student Last Names Ev-Mad, krhedeen@seattleschools.org, 206-252-8769
• Mallory Neuman, Student Last Names Mah-Pet, mlneuman@seattleschools.org, 206-252-8779
• Christine Nutters, Student Last Names Ph-Z, canutters@seattleschools.org, 206-252-8819

The PowerSchool mobile app enables parents to see all of their students' grades, assignments, scores, attendance, schedules, and school bulletins. The SPS district code is: KDND.

• 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.

• October 11: Golf vs. Seattle Prep (West Seattle Golf, 3pm)
  
• October 11: Girls Swim vs. Ballard (SW Community Pool, 4pm)
  
• October 11: Football vs. Lakeside (SWAC, 4:30pm)
  
• October 14: Volleyball vs. Chief Sealth (WSHS, 7pm)
• October 15: Volleyball vs. Ballard (WSHS, 7pm)
  
• October 15: Golf vs. Ingraham (Jackson Park Golf, 3pm)
  
• October 15: Girls Soccer vs. Holy Names Academy (Miller Field, 4pm)
• October 16: Cross Country Meet (Lower Woodland Park, Boys 3:30pm, Girls 4:10pm)
• October 17: Girls Soccer vs. Seattle Prep (Walt Hundley, 4pm)
  
• October 17: Volleyball vs. Lakeside (Lakeside HS, 7pm)
  
• October 18: Girls Swim vs. Ingraham (SW Community Pool, 4pm)
  
• October 18: Football vs. Ingraham (SWAC, 4:30pm)
  

A portion of all food orders goes directly to support WSHS Football teams. Applies to dine-in and online orders.

SPS affirms and supports our students and staff from all faith backgrounds. Students and staff may request religious accommodations if needed. In order for students to be granted a religious accommodation, the student’s parent or guardian must submit a written request to the principal of the student’s school. Students who are excused from class as a religious accommodation must have an opportunity to make up any work, assignment or test missed as a result of the absence. Read more.

Stay up to date with vaccines including boosters at vaccination clinics for children and adults. Find a Vaccination Clinic date and location that is convenient for you and your family. These are regional clinics open to all in the SPS community. School-based health centers also offer free vaccinations for students including COVID-19, flu, and required childhood vaccines.

Wednesday, October 16, 7pm, via Zoom

Thursday, November 7, 7pm, via Zoom

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.

Thursday, October 17

Washington state will be practicing earthquake preparedness! Families, schools, businesses, or organizations can register to participate in the drill. For more information, visit the Shake Out website.

Saturday, October 26, Southwest Precinct (2300 SW Webster St), 10am–2pm

This is a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs.

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.