What's Up Westside
November 22, 2024
At A Glance
- November 22: "Ophelia" Closing Night (WSHS Theater, 7:30pm)
- November 24: Opt In to JED High School Survey (Consent Form)
- November 28: NO SCHOOL - Thanksgiving Day
- November 29: NO SCHOOL - Native American Heritage Day
- December 5: Financial Aid Night, (WSHS Library, 6–7:30pm)
- December 7: Fundraiser for WSHS Music (WS Eagles, 5pm)
- December 10: Yearbook Presale Ends (via SchoolPay)
Wildcat Shoutouts
WSHS Volleyball in State Tournament!
Friday, Nov 22 , Yakima Valley SunDome, 9pm, Court 4, (Tickets)
Congratulations to the WSHS Girls Volleyball team, who entered the State 3A Tournament as District 2 Champions and won their first match vs. Stanwood 3–0! They will play a quarterfinal match vs. Seattle Prep tonight. Competition continues through Saturday, November 23.
Congratulations to Girls Swim 200 Freestyle Relay
The WSHS Girls Swim 200 Freestyle Relay placed 15th in the State Tournament with a time of 1:48:86! Seniors Lucy Stahl, Eve Legge, Avery Zimmer, and Lucy Rysemus are the first relay since 2010 and the first swimmers since 2015 to represent WSHS at State.
WSHS Students Selected for Photography Exhibit
November 14–30, The Seattle Light Room, 5040 Wilson Avenue South
Seven talented WSHS photography students are represented in "Community: A Juried Teen Show." Congratulations to Jasmine Abakporo, Claire Angell, Noelle Bothell, Ben Cooney, Xenia DeLaura, Anhelina Hutsu, and Larry Perez!
PTSA Fall Fundraiser a Tremendous Success!
Thank you to all of the parents, teachers, staff, and students who came together as a community and generously supported the WSHS PTSA's goal of supporting mini-grants. Extraordinary thanks to Fred Northup for all the work involved in chairing and auctioneering the event, and a thank you to the many additional volunteers who helped make this evening possible. We exceeded our goal of $20,000 and are now busily granting student and staff funding requests thanks to YOU!
For WSHS Families
Last Chance to See "Ophelia"
Friday, November 22, WSHS Theater, 7:30pm, Tickets
Support our Drama students in the Fall Production of Ophelia! This play imagines a world where, rather than being relegated to an unceremonious offstage death, Ophelia takes center stage in the story of Shakespeare's famous brooding prince. Join us for a night of swords, vengeful ghosts, and perhaps more than one person hiding in the curtains....
Get one free student ticket with code WILDCAT.
JED High School Student Survey
Opt In by Sunday, November 24, Complete this consent form.
Parents, we need your consent to administer the JED High School Student Survey. The survey will inform our school's delivery of JED High School by Forefront, a 3-year program designed to address teen mental health tailored to our community's specific needs. Student input is critical and student responses will be kept confidential. More information here.
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.
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
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.
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 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 22: Bowling vs. Cleveland (West Seattle Bowl, 3pm)
- November 25: Bowling vs. Chief Sealth (West Seattle Bowl, 3pm)
Be a Champion for WSHS Boys Basketball
Due Friday, November 22, Apply Today
We invite you to be part of our sponsorship program! As you may know, Seattle Public Schools allocates very limited funds to high school sports. It really takes our West Seattle village to secure much-needed resources like training equipment, tournament fees, uniforms, and gear. As a sponsor of the WSHS Boys Basketball program, your business will contribute to an important cause while gaining exposure and recognition as a champion of local youth and education.
Community Connections
Free Community Thanksgiving Dinner
Thursday, November 28, Hall at Fauntleroy, 9131 California Ave SW, 12–3pm
Bring the whole family. All are welcome! No need to RSVP. They will be accepting donations of gently used warm clothing, new blankets and socks, and desserts.
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.