What's Up Westside
April 22, 2022
At A Glance
- April 23rd - ASB Fundraiser
- April 27th - PTSA hosts Jo Langford for LGBT Q&A
- April 28th - Music Program's Pops Concert
- April 30th - Saturday Study Hall
- April 30th - Last Day to order a Mother's Day Flower Fundraiser Bouquet
- April 30th - Due date for FAFSA and WASFA
- May 2-6th - Staff Appreciation Week
- May 13th - Big Band Dinner and Dance Music Program Annual Benefit
- May 13th - Suicide Prevention Parent Event
From Principal Vance's Desk
- Earth Day: Today is Earth Day. A chance to take a look at our impact on the planet and how to we might be able to minimize the negative impacts. SPS put together 10 Things You Can Do. Check them out.
- Potential Start/End Time Change for 22-23SY: SPS is bringing a proposal to the School Board to return to a 3-tiered school start/end time schedule. The proposal going to the board would shift our start/end time by 15 minutes. 8:30-3:20. This is not official until the school board weighs in. Here is a link to additional information on the why and the impact for Elementary and Middle Schools as well. https://www.seattleschools.org/news/school-start-times/
- Covid Test Kits: Covid is still out there and SPS continues to work towards preventing the spread. We still have test kits available for students to bring home, if needed. If you need an additional test kit, please have your student check in with Ms. Dolan in the attendance office. Additional SPS Covid information: https://www.seattleschools.org/news/responding-to-cases-or-symptoms/
Looking forward to a smooth, healthy and fun last part of the 2021-2022 School Year. Go Wildcats!
In Other News
SPS SUPERINTENDENT DR. BRENT JONES LISTENING TOUR
The Seattle Council PTSA is hosting a series of on-line community engagements with Seattle Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Brent Jones. Please join us to share your voice with our district leader about safe and welcoming environments. To register, please use the following links. ASL and closed captioning will be available at each listening session. Interpretation in each of the top 5 languages (Spanish, Somali, Vietnamese, Cantonese, and Amharic) is available as well. All listening sessions are 5:30PM to 7:30PM on the dates listed.
April 25: Black families: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYpc-yopz0oG9xIbq62En8Fm5iMF_KBJKEO (Interpretation in Oromo and Tigrinya available in addition to the languages listed above)
May 2: Students with IEPs/504s https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMsf-ygqDojG9BBIRmAAQafIss9xkzV6KLc
May 5: Students https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0ocOugqT4vEtDaKS3xGJwtdZrKjYpQFw8c
May 9: Special Education families https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYodOquqTsiE9y1KJnM5pJrMa39aTSb7ra2
May 16: General public https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMsfuGhpjovH9cM5rCAYrbaALSxwjX1YL7Q
ADVANCED PLACEMENT EXAMS
For Students that have prepaid and registered for May AP exams, the exams will be held in the School Library. Students testing with accommodations will test in the School Library Conference Room. AP orders have been finalized. Any student wishing to cancel their exam can request a refund after May 13th. College Board will keep $40.00 per exam as a processing fee.
Questions about testing contact Amy Doll asdoll@seattleschools.org
Exam Schedule: AP Exam dates on CollegeBoard
ACADEMIC SUPPORT - AFTER SCHOOL TUTORING AND SATURDAY STUDY HALL
After school tutoring is now available every Tuesday and Thursday from 3:45-5:00pm in the library! Please make sure that you have access to your assignments before arriving. We look forward to seeing you after school in the library and helping you with your classes.
Our next Saturday Study Hall will be on April 30. Questions? Contact Academic Interventionist, Sandi Whiton at: sswhiton@seattleschools.org
TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK SHOUT OUT
Help us celebrate our SPS staff by sharing a story about your favorite SPS teacher. Times have been tough, but our SPS teachers are tougher. Take a moment to #ThankATeacher during Teacher Appreciation Week, May 2-6. Fill out this form and tell us about your favorite SPS teacher, past or present. We will shout them out on the school district website and other media channels.
PAID VIRTUAL FOCUS GROUP for SPS PARENTS/GUARDIANS
TO REGISTER: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/spsdiscipline
The district’s Prevention and Intervention Department works to enhance student learning and well-being through the delivery of comprehensive prevention programming, with a focus on reducing substance abuse and other risky behaviors.
They are conducting paid virtual focus groups with parents/guardians to gather feedback on SPS' Substance Abuse Disciplinary Procedure. They will discuss what parents know about the drug/alcohol policy and procedure, what works well with the current disciplinary practices, and how they can improve them. No information about personal experience with the disciplinary procedure will be asked. No special knowledge is required to participate. The discussion will last one hour, and participants will be provided incentives worth $50 for their time which will be mailed to them. They are holding sessions in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Somali, and Amharic.
English Speaking Participants: 5/10/22 and 5/16/22 at 6:30-7:30
Spanish Speaking Participants: 5/12/22 at 6:30-7:30 PM
Vietnamese Speaking Participants: 5/17/22 at 6:30-7:30 PM
Chinese Speaking Participants: 5/18/22 at 6:30-7:30 PM
Somali Speaking Participants: 5/11/22 at 6:30-7:30 PM
Amharic Speaking Participants: 5/13/22 at 6:30-7:30 PM
Questions or Concerns?
Reach out to Hena Parveen @ heparveen@seattleschools.org
GRADING - NO ZERO'S - 50% is a warning
We are hearing from some parents about confusion when looking at The Source and seeing grades that represent a 50%. At the start of this school year, SPS put in place mandatory grading policies that include making adjustments to a 100point grading scale. I am attaching a link HERE to an article and short video describing the reasoning behind this shift. I am also including this as a heads up that if your student has a 50% on an assignment or as an overall grade, they are likely significantly behind or have not turned in that particular assignment or assessment. This is a shift in how to look at grades, and how to support students in earning credits. We will continue to send out updates on grading, but wanted to re-iterate this shift to clarify what you may be seeing when you look at student grades.
STATE TESTING FOR WSHS STUDENTS
Smarter Balanced English/Language Arts and Math– March 7 to June 3
Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science– April 11 to June 3
Spring 2022 ELA, math, and science will be at grade level. Students in grades 10 are required to take the ELA and math assessments. Students in grades 11 are required to take the science assessment. Students in grades 11 or 12 may elect to take ELA and/or math in order to fulfill a graduation pathway.
Please visit SPS Testing and Assessments page for updates and news on how assessments are used and their requirements in Seattle Public Schools.
Student Led Presentation On Consent
Of the 321 WSHS students surveyed, 16% report experiencing some form of sexual assault or harassment on school campus.
A group of concerned students came together and presented on the topic to all English classes April 21st and 22nd.
"We have noticed there is a lack of discourse around consent and how to prevent or report sexual assault and harassment within our school community.
We have spent months working with many students spanning across grade levels and including members of our intersectional feminist club, our GSA, our black student union, our Japanese culture club, and more. Together, we have created a presentation to help inform and educate our school community. We hope to start an ongoing conversation that reaches outside our school community and into broader West Seattle. Our overall goal is to foster a more respectful, safe, and conscientious environment that we can all learn and thrive in. If you would like to take a look at our presentation to help you have these conversations with your family, please email wshsptsacommunications1@gmail.com to request access. We know this is a difficult topic, but it’s important and absolutely necessary to talk about."
Counseling Center Contribution
Seniors, there are still several scholarship opportunities available including local WSHS scholarships! To see the full list and apply visit https://westseattlehs.seattleschools.org/resources/counseling-center/scholarship-bulletin/
Suicide Prevention Parent Event: WSHS will be hosting our fifth annual Forefront Suicide Prevention parent event, Friday, May 13th from 9-10 am. This topic has never been more important as suicide rates are up in King County and across the nation since the start of the pandemic. Preventing death by suicide is everyone’s job- from school staff to parents, friends and the community as a whole.
This parent event will focus on learning the stats and risk factors for teen suicide, as well as teaching parents active listening skills and how to listen to their teens with empathy. The event will be virtual, and no RSVP is required. Link to the virtual Teams event: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ZjA4YTVkZDktNjI5NC00ZjY4LWI5ZGItZjlkMDdmNmQ2MDUw%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22d431d158-6074-4832-8783-51ea6f6dd227%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22005d032f-8037-45e7-a0f1-af261770432e%22%2c%22IsBroadcastMeeting%22%3atrue%7d&btype=a&role=a
Questions? Contact Mallory Neuman at mlneuman@seattleschools.org
Open Enrollment Updates: The 2022-23 open enrollment results and waitlist information will be available on the SPS website Tuesday, April 19.
Families and students can access results through the SPS Assignment Look Up Tool or The Source.
A student ID number is needed to access the Assignment Look Up Tool. If you don’t have this information, please check The Source or contact the Admissions Office at admissions@seattleschools.org or 206-252-0760.
Students assigned to a choice school during open enrollment will receive a new assignment letter by email or mail by late April.
School Choice applications will continue to be accepted through Tuesday, May 31.
To dispute the open enrollment process, submit an Inquiry form online, by mail, or in person at the John Stanford Center (2445 3rd Ave. S., mailstop 11-161). Forms are available Tuesday, April 19 through Wednesday, August 31. Outcomes can take up to two weeks to resolve.
To dispute a student’s next year assignment, submit a Transfer Request Appeal form, available Wednesday, June 1.
Waitlists will be managed throughout the summer. As seats become available, the Admissions Office will contact families directly by email or phone. Please make sure all contact information in The Source is current.
If you have not received information from the Admissions Office by August 31, then your student did not get into their choice school and are expected to attend their assigned school for the new school year. Please use the Assignment Lookup Tool or contact the Admissions office for information about your student’s assigned school.
Counselor Caseloads:
Last Names A- GL, Erica Nguyen etnguyen@seattleschools.org
Last Names Go-Pa, Mallory Neuman mlneuman@seattleschools.org
Last Names Pe-Z, Christine Nutters canutters@seattleschools.org
New to WSHS, or just looking to make some new friends? Join the “Fun Time Lunch Time” crew in the ASB room (north side of the Commons) to play games, socialize, and meet new people. The room will be open every Thursday during both lunches.
Seattle Promise Scholarship: The next task and deadline for Seattle Promise is to complete the FAFSA (www.fafsa.gov) or WASFA (https://wsac.wa.gov/WASFAelig) by April 30th. Contact the new Seattle Promise liaison Alma Salgado with any questions, Alma.Salgado@Seattlecolleges.edu. Wednesdays
PTSA Presents
APRIL 27TH 7-8:30pm - PTSA Hosts "LGBT Q&A" with Jo Langford
Language exists to clarify, but how familiar is the average American with LGBTQ+ terminology? How does the understanding of LGBTQ+ language like pansexuality, heteronormativity, and gender-neutral pronouns differ by generation, sexual orientation, or gender identity?
We are lucky enough to have Jo Langford (author of "The Pride Guide") a second time to help us better understand the current sex, gender, identity, and expression vocabulary, concepts, and etiquette. This talk is for everyone that knows anyone and will offer a safe-space to start where you're at.
GOLDEN APPLE AND GOLDEN ACORN AWARDS
Each year PTSA gives out awards to outstanding individuals who have served the school community.
The Golden Apple Award is for an outstanding educator who has gone beyond the normal expectations of their job to make the learning environment fun, beneficial and challenging.
The Golden Acorn Award is presented to a volunteer in recognition of their dedication and service to children and youth.
Please use this form to make your nominations:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeajd_oUwXiBY-hXai-Zf7jL4fJho65SsIrx3pSz6L_qYJYJg/viewform
Students are encouraged to participate.
WHY PTSA?
This newsletter, parent ed events, staff support and appreciation, advocating for students, funding needs beyond the building budget, and, when able, joining as a community. At it's core the PTSA is about advocating for kids, supporting staff, and building community. It takes donations and volunteers to do it.
URGENT NEED FOR PTSA EXECUTIVE BOARD VOLUNTEERS
The current executive board (President, Vice President, and Secretary) have all served to their term limits, and we are in need of volunteers to fill next year's slate of officers.
Please consider adding your talents to the team! Contact PTSA President, Michele Starkey, if interested or for more information at: wshsptsapresident@gmail.com
MOTHER'S DAY FLOWER FUNDRAISER
Celebrate Moms & Support Seattle Public Schools by ordering a beautiful bouquet from Friendly Hmong Farms!
https://www.friendlyhmongfarms.com/sps-fundraiser
Once you place the SPS Mother’s Day Weekend Fundraiser bouquet in your cart, you will be asked to designate which school you would like to support and then you will select the pick-up location. At check out, in the Pick-Up Order section, please select “SPS Fundraiser." Items will be available for pick up on Saturday, May 7th.
UPCOMING PARENT ED EVENTS
MAY 18TH - "Preparing for Summer: Keeping our Kids Safe and Healthy" with SPS Healthy Youth Survey Manager, Lisa Davidson
Lisa Davidson will share the Healthy Youth Survey data that she collected from WSHS students in the fall. She will then help parents understand the data and give some guidance and resources available to help our kids stay healthy and safe over the summer.
MINI-GRANTS FUNDED
The PTSA receives requests for funds to support staff and students beyond what the building budget can afford. The executive board reviews the grants and through donations, funds these requests responsibly. This year we were able to fund requests from the Music Program for instruments, Woodshop for specialized tools, Foreign Language Department for books, Science Department for fans, Fine Arts Department for training, Special Education Department for a specialized desk, Social Studies Department for software, and from our growing number of student cycling commuters for new bike racks.
DONOR THANK YOU
This month the PTSA had some very generous Direct Give Donations. Many thanks to all of our members for their generosity! Your donations are responsible for our ability to fund this year's mini-grants for teachers, staff, and students at a time when our fundraising ability is limited. THANK YOU!!
Of course, you haven't missed your chance, if you would still like to donate. You can donate anytime at: http://wshsptsa.org/direct-drive-campaign
AMAZON SMILE
Did you know that when you shop on AmazonSmile your purchases can also support the West Seattle High School PTSA? It's free and only takes two minutes to setup. A percentage of your Amazon purchases will be donated to the WSHS PTSA. Just follow these simple steps to turn your purchases into donations for the WSHS PTSA. https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/community/how-to-sign-up-for-amazonsmile
BECOME A MEMBER
Be a part of making WSHS the school community you want! Become a member of the PTSA at: http://wshsptsa.org/
EQUITY AND INCLUSION VIRTUAL SPEAKER SERIES
To register: https://sites.google.com/meridianschool.edu/virtual-speaker-series/home
MAY 5TH - Dr. Bettina Love author of "We Want to Do More Than Survive: Abolitionist Teaching and the Pursuit of Educational Freedom"
Activities Abound
ASB UPDATES
Two Part Fundraiser
Come support the students of WSHS on Saturday, April 23rd, at Lady Jaye!
A percentage of the profits from the butcher shop and from the restaurant will be going to the WSHS ASB. The butcher shop opens at 10 am and the restaurant opens at 4 pm, and any purchases made at any time during the day or evening on the 23rd will be counted toward the fundraiser. Make reservations here: bit.ly/38b6cC0 and order takeout here: bit.ly/3wU7D1Z!
Optional: Parents, drop your (potty-trained, ages 4 -11) kids off at the parents’ night out from 5:30 – 10:30. Pizza, games, crafts, and a movie will be provided.
Here's a flyer for sign up info:
https://cdn.westseattleblog.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/nightout.pdf
ASB Elections are happening for 9th-11th grade
April 18th: info meeting at both lunches
April 19th: info meeting after school
April 21st: applications due
April 27th: Live speeches in Advisory
May 4th: Voting in Advisory
TALENT SHOW
Our talent show is back and will be live and in-person again this year. If you are interested in showing off your unique talents, please complete this registration form and an ASB member will be in contact with you to give you further details.
FIELD DAY!
Our beloved Field Day is back after a two year Covid restricted hiatus. This is a school tradition where we put our books down for an afternoon and enjoy games, food, performances, and the company of our peers and staff members out on the Hiawatha field. Due to restrictions on fundraising and a lack of ASB card sales these past years, we are working with a much smaller budget than in the past. Any donation, big or small would be greatly appreciated and will go towards student engagement and fun.
Link to donate: https://schoolpay.com/link/2022FieldDay
Parent volunteers
West Seattle ASB is holding their first field day in YEARS! We’re looking for parent volunteers to help out on Wednesday June 1st from 1-3:30 pm.
If you are interested, start by completing the district volunteer application found here: https://westseattlehs.seattleschools.org/get-involved/how-to-volunteer/
Next complete the following form to get connected directly to the field day coordinators. https://forms.gle/tKVUq18DbLVLQ5v5A
ASB thanks you in advance for your willingness to support our return to FUN!
BLUE SWEATSHIRT PICK UP
The pre-ordered blue sweatshirts are in and available for pick up during both lunches in the school store.
If you didn't pre-order one, no worries! There are extras for sale. $35 cash or check.
Music Notes
FIRST ANNUAL POPS CONCERT
April 28th at 7:30pm in the WSHS Theater
This concert will feature both concert and symphonic bands, orchestra, and choir performing music from Movies, TV, Video Games, Musicals, and more!
Free and open to the public.
BIG BAND DINNER AND DANCE MUSIC PROGRAM ANNUAL BENEFIT IS BACK!
Save the Date: Friday, May 13th, 6-9pm
Join us for a evening of great music from all of our ensembles, but featuring our Jazz Ensembles and the West Seattle Big Band. It will be hosted in the Courtyard (weather permitting). Ticket info to follow soon. Thank you to West Side Music Academy for sponsoring!
If you would like to make a donation to support our musicians visit: http://www.wshsmusic.org/
Athletic Announcements
To keep up on all the stats and schedules check out:
http://www.metroleaguewa.org/index.php?pid=0.8.85.6.321
And for the latest on spectator rules:
https://www.seattleschools.org/news/athletics-health-safety/
Something we should know?
If you would like to share something with the West Seattle High School community, please contact wshsptsacommunications1@gmail.com
Find past issues of the newsletter HERE.
Westside Pride
Please remind your students to conduct themselves in a way that makes our whole school community proud! When students are off campus - at Safeway, PCC, or in Hiawatha Park during lunch and afterschool - they represent WSHS.
Building is Closed to Adults
Attendance Office Info
Attendance Office
Room 122F
Erin Dolan
Attendance Specialist
206-252-8804
https://westseattlehs.seattleschools.org/resources/attendance-office/
West Seattle High School
Email: wshsptsacommunications1@gmail.com
Website: westseattlehs.seattleschools.org
Location: 3000 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116, USA
Phone: 206-252-8800