What's Up Westside
October 27, 2023
At a Glance
- October 30: WSHS Fall Fest (4:30–7pm, WSHS Courtyard)
- November 2: Counseling Center's College 101 (6:30–7:30pm, WSHS Library)
- November 2: First Thursdays Parent Group (6:30–8pm, Room 105)
- November 4: Saturday Study Hall (9am–12pm, WSHS Library)
- November 4: PTSA Tailgate Auction (6–9pm, Dakota Place Park, Tickets)
- November 8: AP Exam Registration and Payment Due
- November 8: End of First Quarter
- November 9: The Laramie Project Opening Night (7:30pm, WSHS Theater, Tickets)
- November 10: No School, Veterans Day
Upcoming Events
WSHS Fall Fest
Monday, October 30, 4:30–7pm, WSHS Courtyard
Fun for the whole family! Halloween-themed carnival games, food, and a spooky movie. Entry is free, but bring money for game tickets and concessions. All funds support the sophomore class of 2026. Donations are welcome!
Counseling Center's College 101
Thursday, November 2, 6:30–7:30pm, WSHS Library or Join via Microsoft Teams
Counselors will dive into the college selection and application process. Parents and guardians, come learn how you can help your student navigate their college search.
First Thursdays Parent Group
Thursday, November 2, 6:30–8pm, Room 105
Parents and guardians are welcome to drop in occasionally or come every month. We are tackling the tough topics as we prepare for the holidays that celebrate family. Join us in building a community of caring, supportive parents. Guided by Crissa Parsley, WSHS Social Worker. Register by emailing Donna Kelly.
Don't Miss the PTSA Tailgate Auction!
Saturday, November 4, 6–9pm, Dakota Place Park
Our Tailgate Auction is in one week! Have you got your tickets? Join us for a fun evening of raising money to support our students and staff. Wear your favorite sports jersey, bid on amazing items, savor food by our culinary students, meet teachers and staff, and just enjoy a night out with friends old and new!
"The Laramie Project"
November 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, and 17, 7:30pm, WSHS Theater
Come see the WSHS production of "The Laramie Project," a deeply complex portrait of a community’s response to the 1998 murder of Matthew Shepard, a young gay man living in Laramie, Wyoming. Get your tickets now!
Volunteer Opportunity
Career-Connected Learning
Do you want to support students with finding a career they love? WSHS is committed to expanding access to work-based learning opportunities. We are looking for partners in the community who can:
- participate in career fairs
- visit a classroom or schools as a career speaker
- open work locations for workplace tours or field trips
- offer a job shadow experience
- offer an internship, a registered apprenticeship, or a clinical experience
We are seeking representatives from all jobs, careers, and industries! Please complete the interest form. For more information, email Brian Fitzgerald, Career Connected Learning Coordinator.
Student Life
Saturday Study Hall Returns
Saturday, November 4, 9am-12pm, WSHS Library
The first quarter ends on November 8! Please check your student’s grades on The Source; if they have a D or E in any subject, encourage them to attend Saturday Study Hall. Tutors will be available to help, and students can retake tests or complete missing work. Breakfast will be served.
If you have any questions about Saturday Study Hall, please email Amy Doll. If you have questions about a specific class, current grade, missing work, or incomplete assignment, please contact the teacher directly.
Register for AP Exams Now
Due Wednesday, November 8
Students who are currently enrolled in AP courses at WSHS and who wish to take the AP exam in May must register with the College Board, join the class section, and pay for the exam via SchoolPay. Please visit the SPS webpage on AP Exams Schedule and Registration for details. Email Amy Doll with registration and payment questions.
Feminine Product Drive
Now through Friday, November 17
The WSHS Feminist Club and Red Cross Club are teaming up to collect tampons, pads, menstrual cups, panty liners, and wipes to be donated to Mary's Place. Drop off locations are in Rooms 105, 240, and 260.
Class of 2024 Important Information
- Counselor Letter of Recommendation Packet due three weeks before your college deadline. Your counselor needs time to review your academic record, collect teacher evaluation forms, and write a thoughtful letter of recommendation.
- Senior Quote due November 15. Log in with your Seattle Schools email address. Choose your words wisely!
- Cap & Gown Order due December 15. Required to participate in the graduation ceremony! If you have access to an old cap and gown, you are welcome to wear it; you only need to order the 2024 tassel and stole. If finances are an issue, please email Stacey Fernandez, our Care Coordinator, to see about options to borrow or get a new gown ordered.
- Senior Portrait and Baby Photo due January 15 (Enter School Code "west seattle")
- Adult Shoutout due January 31. Leave a brief message for your Senior!
Read all the details on Yearbook Senior Deadlines.
West Seattle High School's Care Coordinator Stacey Fernandez brought a celebration of culture to the school during Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month.
Ms. Stacey led events during the month that included a piñata making session, dance lessons, and a food tasting of pozole, quesadillas, and Mexican treats/candy.
PTSA Presents
SCPTSA Community Engagement: SPS Draft Financial Policy
Thursday, November 2, 7pm, Via Zoom
SCPTSA invites you to a discussion with Directors Liza Rankin and Chandra Hampson about the school board draft financial policy and how would it affect the district’s financial position.
Planning for Life After High School: Resources
Thank you to all the WSHS parents and guardians who joined us for the PTSA presentation on "Planning for Life After High School" this past Tuesday! In case you missed it, you can find the presentation slides as well as a well curated list of useful resources (including Mr. Burggraff's best advice) on the WSHS PTSA Website.
We Need You! (Yes, YOU!)
Legislative Chair: Are you a passionate advocate for kids? Help the Washington State PTA build its priority list to take to the state legislature and help keep our members informed about local issues.
Racial Equity Team Representative: Are you a concerned voice for diversity, equity and inclusion? Support the work of the staff's Racial Equity Team.
Secretary: Are you looking for an easy way to get involved? Attend and keep minutes at all membership and board meetings.
West Seattle 5K
Sunday, May 19, 2024
Save the date for the annual West Seattle 5K! We are currently forming a committee to help plan this year's event with co-chairs Kelley O’Connor, Athena Frederick, and Amy Huey. Interested? Please email westseattle5k@westseattle5k.com.
Counseling Center
Visit the Counseling Center Website for resources related to academics, college and career, and mental health and wellness.
Book an Appointment with Your Counselor
- Erica Nguyen (Last Names A-Fe)
- Kinsey Hedeen (Last Names Fi-Marg)
- Mallory Neuman (Last Names Mari-Pig)
- Christine Nutters (Last Names Pin-Z)
Meet College Representatives
The following schools will be visiting WSHS:
- Central Washington University, November 2, 11:45am, WSHS Library
Interested students, please email Ms. Stacey at stfernandez@seattleschools.org. Sign-up sheets are also located outside the counselors' offices.
Financial Aid Night
Wednesday, December 6, 6:30–8pm, WSHS library or Join via Microsoft Teams
Counselors will walk families through paying for college and completing the updated Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). There are lots of changes to the 2024-2025 FAFSA, so even if you’ve submitted one before, you will want to hear about the updates.
Westside HEY Coalition
The Westside Healthy Youth Empowered (HEY) Coalition is a community partner of West Seattle High School to address and prevent substance abuse.
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
Saturday, October 28, 10am–2pm, Southwest Precinct (2300 SW Webster)
Dispose of your unneeded prescription drugs in a safe, convenient, and responsible way!
Community Prevention and Wellness Initiative Community Survey
We are interested in your opinions about youth substance use in our community. Please take the time to fill out the 2023 Community Survey. Your responses will help inform and improve prevention programs for youth in our community.
Athletic Announcements
Good luck to all of our Fall sports teams in the post season!
This Week’s Varsity Sports Schedule
- October 27: Girls Dive Metro Prelims (Snohomish Aquatic Center, 9:30am)
- October 27: Girls Swim Metro Prelims (Snohomish Aquatic Center, 4pm)
- October 28: Girls Swim and Dive Metro Finals (Snohomish Aquatic Center, 3:30pm)
- November 2: Girls Swim District Prelims (12:30pm, Mary Wayte Pool)
- November 2: Volleyball Metro 3A Tournament vs. TBD (7pm, WSHS)
- November 3: Girls Swim District Finals (6pm, Mary Wayte Pool)
- November 4: Girls Dive District Championship (9:30am, Juanita High School)
Winter Sports Registration
Due before start of season on Monday, November 13
Athletic registration for the following winter sports is now open:
- Boys Basketball
- Girls Basketball
- Girls Bowling
- Gymnastics (co-ed)
- Boys Swim and Dive
- Wrestling (co-ed)
Registration is via FinalForms. Student athletes are required to purchase an ASB sticker. Visit the WSHS Athletic Registration page for details.
Join a Lacrosse Team
The West Seattle Lacrosse Club welcomes any West Seattle High School student! No experience necessary to play. Learn a new sport and get involved in our community. Register now: Girls / Boys
Join a Mixed Ultimate Team
Westside Ultimate welcomes any West Seattle High School student! Email wshsfrisbee@gmail.com to get started.
Seattle Public Schools News
Black College Expo
Saturday, November 4, 10am–4pm, Rainier Beach High School
Seniors and Juniors, meet one-on-one with HBCUs, other colleges, universities, and educational programs. Bring your transcripts and test scores to get acceptances and scholarships on the spot! Participate in informative seminars and workshops. Access jobs, internships, and career information. This event is free. Register now.
LGBTQ+ Families Dinner
Saturday, November 4, 5–7pm, Meany Middle School
This event is open to LGBTQ+ parents/guardians and their students who attend Seattle Public Schools, as well as LGBTQ+/gender-expansive kids in SPS and their parents/guardians. Expect food, connection, activities for kids, and opportunities to learn about community resources for families. RSVP today!
If you would like to receive more content for SPS LGBTQ+ families, sign up for the mailing list.
Community Connections
Washington Health Plan Open Enrollment
November 1, 2023–January 15, 2024
Starting November 1, all Washingtonians, regardless of immigration status, will be able to purchase health and dental insurance through Washington Healthplanfinder. Navigators can answer your questions and get you enrolled; call (800) 756-5437.
UW Youth & Teen Programs
Winter Registration Deadline is Tuesday, December 19
This winter quarter, high school students can enroll in the following evening online classes:
- Coding in Java
- Introduction to Data Visualization
- Sharpen Your Writing Skills
- Winter Concert Season: Expanding Your Musical Palate
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 communications@wshsptsa.org.
https://westseattlehs.seattleschools.org/calendar-and-news/whats-up-westside/
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