Washington High School
End of 2020-21: Summer Send Off
FROM THE DESK OF MR. WHITEMARSH, WHS PRINCIPAL
This school year has been anything but dull, but I can’t say that I’m sad to see it come to an end. I am incredibly grateful for the examples of perseverance and fortitude that you students have demonstrated this year. I am also grateful for the work that each of our dedicated staff members contributed to support each of you through countless setbacks and challenges. One thing that is clear – we are a resilient bunch. I look forward to these next few months as a chance to regroup prior to our triumphant return to traditional in-person learning in the fall. While we have done an amazing job of surviving these past 3 semesters, I am excited for us to thrive once again. We know we have work to do. Many of you aren’t wasting any time; you’ve enrolled in summer school and are committed to getting back on track for graduation. Others of you have managed to stay afloat during the pandemic and have earned the opportunity to relax and recharge. We look forward to providing you with increased opportunities to find your passion as we transition to our 4x8 block schedule next school year. I plan to work hard and play hard this summer. I hope you all do the same. Be safe and know that we can’t wait to see you back in our hallways and classrooms in the fall.
Go Pats!
~Mr. Whitemarsh
Upcoming Events
- Main Office Summer Hours: Open Wednesdays, 10am-1pm (closed all other days)
- June 23 - Class of 2021 can begin to pick up diplomas in the WHS Main Office
- June 28-August 5: WHS Summer School (no school July 5)
- July 1 - Class of 2021 Final Transcripts are available
- August 16 - Cheerleading begins
- August 18 - Football begins
- August 23 - Golf, Cross Country, Girls Soccer/Volleyball/Tennis begin
- August 31 - First Day of School/Welcome Back Pats!
Counselor's Corner
Schedules for 2021-22
- A Day = periods 1-4
- B Day = periods 5-8
Students may view their initial schedules in Skyward beginning mid-to late August by going to Student Access - these schedules are NOT finalized. Official schedules will be picked up by students on the first day of school (August 31) - changes may still occur until that point due to balancing of classes
Student Access log in information:
- Login ID = Student ID # (6 digits)
- Password = Birthday (mmddyyyy).
- Schedules are based on selections made during PRE-REGISTRATION last spring.
Counselors will NOT consider schedule change requests for a different lunch, switching to be with friends, or wanting a different teacher.
WHS school counselors will only consider schedule changes within the first 5 days of the semester for the following reasons:
- Incorrect placement level (example: placed in Algebra 3-4 but haven't taken Algebra 1-2 or Geometry yet)
- Already taken/passed the class -- with the exception of band, choir, advanced drama and PE, courses can only be taken ONCE for credit. You cannot take the same elective twice, if you already passed it.
- Student failed a class & needs to retake for graduation requirement purposes
- Student is missing a class for graduation requirement
- "Hole" in the schedule (missing a period)
- More than one class scheduled during the same period (duplicate)
COUNSELOR CONTACT INFORMATION:
Ms. Zapanta, students with last names A-G jzapanta@fpschools.org
Mr. Ortiz, students with last names H-O eortiz@fpschools.org
Mr. Summers-Smith, students with last names P-Z msummerssmith@fpschools.org
Ms. Plutko, students in Running Start aplutko@fpschools.org
Class of 2022: Get Ready for Senior Year
Hey Class of 2022!
A few things to get ready for your Senior Year this summer. :)
Get ready to think about your "E" - after graduation, do you plan to be ENLISTED in the military, ENROLLED in a 2 year or 4 year college, or EMPLOYED in the workforce
- If your E = ENLISTED - plan to take the ASVAB in November at school + figure out what branch you'd like to join. Need help? Check out information about the 6 different branches and their requirements HERE
- If your E = ENROLLED - start to think about WHAT you'd like to study and WHERE you'd like to attend. Start looking for colleges that match your interests at Big Future for some help on college search.
- If your E = EMPLOYED - think about apprenticeships! Bates Technical College has an awesome summer program that you can try out some programs for FREE. See info at bottom for more info. You can also find out MORE about apprenticeships at https://lni.wa.gov/licensing-permits/apprenticeship/become-an-apprentice#youth
Financial Aid Applications open OCTOBER 1st
- We encourage ALL seniors to apply for Financial Aid (FAFSA or WASFA), as plans post-graduation can change and we want students to have access to Financial Aid if college is part or becomes part of their post-secondary plan.
- If you plan to fill out a FAFSA (you have a Social Security Number), then set up your FSA ID now.
SAT/ACT Testing
- All colleges in the State of Washington have opted to be "test optional"
- For a list of other test optional schools, visit https://www.fairtest.org/university/optional
- The SAT is offered October 2, November 6, and December 4 - you must register one month in advance of the test date at http://sat.collegeboard.org/
- The ACT is offered September 11, October 23, and December 11 - you must register one month in advance of the test date at https://www.act.org/content/act/en/register-for-the-act.html
- FREE test prep is available through Khan Academy or March2Success
IMPORTANT COLLEGE APPLICATION DEADLINES
November 15, 2021
- University of Washington - Seattle
- Northwest University (Kirkland)
December 1, 2021
- Gonzaga University
January 15, 2022
- University of Washington - Tacoma
- University of Washington - Bothell
- Seattle Pacific University
- Whitman College
- University of Puget Sound
January 31, 2022
- Washington State University
- Western Washington University
February 1, 2022
- Eastern Washington University
- Evergreen State College
March 1, 2022
- Central Washington University
- Whitworth University
Rolling Admission (multiple "priority" dates)
- Pacific Lutheran University
- Saint Martin's University
What's Happening at Washington HS
WHS Class of 2021 Graduation
- Ms. Gonzalez gave a heartfelt speech (some tears included!) and reminded students that they can edit and revise their own plot lines to their life story. "You are more than what's expected."
- Mr. Whitemarsh delivered encouraging remarks (even quoted "the great poet Eminem") and charged the graduates with going forth to change the world.
- Valedictorian McKim Mitchell reflected on the journey to graduation and shared wisdom she got from Mr. Whitemarsh, "On a 10 mile hike, you don't quit when you are on mile 9 just because the ground gets steeper. You keep hiking to reach the mountain's peak, to accomplish with what you set out to do...the peak was worth it!"
- Student speaker Guadalupe Huerta-Acuchi spoke about self-discovery and her roots, which she discovered throughout her high school experience, to inspire her classmates to embrace who they are. "I hope that the message you can walk away with is that self-love, self-acceptance, and pride for our culture and communities are important as we continue our journey beyond high school."
Watch the entire graduation - https://youtu.be/8vr92ZYWQGs
Highlight video - https://youtu.be/lr0cItOLbRw
Photo gallery - https://ikeandtash.shootproof.com/gallery/15298110/home
Summer School is up & running!
We are just finishing up our second week of summer school and things are running smoothly (besides that dang heat wave that postponed us for a day!). Students are working hard and so far 24 credits have been retrieved!
We are trying to make it fun with weekly raffle prizes, Tuesday Trivia, and popsicles. We appreciate the commitment students and families have shown and hope to keep the momentum going into our second session of summer school starting July 12th.
WHS Staff Farewells & Welcomes
Sadly, we had to say farewell and good luck to the following WHS Staff:
- MSGT Joe Fitzsimmons
- Rebecca Taylor
- Kevin Marshall
- Brooke Brown
- Kristen Miskar
- Shay McElvain
- Thomas Hoghaug
We will miss you in our Patriot Family!
---------------------------------------------------------------
We're excited to welcome the following new Patriot staff members:
- Kevin Budrevich-Ryan
- Patrick Jones
- Eric Allen
- Christy Lee (WHS '09 - welcome back!)
- Julia Rodriguez (welcome back!)
- Leslie Woldseth (welcome back!)
Athletics
Get Ready for 2021-22 Sports
Did you know that you can already register for 2021-22 Sports?
Registration is now open and must be completed by the first day of practice.
Register here: https://www.familyid.com/programs/2021-2022-athletic-registration-14
In addition to registering for a fall sport, an ASB card must be purchased, fines cleared, and a sports physical turned in to Ms. Olson before the first day of practice. (Physical examinations expire two years after the signed date).
If you are a transfer student, please contact the WHS Athletic office for eligibility. You may not practice without paying your fines or returning uniforms etc. This policy will be strictly enforced.
- Cheerleading (Fall season) - August 16, 2021 to April 01, 2022
- Football (Fall Season) - August 18, 2021 to November 13, 2021
- Cross Country (Fall Season) - August 23, 2021 to November 13, 2021
- Girls Soccer (Fall Season) - August 23, 2021 to November 13, 2021
- Golf (Fall Season) - August 23, 2021 to October 29, 2021
- Girls Volleyball (Fall Season) - August 23, 2021 to November 13, 2021
- Girls Tennis (Fall Season) - August 23, 2021 to October 30, 2021
Summer Meals in FPS
The Franklin Pierce Nutrition Services Department will be offering a free summer meals program for all children 18 years and younger. All sites are open from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. daily except for July 5.
You may pick up a grab and go meal at the following schools/sites:
- Ford Middle School
- Collins Elementary
- Elmhurst Elementary
- Keithley Middle School
Each meal bag will include a lunch and a breakfast for the next day. See you at one of our sites!
Monday, Jun 28, 2021, 11:00 AM
Washington High, Ainsworth Avenue South, Tacoma, WA, USA
Fresh & Free Veggies
The Farm at Franklin Pierce Schools will be handing out
FREE VEGGIES
between July 1-August 26
every Thursday from 11am-1pm.
1st/3rd Thursdays - Ford Middle School
2nd/4th Thursdays - Washington High School
Thursday, Jul 1, 2021, 11:00 AM
Washington High, Ainsworth Avenue South, Tacoma, WA, USA
"Taste of Technical High School" FREE summer camp at Bates Technical!
Bates Technical High School is offering
‘A Taste of Bates’
Summer Camp program for high school students
to explore a variety of hands-on career training programs,
including Auto body, Diesel, Broadcasting, HVAC, Barber, Culinary Arts and more.
Camp #1: 7/12-7/16
Camp #2: 7/26-7/30.
NO CHARGE at student participant but seats are limited.
Contact Treonna Lee (253.680.7409; trlee@batestech.edu) for more information.