What's Up Westside
March 27, 2023
At A Glance
March 23, 24, 25, 29, 30, & 31st - The Spring Musical: "Little Shop of Horrors"
March 28th - Westside HEY Parent Ed: Fentanyl 6:30-8pm WSHS Library
April 4th - Pops Concert double header
April 4th - PTSA Bingo at Larry's
April 10-14th - NO SCHOOL Spring Break
From Principal Vance's Desk
First off, just want to send this out with an apology in the delay and this coming off cycle. Had some issues, that are hopefully getting worked out. There are a few upcoming events we want to make sure are on everyone's radar. Tuesday night is a Westside HEY Parent education night about Fentanyl. This is a challenging time for raising teenagers and the more information we can all have about these challenges, the better we are to have conversations and help our students make good choices. In addition, this is the final week of the Spring Musical. A must see. Several other upcoming events the following week you can check out.
We have moved through our initial budget process for the 2023-2024 school year and as I had mentioned before, I am optimistic. We are able to add a little bit of staffing for next year which should allow us to serve our over 1300 student well. We will keep our fingers crossed that the portables actually show up this summer and we will keep you updated as we get closer to summer. Lastly on the random items list, I was provided with some information regarding the upcoming re-turfing (not sure that is a word?) of the Hiawatha Playfield. Seattle Parks will be shutting down the play field starting May 15th to lay down new turf. That project should be completed by the end of the summer. This will lead to some shifting of practices for the end of the spring seasons and impact some summer activities that normally happen on the field.
Never a dull moment in the life at WSHS and I look forward to getting our newsletters back on track.
Go Wildcats!!
Westside HEY
PTSA Presents
The Parent Teacher Student Association is working hard to support our whole community. We are a powerful voice for all children when we come together.
We are a relevant resource for families offering parent ed, community building events, and communications (this newsletter!) intended to bring us together.
Add your voice and help make WSHS the community you want to be a part of!
JOIN US - YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE A MEMBER TO PARTICIPATE. ALL ARE WELCOME!
First Tuesdays Parent Social at Larry's Tavern - with BINGO!
April 4th is First Tuesday at Larry's!
Take the opportunity to socialize AND benefit WSHS students!
While partial proceeds from the whole night (4pm to close) will go towards our fundraising efforts, 7pm is the "prime time" to meet other WSHS community members and BINGO will begin at 8pm.
WS5K - registration is open!
The West Seattle 5K returns May 21, 2023!
The West Seattle 5K Run/Walk is an annual fundraiser, benefiting educational programming at West Seattle High School.
Visit the 5K website to learn about the event and register!
New this year is a grade level competition among West Seattle High School students. The goal is to create a friendly competition to see which grade gets the most classmates to register. The winning grade gets out of Homeroom early for a special treat and cash ($250) to their grade level ASB.
Questions? Want to sponsor the event? Contact event co-chairs Kelley O’Connor and Athena Frederick at westseattle5k@westseattle5k.com.
If you’d like to pay for your 5K sponsorship, or donate directly to WSHS PTSA, please click this PayPal link.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Please consider adding your talents to one (or more) of the following committees:
- Future Board Nomination - Help identify and recruit qualified candidates to lead next year's Board. We need to fill the President and Treasurer positions.
- Community Recognition Awards (Golden Apple and Golden Acorn) - Help us reward great teaching and active volunteers for their impact on our community. We need a few folks to review the nominations and select the recipients of these awards.
- Grant Writers - Help research eligibility requirements and apply for state and national grant opportunities to bridge funding gaps for critical school programs such as tutoring.
- Communications - Have a way with words? We need help with social media, the What's UP Westside bi-Weekly newsletter, our website, and member communications. Imagine how easy it would be to take just one piece of this!
- Fundraising - It takes a village to put on FUNdraising events! Join an established team of fundraising veterans to start planning events for next year.
- Legislative/ Advocacy - So many issues to address from national to classroom. We need a team to raise up our collective voice. Pick your passion!
- Racial Equity Team - Organize school and community programs to promote antiracism, allyship and collective action at WSHS.
Please send us an email to volunteer and help share the load!
RARELY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: How big of a commitment is it to be part of the PTSA?
A: Being a part of the PTSA involves dropping in on the events that interest you. Membership meetings are once a month though you don't need to commit to being there every time. Our leadership board, made up of 9 parent volunteers plus Principal Vance and Amy Doll as staff representatives, meet once a month on top of this to plan events.
Q: Who can join?
A: Anyone who cares about kids. Students, we love hearing from you and supporting you! Teachers, come tell us how we can best support the work you do in the classroom! Parents, come hear what's happening!
Q: Do you need to be a member to come to meetings, parent ed, and community building events?
A: NO! We offer these events for the betterment of our school community.
Q: Why join?
A: A West Seattle High School PTSA membership carries with it a vote on all PTSA matters. It also gives you membership to both the Seattle Council PTSA and Washington State PTA. Your membership, combined with over 145,000 other members, provides a powerful voice on educational issues. All parents, faculty, and students are encouraged to participate.
Q: How do I join?
PTSA and Student Leaders
The Arts
Dusty film cameras, enlarger timers, grain focusers and old film/photo paper?
Our darkroom is so close to being fully furnished and at least is functional!
Bring donations to the main office.
Drama Developments
The Spring Musical: "Little Shop of Horrors"
March 23th, 24th, 25th, 29th, 30th, and 31stat 7:30pm
For Tickets and more information: Instagram (@wshstheatre) or our website
Athletic Announcements
Follow Wildcat schedules and scores at:
https://www.metroleaguewa.org/
Spring Sports
- Boys Baseball
- Boys Soccer
- Girls Softball (Fastpitch and Slowpitch)
- Tennis (co-ed)
- Track and Field (co-ed)
Club Sports
- Girls Ultimate Frisbee - Contact: wshsfrisbee@gmail.com
For more team details check these Athletic Department links:
- https://westseattlehs.seattleschools.org/student-life/athletics/winter-sports/
- https://twitter.com/WSHSAthletics1
- https://www.instagram.com/westseattle.athletics/
- https://www.facebook.com/WSHSAthletics1
WSHS Boosters Club works to defray equipment and transportation costs. To make a donation or purchase spirit wear visit: https://westseattleboosterclub.org/
Community Opportunities
LOOKING TO HIRE TEENS?
Hey business owners, hiring managers and community organizers! West Seattle High School will be hosting a Job and Internship Fair on April 5, 2023 from 12:00pm to 3:00pm. If you’re hiring teens for any summer or long-term positions, reach out to Katie Meyer at kemeyer@seattleschools.org
TEEN VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY
West Seattle Little League is looking for teen volunteers to help work their concessions stand this season. It's a great opportunity to get some volunteer hours, learn some new skills, and a fun way to interact with other teens and the community.
Teens, fill out this form if you're interested:
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
Bell Times
School Hours:
8:50am – 3:40pm
Wednesdays:
8:50am – 2:25pm
1st period: 8:50-9:45am
2nd period: 9:50-10:45am
3rd period: 10:50-11:45am
Lunch and Club Block:
11:45am – 12:45pm
4th period: 12:45-1:40pm
5th period: 1:45-2:40pm
6th period: 2:45-3:40pm
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