What's Up Westside
December 1, 2023
At a Glance
- December 2: Boys Basketball Slam Dunk Social (6–9pm, Easy Street Records, Tickets)
- December 4: Q1 Grades Available on The Source
- December 5: PTSA First Tuesdays Parent Social (7pm, Larry's Tavern)
- December 6: Counseling Center Financial Aid Night (6:30–8pm, WSHS Library or Join via Microsoft Teams)
- December 7: Counseling Center Mental Health Workshop (11:45am, Room 129)
- December 7: First Thursdays Parent Group (6:30–8pm, Room 105)
- December 9: Saturday Study Hall (9am–12pm, WSHS Library
- December 12: Jazz and Choir Concert (7pm, WSHS Theater)
- December 12: West Seattle Booster Club Meeting (7pm, WSHS Library)
- December 13: Orchestra Concert (7pm, WSHS Theater)
- December 14: Counseling Center Mental Health Workshop (11:45am, Room 129)
- December 14: Band and Percussion Concert (7pm, WSHS Theater)
- December 15: Cap and Gown Orders Due (Order Here)
- December 17: Yearbook Pre-Orders Due (Order Here)
- December 18–January 1, 2024: No School, Winter Break
From the Desk of Principal Vance
I hope you had some time to connect with friends and family over last week’s holiday. We recently marked the end of the first quarter of the school year and will now be rapidly approaching the “mid-year” point. Let me share a couple of notes for this edition of What’s Up Westside.
Winter Sports Kick Off
We are thrilled to announce the kick off of our winter sports season. Our talented and hardworking athletes are ready to compete and showcase their skills in boys and girls basketball, wrestling, gymnastics, boys swimming and dive and competitive cheer. We are very proud of them and their coaches for their dedication and commitment. We invite you to come out and support our teams and cheer them on. You can find the schedule of the games and matches on the MetroLeague website at https://www.metroleaguewa.org/?pid=2.8.85.0.300 Let’s show our Wildcat spirit and make this a memorable season for our athletes.
Saturday Study Hall
We are also happy to inform you that we will be hosting Saturday Study Hall on December 9th from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the West Seattle High School Library. This is a great opportunity for your students to catch up on their assignments, improve their grades, and finish up any assignments before winter break. We will have tutors available to help all students with any subject they need assistance with. Teachers have also left many re-tests and missing work for students who want to improve their scores. Breakfast will be served as well.
We strongly encourage you to check your student’s Source page, and if they have a D or E in any subject, please urge them to attend the Saturday Study Hall. We care about our community, and we want to help our students achieve at a higher level than they thought was possible.
If you have any questions about Saturday School, please email Amy Doll at asdoll@seattleschools.org. If you have any questions about a specific class or current grade, please contact that teacher directly. All teacher emails can be found on our West Seattle High School Website.
We are proud of the welcoming and supportive community we have built together. The combination of our dedicated staff, committed students, and involved families is what makes our school special. We are confident that our students will continue to grow and excel.
I wish you all a happy and healthy winter break and happy new year. Go Wildcats!
Upcoming Events
Boys Basketball Slam Dunk Social
Saturday, December 2, 6–9pm, Easy Street Records
Celebrate and support the boys basketball players and program with dinner, music, and a silent auction. Get your tickets now! Can't make it to the event? Everyone can participate in the online silent auction and/or make a donation.
PTSA First Tuesdays Parent Social
Tuesday, December 5, 7pm, Larry's Tavern (3405 California Ave SW)
Socialize with other WSHS parents while benefitting our students! Every first Tuesday of the month, Larry’s Tavern donates partial proceeds to the WSHS PTSA. Board members will be available 7–8pm to greet you. All are welcome! You do not have to be a PTSA member to attend.
Counseling Center 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.
First Thursdays Parent Group
Thursday, December 7, 6:30–8pm, Room 105
Parents and guardians are welcome to drop in occasionally or come every month. We are discussing how to prepare for the holidays and a long winter break. Join us in building a community of caring, supportive parents. Guided by Crissa Parsley, WSHS Social Worker. Register by emailing dmkelly@seattleschools.org.
Saturday Study Hall
Saturday, December 9, 9am–12pm, WSHS LIbrary
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.
Class of 2024 Important Deadlines
- 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, 2024 (Enter School Code "west seattle")
- Adult Shoutout due January 31, 2024. Leave a brief message for your Senior!
- Graduation will be on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at 8pm in Memorial Stadium.
Yearbook Pre-Orders
Now Through Sunday, December 17
The 2023-2024 Kimtah Yearbook is now available for pre-order at the cost of $55. You can order online via SchoolPay or bring cash, check (payable to WSHS), debit cards or credit cards to the fiscal office during lunch or before and after school.
Accommodations for AP Exams
Due January 18, 2024
To take an AP Exam with accommodations, a student must be approved for accommodations by the College Board Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) office. WSHS students with an existing 504 or IEP who wish to test with accommodations must complete the signed consent form below and return it to Amy Doll, our SSD Coordinator. Most accommodations included in a student’s IEP or 504 plan are approved upon request; some may require additional documentation.
Giving Opportunities
Winter Basket Drive
Now through Monday, December 11
Help our Seattle Education Association Representatives collect items to create holiday baskets for WSHS students. They are seeking:
- Winter hats, gloves and scarves
- Chips, candy, popcorn, and other snacks
- Hot cocoa and tea
- Puzzles, coloring books, colored pencils, and markers
PTSA Winter Staff Appreciation Breakfast
Wednesday, December 13
The PTSA is hosting a breakfast and hot cocoa bar to shower some much-deserved love and appreciation on our WSHS staff before we head into winter break. Please sign up to bring breakfast items and festive holiday treats for our hardworking WSHS teachers and staff! We also need a couple of volunteers to help with set-up and clean-up. Thank you for helping us to spread some winter cheer to these amazing humans who nurture and care for our students every day!
Westside Warm Drive
Now through Friday, December 15
Donate new or gently-used coats, hats, and other cold weather clothes for Wildcats and their families in need. Donation bins are located in front of the school store. The homeroom with the most donations wins a donut party for their class!
Support WSHS Families This Holiday Season
Our Care Coordinator, Stacey Fernandez, is once again organizing a Holiday Gift Card Fund. Your donations will go directly towards providing WSHS students and families with items to meet their basic needs, including food, warm clothing, and personal hygiene supplies. No donation is too small. Give today!
PTSA Presents
We Need You! (Yes, YOU!)
- Time commitment? It's only 1 or 2 meetings per month with a fun, dedicated group.
- Don't feel qualified? We are all parents doing our best, and there's training available.
- Not sure you can take it on alone? Co-sharing of positions is allowed!
- You've been burned by PTA before? High school PTA is a different experience, and parental involvement is still necessary.
Money Talks with Dr. Kurt Buttleman
Thursday, December 7, 7–8:30pm, via Zoom
Seattle Council PTSA hosts a discussion with the SPS Assistant Superintendent of Finance Kurt Buttleman. Learn more about how money works in our public schools.
Washington State PTA Legislator Panel
December 13, 7–8:30pm, via Zoom
Join key leaders of the Washington State Legislature for a preview of priorities for the 2024 Legislative Session.
Washington State PTA Focus on Advocacy Day
Monday, January 15, 2024
Registration is now open for Focus on Advocacy Day, which will take place at the Capitol Building in Olympia. You can help make PTA’s grassroots advocacy a success by connecting with legislators about our priorities. If interested, please email president@wshsptsa.org.
Advocacy is not a one-day event; it is an everyday action. We encourage members to continue to stay informed and engaged throughout the year, keeping our efforts focused on the mission. Subscribe to WSPTA Action Network.
Music and Drama Notes
Support Our Music Program
Our band, orchestra, jazz ensembles, drumline, and choir are all growing! We raise funds to purchase new instruments, repair worn-out equipment, update our music library, and fund field trips. In addition, we are planning to replace the acoustic sound shells in our theater. Help support the growth of our music program, provide unforgettable opportunities for students, and ensure that our program is equitable for every student! Donate today!
Jazz and Choir Concert
Come hear Jazz Ensembles I and II in concert under the direction of Mr. Ethan Thomas, as well as Choir under the direction of Mr. Taylor Fritts.
Orchestra Concert
Come hear the Concert Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra in concert under the direction of Mr. Taylor Fritts.
Band and Percussion Concert
Come hear the Concert Band, Symphonic Band, and Percussion Ensemble in concert under the direction of Mr. Ethan Thomas.
Music Department Sweatshirts Available Now
Order by Thursday, December 7
Music Department sweatshirts are available to order via SchoolPay! Sweatshirts start at $26 each and are available in navy or gold.
Counseling Center
Visit the Counseling Center Website for resources related to academics, college and career, and mental health and wellness.
Mental Health Workshops
Need some winter season self-care? Join our counselors on Thursdays in December during lunch in room 129.
- December 7: Unwrapping Peace: A Workshop on Managing Holiday Stress
- December 14: Mindful Forts: Building Mental Health Resilience with Fun
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)
Athletic Announcements
This Week's Varsity Sports Schedule
- December 1: Swim vs. Garfield (4pm, Southwest CC)
- December 1: Girls Basketball vs. Holy Names (7pm, WSHS)
- December 1: Boys Basketball vs. O'Dea (8:30pm, WSHS)
- December 2: Wrestling Tournament (8am, Chief Sealth HS)
- December 2: Girls Basketball vs. Mount Si (5:45pm, WSHS)
- December 4: Bowling vs. Holy Names (3pm, West Seattle Bowl)
- December 4: Wrestling vs. Rainier Beach (7:30pm, WSHS)
- December 5: Boys Basketball vs. Garfield (7:30pm, WSHS)
- December 6: Boys Wrestling vs. Nathan Hale (6pm, Lincoln HS)
- December 6: Boys Wrestling vs. Lincoln (7:30pm, Lincoln HS)
- December 6: Girls Basketball vs. Garfield (7:30pm, WSHS)
- December 8: Bowling vs. Roosevelt (3pm, West Seattle Bowl)
- December 8: Swim vs. Cleveland and Franklin (4pm, Ranier Beach Pool)
- December 8: Gymnastics Meet (7pm, WSHS)
- Decembre 8: Girls Basketball vs. Roosevelt (7:30pm, Roosevelt HS)
- December 8: Boys Basketball vs. Bishop Blanchet (8:30pm, Bishop Blanchet)
Football All-League Recognition
Congratulations to the WSHS football players who received Metro Honors this season!
Sound Division Offensive Player of the Year
- Bo Gionet (Quarterback)
- Max Philp (Long Snapper)
- Myles Mutchler (Tight End)
- Gibson Aguilar (Wide Receiver)
- Alex Jorge (Cornerback)
- Jackson Boyer (Defensive Line)
- Matt Hazlegrove (Offensive Line)
- Jack Freeborn (Offensive Line)
- Scott Bremen (Kicker)
- Abdi Abdirahman (Offensive line)
- Max Philp (Defensive Line)
- Airric Lewis (Linebacker)
- Gibson Aguilar (Safety)
- Jeremy Liu (Holder)
- Niko Craven (Linebacker)
- Danny Waters (Linebacker)
- Bo Gionet (Punter)
- Leland Gayles III (Running Back)
- Sam Turner (Wide Receiver)
- Justice Nguyen (Cornerback)
- Jackson Boyer (Offensive Line)
West Seattle Booster Club Meeting
Tuesday, December 12, 7–8pm, WSHS Library
The West Seattle Booster Club is a nonprofit organization that supports all athletic programs at WSHS. Come learn how you can help support our student athletes.
Seattle Public Schools News
School Board Regular Meeting
Wednesday, December 13, 4:15–8:30pm, John Stanford Center
Sign up to provide public testimony beginning on Monday, December 11, at 8am. This meeting will also be live streamed on SPSTV.
Seattle Promise Scholarship
Applications Due February 16, 2024
The Seattle Promise Scholarship is open to all SPS graduates and provides up to two years or 90 credits of tuition at Seattle Central College, North Seattle College, or South Seattle College. All SPS graduates are eligible to apply for the Seattle Promise Scholarship, regardless of GPA, income, ability, or country of birth. Apply now!
Community Connections
Tutor at Roxhill Elementary or Sanislo Elementary
Roxhill, Tuesdays, 2:40-3:40pm; Sanislo, Thursdays, 3:40-4:40pm
Can you give one hour, one day a week to help a student build confidence and experience academic success? Invest in Youth provides 1:1 tutoring at no cost for SPS elementary students furthest from educational justice. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer tutor for a 3rd–5th grade child, please fill out a tutor application form. This could be a wonderful opportunity for adults to give back or for Running Start/high school students with flexible schedules to receive service learning hours.
Seattle JazzED Winter Programs
Seattle JazzED is your home for excellent music education. Students in grades 8 to 12 can sign up for Exploration ensembles, including Drumline and New Works. No auditions are required. Seattle JazzED is committed to their programs being financially accessible for ALL families. Sliding scale tuition is offered. Learn more and register.
Apply for Teens in Public Service Paid Internship
Due Monday, March 4, 2024
Teens in Public Service is a nonprofit dedicated to developing young leaders committed to their communities. TIPS hires teen leaders for paid community service internships and pairs them with nonprofit organizations over the summer. Apply now!
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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