What's Up Westside
April 19, 2024
Week At-A-Glance
- April 20: Saturday Study Hall (9am–12pm, WSHS Library)
- April 23: PTSA Presents: Parenting with Courage and Connection (6:30–8pm, WSHS Library)
- April 25: School Board Meeting (4:15–8:30pm, JSCEE)
- Through May 12: Naramore Art Show (Wednesday–Sunday, Seattle Art Museum)
For WSHS Families
PTSA Presents: Parenting with Courage and Connection
April 23, 6:30–8pm, WSHS Library
We all want to raise responsible and successful children; at times all of us doubt that we'll get there. Join parent educator Jen Giomi for parenting and communication tips to help with the challenges of raising a happy and healthy teen. Jen is a parent educator with BELONG Partners and the parent of four WSHS Wildcats. Submit your questions in advance to president@wshsptsa.org.
Naramore Art Show
Wednesday–Sunday, Through May 12, Seattle Art Museum
See over 200 artistic masterpieces by Seattle Public Schools middle and high school students, including drawings, paintings, photography, mixed media, and ceramics by WSHS students. The Naramore Art Show is free to access and open to all. The virtual exhibition runs through the end of the school year.
WSHS Food Drive
Tuesday, May 7, 4–5:30pm, WSHS Historical Entrance
WSHS maintains a pantry to provide basic necessities for students. We are in need of non-perishable foods and personal hygiene products. Ms. Stacey will be accepting donations at the WSHS historical entrance after school. Students can also drop off donations at the main office during regular school hours.
WSHS Night at the Sounders
Saturday, May 18, 7:30pm, Lumen Field, Tickets
Come and cheer on the Seattle Sounders vs. the Vancouver Whitecaps! All Wildcats will sit together in the same section. The cost is $35 plus fees, with an opportunity to make a donation to the WSHS ASB. The purchase deadline is May 4.
Join us at the West Seattle 5K!
Sunday, May 19, Alki Beach, Early Bird Registration Through May 12
The WSHS PTSA is excited to announce the return of the annual West Seattle 5K! All profits raised will allow the PTSA to fund important needs like Saturday Study Hall, classroom supplies, and student-led initiatives. We encourage all WSHS families to participate by registering to run or walk, sponsoring a student runner, or making a direct donation. As you might imagine, this event requires a lot of volunteers in the days leading up to the race and on race day. Find volunteer opportunities.
WSHS Music Concerts
Save the dates for our music department's end of year concerts!
- Monday, June 10: Jazz Ensembles I and II
- Wednesday, June 12: Concert Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, and Choir
- Thursday, June 13: Concert Band, Symphonic Band, and Percussion Ensemble
Student Life
Saturday Study Hall
Saturday, April 20, 9am–12pm, WSHS Library
Tutors will be available for students to assist with test prep, test corrections, late assignments, and missing assignments. We provide breakfast; students bring their laptop and a desire to learn!
Support the WSHS Intersectional Feminist Club
The Intersectional Feminist Club (IFC) is seeking donations to offer a self-defense class for WSHS students and to honor their seniors with graduation cords. IFC is a student-led club dedicated to making WSHS a safe and welcoming community. Their goal is to empower students and build a stronger West Seattle community rooted in feminism. Any donation amount is greatly appreciated! Thank you for your support.
2024 AP Exams
May 6–17
The 2024 AP Exams will be administered in schools over two weeks in May, with additional dates for late testers. Find your exam date.
Students who are unable to take the AP exam(s) after their exam has been ordered are eligible for a partial refund of $78 per exam, if they paid the full College Board and District fees. The WSHS AP Coordinator will work with our fiscal specialist to issue refunds through SchoolPay as soon as possible following the last AP Exam on May 23. For questions regarding AP exams and refunds, please contact Amy Doll.
Important Dates for Graduating Seniors
- Thursday, May 2: Cap and gown distribution at lunch in The Commons
- Thursday, May 23: Senior Awards Night at 6pm in the Theater
- Monday, June 3: Senior Checkout sheets released
- Friday, June 7: Prom, 8–11pm at The Foundry
- Friday, June 14: Seniors last day in classes; Senior Checkout sheets due
- Monday, June 17: Senior Breakfast and graduation practice
- Tuesday, June 18: Graduation at 8pm at Memorial Stadium
- Thursday, June 20: Diplomas available for pickup in the Main Office
PTSA Presents
Golden Apple and Golden Acorn Awards
Nominations Due Monday, May 6
Every year, the WSHS PTSA recognizes individuals for their contributions to our students and school community with the Golden Apple (for educators) and Golden Acorn (for volunteers) Awards. The Golden Apple Award is presented to 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.
PTSA First Tuesdays Parent Social
Tuesday, May 7, Larry's Tavern (3405 California Ave SW)
Join us at Larry's Tavern for our monthly parent social that benefits the WSHS PTSA. Bingo starts at 8pm. See you there!
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)
Suicide Prevention Lesson
Thursday, April 25
Counselors will be delivering a suicide prevention lesson to all 9th graders in their health classes next week. Learn to understand the characteristics of students who are at higher risk to attempt suicide, warning signs of suicidal teens, and what to do if a friend is suicidal.
Monogram Club Student Athlete Scholarship
Application Due Friday, May 10
The West Seattle Monogram Club provides scholarships of up to $1000 to WSHS Varsity student athletes pursuing higher education. The scholarships can be used for tuition and fees at any accredited two- or four-year institution of higher education. Find the selection criteria and application process in the West Seattle Scholarship Bulletin.Athletic Announcements
This Week's Varsity Sports Schedule
April 19: Soccer vs. Franklin (4pm, Walt Hundley)
April 19: Tennis vs. Eastside Catholic (4pm, Lincoln Park)
April 19: Softball vs. Chief Sealth (4pm, SWAC)
April 19: Baseball vs. Chief Sealth (7pm, SWAC)
April 19: Boys Lacrosse vs. Bainbridge (7:30pm, Bainbridge HS)
April 19: Water Polo vs. Shorecrest (8pm at Medgar Evers Pool)
April 22: Tennis vs. Seattle Prep (4pm, Lincoln Park)
April 23: Tennis vs. Ballard (3:30pm, Ballard HS)
April 23: Softball vs. Lincoln (4pm Lower Woodland Park)
April 23: Boys Lacrosse vs. Franklin (5:30pm, North SeaTac Park)
April 23: Soccer vs. Bishop Blanchet (7:30pm, Bishop Blanchet HS)
April 24: Tennis vs. Lincoln (4pm, Lincoln Park)
April 24: Water Polo vs. Ingraham (8pm, Helene Madison Pool)
April 25: Track Meet (2:45pm, SWAC)
April 25: Softball vs. Ballard (4pm, SWAC)
April 25: Girls Lacrosse vs. Bellarmine Prep (5:30pm, North SeaTac Park)
April 25: Boys Lacrosse vs. Bishop Blanchet (8pm, Bishop Blanchet HS)
Seattle Public Schools News
Earn Service Learning Hours
Saturday, April 20, 10am–2pm, Sand Point Elementary School
Saturday, May 18, 10am–4pm, Jane Addams Middle School
Join us at an invasive plant removal work party. All tools are provided. Register now.
School Board Regular Meeting
Thursday, April 25, 4:15–8:30 pm, John Stanford Center
Meeting agendas and relevant materials are posted at least 24 hours in advance of the scheduled meeting. Board meetings are live streamed on SPSTV. The School Board Office will take sign-ups for public testimony list starting at 8am on Monday, April 22.
School Year Skills Center Application is Open
The Seattle Skills Center application for the 2024-25 school year is now open. Find a wide range of courses designed to prepare students for college, career and life! Apply now.
Community Connections
Congressional Arts Competition
Submissions Due Friday, April 26
Each spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in each congressional district. The winning works are displayed for one year at the U.S. Capitol. Artwork must be submitted to Pramila Jayapal's district office in Seattle. View Rules and Instructions.
Amazon’s Career Quest
Application Due Friday, April 26
Amazon’s Career Quest is a paid, two-week computer science and career exploration experience for SPS high school students. The application is open for rising 9th, 10th, and 11th graders. The program aims to inspire SPS high school students to pursue technology careers of the future, prioritizing students furthest from educational justice. Apply now.
West Seattle Drug Take Back Day
Saturday, April 27, 10am–2pm, Southwest Precinct (2300 SW Webster Street)
Do you have old, expired, or unwanted prescription medications? Protect your loved ones by bringing your medications to be safely and properly disposed of.
Join the Seattle Youth Commission
Application Due Wednesday, May 1
The Seattle Youth Commission is a group of 15 Seattle teens from all over the city who are appointed by the Mayor and City Council to connect youth to local elected officials, advise on City policies, and discuss issues that youth in Seattle are facing. Youth Commissioners must be between the ages of 13–19 and live or go to school in Seattle. Apply today!
Discover Washington: Youth Heritage Project
Application Due Friday, May 17
The Washington Trust for Historic Preservation invites high school students to participate in a four-day, hands-on interactive field-school at Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve, July 16–19. Students will explore the nation’s oldest historical reserve to learn about maritime heritage and the impact of climate change on the preservation of historic and cultural resources. There will be opportunities to engage in hands-on activities to help conservation efforts, visit historic sites throughout the Reserve, learn about co-management of cultural resources, and to better understand this historic area. Apply here.
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 us at communications@wshsptsa.org.