What's Up Westside
April 5, 2024
REMINDER: All schools will be closed for Spring Break
Monday, April 8–Friday, April 12.
Schools will reopen on Monday, April 15.
This Month At-A-Glance
- April 5: Spring Yearbook Presale Ends (Via SchoolPay)
- April 5: WSHS Alumni Scholarship Application Due
- April 6–May 12: Naramore Art Show (Seattle Art Museum)
- April 13: Community Meeting with School Board Director Gina Topp (10:30–11:30 am, Delridge Library)
- April 19: Red Cross Club Blood Drive (9am–3pm, WSHS Gym)
- April 23: PTSA General Membership Meeting (6:30–8pm, WSHS Library)
- April 30: Running Start Orientation (11:45am–12:45pm, WSHS Theater)
Upcoming Events for WSHS Families
Spring Yearbook Presale
Closes Today, Friday, April 5, Via SchoolPay
This is the final pre-order of 2024 yearbooks before they are distributed in June! The cost is $55.
Naramore Art Show
Saturdays and Sundays, April 6–May 12, Seattle Art Museum
See over 200 artistic masterpieces by Seattle Public Schools middle and high school students. The Naramore Art Show is free to access and open to all.
Community Meeting with School Board Director Gina Topp
Sunday, April 13, 10:30–11:30 am, Delridge Library
Join School Board Director Gina Topp (District 6) for a community meeting to discuss Seattle Public Schools.
PTSA General Membership Meeting
April 23, 6:30–8pm, WSHS Library
Hear from parent educator Jen Giomi on "Parenting with Courage and Connection." We all want to raise responsible and successful children; at times all of us doubt that we'll get there. Get parenting tips to deal with the challenges of raising a happy and healthy teen. Jen is a parent educator with Sound Discipline and the parent of four WSHS Wildcats. Submit your questions in advance to president@wshsptsa.org.
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, Register Now
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.
Student Life
WSHS Alumni Scholarship Application Due Today
Postmark by Friday, April 5
The West Seattle Alumni Association provides scholarships to deserving students pursuing college degrees. Students can download the application form or pick up a copy from their LA or American Government teachers, as well as the Counseling Center (Room 214).
Red Cross Club Blood Drive
Friday, April 19, 9am–3pm, WSHS Gym, Register Now
Be a hero; donate blood! Students under 18 require permission from a parent/legal guardian. Once registered, students can check their appointment time online.
Running Start Orientation
Tuesday, April 30, 11:45am–12:45pm, WSHS Theater, RSVP
Are you interested in Running Start for the 2024-2025 school year? Attend this Running Start information session. Parents are welcome (but not required) to attend.
ASVAB Exam for Seniors
Tuesday, April 30, 9am and 1pm, JSCEE
Tuesday, May 14, 9am and 1pm, JSCEE
SPS will be hosting the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) Exam as part of the Washington state’s graduation pathway options. The administration of the ASVAB is open to all SPS 12th graders. The ASVAB is an aptitude test that measures a young adult’s strengths and potential for success in military training. Results will be released ONLY to the student and their school counselor.
Students interested in taking the ASVAB exam must complete the ASVAB Exam Registration and Permission Form by Wednesday, April 10. If you have questions about the administration of the ASVAB, please contact the Office of Assessment and Instructional Improvement.
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.
PTSA Presents
Golden Apple and Golden Acorn Awards
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.
We are now gathering nominations from our WSHS community. Here’s your chance to recognize those outstanding educators and volunteers. Submit your nomination today.
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)
Athletic Announcements
Two-Week Varsity Sports Schedule
April 5: Tennis vs. Ingraham (4pm, Lincoln Park)
April 5: Baseball vs. Kentwood (6pm, T-Mobile Park)
April 6: Baseball vs. Franklin (9am, Rainier Playfields)
April 8: Baseball vs. Lincoln (4pm, Lower Woodland Park)
April 10: Baseball vs. Seattle Prep (3:30, Steve Cox Memorial Park)
April 12: Baseball vs. Nathan Hale (7pm, SWAC)
April 15: Soccer vs. Rainier Beach (4pm, Walt Hundley)
April 15: Baseball vs. Bishop Blanchet (7pm, SWAC)
April 17: Softball vs. Garfield (4pm, Garfield Playfield)
April 17: Tennis vs. Garfield (4pm, Lincoln Park)
April 17: Baseball vs. Garfield (4pm, Garfield Playfield)
April 17: Soccer vs. Ingraham (4:30pm, NWAC)
April 18: Track Meet (2:45pm, SWAC)
April 18: Tennis vs. Eastside Catholic (3:30pm, Eastside Catholic)
April 18: Softball vs. Holy Names (4pm, Magnuson Park)
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)
Seattle Public Schools News
School Board Appoints Two New Board Members
The Seattle School Board appointed Sarah Clark and Joe Mizrahi for the District 2 and District 4 director positions.
Become a Seattle School Board Student Member
Applications Due Wednesday, April 10
Students entering their junior or senior year are eligible to apply for a one-year term as a School Board member, with the term beginning in August 2024 and concluding in June 2025. Learn more about the position and apply now!
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 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.
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.