What's Up Westside
March 29, 2024
Important Community Message
Dear WSHS Families,
Earlier today, we were made aware of an incident involving hate speech written in marker within one of the boys’ bathrooms. We unequivocally denounce racism and discrimination. These actions stand in direct opposition to the core beliefs that define our school.
As the principal of West Seattle High School, I take my responsibility to create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive learning environment with utmost seriousness. It is my duty to share this incident with you all, reinforcing our commitment to fostering a campus and community where there is No Place for Hate.
We are actively investigating, and several students have already come forward with information to help with the investigation. The hate speech was discovered in the boys’ bathroom on the first floor, near the historical entrance, sometime before the end of period 2. If you have any information that can assist us in identifying the person responsible, please promptly inform any staff, security personnel, or administration.
I urge our broader community to recognize that high school students are in a crucial phase of learning and development. Use this situation as an opportunity to engage in conversations with your student about the perpetuation of hate and racism.
The Nemours Children’s Health website offers resources and talking points for addressing these topics with young people. Talking to Kids about Race and Racism
As a community, we stand firm against racism, hate speech, and harassment. Your partnership is essential in ensuring that everyone in the WSHS community continue to uphold values of inclusion, tolerance and acceptance.
Brian Vance Principal, West Seattle High School
This Week At-A-Glance
- March 28–30: Mean Girls Spring Musical (7pm, WSHS Theater, Tickets)
- March 30: Saturday Study Hall (9am–12pm, WSHS Library)
- March 30: WSHS Baseball Grand Slam (6–9pm, Alki Masonic Center)
- April 1–5: SBA ELA Testing (all grade 10 students)
- April 2: WSHS Food Drive (4–5:30pm, WSHS Historical Entrance)
- April 2: PTSA First Tuesdays Parent Social (Larry's Tavern)
- April 3: WSHS Job and Internship Fair (11:30am–2:30pm, WSHS Gym)
- April 3–5: Mean Girls Spring Musical (7pm, WSHS Theater, Tickets)
- April 4: First Thursdays Parent Group (6:30–8pm, Room 105)
- April 5: WSHS Alumni Scholarship Application Due
- April 5: Spring Yearbook Presale Ends (Via SchoolPay)
Upcoming Events for WSHS Families
WSHS Drama's Spring Musical
March 28–30 and April 3–5, 7pm, WSHS Theater, Tickets
Join us for a wacky, irreverent safari journey into the modern American high school social landscape. (Like the movie, this musical is rated PG-13 for language, sexual references and general teenage romantic themes, and may be inappropriate for young audience members).
WSHS Baseball Grand Slam
Join the baseball team for an evening of fun, food, and fundraising! Your ticket purchase helps fund uniforms, equipment, and other program expenses. You can also participate in the online auction or make a donation.
WSHS Food Drive
Tuesday, April 2, 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.
PTSA First Tuesdays Parent Social
Tuesday, April 2, 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!
First Thursdays Parent Support Group
Join other WSHS parents and school social worker Crissa Parsley as we build a community of support!
Spring Yearbook Presale
Now Through Friday, April 5
This is your last chance to pre-order 2024 yearbooks before they are distributed in June! The cost is $55 via SchoolPay. Need to pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card? Visit Maria Penner in the Fiscal Office during lunch or before or after school.
WSHS Night at the Sounders
Saturday, May 18, 7:30pm, Lumen Field
Come and cheer on the Seattle Sounders vs. the Vancouver Whitecaps! Celebrate and enjoy the match with West Seattle High School. All Wildcats will sit together in the same section. Tickets are $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
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. Register now!
Returning this year is a grade level competition among WSHS 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 donut party and cash ($250) to their grade level ASB.
Student Life
Saturday Study Hall
Saturday, March 30, 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!
Smarter Balanced Assessments: English Language Arts
Students must bring a district issued laptop; WSHS will provide headphones and test tickets. Items prohibited during test sessions include: backpacks/bags, cell phones, AirPods/earbuds, smart watches, other electronics.
A parent or guardian may opt out a student by submitting a Refusal Request. Students who do not participate will receive a “zero” score on the assessment and be considered non-proficient. Questions? Please contact Amy Doll.
WSHS Job and Internship Fair
Wednesday, April 3, 11:45am–2:25pm, WSHS Gym
Students can meet representatives from companies and organizations that are hiring students and/or soon-to-be high school graduates. The opportunities available will include volunteer, paid, seasonal, permanent employment, and apprenticeships.
Students can also stop by the Career Center in Room 122B during lunch next week to get prepared for the fair. Mr. Brian Fitzgerald offers support with resume writing, applying for jobs, internships, and anything else related to getting ready for employment.
WSHS Alumni Scholarship Application Now Open
Applications Due 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). Applications must be submitted by mail and postmarked by the deadline. Questions may be directed to Scholarship Chairperson Sandy DuBuque.
Volunteers Needed for 8th Grade Registration
Thursday, April 18, Madison Middle School
Our school counselors need 12th-grade volunteers to assist with the high school course registration process. Student volunteers will work in teams to support our incoming freshmen as they select courses. Interested 12th-graders should complete this interest form. Counselors will contact interested students during the first week of April with permission slips, followed by two volunteer trainings prior to prepare for field trip to Madison. Volunteer hours are available!
Red Cross Club Blood Drive
Friday, April 19, 9am–3pm, WSHS Gym
Be a hero; donate blood! Registration is open now. Donors must weigh at least 125 lbs. to minimize chances of vasovagal reaction. 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
Current Sophomores and Juniors: Are you interested in Running Start for the 2024-2025 school year? The first step is to attend this Running Start information session. Parents are welcome (but not required) to attend. Please RSVP.
ASVAB Exam for Seniors
Tuesday, April 30, 9am and 1pm, JSCEE
Tuesday, May 14, 9am and 1pm, JSCEE
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) Exam is offered 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. Students must earn a minimum score of 31 on the Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) component of the exam in order to meet the Washington State graduation pathway option. Results will be released ONLY to the student and their school counselor.
Students and their parent/caregiver must complete the ASVAB Exam Registration and Permission Form in order to participate. The deadline for submitting the permission form is Wednesday, April 10, at 9pm. If you have questions about the administration of the ASVAB, please contact the Office of Assessment and Instructional Improvement.
AP Exam Refund Policy for 2024
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.
Attendance
"We appreciate everyone’s efforts to avoid taking extra time off around the spring break. As long as your student is healthy, please encourage showing up to class when school is in session. Every day of school is an important opportunity for students to learn and connect to peers and their teachers." Read more from Attendance Specialist Erin Dolan, below:
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)
Senior Letters
By now, all 12th grade families should have received a letter regarding your student’s graduation progress. We’re almost halfway through the semester! Please contact your student’s counselor and administrator if you have any questions or did not receive the letter.
Service Learning
Reminder to all students that they must complete 60 service learning hours by graduation. Current seniors must submit their service learning form to the Counseling Center or they will not be able to attend senior spring activities such as prom, senior breakfast, or graduation rehearsal.
PE Waivers
All students must complete at least one semester of PE class at West Seattle High School. If students play a sport at school or through club, students are eligible to waive their remaining semesters by completing this PE waiver form. Each form submitted waives one semester of PE. Current seniors who need to submit PE waivers must submit them before the end of May or they will not be able to attend senior spring activities such as prom, senior breakfast, or graduation rehearsal.
Athletic Announcements
This Week's Varsity Sports Schedule
March 29: Softball vs. Silas (4pm, SWAC)
March 29: Baseball vs. Lakeside (4pm, SWAC)
March 29: Tennis vs. Garfield (4pm, Amy Yee Tennis Center)
April 1: Tennis vs. Chief Sealth (4pm, SWAC)
April 1: Baseball vs. Roosevelt (7pm, SWAC)
April 2: Softball vs. Franklin (4pm, Rainier Playfields)
April 2: Soccer vs. Rainier Beach (5pm, Van Asselt ES)
April 3: Tennis vs. Roosevelt (4pm, Lincoln Park)
April 3: Baseball vs. Eastside Catholic (7pm, SWAC)
April 4: Track Meet (2:45pm, SWAC)
April 4: Softball vs. Nathan Hale (4pm, SWAC)
April 5: Tennis vs. Ingraham (4pm, Lincoln Park)
April 5: Soccer vs. Cleveland (4pm, Walt Hundley)
April 5: Baseball vs. Kentwood (6pm, T-Mobile Park)
Join the West Seattle Lacrosse Club
There is still time to register for boys and girls lacrosse. The teams are excited to welcome new players! Register here.
Seattle Public Schools News
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.