WHS: October 2021 Update
News and events from the corner of Ainsworth & Tule!
FROM THE DESK OF MR. WHITEMARSH, WHS PRINCIPAL
Patriot friends and family –
We are just over a month into the school year, and there hasn’t been a dull moment. Adjusting to our new block schedule, diligently adhering to our current COVID mandates, and trying to accommodate a large influx of new students has kept us all on our toes during September. I look out on campus and wonder how our students, many of them new to WHS, can keep track of which class or which of our 6 lunch rotations they should be in at a given time on whatever particular day of the week it is (if they can remember what day of the week it is). Students and staff have had to adjust to a number of new procedures, and many of us are just trying to reacclimate ourselves to face to face learning again. Needless to say, I’m sure it has felt a little overwhelming and possibly chaotic at times. We understand the struggle and appreciate your students’ determination to push through and persevere. It might have felt like we’re just barely keeping our heads above water, but as I’ve looked back over the start of the year, it’s nice to see that we’ve actually made significant headway.
One aspect of school that I’ve really been inspired by is the quality of instruction and student work that I’ve seen. I’ve been in several classrooms since the start of school, and despite all the outside distractions, the work in the classroom has been focused and productive. I’ve observed instructional settings built on respect and belonging with students and teachers learning and increasing their understanding of critical content together. These classrooms are vibrant learning environments, where everyone’s voice is heard and valued. It’s clear to me that WHS students are dedicated to their learning.
It was great to see many of you attending your students’ SLC this past week. If you were unable to make it, please reach out to the school in order to reschedule (we can do it virtually, if needed). This is an important opportunity to hear from your student about their goals, identified strengths, and barriers. As a parent of a WHS senior, I gained several insights about my daughter by attending her SLC, and I appreciate the work that our staff has done to help facilitate these conversations with each of our families. If you haven’t already, please take a few minutes to complete the survey at the link below.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me if I can help you or your student in any way. I look forward to seeing you at a future school function or community event.
Go Pats!
Brent Whitemarsh
Principal
Parent/Family Survey: https://forms.office.com/r/xu8vzpp94F
Upcoming Events
- WHS Fall Sports Calendar
- October 14/15 & 21/22 - SBAC Testing for 9th, 11th, 12th in ELA & Math
- October 26 - Picture Re-Take Day (changed from 10/21)
- November 5 - End of 1st Quarter (check grades!)
- November 11 - No School/Veteran's Day
- November 24 - Early Release at 12:25pm
- November 25 & 26 - No School/Thanksgiving Break
What's Happening at Washington HS
Girls Volleyball RANKED NUMBER ONE in the state!
They are led by 1st team All League player Sirena Peredo, She has a lot of help from talented Senior Charmayne Fa’amausili and Jr Mame Leia. With Erin Ah Sue providing Sr leadership over Soph Macayla Moana and Fr. Faith Ah Sue. Rounding out the squad is Sr Tvanuyai Thomas, Jr Helan Palaita and Jr Rochelle Fa’aitu.
GO LADY PATS!!
Healthy Youth Survey is coming -- 10th & 12th graders
Our school is participating the Washington State Healthy Youth Survey during fall 2021. The survey will be given to students in Grades 6, 8, 10 and 12 in large districts and students in Grades 6 through 12 in small school districts.
The Healthy Youth survey includes questions related to physical activity and diet, unintentional and intentional injury, substance use, sexual behaviors, abuse, risk and protective factors, and access to school-based services. Survey results are used by schools, communities and state agencies to plan programs to support our youth and reduce their risks.
Participation in the survey is voluntary and the students’ answers are anonymous.
Most schools will be administering the survey online this year. No privacy issues were identified in the E-survey pilot conducted in 2019. This year, schools and districts are being instructed to disable any recording, keystroke tracking, and video capture software on school-issued devices used to take the survey. They are also going to instruct students to do the same on personal devices used to take the survey before they begin. If you use any software to monitor the device your student will use to take the survey, please turn it off before they begin to ensure their honest participation.
Please read the Parent and Student Notification Letter for more information about the Healthy Youth Survey (full PDFs at bottom of page)
Healthy Youth Survey - Info Letter (English)
Исследование здоровой молодежи - Информационное письмо (на русском языке)
Soifua Maloloina Suʻesuʻega - Faʻamatalaga Tusi (Samoa)
Encuesta de Jóvenes Saludables - Carta de información (español)
FAKAMATALA KI HE NGAAHI MATU'A PEA MO E FANAU AKO
Khảo sát về Thanh niên khỏe mạnh - Thư thông tin (Tiếng Việt)
Navigation/Advisory
October is the month for Fall Student Led Conferences (SLCs). Conferences were held on October 6th and 7th. Thank you to everyone who attended conferences and shared in their student's experience. Students are required to complete a Fall and Spring SLC as a component of their grade for PATs advisory. If you were unable to attend during conference week please contact your student's advisor to schedule a conference.
Mondays/Tuesdays are now Academic Success Program (ASP) days. On these days students are checking grades, identifying incomplete and/or missed assignments, working on assignments to improve/maintain grades with the support of their advisor. Be sure to check with your student (or email their teachers!)
On Thursdays this month we are covering:
- The Importance of Involvement - The benefits of participating in extracurricular activities such as volunteering, sports, clubs, etc. when it comes to applying for work, college, and scholarships.
- Effective Habits for High School students - Habits that can increase academic success, skills for social settings, healthy ways to balance busy schedules, etc.
Fridays are for assemblies/celebrations - October is the month for the Activity Fair and Helmet Bowl.
Teacher Spotlight - Ms. Christy Lee
For OCTOBER, meet Ms. Christy Lee!
- Hometown: Parkland, WA
- High school attended: Washington High School C/O 2009!
- Colleges/Universities attended: University of Washington Seattle, Westminster Theological Seminary, Temple University
- Courses you currently teach: Freshman English (9th grade); Bridge to College English (12th grade)
- What's one thing you couldn't live without? I can’t live without my family. They put everything into perspective for me and they remind me what really matters in life – love!
- What is your personal philosophy? Socrates’ quote that “[there is] one thing only I know, and that is that I know nothing.” It wasn’t until my college and graduate studies that I realized the great depth of knowledge there is in the world. Several degrees later, all I know is that I’ve barely scratched the surface of what there is to know about life. This frustrating yet exhilarating fact keeps me hungry to learn more. This quote is also true about people as well – it reminds me that I don’t really know all there is to know about people (such as my students) around me because people are infinitely complex. This truth demands that I stay humble because there is always something to learn from those who I come across in life!
- What is your favorite thing to do? When I have time, I love to read. I know it sounds like a typical English teacher answer, but as I got older that books are more than just modes of entertainment—they are keys to understanding thought and life. I like to read books that challenge me to broaden my perspective and consider things that I might not have before.
- What's the weirdest job you've ever had? I was a crepe-ist. I don’t know if this is what the profession is actually called, but I made Japanese crepes at a dessert stand in University Village in Seattle during college. It was so hard, and I always burned myself on the crepe wheel. #respectthehustle
- What would you most like to tell yourself at age 13? There is so much to learn in life. Don’t limit your pursuit of knowledge to only what you’re exposed to in school but push yourself to discover and learn about what really sets your heart on fire! Read, watch, listen, learn, grow.
Student Spotlight - Principal's 100 Club winners
The Principal's 100 Club represents students who are "caught" showing a characteristic of Patriot PRIDE:
- P - Perseverenance
- R - Respect
- I - Integrity
- D - Dedication
- E - Excellence
Out of the 100 students who earned tickets recently, these 11 were selected for a prize:
- Kennedy Nungari
- Dillon Woolcock
- Andrew Mozley
- Rachannon Sok
- Angelina Nguyen
- Amya Ramirez
- Nequan Brown
- Leisalinda Encher
- Dezmon Williams
- Kone Molio’o
We are so proud of them and their Patriot PRIDE!
Counselor's Corner
End of 1st Quarter is approaching - check grades & academic progress
First Quarter ends on Friday, November 5th - that will mark halfway to the end of 1st Semester! Report cards will be mailed home (...yes, check your mailbox!) but in the meantime, be sure to use TeacherEase to check your student's progress.
TeacherEase is an online gradebook that provides students and families enrolled in Franklin Pierce middle and high schools with real-time access to assignments and progress towards meeting standard. Once a teacher enters a score, the score is visible in the student and family portal. Families and students can TeacherEase to communicate directly with their teachers, and view student schedules, assigned work, and progress reports.
If you are a returning user you can login HERE. If you are a first time user you must receive a welcome email (generally, in the first few weeks of school). Then, use the link to create a password. Contact your school if you have not yet received the email.
October is Bullying Prevention Month
- Statistics and research show that more than 1 out of every 5 students will be bullied this year
- Students ages 12–18 who reported being bullied said they thought those who bullied them:
- Had the ability to influence other students’ perception of them (56%).
- Had more social influence (50%).
- Were physically stronger or larger (40%).
- Had more money (31%).
- Approximately 46% of students ages 12-18 who were bullied during the school year notified an adult at school about the bullying.
- Every child has the right to feel safe and supported. Every state has bullying prevention legislation and most schools have bullying prevention policies.
Adults have a major role in helping to prevent bullying. Parents play a key role in preventing and responding to bullying. If you know or suspect that your child is involved in bullying, there are several resources that may help.
- Learn what bullying is and what it is not
- Recognize the warning signs that your child is involved in bullying. They could be being bullied, bullying others, or witnessing bullying. Although these signs could signal other issues, you should talk to your child if they display any sort of behavioral or emotional changes. Many times kids won’t ask for help, so it is important to know what to look for. If your child is at immediate risk of harming himself or others, get help right away.
- Many times kids won’t ask for help, so it is important to know what to look for. If your child is at immediate risk of harming himself or others, get help right away
- Cyberbullying often requires different strategies than in-person bullying. Learn how to work with your kids to prevent cyberbullying and how to respond when it occurs.
For additional resources, please visit https://www.stopbullying.gov/resources/get-help-now
Class of 2022: Financial Aid applications opened October 1st!
SHOUT OUT to the 8 Seniors that have already submitted their financial aid application!!!
Your student does not need to know whether or where they plan to go to school or what programs they might be interested in to file for financial aid. They should apply for financial aid as soon after October 1st as possible. Do not wait until your student is admitted to apply. Even if you/your student are not sure if you want to go to a university, community college or technical school in 2022-23, you should apply -- the FAFSA or WASFA covers the ENTIRE school year after the year of graduation!
Some colleges may have additional financial aid forms for you to complete. Check their website or contact their financial aid office to find out. Once you are admitted, talk to each college's financial aid office to ensure your application information is received accurately and on time.
Need help? Visit https://wsac.wa.gov/apply, make an appointment with your school counselor for hands-on help, text the OtterBot for help, or refer to the 12th Year Campaign Workbook (page 18).
Think you don't qualify for financial aid? Think again.
The new Washington College Grant gives more money to more students
The new, nationally recognized Washington College Grant (formerly the State Need Grant) makes education and training beyond high school affordable. As of 2020-21, more low- and middle-income families now qualify. Learn more about the Washington College Grant.
Estimate your award with the financial aid calculator
Students and families can use the financial aid calculator to estimate potential financial aid. There are many sources of money and kinds of aid available to continue your education—the only way to know for sure if you qualify is to complete a financial aid application.
Counseling Center Contact Info
- Mr. Nnoli (long term sub for Mrs. Zapanta) - students with last names A-G unnoli@fpschools.org
- Mr. Ortiz - students with last names H-O eortiz@fpschools.org
- Mr. Summers-Smith - students with last names P-Z msummerssmith@fpschools.org
- Mrs. Plutko - students in Running Start/Grad Coach aplutko@fpschools.org
- Mrs. Moore - College & Career Specialist smoore@fpschools.org
- Mrs. Gatlin - Counseling Center Coordinator egatlin@fpschools.org
- Mrs. Wiklund - Registrar/Records bwiklund@fpschools.org
- Ms. Tuivaiave - ICM/Family Support stuivaiave@fpschools.org
- Mr. Rice - School Psychologist brice@fpschools.org
- Ms. Jenkins - Social Worker tjenkins@fpschools.org
Athletics
Registration for Winter Sports
Did you know that you can already register for 2021-22 Sports?
Registration is open and must be completed by the first day of practice. Register here: https://www.familyid.com/programs/2021-2022-athletic-registration-14
For athletic participation, an ASB card must be purchased, fines cleared, and a sports physical turned in to Ms. Olson before the first day of practice. (Physical examinations expire two years after the signed date).
If you are a transfer student, please contact the WHS Athletic office for eligibility. You may not practice without paying your fines or returning uniforms etc. This policy will be strictly enforced.
Winter Sports
- Girls Bowling - starts Nov. 1
- Girls Basketball - starts Nov. 15
- Boys Basketball - starts Nov. 15
- Wrestling (Boys & Girls) - starts Nov. 15
Check Out the Patriot Athletics Website
For up-to-date information on games, scores, rosters and more, go to https://whspatriotsathletics.com/
General Information
Semester One Bell Schedule
A-B Rotation Schedule
A Day = periods 1-4 // B Day = periods 5-8
Click picture to view the PDF or download from the file below.