What's Up, Westside!

• 4: Homecoming Dance (8–11 p.m., Fisher Pavilion)
• 6: WS Booster Club Meeting (7–8 p.m., West Seattle Realty, 2715 California Ave SW)
• 7: Parent to Parent Support Group (6:30–8 p.m., WSHS Care Center, RSVP for Parent to Parent Support Group)
• 9: Curriculum Night (6:30–8:15 p.m., WSHS Commons)
• 10: No School (Professional Development Day)
• 15: School Day SAT and PSAT (8:30–11:20 a.m., with Advisory Teacher)
• 16: Healthy Youth Survey (10th and 12th Grades)
• 16: PTSA Board Meeting (6–8 p.m., WSHS Library and Join the PTSA Board Meeting via Zoom)
• 21: Picture Retake Day

Wildcat Families:

I’m writing to provide an update on changes to our daily schedule.

Starting Monday, Oct. 6, Seattle Public Schools (SPS) will move to two lunch periods on most days for comprehensive high schools that previously had one lunch period per day.

We appreciate the valuable feedback from students, families, and staff. It’s clear that transitioning away from a single lunch period may impact some of the activities students are currently engaged in.

To help keep time for students to connect, join clubs, or explore other interests, schools can keep their current lunch schedule on Wednesdays, which are early-release days. This gives students time for whole-school community building, while still supporting a safer and more manageable lunch experience on other days. We understand that changes to the school day can be challenging, and we hope this approach helps ease the transition.

Here’s what this means for WSHS. Starting Oct. 6, WSHS’ new schedule is as follows:

We are proud that so many of our students actively participate in a wide range of activities. We recognize that the current structure of the high school day does not fully support all those interests.

Looking ahead, our goal is to better balance students’ academic, social, and extracurricular needs throughout the school day. To support this effort, SPS is forming a collaborative task force to explore ways to enhance the high school experience. Please look out for more information in the coming weeks.

Thank you for your continued support and patience.

Brian Vance

Principal

West Seattle High School

Congratulations to WSHS senior Aidan Busby on being named a National Merit Scholarship semifinalist! Aidan joins students around the country with the highest scores on the 2024 PSAT, and will have the opportunity to compete for a National Merit Scholarship next spring.

Congratulations to WSHS junior Josephine Mangelsen on being sworn in as a 2025–26 Student School Board Member! Josephine is passionate about educational equity and amplifying the voices of diverse students.

Monday, October 6, 7–8 p.m., West Seattle Realty (2715 California Ave SW)

Tuesday, October 7, 6:30–8 p.m., WSHS Care Center (Room 129), RSVP for Parent to Parent Support Group

We are excited to announce the launch of our Parent to Parent Support Group, a welcoming space for parents of high school students to come together, share experiences, and support one another through the rewarding and sometimes challenging high school years. This group will meet on the first Tuesday of every month. Dinner will be provided. Facilitated by Crissa Parsley, WSHS Social Worker, and Amie DeWolf, Westside HEY Coalition Coordinator.

Thursday, October 9, 6–8:15 p.m., WSHS Commons

This is a chance for parents and guardians to go through your student’s class schedule. During each period, teachers will introduce their course and share classroom expectations. You will also be able to connect with administrators, counselors and other school support staff; purchase spirit gear; join the WSHS PTSA; and complete the SPS Volunteer Application.

First Period starts at 6:30 p.m. (see attached schedule below). Please bring a copy of your student's schedule with you. You can see your student's current schedule on The Source. We will have limited ability to print student schedules at the event.

Tuesday, October 16

West Seattle High School will be administering the Healthy Youth Survey (HYS) to all 10th and 12th graders in their ELA Classes. Communities, districts, schools, and public health agencies use survey results to inform policies and programs designed to support youth well-being. Participation in the survey is voluntary and steps are taken to ensure student privacy. Parents/Guardians can review the 2025 HYS Survey Questionnaires. Parents/Guardians who do not want their student to participate in the survey must notify the WSHS main office by Friday, October 10.

On the same day, randomly selected 9th and 11th graders will receive the Youth Risk Behavior Survey. Parents/Guardians can review the 2025 YRBS National High School Questionnaire. Parents/Guardians who do not want their student to participate in the survey must notify the WSHS main office by Friday, October 10.

Registration and Payment Due Friday, October 31, 5 p.m.

The 2026 AP Exams will be administered in school during the weeks of May 4–8 and May 11–15, 2026. Please visit the College Board website for exam dates. SPS students who wish to take AP exams must register and pay to take the exam(s) by October 31.

• Your student's AP teacher will provide the unique code to register for the exam online.
• The fee is $125 per exam (students approved for free and reduced lunch pay $20 per exam).
• AP exam fee Debit/Credit car payments need to be made through SchoolPay.
• Unused or canceled exams will incur a fee.

Apply Online or Submit the Paper Application

We encourage all eligible families to submit a new application for free and reduced-price meals at the start of each school year. If your student is already receiving free and reduced-price meals, you still need to renew prior to October 31. Students approved for free and reduced-price meals may also be eligible to receive reduced fees for events, field trips, Running Start books, Associated Student Body (ASB) fees, pre-college exams (PSAT/SAT/ACT), college application fees, and more. For details, including eligibility requirements and translations into other languages, visit Student Meal Programs at SPS.

Saturday, October 4, 8–11 p.m., Fisher Pavilion (305 Harrison Street)

Admission includes a professional DJ, professional photo booth pictures, light snacks and drinks. See complete details about Homecoming Dance.

Wednesday, October 15, 8:30–11:20 a.m., in 11th and 12th Grade Advisory Classes

• Students must create a free College Board account.
• Check out the College Board website for free test prep resources.
• Download Bluebook app before test day.

• Bring the SPS-issued device and charger. Laptop should be fully charged and updated.

• Arrive on time for 8:30 am check-in.

There will be a Special Bell Schedule on Wednesday, October 15, to accommodate the School-Day SAT & PSAT.

• Freshmen: Report to the Theater
• Sophomores: Report to the Gym
• Upperclassmen not testing: Supervised self-directed study hall in the Commons

Friday, October 17

Juniors with pre-approved college board accommodations, Running Start students, and students without Advisory will test on this alternate date.

• Seniors: SAT, 8:30–11:30 a.m., WSHS Library
• Juniors: Accommodated PSAT, 8:30 a.m.–1 p.m., WSHS Library

• Juniors: PSAT, 12:30–3:30 p.m., WSHS Library

Saturday, October 18, 12–4 p.m., Seattle Convention Center, Free, Sign up for NACAC National College Fair

Admission representatives from hundreds of colleges and universities from the US and abroad will be available to talk with your student! Attendees should download the mobile app to view the fair schedule, use the fair map, and take notes about college booth visits.

Thursday, November 6, 6 p.m., WSHS Library

Save the date! In collaboration with the WSHS PTSA, counselors will advise parents on navigating the college application process.

• Last Names A–El: Book an appointment with Erica Nguyen
• Last Names Em–Leb: Book an appointment with Kinsey Hedeen
• Last Names Lee–Pi: Book an appointment with Mallory Neuman
• Last Names Po–Z: Book an appointment with Christine Nutters
• Seattle Promise: Book an appointment with Bradly Lewellen

Parents who would like to speak with a counselor should email wshscounseling@seattleschools.org.

Visit the Metro League website for schedules, scores, and standings. website for schedules, scores, and standings.

Ultimate Frisbee is a club sport: HS Bx School Team Schedule.

The WSHS PTSA advocates for our students, supports school staff, and builds community. It takes members like you to do this well! Remember, your PTSA membership needs to be renewed every school year. Become a member of the WSHS PTSA today. After you become a member, take this survey to let us know how you'd like to get involved.

The WSHS PTSA offers membership scholarships to those who are unable to afford our membership fees; please email president@wshsptsa.com. Be a part of making WSHS the school community you want!

Thursday, October 16, 6-8 p.m., WSHS Library and Join the PTSA Board meeting via Zoom

All current PTSA members are welcome!

Friday, November 14, WSHS Commons, 5–7 p.m., Register for Fall Fundraiser

This annual dinner and auction is an evening to celebrate with each other as well as raise money to fund mini-grants for faculty, students, and staff. Ticket price includes heavy appetizers and a non-alcoholic mixed drink. There will be a silent auction followed by a short program that will include a few live auction items and an opportunity to raise your bid card to donate to the program. Hope to see you all there!

Interested in helping us plan the party? Join the PTSA Fall Fundraiser Planning Meetings via Zoom:

• Tuesday, October 14, 7 p.m.

Please mark your calendars for the PTSA General Membership Meetings:

• January 22, 2026
• April 10, 2026
• June 4, 2026

All meetings are 6–8 pm in the WSHS Library and online. This meetings are open to the entire WSHS community. You do not have to be a current PTSA member to attend!

Please also subscribe to our events calendar to stay up-to-date throughout the year.

The WSHS PTSA aims to be your most reliable source of up-to-date information. Please bookmark our website and like and follow us on social media.

• WSHS PTSA Website
• WSHS PTSA Facebook Page
  
• WSHS PTSA Instagram Page: instagram.com/westseattlehsptsa
• Email questions to: president@wshsptsa.org

Are you part of an LGBTQ+ family within Seattle Public Schools? The SPS Health Education Office would love to connect with you! Learn about opportunities for support, connection, and celebration. Join the Rainbow Families Mailing List!

Saturday, November 15, 10 am–3 p.m., Rainier Beach High School, RSVP for Free Black College Expo Ticket

Join us for the 8th Annual Seattle Black College Expo. Seniors and juniors and college transfer students meet one-on-one with Historically Black Colleges and Universities, other colleges, universities, and educational programs. Everyone is welcome; the event is for students of all ages.

SPS has teamed up with the Seattle Visiting Nurse Association to bring vaccine clinics to our community this fall! Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available. These clinics require insurance (most insurance accepted) or payment. Let’s keep our schools and community healthy!

SPS affirms and supports our students and staff from all faith backgrounds. As a reminder, students and staff may request religious accommodations if needed. In order for students to be granted a religious accommodation, the student’s parent or guardian must submit a written request to the principal of the student’s school. Students who are excused from class as a religious accommodation must have an opportunity to make up any work, assignment or test missed as a result of the absence. Please refer to the Guidance Regarding Religion and Religious Accommodations.

Did you know that Seattle youth ages 13-24 have access to free virtual mental health care? The City of Seattle has partnered with eight provider organizations to help students start the school year strong! Multilingual care is available. Insurance is not required. All providers are licensed and HIPPA compliant.

Seattle Public Schools middle and high school students can also access free behavioral health care in school with licensed providers at 21 on-site school-based health centers.

WSHS Website * WSHS PTSA *

Bell Schedule * Calendar * Volunteering

Athletics * Attendance * Counseling * Library * Teen Health Center

Friends of West Seattle Music & Drama * West Seattle Booster Club * Westside HEY Coalition

Read past issues of this newsletter

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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.