What's Up, Westside!
September 19, 2025
School Calendar
September
- 30: CIEE Parent Information Session (7 p.m., WSHS Commons)
October
- 1: NHS Applications Due
- 4: Homecoming Dance (8–11 p.m., Fisher Pavilion, Purchase Homecoming Tickets)
- 7: Parent to Parent Support Group (6:30–8 p.m., WSHS Care Center, RSVP Parent to Parent Support Group)
- 9: Curriculum Night (6:30–8 p.m.)
- 10: No School (Professional Development Day)
- 14–24: Health Youth Survey
- 15: School Day SAT and PSAT (8:30–11:20 a.m., with Advisory Teacher)
- 21: Picture Retake Day
Upcoming Events and Deadlines
CIEE Parent Information Session
Tuesday, September 30, 7 p.m., WSHS Commons
Is your student interested in study abroad next summer? CIEE is a nonprofit study abroad and intercultural exchange organization. The High School Summer Abroad program allows students to experience a summer of language immersion, art courses, STEM courses, service-learning, and other topics in one of 40 destinations. Scholarships are available. Last year, students earned $62,000 in scholarships and we had 52 students go abroad to 22 locations! Questions? Please contact teacher Meghan Schumacher mkschumacher@seattleschools.org.
Parent to Parent (P2P) Support Group
Tuesday, October 7, 6:30–8 p.m., WSHS Care Center (Room 129), RSVP 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.
Curriculum Night
Thursday, October 9, 6:30–8 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.
Healthy Youth Survey
October 14–24
West Seattle High School will be administering the Healthy Youth Survey to all 10th and 12th graders. The survey asks about how youth are doing, social relationships, mental health, substance use, risks for injury, and more. Communities, districts, schools, and public health agencies use survey results to inform policies and programs designed to support youth well-being. Parents/Guardians can review the 2025 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.
2026 Advanced Placement (AP) Exams
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).
- SAP Exam fees debit/credit card payments need to be made through SchoolPay.
- Unused or canceled exams will incur a fee.
Student Life
National Honor Society
Applications Due Wednesday, October 1, 4 p.m.
The WSHS National Honor Society (NHS) chapter is accepting applications for the 2025-2026 school year. The NHS is a prominent high school organization that recognizes and honors students for their academic performance, contributions to community service, leadership roles, and personal integrity. NHS is open to 10th–12th grade students. Applicants must have a 3.5 and above GPA and members must reapply every year. Members will meet monthly and participate in service events around our school and community. Links to application are available in Advisory and posters in school.
Homecoming Dance
Saturday, October 4, 8–11 p.m., Fisher Pavilion (305 Harrison Street), Purchase Homecoming Dance Tickets
Ticket includes a professional DJ, professional photo booth pictures, light snacks and drinks. See complete details.
School-Day SAT & PSAT
Wednesday, October 15, 8:30–11:20 a.m.
WSHS seniors will take the SAT and juniors will take the PSAT. Students are automatically registered for the school-day test, and the test is free.- 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 a.m. check-in.
Running Start students & those without Advisory will take the test on Friday, October 17
- Seniors: SAT, 8:30–11:30 a.m. (School Library)
- Juniors: PSAT, 12:30–3:30 p.m. (School Library)
Counseling Corner
College Counseling
Counselors will visit seniors in their Language Arts classes to advise them on the college application process and to support them in starting their applications. Find counselor forms, such as the letter of recommendation packet and school profile on the Counseling Center website or in students' Language Arts Schoology folder named "Counselor Resources."
Tuesday, October 7
Counselors will visit juniors in their Language Arts classes to advise them on beginning the college application process to help them get a jump start for senior year.
NACAC National College Fair
Saturday, October 18, 12–4 p.m., Seattle Convention Center
Admission representatives from hundreds of colleges and universities from the US and abroad will be available to talk with your student! Sign up for NACAC National College Fair for free to see the list of participating colleges. Attendees can also download a mobile app to view the fair schedule, use the fair map, and take notes about college booth visits.
WSHS College Information Night
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.
Book an Appointment with Your Counselor
- 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.
Athletics
Support our Fall Student Athletes!
Visit the metro League website for schedules scores, and standings.
Ultimate Frisbee is a club sport: HS Bx School Team Schedule.
PTSA Announcements
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.
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!
After you become a member, take this survey to let us know how you’d like to get involved.
PTSA General Membership Meetings
Please mark your calendars for the PTSA General Membership Meetings:
- January 22, 2026
- April 10, 2026
- June 4, 2026
All meetings are 6–8 p.m. in the WSHS Library and online.
Please also subscribe to our events calendar to stay up-to-date throughout the year.
Save the Date for Our Fall Fundraiser
Friday, November 14, WSHS Commons, 5–7:30 p.m.
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.
Stay Connected
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.
Seattle Public Schools News
Highly Capable Engagement Session
Tuesday, September 30, 6:30–7:30 p.m. Chief Sealth High School
This gathering is a chance for families, staff, students, and community members to come together, share ideas, and help shape the future of Highly Capable services in SPS. View the complete series of engagement sessions this fall.
SPS Vaccine Clinics
SPS is partnering with the Seattle Visiting Nurse Association (SVNA) to provide flu and COVID vaccine clinics for the public. Find a date and location that is convenient for you and your family.
Community Connections
Education Funding Labor Forum
Saturday, September 20, 10 a.m.–12 p.m., Franklin HS Gym (3013 S. Mt. Baker Blvd.)
Join educators, childcare providers, families, students, legislators, and other community members to learn about the state of education funding. We’ll talk about how funding is essential to build the education system our students and families deserve and what we can all do to push for these investments. The event will include a panel discussion, breakout sessions, and time to talk with legislators.
Quick Links to WSHS Resources
Bell Schedule * Calendar * Volunteering
Athletics * Attendance * Counseling Center * 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.