What's Up, Westside!

What's Up Westside is looking for a new editor for the 2026–2027 school year! This newsletter is the voice of our school community—celebrating student achievements, sharing important updates, and highlighting events. The role is perfect for someone who is organized and passionate about improving communication and family engagement. Responsibilities include planning content, reviewing submissions, coordinating with contributors, and ensuring each edition is polished and engaging. If you’re ready to help keep our community informed and inspired, we’d love to hear from you! Email communications@wshsptsa.org.

• 27: Lunar New Year Celebration (Tonight, 6:30–8 p.m., WSHS Commons)
• 28: Seattle ASB Leadership Summit (10 a.m.–3 p.m., WSHS)

• 5: Forefront Mental Health Night at WSHS (6–8 p.m., WSHS Library, RSVP for Forefront Mental Health Night at WSHS)
• 7: Saturday Study Hall (WSHS Library, 9 a.m.–12 p.m.)
• 8: Daylight Savings Begins ("Spring Ahead" one hour)
• 13: Big Band Dinner Dance (6–9 p.m., WSHS Commons, Tickets for Big Band Dinner Dance On Sale Now)
• 17–24: SBA English Language Arts
• 31: Superintendent Community Engagement Meeting (6:30–7:30 p.m., West Seattle Elementary)

Friday, February 27, 6:30–8 p.m., WSHS Commons

All are welcome to join AAPI & Chinese Club for a festive all-ages community celebration featuring lion and dragon dancing, traditional foods, boba tea, homemade dumplings, games, crafts, and more! Doors open at 6:15 p.m., program starts 6:30 p.m. in the Commons, followed by food and fun at 7 p.m. Fabulous prizes await the lucky, but you need to come out to win! Be sure to wear your best traditional dress or red for good luck to capture memories at our festive photo booth! Admission is free and open to the WSHS community. Hope to see you there!

Thursday, March 5, 6–8 p.m., WSHS Library, RSVP Forefront Mental Health Night

WSHS has partnered with UW’s Forefront in the Schools Program to educate communities and provide important tools needed to listen, empathize and protect our youth and each other. Join us to share resources and skills to help support our teens as they navigate feelings of anxiety, hopelessness and thoughts of suicide. Everyone is welcome.

RSVP is recommended, not required. All attendees have a chance to win raffle items from local businesses. Snacks and warm smiles provided. Questions? Contact School Counselor Mallory Neuman at mlneuman@seattleschools.org.

Friday, March 13, 6–9 p.m., WSHS Commons, Purchase Big Band Dinner Dance tickets

Join us for a wonderful evening of community and music in support of our WSHS Music department. Entertainment will be provided by all of our talented music students and the West Seattle Big Band! There will also be great items to bid on at the silent auction, a fun photo booth, lovely non-alcoholic cocktails, delicious dinner catered by Skylark Cafe, and dancing if you dare! Tickets are $30; please purchase before March 6 if you want to have dinner. Dance only tickets are available for $10.

We still need volunteers for the night of the event; please sign up for a volunteer shift!

Sunday, May 17, Alki Beach

Did you know that 100% of proceeds from this annual event fund Saturday Study Hall, student club grants, and teacher grants for WSHS? The PTSA has already provided more than $33,000 in grants and program support this school year!

Sponsor the West Seattle 5K

Want to see your logo on over 1,000 West Seatle 5K t-shirts? Your business, or your employer’s business, can sponsor this fantastic community event! Contact the sponsorship team at sponsorwshs5k@gmail.com for details. We offer a variety of sponsorship packages, one of which is sure to fit your needs and budget.

Join the Team

Whether you’re an Instagram whiz, an idea-machine, or someone who just loves bringing people together, there’s a place for you on our volunteer crew. Reach out to Pam Hembrow, Nicole Ott, and Kelley O’Connor at westseattle5k@westseattle5k.com to join in the fun.

Saturday, February 28, 10 a.m.–3 p.m., WSHS

WSHS is proud to host the inaugural Seattle ASB Leadership Summit, with keynote speaker Mayor Katie Wilson! The summit is open to ASB leaders, club leaders, and all students.

Saturday, March 7, WSHS Library, 9 a.m.–12 p.m.

We are offering support for students who are currently facing academic challenges in core classes. Tutors will be available to assist with late assignments and test corrections. Students, please speak with your teacher if you have a D or E in their class. Bring your laptop, missing work, and a desire to learn. Breakfast is provided! Questions? Email Amy Doll. asdoll@seattleschools.org

Additionally, during Saturday Study Hall we will host a Washington State History class for students who have not met this graduation requirement. All WSHS students that still need to take this class will be added to a Schoology course. Join us to complete the course on March 7! Questions? Please contact your school counselor.

State assessments are required for federal accountability and also provide a common measure of student progress at the school, district, and state levels. Our educators examine the results and use them to help determine which resources and supports are needed to close achievement gaps. State assessments are also the students' first opportunity to fulfill a graduation pathway requirement.

All students in grade 10 are expected to take the Smarter Balanced Assessments (SBA) in English Language Arts/Literacy (ELA) and Math. The SBA is required for Sophomores and any Junior or Senior who did not pass previously. All students in grade 11 (including Running Start students) are expected to take the Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS). The WCAS scores may act as credit for a 9th or 10th grade science class.

For the 2025–2026 School year, testing dates are as follows:

• SBA English Language Arts: March 17–24

• WCAS: May 18–20

• SBA Math: May 27–June 1

For questions about state assessments, please contact Amy Doll asdoll@seattleschools.org. For questions about graduation pathways, please contact your student's counselor.

Monday, May 4, through Thursday, May 21

• Students taking Standard AP Exams arrive together and leave together; no early dismissals or late arrivals will be permitted.

• Students with preapproved accommodations will test in a separate location.

• Students taking AP Calculus must commit to AB or BC prior to March 13.

• All students should check AP Classroom make note of your exam date and time.

Class of 2026, check the Senior News page frequently for news and upcoming deadlines.

• Alumni Scholarship Application opens Friday, March 6, and closes Monday, March 16. The online application can be found on the WSHS Alumni Association website. Questions? Contact Sandy Dubuque, Scholarship Chairperson, at WSHSAAScholarship@gmail.com.
• As of today, 70% of seniors are lacking service hours for graduation! Students can submit a signed Service-Learning Form to the counseling office, Room 214.
• Graduation Ceremonies at McCaw Hall Frequently Asked Questions

Application Due Friday, March 20, Apply for UDOC Summer Program

UDOC is a Free 6-week hybrid summer residential program at UW for current juniors interested in health professions. The program includes STEM coursework, guest lectures, and professional development workshops. Students gain hands-on experience through simulation labs and hospital and clinic shadowing.

Application Due Monday, March 23, 9 a.m., Apply for Seattle Children's High School Summer Camps

Applications have just opened for three Free high school summer camps:

1. Nurse Camp (July 1–July 17): During this five-day camp, students will gain insight into the world of pediatric nursing by shadowing nurses in a clinical environment and observing as they provide patient care and interact with patients and families.
2. Mental & Behavioral Health Camp (July 27–July 31 ): During this five-day camp, students will explore careers within the mental & behavioral health field. By participating in hands-on skills and observing the day-to-day workflow of professionals, students will gain insight into various roles within pediatric mental health.
3. Scrubs & ‘Scopes Camp (August 10–August 14): During this five-day camp, students will explore various allied health careers by job shadowing medical assistants, pharmacists, laboratory scientists and technicians/technologists in Pharmacy, Radiology, Surgery, Sterile Processing and Anesthesia in a clinical environment, observing as they provide patient care.

There are several scholarship opportunities available through various agencies and community organizations to help cover the cost of summer camp or summer classes (including drivers ed).

These resources are intended to support families who may not be able to afford the full cost of camp fees, helping ensure more children have the opportunity to attend camp, build skills, and enjoy a fun summer experience.

We encourage families who may be interested to look into these opportunities as early as possible, as availability and deadlines may vary.

• Seattle Parks and Recreations Program Discounts program
• Seattle YMCA
• Assistance League Seattle Enrichment Scholarships

Seattle Public Schools requires students to complete 60 hours of service learning before graduation (students who have not attended Seattle schools for all four years will be responsible for 15 hours of service per year enrolled). Students can submit a signed Service-Learning Form to the counseling office, Room 214. A list of available service learning opportunities can be found on the counseling website.

• Erica Nguyen: Last Names A–El: etnguyen@seattleschools.org
• Kinsey Hedeen: Last Names Em–Leb: krhedeen@seattleschools.org
• Mallory Neuman: Last Names Lee–Pi: mlneuman@seattleschools.org
• Christine Nutters: Last Names Po–Z: canutters@seattleschools.org
• Seattle Promise: Book an appointment with Rony Nunez-Alvarez

Deadline for Submissions is Wednesday, April 8

The WSHS PTSA is happy to support the teaching and learning at WSHS by funding a second round of mini grants this year! Applications open on Monday, March 2. Student clubs are encouraged to apply but must have a Club Advisory (Teaching Staff member) complete the form. Awards will be announced on Monday, April 20.

The WSHS PTSA is creating a Nominations Committee to find candidates for key board roles, including president and co-treasurer, for the 2026–2027 school year. Any PTSA member can be part of the Nominating Committee, which will meet and share its recommendations in time for the election of new executive board members in May. Job descriptions for the executive board positions.

Interested? Please view the Washington State PTA Nominating Committee Guide (summary).

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
• Email questions to: president@wshsptsa.org

Please mark your calendars for the PTSA General Membership Meetings:

• April 10
• June 4

All meetings are 6–8 p.m. in the WSHS Library and online. These 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 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 WSHS PTSA 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!

Seattle Public Schools officially welcomed Ben Shuldiner as superintendent on February 2. Join Superintendent Shuldiner and Director Gina Topp to share your experiences, ideas, and hopes for our schools. Please RSVP to help plan for space and interpretation services. RSVP is not required to attend. Everyone is welcome. Session will be livestreamed and recorded on the SPSTV YouTube channel.

Additional community engagement meetings:

• Tuesday, March 3, 7:30–8:30 p.m., South Shore K–8, 4800 S Henderson St.
• Tuesday, March 10, 7:30–8:30 p.m., Salmon Bay K–8, 1810 NW 65th St.
• Tuesday, March 17, 7:30–8:30 p.m., Eckstein Middle School, 3003 NE 75th St.
• Tuesday, March 24, 6:30–7:30 p.m., McClure Middle School, 1915 1st Ave W.
• Thursday, March 26, 6:30–7:30 p.m., James Baldwin Elementary, 11725 1st Ave NE
• Thursday, April 2, 6–7:30 p.m., Virtual, online; link forthcoming

You do not need to live in a specific region to attend; everyone is welcome at any session.

The SPS 2026–27 school year calendar is now available, giving families time to plan for the year ahead. From the first day of school to breaks and holidays, all the key dates are in one place. Important note: School will start before Labor Day in the upcoming school year.

Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, March 2–May 8, 7 a.m., Register for Spring Sports Performance Program

Loft Fitness is offering a Sports Performance Program for high school students who want to improve athletic performance in a structured, professionally coached environment. This program is led by experienced coaches and focuses on speed training, agility development. and explosive strength. This is an excellent opportunity for in-season and off-season athletes to train safely, build confidence, and prepare for the demands of competition. Cost is $219/month+tax.

Thursday, March 19, 12–1:30 p.m., Free Kids on the Brink: Raising Emotionally Healthy Youth Tickets

PNW Parent Education offers a Free online presentation combining cutting-edge science, real student voices, and practical tools to help adults better support today’s youth. This event will cover the latest science on female brain development, why so many teens are in crisis, and how today’s challenges are impacting youth mental health. Participants will leave with practical tools for supporting our youth. If you can't make the date/time work, register anyway as all registrants will receive an email with the recording following the event.

• 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

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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.