What's Up, Westside!

May

• 1: Naramore Art Show Reception and Teen Night Out (6 p.m., Seattle Art Museum)
• 4–8: Teacher Appreciation Week (Volunteer for TAW)
• 4–21: AP Exams
• 5: Cap and Gown Distribution
• 5: Parent 2 Parent Night (6:30–8 p.m., WSHS Care Center, RSVP for P2P Night)
• 13: Golden Apple and Golden Acorn Awards Nominations Due (Submit a Golden Apple and Acorn Nomination)
• 17: West Seattle 5K (Alki Beach, Register for the WS5K)
• 21: Senior Awards Night (6 p.m.)
• 31: Paddle Battle Pickleball Tournament (SWAC Tennis Courts, Register for the Pickleball Tournament)

Congratulations to the WSHS Unified Basketball team, which will represent Special Olympics Washington at the Special Olympics USA Games in Minneapolis, Minnesota this June!

Our WSHS Unified Sports program continues to grow each year, and with this growth come once-in-a-lifetime opportunities like this one, as as well as new needs. Support WSHS Unified Sports! All funds raised go directly to supporting players across all teams and help cover essential program expenses, including uniforms and travel.

Wednesday–Sunday, Through May 31, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Seattle Art Museum

The Naramore Art Show celebrates over 200 works of art by students in SPS middle and high schools, including WSHS students' contributions in ceramics, mixed media, painting, and photography. The FREE live exhibition runs until May 31 at the Seattle Art Museum. The virtual exhibition will be available online through the end of the school year. There will be a Celebratory Reception followed by Teen Night Out on Friday, May 1, starting at 6 p.m. Support our student artists!

May 4–8, Volunteer for TAW

The PTSA is hosting a Staff Appreciation Lunch for WSHS staff on Wednesday, May 6. Please sign up to donate your favorite salads and desserts for staff to enjoy. We are also need a few volunteers to help with lunch set-up and clean-up. Let’s show our amazing WSHS educators how much we love and appreciate them for all they do for our students and families!

We will also need a couple of volunteers to set up a Coffee & Breakfast Bar on Tuesday, May 5, to give staff an extra caffeine boost to start their day. Please sign up to be a barista at the WSHS Cafe if you are able.

Tuesday, May 5, 6:30–8 p.m., WSHS Care Center, RSVP for P2P Night

At oour last meeting of the year, speaker Lynnt Mitchell, Seattle Public Schools Healthy Schools Coordinator, will be giving a presentation on marijuana use, child development, and how to start tricky conversations with your teens. We look forward to seeing you there!

Throughout May be on the lookout for weekly Talking Points about ways to keep your teen safe when it comes to drugs and alcohol use. Each week will briefly explore a different substance use topic and provide you with a quick training on how to engage your teen in a meaningful conversation.

Deadline to Nominate is Wednesday, May 13, Submit a Golden Apple and Acorn Nomination

Every year, the WSHS PTSA recognizes individuals for their contributions to our students and school community with the Golden Apple and Golden Acorn awards. The Golden Apple is presented to an outstanding educator who has gone beyond the normal expectations of their job to make the learning environment fun, beneficial and challenging. The Golden Acorn is presented to a volunteer in recognition of their dedication and service to children and youth.

Sunday, May 17, Alki Beach, Register for the WS5K

The West Seattle 5K registration is open now! Grab your spot and invite a friend! 100% of the proceeds from this annual event benefit WSHS students and staff. Not looking to run or walk but still want to join in the fun? Volunteer to be part of this great community event. Rain or shine, hope to see you all on May 17!

Sunday, May 31, SWAC Tennis Courts, Register for the Pickleball Tournament

Join the West Seattle Booster Club’s 2nd annual Paddle Battle Pickleball Tournament, proudly presented by Murder Hornet Hot Sauce! This fun-filled event supports our school athletics programs, and everyone’s invited—students, families, and community members alike. Want to be a sponsor? Contact hello@wsbooster.com

Tuesday, June 2, 6:30 p.m., Purchase Mariners Tickets

Support WSHS Baseball as the Mariners take on the Mets! Ticket sales from this fundraiser directly fund the WSHS Baseball program and help secure West Seattle’s spot in the annual Mariners Baseball Classic. Each year, only 20 high school programs across the region are invited to participate in the Mariners Baseball Classic, an opportunity that allows student-athletes to play on an MLB field and the community to watch for free. West Seattle was one of the first schools ever included, and staying in the Classic is something our players must earn every year. Tickets are $30 for 100 level and $20 for 300 level. Let’s fill the stands in blue and show the Mariners what West Seattle support looks like. See you at T-Mobile Park!

May 4–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.

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

AP Exam Terms and Conditions

Students taking AP Exams must accept the terms and conditions for each exam. The 2026 AP Exam Terms and Conditions are available for review.

Bluebook Digital Testing

Bluebook is a new digital testing application that makes test day easier and faster for students and proctors. Students must download the secure testing application to their district laptop prior to exam day. Students will need to sign in to Bluebook using their College Board username and password.

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

Sunday, May 3, 10 a.m., Admiral Theater (2343 California Avenue SW), Reserve Your Movie Ticket

Join the WSHS Baseball program for a day at the movies! Drop off your kids (8 and older) to watch "The Sandlot" and meet current players. Kids under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Entry is FREE, but donations to support the WSHS Baseball program are appreciated.

Interested in Girls Soccer? Come to a preseason information meeting for players and families:

• Graduating 8th graders and younger players interested in the program:

Monday, May 18, 7 p.m., Madison Middle School Library

• Current 9th through 11th grade players interested in next season:

Wednesday, May 20, 7 p.m., WSHS Library

Register for Youth Soccer Camp

WSHS Girls Soccer is excited to offer two youth soccer camps focused on skill development, confidence, and fun. Camps are hosted by the WSHS Girls Soccer coaches and players.

• Camp 1: Incoming 8th and 9th Graders

June 22 to June 24, 8:30–11:30 a.m., Madison Middle School

• Camp 2: Incoming 5th, 6th, and 7th Graders

June 29 to July 1, 8:30–11:30 a.m., Madison Middle School

The Seattle Skills Center summer application is open now for all incoming 9th–12th grade students. The free summer Skills Center classes are introductory versions of what is typically offered during the school year and provide students the chance to earn a 0.5 CTE credit while exploring college and career options. Find more information, as well as course descriptions and the application at https://skillscenter.seattleschools.org/summer/

Registration Opens Tuesday, May 19

NEW STUDENTS: Follow the steps to enroll on the Get Started page.

• New students are encouraged to submit enrollment forms prior to summer break. School Counselors do not work over the summer so will not be available to assist you with completing the required enrollment paperwork. Class availability may be limited in the fall when high school staff return to work.
• IMPORTANT: Students should not complete the Directed Self-Placement (DSP) Tests until they receive a ctcLink ID. Entering a phone number in lieu of the ctcLink ID means their placement results do not get recorded.
• All new students will be required to meet with a college advisor prior to registering for their first quarter.

Prospective Student/Family Information Sessions

South Seattle College is hosting virtual and on-campus information sessions.

• Monday, May 4, 4–5 p.m., Via Zoom (RSVP for Prospective Student/Family Information Zoom Link)
• Wednesday, May 13, 5–6 p.m., RSB 30 - President's Boardroom (RSVP)

Applications opened April 20 and will close May 31

• Design Your Neighborhood (DYN), Apply for DYN

August 4–21

For students in grades 10–12
3-week program working with local artists/designers
Students create a real project for a Seattle site

• Teen Arts Group (TAG), Apply for TAG

October 2026–May 2027

For students in grades 10–12
Paid opportunity or a service-learning credit
Focus on art making, leadership, and community

Are you looking for summer camps, internships, college classes, or other programs to help enhance your summer? Check out your Summer options.

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.

• Parks Scholarships
• YMCA Financial Assistance
• Assistance League Enrichment Scholarship Application

• 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

Tuesday, May 12, 6–8 p.m., Via Zoom, Register for Webinar

The Seattle Special Education PTSA is hosting a free webinar with Dr. Ross Greene on Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS)—a trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming, and state-endorsed approach. Dr. Greene will be discussing his new book and how CPS can support Seattle public school students with academic or behavioral challenges and provide their educators and families with practical strategies for success. Families, students, educators, school leaders, and district staff are welcome. ASL and Spanish interpretation will be provided.

Share your student’s experiences or questions ahead of time.

Thursday, June 4, 6–8 p.m. in the WSHS Library and Online

Please mark your calendars for the final PTSA General Membership Meeting! This meeting is open to the entire WSHS community. You do not have to be a current PTSA member to attend.

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 WSHS PTSA executive board positions are available.

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 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 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!

Nominations Close Friday, May 1, Nominate an Educator

Who’s the heartbeat of your school? Every school has that person — the one who shows up early, stays late, lifts others up, and somehow makes everything run smoother. The SPS All‑Stars Most Valuable Educator Award honors the principal, teacher, or support staff member who goes above and beyond every single day — the backbone of their school community and the heart and soul of the work.

The SW Seattle Youth Alliance, a school and community coalition formed to address youth substance misuse in Southwest Seattle, would like your help in learning more about community concerns related to drugs and alcohol. This survey asks about one’s perceptions of drug, tobacco, and alcohol use and abuse in youth and in the community. The data from these surveys will be used to implement evidence-based prevention programs in middle and high schools in the community. Adults ages 18 and over, who live, work, or frequent the Southwest Seattle area are eligible to take this survey.

• Survey in English
• Survey in Spanish/Español

Tuesday, May 19, 12–1 p.m., Register for Presentation

PNW Parent Education is hosting a FREE online presentation about drug use prevention. Ray Lozano, veteran prevention educator and youth motivational speaker, speaks in a judgment-free, science-based way about alcohol and drug prevention. You’re going to walk away with small, practical shifts that make a big difference in how youth hear, and respond to, your message. 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

Read past issues of this newsletter

Update your communications preferences

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.