What's Up, Westside!
September 5, 2025
Welcome to the weekly newsletter of West Seattle High School!
This newsletter is sent to families by email via SchoolMessenger and by text via TalkingPoints. You can manage your own communication preferences.
- Translate this newsletter into multiple languages by clicking the "Translate" button at the top.
- If you are viewing this newsletter on a desktop, use the Table of Contents to navigate to different sections.
- If you would like to share news or publicize an event or opportunity relevant to the WSHS community, please email communications@wshsptsa.org.
Go, Wildcats!
School Calendar
September
- 8: Friends of West Seattle Music & Drama Meeting (7 p.m., Friends of West Seattle Music and Drama meeting via Zoom)
- 8: WSHS Booster Club Meeting (7–8 p.m., West Seattle Realty)
- 9: Theater Information Meeting (4–5 p.m., WSHS Theater)
- 16: Picture Day (Preorder Portraits)
- 18: PTSA General Meeting: How to High School (6–8 pm, WSHS Library)
- 18: Yearbook Presale Ends ( Purchase Yearbook $55 via SchoolPay)
October
- 4: Homecoming Dance (8–11 p.m., Fisher Pavilion)
- 7: Freshman Parent Social
- 9: Curriculum Night (6:30–8 p.m.)
- 10: No School (Professional Development Day)
- 21: Picture Retake Day
Upcoming Events and Deadlines
Friends of West Seattle Music & Drama Meeting
Monday September 8th, 7 p.m., Friends of West Seattle Music & Drama via Zoom
FOWSMD supports the WSHS Music and Drama departments through volunteer efforts and fundraising.
WSHS Booster Club Meeting
Monday, September 8, 7–8 p.m., West Seattle Realty (2715 California Ave SW)
Learn how you can support the West Seattle High School athletic program.
Picture Day
Tuesday, September 16, Preorder Portraits
Students will have their picture taken during their Language Arts class.
PTSA General Meeting
Thursday, September 18, 6–8 p.m., WSHS Library and Online
Join us for a fun and informative panel discussion with students, administrators, support staff, and parents about how to navigate high school successfully. PTSA General Meetings are open to the entire WSHS community; you do not have to be a current PTSA member to participate.
Yearbook Pre-Sales
Purchase via SchoolPay ($55) by September 18
Reserve your yearbook now, because they do sell out! To avoid transaction fees, bring cash or check (payable to WSHS) to Ms. Penner in the Fiscal Office.
ASB Activity Card
Purchase ASB Activity Card via SchoolPay ($50)
The ASB Activity Card provides students with discounts on ASB events, yearbook purchases, and spirit gear. Purchasing an ASB Activity Card is a mandatory requirement for students who want to participate in WIAA-sanctioned sports. To avoid transaction fees, bring cash or check (payable to WSHS) to Ms. Penner in the Fiscal Office.
Volunteer Opportunities
All school volunteers must complete an application and be approved to volunteer. Please do not sign up until you have confirmed your eligibility via the SPS Volunteer Portal.
Picture Day Assistance Needed
Tuesday, September 16
Please contact Amy Huber at aahuber1@seattleschools.org.
Counseling Corner
Student Schedules
A QR code has been provided for students who need to request a schedule change. Schedules will only be changed for the following reasons:
- Course is at the wrong level (ex: student needs Algebra 1 instead of Geometry)
- Duplicate courses (ex: ceramics scheduled twice)
- Course already taken (in previous years or in summer school)
- Student is missing a course
Book an Appointment with Your Counselor
- Last Names A–Et: Book an appointment with Erica Nguyen
- Last Names Ev–Marg: Book an appointment with Kinsey Hedeen
- Last Names Mari–Pig: Book an appointment with Mallory Neuman
- Last Names Pin–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
Fall Sports Begin
- Register for Fall Sports via FinalForms.
- Medical insurance is required to participate in high school athletics. If you do not have insurance, coverage is available through Myers-Stevens & Toohey, Inc.
- A current Sports Physical is also required.
For more information, visit the WSHS Athletics page.
Ultimate Frisbee is a club sport with separate registration. Contact wshsfrisbee@gmail.com
Voluntary Athletic Fees for High School Sports
SPS has introduced a new voluntary fee for high school sports to help cover growing costs like transportation and officials. The fee is $200 per student per sport, with a maximum of $400 per year for students who participate in more than one sport. Pay online via SchoolPay; the item is named “District–Fall Sports Fee (Optional)". A student can still participate in sports even if a family chooses not to pay.
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 wshsptsapresident@gmail.com. Be a part of making WSHS the school community you want!
Once 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:
- September 18, 2025 (How to High School)
- 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. Email wshsptsapresident@gmail.com to help us plan the party!
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
Start of School Forms
SPS has created a back-to-school webpage for essential resources.
- Complete the Student Data Verification form September 3-30. Update important student health information, emergency and family contact information, and much more. To access, log in to your Source account and select Student Data Verification form from the navigation menu.
Opt out of the release of directory information about your student. SPS may disclose appropriately designated “directory information,” unless you notify SPS in writing that you do not want the information released. If a parent/guardian would like to exclude a student’s information under FERPA, they must complete and submit the FERPA form to their student’s school by October 1.
Apply for Child Nutrition Eligibility and Education Benefits. 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 yearbook fees. Apply for Child Nutrition Eligibility online or submit the Child Nutrition Eligibility paper application.
Health Information for the Start of School
Ensure a healthy start to the school year by reviewing the district’s health services reminders for the start of school. If your student has a life-threatening health condition (e.g., Diabetes, Asthma), they must have medication and healthcare orders on file by the first day.
If you received a letter from Health Services about vaccines your student needs for school, please make sure they receive the immunization. Read more about immunizations required for students.
School Board Regular Meeting
Wednesday, September 17, 4:15 p.m., JSCEE
The Seattle School Board welcomes members of the public to the Regular meetings of the Board. Meeting agendas and relevant materials are posted at least 24 hours in advance of the scheduled meeting. This meeting will be live streamed on SPSTV .
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.
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
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.