What's Up, Westside!

NOVEMBER

• 5: College 101 for Families
• 11: Veterans Day - NO SCHOOL
• 12: Parent to Parent
• 13: West Seattle High School PTSA Fall Fundraiser
• 14: Saturday, November 14th, | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM | School Library
• 25: No School for Student Led Conferences
• 26 - 27: Thanksgiving and Native American Heritage Day (NO SCHOOL)

Hi Wildcat Families!

It's hard to believe we are wrapping up our second month of school. With the end of October also comes the end of the first quarter, on November 6. This is a great time to be checking in with your student about how classes are going, what they are finding exciting and where they are struggling. For those who need a little more support, we will have Saturday School on 11/14. I highly encourage attendance at this for any student who is missing work, needs to make up a test, or needs a little extra tutoring. It is a great opportunity and we provide breakfast!

Also coming up this month will be Student Led Conferences (SLCs). All students with an advisory class will be required to complete a SLC between November 13 and 25. Each advisory teacher will be communicating with families next week to provide options to sign up for a conference during that time. Our goals are to:

• To create and strengthen partnerships between students, caregivers and teachers.
• To reach every family to build and grow relationships.
• To create a positive foundation to build on if challenges arise.
• To develop student ownership and leadership around their learning.

When you hear from your child's advisory teacher next week, please be sure to sign up for a conference time. Last year we got great feedback about these conferences and we are looking forward to doing them again. Please note that to provide for teacher's time to complete the conferences, there will be NO SCHOOL FOR WSHS STUDENTS on Wednesday, 11/25.

As always, if you need anything, please don't hesitate to reach out and Go Wildcats!

Megan

Accepting new and gently used supplies. Thank you!

Hello WSHS parents & caregivers!

Feeling the stresses of raising a teenager? Come join other parents to learn about ways to raise thoughtful, resilient teens. We have a monthly topic, guided discussion, and plenty of time for connection. Dinner included!

RSVP for our November meeting, Thursday Nov. 12th 6-7:30pm:

https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/uXCe7YtB0P?origin=lprLink

National Principals Month Spotlight: Principal Brian Vance

Today, we're proud to recognize Principal Brian Vance and the West Seattle High School community. This year, West Seattle High School was recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top high schools in Washington, earning the No. 32 ranking statewide.

West Seattle's success reflects a commitment to ensuring all students have access to challenging coursework, meaningful opportunities, and the support they need to thrive. That dedication is helping more students take part in Advanced Placement courses and achieve success in the classroom and beyond.

As Principal Vance shares, "WSHS continues to break down barriers that prevent all students from accessing the most challenging courses. Our Advanced Placement enrollments and success on national tests, like the AP, indicate that students can rise to the challenges of advanced coursework, when given the opportunity and the support."

Congratulations to Principal Vance, the staff, students, and families of West Seattle High School on this well-deserved recognition.

With the addition of 2 more portables, our parking situation will become even more challenging. I cannot emphasize enough that we will not have enough parking for everyone who want to park. It is not a requirement that we provide parking for all of our students, so, I highly encourage students to not drive to school and find alternatives, to carpool, or anything to reduce the need. We are working with SPS legal on what we can actually do to enforce, parking, including ticketing and towing. The parking lot by the portables will be restricted to STAFF parking only. No student parking. and will be subject to tickets or towing. We do not have any flexibility on creating other parking options. So, again, please have a conversation with your student and when possible, coming up with alternative transportation plans would be advisable. During the school day, we will also be implementing a one way flow through the parking lot. Lastly- The Church parking lot is strictly off limits for student parking, they have already communicated that they will be towing unauthorized cars that park in their small lot. See attached document for more transportation information.

ASVAB Testing Opportunity for 12th Grade Students

Seattle Public Schools will host an ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) Exam at the Central Office on:

📅 Friday, December 11
🕧 12:30 PM

Who Can Participate?

✅ Open to all 12th grade SPS students

Registration Deadline

⏰ Friday, December 4 at 5:00 PM

Important Reminders

• Students must bring their SPS laptop/device
• Students must bring their charger
• Registration is required prior to the deadline

Register Here

🔗 ASVAB Registration Form: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/VxauhUYFRG

Please send out in Friday's newsletter

AP EXAM and Registration/Payment window EXTENDED to November 3, 2026 @ 10AM.

Important!

• Students must Register (via CollegeBoard) and Pay (via SchoolPay) for their AP Exams by November 3rd.
• Registrations that are not paid by November 3rd will be cancelled after November 14 and exams will not be ordered.
• The standard exam fee is $125.00 plus a 3.99% SchoolPay transaction processing fee. Payments can also be made via check or exact cash in the main office and do not incur the processing fee.
  • You may qualify for an AP test fee reduction. Student must qualify and have completed the CNEEB application at CNEEB
• Per SPS policy, there will be No Late registrations after the November 3rd deadline. No exceptions.
• Students who cancel an exam Before March 1st will be charged $40 per exam (College Board Policy).
• No Refunds after March 1st.
• Please note that AP students are NOT required to take AP exams.

Teachers share with students our first of 10 Saturday's for students to get additional help. If they have a D or E in your class let Lane or myself know how we can help.

Saturday, November 14th, | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM | School Library

✅ Free Wi-Fi
✅ Tutors Available
✅ Breakfast Provided

Talk to your teachers about missing work, retakes, or test corrections and bring what you need to Saturday School.

Be sure to check out all things L I B R A R Y! https://app.smore.com/n/czd4wn

Do you want to learn more about WIAA Softball? Coach Kyler Tsukada will be hosting a pre-season information meeting on November 6th at 3:40pm (immediately after school) in the Library. Come learn about the season and bring lots of questions!

Winter Sport Tryouts are Coming Soon!
Basketball (Boys) – November 16th at 6-8pm – West Seattle High School Gym

Basketball (Girls) – November 16th at 6-8pm – Madison Middle School Gym

Official Start Dates for All No Cut Winter Sports:
Competitive Cheer (Boys and Girls): November 2nd
Bowling (Girls) - November 2nd

Flag Football (Girls) – November 16th
Gymnastics (Boys and Girls) - November 9th
Wrestling (Boys and Girls) - November 16th

Important Notice: To participate in a WIAA Winter sport, you must have checked off all three of these steps:
1) Final Forms account is in Green Status. Emails went out to anyone enrolled in a winter sport on Wednesday, October 28th informing students and families of their status, highlighting the steps that need to be taken to get to green. If you didn’t hear from me, that is a good thing, you’re green. If you enrolled after October 28th, look for a message next week as we continue to prep for the season.

2) Activity Fee is paid. (ASB Card can be purchased via SchoolPay or with cash or check at the Main Office)
*One $50 activity fee purchase for the 2026 – 2027 school year! You do not need to purchase one per season, one per school year.

3) Sports physical: Must be approved and up to date. Sports physicals are valid for 2 years from the issued date.

Mark Your Calendar:
Softball Informational Meeting: November 9th at 3:40 PM
Boys Basketball Kickoff Dinner: November 21st at 5:00 PM

11/2 Western Washington University

11/4 Whitman College

Come visit the college reps during 2nd lunch in the Library! If you want a pass please sign up in School Links for the college visit.

🎓 Senior College Planning & Support

We are excited to support our Class of 2027 as they navigate the college application process!

On Tuesday, September 29, we walked seniors through important steps in the college application process, including how to request transcripts and letters of recommendation and how to download their unofficial transcript. We will continue providing weekly drop-in college advising support during Wednesday Advisory in Room 231. If your student has questions or needs additional support with their college applications or post-high school planning, please encourage them to stop by!

We are also excited to offer two parent nights in partnership with the WSHS PTSA:

📅 Thursday, November 5 | College 101 for Families
This evening will walk families through the college application process and the specific steps and resources we are sharing with students at school. Come learn alongside your student, get on the same page about the application process, and get your questions answered.

We look forward to partnering with seniors throughout the year as they explore the many pathways available to them after high school! This event can be joined in person or online by using this link: https://tinyurl.com/2026WSHSCollege .

Financial Aid Night Recap: Thank you to everyone who joined us at our Financial Aid Night on Oct 29th. We are so thankful to Seattle University and Seattle Promise for taking the time to present to our WSHS families and students. You can find the recorded presentation on our school's website and the slides can be accessed here.

Volunteers Needed for Falcon Fest

Fairmount Park's PTA is looking for volunteers for its annual fall festival. Falcon Fest is Friday, November 6 from 6:30–8pm. Shifts are just one hour, so there is plenty of time to enjoy the rest of the event, or pick up a second shift! FPE Alumni and local high school and middle school students who need hours are welcome to volunteer. Sign up to volunteer: https://signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/122603740047

Or, if you prefer, here is the blog: https://westseattleblog.com/2026/10/you-can-help-volunteer-for-fairmount-park-elementarys-falcon-fest-2/

• Erica Nguyen: Last Names A–Es: etnguyen@seattleschools.org
• Kinsey Hedeen: Last Names Et–L: krhedeen@seattleschools.org
• Mallory Neuman: Last Names M–Po: mlneuman@seattleschools.org
• Christine Nutters: Last Names Pr–Z: canutters@seattleschools.org
• Seattle Promise: Book an appointment with Rony Nunez-Alvarez

Hiawatha Community Center - Teen Program

PTSA Membership Drive

🎉 Mark Your Calendars! The West Seattle High School PTSA Fall Auction Is Coming! 🐾

There’s excitement in the air, Wildcats! Save the date for Friday, November 13, 2026, and join us for an unforgettable evening at the West Seattle High School PTSA Fall Auction!

Our Fall Auction brings together students, teachers, parents, and community members for a fun-filled evening of connection, exciting auction items, and meaningful support for our Wildcats.

❤️ Your support makes a difference! Funds raised help provide classroom resources, teacher and student grants, and enriching educational opportunities that make a lasting impact on our students’ experience.

Whether you’re joining us to catch up with friends, bid on something special, or participate in our inspiring Raise the Paddle, every contribution helps our Wildcats thrive!

📣 Invite a friend, spread the word, and plan to join us!

🎟️ Get your tickets here: https://wshsptsa.ejoinme.org/2026tickets

We can’t wait to see you there as we come together to celebrate and support the amazing West Seattle High School community!

💙💛 Go, Wildcats! 🐾

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!

• 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.