What's Up, Westside!
November 21, 2025
School Calendar
November
- 21–22: Drama Fall Play: The Crucible (7:30 p.m., WSHS Theatre, Purchase Fall Play Crucible tickets)
- 25: Winter Sports Family Night (7 p.m., WSHS Gym)
- 27–28: Thanksgiving and Native American Heritage Day, No School
December
- 2: Parent to Parent Night (6:30–8pm, WSHS Care Center, Room 129, RSVP for Parent to Parent Night)
- 6: Holiday Shopping Day at West Seattle Runner (10 a.m.–5 p.m., 2743 California Ave SW)
- 9: Financial Aid Night (6–7:30 p.m., WSHS Library, In Person and Join the Financial Aid Night via Teams)
- 11: WSHS Incoming Student Open House (6–7:30 p.m., WSHS Gym)
- 16: Jazz Ensemble Concert (7 p.m. WSHS Theatre)
- 17: Orchestra and Choir Concert (7 p.m. WSHS Theatre)
- 18: Concert Band, Symphonic Band, and Percussion Concert (7 p.m. WSHS Theatre)
Wildcat Shoutouts
Congratulations to Eden O'Donnell who competed in the State Swim & Dive Championships and placed 7th in the 200 Yard Freestyle and 4th in the 500 Yard Freestyle.
Congratulations to Evelyn Satwicz, Mylah O'Donnell and Zachariah O'Keefe, who qualified for the State Cross Country Championships.
Congratulations to 9th grader Davis Thompson, who qualified for the State Golf Championship.
Upcoming Events and Deadlines
Drama Fall Play: The Crucible
Friday and Saturday, November 21–22, 7:30 p.m., WSHS Theatre, Purchase Fall Play Crucible tickets
We invite you to West Seattle High School’s production of The Crucible, written by Arthur Miller and directed by Allison Irvine. This play, written in 1953 as an “act of desperation” against the rise of McCarthyism and anti-Communist fears in the United States, tells a fictionalized story of the Salem Witch Trials. Throughout it we see the dangers inherent in a theocratic society where isolation and harsh expectations break down trust between neighbors. The show reminds us of the necessity of standing up for civil rights and refusing to go along with a crowd that demands bloodshed and revenge. Our students have been incredibly devoted to the hard work of this piece and we are excited to share it with the community!
Parent to Parent Night
Tuesday, December 2, 6:30–8 p.m., WSHS Care Center, Room 129, RSVP for Parent 2 Parent Night
Join our Parent to Parent support group, a welcoming space for parents! This month our focus will be stress management, and we will also have a special guest from PEPS to discuss local parenting classes and resources. A light dinner will be provided.
WSHS Incoming Student Open House
Thursday, December 11, 6–7:30 p.m., WSHS Gym
Mark your calendars for the WSHS Incoming Student Open House!
- School tours by NHS students (leaving from historic north entrance)
- Academic Fair (various classrooms for content areas, SPED/ML in commons)
- Club, Sports & Resource Fair (commons)
HOSA Holiday Toy Drive
Now through Friday, December 12
Drop off new, never-used toys in the box at the Historic North Entrance. All donations go to the Seattle Children's Hospital. Please see the Seattle Children’s Wishlist.
Winter Concerts
Save the dates for the WSHS Music Department concerts, which all start at 7 p.m. in the WSHS Theatre.
- Tuesday, December 16: Jazz Ensemble Concert
- Wednesday, December 17: Orchestra and Choir Concert
- Thursday, December 18: Concert Band, Symphonic Band, and Percussion Concert
Student Life
Senior News
Class of 2026, check this page frequently for Senior news and upcoming deadlines
- Senior Quote: Due Friday, December 12
Submit Senior Quote
- Senior Portrait and Baby Photo: Due Friday, January 16, 2026
Submit Senior Portrait
- Adult Shoutout: Due Friday, January 16, 2026
CIEE Study Abroad Update
If your student plans on applying, but hasn't started yet, read student testimonials and find referral codes to get $200 off program fees. Early need-based scholarship decisions will be issued for applicants with completed applications by December 1 (including letter of recommendation). This is also the final free flight raffle deadline. Check out all 100+ programs here. Interested in making a tax-deductible donation to help WSHS students study abroad? Click here and write “Students at West Seattle High School” in the comment box. You can specify the type of program or language, if you prefer.
The needs-based scholarship deadline is January 21, 2026 at 9 pm, but don’t wait until then to submit! Congratulations to the 25 students who have already submitted their applications and to the 15 students who are already confirmed! Questions? contact Ms. Schumacher at mkschumacher@seattleschools.org
Request Accomodation for AP Exams
Deadline is Thursday, January 8, 2026
To take an AP Exam with accommodations, a student must be approved by the College Board’s Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) office. Please contact our AP Coordinator, Amy Doll asdoll@seattleschools.org, to request accomodations.
Counseling Corner
2026-27 Financial Aid Applications are Available
Going to college or training next fall? Financial aid applications for this year’s graduating seniors are available now! In Washington, there are two ways to apply for financial aid. You should only complete one application—the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA). Many people assume they won’t qualify, but about half of families in Washington can get free money to help pay for education beyond high school.
12th Grade Financial Aid Presentations
Thursday, December 4
The Counseling Department will be presenting to the 12th Grade classes on the Financial Aid process. We will provide tips on completing the FAFSA/WASFA, preview sample award letters, and discuss scholarship search.
Financial Aid Night
Tuesday, December 9, WSHS Library, 6–7:30 p.m., In Person and Join the Financial Aid Night via Teams
The WSHS school counselors will be partnering with a local college financial aid advisor to provide an overview of the financial aid process for college, including the FAFSA/WASFA, CSS Profile, scholarship search, and more. All families and grade levels are welcome; we especially encourage 12th grade students and families to attend! If time permits after the presentation, we can answer your FAFSA or WASFA questions. This event will also be recorded and posted on the counseling website after the event.
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
Winter Sports Family Night
Tuesday, November 25, 7 p.m., WSHS Gym
Is your student playing a winter sport at WSHS? Parents/guardians are required to attend Winter Sports Family Night. You will receive important information about the upcoming sports season, including district and school policies and expectations for athletes, as well as team specific information. Questions? Contact Athletic Director Corey Sorenson at cjsorenson@seattleschools.org.
Holiday Shopping Day at West Seattle Runner
Saturday, December 6, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., 2743 California Ave SW
10% of sales will be donated to the West Seattle High School Cross Country Team! We are raising money to close the gap for bus fees, new jerseys, coach stipends, training equipment and more. Thanks to an incredible partnership with West Seattle Runner, we provide shoes to runners in need and now more funding through this shopping event.
PTSA Announcements
PTSA Fall Fundraiser a Success!
Thank you to all of the parents, teachers, staff, and students who came together as a community and generously supported the WSHS PTSA. Extraordinary thanks to Proliance Surgeons and Northup Fundraising for sponsoring the event, and thank you to the many volunteers who helped make this evening possible. Together, we raised over $40,000! The PTSA is now busily granting student and staff funding requests thanks to YOU!
If you were unable to attend the event, you can still make a donation to the PTSA Fall Fundraiser! And remember to request matching funds from your employer (please designate the West Seattle High School PTSA).
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!
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. This 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.
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
Preparing for Winter Weather
There are times where inclement weather may change the normal school schedule. As winter approaches, review how to get urgent weather information. Make sure your contact information is current so you don't miss important weather updates.
Community Connections
Free Community Thanksgiving Dinner
Thursday, November 27, 12–3 p.m., Hall at Fauntleroy (9131 California Ave SW)
The delicious sit-down meal includes a traditional turkey dinner and all the trimmings, with desserts donated by the community. All are welcome; no RSVP required.
This event happens with the help of many wonderful volunteers. If you are interested in helping on Thanksgiving Day, please sign up for an available shift for the Free Community Thanksgiving Dinner.
Quick Links to WSHS Resources
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.