What's Up, Westside!
November 7, 2025
School Calendar
November
- 11: Veterans Day, No School
- 11: Dine Out for WSHS Boys Basketball (4–8 p.m., West Wings)
- 13–15: Drama Fall Play: The Crucible (7:30 p.m., WSHS Theatre, Purchase fall play tickets for the Crucible)
- 14: PTSA Fall Fundraiser (5–7 p.m., WSHS Commons, Register for the PTSA Fall Fundraiser)
- 20–22: Drama Fall Play: The Crucible (7:30 p.m., WSHS Theatre, Purchase fall play tickets for the Crucible)
- 27–28: Thanksgiving and Native American Heritage Day, No School
December
- 11: WSHS Incoming Student Open House (6–7:30 p.m., WSHS Gym)
Support for Families in Need
As we face continued challenges related to federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) cuts during the government shutdown, it is critical to acknowledge the impact on families already facing systemic barriers to food access. Seattle Public Schools remains committed to supporting students and families in every season, especially during times of crisis. Please see this list of resources for accessing food.
Upcoming Events and Deadlines
Drama Fall Play: The Crucible
November 13–15 and 20–22, 7:30 p.m., WSHS Theatre, Purchase Fall Play: the Crucible tickets
We invite you to the WSHS 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 the civil rights of ourselves and others 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 for the past two months and we are excited to share it with the community!
One Week to the PTSA Fall Fundraiser!
Friday, November 14, WSHS Commons, 5–7 p.m., Register for the PTSA Fall Fundraiser
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. Ticket price includes heavy appetizers and a non-alcoholic mixed drink. There will be silent and live auctions as well as a short program featuring student testimonials and an opportunity to raise your bid card to make more great things happen at WSHS! If you cannot attend, please consider making a donation to the WSHS PTSA.
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)
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
AP Exams
AP Exam registration for the 2025-26 school year is now closed. Students who missed the AP Exam registration and payment deadline have a couple of options:
- Students in 9th, 10th or 11th grade can take the desired AP Exam in the following year.
- Students can contact The College Board Advanced Placement Program at 888-225-5427. They may be able to provide a list of smaller districts or private schools that offer late registration.
Refund Policy:
Students may cancel their AP Exam registration and get a full refund by Friday, November 14.
After November 14, any unused or cancelled AP exam will incur a $65 fee. Partial refunds will be processed after the completion of AP exam administration, no earlier than June 1.
To cancel an AP Exam registration, contact our AP Coordinator, Amy Doll asdoll@seattleschools.org, with a brief description of the reason for cancellation.
Request Accommodations for AP Exams:
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 accommodations no later than Thursday, January 8, 2026.
Counseling Corner
Celebrate Black College Excellence
Saturday, November 15, 10 a.m.–3 p.m., Rainier Beach High School, RSVP for Free Black College Expo Ticket
Mark your calendars for the 8th Annual Seattle Black College Expo. This free event is open to students of all ages and offers a unique opportunity to meet one-on-one with representatives from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), other colleges, universities, and educational programs. High school juniors and seniors should bring their transcripts and ACT or SAT scores; college transfer students should bring transcripts from all colleges attended. The event also features seminars, workshops, entertainment, cash giveaways, and a scholarship presentation.
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.
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 Begin
Cheer, Boys Basketball, Girls Basketball, Boys Swim & Dive, Gymnastics, Wrestling, Girls Bowling
- Register for Winter Sports via FinalForms.
- Medical insurance is required to participate in high school athletics. If you do not have medical insurance, coverage is available Myers-Stevens & Toohey, Inc.
- A current Sports Physical is also required.
All students participating in WSHS Athletics are required to purchase an ASB sticker.
Dine Out for WSHS Boys Basketball
Tuesday, November 11, 4–8 p.m. West Wings (2329 California Ave SW)
Come support the WSHS Boys Basketball Team! West Wings will donate 25% of dine-in and takeout sales to support the team.
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. 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 pm 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
Seattle School Board Names Finalist for Superintendent
The Seattle School Board of Directors has named Ben Shuldiner as the finalist for the district’s new Superintendent. Shuldiner is currently Superintendent of the Lansing School District in Michigan. A unanimous vote during Wednesday’s board meeting authorized the beginning of contract negotiations to finalize the hire. Read more about the finalist for SPS Superintendent.
Join the School Day Task Force
Apply by Monday, November 10, School Day Task Force Application
Seattle Public Schools is starting a School Day Task Force to take a close look at how the school day is organized for all grade levels. This group will review topics like lunch schedules, start and end times, and ways to better support students’ learning, safety, extracurricular activities, and peer connections during the school day. The task force will meet 1–2 times a month from December through May, mostly online.
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
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
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.