Dec. 1, 2025: Community Newsletter

Hi Ingraham Families,

I can’t believe it’s already December! With just 15 days until our next break, we’re asking everyone to lock in and finish the month strong. We’ve noticed a recent dip in attendance, and we want to refocus our efforts.

I bring up attendance because I truly believe that when our students show up to class, they succeed. Our teachers and support staff are incredible, but if students aren’t here, we can’t support them.

Please take time to talk with your student about the importance of showing up each day. 😊

To help improve attendance, we’re launching grade-level competitions in January. Our goal is for every grade to reach 90% attendance or higher for the month. There will be fun prizes, shoutouts, and some friendly competition. Right now, our 9th graders are sitting at 90%, giving them a head start—but our sophomores aren’t far behind. Juniors and seniors have some ground to make up, and we’re excited to see everyone rise to the challenge!

Attendance truly matters. When students are here, they learn more, connect more, and are better set up for success.

If you’re experiencing challenges getting your student to school, please reach out to their Administrator or School Counselor. We’re happy to schedule a phone or in-person conference to support you and your student.

9th Grade Assistant Principal Michael Wheatley jmwheatley@seattleschools.org

10th Grade Assistant Principal Grishma Singh grsingh@seattleschools.org

11th/12th Grade Assistant Principal Julia Frances jcfrances@seattleschools.org

Last Name A-Es School Counselor Leanne Hust lkhust@seattleschools.org

Last Name Et-Kl School Counselor Theresa Lê tnle@seattleschools.org

Last Name Kn-Ren School Counselor Anthony Malaki eamalaki@seattleschools.org

Last Name Rey-Z School Counselor Kristen Patterson kvpatterson@seattleschools.org

Counselor Mr. Malaki has emailed families of all seniors who are eligible for this opportunity. If you received his message, your student qualifies.... congratulations! There's more information here.

Is your student a senior with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher? If so, they are eligible for the Washington Guaranteed Admissions Program (WAGAP). WAGAP is a statewide partnership between Washington high schools and several public universities that provides guaranteed admission to students who meet GPA requirements. It gives seniors another strong, reliable college option during application season.

What This Means for Your Student

Because your student has a 3.0 cumulative GPA, they qualify for guaranteed admission at the following Washington public universities:

• Central Washington University (CWU)

• Eastern Washington University (EWU)

• Washington State University (WSU)

• Western Washington University (WWU)

• The Evergreen State College

Students must still submit an application, but admission is guaranteed based on their GPA and meeting basic college-readiness requirements.

Why WAGAP Matters

• Ensures students have at least one secure college option

• Expands access to Washington’s four-year public universities

• Reduces stress around the admissions process

• Helps families plan earlier and more confidently

• Does not limit students from applying to other colleges—it's simply an additional pathway recognizing their hard work

Next Steps for Students

• Explore the campuses listed above to see which might be a good fit

• Submit college applications (WAGAP does not replace the application process)

• Complete FAFSA/WASFA and apply for general scholarships

• Connect with their counselor if they have questions or would like help deciding where to apply

Open Enrollment for School Choice and SPS Enrollment Fair

Seattle Public Schools (SPS) offers Open Enrollment for School Choice each year, allowing families to apply to schools outside their assigned attendance area.

This year, the open enrollment window is Jan. 5 – 31, 2026. Forms will be available on The Source during this time frame. Submitting a School Choice form during this period does not guarantee placement.

Late school choice applications will be accepted until Tuesday, March 31, so don't delay.

If there are more student applications than seats available at a school, a waitlist will be created. Families on the waitlist will be notified of their status and kept informed of any openings. All waitlists will be active until May 31, 2026, then dissolved.

Newly identified Highly Capable students will receive their eligibility and placement decisions on Saturday, Feb. 7 through The Source. Families will have until Monday, Feb. 23 to notify the Department of Highly Capable Services of their enrollment decision for the 2026–27 school year

There is no guarantee of assignment change by participating in this lottery. It is based on space or program availability.

More information is available on the Open Enrollment for School Choice webpage.

If you have questions, please contact the enrollment services team.

The campus is looking phenomenal, and that makes a huge difference in how our students and staff appreciate our school. Even with leaves and pine needles constantly falling, this team keeps Ingraham clean, welcoming, and at its best every single day.

Thank you, Rachel Buck, Jeff Leonard, and Nate Phillips, for the PRIDE you put into caring for our campus!

Attendance Goal: 90% attendance.

Current attendance rate: 85.7...ouch:(

Increasing the percentage of 9th grade students on track to graduate from 84% to 88%, with a particular focus on supporting students furthest from educational justice by raising their on-track rate from 67% to 72%.

Current data:

81.3% of students passing all current courses and earning no more than one D.

69.7% of students furthest from educational justice passing all current courses and earning no more than one D.

Improving student climate survey results around belonging and relationships from 88% to 92% overall, and from 85% to 92% for students of color.

Students take the student climate survey in October. Data should be available in early December.

Raising the percentage of students completing at least one advanced course and graduating on time from 85% to 95%.

Current data:

Data comes in at the semester.

Winter Performing Arts Showcase – Friday, December 12 at 7 p.m., Ingraham Auditorium

• Performances by all band, orchestra, and choir groups
• Tickets available starting next Wednesday (online payment offered)
• Separate ticket links for band, orchestra, and choir
• $15 for adults; $5 for Ingraham students
• Pizza and Banh Mi for purchase; bake sale items by donation

After-School Tutoring – Tuesdays & Thursdays, 3:45–4:45 p.m., Ingraham Library
• Open to all students