What's Up, Westside!

• 30: Westside HEY: Youth Substance Use and Homecoming (6 p.m., Join Westside HEY: Youth Substande Use and Home coming meeting via Zoom)
• 30: CIEE Parent Information Session (7 p.m., WSHS Commons)
• 30: PTSA Fall Fundraiser Planning Meeting (7 p.m., Join the PTSA Fall Fundraising planning meeting via Zoom)

• 1: NHS Applications Due
• 4: Homecoming Dance (8–11 p.m., Fisher Pavilion, Purchase Homecoming Dance tickets)
• 7: Parent to Parent Support Group (6:30–8 p.m., WSHS Care Center, RSVP for Parent to Parent Support Group)
• 9: Curriculum Night (6:30–8 p.m., WSHS Commons)
• 10: No School (Professional Development Day)
• 15: School Day SAT and PSAT (8:30–11:20 a.m., with Advisory Teacher)
• 16: Healthy Youth Survey (10th and 12th Grades)
• 16: PTSA Board Meeting (6–8 p.m., WSHS Library and Join the PTSA Board Meeting via Zoom)
• 21: Picture Retake Day

Tuesday, September 30, 6 p.m., Join the Youth Substance Use and Homecoming via Zoom

Join Westside HEY for an important presentation by SPS Healthy Schools Coordinator, Lynnet Mitchell. This session aims to help parents and caregivers understand the realities of youth substance use, especially opioids and fentanyl, how to recognize signs of overdose, and how to use Narcan (naloxone) to potentially save a life.

You will learn about other resources available through your school and community. It will also offer practical guidance on setting healthy boundaries that foster trust and respect, as well as tips for discussing difficult topics like peer pressure, relationships, and risky behaviors in an open, non-confrontational manner.

Tuesday, September 30, 7 p.m., WSHS Commons

Is your student interested in study abroad next summer? CIEE is a nonprofit study abroad and intercultural exchange organization. The High School Summer Abroad program allows students to experience a summer of language immersion, art courses, STEM courses, service-learning, and other topics in one of 40 destinations. Scholarships are available. Last year, WSHS students earned $62,000 in scholarships and we had 52 students go abroad to 22 locations! Questions? Please contact teacher Meghan Schumacher mkschumacher@seattleschools.org.

Students who start their applications via a referral code from a previous participant will receive $200 off their program fees. Read student testimonials and get a referral code.

Tuesday, October 7, 6:30–8 p.m., WSHS Care Center (Room 129), RSVP for Parent to Parent (P@P) Support Group

We are excited to announce the launch of our Parent to Parent Support Group, a welcoming space for parents of high school students to come together, share experiences, and support one another through the rewarding and sometimes challenging high school years. This group will meet on the first Tuesday of every month. Dinner will be provided. Facilitated by Crissa Parsley, WSHS Social Worker, and Amie DeWolf, Westside HEY Coalition Coordinator.

Thursday, October 9, 6:30–8 p.m., WSHS Commons

This is a chance for parents and guardians to go through your student’s class schedule. During each period, teachers will introduce their course and share classroom expectations. You will also be able to connect with administrators, counselors and other school support staff; purchase spirit gear; join the WSHS PTSA; and complete the SPS Volunteer Application.

Tuesday, October 16

West Seattle High School will be administering the Healthy Youth Survey (HYS) to all 10th and 12th graders in their ELA Classes. Communities, districts, schools, and public health agencies use survey results to inform policies and programs designed to support youth well-being. Participation in the survey is voluntary and steps are taken to ensure student privacy. Parents/Guardians can review the 2025 HYS Survey Questionnaires. Parents/Guardians who do not want their student to participate in the survey must notify the WSHS main office by Friday, October 10.

On the same day, randomly selected 9th and 11th graders will receive the Youth Risk Behavior Survey. Parents/Guardians can review the 2025 YRBS National High School Questionnaire. Parents/Guardians who do not want their student to participate in the survey must notify the WSHS main office by Friday, October 10.

Registration and Payment Due Friday, October 31, 5 p.m.

The 2026 AP Exams will be administered in school during the weeks of May 4–8 and May 11–15, 2026. Please visit the College Board website for exam dates. SPS students who wish to take AP exams must register and pay to take the exam(s) by October 31.

• Your student's AP teacher will provide the unique code to register for the exam online.
• The fee is $125 per exam (students approved for free and reduced lunch pay $20 per exam).
• AP Fees Debit/Credit Care payments need to be made through SchoolPay.
• Unused or canceled exams will incur a fee.

Apply for Child Nutrition Eligibility and Education Benefits Online or Submit the Paper Application

We encourage all eligible families to submit a new application for free and reduced-price meals at the start of each school year. If your student is already receiving free and reduced-price meals, you still need to renew prior to October 31. 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 more. For details, including eligibility requirements and translations into other languages, visit Student Meal Programs at SPS.

Applications Due Wednesday, October 1, 4 p.m.

The WSHS National Honor Society (NHS) chapter is accepting applications for the 2025-2026 school year. The NHS is a prominent high school organization that recognizes and honors students for their academic performance, contributions to community service, leadership roles, and personal integrity. NHS is open to 10th–12th grade students. Applicants must have a 3.5 and above GPA and members must reapply every year. Members will meet monthly and participate in service events around our school and community. Links to application are available in Advisory and posters in school.

Saturday, October 4, 8–11 pm, Fisher Pavilion (305 Harrison Street), Purchase Homecoming Dance Tickets

Ticket includes a professional DJ, professional photo booth pictures, light snacks and drinks. See complete Homecoming Dance details.

Wednesday, October 15, 8:30–11:20 a.m., in 11th and 12th Grade Advisory Classes

WSHS seniors will take the SAT and juniors will take the PSAT. Students are automatically registered for the school-day test, and the test is free.

• Students must create a free College Board account.
• Check out the College Board website for free test prep resources.
• Download Bluebook app before test day.

• Bring the SPS-issued device and charger. Laptop should be fully charged and updated.

• Arrive on time for 8:30 a.m. check-in.

There will be a Special Bell Schedule on Wednesday, October 15, to accommodate the School-Day SAT & PSAT.

• Freshmen: Report to the Theater
• Sophomores: Report to the Gym
• Upperclassmen not testing: Supervised self-directed study hall in the Commons

Friday, October 17

Juniors with pre-approved college board accommodations, Running Start students, and students without Advisory will test on this alternate date.

• Seniors: SAT, 8:30–11:30 a.m., WSHS Library
• Juniors: Accommodated PSAT, 8:30 a.m.–1 p.m., WSHS Library

• Juniors: PSAT, 12:30–3:30 p.m., WSHS Library

Tuesday, October 7
Counselors will visit juniors in their Language Arts classes to advise them on beginning the college application process to help them get a jump start for senior year.

Saturday, October 18, 12–4 p.m., Seattle Convention Center, Free, Sign up for NACAC National College Fair

Admission representatives from hundreds of colleges and universities from the US and abroad will be available to talk with your student! Attendees should download the mobile app to view the fair schedule, use the fair map, and take notes about college booth visits.

Thursday, November 6, 6 p.m., WSHS Library

Save the date! In collaboration with the WSHS PTSA, counselors will advise parents on navigating the college application process.

Students can book an appointment with their assigned school counselor below.

• 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.

Cross Country, Football, Golf, Girls Soccer, Girls Swim & Dive, Girls Volleyball, Cheer

Visit the Metro League website for schedules, scores, and standings.

Ultimate Frisbee is a club sport: HS Bx School Team Schedule.

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 president@wshsptsa.com. Be a part of making WSHS the school community you want!

After you become a member, take this survey to let us know how you'd like to get involved.

Thursday, October 16, 6-8 p.m., WSHS Library or Join the PTSA Board meeting via Zoom

All current PTSA members are welcome!

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.

Interested in helping us plan the party? Join the PTSA Fall Fundraiser Planning Meetings via Zoom:

• Join the Tuesday, September 30, 7 p.m. meeting.
• Join the Tuesday, October 14, 7p.m. meeting
• Join the Tuesday, October 28, 7 p.m. meeting.

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.

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

Saturday, September 27, 1 p.m., Join the Superintendent Search Community Engagement via Zoom

Join the SPS Board Directors at a virtual community engagement session to learn about the Superintendent Leadership Profile and ask questions about the search process. Interpretation will be available in ASL, Amharic, Chinese, Somali, Spanish and Vietnamese. More information about Superintendent Search.

Additional meetings will be focused on specific communities, but anyone is welcome to attend.

• Monday, September 29, 5 p.m., via Zoom - አማርኛ

• Monday, September 29, 7 p.m., via Zoom - tiếng việt
• Tuesday, September 30, 5:30 p.m., via Zoom - Native American Community
• Tuesday, September 30, 7 p.m., via Zoom - español
• Thursday, October 2, 8 p.m., via Zoom - 中文
• Saturday, October 4, 2:30 p.m., via Zoom - Af Soomaali

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.

SPS is implementing a two-lunch schedule at all comprehensive high schools. We understand this is causing questions and concerns for students, families, and staff. To provide clarification, the district has compiled a FAQ to help provide reasons behind the decision and what to expect moving forward.

SPS affirms and supports our students and staff from all faith backgrounds. As a reminder, students and staff may request religious accommodations if needed. In order for students to be granted a religious accommodation, the student’s parent or guardian must submit a written request to the principal of the student’s school. Students who are excused from class as a religious accommodation must have an opportunity to make up any work, assignment or test missed as a result of the absence. Please refer to the Guidance Regarding Religion and Religious Accommodations.

SPS is partnering with the Seattle Visiting Nurse Association (SVNA) to provide flu and COVID vaccine clinics for the public. Find a date and location that is convenient for you and your family.

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.