What's Up, Westside!

• 30: Red Cross Club Blood Drive (Register for the Blood Drive)
• 30: Talent Show (7 p.m., WSHS Theater, Purchase Talent Show Tickets)

May

• 1: Naramore Art Show Reception and Teen Night Out (6 p.m., Seattle Art Museum)
• 4–8: Teacher Appreciation Week (Volunteer for Teacher Appreciation Week)
• 4–21: AP Exams
• 5: Cap and Gown Distribution (During Lunch, 12:05-1:40 p.m.)
• 13: Golden Apple and Golden Acorn Awards Nominations Due (Submit a Nomination)
• 17: West Seattle 5K (Alki Beach, Register for the West Seattle 5K)
• 21: Senior Awards Night (6 p.m.)
• 31: Paddle Battle Pickleball Tournament (SWAC Tennis Courts, Register for the Pickleball Tournament)

WSHS Model UN students attended the King County Model United Nations Conference last weekend. Congratulations to Lars Norman, who won an Outstanding Delegate award! Model UN is a simulation of the UN General Assembly and its other multilateral bodies where students debate current events.

The WSHS Technology Student Association competed at the Washington TSA State Conference in Spokane last week. TSA aims to prepare students for careers in a technology-driven economy and culture.

Wednesday–Sunday, Through May 31, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Seattle Art Museum

The Naramore Art Show celebrates over 200 works of art by students in SPS middle and high schools, including WSHS students' contributions in ceramics, mixed media, painting, and photography. The FREE live exhibition runs until May 31 at the Seattle Art Museum. The virtual exhibition will be available online through the end of the school year. There will be a Celebratory Reception followed by Teen Night Out on Friday, May 1, starting at 6 p.m. Support our student artists!

May 4–8, Volunteer for Teacher Appreciation Week

The PTSA is hosting a Staff Appreciation Lunch for our wonderful WSHS staff on Wednesday, May 6. Please sign up to donate your favorite salads and desserts for staff to enjoy. We are also need a few volunteers to help with lunch set-up and clean-up. Let’s show our amazing WSHS educators how much we love and appreciate them for all they do for our students and families!

We will also need a couple of volunteers to set up a Coffee & Breakfast Bar on Tuesday, May 5, to give staff an extra caffeine boost to start their day. Please sign up to be a barista at the WSHS Cafe if you are able.

Deadline to Nominate is Wednesday, May 13, Submit a Nomination

Every year, the WSHS PTSA recognizes individuals for their contributions to our students and school community with the Golden Apple and Golden Acorn awards. The Golden Apple is presented to an outstanding educator who has gone beyond the normal expectations of their job to make the learning environment fun, beneficial and challenging. The Golden Acorn is presented to a volunteer in recognition of their dedication and service to children and youth.

Sunday, May 17, Alki Beach, Register for the West Seattle 5K

The West Seattle 5K registration is open now! Grab your spot and invite a friend! 100% of the proceeds from this annual event benefit WSHS students and staff. Not looking to run or walk but still want to join in the fun? Volunteer to be part of this great community event. Rain or shine, hope to see you all on May 17!

Sunday, May 31, SWAC Tennis Courts, Register for the Pickleball Tournament

Join the West Seattle Booster Club’s 2nd annual Paddle Battle Pickleball Tournament, proudly presented by Murder Hornet Hot Sauce! This fun-filled event supports our school athletics programs, and everyone’s invited—students, families, and community members alike. Want to be a sponsor? Contact hello@wsbooster.com

Tuesday, June 2, 6:30 p.m., Purchase Mariners Tickets

Support WSHS Baseball as the Mariners take on the Mets! Ticket sales from this fundraiser directly fund the WSHS Baseball program and help secure West Seattle’s spot in the annual Mariners Baseball Classic. Each year, only 20 high school programs across the region are invited to participate in the Mariners Baseball Classic, an opportunity that allows student-athletes to play on an MLB field and the community to watch for free. West Seattle was one of the first schools ever included, and staying in the Classic is something our players must earn every year. Tickets are $30 for 100 level and $20 for 300 level. Let’s fill the stands in blue and show the Mariners what West Seattle support looks like. See you at T-Mobile Park.

Thursday, April 30, 7 p.m., WSHS Theater, Purchase Talent Show Tickets

All are invited to the annual student talent show! Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students, online or at the door.

May 4–May 21

• Students taking standard AP Exams arrive together and leave together. No early dismissals or late arrivals will be permitted.

• Students with preapproved accommodations will test in a separate location.

• All students should check AP Classroom make note of your exam date and time.

AP Exam Terms and Conditions

Students taking AP Exams must accept the terms and conditions for each exam. The 2026 AP Exam Terms and Conditions are available for review.

Bluebook Digital Testing

Bluebook is a new digital testing application that makes test day easier and faster for students and proctors. Students must download the secure testing application to their district laptop prior to exam day. Students will need to sign in to Bluebook using their College Board username and password.

Class of 2026, check the Senior News page frequently for news and upcoming deadlines.

The Seattle Skills Center summer application is open now for all incoming 9th–12th grade students. The free summer Skills Center classes are introductory versions of what is typically offered during the school year and provide students the chance to earn a 0.5 CTE credit while exploring college and career options. More information, as well as course descriptions and the application.

Key Registration Information

• Summer and Fall registration opens May 19th for all (new and returning) Running Start students.

• New students should follow the steps to enroll on our Get Started page.

• The college does not have a deadline for submitting enrollment packets, but we encourage students to submit packets prior to summer break for best class availability.

• IMPORTANT: Students should not complete the directed self-placement (DSP) tools until they receive a ctcLink ID. Entering a phone number in lieu of the ctcLink ID means their placement results do not get recorded.

• All new students will still be required to meet with a college advisor prior to registering for their first quarter.

Prospective Student/Family Information Sessions

South Seattle College is hosting virtual and on-campus information sessions.

• Check out the Upcoming Events Page

• Students should RSVP using the following Microsoft Form

Teen Night Out: Sunken Soirée (Free)
May 1 | 7–10 PM | Free with RSVP | Ages 14–19
A for-teens-by teens event at SAM with art making, music, and a creative, welcoming environment.

Students can RSVP for Teen Night Out here

Design Your Neighborhood (DYN) (Paid)

Runs August 4th -August 21th, 2026

• For students in grades 10–12
• Paid opportunity
• 3-week program working with local artists/designers
• Students create a real project for a Seattle site

Students can apply for DYN here

Teen Arts Group (TAG) (Paid)

Runs Oct 2026–May 2027

• For students in grades 10–12
• Paid opportunity or a service-learning credit
• Focus on art making, leadership, and community

Students can apply for TAG here
Applications opened 4/20 and will close May 31.

Are you looking for summer camps, internships, college classes, or other programs to help enhance your summer? Check out your options here.

There are several scholarship opportunities available through various agencies and community organizations to help cover the cost of summer camp or summer classes (including drivers ed).

These resources are intended to support families who may not be able to afford the full cost of camp fees, helping ensure more children have the opportunity to attend camp, build skills, and enjoy a fun summer experience.

We encourage families who may be interested to look into these opportunities as early as possible, as availability and deadlines may vary.

• Parks Scholarships 2025
• YMCA Financial Assistance
• Assistance League Enrichment Scholarship Application

• Erica Nguyen: Last Names A–El: etnguyen@seattleschools.org
• Kinsey Hedeen: Last Names Em–Leb: krhedeen@seattleschools.org
• Mallory Neuman: Last Names Lee–Pi: mlneuman@seattleschools.org
• Christine Nutters: Last Names Po–Z: canutters@seattleschools.org
• Seattle Promise: Book an appointment with Rony Nunez-Alvarez

Tuesday, May 12, 6–8 p.m., Via Zoom, Register for "Kids Do Well If They Can"

The Seattle Special Education PTSA is hosting a free webinar with Dr. Ross Greene on Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS)—a trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming, and state-endorsed approach. Dr. Greene will be discussing his new book and how CPS can support Seattle public school students with academic or behavioral challenges and provide their educators and families with practical strategies for success. Families, students, educators, school leaders, and district staff are welcome. ASL and Spanish interpretation will be provided. Share your student’s experiences or questions ahead of time.

Thursday, June 4, 6–8 p.m. in the WSHS Library and Online

Please mark your calendars for the final PTSA General Membership Meeting! This meeting is open to the entire WSHS community. You do not have to be a current PTSA member to attend.

The WSHS PTSA is creating a Nominations Committee to find candidates for key board roles, including president and co-treasurer, for the 2026–2027 school year. Any PTSA member can be part of the Nominating Committee, which will meet and share its recommendations in time for the election of new executive board members in May. Job descriptions for the WSHS PTSA executive board positions are available.

Interested? Please view the Washington State PTA Nominating Committee Guide (summary).

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!

Nominations Close Friday, May 1, Nominate an Educator

Who’s the heartbeat of your school? Every school has that person — the one who shows up early, stays late, lifts others up, and somehow makes everything run smoother. The SPS All‑Stars Most Valuable Educator Award honors the principal, teacher, or support staff member who goes above and beyond every single day — the backbone of their school community and the heart and soul of the work.

April 23–26, Seattle Center

The Seattle/King County Clinic offers Free medical, dental, and vision care to anyone in the region who struggles to access or afford healthcare. More than 100 community organizations and thousands of volunteers make the four-day clinic possible each year. Patients can get services each day on a first-come, first-served basis. All services and procedures are provided free of charge by licensed healthcare professionals. Interpretation services are available, and patients do not need to show identification or proof of immigration status. Learn more about Seattle King County Free Clinic.

The SW Seattle Youth Alliance, a school and community coalition formed to address youth substance misuse in Southwest Seattle, would like your help in learning more about community concerns related to drugs and alcohol. This survey asks about one’s perceptions of drug, tobacco, and alcohol use and abuse in youth and in the community. The data from these surveys will be used to implement evidence-based prevention programs in middle and high schools in the community. Adults ages 18 and over, who live, work, or frequent the Southwest Seattle area are eligible to take this survey.

• Survey in English
• Survey in Spanish/Español

• 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.