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Kang Crier
Oct. 2, 2013
Issue No. 3
LWHS PTSA Newslettertop
In This Issue
Quick Links
Upcoming Events
  
PSAT Registration for Juniors
Monday, Sept. 30th - Friday, Oct. 11th
Senior Parent Night - Info on Applying to Colleges
Wednesday, October 9th, 6:30 - 8:30 pm in the PAC
PSAT Given at LWHS - for Sophomores & Jrs. 
Wednesday, October 16th
Homecoming Game vs. Interlake

Friday, October 18th, 7 pm
Homcoming Dance
Saturday, October 19th, 8:30 - 11 pm, LWHS Commons
Fitness Assessment for Graduation Requirement
Monday, October 28th, 3:30 - 6:30 pm, LWSD Resource Center
Senior Photos and Quotes Due
Wednesday, October 30th


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Letter from Principal Christina Thomas 
Including Fitness Graduation Requirement Information
  
Dear Parents:

 

It is hard to believe we have come to the end of the first month of school. We continue to implement student programs to provide a safe learning environment. On September 27th, students heard from Michael Smith, a motivational speaker on the topic of "Being Kind". Michael also met with small groups of students throughout the day.

 

On October 16th,  the PSAT will be administered to all sophomores and registered juniors. Registration began on September 30th for juniors who want to take the test. All students will attend school that day. Seniors will complete their graduation requirement around high school and beyond planning. Freshman will be learning about internet safety, drug/alcohol awareness, and how to succeed in high school.

 

As you know, to earn a high school diploma, students must earn two Health and Fitness credits. One half credit is met by a course covering the essential academic learning requirements in Health. One and a half credits, the Fitness portion of the requirement, are met by course work in Physical Education. However, a student may demonstrate proficiency/competency in the knowledge portion of the Fitness requirement through participation in a district-approved and administered assessment.

 

The Knowledge Portion of the fitness graduation requirement will be offered to students beginning in the students' 11th grade school year. Students will have five opportunities to take the assessment before their graduation date. In 11th grade, students may take the assessment up to twice, the first two dates it is offered. Students in 12th grade may take it up to three times. The assessment will be offered by LWSD fitness teachers at the Resource Center, 16250 NE 74th St., Redmond, WA. This school year, the assessment schedule is as follows:

 

Date and Time

Location

Eligible Students

October 28, 3:30-6:30 p.m.

LWSD Resource Center

Board Room

11th and 12th Graders

December 11, 1:30-4:30 p.m.

Note: this is on an early-release Wednesday

LWSD Resource Center

Board Room

11th and 12th Graders

March 18, 3:30-6:30 p.m.

LWSD Resource Center

Board Room

12th Graders ONLY

 

Students can register for the assessments on the LWSD portal or website. Students should also download the Study Guide from the portal and study it. Data from last year's assessments shows that students who use the Study Guide, and spend a fair amount of time studying, pass the assessment.

 

If you are wondering about the ever-changing state graduation requirements, here is a resource.

  

I hope to see you at an LWHS event soon.

 

Sincerely,

Christina Thomas, Principal

 

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Senior Parent Night - Info on College Application Process
Confused about the college application process? If so, mark your calendar to attend our Senior Parent Night on Wednesday, October 9th from 6:30-8 pm in the LWHS Performing Arts Center. The presentation will last 1 hour, and there will be an opportunity for parents to ask questions afterwards. This parent presentation is the same presentation that seniors will hear on October 16th during their rotation schedule.
 
PTSA News

graduation party
4th Annual LWHS Senior Party Auction
Fundraiser to benefit Class of 2014 Senior All Night Party
Live and Silent Auction

Friday, November 22nd, 6:00 - 9:30 PM 

Kirkland Women's Club, 407 First Street, Kirkland, WA 98033

$25 per ticket includes:
Auction entry and food & wine, including dessert

Funds raised will cover the cost of transportation for the party, and support a scholarship fund for students who would otherwise not be able to attend. Invite your friends and neighbors too - it's not just for senior parents.

For Tickets & RSVP Information, email: Joyce Kato.
To help or donate, email: Carol Cowherd.

For the Auction Flyer click here.
For a Donation Form click here.

Pass the Pouch Collects Over $14K!

 

Thank you to everyone who donated to Pass the Pouch this year! As of September 23, we have collected $14,470! With estimated matching funds, we will surpass our combined goal of 18K with ease.

 

Thanks to your generous donations, we will be able to provide the grants, scholarships, and programs that have become the hallmark of the LWHS PTSA. 

 

Every dollar counts so please remember to fill out your company's matching funds request. If you are not sure if they have a matching program, contact your Human Resources department.
  

Membership Report - Join Online
Membership received a great boost of over 100 new or renewed members after Curriculum night.  Thank you! We are off to a very strong start for the year. We encourage all LWHS families to join. The benefits to the school and students will only increase with more members. Remember that you can join online this year for as little as $16 for an individual member. It is quick and easy. You are able to join at any time in the year, but we'd love to have you join now, so that the PTSA can make maximum use of the dues for our students. Again, thank you! 

 

To join online, simply go to the LWHS PTSA website and click on the "Join PTSA/Pass the Pouch" icon on the left side of the screen. Thank you for joining the PTSA.

 

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LWHS News & Activities

Thank You Parent Volunteers!
On September 17 our yearbook staff enjoyed a wonderfully motivational and informative day of training in photography, design, journalistic technique, and writing. Thank you to our generous chaperones Tavia Blume, Shannon Beauclaire, and Ana Johnson for making this opportunity possible.

 

Our visual arts students are frequently in need of errand-runners to pick up photo reference work from the district print center, which we use in our compositional decision-making process. We appreciate the fast action of both Christiane Grove and Susan McClung for dropping everything and going to pick up prints for us.

 

Dawn Wyatt

LW Visual Arts and Yearbook

Loyalty News
Loyalty Visits Tent City

Loyalty, a community service group for LW seniors, served dinner to Tent City Three at Redwood Family Church on Wednesday, September 25th. The event was organized by Robin Cosbey and Jillian Donahue; 16 other LW seniors were there serving spaghetti as well! Tent City Three has roughly 100 residents and has been there since June 2013; they are looking to move to a new location by the middle of October. The residents were very grateful for a hot meal and their food coordinator, Mandy, told Loyalty that events like this really boost community morale! They have had many diverse groups sign up to help them, but Mandy said high school groups are not the typical group they see. Way to go, Kangs!!!

 

Pictured to the right are Amanda Levine, Daniel Bou, Hannah Cassidy, Jessica Truong, Katie Melanson, Lia Carstens, Manon Debuire, Michelle Tryon, Nic Chu, Robin Cosbey, Sami Wilmot, Vanessa Khauv, Elean Herting, Jillian Donahoe and Tristan Jimenez. Not pictured are Chloe Burns, Tarah Fekri, John Lyon, Mrs. Byrne and Ms. Roger.

 

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News from the LW Physical Education/Health Department

  
The following students have been selected by their Physical Education/Health teachers as Students of the Month for September 2013. During this time these students have excelled in their participation in unit/class activities, displayed pride in their fitness and skill development, and have served as role models for others in their physical education/health class. 
 

Congratulations!

Sarah Wingard

Josh Goodwin

Cole Gear

Amanda Dagel

Corinna Miller 

Lucas Mathews

Charlie Vu

Emma Wehrman

Elizabeth Hathaway

 

  
Open Gym
  
Open gym for all LWHS students on:
  

October 2 - 1pm - 3pm

October 3 - 3pm - 4:30pm

October 6 - 11am - 2:30pm

October 9 - 1pm - 3pm

October 10 - 3pm - 4:30pm

October 13 - 11am - 2:30pm

October 16 - 1pm - 3pm

October 17 - 3pm - 4:30pm

October 20 - 11am - 2:30pm

October 23 - 1pm - 3pm

October 24 - 3pm - 4:30pm

October 27 - 11am - 2:30pm

October 30 - 1pm - 3pm

October 31 - 3pm - 4:30pm

November 3 - 11am - 3pm

November 6 - 1pm - 3pm

November 7 - 3pm - 4:30pm

   

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Candy Sales to Support LW Music Department

 

Members of the LW award-winning bands, choirs and orchestra are on their way to the Heritage Festival in California this May. You can help the students meet the $750 cost of the trip by participating in their fundraiser.

 

Like candy? Your LW music department members are selling World's Finest Chocolate bars for only $1 through October 31. With 5 different flavors to choose from, there is something for everyone! And there is a $2 Adult Regal Cinema coupon on the back! Can we say holiday gifts?

  

Watch your Kang Crier for another great opportunity coming in late October / early November - wreathes, Christmas trees, poinsettias, and more for your holiday decorating. Your purchase greatly helps the students (and their parents) offset the cost of the trip.

 
Need info? Contact Kathleen Shipman.
England, Ireland & Science

Interested in traveling to England & Ireland next summer? Mr. Palmer is leading a science-themed trip to the UK in July of 2014.  For more information, check out the trip website. The trip is primarily for LW students but adults and other students may be considered, as there must be a minimum number of participants for this trip to take place. If interested, or even curious, please contact Cindy Blair.

 

Counseling Center

PSAT Testing for Sophomores and Juniors - Wed. Oct. 16th, 8am

Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test

Thpsate PSAT is given once a year; this year it is on Wednesday, October 16th at 8am at LWHS. This junior-level, pre-college test measures critical reading, mathematical reasoning, and writing skills. It focuses on critical thinking skills that are important for college success.  

 

Sophomores -  are required by the district to take the PSAT as practice. Sophomores  are automatically registered and there is no test fee. 

 

JuniorsRegister to take the PSAT between September 30th and October 11th by paying $15 to Ms. Ronbeck, our bookkeeper. Students will be given a booklet when they register that will provide information about the test. Students are encouraged to review the booklet so they feel better prepared. Those juniors who are not taking the PSAT will take the ASVAB here at school.

 

Students will be reminded through homeroom and on the LWHS web page.

Upcoming SAT and ACT Test Dates for 2013

Upcoming test dates for the SAT are: 

Oct. 5th (registration deadline was Sept. 6th) 

November 2nd (registration deadline is Oct. 3rd)

 

Upcoming test dates for the ACT are:

Oct. 26th (registration deadline was Sept. 27th)

Dec. 14th (registration deadline is Nov. 8th)

 

For more test dates, visit the Career Center page on the LWHS website. 

SAT Prep, Inc. Offers SAT Classes at LWHS
SAT Prep, Inc., offers an excellent opportunity for students to prepare for the SAT. The SAT PREP COURSE provides dynamic classroom-based instruction at the high schools and is taught by experienced high school teachers. For more information about the course, and practice tests, click here.
 
The SAT Prep Course - 6 sessions including textbook and all materials: $329 
 

 

Work Credit for Your Student!
If your student has completed, or is currently enrolled in an Occupational Education class, and has a job, they may earn an additional .5 credit with an A grade for every 180 hours they work during the school year. They can do this up to 2 credits during their high school years; that's a potential of four As towards their GPA!  If your student qualifies, have them contact Mrs. Madsen, in the Career Center.

Information for Seniors & Senior Parents

Deadline for Senior Photos Approaching - Oct. 30th
yearbookOur goal is to create a book that represents all aspects of the LW experience and we need everybody's help. If you would like to be quoted or featured, share your photos, or participate in weekly polls, get more information here.

Cost is $60 when you pre-order by January 16th, 2014. Price rises to $70 after that date.

The deadline for Senior Photos and Senior Quotes is October 30th. Senior Baby Ads are due by December 11th.

Visit our yearbook page on the LWHS website for more information and uploading instructions.
  
College and Career Center News
Scholarships, College Visits and College Fair

Finding Scholarships  

 

Let the College and Career Center help you begin your search for scholarships. Complete the Senior Scholarship Application Today!

  scholarship money

To see what kinds of scholarships are available, check the weekly scholarship bulletin, found in the College and Career Center. Download the form or pick up the application in the College and Career Center. The deadline date is November 15, 2013.

 

Upcoming College Visits to LWHS
Many colleges and universities are scheduled to visit LWHS to meet with students who would be interested in talking with them about their prospective campus and programs. For a schedule of schools coming to LWHS visit the Career Center page on the LWHS website.
National College Fair Comes to Seattle
  

Free and open to the public, National College Fairs allow students to interact college representatives from a wide range of post-secondary institutions.

 

Friday, November 8th, 12-4pm

Saturday, November 9th, 9am-12pm

 

Washington State Convention & Trade Center, Seattle

 

Register before the fair to make the most of your time.
Senior Culminating Projects

As Seniors are completing their Culminating Projects, the LWHS website is a valuable resource to provide guidance, helpful tips, and due dates for each portion of the project. This information can be found under the Academics tab, Culminating Projects. Answers to many common questions, many sample documents, guidelines for proposals, requirements, and useful handouts can be found here.

  
Lake Washington School District News

LWSD Anti-Bullying Advisory Committee
Parent representatives are needed for a new advisory committee focusing on bullying prevention. The Anti-Bullying Advisory Committee (A-BAC) will consist of students, parents, teachers, administrators, and community members from LWSD. Monthly meetings will be held on Thursdays from 4:00-6:00 PM in the Board Room, LWSD Resource Center, according to the following schedule:  October 17, November 21, December 19, January 23, February 27, March 27, April 24 and May 22.

If you are interested in joining this advisory, please send an email to Ken Lyon, HIB Compliance Officer, [email protected]. Everyone is welcome to be involved.

LWPTSA Council has created a new chairperson position to liaison with A-BAC. All interested parents are invited, regardless of whether they represent a specific school PTSA, or they just have an interest. 

Cyber Safety and Social Media Risks
LWPTSA Council and LWSD Sponsor a Program for Elementary Parents

With more affordable smart phones and the growth of social media like Facebook and Twitter, everyone is getting connected. Yes, it is exciting but how do you protect your children when they participate? Not just from predators but from bad decisions that can impact their lives for years to come? How do you even talk to them about it, let alone understand it?  

 

This lively presentation by veteran presenter and attorney Charles Leitch will focus on how to approach the use of technology with our young people, to understand the current risks posed from technology and social media like Facebook and Twitter, and ideas on how to approach these issues with your child and to engage in a meaningful discussion. Safe practices and supervision will be reviewed as well as the role of schools and the legal limits they currently face. A primary goal will be greater understanding and empowerment as a parent, in an age when young people seem to embrace technology better than adults, and limits can be hard to establish, let alone enforce. Come join us.

 

                                October 3 - Alcott Elementary (Redmond)

                                October 17 - Peter Kirk Elementary (Kirkland)

                                October 24 - Redmond Elementary (Redmond)

 

Presentations are free of charge and held from 7-9pm, including a 30-minute Q & A.  Parents are welcome to attend any of the presentations. For more information, click here for the informational flyer.
 
 

Washington State PTSA News

 The Child Advocate
 

The September issue of Washington State PTA's parent engagement publication, The Child Advocate, is now available online. This issue provides articles on how to use your PTA experience for career advancement, tips for volunteering in the classroom, parenting for school success, establishing balance in after-school activities, helping kids adapt to the new school year, and back-to-school safety topics. Read the September issue here.

 

Community News

Host an Italian student and your child will be invited to Italy!
  
Ergon, an Italian-based organization and partner with NorthWest Student Exchange, is looking for families to host a 16 or 17-year-old Italian exchange student for next spring semester or school year. The Italian families
are in turn happy to host your child during summer vacations, and we sponsor the flight!
  
Ergon specializes in a rigorous selection process, insuring that participating students are responsible, motivated and proficient in English. We carefully match students with host families. The students are fully insured and arrive with pocket money for all expenses, including recreational activities and vacations.
  
Several of our Italian students have attended Mercer Island, Skyline, Bothell, Roosevelt, Garfield, Ballard, and Nathan Hale high schools with excellent experiences for students and families alike. Past and present host families are our best references and they will be happy to share their experience with you.
  
Exchanges offer the opportunity to experience a different culture and build international bridges through friendships and knowledge. For further information, please email Denise Trogdon, Seattle coordinator, at [email protected].

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The Lake Washington School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, gender, marital status, creed, religion, honorably discharged veteran, military status, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability, in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.bottomofpage