lwhs

Kang Crier
Oct. 16, 2013
Issue No. 4
LWHS PTSA Newslettertop
In This Issue
Quick Links
Upcoming Events
  
PSAT Given at LWHS - for Sophomores & Jrs. 
Wednesday, October 16th
No School - LEAP Day Friday, October 18th
Homecoming Game vs. Interlake
Friday, October 18th, 7 pm
Homecoming Dance
Saturday, October 19th, 8:30 - 11 pm, LWHS Commons
Fall Band Concert
Wednesday, October 23rd, 7pm, LWHS PAC Theater
Student Club Fair
Friday, October 25th, A-,B-,C-Lunch periods
Assessment for the Knowledge Portion of the Fitness Graduation Requirement (read more)
Monday, October 28th, 3:30 - 6:30 pm, LWSD Resource Ctr.
Honor Society Induction
Monday, October 28th, LWHS PAC Theater
Senior Photos and Quotes Due
Wednesday, October 30th
Fall Orchestra and Choir Concert
Wednesday, October 30th, 7pm, LWHS PAC Theater
Senior Cap and Gown Ordering
Thursday, October 31st & Friday, November 1st, Lunch time
Fall One-Act Plays
Friday & Saturday, Nov. 1st &  2nd, 7 pm, LWHS PAC
Reflections Entries Due
Monday, November 4th

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Letter from Julie Peterson, LWHS PTSA President
ptsa

It is Homecoming weekend and Fall is in the air. Are your teens riding on a party bus to the dance? Don't miss the article in this issue on underage drinking and party buses - arm yourself with the information to help your teen make the right decisions.

 

Please let us know how you think your PTSA is doing - do you like our new website? Do you like the Kang Crier bi-monthly schedule? We need your feedback!

 

Want to volunteer? We still have lots of opportunities available including nominating committee, scholarship committee, financial review and more. Many jobs take just a few hours but they all help make our school a better place for teachers and students. Sign up online on our PTSA website (www.LWHSPTSA.org) or email me with questions.

 

Looking for another way you can help? Check the teacher wish list on the LWHS website - sometimes a few boxes of Kleenex can make all the difference.

 

Our PTSA is 438 members strong.We have already surpassed our membership of 408 last year.  Your PTSA membership entitles you to a school directory, the right to vote on PTSA business and the satisfaction that you are joining millions of other parents concerned with the health, education and welfare of all students. There is no better way to be part of the improvement of your child's school than to join PTSA! You can now join online on our website.

 

I would love to meet every one of our members at a General Membership meeting. Please join me for our next meeting on November 20th at 6:30pm in the library. Our Parent Education program will be a presentation on the school levy and bond issues. Come and find out what you are voting on in February.

 

I hope to see you there!

 

Julie Peterson

President, LWHS PTSA

 

PTSA News

Party Buses - Know Before They go
Is your teen riding on a Homecoming party bus this weekend? Using a party bus for transportation can be a fun alternative, but underage drinking on the buses has become a serious problem.

 

Ask yourself these questions: 

  • Does your teen know the risks and possible consequences of underage drinking?
  • Are you sure there is no alcohol on the bus, or being consumed?
  • Does your teen know everyone who will be on the bus?
  • Do you know the parents involved? 
  • If they plan to attend an after party, will parents be there?
  • Will alcohol be served at the after party?

Here are some facts and resources you can use:

 

According to Mothers against Drunk Driving, underage drinking is among the worst dangers your child will face. Whether teens are experimenting with beer, wine, or other liquor, alcohol presents a serious, and potentially deadly, threat.  

 

Compared with non-drinking classmates, teens that drink are more likely to:

  • Die in a car crash
  • Get pregnant
  • Flunk school
  • Be sexually assaulted
  • Become an alcoholic later in life
  • Take their own life through suicide

The longer your child waits to start drinking, the safer he or she will stay. Read more from MADD.

 

Risks if a teen is caught with alcohol:

  • Getting a Minor in Possession or a Minor in Consumption
  • Getting suspended from school for 45 days
  • Getting kicked off your school's athletic team
  • Having it on your record - which can affect your chances of going to college and more

According to LWHS Officer King:

If these violations occur en route to, at, or immediately after a school function (such as the Homecoming game or dance) the student is also subject to school discipline to include a 45 day suspension and a mandatory drug/alcohol assessment at the family's expense.

 

Any legitimate "Party Bus" is not likely to risk their business license, commercial driver's license and jail time by knowingly allowing this to occur on their bus. If it does, they have the right to cancel your contract. Last year a busload of students was ejected from their bus, in Seattle, about 1 hour into their 4 hour rental, without a refund, because the liquor violation constituted a breach of the contractual agreement. A few kids on the bus cost everybody else their rental money, and they all missed the dance as they were stranded in Seattle. The driver got to go home early with his full pay.

 

Some parents think the answer is to serve alcohol to the kids at home - think again!

Any parent found to have furnished said liquor to a minor would be in violation of RCW 66.44.270(1), a gross-misdemeanor (up to one year jail and $5K fine). This may also apply to any "Real Property Owner" upon whose premises underage drinking is occurring. The property owner, whether home or not, can be held accountable for this gross-misdemeanor offense as the property was left unsupervised (e.g. by a neighbor, grandparent, older responsible sibling, or having the student stay with someone else in your absence.)

 

Your best practice is to go with a reputable company and pay attention to who your students share the bus with. Know the kids, meet the parents and make sure everyone understands what is at stake. It is our hope that all LWHS students have a safe and fun Homecoming weekend!

Laws in Washington State

Driving Under the Influence (DUI) 

Minor in Possession of Alcohol  

Drinking or open container in vehicles  

Minor in Public Place Exhibiting the Effects of Having Consumed Alcohol  

 

Attempting to Procure Liquor is a misdemeanor offense, so the penalty is less (90 days in jail and $1,000 fine).

 

LWSD PTSA Special Needs Meeting

Date: Tuesday, October 22nd, 2013  

Time:  7 - 8:30pm

Where:  Board Room, LWSD Resource Center
16250 NE 74th St
Redmond, WA 98052 (at Redmond Town Center)

 

MEETING AGENDA:

Provide input on District-wide initiatives

At this October meeting we ask parents/guardians of LWSD families to help shape the direction of the Special Needs (IEP/504) Group's focus for this 2013-14 school year and beyond. Parents/guardians will break out into groups and tell us what teachers/staff/schools have done successfully for their students; and tell us what can be improved upon (what is on your wish list?). We will provide guided questions. There will be an opportunity for each sub-group to report to the whole group before the meeting ends.  

 

Any questions, contact LWHS PTSA Special Needs Liaison Laurel Spaeth

   

Reflections - Due Nov. 4th
"Believe, Dream, Inspire"
LWHS entry deadline:  Monday, November 4, 2013 Reflections
Categories: Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography, Visual Arts 

For more information, go to the webpage for Reflections, or contact our LWHS PTSA Reflections Co-chairs:  Eva Johansson, Sheila Edwards, & Dawn Laurant.     

Senior Party Auction - Donations Sought
Would you like to make a contribution of items or services to the Senior Party Auction? The auction helps offset the cost of the Senior Party, which is a safe, fun, after-graduation party for our Class of 2014 students. Here's the donation form.

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LWHS News & Activities

Haiku for Parents has Arrived!
New way to help your student stay on track

The Haiku Learning Management System is now open for parents to view information on their student(s) and their classes. Haiku is a digital learning environment for classroom communication and collaboration. It's a great tool for parents to use to help their students stay on track.

 

What parents may view, for those classes with active Haiku sites, includes:

  • class announcements
  • assignments
  • class calendars
  • their student's assessment results
  • descriptions of discussions, WikiProjects and Wikisites

Teachers are learning to use the tool this year, so not all teachers will have active sites. If you do not see a specific class, you may want to contact your student's teacher.

 

A page about Haiku has been created in the "For Parents" section of the district website that provides a tour of Haiku for parents. An additional page with troubleshooting information is posted there as well.

 

To log in to Haiku, open an Internet browser and go to this URL: https://lms.lwsd.org. You will use the same username and password that you use to log in to Parent Access on the LWSD website. If you do not have a username and password for Parent Access, go to the Parent Access page on the district website to learn more and sign up.

 

If you have problems logging in, please email [email protected]. The district has added support for this email address to help parents get access to this new tool.

 

LWHS Drama Productions
Fall One-Act Plays - Nov. 1st & 2nd, 7pm
Support the arts at LWHS! Three one-act plays will be performed on Friday, Nov. 1st and Saturday, Nov. 2nd at 7pm. The plays are: "Secret Life of Girls", "Poe's Tell-tale Heart" and "All Out!". Tickets are $7 with ASB card, $10 without.

ASB News
Basketball Tournament - Saturday Nov. 23rd
The Junior Class is hosting a basketball tournament for students to participate in. Any student of any skill level is encouraged to participate! Money raised will help fund next year's prom.
 
LW After Hours

LW After Hours is back in session with three different time/day options:

 

Tuesdays, 2:45-4pm in 2 East, hosted by Ms. Simpson (math) and Ms. Cuillier (LA).

Wednesdays, 1-2:30pm in the Library, hosted by Ms. Kilga and certificated teachers.

Thursdays, 6:30-7:30am in 2 East, hosted by Mr. Tuggle (LA/SS).

 

Formal registration is not required, but recommended. Students may drop in for help on current or past due work, to prepare for upcoming quizzes/tests, or to work on projects.

  

Students or adults who are interested in tutoring, please contact DeAnna Kilga for more information.

If you would like to support this program but have limited time, donations of healthy snack items are always welcome. Chips/crackers, string cheese, fruit snacks, bottled water/beverages, (no energy drinks please), are all welcome and may be dropped off any time at the main office. We expect approximately 25-30 students to attend each session. You should contact DeAnna Kilga if you plan on donating.

Thanks for your support!

 

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When Snow Hits...
Metro Winter Rider Tips
When snow comes to the Northwest, Metro bus routes change. Here's what you need to know:

In "snow route" conditions,

  • the best place to catch the bus is along a major arterial
  • Wait for the bus at the top or bottom of hills 
  • wait back from the curb
  • dress warmly
  • prepare for delays

Metro Snow route information can be found on the Metro website.

 
Open Gym for all LWHS Students
Wednesdays, 1 - 3pm, on Oct. 16, 23, 30, Nov. 6
Thursdays, 3 - 4:30pm, on Oct. 17, 24, 31, Nov. 7
Sundays, 3 - 4:30pm, on Oct. 20, 27, Nov. 3 

Thank You!
A big YEARBOOK thank you to Corky Trewin for giving us a CD with wonderful photos of the LW vs. Bellevue football game.
   
Sports Blitz!
The JV tennis team beat Woodinville Friday, Oct. 4th, by a score of 6-1. This is their 8th team victory in a row. Undefeated during this streak are:  Lyle Goldstein, Aria Tababatai, Tim Drews, Will Gear, Cole Gear, Angus Mitchell and Trevor Rudolph.

John Stalker, JV Coach

Counseling Center

Parent Resources

Parent Community Resources for Counseling (Mental Health and Drug/Alcohol), Support Groups,

Help Lines & Youth Programs/Support.

 

Warning Signs of Drug and Alcohol Use  

 

Learn Why Some Kids Become Addicted to Drugs or Alcohol 


Upcoming SAT and ACT Test Dates for 2013-2014

Upcoming Test Dates for 2013-2014

LWHS Code is 480545

 

SAT (register at www.collegeboard.com)

Test Date                                                                Registration Deadline                                      

November 2, 2013                                                   October 3, 2013

December 7, 2013                                                   November 8, 2013

January 25, 2014                                                     December 27, 2013

 

ACT (register at www.actstudent.org)

October 26, 2013                                                     September 27, 2013

December 14, 2013                                                 November 8, 2013

 

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 
 

 

Information for Seniors & Senior Parents  

College and Career Center News
National College Fair
Financial Aid Night
Post-Secondary Options for Seniors
Important Deadlines to Know


National College Fair

Since 1972 the National College Fairs program has helped students to decide which post-secondary option is right for them. Free and open to the public, the fairs allow students to interact with admission representatives from a wide range of post-secondary institutions to discuss course offerings and majors, admission and financial aid requirements, college life in general and other information pertinent to the college selection process. Mark your calendar to attend on Friday, November 8th from 9 am to noon or Saturday, November 9th from noon to 4 pm at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center in downtown Seattle.

 

Financial Aid Night
Wednesday, Dec. 4th, 6:30pm, LWHS PAC Theater

On December 4th, 6:30pm in the Performing Arts Center, LWHS will sponsor a financial aid workshop. We will have a guest speaker who will explain the philosophy behind financial aid and how the final parental contribution figure is deduced. Parents will also be walked through the FAFSA's more difficult questions.

Post-Secondary Options for Seniors
Powerpoint available
On October 9th, counselors hosted the Two and Four Year College Application Process Parent Night in the PAC. The powerpoint is now available on our school website, and seniors will have an opportunity to hear the same information during the "High School and Beyond" Career Day on October 16th.

We will cover a lot of ground, answer lots of questions, and send them home with several handouts. Students will walk away with valuable information; they also will probably walk away with new or different questions or concerns and/or anxiety about making decisions and getting their 'to do' list under control. Of course, if students need a quick review, they can sign up to see their counselor.

In the spirit of good organization, it helps if seniors make a list of their questions so that they can get started on their post high school planning ASAP. The powerpoints that we shared with seniors are also available on our school website if they need a quick refresher.

 

What are students responsible for? Remember, students are responsible for mailing their official transcripts and completing their online college applications. Test scores must be requested directly from the College Board or ACT. To request a transcript, students need to complete the yellow "Transcript Request Form" available in the Counseling Center. Students need to request their transcripts and recommendation letters early.    

 

One piece of advice they will need to hear over and over - don't wait until the deadline!


Important College App Deadlines to Know:

 

November 15 - Senior Scholarship Applications for local scholarships due

December 2 -   Last day to request a letter from the counselor for January deadlines

December 4 -   Financial Aid Night

December 6 -   Cutoff date to request transcripts for January applications

For SAT and ACT Test Dates, click here

 

Keep Informed 

For more information on these and other topics, check the "Information for Seniors" page on the LWHS website. 

Deadline for Senior Photos Approaching - Oct. 30th
If you would like to be quoted or featured, share your photos, or participate in weekly polls, get more information here.

The deadline for Senior Photos and Senior Quotes is October 30th. Visit our yearbook page on the LWHS website for more information and uploading instructions.
  
Senior Culminating Project Info
Parents and students, there is a wealth of information about Culminating Projects on the LWHS website. Answers to common questions, many sample documents, guidelines for proposals, requirements, and useful handouts can be found here.

Graduation Caps and Gowns
Seniors will have the opportunity to order their graduation caps and gowns on Thursday, Oct. 31st and Friday, Nov. 1st, during lunch period.

Lake Washington School District News

LWSD Volunteer Applications for Parents

The fastest way to have your application processed is to complete the online form through Parent Access. You will need to have an electronic copy of your driver license available to upload to the application in order to complete this process. If you do not have a scanner, you can take a digital photo of your license and upload that copy. If you cannot get an electronic copy of your license, you can send a copy of your license to the volunteer office at:

Lake Washington School District Resource Center
ATTENTION: Volunteer Office
P.O. Box 97039
Redmond, WA 98073-9739

If you have never used Parent Access before, you will need to get a password. Go to the Parent Access new user page on the District website for more information on how to sign up.
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. 

Community News

Ski Bus Interest Survey

Would your LWHS student like to participate in a ski/snowboarding bus program at Snoqualmie Pass, Wednesday afternoons, Jan. 8th - Feb. 12th? If yes, I need your input.

 

The Basics:

Students would be picked up at a site nearby, after early dismissal on Wednesdays, and returned at approximately 8:30pm to the school. Students would be responsible for supplying their own equipment and gear.

 

Costs for the 2014 season are estimated to be $303 for a season pass AND either $275 for ski/snowboard instruction plus transportation OR $185 for transportation only.

 

To make the Wednesday ski bus program a reality for Lake Washington High students, we need a guarantee of at least four chaperones for each of the six weeks of the program. One would have to drive separately and act as the emergency chaperone. Chaperones generally receive a free lift ticket for the afternoon.

 

We also need at least 32 committed student participants for the six sessions.

This is an interest-only survey, however, and not a commitment request. Please send an email as soon as possible to [email protected], subject line "Ski Bus". Even with the minimum number of students, the ski bus activity cannot happen without enough parent chaperones.

 

Thank you,

Marion Haithcox 

 

This is not a school, district or LWHS PTSA-sponsored activity. 


Voting is Your Chance to Choose
Make it count!

Make sure you are eligible to vote. Every vote matters. Have a say in local and national elections.

Register to vote or change your address here, or you can register to vote at a Department of Licensing Office.   

Disability History Awareness Month

Did You Know? It wasn't until 1971, that students with disabilities were allowed to access a public school education. That changed when four moms turned activists wrote the first civil rights legislation in the United States, called Education for All or HB 90. These courageous parents -- Cecile Lindquist, Katie Dolan, Evelyn Chapman, and Janet Taggart -- worked tirelessly to pass the Education for All legislation to ensure that all students with disabilities had equal rights and equal access to a public school education. Their bill, Education for All, soon became law in several other states, and laid the framework for the federal civil rights law known as Individuals with Disabilities Education Act or IDEA, that now governs the civil rights of students with disabilities.

Read more about Disability History Awareness Month, including a list of resources teachers can utilize to increase students' awareness of people with disabilities.

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