Lake Washington High School, Kirkland, WA
PTSA Local Unit 2.8.95
lwhs

   
Kang Crier
April 2, 2014
Issue No. 14
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LWHS PTSA Newslettertop
In This Issue
Quick Links
UPCOMING EVENTS


Third Quarter Ends
Friday, April 4
LW PTSA Council Scholarship Applications Due
Monday, April 7
Spring Break - No School
Monday, April 7 - Friday, April 11
LWHS PTSA Sheeley Scholarship Applications Due
Monday, April 14
Last day to sign up for Graduation Solo and Speech Auditions
Wednesday, April 16
Graduation Solo Auditions
Monday, April 21, 2:35pm, Room 110
Graduation Speech Auditions
Tuesday, April 22, 2:35pm, Main Office
Vote YES for School Bond
Tuesday, April 22
Parent Ed - Behavior Challenges at Home
Tuesday, April 22, 7pm, LWSD Resource Center
Legacy for Learning Luncheon
Wednesday, April 23, 12pm, Juanita High School
Showcase of Excellence Concert

Wednesday, April 23, 7:30pm, LWHS PAC
Cheer Squad Fundraiser
Monday, April 28, 4 - 10pm, Acropolis
Class of 2015 Fundraiser - Silent Auction, Food, Wine, and Fantasy Casino
Friday, May 9, 6pm, Kirkland Women's Club



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Letter from Principal Christina Thomas

Dear Parents,


Happy Spring! Hopefully it will come in like a lamb. As we prepare for our last quarter of the school year, I hope you are continuing conversations with your students around staying focused through finals. Here are some important reminders:

  • Third quarter ends on April 4th. Since this is a quarter report, there are no official report cards and student progress can be viewed through Standard Score.
  • This is a busy time for seniors and their families. We understand the stress this time of year can cause for our seniors. The counseling office is available if you are concerned about your student's graduation. Many seniors need to start creating their portfolios which are due on May 7th. The information is on our webpage.  

LWSD bond measure on the ballot

As you may be aware, the Lake Washington School District board of directors voted to put a bond measure on the April 22 ballot. The measure would provide funds to build three new elementary schools (two in Redmond and one in Kirkland) and a new middle school in Redmond. Juanita High School in Kirkland would be rebuilt to house a larger number of students and a 600-student STEM-focused high school would also be built on that campus. Lake Washington High School, which was designed before the district reconfigured from three grades in high school to four grades, would receive an addition.

 

This bond will add space to meet the needs of the district's fast-growing enrollment. Based on careful estimates, the district has projected 4,000 more students in the next eight years. The measure would provide the classroom space needed within the next four years to house these additional students.    

 

This bond measure would raise $404 million to invest in building new schools needed to accommodate growth and to replace and expand existing schools, costing an additional 25 cents per thousand dollars of a home's assessed value. The increase for a home of average value ($500,000) in Lake Washington School District would be $125 per year, or $10.42 per month. For more information on the measure, please go to the district website.

 

Christina Thomas, Principal 

 

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PTSA News

LWHS PTSA Sheeley Scholarships for LW Seniors
**Applications Due Monday, April 14!
Four $1,000 awards to be given out
This year the LWHS PTSA has granted enough money to award 4 college-bound seniors each a $1,000 scholarship named in honor of Louise Sheeley, a former counselor at LWHS. The criteria for selection includes involvement in high school, community service, leadership, vocational pursuits, and academic achievement in areas including arts and sciences. Overcoming hardships and/or being a model citizen is also recognized. The committee will make their selections through a non-biased process in which the students' identities will be unknown to the committee.

All applications are to be returned to the Career Center by Monday, April 14th, 2014, which is the Monday after Spring break.


Applications are available in the Career Center, on the LWHS PTSA website, or can be downloaded here.

If you have any questions please contact Sue Amorosi, (425) 241-8992.
Ballots to be Sent Out April 2nd  
Don't forget to vote!

Following the failure (by 2%) of the February 11 bond, a reduced bond has been put on the April 22 ballot. This reduced bond will address our critical and urgent need to accommodate growing enrollment and overcrowding by building new schools and classrooms. If we do not pass this bond, there will be consequences for our students.

 

For more information: LWSD website and vote4lwsdkids.org.

 

Thank you to supporters who voted YES on February 11 - please do it again!

 

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Tickets Now on Sale! 
Silent Auction, Food, Wine, Fantasy Casino
One and Only Fundraiser for Class of 2015 Senior Party 
Friday, May 9, 6-10pm, Kirkland Woman's Club

This is the one and only fundraiser for the Class of 2015 Senior All Night Party. It will be held on Friday, May 9, 2014, 6-10pm at the Kirkland Woman's Club on 407 First Street, Kirkland.

 

Fabulous silent auction, food, wine, and fantasy casino fun with prizes for top winners included!
$30 single/$50 couple - adults only. Space is limited.
 
This event will help pay for the buses and scholarships. We are fundraising now so we know how much to charge for next year's senior party when tickets go on sale in September.
 
To purchase tickets, click on the "Class of 2015 Auction Tix" icon on the left side of the LWHS PTSA website; drop off a check at the PTSA box at main office at LWHS (mark for "Class of 2015 Party"), or mail to Karen Brown, 12816 NE 86th St, Kirkland, WA 98033
 
To help or donate contact Svea Dagel at [email protected].

Volunteer blackjack dealers also needed. Contact Donna Blinn at [email protected].
  
  
Senior Party Update
Volunteers Needed for 2014 Party

The 2014 Senior Party organizers need your help! We are looking for the following:

  • Chaperones - Come have fun at the Senior Party! A great way for Junior and Sophomore parents to see what a Senior Party is. Parents of Seniors are welcome. You attend the all-night party on June 16th.
  • A Certified Nurse - To attend the all-night Senior Party.
  • Donations - Gift cards for party prizes. $5 to $100.

Contact Cheryl Ronbeck at [email protected] for more information or questions.

 

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State and Council PTSA Scholarships Available to LWHS Seniors
The Lake Washington PTSA Council is offering scholarships to high school seniors. Go to the Scholarship page on the Council website for the application and more information. Scholarships are $1,000 and the due date is Monday, April 7th. These scholarships are available to seniors in all of the the LWSD high schools.
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The Washington State PTA is also offering scholarship opportunities.Scholarships of $2,000 are given to recipients entering four-year post-secondary institutions. $1,000 scholarships will be awarded for community colleges, voc-tech schools or other accredited institutions. Washington State PTA scholarships are awarded on the basis of: 
 
ptsa
1) financial need
2) academic performance
3) leadership & community service


Applications are due May 1st. Go to the Washington State PTA website for the application.

LWHS News & Activities

Happy Birthday to Mili!


Mili Nelson in the main office gets a birthday trumpet serenade from Band director John Logan. Reliable sources say she has turned 29.
LW VEX Robotics Team to go to World Championship
Your Support is Needed!

The LWHS VEX Robotics team competed against and beat out 35 select teams from around the region to win the Washington State championship last month. With this win, the LW team gets a chance to compete against over 400 teams from around the world at the World Championship in Anaheim, CA later this month. This is proof of the team's accomplishments in designing, building and programming a competitive robot on a low budget.

 

However, the financial cost is daunting for a small club. If you are interested in investing in the future of these students, as they pursue this exciting opportunity, please consider making a donation to help fund the team's trip expenses.

 

For more information, please read team advisor Milo Dullum's letter

Donation form.

 

"Showcase of Excellence" Concert
Award-winning LWHS Music Students Perform
Wednesday, April 23, 7pm, LWHS PAC

 

 

LWHS Music department supporters:  Mark your calendars and spread the word regarding the upcoming "Showcase of Excellence" concert on Wednesday April, 23rd at 7pm at LWHS Performing Arts Center. 

 

Hear the LWHS music students - vocal and instrumental - that competed and won in their categories at the recent regional Solo & Ensemble contest. This concert will help them prepare for State competition at the end of April. 

 

Tickets are ONLY $10 and will be available soon from a LWHS student, or at the door on the night of the performance.  

 

April (Fools) Edition of the Student Newspaper

 Click here for the latest edition of the Pouch.  

 

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Support the Cheer Squad!
Fundraiser at Acropolis, Monday, April 28, 4-10pm

LWHS Cheer Boosters and Cheer Squad will host another fundraiser in April at Acropolis in

Kirkland, on Monday, April 28th from 4-10pm, dine in or take out. Acropolis will donate 15% of the profits during the time frame to the Cheer Squad. Please present this flyer to your server, or mention the Cheer Squad.

"For never was a story of more woe/ 
than this of Juliet and her Romeo." - William Shakespeare
Ninth Grade Kangs Attend Romeo and Juliet 

 

Ninth grade students at LW attended the Seattle Shakespeare Company's touring performance of Romeo and Juliet on March 11th at the Kirkland Performing Arts Center. Students will be reading Romeo and Juliet later this year, and this gave them a great opportunity to see and hear the play ahead of time. Even more, students were able to ask questions of the actors after the play about how they learned, practiced, and staged it.  

 

Many thanks go to the great parent volunteers who helped make it a successful and enjoyable field trip! Volunteers were Jill Coon, Robin Ludlam, Janice Lyon, Chris Williamson, Brenda Baker, Tonya Wishart, Michele Hopps, Teresa Andrews, Suzanne Lovas, Heidi Linski, Grace Colton and Jen Whitelock.

LW History Day Students Advance to State Competition

  Congratulations are in order to Lake Washington's History Day team:  Emily Saeyang, Jesslyn Kulinski, Amita Brar, Kaori Keleher, Lior Levy, Katie Brandao and Laura Willits!  

 

Seven students participated in the North Puget Sound Regional History Day contest in Shoreline on March 21st, and five of them are advancing to state! Sophomores Amita Brar, Kaori Keleher, and Lior Levy took third place in the Senior Group Exhibit. Junior Katie Brandao took first place in the Senior Individual Documentary category, and Senior Laura Willits took first place in the Senior Individual Website category. They beat competitors from ICS, RHS, Bothell, and Mercer Island.  

 

The state competition will be May 3rd at Green River Community College, with the top two finishers in each category advancing to the national competition in College Park, Maryland. In addition to their regular coursework, History Day students at LW work on a year-long research project, meeting every Friday afternoon. They are truly dedicated students and represent the best about being a Kang!

 

 
Loyalty Students Volunteering throughout Community

   

Student Jessica Truong reports on what Loyalty has been doing lately: 

 

The Loyalty Club helped at Juanita Beach Park on Saturday, March 8th for a park clean-up. The beach was revamped within the last two years and many new plant beds were added. The seniors helped to clean a section of the beach by weeding, hoeing, and raking to keep the gardens looking as new as possible. This park displays a beautiful waterfront on Lake Washington.

 

Loyalty also traveled to central Seattle on March 15th and 22nd to help Habitat for Humanity at their Rainier Vista site. This event was organized by one of Loyalty's members, Vanessa Khauv. Loyalty teamed up with other volunteers in the local area and the Kangs spent their day carrying wood floor to floor, hammering fiber glass on the walls, building insulation, weather proofing, and making closets; Loyalty was also able to tour a finished house on the same site. Families in need of affordable housing apply to Habitat and are chosen based on their level of need. Habitat for Humanity relies on volunteer labor and donations to help their goals. Lake Washington enjoyed the warm company of the head volunteers at Habitat and loved doing volunteer service that is so different from most!

News from the LWHS PE/Health Department

The following students have been selected by their Physical Education/Health teachers as Students of the Month for March 2014. 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!   

 

Katie Lopez

Mihai Siia

Carlos Sanchez
Caitlin Amber
Tracy HuynhLuc Ferigno
Tiffany ShafapayTorsten MikkelsonTennae Dillard
Chance White

 

Yearbook Update
Make sure your graduating senior gets a yearbook. We've ordered 940 yearbooks and 810 students have preplwsdkanglogoaid and are guaranteed a copy.

There is only one printing so when we sell out, we are really and truly sold out. 
First come, first served - buy them while they last ($70).

A senior without a yearbook is a very sad thing indeed.
Yearbook distribution is scheduled for Friday, June 6th.

Counseling Center

SAT vs. ACT - Reasons to take the ACT

We seem to hear more about the SAT than the ACT, and as a result, many students sign up to take the SAT without learning more about the advantages of the ACT. So, here are some key components of the ACT.     

  • Both the ACT and SAT are accepted at all four-year colleges and universities in the United States. 
  • Students can answer every question on the ACT without penalty for guessing; the ACT test score is based only on the number of correct answers. 
  • While the ACT tests more advanced math concepts than the SAT, the ACT tests a wider variety of math skills-from basic arithmetic through trig. Some students find the math questions easier to understand. 
  •  The ACT is very straightforward; all the math questions are in one section, all the science questions are in one section, etc. (SAT test breaks up the questions; first, there is a math section, then an English then back to math, and so on.) If students prefer the quick change in subject matter to keep them focused and alert, then the SAT may be better. But for those students who would rather focus on one subject at a time and then be done with it, the ACT is the way to go. 
  • The ACT is an achievement test. It is meant to test what a student learned in school. (On the other hand, the SAT was designed as more of an aptitude test; it tests a student's reasoning skills and verbal abilities, and not necessarily what a student learned in school.)
  • The ACT has a science section. So, for those students who excel in science and have a keen interest in it, the ACT might give them an opportunity to stand out.
  • A big bonus to the ACT is students receive information on career planning personalized to their strengths, weaknesses, and interests.
  • Students can prepare with no-cost test prep options at www.actstudent.org/testprep  

Ideally, students should get online and try a sample test for both the SAT and the ACT. If they score appreciably better on one test, feel more comfortable with one test, or simply find one test a better 'fit', they should sign up to take THAT test. Students can always take both the ACT and the SAT and submit their better scores to colleges. Being smart about which test to take can help optimize a student's chance of acceptance.

Upcoming SAT and ACT Test Dates for 2014

Because so many students take these tests in the spring, students need to sign up early! Registering close to the registration deadline may mean testing as far away as Tacoma. To learn more about what these pre-colleges tests are about, click here

 

LWHS Code is 480545  

 

SAT (see complete list of registration dates)

Test Date                                                                Regular Registration Deadlines

                                                                                

May 3, 2014                                                             April 4, 2014

June 7, 2014                                                            May 9, 2014 

  

ACT (see complete list of registration dates)

Test Date                                                                Regular Registration Deadlines

                                         

June 14, 2014                                                          May 9, 2014 

 

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SAT Prep at LWHS

The SAT Prep Course provides classroom-based practice testing and instruction in preparation for the SAT test. Areas covered include essay writing, grammar, geometry and algebra topics. Practice tests provide immediate feedback -- after the test students leave with a marked essay, a better understanding of SAT scoring, and their score from the practice test.  

   

To register for the upcoming classes, and for more information and additional locations, see the current flyer here or visit www.SATPrep.org.  

Career Center InfoSeniorInfo 

Work Study Credit - Don't Miss Out!

Students who are employed and earning a paycheck have the fantastic opportunity to earn Work Study Credit. If your son or daughter is enrolled in Work-Based Learning, now's the time to be sure that all the paperwork is in order and turned in to Mrs. Luckey. Students may continue to turn in hour logs, and signed employer evaluation forms.

 

The benefits of participation in this program are:

  • Earn one semester credit for each 180 hours worked (up to 4 semester credits)
  • The grade recorded for work credit is an "A", so this helps increase G.P.A.
  • Demonstrate responsibility to colleges and future employers
  • Open up space in student schedule to take other electives like music, art, material science, etc.
  • Earn required CTE credits needed for graduation

Not sure what the status of your son/daughter's hours are?  Contact Mrs. Luckey at [email protected].

 

Interested in having your son/daughter enroll in this awesome program?  Watch for details in the fall to enroll for the 2014-2015 school year.

Welcome to WaNIC

A Regional Skills Center in NE King County

WaNIC (Washington Network for Innovative Careers) is established to provide advanced-level Career and Technical Education programs based on rigorous academic and industry standards, preparing students for post-secondary education and successful entry into high-skill, high-demand careers and employment. Students may receive occupation education, elective or cross credits toward graduation.

 

2014-2015 WaNIC Course Offerings

* American Sign Language * DigiPen Animation Academy * Architectural & Engineering Design * Automotive Technology * Biotechnology * Composite Engineering & Manufacturing * Construction Trades * CISCO Networking Academy * Criminal Justice * Culinary Arts * Dental Careers * Environmental Science * Event Planning, Hospitality, and Tourism * Film & Video Production * Fire and EMS * Radio/TV Broadcasting Technology * Interior Design * DigiPen Robotics and Future Technologies * Sports & Entertainment * Marketing Management * Sports Medicine * Teaching Academy * Sustainable Engineering & Design Technology * DigiPen Video Game Programming * Welding Technology, Design & Fabrication

 

It's Easy to Enroll! Find out details about the course you are considering and complete the application on-line at www.wanic.org.   

 

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TECH PREP - College Connections

Tech Prep allows you to earn DUAL CREDIT (high school and college credit at the same time)

for successfully completing certain Career and Technical Education courses offered at LWHS. You MUST register your course within the TP registration system while you are in the class.  

 

The college credit classes offered at Lake Washington High School are: American Sign Language, Computer Science, Digital Design/Yearbook, Business Applications, Marketing 1, Entrepreneurship, Life & Finance, Engineering/Drawing 1 & 2, Child Psychology, AP Environmental Science, and Material Science    

 

Easy as 1-2-3: Register through TECH PREP using the online system: www.techprepcc.org/register.html 

 

Please pay special attention to registration and payment deadlines! There is a one- time annual fee of $46.00 for participating in the program!

Information for Seniors & Senior ParentsSeniorInfo 

Auditions for Graduation Solos and Speeches
Monday and Tuesday, April 21 and 22

Seniors interested in auditioning for a speech or solo at Graduation must sign up by Wednesday, April 16th. Sign up sheets are in the Main Office.    

 

Solo auditions for Graduation: Monday, April 21, 2:35pm, Room 110   

 

Speech auditions for Graduation: Tuesday, April 22, 2:35pm, Main Office 

Seniors and College Acceptances

Seniors are starting to be notified of their college decisions. Students need to notify colleges if they will accept or decline the offer of admissions no later than May 1st. As soon as students decide on THE college they will attend, they need to provide Ms. Muro in the Counseling Office with that college name and address so that our office can send the final transcript in June. We will not send final transcripts to multiple colleges.  

Senior Countdown
The Senior Countdown is a list of important dates and events for seniors to look forward to, such as prom, when senior projects are due, and other fun and important dates. It is available on our website, and hardcopies will be available in the reception area and counseling office. Students can watch the monitors throughout the building for updates.

Lake Washington Schools Foundation

9th Annual Legacy for Learning Luncheon 
April 23rd, Juanita High School, 12-1pm
Keynote Speaker - EvergreenHealth CEO Robert Malte

You are Invited! You are invited to the 9th Annual Legacy for Learning Luncheon on Wednesday, April 23 at Juanita High School. Registration begins at 11:30am and the program is from 12 - 1pm. The keynote speaker, EvergreenHealth CEO Robert Malte, will explain how the Lake Washington School District is building pathways to student success by providing students with real-world experiences through public-private partnerships with schools. One partnership with Juanita High, for example, allows high school students enrolled in the district's new STEM-based (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) Signature Programs to explore healthcare careers by working directly with EvergreenHealth. Guests will also hear stories of achievement and success from students and teachers.


I invite you to join me at the Lake Washington High School table! Register with this link:

2014 luncheon registration. Enter "Sarah Stone" for your Table Captain and you will be seated with other LWHS parents. Your support of the luncheon helps fund critical student programs that ensure all students succeed.

 

You can also get more information by going to our website at www.lwsf.org there are still opportunities to be a table captain, volunteer or be a sponsor.

 

Student Community Service Opportunities. For the luncheon, there are a number of opportunities for middle and high schools students to earn community service either at set up for the luncheon on April 22 or helping the day of the luncheon on April 23. Please contact [email protected] for more information.

Lake Washington PTSA Council News

Parent Education Presentations
Presented by LWPTSA Council Special Needs Group

Behavior Challenges at Home - April 22, 2014 - Nancy Rosenberger will speak on Dealing with Behavior Challenges at Home

 

All meetings are held on Tuesdays at the Lake Washington School District Resource Center, from 7 - 8:30 pm. Everyone is welcome to attend.   

 

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These Community Announcements are provided as a service to the community: Lake Washington School District (LWSD) does not sponsor, endorse or recommend any of the organizations, services, or activities described in these materials.

Register to Vote 


Register to vote or change your address here.

 

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 16-17-year-old Italian exchange student for next spring semester or school year. 

 

Ergon program ensures a true cross cultural opportunity that will provide a transformative experience for both the host family and the student. The Italian families offer to your son or daughter a direct exposure to Italian culture through an all-expenses paid summer vacation in Italy, and Ergon sponsors the flight!

 

Ergon specializes in a rigorous selection process ensuring that students are academically strong, responsible, and proficient in English; we devote great care to matching students with host families. Students are fully insured and arrive with pocket money for all expenses, including recreation 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 happy to share their experience with you. To learn more, please email Denise Trogdon, Seattle coordinator at [email protected] and visit our website.

Kang Crier Newsletter Info

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Liz Hedreen & Jeanine Lewis, Kang Crier Co-editors

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