Lake Washington High School PTSA Newsletter
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November 19, 2014 | Issue 7
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Co-editors: Jeanine Lewis & Karen Peters
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~ Upcoming Events ~
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Today - Senior Baby Ads Deadline for Yearbook
Wednesday, Nov. 19
Tonight - PTSA General Meeting with Parent Ed:
Not Going to Four-Year College - Now What?
Wednesday, Nov. 19, Library
7pm PTSA meeting & safety report from Principal
7:30pm Parent Ed Presentation
Class of 2017 Fundraiser at Mi Mexico
Thursday, Dec. 20, all day, Mi Mexico
LWPTSA Brown Bag Lunch Session - LWSD Boundary Changes
Thursday, Nov. 20, 12-1pm, LWSD Resource Center Senior Scholarship Application Due Friday, Nov. 21, College & Career Center Thanksgiving Break - Half Day Wednesday, Nov. 26 Thanksgiving Break - No School Thursday, Nov. 27 & Friday, Nov. 28
Deadline to request transcripts/letters of recommendation for January college applications Tuesday, December 2 LWSD Boundary Change Input Meeting Tuesday, Dec. 2, 6:30-8pm, Commons Coffee with Christina Wednesday, Dec. 3, 9-10am, College & Career Center Auditions for "Grease"
Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2:50pm; Thursday, Dec.4, 2:30pm; Call backs Friday, Dec. 5, 2:30pm; Choir Room
LW Learning Community Choral Festival Wednesday, Dec. 3, 6-8pm, Gym
LWSD Scholarship Basket Auction & Gift Wrapping
Saturday, Dec. 6, 2-6pm, LWSD Resource Center
Choir & Orchestra Holiday Concert Wednesday, December 10, 7-9pm, LW Theater
Senior Quotes for Yearbook Due Wednesday, Dec. 10 Parent Night Presentation: Navigating the FAFSA Monday, Dec. 15, 6:30pm, LW Theater
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From Your PTSA Co-Presidents
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There are a number of hot topics that are coming up at LWHS and across the district these days. Portables at LW, changes in school boundaries, school safety are all things on our minds. Or did you know that health is offered zero period?
There is so much to know! How can you stay informed about what's going on?
- The LWHS PTSA offers opportunities for you to hear from and talk to Principal Christina Thomas, either at our General Membership Meetings (next one is tonight, 7pm!), or at our quarterly Coffees with Christina (next one is Dec. 3, 9-10am).
- Read our twice-monthly Kang Crier newsletter for news from the administration, counseling office, clubs, teachers, PTSA, etc.
- Visit the PTSA website, the LWHS website, or the LWSD website. Between these sites you will find a wealth of information. Still not enough? Check out the other LWSD high school's websites - they often have many interesting resources and links that you might not be familiar with.
One last resource you can call upon - the members of the LWHS PTSA. We are available to answer questions and help with concerns. We are your parent link to the high school. Visit lwhsptsa.org for a Board of Directors list, or email Co-Presidents Liz Hedreen or Anne Ryan.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Liz Hedreen & Anne Ryan, LWHS PTSA Co-Presidents
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Tonight - Parent Ed Talk at PTSA Meeting "So, You're Not Going to a Four-Year College - Now What?" |
Please join us at the PTSA's General Membership Meeting and Parent Ed presentation tonight, Wednesday, November 19 in the library. Our short PTSA business meeting at 7pm will include a report from Principal Christina Thomas on school safety and what measures have been taken at LW and the district to keep our students safe.
At 7:30pm we will have a presentation from Julie Madsen, LWHS College & Career Counselor, on post-high school options beyond four-year college. Teens are more likely to succeed when they have explored their interests and abilities. Counselor Julie Madsen will discuss the many options to receive post-high school education and career training, including apprentice programs, technical/vocational schools, military and gap year experiences. Whatever the path, planning is required and information is needed; knowing your options is the first step towards making a good decision.
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LWSD School Boundaries are Changing
Give Your Input on New Boundaries
Tuesday, December 2, 6:30-8pm, LWHS Commons
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The school district is looking at changing school boundaries throughout the district to redistribute students to make the student population fit the schools. These boundary changes will go into effect for next year's school year (2015-2016). The decision on boundary changes is expected to be made by the end of January.
In December, the district's boundary change committee will hold one public feedback meeting in each of the four learning communities. These meetings are in an "open house" format, where attendees can come and go at their convenience. The enrollment, program and facility data for each school will be available. Different boundary scenarios will be displayed at separate stations. Committee members will be available to answer questions. Attendees will be asked for their written feedback on the pros and cons of each scenario. The meeting for the Lake Washington Learning Community is Tuesday, December 2, from 6:30 - 8pm in the Commons.
For those who cannot attend the meetings, all of the information will be posted on the district website and you will be able to submit your feedback to the committee online.
There is more information about the boundary change committee and process on the district website. There is also a Boundary Q&A. To sign up to receive updates about the boundary change process, sign up here.
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LWSD Boundary Changes Brown Bag Lunch
Thursday, November 20, 12-1pm, LWSD Resource Center
| Bring your lunch and learn about upcoming LWSD boundary changes during this month's Brown Bag Lunch session on Thursday, November 20, 12-1pm at the LWSD Resource Center in Redmond Town Center. LWSD Superintendent Traci Pierce will be among the speakers discussing the boundary change process and upcoming community meetings (see article above). For more details, see the flyer.
The monthly Brown Bag Lunch sessions are short presentations and discussions on a variety of topics, organized by the Lake Washington PTSA Council. Everyone is welcome! No RSVP is necessary. Questions? Contact LW PTSA Council President Judy East. |
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Coffee with Christina
Wednesday, December 3, 9-10am, College & Career Center
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Have a question for Principal Christina Thomas? Come to the second Coffee with Christina on Wednesday, December 3 and ask away! Christina will answer your questions and give us a detailed update on school safety. The hospitality volunteers will tempt you with their tea, coffee, delicious baked goods and more. Stop in any time - this is a casual, drop-in event. Contact PTSA Co-Presidents Anne Ryan or Liz Hedreen for more information.
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Join PTSA and Get Student Directory Access
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PTSA Advocacy for the 2015 Legislative Session Join our Issue Teams! |
This year, your Washington State PTA is pushing the envelope on advocacy more than ever before! By using the new Engage Software, the WSPTA will be working with issue teams to help push the recently approved 2015 Legislative Platform. To find out what issues we have on the 2015 platform, go to our Advocacy site at http://cqrcengage.com/npta2wa/ and click on the HOME tab. See an issue that is near and dear to your heart that you wish to help advocate for in Olympia? Please consider sending us a message at [email protected] and joining one of our issue teams which will be created to help advance the cause of our platform endorsed at Legislative Assembly.
Questions? Contact LWHS PTSA Advocacy Chairperson Meredith Goldstein at [email protected].
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Gift Wrapping & Basket Auction to Benefit LWPTSA Scholarships Saturday, December 6, 2-6pm, LWSD Resource Ctr. |
See the flyer for more details on how you can help support scholarships for LWSD, while also getting some holiday shopping and gift wrapping crossed off your list.
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Parent of a Junior? Help with Senior Salute!
| Parents of Juniors: Please consider helping us honor our graduating seniors by assisting with the Senior Salute. To find out how you can help, see the full article in the November 5 issue of the Kang Crier.
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Girls' Soccer Team Makes it to State! |
The girls' soccer team finished the season in second place in KingCo during the regular season, with a 10-2 record in league play. The team's only in-league losses came to No. 1 ranked 3A team Bellevue. The girls' season ended at state playoffs last week when they lost 1-0 to Mt. Spokane. They finished the 2014 season at 13-6 overall. Way to go, Kangs!
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Coach Hart Named Coach of the Year
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LWHS girls' soccer head coach Suzanne Hart was selected as the 2A/3A KingCo Coach of the Year. The selection is voted on by all the coaches in the league. Coach Hart's team finished the regular season with a 10-2 league record and 13-6 overall. Congratulations to Coach Hart!
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Clarification of PE Options | Students may request to excuse the physical portion of PE and opt to take the Fitness Knowledge Assessment or submit a Fitness Plan, but it is not automatic. The request has to be approved by the Principal; the intent is that it would be excused for "good cause" because the student does not have room in their schedule due to academic, year-long core courses, world language and participation in a year-long consecutive program such as band or choir. For instance, they may have math, science, social studies, English, language, and choir, which would be six periods and doesn't leave room for a PE class. For more information contact your student's counselor.
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Mr. Dawson's Pumpkin Carving Contest
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Maya Lustgarten's second place Julius Caesar pumpkin.
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First prize Joan of Arc pumpkin by Jessica Heitlauf.
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Mr. Dawson would like to thank all the participants in this year's Pumpkin Carving Contest. Every year, Mr. Dawson holds a contest for his students in which they can carve a course content-themed pumpkin.
American History students carved pumpkins ranging from depictions of past presidents to scenes of Uncle Sam. AP World History student carvings related to ancient Chinese dynasties, Roman figures, Spartan warriors, and Joan of Arc. All students who participated earned extra credit, while the top three pumpkins earned an extra prize of Red Robin gift cards.
This year's third place winner was Anna Minkwitz with her Uncle Sam pumpkin;
second place went to Maya Lustgarten with her Julius Caesar carving; and first place went to Jessica Heitlauf. Jessica did a marvelous carving of Joan of Arc. Chris Gould won a special prize for a fabulous carving of Mr. Dawson!
Pumpkins earning an honorable mention went to the following students: Nate Lewis, Lucas Matthews, Amanda Kartes, Megan Lynch, Nick Becker-Brown and Colby Harris.
All in all, 86 pumpkins were turned in. Mr. Dawson was very impressed with all his entries and proud of all the great work done by his students!
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Mr. Dawson immortalized in Chris Gould's carving. Did he get the A+?
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Auditions for Spring Musical
December 3-5, Choir Room
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Auditions for the LWHS Drama Department spring musical, "Grease," will be held in the choir room on Wednesday, December 3, 2:50pm; and Thursday, December 4 after school. Mandatory call backs will be held Friday, December 5 after school in the choir room. Rehearsals will start on Monday, December 15, with a critical parent meeting to be held the first week of January (date TBD).
The sign-up sheet for auditions will be posted on the drama board in the hall between the theater and choir room the last week of November. Auditions are open to ALL students at LWHS. For the audition, students should prepare any one-minute monologue and a song from "Grease" of the character they hope to play.
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PE/Health Students of the Month
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The students listed below have been selected by their Physical Education/Health teachers as Students of the Month for September and October. 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, Students of the Month!
September 2014
| October 2014
| Blake Witke
| Kimnea Tang
| Kianna Maadanian
| Sean Benson
| Sam Marvin
| Nicole Tisdel
| Sydney Shepard
| Chloe Jackson
| Emma Davison
| Millen Katyal
| JJ Wong
| Molly Behrends
| Anousha Shadrach
| Arman Talkar
| Tiffany Nakamitsu
| Kim Veldee
| Micha Lefelman
| Katsura Uthus
| Genevieve Ward
| Andrew McGraw |
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Support LW Booster Club by Shopping at Amazon | Do you shop online at Amazon? By choosing Lake Washington High School Booster Club at smile.amazon.com, you can easily support LWHS student activities such as band, baseball, boys' basketball, girls' basketball, drama, gridiron club football, orchestra, boys' soccer, girls' soccer, volleyball, cross country and track/field.
- Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to the charitable organization of your choice.
- AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. Same products, same prices, same service.
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Nick of Time Heart Screening a Success
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Thank you so much to everyone who volunteered their time at the Nick of Time Foundation Youth Heart Screening event at LW. 427 young hearts were screened and 10 were found to need some follow-up and monitoring. There were 133 amazing volunteers who helped make the day a wonderful success. It really does take "a village" to make sure our young people are heart safe.
Special mention goes to:
- Bryden Robertson, whose effort on what was to be his senior project made it all happen. (His parents, Maren and Matt, also deserve our appreciation for all of their time and effort.)
- LWHS students and staff - especially Julie and Becky who registered over 400 procrastinating students in three days!
The school district and community really supported our efforts and made it very easy to get this event organized. Please see the flyer for all the community sponsors who helped provide funding or in-kind donations. Their generous support helped make this screening a success for all the students who participated at LW. To see more photos from the screening at LW, check out the Nick of Time Foundation's Facebook page at facebook.com/NickofTimeFoun.
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Take a Break from Cooking
Support the Class of 2017 Fundraiser
| Do you have a taste for tacos? How about spicy enchiladas? The class of 2017 is doing a food fundraiser! Come to Mi Mexico on Park Lane in Kirkland on Thursday, November 20 to eat delicious food while supporting our sophomore class. Tell your waiter/waitress that you're there for the LW fundraiser. The fundraiser is all day, so stop in for lunch, dinner or a late night snack.
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Kang News Now Online for Viewing
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Kang News is now available for viewing on the LWHS website. What is Kang News? Kang News is a live show that is produced on Tuesdays and Fridays. It consists of daily announcements and school sports, along with other announcements. So if you want to know what's going on at LW, check out our previously aired shows under the Kang Announcements link on the LWHS homepage..
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Genghis Khan Mock Trial
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AP World History recently conducted a mock trial of Gengis Kahn. Below are some of the participants. A great job was done by all!
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From left to right: Lisa Oshiro, Jonathan Chau, Daichi Tamai, Alex Lundin, Nate Lewis, Jennifer Morales and Jacob Lallas.
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From left to right (back row): Kaden Leavitt, Kyle Guisness, Nik Becker-Brown, Brendan Ball, Hannah Prakasam and Sevda Fakhri. (Front row): Sean Nooney and Leona Friedman.
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Top left: Alex Sundene and Louis Norred. Top right: Hunter Trewin, Mariana Aguilar, Charlie Vu and Max Laycock. Bottom left: Olivia Nguyen, Kayla Torimoto, Sara Anderson and Gaby Matz-Carter. Bottom right: Eliza Ludlam, Abbad Vakil and Molly McLeod.
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Parent Night: Navigating the FAFSA Monday, December 15, 6:30pm, LW Theater | Mark your calendar for the Counseling Center's fourth Parent Night presentation! A speaker from the University of Washington will give tips on completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA determines eligibility for student financial aid. |
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PSAT Results
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On October 15, sophomores and juniors took the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT)/ National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Typically, College Board sends the results in early January. Counselors will meet with students in the LW Theater to quickly review and interpret their Score Reports. Students are also encouraged to go to their math and English teachers with PSAT questions, and to read their interpretation booklets for additional explanation on the variables that can affect scores. This is the first pre-college type of test for many of the students - our goal is to have students look at their results with those variables in mind. They may be disappointed in their results, but they can take consolation in the fact that much learning can take place between now and the spring of their junior year when they will be taking the SAT or the ACT. And, if their scores are high now, it can be a good boost in their self-confidence.
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Senior Update
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On October 15, while the freshmen, sophomores, and juniors were listening to speakers or taking the PSAT or ASVAB, seniors were managing their own busy schedules. They attended the College Fair and three workshops. Seniors chose from nine different workshops, and counselors presented in four of these: Community College Transfer Option, Technical/Apprenticeship/Military Options, Four-Year College Application Process, and the Common Application. Because they chose the workshops that were important to them, students were, for the most part, attentive and asked good questions. If seniors still have questions or wish to further discuss their post-high school options, please encourage them to meet with their counselor. The PowerPoint presentations that were given by the counselors are available on the LWHS website.
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College Applications
| See the article below, in the Information for Seniors & Senior Parents section, for tips and advice about college applications and upcoming deadlines. |
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Check it Out - Help Calculating Cost of College |
The U.S. government mandated that all colleges that wish to continue distributing federal grants or loans must post a net price calculator (NPC) on their websites. By plugging in your financial numbers, you can see an approximate cost to attend a particular college.
If you were unable to attend Monday's Parent Night presentation on paying for college/scholarships, the PowerPoint presentation will be posted on the LWHS website.
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2015 SAT and ACT Test Dates
LWHS Code: 480545
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Test Date | Registration Deadline | January 24, 2015 | December 29, 2014 | March 14, 2015 | February 13, 2015 |
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Information for Seniors & Senior Parents
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College Applications
Prepare for Deadlines Now
| Students are encouraged to submit their college applications early and not wait until deadlines. Tuesday, December 2 is the cutoff date to request transcripts and letters of recommendation from counselors for January applications. Directions for transcript submission are printed on the request form (available in the Counseling Center) and are also explained on the school website. Students are responsible for providing addressed, stamped envelopes for mailing transcripts to colleges. Test scores must be requested directly from the College Board or ACT.
The Counseling Center will be closed for winter break from 3pm on Friday, December 19 until 7:30am on Monday, January 5, 2015. During this period we are unable to respond to emails or phone calls, so please advise your senior student to have his/her college application questions answered prior to the winter closure.
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November 21 Deadline for Senior Scholarship
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The deadline for the senior scholarship application is Friday, November 21. Applications should be turned into Julie Madsen in the College & Career Center. Applications can be picked up in the College & Career Center, or view the College & Career Center webpage for additional information.
Scholarships are awarded for academic excellence, community service, athletic or artistic talent, even writing and poetry. Whatever your child's special gifts, there is probably a scholarship to match. Scholarships do not have to be repaid, but you do have to apply for them. Let the College & Career Center help your student begin their search now.
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Senior Information on LW Website
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Want to know where to order a cap and gown, or how to submit a Senior Baby Ad (due today!) to the yearbook? Did you know senior quotes for the yearbook are due Wednesday, December 10 and senior portraits are due Wednesday, January 7? Find useful information and various deadlines for seniors on the LWHS website.
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Lake Washington School District |
Nutrition Services Job Available
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Sodexo Nutrition Services currently has job openings to serve students. Paid positions are 2-4 hours in length. Starting pay is $9.75 an hour. If interested, please call Nutrition Services at 425-936-1393.
Sodexo is an EEO/AA/Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran employer
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Lake Washington Schools Foundation
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Classroom Grant Applications Sought |
We want your Reaching for Success classroom grant application! The Foundation would like to receive three grant applications from every school. Grants fund programs that engage and support students, like math and homework clubs, robotics, literacy programs, IXL online math and more. Talk to teachers or your school principal about applying. Get more information.
For help writing your grant application, please attend the Reaching for Success grant writing workshop on Thursday, November 20 from 4-5:30pm at the LWSD Resource Center. The workshop will include a review of the application, FAQs, ideas for grants and Q&A. RSVP to [email protected].
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Make a Difference for Winter Break |
Kirkland Nourishing Network is working to help feed some of the "neediest of the needy" in Kirkland elementary schools over the winter school break. Teachers and school counselors, who see the needs of students every day, identify kids-in-need while maintaining confidentiality. This winter break, Kirkland Nourishing Network is expanding to include students-in-need in almost all of our elementary schools; 360 food boxes are needed to meet this expanded need. Many of these kids will not get enough food over the holiday break without this support.
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Cold Weather Means It's Ski Bus Time
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Students interested in participating in a six-week Wednesday afternoon ski/snowboarding program should contact Marion Haithcox at [email protected]. The program runs January-February with pickup and drop-off at LWHS.
This private program is not sponsored by the PTSA, Lake Washington High School or the Lake Washington School District.
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Host an Italian Student
Your Child Will be Invited to Italy!
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Read about the student exchange program looking for families to host a 16- or 17-year-old Italian student in the November 5 issue of the Kang Crier.
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SAT Prep at LW
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The SAT Prep Course provides classroom-based practice testing and instructions in preparation for the SAT test. View the flyer for more information on dates, fees and additional locations, or visit SATPrep.org.
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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.
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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.
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Lake Washington High School * Kirkland, WA * PTSA Local Unit 2.8.95
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