Lake Washington High School PTSA Newsletter
 
January 21, 2015 | Issue 10 
 
In This Issue
Kang Crier 

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Co-editors: Jeanine Lewis & Karen Peters
 
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~ Upcoming Events ~
Tonight! PTSA General Meeting with Parent Ed: What I Wish I Knew Before I Left Home
Wednesday, Jan. 21, Library
7pm PTSA meeting, 7:30pm Parent Ed

LWSF Grant Writing Workshop - Brown Bag Lunch
Thursday, Jan. 22, 12-1pm, LWSD Resource Center

Second Semester Begins
Monday, Jan. 26

Class of 2016 Senior Party Fundraiser
Monday, Jan. 26, 4-10pm, Acropolis

Fear-Free ACT Registration Deadline
Tuesday, Jan. 27

Teen Ceo Business Competition Application Due
Wednesday, Jan. 28, teenecowa.com 

Fear-Free SAT Review Session
Wednesday, Jan. 28, 7pm, LWHS Library

Fear-Free ACT Test
Saturday, Jan. 31, 8:30am, LWHS Library

Coffee with Christina
Wednesday, Feb. 4, 9-10am, College & Career Center

Senior Class Photo
Wednesday, Feb. 4, 12:15pm, Commons

Poetry Slam
Tuesday, Feb. 10, 6:30-9pm, LW Theater

Fear-Free ACT Review Session
Tuesday, Feb. 10, 7pm, LWHS Library

Yearbook Staff Application Due
Friday, February 27

 

From the Principal

Happy 2015! The school year is flying by. Before you know it we will be graduating this year's seniors. We have already begun the process of registration at the middle schools for next year's freshmen. Soon this will be occurring for our current juniors, sophomores and freshmen. Selecting appropriate classes is an important process and should involve serious conversations between students and parents. Our master schedule is built off of student requests - the number and types of courses we run are a direct result of the courses students select.

 

We are also gearing up for a busy testing semester. There are a multitude of required assessments students need to take. Juniors and sophomores will be taking the Smarter Balance Assessment, which is replacing the High School Proficiency Exam. This test aligns directly with the Common Core Standards and is a graduation requirement. More information regarding this testing will be coming as we get closer.

 

Our Safe School Ambassador program is off to an excellent start. Approximately 50 students have been trained to intervene when they see acts of harassment, intimidation and bullying. These students meet monthly with faculty to discuss the issues they have seen and actions they have taken. This is a national program and has been funded by the Lake Washington Schools Foundation.

 

We will be installing a security camera system at our school in early 2015. This system will help us maintain the safety and security of our students and staff, as well as help us continue to provide public access to our campus while diminishing the potential for loss or destruction of property. High school security cameras were part of the 2010-2014 Capital Project Levy approved by district voters.

 

You may soon begin to see signage notifying visitors to our campus about the security camera system. It is important to note that cameras will be installed in public areas only and will not be installed in areas where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy. The cameras may or may not be monitored or in operation at any given time. Therefore, if you have reason to suspect that a camera may have recorded a crime or a violation of school rules, please report your suspicion to one of the school administrators who can then review security camera footage as needed.

 

Please feel free to let me know if you have any questions.

 

Christina Thomas, Principal

 

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PTSA News

PTSA General Meeting with Parent Ed Talk 
Tonight! 7pm Meeting, 7:30pm Parent Ed Talk, Library
"What I wish my parents taught me before I left home"
All parents are invited to attend the PTSA's General Membership Meeting and Parent Ed
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presentation on Wednesday, January 21 in the library. We will have a short PTSA business meeting at 7pm which will include a report from Principal Christina Thomas. At 7:30pm a panel of recent LWHS grads return to tell us what they wish their parents knew about the college application process and "letting go." They'll also discuss what they wish they knew before they left home. Meet, listen and question the panel on their post-high school experiences. 

If you have any questions, contact LWHS PTSA Co-Presidents Liz Hedreen and Anne Ryan.
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Class of 2016 Senior Party Fundraiser
Monday, January 26, 4-10pm, Acropolis  
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The Class of 2016 will host a fundraiser at Acropolis in Kirkland, on Monday, January 26 from 4-10pm, dine in or take out. Acropolis will donate 15% of the profits during this time to the Class of 2016 Senior Party. Please mention the Class of 2016 Senior Party to your server or bring in this flyer.


 

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Coffee with Christina
Wednesday, February 4, 9-10am, College & Career Center
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Have a question for Principal Christina Thomas? Come to the Coffee with Christina on Wednesday, February 4 and ask away! Christina will answer your questions and more. The hospitality volunteers will tempt you with their tea, coffee and delicious baked goods. 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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Fear-Free ACT Practice Testing
Do you wonder how your student will score on the ACT? Want them to know what it's like to get up early on Saturday morning and sit in a real test environment for several hours? LWHS PTSA is offering students the opportunity to take a low-cost ($20) practice ACT in a real test environment at school. These are actual ACT tests from previous years, administered and scored by Princeton Review, but not recorded. Tests will be returned to students within 1-2 weeks, in a free review session. Scholarships are available - contact Cheryl Ronbeck at [email protected] for more information. Register online via the secure PTSA website or at the cashier's office with this form. See the flyer here 

Fear-Free ACT Test Dates:   

Saturday, Jan. 31, 8:30am-1pm - ACT test   

Tuesday, Feb. 10, 7pm - ACT review session  

Registration deadline: Tuesday, Jan. 27 

 

These tests are different from the ones offered in the Fall, so students can sit for both without duplicating. All tests and review sessions will be held in the library. 

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Grant Writing Workshop - Brown Bag Lunch
Thursday, January 22, 12-1pm at LWSD Resource Center 
Bring your ideas for a grant to the LW PTSA Council Brown Bag Lunch on Thursday, January 22, 12-1pm at the LWSD Resource Center. Reaching for Success (RFS) classroom grants are awarded by the Lake Washington Schools Foundation to fund innovative tools and curriculum to engage and support students. Anyone can apply, including teachers, principals and even volunteers. RFS grants can provide up to $3,000 for innovative classroom and school education programs which help schools achieve their Continuous Improvement Process (CIP) goals. It's probably best to check with teachers and administration about your grant ideas before proceeding.
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Kang Achievements

LW Students Advance in DECA Competition 
The DECA Area 3 Competition took place January 8 at Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue and our students did great! Washington DECA, which provides real-world experiences in the fields of marketing, business, and entrepreneurship, consists of 11 areas. Area 3, the most competitive area, consists of all the schools in the Lake Washington, Northshore and Mercer Island school districts. Each DECA member picks a competition area of focus (such as Sports & Entertainment Marketing, or Travel & Tourism, etc.) and competes either as an individual or team. They are judged by a marketing test and their role play presentation. On competition day, the students receive a role play problem to solve. Individuals have 10 minutes to prepare a 10-minute presentation, teams have 30 minutes to prepare a 15-minute presentation.  

 

Congratulations to our students who advanced to state! Andrew Allen and Brooks Klinker (both seniors) took fifth place in Financial Services Team Decision Making, and Arman Talkar (junior) won eighth place in Human Resource Management Series Event.

 

Andrew Allen and Brooks Klinker showcase their 5th place trophy.
Arman Talkar displays his 8th place trophy.

 

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LWSD Culinary Competition Winners
For the second year in a row, LW students Sarah Rose Shuer and Hugo Pontes won the LWSD Culinary Competition, held on January 10. Two schools were represented at the event, with a total of three teams competing. For the competition, students used a set of ingredients to make an entr�e that included a starch, vegetable, and protein. They had 90 minutes to make two plates. Sarah Rose and Hugo made fried chicken with spinach and arugula risotto with roasted cauliflower and fried leeks. The teams were judged on teamwork, sanitation, knife skills, proper cooking technique, and overall flavor and appearance of their food. Congraulations!

Sarah Rose Shuer prepares her entry.
 
The competition in full swing.












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LWHS News & Activities

Poetry Slam Open to All - Kangs & Families!
Tuesday, February 10, 6:30-9pm, LW Theater
The Lake Washington Poetry Club will be hosting our second poetry slam of the year on Tuesday, February 10 in the LW Theater, 6:30-9pm, and it's bound to be better than ever!

 

In honor of our senior participants and officers, the suggested entry fee for this slam will be $5; however, we won't object if you'd like to show a little extra love to your seniors and add on a few more dollars. We would also like to remind you that the slams are open to students and parents, even if your child isn't participating! We love to see how large our Kang family really is!

 

All interested poets must sign up with Poetry Club President Calvin Ngo. Furthermore, all poems must be submitted to Mr. Terich by Tuesday, February 3 at the latest. Just a reminder, all slammers must have three poems prepared (three-minute time limit); all open mic participants must have only one poem prepared. Open mic poems can be individual or done in a group!

 

Poetry Club will be hosting at least one Slam Workshop, on Tuesday, January 27, where attendees will be given prompts for inspiration, and can ask any further questions that they may have. For more information about the Poetry Slam or Slam Workshop, contact Mr. Terich.

 

Thank you for all of your continuous support of these slams, and we can't wait to hear what you come up with!      


 
~ The Poetry Club

 

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Art Attack

We're excited to announce the installation of three new murals at LW. These works represent hours of planning, collaboration and dedication by the students. Thanks to all of our advanced artists for donating their time to add to the character of our space.

 

Flight: Amanda Kartes (2016) 

 

The Great EscapeEmma Calvert (2014) assisted by Tony Nguyen (2016) 

 

Imagine Your Opportunities: Kiya Coon (2014) assisted by Emily Brown (2014) 

 

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

December 2014

Thuan Do
Grace Guerrero
Tori Bivens
Delaney Norman
Erin Glynn
Alex Bartoletti
Jose Aleman
Bushrod Rames
Anastasios Tsantilas
Anna Thomas
Valeriya Rudenko

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Want Your Student in the Yearbook?
Have Them Take the Yearbook Surveys!

The goal of yearbook is to get everyone in the yearbook three times. With 1,467 students it can be a challenge to find those who are not on a sports team or participating in school clubs.

 

To make sure all voices are heard we post weekly yearbook surveys on Haiku. Choose the EXTRAS tab next to CLASSES. Then click 2014 - YEARBOOK SURVEYS. Surveys are updated bi-weekly

 

Thanks for helping us tell your student's story.

 

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Last Mock Trial of First Semester
Students in the AP World History class completed their last mock trial for the semester, judging whether Joan of Arc was treated differently from other heretics of the Medieval era because she was a woman. As of this printing, the jury is still out!

Period 5 Mock Trial: Andrew Palmer, Kristen Buckingham, Dylan Edlund, Caroline Brekkan, McKenzie Malloy, Anna Stoneman and Neil Chaffin.

Period 4 Mock Trial: Rabab Ibrahim, Emma Davison, Lauren Owen, Manhong Gan, Caitlin McKay, Sachi Freed, Sandra Lin and Jasmyne Wildes.
Standing from left to right: Jillian Hayden, Jane Flegel, Isabelle Lindheimer, Maggie Alvord, Erin Grove, Maya Crandall-Malcolm. Kneeling from left to right: Maya Lustgarten, Colton Lanning.
Standing from left to right: Mackenna Thompson, Meredith Maloof, Emma Wehrman, Jessica Heitlauf and Kelly Lam. Kneeling from left to right: Emma Davidson and Annika Cable.



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Students Wanted for 2015-16 Yearbook Staff
yearbook

Why yearbook?

  • Give your student a competitive edge - colleges know how much work goes into being on a yearbook staff
  • Earn college credit - Maintain a "B" average
  • Make a difference - be part of telling everyone's story
  • We're a winning team - our book won The National Yearbook Program of Excellence Award in 2014 and we plan to do it again this year

All your student has to do:

  1. Register for the class during open registration: Yearbook CTA151 and CTA152
     
  2. Complete and turn in the application with a 1-2 paragraph typed essay to Ms. Wyatt by Friday, February 27
     
  3. Request two teacher recommendations using the last two pages of the application 

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Work Credit for Your Student

If your student has completed or is currently enrolled in an Occupational Ed. class, and has a job, they may earn an additional .5 credit with an A grade for every 180 hours worked during the school year. They can do this for up to 2 credits during their high school years; that's a potential of four As towards their GPA! If you think your student qualifies for this great opportunity, have them contact Mrs. Madsen (in the College & Career Center) or Mrs. Luckey.

 

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Counseling Center

Submit Your FAFSA Now
A friendly reminder to submit the FAFSA as soon after January 1 as possible. Many schools have early spring financial aid deadlines that are strictly enforced. Schools need your financial information as early as possible to give your student the best package. See the article below for more information.

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Second Semester Starts Next Week
Student initiated schedule changes were complete as of 3pm on Wednesday, January 14. The new semester begins on Monday, January 26.
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SAT and ACT Test Dates
LWHS Code: 480545
SAT (register at collegeboard.com)
Test DateRegistration Deadline
March 14
February 13
May 2
April 6
June 6May 8

ACT (register at actstudent.org)
Test Date
Registration Deadline
April 18
March 13
June 13
May 8
For more information, contact the Counseling Office at (425) 936-1702.

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Information for Seniors & Senior ParentsSeniorInfo

Senior Class Photo
Wednesday, February 4, 12:15pm, Commons

The senior class photo is scheduled for 12:15pm on Wednesday, February 4. Seniors will be dismissed to the Commons at 12:15pm. They should leave their bags out of sight and position themselves inside one of the two taped off areas - an aisle must be maintained between the two areas. We have ten minutes to get all 297 seniors facing the same way and looking good. Students should listen for instructions from the photographer.

 

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Senior Countdown Calendar on LW Website
Want to know where to order a cap and gown, how to get a ticket for the Senior Party, when Senior Salute takes place? Find the calendar, with useful information and various deadlines for seniors, on the LWHS website.
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Class of 2015 All-Night Party
Senior Party Website Launched  
This safe, alcohol- and drug-free party will be a night full of fun activities. The all-inclusive ticket includes transportation, food and all of the activities. LWHS seniors will have the venues to themselves while they are there. It will be the last night for all of the kids to be together, so please help make it a night to remember for your senior and keep them safe at the same time.

For more information visit our newly launched website for parents. Please also visit our Facebook page. Tickets may be purchased online. Scholarships are available. We want all seniors that are interested in going to the party to have the opportunity to attend regardless of their financial situation.

 

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FAFSAApply for Financial Aid
money_grass.jpg File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) early in January/February. The FAFSA is the paperwork step necessary to access federal student aid including the Pell Grant and federal student loans. Regardless of what your family's economic situation currently is, you are always eligible for federal student or parent loans, so don't put it off. Also, many scholarships are now requiring that a FAFSA be filed.

It's usually advantageous to get the FAFSA filed as early in the year as possible because it allows you more time to consider your options. But you have to have at least an estimate of your family's 2014 taxes. The earlier you get things in order for this process, the better. The student and parents need a PIN (personal identification number) to complete the FAFSA on line. If you don't already have one, now is the time to apply at: www.pin.ed.gov.
When you are ready to fill out the FAFSA be sure to use the site: www.fafsa.ed.gov. Remember, it is a free form - don't go to sites where you have to pay to fill out the form.
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Lake Washington School District

LWSD's Teen CEO Business Competition
"Shark Tank" Style Competition for Student Business Owners

Lake Washington School District (LWSD) will hold its second Teen CEO Business Competition on Saturday, March 28 from 9am to 4:30pm at Lake Washington Institute of Technology. Last year two Redmond High School students won $2,200 in cash to further their t-shirt business. LWSD students who are interested in competing in Teen CEO must currently own and operate a small business. The business cannot be co-owned by a parent or another adult. To enter the competition, students must complete the application by Wednesday, January 28.

 

At Teen CEO, students will compete in a "Shark Tank" style competition for cash prizes. Students will connect with business leaders who are passionate about helping students fulfill their entrepreneurial dreams. Teen CEO provides students the opportunity to:

  • Demonstrate their entrepreneurial skills
  • Think creatively
  • Problem solve
  • Work collaboratively
  • Assume personal responsibility
  • Exhibit a strong work ethic
  • Display resiliency
  • Create a strong business plan 
  • Become involved in their local community.

Teen CEO is sponsored by the LWSD Career & Technical Education Department, the Kirkland Kiwanis Foundation, and the Kirkland Rotary Club. The Rotary Club has agreed to match financial contributions up to $2,500. Passport Unlimited is also a major sponsor of this event.

 

Visit the Teen CEO website for more information.

 

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Help End Hunger at LW and LWSD

With the help of many volunteers, Hopelink provides weekly "Pantry Packs" to alleviate student food insecurities in LWSD. Students who might not have food over the weekend are identified by school personnel and provided with a Pantry Pack filled with food for the weekend.

 

Each week Pantry Packs provides food to over 400 LWSD students. Your help is needed to end student hunger in our district. There are several ways to help: 

Learn more about Hopelink's Pantry Packs program.

 

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Lake Washington Schools Foundation

Save the Date for LWSF Luncheon

Happy New Year! Our generous community helped us raise over $22,000 during Our Kids, Our Future - It's Up To Us Fall Campaign. Thank you!

 

Save the Date - April 29 for our 10th Anniversary Luncheon

Please join us as we celebrate 10 years of investing in kids! The Foundation has bold plans for the future. Join us to be inspired by students and teachers and learn how you can be part of their future success! Interested in joining the team?

  • Serve as a table captain, a corporate partner or help recruit corporate partners
  • Volunteer for the luncheon committee
  • Help recruit table captains or community members to the event

We have something for everyone. Please contact us at [email protected] if you are interested in volunteering.

 

Reaching for Success Grant Application Information

The LWPTSA Council will host a Brown Bag Lunch on Thursday, January 22 from 12-1pm to go over the Foundation's grant-making process and answer questions. On Thursday, February 5 from 4-5pm, the Foundation will be holding a workshop to learn about the grant application process. Both information sessions will be held at the LWSD Resource Center. For more information, please visit www.lwsf.org and click on "Apply for a Grant."

 

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Community News

UW Engineering Discovery Days
April 25, Grades 9-12
Engineering Discovery Days is an opportunity for students and their families to learn 'what engineers do' and what UW engineering students are learning. UW students and faculty collaborate to create fun and interesting exhibits and displays. Students and their families can also learn about college admissions, scholarships and financial aid, UW housing and food options, and the honors program.
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Free Tutoring and Test Prep
Need help with math, chemistry, physics, English or other subjects? Need help preparing for the SAT or Subject Tests? Now, you can get help for FREE! Salman Khan, who left his lucrative position as a hedge fund analyst, started the Khan Academy to help students succeed. He started the Khan Academy with backing from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Google and other benefactors with the goal of "providing a free, world-class education for anyone, anywhere." He has now partnered with the College Board to continue his work. Now, you no longer have to pay to receive tutoring or test prep. You can learn in the comfort of your own home with your computer. Just sign onto the following website and start getting the help you need: www.khanacademy.org.
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SAT Prep at LW
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.bottomofpage

ptsa 
 Lake Washington High School * Kirkland, WA * PTSA Local Unit 2.8.95