Lake Washington High School PTSA Newsletter
 
February 4, 2015 | Issue 11  
 
In This Issue
Kang Crier 

sidebar
Co-editors: Jeanine Lewis & Karen Peters
 
Quick Links
top 

 
~ Upcoming Events ~
 
Today! Coffee with Christina
Wednesday, Feb. 4, 9-10am, College & Career Center

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

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

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

No School - Mid-Winter Break
Thursday and Friday, Feb. 12 & 13

No School - President's Day
Monday, Feb. 16

Advanced Placement Parent Info Night
Wednesday, Feb. 18, 6:30-7:30pm, LWHS Theater

Family Emergency Prep - Brown Bag Lunch
Thursday, Feb. 19, 12-1pm, LWSD Resource Center

Smarter Balanced Assessment Info Meeting
Wednesday, Feb. 25, 6-7:30pm, LWSD Resource Center

Yearbook Staff Application Due
Friday, February 27 

LWSD Parent University
Saturday, Feb. 28, 1-4pm, LWSD Resource Center 

Last Day to Purchase $150 Senior Party Tickets Saturday, February 28 - Price goes up March 1

Online Registration for 9th - 11th Grade Students
Tuesday, March 3, Online during tutorial  
 
 

From your PTSA Co-Presidents

Dear Kang families,

 

The Seattle Times seems to get smaller and smaller every day, but despite that, there have been many articles lately about education that are very relevant to families here in Washington state, and locally here at Lake Washington High School.

 

On Saturday, January 24, The Seattle Times reported on the explosion of student population in some school districts, with the Lake Washington School District heavily featured. (No surprise there!)    

 

Is your student thinking about applying to the UW? The number of applicants this year rose a whopping 16% over last year. Who's sending in all of these applications?  

 

Four years ago, Highline School District's Big Picture HS Principal Loren Demeroutis assigned 700 days of suspension. This year, there have been eight. Read about how this school and big school districts across the country are using an intervention style of discipline instead of the more typical out of school suspension for rule breaking.

 

Finally, the big news in education this legislative session is about the McCleary decision, and how the Washington legislature is required by the state Supreme Court to figure out how to fund basic education in Washington. Here is an article from September 2014 that clearly explains what the McCleary decision is, and how it came about.    

 

Want to read more about possible changes to the Biology EOC requirement? About the shortage of qualified substitute teachers in Washington? How the US Senate is backing away from using tests scores in teacher evaluations? Every Sunday The Seattle Times has articles in the Local section from their "Education Lab" project about all topics education. Check it out! 

 

Liz Hedreen and Anne Ryan

LWHS PTSA Co-Presidents

 

 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

PTSA News

CoffeeToday! Coffee with Christina
Wednesday, February 4, 9-10am, College & Career Center
coffee_cup.jpg
Did you hear that LW is getting 10 portables? Do you wonder if any progress has been made on attempts to get a full-time school resource officer (that would be a police officer to you and me)? If you want to know about these issues or have another 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. 
 
Warm up with tea or coffee at this casual, drop-in event. Stop in any time and be tempted by delicious baked goods and snacks. Contact PTSA Co-Presidents Anne Ryan or Liz Hedreen for more information. 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .


Your PTSA needs you!
The LWHS nominating committee is looking for parents who are interested in becoming part of the LWHS PTSA board next year. Most positions are shared by another person. If you are interested in connecting with other parents, getting to know the teachers and administration at your child's school, and being a leader in a strong, growing PTSA then we would love to talk to you! Please contact Julie Peterson at (425) 445-425) or [email protected] to find out more.


 

Back to top

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2015 Louise Sheeley Scholarship
Applications due Monday, April 13
Annually the LWHS PTSA awards scholarships in honor of Ms. Sheeley, a former LWHS counselor. This year the PTSA has allocated $4,000 to award four college-bound seniors $1,000 each toward their tuition. The selection criteria that the committee will use includes: consideration of community service, school involvement, leadership, work and academic achievements, as well as overcoming challenges. The selection process is blind. Applications can be picked up at the College & Career Center. Applications are due Monday, April 13, which is the Monday after spring break, and should be returned to the College & Career Center.

If you have any questions, please contact Sheeley Chair Joann Teng at [email protected] or (425) 941-7973. 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Advocacy with our Legislators

PTA Focus Day 2015 in Olympia was a HUGE success! Thank you to our members who attended. Over 500 people from PTAs around the state filled the halls and steps of the Capitol Building. The LW School District's PTSAs filled a bus with 50 people, including more than a dozen students. We met with State Representative Roger Goodman and State Senator Andy Hill; both reiterated how important it is that the PTA show up and speak up on behalf of our students and schools, especially in a year that is so crucial for education funding. They really appreciate hearing from us by phone, email or regular mail.

 

What can YOU do during this legislative session to help?

Email or call your legislator and tell them or their aide why you believe we need more support for education (and funding). Click here to find your legislator and their contact information or see below:

 

State Rep. Ross Hunter - [email protected]

State Rep. Roger Goodman - [email protected]

State Rep. Larry Springer - [email protected]

State Rep. Joan McBride - [email protected]

 

State Sen. Andy Hill - [email protected]

State Sen. Cyrus Habib - [email protected]

 

Questions? Email Meredith Goldstein, PTSA Advocacy Chair

Back to top
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Kang Sports News

LWHS Dance Team
Competitions
The Dance Team competition season is in full swing. This past weekend the team placed in 2nd in Pom and 1st in Military! Congratulations, Kangs!

Remaining Competitions:
February 7 - Eastlake
February 28 - Kentwood
March 7 - Districts
March 27 - State in Yakima 

 

Follow the team on their Facebook pageGo to the WIAA website for further information and also to watch the State Competition LIVE.  




. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Spring Sports Registration Open Now
Sign Up Deadline: Friday, February 27
Spring sports begin Monday, March 2. Registration for girls' badminton, baseball, girls' golf, boys' soccer, fast pitch softball, girls' tennis, and track and field is happening now. The sports packet (forms), sport-specific form and sports fee must be submitted by Friday, February 27. Fees can be paid online through Parent Access. Cut sports (soccer, baseball and softball) will have the fee collected after the teams are formed. Forms (with either fee or proof of payment) should be turned in to the Athletic Office during lunch or after school until 2:50pm. 

Some spring sports have already begin pre-season conditioning workouts. These are optional and have no bearing on team formation. Contact the coach of your student's specific sport for details. 

Find more information about sports registration and about specific sports on the LWHS website.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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!

 

Thank you for all of your continuous support of these slams!      

    

~ The Poetry Club

 

Back to top 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

LWHS Presents GREASE!! 
Come watch as our cast transforms LWHS into Rydell High! You'll have a great time singing along with all the classic music from this beloved show. Dates and times are below, and all performances will be held at the LWHS Theater.  
  • Thursday, March 5 at 7pm
  • Friday, March 6 at 7pm
  • Saturday, March 7 at 7pm
  • Friday, March 13 at 7pm
  • Saturday, March 14 at 1pm & 7pm

Performed with permission from Samuel French Inc.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Increased Enrollment And Overcrowding at LW  

LWHS will be getting six portables over the summer to help alleviate overcrowding. Another four portables will be added the following year. If you have questions about space issues and portables at LW, come to Coffee with Christina on Wednesday, February 4 and ask the Principal.

 

There remains a need for additional classroom space in the near future. Lake Washington School District's Long-Term Facilities Planning Task Force has begun work to develop recommendations for strategies to meet the district's facilities needs for three years from now and beyond. To follow the work of that group, go to the Long-Term Facilities Planning Task Force web page and sign up to receive email updates. The Seattle Times recently ran an article about overcrowding in area school districts which highlighted some of the problems in LWSD.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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

January 2015

Carlos Sanchez

Shantyle Black

Emily Bunnell
Carly Rataushk
Rudy Wilkes
Axel Rivera

Haley Kubik

Curtis Schuster

Carlee Bettermann
Megan McLaughlin

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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.

 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .


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 

Back to top

 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .


Read the latest issue of the LW student newspaper, The Pouch, to get the student view.

 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Counseling Center

Registration for 2015-2016

In February we will begin registration with our current LWHS students. Counselors will cover not only the requirements for graduation, but also specific needs of each student via a credit check form. This year all students will be registering online during tutorial. Selecting classes needs to be a thoughtful process since course offerings and teacher assignments are made based on these selections. Traditionally, scheduling is tight, and schedule changes are difficult and the process oftentimes frustrating. Please help prepare your student for this process. Do you feel your student is being realistic in his/her choices? Is the homework likely to get completed on time? What about other activities/athletics? Do the courses support your student's goals? Your student needs your input, and we need your support. We appreciate your involvement in this process. 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Advanced Placement Parent Information Night
Wednesday, February 18, 6:30pm, LWHS Theater 
On Wednesday, February 18 from 6:30-7:30pm in the LWHS theater, parents will have an opportunity to learn more about LWHS's AP program. Teachers from each AP course will give an overview of their expectations, requirements, and homework demands. There will be time for questions. This coincides with our upcoming registration for next year and should prove helpful as students select their classes.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Pre-College Tests for Juniors 
ACT and SAT I: They sound more like alphabet soup than acronyms for pre-college tests. Colleges usually require one of these tests, and testing is normally done during the spring of the junior year and in the fall of the senior year.

 

The American College Test (ACT) or the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT I) is required by in-state and out-of-state four year schools. Most colleges accept either one. The SAT I or ACT is also required of those planning to participate in NCAA Division 1 athletics, for those applying to military academies, and for those applying for most scholarships. SAT II subject tests are required for some of the more selective colleges; usually these colleges require two or three SAT II's. It's a good idea to take one of these at the end of the junior year.  

 

Students are strongly encouraged to prepare for these tests by reviewing directions, reading sample questions, and taking a sample test. All of these, including helpful tips, are available online at www.collegeboard.com and www.actstudent.org. Test dates and registration deadlines are listed below. 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.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .


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.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

College and Career Center 

WANIC Skill Center

WaNIC (Washington Network for Innovative Careers) is the Northeast King County Skill Center and provides 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.  

 

2015-2016 WaNIC Course Offerings:

 

Arts, Media, Communication & Design

Film & Video Production * Production Graphics and Graphic Design * Radio/TV Broadcasting Technology

 

Engineering, Science & Technology

Automotive Technology * Composite Engineering/Manufacturing * Construction Trades * DigiPen Robotics & Future Tech * Environmental Horticulture * Sustainable Engineering/Design Tech * Welding Tech Design & Fabrication


Health & Human Services

American Sign Language * Criminal Justice * Culinary Arts * Dental Careers * Fire and EMS * Health Science Careers * Medical Science * Sports Medicine * Teaching Academy


Information Technology

CISCO Networking Academy * DigiPen Animation Academy * DigiPen Video Game Programming  

 

Business Management

Event Planning, Hospitality & Tourism * International Entrepreneurship * Sports & Entertainment *  Marketing/Management

 

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

 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Tech Prep College Connections

Tech Prep allows students 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. Students MUST register their course within the online registration system while in the class.

 

The college credit classes offered at Lake Washington High School are: American Sign Language 1 & 2 ♦ Child Psychology 1 & 2 ♦ Computer Science AP/Intro ♦ Culinary Arts 1 & 2 ♦ Digital Design/Yearbook 1 & 2 ♦ Engineering 1 & 2 ♦ Environmental Science AP ♦ Entrepreneurship ♦ Life and Finance ♦ Marketing 1 Intro ♦ Marketing 1: Fashion Mktg ♦ Marketing 1: Sports & Entertainment ♦ Marketing Operations/Student Store ♦ Material Science ♦ MS Academy/Computer Applications  

 

Easy as 1-2-3: Register through TECH PREP using the online system.

 

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

A Career Exploration Conference for GIRLS  

Friday, March 27, Bellevue College Campus, 7:45am-1pm
The Expanding Your Horizons conference is a half-day seminar featuring a choice of three hands-on workshops presented by women who have careers in areas based on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Lake Washington High School will take 40 girls to this conference as a school related field trip. If interested in attending, sign up in the College & Career Center. More information is available online here.

Back to top
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Information for Seniors & Senior ParentsSeniorInfo

Senior Class Photo
Today! 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.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Senior Party Tickets - Price Goes Up March 1 
Scholarship Request Deadline is February 11 
The Senior Party is a fun, safe and secure celebration for our seniors on the night of graduation. Get your senior a ticket now, before the price goes up! Tickets cost $150 until the end of February - purchase them online on the PTSA website. Tickets include transportation, food, activities and entertainment all night long. Ticket prices will increase to $160 on Sunday, March 1Scholarships are available; scholarship requests are due no later than Friday, February 11. 
 
In March, students who have purchased a ticket and filled out the required paperwork will be able to sign up for their bus assignment. Purchase your senior's ticket today so they are ready to sign up to get on the same bus as their friends. Watch the next Kang Crier for details on Senior Party bus sign-ups.
 
See the parent senior party website for more information, or contact Svea Dagel with questions.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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.

Back to top
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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 online. 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. 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Lake Washington School District

LWSD Parent University
Saturday, February 28, 1-4pm, LWSD Resource Center
LWSD and the Lake Washington PTSA Council will present a parent education talk on Saturday, February 28, 1-4pm for parents of students K-12 at the LWSD Resource Center in Redmond. Three experts will talk about academic stress, technology, and how to support your child. You will be grouped by your child's grade so information will be more relevant. See flyer here.

 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Smarter Balanced Assessment Info Meeting
Wednesday, February 25, 6-7:30pm, LWSD Resource Center

Learn more about the new state tests that students in grades 3-8 and 11 will take this spring. This meeting will be held in the LWSD Resource Center Board Room.  

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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.

 

Back to top

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Community News

Kirkland Aquatics Recreation and Community (ARC) Center Proposal Meeting
Thursday, March 5, 7-8:30pmJuanita High School
  • Did your children learn to swim in our public pools? Did you? Swim lessons now sell out in minutes.
  • Did your child attend a toddler program through Kirkland Parks and Recreation?  
  • Is your child's basketball or volleyball team looking for space to play?  
  • Does your community group need a place to meet?  
  • How are we going to provide recreation and community spaces for our growing community?
At the time the Juanita pool was built, the population of Kirkland was around 15,000 people. Now we are closer to 85,000 people. The recreation options are not keeping pace with growth. Join us as we explore the work done to date. Learn about potential locations and designs. Explore the possible recreation options including aquatics, sports courts, dance studios, an indoor track, gym spaces, art studios and community rooms. Learn about the non-profits who are advocating. Share your thoughts with community leaders. 

The City of Kirkland is considering whether to send a measure to the voters. This will impact our community for generations to come. Be informed and let your city leaders know if this this is important to you. 

To receive updates or get involved, go to www.renewthelegacy.org. Renew the Legacy is a part of Wave Aquatics, a registered 501c3 non-profit promoting the future of aquatics in our community. To learn more about the City's efforts to date, go to: Aquatic Center Partnership Project.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Host an Italian Student
Your Child Will be Invited to Italy!

Ergon Student Exchange is looking for families to host a 16- to17-year-old Italian student for a 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 your son or daughter a direct exposure to Italian culture through an all-expenses paid summer vacation in Italy, and Ergon sponsors the flight!

 

We specialize 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.

 

Last semester Benedetta started her new life at Lake Washington HS. Our Italian students have attended Mercer Island, Skyline, Bothell, Roosevelt, Garfield, Ballard and Nathan Hale high schools with excellent experiences for students and families alike. Past and present host families are our best references and they are happy to share their experience with you. To learn more, please email our Seattle coordinator Denise Trogdon and visit our website.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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.

Back to top
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