Lake Washington High School PTSA Newsletter
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February 18, 2015 | Issue 12
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Co-editors: Jeanine Lewis & Karen Peters
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~ Upcoming Events ~
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Today! Advanced Placement (AP) 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
LWSD Special Needs Meeting
Tuesday, Feb. 24, 7-8:30pm, LWSD Resource Center
Smarter Balanced Assessment Info Meeting Wednesday, Feb. 25, 6-7:30pm, LWSD Resource Center
WaNIC Skill Center Open House
Wednesday, Feb. 25, 6-8pm, Lake Washington Institute of Technology
Last Day to Register for Spring Sports Friday, Feb. 27, Athletic Office
Yearbook Staff Applications Due Friday, Feb. 27 LWSD Parent University Saturday, Feb. 28, 1-4pm, LWSD Resource Center
Last Day to Purchase $150 Senior Party Tickets Saturday, Feb. 28 - Price goes up March 1
Class Registration Information to Students
Feb. 19 - Juniors, Feb. 20 - Sophmores, Feb. 23 & 24 -Freshmen
Online Class Registration for Grades 9 - 11
Week of March 2, online during tutorial
LWHS Drama Presents Grease
March 5-7 and March 12-13, LWHS Theater
Parent Ed Film: The Mask You Live In
Thursday, March 5, 7pm, Mercer Island High School
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Dear Kang Parents,
We are now in the second semester of the year. This is a very busy semester with state testing, AP testing and registration.
The Smarter Balance Assessment will be given to all juniors and sophomores the last week of April. In preparation for these tests, we need to teach the students the test formatting and give them practice. We will be changing our schedule the last week of February to meet this need. I will send a school messenger out as we get this developed. More information regarding these tests will be forthcoming.
We are offering an AP Parent Information night to provide information on Advanced Placement classes. Specifics around the different courses will be provided. AP Parent Information night is tonight - Wednesday, February 18 - at 6:30pm in our theater.
We will begin the registration process for next year on February 19-24. Students will receive information from counselors in their classes. Our course catalog is available on our website for parents and students. Students will be given their transcripts and graduation requirements. We are hoping that parents will take this time to sit down and discuss courses with their students. Students will register online during homeroom and tutorial the week of March 2. Our master schedule of courses that we actually run are based on student requests.
As a reminder, we do not accept parent drop-off of homework, computers, lunches, etc. As we prepare students for college, it is important for them to take the responsibility. Although it may seem like a small thing, the number of requests school-wide and the constant interruptions to classes is a bigger impact than an individual family. Thank you for your cooperation.
I have enjoyed our Coffees with Christina and the parent response. I will continue to provide updated information at both PTSA general membership meetings and these coffee hours. I hope to see you at an event in the future.
Sincerely,
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Thank You to Our Wonderful PTSA Volunteers!
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We started to create a bulleted list of all of the people and committees that we wanted to thank for their dedication, contributions, and time. We quickly realized that the list was literally too long to realistically fit into this space.
We are very fortunate in this school to have so many people who are willing to help; it allows the PTSA to provide many programs for our students, staff and parents. Thank you to everyone who contributes - you really make a difference!
Curious about how long that list of volunteers is? Click here.
Liz Hedreen & Anne Ryan
LWHS PTSA Co-Presidents
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LW After Hours Tutoring is Ready to Help
Homework Help on Tuesdays After School
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Does your student need help in a certain class? Maybe they have a question about one assignment, or just need a supportive place to study. After Hours is the place for LW students to receive as much or as little help as they need. Peer tutors are on hand to provide assistance in any subject. Students can drop in any Tuesday from 2:45-3:45pm in room 172.
Most kids are hungry after school and After Hours has that covered as well. A healthy snack is provided by PTSA volunteers for all participants. Contact teacher Ellen Flores for more information about After Hours.
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Class of 2016 Senior Party Fundraiser
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Fundraising efforts for the Class of 2016 Senior Party kick off today. The goal is to raise enough funds to put on a spectacular and memorable, chaperoned event, while keeping it affordable so all seniors have the opportunity to attend.
Senior Party is the all-night, after-graduation celebration. Graduates visit fun venues and enjoy entertainment, food and activities all night long. It's an exciting, safe, once-in-a-lifetime celebration that is alcohol- and drug-free.
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Spring Sports Registration Through Feb. 27 Athletic Office is CLOSED for Registration on March 2 |
Monday, March 2 is the opening day of spring sports! Registration is open now through Friday, February 27. To register for a spring sport, the sports packet, sport-specific form and sports fee must be submitted to the Athletic Office by Friday, February 27. If an athlete has already played a fall or winter sport they must fill out three forms: the sport-specific form AND the health and emergency forms (which can be found in the sports packet).
Forms may be submitted to the Athletic Office during student lunches and after school until 2:50pm. Help your student avoid lines - encourage them to pay their fee (and clear any fines) online through Parent Access.
Athletic Clearance Process:
- Bookkeeper's Window - Pay $200 participation fee.* Purchase ASB card ($50). Pay all fines and fees.
- Athletic Office - Submit proof of payment, sports packet and sport-specific form.
Athletic Office hours: student lunch and after school until 2:50pm.
*For cut sports (soccer- baseball- softball) the participation fee will be collected after the teams are formed.
***** IMPORTANT INFORMATION ***** Students turning out for a "cut sport" will be paying the athletic fee after tryouts. Athletes still need to pay for an ASB card ($50) and get all fines cleared, along with submitting all athletic forms, before getting cleared to try out. After cuts are made, athletes have three days to pay the $200 participation fee. If the fee is not paid within three days, athletes will be benched and then cut from the team.
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Registration for 2015-16 Classes
Students to Select Classes Online at School
| Counselors will be providing class registration information to students in their classrooms on February 19-24. Students will be given a credit check form and information on graduation requirements to help them plan their course selection.
Two changes to the class selection process:
- Students will sign up for classes online at school during tutorial the week of March 2. Parents should discuss class selection with their students prior to Monday, March 2.
- Course catalogs will not be sent home - they are available only online on the school website under counseling.
If your student is absent on the days when the counselors talk to the students (February 19 - juniors, February 20 - sophomores, February 23-24 - freshmen), your student must see their counselor to get their registration materials.
Selecting classes needs to be a thoughtful process; course offerings and teacher assignments are made based on these selections, and schedule changes are difficult. 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 to help them make the right choices. See more information on registration from the counseling office below.
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LW STEM Signature Program Builds a Strong Foundation
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LWHS students are busy building a great start to our new STEM Signature Program. With registration for next year's classes right around the corner, our students want the community to know what this program has to offer.
Titled "Design Your World," this cluster of three courses gives students practical experience in physics, English, and engineering. Through research, as well as interviews with industry professionals, students identify real-world problems that can be addressed or solved with engineering, physics, and design principles.
Student teams will present their completed project designs to their peers and industry partners at our Capstone Presentation Night in June. This year's projects include a modular cellphone case, a spring-loaded baseball bucket, and a stormwater-powered generator.
Students have enjoyed the challenging hands-on nature of the course so far, as well as the change of pace during their academic day. In the words of LW senior Peter Croson, "With all [three] classes together we get the opportunity to take an idea and make it into a marketable product, which some people can only dream of doing." Senior Tom Scheffler agrees, "STEM is one of the best classes I have ever taken, hands down."
The program is open to all juniors and seniors who are imaginative, persistent, curious, and can work with a team to achieve a common goal. Diverse teams are successful teams - all kinds of learners are welcome to enroll!
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Have a Student Who is Interested in Psychology?
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We will be expanding our psychology course offerings for the 2015-2016 school year. Currently, the CTE department at LWHS offers Child Psychology (one semester), and Advanced Placement Psychology (full year). In addition to these fascinating classes, we'll be adding Psychology - Human Development. This class will touch on many of the interesting and fun areas of psychology in a one-semester, introductory level format. If your student would like to investigate this area of study, without making the commitment to the yearlong AP class, encourage him/her to check this class out at registration. For more information, students can see Mrs. Luckey.
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Reminder for Work-Based Learning Students
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Students who are currently employed, and who are enrolled in the Work-Based Learning program have the opportunity to earn .5 CTE credit for each 180 hours worked at their place of employment. In order to earn this credit, the student-employee must complete an hours log each month and submit it to Mrs. Madsen in the Career Center, or to Mrs. Luckey. It is important to get this turned in at the end of each month, as the state requires this paperwork.
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LWHS Presents GREASE!
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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.
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Catherine the Great on Trial
AP World History Class
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Catherine the Great was put on trial this month in AP World History. Students had to determine if she was held to a higher standard because she was a woman.
Megan Lynch, Maya Bhowmik, Corinna Miller, Jillian Hayden, Colton Lanning and Corynn Kerr-Wilson.
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Molly Odell, Brian Leach, Alex Humphres, Leona Friedman, Makenna Thompson, Brian Liao and Zara McGrath.
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Sachi Freed, Caitlin McKay, Lauren Owen and Emma Davison.
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Rabab Ibrahim, Sean Gordon, Colby Coco and Judah Huffman.
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McKenzie Malloy, Chance White, Katie Lopez and Olivia Lopez.
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Max Laycock, Louis Norred, Lexi Enstrom and Amy Wyrick.
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Tonight! AP Parent Information Night
Wednesday, February 18, 6:30pm, LWHS Theater
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Parents will have an opportunity to learn more about LW's AP program tonight - Wednesday, February 18 - from 6:30-7:30pm in the LWHS theater. This program is offered only once every two years. 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.
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Registration, Registration, Registration!
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During classroom visits, counselors will cover not only the requirements for graduation, but also specific needs of each student via a credit check form. 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 by discussing homework habits, outside of classroom commitments, and courses that may support your student's goals. Your student needs your input, and we need your support. We appreciate your involvement in this process.
Calendar of Events
February 18-----------------Choice school registration in College & Career Center at 1pm
February 18-----------------AP Parent Information Night at 6:30pm
February 19-----------------Junior registration information through English classes
February 20-----------------Sophomore registration information through social studies classes
February 23 & 24----------Freshman registration information through English classes
March 3----------------------All current 9 - 11 graders register online in tutorial*
March 4----------------------Make-up registration in College & Career Center after school*
March 6----------------------Make-up registration during homeroom*
*Counselors will collect the registration worksheet from each student.
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SAT and ACT Test Dates LWHS Code: 480545 |
Test Date | Registration Deadline | March 14 | February 13 | May 2
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| June 6 | May 8 |
Test Date
| Registration Deadline | April 18
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March 13
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June 13
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May 8
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For more information, contact the Counseling Office at (425) 936-1702.
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Tech Prep College Connections
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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.
See the list of classes that qualify in the last issue of the Kang Crier.
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A Career Exploration Conference for Girls
Friday, March 27, Bellevue College, 7:45am-1pm
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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). LWHS 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.
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Discover the Possibilities at the WANIC Skill Center Open House
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WaNIC (Washington Network for Innovative Careers) Skill Center will host an open house on Wednesday, February 25 from 6-8 pm at the Lake Washington Institute of Technology to help students "Discover the Possibilities." Talk with current students and teachers. Learn about the Skill Center programs and see how the innovative hands-on classroom environments deliver advanced career and technical education that motivates and prepares students for their college and career plans.
Dental Careers - Fire & EMS - Health Science Careers (NAC) - Medical Science - Cisco - Culinary Arts - Sports Medicine - DigiPen Animation - DigiPen Robotics - DigiPen Video Game Programming - Automotive Composites, Engineering & Manufacturing WaNIC 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.
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Information for Seniors & Senior Parents
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2015 Louise Sheeley Scholarship Applications due Monday, April 13
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It's time for seniors to pick up the Sheeley Scholarship application at the College & Career Center. The Sheeley Scholarship is a LWHS PTSA-sponsored scholarship named after a former LWHS counselor. If your senior meets the requirements, he or she will have about a 1-in-5 chance of being awarded. This year, four college-bound seniors will be awarded $1,000 each toward their tuition. The blind selection process includes consideration of community service, school involvement, leadership, work, and academic achievements, as well as overcoming challenges. The applications are due back to the College & Career Center by Monday, April 13, which is the Monday after spring break.
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Beat the Price Increase - Get Your Senior Party Tickets Before March 1
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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 1.
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 Kang Crier for details on Senior Party bus sign-ups.
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FAFSA Top 5 FAQs |
Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step in accessing the more than $150 billion available in federal student aid. Below are five of the most common questions about the FAFSA:
1. Why do I have to pay to complete the FAFSA?
You don't! You never have to pay to complete the FAFSA. The first "F" in FAFSA stands for FREE! There are companies that will charge you a fee to file your FAFSA, but you can complete the FAFSA for free on the official government website: fafsa.gov.
2. How can I complete the FAFSA if my parents or I haven't filed my 2014 taxes yet?
3. When is the FAFSA deadline?
4. Do I have to complete the FAFSA every year?
5. Which FAFSA should I complete?
Read the answers to questions 2-5, and find more about FAFSA.
Article by Nicole Callahan, ED.gov
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Lake Washington School District
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Smarter Balanced Assessment Info Meeting
Wednesday, February 25, 6-7:30pm, LWSD Resource Center
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Learn more about the new state tests that students in grades 3-8 and 11 will take this spring. This meeting will be held at the LWSD Resource Center at 6pm on Wednesday, February 25.
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LWSD Parent University
Saturday, February 28, 1-4pm, LWSD Resource Center
| The Lake Washington School District, in conjunction with the Lake Washington PTSA Council, is excited to kick off this year's parent education lecture series with a program featuring three experts. Join Sheri Gazett of TeenWise, Yvonne-Monique Zick of Parent Tool School, and Jo Langford of BeHeroes.net for an informative afternoon of parenting education. You will learn about academic stress, brain development, technology and how to support your child from these three experts. Participants will be separated into groups according to your child's grade level so information will be more specific to your needs. These programs are offered free of charge for LWSD parents and community members. No preregistration is required. See the flyer here.
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LWSD Special Needs Meeting Tuesday February 24, 7-8:45pm, LWSD Resource Center |
Topic: LWSD Transition Academy
Members from the LWSD Transition Academy present on their community based program for young adults with developmental disabilities. The focus of the Academy's program is to prepare students for work and life in the community after their graduation (usually the academic year during which they turn 21).
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Parent Ed Film: The Mask You Live In
Thursday, March 5, 7pm, Mercer Island High School
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From the producers of Miss Representation comes a film that explores masculinity in America. Our society's failure to recognize and care for the social and emotional well-being of boys contributes to a nation of young men who navigate adversity and conflict with an incomplete emotional skill set. For parents of kids of all ages & students in grades 9-12. See the flyer.
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Lake Washington Schools Foundation
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Legacy for Learning Luncheon | Save the Date! Lake Washington Schools Foundation is celebrating 10 years of investing in kids! Please join us Wednesday, April 29 at Juanita High School to be inspired by LWSD students and teachers and learn how you can be part of their success!
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"A Million Squares" by Priti Godhuly Das, Inglewood Middle School
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This year's luncheon is a celebration of the nearly $2 million invested over the past 10 years and will raise funds to continue investing in core academic, intervention and enrichment programs for our students. Interested in being a table captain or volunteering at the event? Do you have a student who needs volunteer hours? Do you know someone interested in corporate partnership? Please visit our website for more information.
Reaching for Success Grants. Just a reminder that applications are due to the Foundation office on Friday, February 27 at 4pm. Here's the link with more information. Thank you and we hope to see you in April!
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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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Host an Italian Student
Your Child Will be Invited to Italy!
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Ergon Student Exchange is looking for families to host a 16- to17-year-old Italian student for a semester or school year. Read more about this program in the last issue of the Kang Crier.
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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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