Lake Washington High School PTSA Newsletter
|
September 9, 2015 | Issue 2
|
|
|
|
|
|
~ Upcoming Events ~
|
Wednesday, Sept.9, 7:45-11:30am
Lyrica Auditions
First two weeks of school
Special Needs Group Meeting
Tuesday, Sept. 15, 7-8:30pm, LWSD Resource Center
Curriculum Night
Wednesday, Sept. 16, 6:30-8:30pm, Schedule pick-up starts 6pm, Gym
Drop off tissue, hand sanitizer, paper donations
Fall Sports Parent Information Meeting
Wednesday, Sept. 16, immediately after Curriculum Night, Gym
Senior Party Parent Information Meeting
Wednesday, Sept. 16, immediately after Curriculum Night, Commons
LWSD Long-Term Facilities Planning Task Force Update - Brown Bag Lunch
Thursday, Sept. 17, 12-1pm, LWSD Resource Center
Last Day to Purchase Yearbook for $65
Sunday, Sept. 20
"Fear-free" SAT Practice Test Registration Deadline
Tuesday, Sept. 22
PTSA General Membership Meeting with Parent Ed: LWHS's New Post-High School Planning Tool
Wednesday, September 23, 7-8:30pm, LWHS library
Junior Class Fundraiser at Tr�s Hermanos
Thursday, Sept. 24, all day
"Fear-free" SAT Practice Test
Saturday, Sept. 26, 8:30am-1:15pm, LWHS library
Last Day to Buy 2016 Senior Party Tickets for $140
Wednesday, Sept. 30
Deadline for Senior Baby Ads and Senior Quotes for 2015-16 Yearbook
Friday, Oct. 2
LWPTSA Family Fun Day at the Sounders
Sunday, October 4, 6:30pm
|
Welcome
From Your PTSA Co-Presidents
|
Welcome, Kang families! PTSA is still very important to the success of your child's school, even at the high school level. The LWHS PTSA supports many activities that benefit students, staff and families. Our continued goals for this year are to help parents feel informed and connected to the school, and to help provide support to all students, especially in the college application process.
New this year, the PTSA is organizing free, after-school College Application Workshops. Held September through January, there will be mini-seminars on subjects such as picking the right school for you, understanding which schools give money, how to get organized. Plus, there will be one-on-one application assistance with trained volunteers, focusing on essays. These workshops will be held right after school on Wednesdays, with lunch provided, all sponsored by the LWHS PTSA. Our General Membership Meetings are held every other month at 7pm in the library. The first meeting is Wednesday, September 23 at 7pm. These meetings are a great source of information about what's going on at school. Principal Christina Thomas always updates us on what is new at school and is happy to answer questions. Most meetings also include a parent education topic. Everybody is welcome and encouraged to attend - you do not need to be a PTSA member (membership is required only to vote). Are you missing your PTSA forms? With no "First Day Packet" being mailed home this year, you might be wondering how to get ahold of that membership or Pass the Pouch donation form. Wonder no more, those documents and more can be accessed at lwhsptsa.org, or you can join PTSA and make your donation online from our website. Please do not hesitate to contact us - we welcome your requests and input. Liz Hedreen & Anne Ryan LWHS PTSA Co-Presidents
|
|
|
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
|
|
From the Principal
|
Welcome to another new school year! We are excited for all of the changes this year as we continue to work to ensure that each student graduates. This year will be challenging as the incoming freshmen have the new state requirement of 24 credits. To this end we have implemented a block schedule. This block schedule imbeds a study period into the school day. This will provide students the opportunity to get extra help and make up work - it is not a free period. Students are assigned a location and will check out from that location to get the help they need. For the month of September, we are planning some school-wide instruction around perseverance and study habits.
In addition to our block schedule, we will be implementing a new program to assist students with their future planning. The High School and Beyond Plan is a state requirement. This year we will be using the Career Cruising software program to assist students. Detailed information will be presented at the first PTSA General Membership Meeting on Wednesday, September 23 at 7pm in the library. Our Curriculum Night is scheduled for Wednesday, September 16 from 6:30-8:30pm, with schedules available for pick-up starting at 6pm. We will start in the gym with an overview of all of the changes and opportunities we will be having this year. Parents will then attend the classrooms of their students and meet the teachers. We hope you will be able to join us for this event. I am excited for this year with my new administrative team, new teachers and fresh challenges. I hope to see you at an upcoming event. Christina Thomas Principal
|
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
|
|
Student Graduate or Change Schools?
|
If your student graduated or no longer attends LW, you may not want to receive the Kang Crier. You can unsubscribe using the "SafeUnsubscribe" link at the bottom of this email.
|
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
|
|
PTSA General Membership Meeting with
Parent Ed Talk: Career Cruising, LWHS's New Post-High School Planning Tool
| Please join us for the first PTSA General Membership Meeting of the school year on Wednesday, September 23, 7-8:30pm in the LWHS library. At 7pm we will have a brief PTSA business meeting. At 7:30pm Principal Christina Thomas will explain Career Cruising, the new software program that will assist students with tracking high school requirements and college and career planning.
Students have to answer some big questions during their high school years: based on my interests, what career should I pursue; what major will be best for me; and what college /technical school will be a good fit? Fortunately, Career Cruising will help your student find the answers to these questions and more.
Career Cruising helps students build a plan that connects their schoolwork to real life and their future. It also positively impacts academic achievement, retention, transitions, and career and life success. From career profiles written in student-friendly language to multimedia video content and digital learning games, Career Cruising engages students to learn about themselves, explore their options, create a plan, and bring that plan to life.
With a 24-credit requirement for this year's freshman class, there is no room for mistakes. Career Cruising will provide easy tracking to make sure your student is meeting these requirements to graduate on time. Upperclassmen have their own requirements to fulfill - they will also be able to take advantage of Career Cruising's tracking and planning features. Learn about Career Cruising in-depth at the PTSA meeting - everyone is welcome. |
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
|
|
What Does LWHS PTSA Do? |
For our Students:
|
For Parents:
|
New! College application workshops
"Fear-free" SAT/ACT practice tests
ASB club grants
Scholarships for seniors
Senior Party
Reflections art contest
Students-in-need funding
|
Kang Crier newsletter & postcards
PTSA website
Senior Salute
Coffee with Christina each quarter
Monthly PTSA General Membership Meetings with parent education talks
| For Teachers & Staff: |
For All:
|
Teacher/staff grants
Teacher fund
Staff appreciation
|
Emergency prep supplies
School beautification
Back-to-school BBQ
Student advocacy
Family and community enrichment PTSA awards for educators and volunteers
|
You have the opportunity to donate directly to the PTSA to support all of these great activities. Here are three ways you can contribute:
2) fill out the donation form and return it with a check to the Main Office
You can also show your support of the PTSA and all of these programs by becoming a PTSA member. See the articles below for more details.
|
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
|
|
Pass the Pouch - the Only LWHS PTSA Fundraiser
|
This is the one and only time the LWHS PTSA will ask you for money all year. If you read "What does the LWHS PTSA do?" in the article above, you will be aware of all the great programs the PTSA has to support LWHS students, teachers and parents. Now is your chance to donate directly to the PTSA to support these programs.
Three Ways to Donate to LWHS PTSA:
You will find more reasons why to give during our once-a-year fundraiser, affectionately known as Pass the Pouch, in the Pass the Pouch flyer. Thank you for your support of LW students and staff!
|
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
|
|
Will You Help Us Support Students Every Day?
Please Join the PTSA Today
|
Parents and staff, please join with us by becoming a member of the Lake Washington High School PTSA. PTSA at the high school level is still vitally important in supporting students and staff. Students benefit from a strong PTSA and becoming a member is the simplest way to participate. Our PTSA provides a wide variety of services and funds to the school, including student enrichment support, teacher classroom grants, SAT/ACT prep, college essay prep and much more! And by joining, you become part of both the national PTA and the largest child advocacy organization in the state, the WA State PTA. You also get access to the online student/parent directory (password protected), and receive discounts at FedEx Office, Great Wolf Lodge, Washington State Fair, Wild Waves, and many more organizations.
Teachers & Staff - Over 50% Joined PTSA by First Day of School!
THANK YOU SO MUCH to our teachers and staff for stepping up to the PTSA challenge! Over 50% of you joined the LWHS PTSA by the first day of school and we value your membership
immensely. For those who haven't signed up yet, there's still plenty of time, and it's only $10! Click here to sign up online or pick up a membership form in the Main Office.
Thank you for supporting our students every day!
|
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
|
|
District PTSA Special Needs Group Meeting
Tuesday, September 15, 7-8:30pm, LWSD Resource Center
|
The Lake Washington Council PTSA Special Needs Group will hold its first meeting of the school year on Tuesday, September 15, 7-8:30pm at the LWSD Resource Center. All parents are welcome.
I am new to the position of Special Needs Chair for LWHS this year and wanted to introduce myself. My name is Karen Gear and I will be attending most LWPTSA Special Needs Group meetings. If you would like me to address something for you, please feel free to contact me at [email protected]. However, your attendance is always welcome and appreciated! Meeting dates and times, as well as other valuable links for special needs concerns, can be found on the LWSD website.
|
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
|
|
|
Family Fun Day at the Sounders
Save the date for the Lake Washington PTSA Council's Family Night at the Sounders on Sunday, October 4 at 6:30pm when the Sounders take on the Galaxy. Tickets are discounted with a portion of sales going to local PTSAs. Purchase discounted tickets for $18 using promo code: 414GRP3. |
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
|
|
"Fear-free" SAT/ACT Practice Tests Registration
Check Out the New SAT Test Format on September 26
|
LWHS PTSA is partnering with Princeton Review to give students an opportunity to take practice SAT and ACT tests. These tests are practice only, so although they will be scored, they will not go on students' permanent record. This is a great way for kids to find out how prepared they are, and also a great opportunity to practice taking the test in a real test environment. The September SAT will be modeled on the new format that the College Board will be implementing in March 2016, so this will give kids a sneak preview of what's in store. Tests will be returned within 1-2 weeks at an evening review session for both parents and students, held at LWHS.
Cost: $20 per test; free to students who qualify for the free and reduced lunch program
Location: LWHS Library Dates:
|
"Fear-free" SAT
|
"Fear-free" ACT
|
|
Tuesday, Sept. 22
|
Tuesday, Oct. 6
|
Practice test:
| Saturday, Sept. 26, 8:30am-1:15pm
| Saturday, Oct. 10, 8:30am-1pm
|
Review session:
|
Tuesday, Oct. 6, 7pm, LWHS Library
|
Tuesday, Oct. 20, 7pm, LWHS Library
|
Note: This is not the PSAT, which will be administered during school in mid-October. See PSAT article below and collegeboard.org for more information about the PSAT.
|
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
|
|
Reflections Arts Competition
Deadline is Monday, November 2
| Does your student enjoy visual arts, music composition, photography, literature, film production or dance choreography? These are the six categories where they can showcase their talents in the Reflections art competition, a national program. Read more about Reflections.
The deadline for entries is Monday, November 2. All grades and abilities are encouraged to participate. The entry forms and rules are on the LWHS website under For Parents/ PTSA/ Reflections (view the forms in the right sidebar). Contact Reflection chairs Irene Neumann, Pam Hay or Amanda Maggiore with any questions.
Back to top |
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
|
|
College Application Workshops Coming Soon
| Keep watching the Kang Crier for details on the PTSA's new after-school program, College Application Workshops which will help students with their college application process.
|
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
|
|
Information for Seniors & Senior Parents
|
LWHS Class of 2016 Senior Party Registration & Ticket Information |
LWHS seniors are invited to the June 9, 2016 Senior Party - a safe and fun-filled post-graduation night party for the Class of 2016. To purchase a ticket you can either fill out a registration form and pay with a check or cash, or simply register and pay online at lwhsptsa.org. The Senior Party is sponsored by the LWHS PTSA.
Save with Early Purchase!
The earlier you purchase tickets, the less you'll pay. Tickets are non-refundable.
Ticket prices: - $140 if paid in full by September 30
- $145 by December 31
- $155 by April 1, 2016
- $165 by June 8, 2016
Would You Like to Volunteer? We'd love your help! To volunteer during the year or the night of the Senior Party, or for scholarship or registration information, please contact Joan Lindell Olsen at: [email protected] or (425) 877-6488.
|
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
|
|
Yearbook Deadlines for Seniors |
The deadline for Senior Baby Ads is Friday, October 2. Forms will be available on the LWHS website under For Students/Yearbook.
Friday, October 2 is also the deadline for Senior Quotes for the yearbook. These should be submitted through Haiku.
|
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
|
|
Wednesday, September 16, 6:30-8:30pm, schedules available for pick-up starting at 6pm, Gym
|
Curriculum Night is your chance to meet your student's teachers and learn about their classes. After picking up your student's schedule from 6-6:30pm in front of the main LW entrance, check out the PTSA table and see what new programs are lined up for this year. Then proceed to the gym to hear Principal Christina Thomas tell us what's new at LWHS and a brief message about the PTSA. Afterwards, follow your child's schedule to their classrooms. You will have the opportunity to donate to the PTSA's Pass the Pouch once-a-year fundraiser during the evening.
Don't forget to help stock LWHS classrooms by bringing boxes of tissue, hand sanitizer and reams of copy paper for use by students. If every student used one tissue a day, we would need 2,400 boxes of tissue! Collection bins will be just outside the main entrance. The LWHS PTSA, teachers and staff thank you for your generosity!
Please note that parking is limited, so plan accordingly.
|
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
|
|
Junior Class Fundraiser at Tr�s Hermanos
Thursday, September 24, All Day
|
Welcome back, Kangs! The junior class officers hope that everyone's summer was enjoyable and memorable enough to make coming back to school bearable! ;) Anywho, fundraisers for the junior class are coming back in full force, and we are starting with our favorite Mexican restaurant on Thursday, September 24! Tr�s Hermanos has kindly agreed to donate a portion of all sales, including takeout, to the junior class. Just present the flier or this article to your waiter.
As juniors, we are now feeling the pressure of planning and fundraising for prom; the participation of the class of 2017 is key to the success of each fundraiser. So please be there, Thursday, September 24, at Tr�s Hermanos off 85 th! Don't forget to bring the flier or a copy of this article for your waiter!
- Junior Class Officers
|
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
|
|
New Kang Gear Has Arrived at the Student Store!
|
The LWHS student store is open for business with brand new Kang gear for the new school year, including:
- Hooded sweatshirts
- T-shirts
- Purple flannel PJ bottoms
- Unisex sweats
- Ladies sweats
- Cinch sacks
- New Era baseball caps
- LW athletic bag (customized with student's name for free)
Custom gear options are also available, such as baby and kid gear, work attire, polos,
|
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
|
|
Nuts and Bolts Who's Who in the Counseling Center | Students who wish to see their counselor should sign up on a clipboard in the Counseling Center. We are thrilled to have two additional counselors join our team: Cameron Miller and Toby Doyle. Students are assigned alphabetically by their last name. Please check carefully since counselor assignments shifted a bit with the addition of our two new counselors.
- Lori White AAA - COL
- Cameron Miller COM - FHZ
- Toby Doyle FIA - JZZ
- Taylor Reuhl KAA - MIZ
- Sara Ray MJA - SCH
- Marilyn Hargraves SCI - ZZZ
Allison Henry is our School Psychologist, and she makes her home in the Counseling Center too. Angie Wooden is our Counseling Secretary and can be reached at (425) 936-1702. To update addresses or phone numbers, contact our Data Processor Kim Denning. BECCA Specialist Sandy Hearn is also in our office. And, finally, we are pleased that Andrea Frost, our Youth Eastside Services Prevention Interventionist, is back with us this year.
|
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
|
|
And We're Off...
Strategies for success
|
Students are now all settled (and happy!) in their classes and, hopefully, have found a routine that works well for them. Whether students are in three or more Advanced Placement classes or none at all, students need to study every night. By using the daily planner and not falling behind, students will be better prepared for both daily class discussion and those frustrating pop quizzes or bigger unit tests.
With homework, extracurricular commitments like athletic practice or club/organization duties, community volunteering, family obligations, or employment responsibilities, students can easily become overwhelmed and stressed. If they encounter difficulties in their classes, students need to meet with their teachers as soon as possible. Students can also join or form a study group to help their understanding. If students find themselves over-committed, they need to scale back on their out of school commitments. It's better to do well in fewer commitments than mediocre in many. One of the many valuable lessons students have an opportunity to learn in high school is how to problem solve: how to figure out what to do to make their situation work, how to use self-discipline and a strong work ethic to be successful, how to access resources. This helps to build resilience which is necessary on their road to becoming independent. Services Available in the Counseling Center One of the Counseling Center's main goals is to facilitate your student's high school years to make the experience as successful as possible. Students meet with their counselor by parent-, teacher-, administrator- or self-referral. Your student's counselor is available to help on many different fronts: - Academic counseling - Counselors meet with students during spring registration to help them select courses that meet both graduation requirements and expand on their personal interests. We also work with students who are struggling in academics by reviewing more efficient study habits and organizational skills. For students whose academic life is sometimes a little too hectic, we are happy to share some stress and time management techniques. It isn't always easy to balance courses, activities, leadership roles, athletics, employment, and family commitments!
- Personal counseling - Counselors also work with students who are dealing with relationship issues, personal concerns, academic or behavioral difficulties, and normal developmental challenges. Counseling is short-term, skill-based, and goal-oriented. Of course, counseling and support are provided to students and their families facing emergency situations. Upon request from parents, we provide referrals to other professional resources such as mental health professionals, social services, special school programs, or juvenile services.
- Post high school planning - Most students take advantage of the wealth of information that is available from the Counseling Center and the College & Career Center. We offer college advising, testing, scholarship and financial aid information. We support students in their entire application process from completing applications and securing recommendations to writing their personal statements and resumes. Together with the College & Career Center, we also have information on two-year community colleges, apprenticeship programs, vocational and specialty colleges, as well as the military.
|
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
|
|
Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT)
Wednesday, October 14, 8am
|
The PSAT is given once a year; this year it is on Wednesday, October 14 at 8am at LWHS. This pre-college test measures critical reading, mathematical reasoning, and writing skills. It focuses on critical thinking skills that are important for college success. While the PSAT is a junior level test, the district requires all sophomores to take the PSAT as practice; there is no test fee for sophomores. We encourage college-bound juniors to take the PSAT; while the test fee has not yet been determined, it usually runs between $14 and $16.
There are several important benefits to taking the PSAT. It introduces students to college entrance tests like the SAT and ACT, and the detailed score report will help them focus on what they need to improve. It also helps them begin their college search process. If juniors perform exceptionally well on the test, it could mean scholarship and academic recognition. Registration for juniors will begin in early October; students will pay through the ASB cashier's window. Students will be reminded through homeroom and on the LWHS website. See collegeboard.org for more information about the PSAT.
|
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
|
|
SAT & ACT Test Dates for 2015-2016
LWHS code is 480545
| Below are the official test dates for the SAT and ACT tests for this school year. Students who plan to take a test need to register online (at collegeboard.org for the SAT or actstudent.org for the ACT) for the test they want to take, using the LWHS code, 480545.
Test Date
|
Registration Deadline
|
October 3, 2015
|
September 3, 2015
|
November 7, 2015
|
October 9, 2015
|
December 5, 2015
|
November 5, 2015
|
January 23, 2016
|
December 28, 2015
|
March 5, 2016
|
February 5, 2016
|
May 7, 2016
|
April 8, 2016
|
June 4, 2016
|
May 5, 2016
|
Test Date |
Registration Deadline
|
September 12, 2015
|
August 7, 2015
|
October 24, 2015
|
September 18, 2015
|
December 12, 2015
|
November 6, 2015
|
February 6, 2016
|
January 8, 2016
|
April 9, 2016
|
March 4, 2016
|
June 11, 2016
|
May 6, 2016
|
|
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
|
|
|
Below are links provided as a service to the community - LWSD and the LWHS PTSA do not sponsor, endorse or recommend any of the organizations, services, or activities described in these materials.
Lake Washington School District-approved flyers to keep you informed about upcoming activities, programs and events
SAT test preparation courses for students on the Eastside. Courses are available for the current SAT and the new SAT.
An interactive online tool that lets parent-child duos set ground rules and create a technology contract together.
|
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
|
|
|
Lake Washington High School * Kirkland, WA * PTSA Local Unit 2.8.95
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|