Lake Washington High School PTSA Newsletter
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September 23, 2015 | Issue 3
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~ Upcoming Events ~
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Tonight! PTSA General Membership Meeting with Parent Ed: LWHS's New College & Career Planning Tool
Wednesday, Sept. 23, 7-8:30pm, LWHS library
Tomorrow! 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
Deadline for Senior Baby Ads and Senior Quotes for 2015-16 Yearbook
Friday, Oct. 2
Deadline for Purchasing Yearbook at $65
Friday, Oct. 2
Homecoming Football Game
Friday, Oct. 2, 7pm, LWHS
Homecoming Dance Saturday, Oct. 3, 9-11pm, Commons
LWPTSA Family Fun Day at the Sounders
Sunday, Oct. 4, 6:30pm
"Fear-free" ACT Practice Test Registration Deadline Tuesday, Oct. 6
"Fear-free" SAT Review Session Tuesday, Oct. 6, 7pm, LWHS library
Coffee with Christina, LWHS Principal Wednesday, Oct. 7, 9-10am, LWHS College & Career Center
College Application Workshop Every Wednesday, Starting Oct. 7, 12:35pm, LWHS College & Career Center
LWSD Facilities Plan Town Hall Meeting Wednesday, Oct. 7, 6-8:30pm, Rose Hill Middle School "Fear-free" ACT Practice Test Saturday, Oct. 10, 8:30am-1pm, LWHS library
PSAT Testing for Sophomores and Juniors Wednesday, Oct. 14, 8am
LWPTSA Council Brown Bag Lunch - State Testing: Does LWSD Measure Up?
Thursday, Oct. 15, 12-1pm, LWSD Resource Center
LEAP Day - No school
"Fear-free" ACT Review Session Tuesday, Oct. 20, 7pm, LWHS library
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From Your PTSA Co-Presidents
| One of the PTSA's goals this year is to help students on their way to a successful post-high school life. In particular, we wanted to provide support that might not be financially attainable for some students, but that we could provide free or at a low cost.
For students who are college-bound, we are excited to have two programs that will support that goal. The "Fear free" practice SAT and ACT tests are a great way for students to get practice in a real test environment, without the scores going on their records. The scored tests will be returned to them in a free review session, held by Princeton Review. This year all students who qualify for the free and reduced lunch program, or are experiencing financial hardship, can take this test at no cost; registration is still required, and the payment information is confidential. See the "Fear-free" article below. The second program for college-bound students is new this year: the College Application Workshops. This program will be held right after school on Wednesdays, beginning October 7. It is targeted at students working on their college applications. There will be trained volunteers available to give one-on-one assistance, particularly with the essays. We are using the successful Bellevue School District's "College Corps" program as our model, and we will receive training from the director of that program. We are excited that one of our volunteers is Debbie Cossey, a professional college consultant. If you attended the PTSA's parent ed presentation given by Debbie last year, What Parents Need to Know About the College Application Process, you got a chance to see what a knowledgeable and friendly person she is. Participation will be free, and we will provide lunch. Students can come once or many times, as needed. We have not forgotten the students who are not college-bound! We are working with the counseling office to plan an event for these students, perhaps a field trip to Lake Washington Institute of Technology. More information to come. As always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. Liz Hedreen & Anne Ryan [email protected] |
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Tonight! PTSA Meeting and Parent Ed:
Career Cruising - College & Career Planning Tool
| 7pm PTSA Meeting, 7:30 Parent Ed, LWHS Library
Everyone is welcome at tonight's PTSA meeting and we look forward to seeing you! Hear a brief update on PTSA work and spending to date. Then, at 7:30, Principal Christina Thomas will offer an in-depth explanation of Career Cruising and how it can help guide your student in high school and, even more critically, in choosing careers, majors and colleges. Career Cruising is a new tool offered by LWHS to help students build a plan that connects their schoolwork to real life and their future
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 will also be able to take advantage of Career Cruising's tracking and planning features. See you this evening! |
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College Application Workshop Begins October 7
| The PTSA is pleased to provide students with application essay support (and lunch!) each Wednesday at 12:35pm in the LWHS College & Career Center, starting Wednesday, October 7. Based on the successful Bellevue School District model, trained volunteers (including Deborah Cossey, a professional college consultant) will assist with editing college application essays and personal statements. Volunteers will also answer questions about the college application process and steer students in the right direction for any additional support they might need.
Please encourage your student to bring their work in progress, no matter how big or little that might be, and take advantage of our time and expertise! They are welcome to drop in as often as they'd like. There is no cost and we'll be available every Wednesday through the college application season. Hope to see them there!
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Thank You for a Successful Start! PTSA Update From Curriculum Night
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MembershipThank you very much to all the families and staff who have joined the PTSA. Our membership goal for this school year is 500 members. We received 75 new members as a result of Curriculum Night and now are at a total membership of 333. This represents 66% of our goal which is a great start, and there's still plenty of time to join. Just click on this link to join online or pick up a form in the school office. Pass the Pouch
Many thanks to everyone who donated to the PTSA's Pass the Pouch. You generously gave $4,549 at our fundraiser on Curriculum Night. That brings our current total to $14,444; we are close to reaching our goal of $18,000! It's not too late to donate - help the PTSA continue to provide support for students and staff. Donations can be made online on the PTSA website, or donate by check using the donation form. Thank you for your generous contributions and support of students and staff at LWHS! Go Kangs!
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We Rely on Your Company Matching Dollars
| Does your employer offer company matching? Please check and take the time today to fill out the necessary forms. Most companies have their matching forms online; contact your employer's HR department if you have questions. The PTSA's goal for matching this year is $7000. That amount would completely fund our Programs budget for the year including college prep workshops, staff appreciation and much more. Please don't leave this money sitting on the table, make sure it is used to benefit your student, and all the students at LWHS! Please drop off any matching forms in the LWHS Main Office, to the attention of the PTSA Treasurer. Thank you for your support.
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How Your PTSA Advocates for All Students
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Did you know that Washington State PTA (WSPTA), is the largest volunteer association in the state, with more than 140,000 members in 920 local units? Our vision? Make every child's potential a reality. We will do that by being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for the well-being and education of every child.
At the upcoming Legislative Assembly on Saturday, October 24, local unit and council PTA representatives from across the state will meet to debate and discuss issues that the PTA hopes to advocate for during the next two years.
WSPTA's priorities for the 2015 and 2016 legislative sessions include:
1. Funding McCleary
2. Creating positive school climates through social emotional learning
3. Increasing capital funding
4. Increasing access to higher education
5. Breakfast After the Bell
Learn more about these priorities, as well as the other issues that are also supported, on the WSPTSA Engage website.You can also sign up for action alerts and find your elected officials/legislators in Olympia.Help your PTSA advocate for all children today!
Get legislative news and keep up on WSPTA's advocacy through the Grassroots Connection
blog, where you can sign up for email updates and legislative alerts. Change begins by using your voice to advocate at all levels of decision making.
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Thank You, Volunteers!
We Couldn't Do It Without You
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Thank you to the many, many volunteers who helped out in August and September! It takes a lot of hands to process 1600+ students through the distribution of laptops, schedules, ASB cards, pictures, fees and fines. Not to mention all of those hot dogs, hamburgers and cookies at the Back-to-School BBQ! Your help is invaluable and much appreciated. Back to top
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Still Time for "Fear-free" ACT Practice Test
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LWHS PTSA is partnering with Princeton Review to give students an opportunity to take practice ACT tests. This test is practice only, so although it will be scored, it 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. Tests will be returned Tuesday, October 20, 7pm at LWHS.
Cost: $20 per test; free to students who qualify for the free and reduced lunch program
Location: LWHS Library Dates:
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"Fear-free" ACT
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Tuesday, Oct. 6
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Practice test:
| Saturday, Oct. 10, 8:30am-1pm
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Review session:
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Tuesday, Oct. 20, 7pm, LWHS Library
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Family Fun Day at the Sounders
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Congratulations to LWHS's National Merit Scholar Semifinalists! | Congratulations to LWHS seniors Sarah Chen, Jonah Joughin and Arman Talkar, who qualified as semifinalists in the 61st annual National Merit Scholarship program! LWSD had 40 students qualify as semifinalists.
Students qualified for these awards by completing the 2014 PSAT test, which served as an initial screen of program entrants. The nationwide pool of Semifinalists, which represents less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest scoring entrants in each state.
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Homecoming Dance Needs Your Help
Donate Items by Monday, September 28
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T he LWHS Homecoming Dance is right around the corner! With less than a month left until the dance on Saturday, October 3 we need your help. Homecoming is planned by the ASB class, and our goal is to leave a lasting memory for everyone.
The theme for this year's dance is "The Oscars" and we are planning on having movie-themed decorations and activities. We are asking parents to contribute decorations and snacks, and to volunteer to supervise activities. There will be games outside as well as indoor "Oscar games" and both a cotton candy and popcorn machine. We need chips, drinks, pizza, candy, streamers and volunteers - click here to donate or volunteer! Your contributions can help us make this year's dance a success!
Please leave your donations, marked "for Lindsay Roger", in the Main Office by Monday, September 28.
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Party Buses for Homecoming (and Other Events)
| Using a party bus for transportation to Homecoming and other school events can be a fun alternative, but underage drinking on the buses has become a serious problem. Neither the LWHS PTSA nor LWHS sponsors or endorses any party bus; party buses are hired by private individuals.
Questions to consider before sending your student on a party bus:-
Does your teen know the risks and possible consequences of underage drinking?
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Does your teen know everyone who will be on the bus?
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Are you sure there will be no alcohol on the bus?
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Do you know the parents involved?
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If your teen plans to attend a before- or after-party, will alcohol be served?
- Will parents be present at before- and after-parties?
More information on party buses, consequences of teen drinking and parent responsibilities can be found on the "Know Before They Go" fact sheet. |
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Avoid the Flu Season
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A note from the health room: Influenza is already showing up in our area. To help your student avoid getting the flu, please see your doctor and schedule a flu shot!
Also, remind your student to wash their hands thoroughly and often.
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Junior Class Fundraiser at Tr�s Hermanos
Thursday, September 24, All Day
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For more information, see the September 9 Kang Crier.
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New Kang Gear Has Arrived at the Student Store!
| See the Kang Crier #2 for details.
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Upcoming College Fairs
280 Colleges at Seattle National College Fair
| Performing and Visual Arts Fair
Tuesday, September 29, 7-9 pm
Seattle Center, Fisher Pavilion
(National Association for College Admission Counseling)
Friday, October 16 9am-noon
Saturday, October 17 noon-4pm
Washington State Convention Center in Seattle
To register for the fairs go to www.gotomyncf.com. Find and click on Seattle and register.
These free fairs are a great way to learn about schools that students may not be familiar with, and to "demonstrate interest" (one of the many things that can help a student's application stand out during the admissions process). Back to top
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Registration for SAT & ACT Tests
LWHS code is 480545
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Below are the official test dates for the SAT and ACT tests requiring registration on or before winter break. 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
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Registration Deadline
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November 7, 2015
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October 9, 2015
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December 5, 2015
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November 5, 2015
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January 23, 2016
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December 28, 2015
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Test Date |
Registration Deadline
| October 24, 2015
| October 2, 2015 (late registration)
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December 12, 2015
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November 6, 2015
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More Counseling Information in Previous Issue
| If you missed Who's Who in Counseling and Strategies for Success in the last issue, you can read them in the Kang Crier #2.
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Information for Seniors & Senior Parents
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Last Week to Get Senior Party Tickets for $140
Prices go up Thursday, October 1
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Buy your tickets now for the June 9, 2016 Senior Party to get the lowest price. The cost goes up to $145 on Thursday, October 1.
To purchase a ticket you can either fill out a registration form and pay with a check or cash at the LWHS office, or sign up and pay online. T ickets are non-refundable.
We need Senior Party volunteers!
To volunteer, or for scholarship or registration information, please contact Joan Lindell Olsen at: [email protected] or (425) 877-6488.
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Yearbook Deadlines for Seniors | Read about the deadlines for Senior Baby Ads and Quotes in the September 9 Kang Crier.
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Lake Washington School District
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LWSD Seeks Parent Feedback on Facilities Plan
| A 63-member task force of parents and community members has developed draft recommendations to make sure there is classroom space for new and current students. At the same time, the task force has been reviewing the issues of aging schools that may no longer meet the district's educational specifications.
The task force is seeking your feedback before they take their final recommendations to the school board.
Here are options to learn more about the recommendations and provide feedback: - Learn about the recommendations and provide input via the online open house
- Attend an upcoming regional meeting (both meetings will have the same content/format)
- Redmond High School, Monday, September 28, 6:30-8:30pm
- Eastlake High School, Wednesday, September 30, 6:30-8:30pm
- Attend the district-wide Town Hall Meeting, Wednesday, October 7, at Rose Hill Middle School, from 6-8:30pm
This work has the potential to affect families and schools in our district for years to come. Please take part in it. Back to top |
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Lake Washington Schools Foundation Is...
All in for Kids!
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Your support of our students is evident this fall in our busy classrooms! Students are participating in online math programs, college readiness elective classes, robotics clubs, anti-bullying programs and many more innovative programs all over the Lake Washington School District. And because of you, students with limited financial means are able to play sports, participate in band or choir, or walk down the aisle this June in a new cap and gown. For the 2015-16 school year, you helped us award nearly $300,000 in grants to schools across the district to support academic excellence for ALL students. Thank you for your generous support!
Our district is growing and with your help, we can expand our investment in district-wide programs that will impact the over 27,000 students in our district. You may have seen our signs around your school grounds or received a letter in the mail. Please give to the Foundation this fall during our All in for Kids fundraiser, and consider donating during your fall workplace giving campaign. Also, the Foundation is expanding its Board of Trustees and is looking for individuals passionate about making a difference in public education. If you are interested in learning more about how you can be involved, please e-mail [email protected]. Thank you for your continued support of ALL students in the Lake Washington School District!
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Lake Washington School District-approved flyers to keep you informed about upcoming activities, programs and events.
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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.
Calling all LW students with type 1 diabetes! If you are interested in having a community of support for students and parents at LW please join us on Saturday, September 26 at 11am for a round of mini-golf (each party responsible for own mini-golf costs). Please contact Dawn Jae at (425) 586-0051 or [email protected] for more information and to RSVP for the event.
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.
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Lake Washington High School * Kirkland, WA * PTSA Local Unit 2.8.95
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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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