Lake Washington High School PTSA Newsletter 
 
 
October 7, 2015 | Issue 4  
In This Issue
Kang Crier Links

sidebarCo-editors: Karen Peters & Debbie Ohman
 
Quick Links
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~ Upcoming Events ~

Today! 
Coffee with Christina, LWHS Principal
Wednesday, Oct. 7, 9-10am, LWHS College & Career Center

Today! College Application Workshop
Every Wednesday After School, Starting Oct. 7, LWHS College & Career Center

Today! Deadline for Juniors to Register for PSAT
Wednesday, Oct. 7

Tonight! 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 

National Honor Society Applications Due
Tuesday, Oct.13

PSAT Testing for Sophomores and Juniors
Wednesday, Oct. 14, 8am

Senior Party Fundraiser at Tres Hermanos
Thursday, Oct. 15, all day

LWPTSA Council Brown Bag Lunch - State Testing: Does LWSD Measure Up? 
Thursday, Oct. 15, 12-1pm, LWSD Resource Center

LWSD Board Candidate's Forum
Thursday, Oct. 15, 7-8:30pm, LWSD Resource Center

LEAP Day - No school
Friday, Oct. 16

Friday, Oct. 16, 9am-Noon, Saturday, Oct. 17, Noon-4pm, Washington State Convention Center, Seattle

"Fear-free" ACT Review Session
Tuesday, Oct. 20, 7pm, LWHS library

Special Needs Group Meeting
Tuesday, Oct. 20, 7-8:30pm, LWSD Resource Ctr 

LWSD Unity Day: Wear Orange to Support 
Bullying Prevention
Wednesday, Oct. 21

Lyrica and Chorale Fall Concert
Wednesday, Oct. 21, 7pm, LWHS Theater
  
 

From the Principal
It is hard to believe we have a month of school under our belts. We are closing in on the half-way point for the quarter. It has been a very busy month, with Homecoming just finishing. Our faculty were part of a surprise presentation to "Thriller." I am sure they will be the hit of YouTube! 

We had three students qualify as National Merit Semi-Finalists. Congratulations to Sarah Chen, Jonah Joughin and Aman Talkar. They were honored at the school board meeting on Monday, October 5.  Additionally, we had eight students who were recognized as Commended Scholars through the National Merit Program. Congratulations go to Bradley Aarnio, Matthew Canin, Sheridan Ferguson, Siri Hedreen, Ethan Holle, Adrian Ionescu, DJ Mann and Erica Zieber. These students were also honored at the school board meeting. 

Wednesday, October 14 will be our PSAT day along with High School and Beyond activities required for graduation. All students are expected to attend the regular school day. Please remind your junior students to pay for their PSAT exams by the end of today.

We are deeply committed to student achievement, and as you know, have dedicated tutorial time during the school day. Teachers are sending for students to come to their classes if they need additional time and support. Parents should have access to Skyward Grading which will keep you apprised of your student's achievement. Please encourage your student to seek out the help they may need.


October is recognized as Anti-Bullying month. Our Safe School Ambassadors will be providing ongoing information about stopping harassment and bullying. We have a Victim's Advocate from Seattle Police presenting to freshman on the topic of Internet safety on Wednesday, October 14. Online bullying is our greatest challenge. Please talk with your students about using social media responsibly and in a kind manner. Students can show their support for bullying prevention by wearing orange on Wednesday, October 21 during LWSD's Unity Day.

As you know, we are experiencing overcrowding at Lake Washington High School. The district is having a town hall meeting tonight. Please see the information below.

Thank you for all of your continued support through volunteering, donations and encouragement. If you have questions, please feel free to reach out to me. 

Christina Thomas, Principal

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PTSA News

Today! Coffee with Christina
Wednesday, October 7, 9-10am, LWHS College & Career Center
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Join us for Coffee with Christina, a quarterly event that provides an informal opportunity to chat with Principal Christina Thomas and fellow parents over coffee and treats. Christina will talk about what has been going on so far this new school year and answer your questions.

This is a casual, drop-in activity so stop in any time and grab a cup of coffee and a baked treat (provided by our fabulous PTSA hospitality volunteers). We'll be in the College & Career Center so you will also have the chance to check out the post-high school resources available to you and your student. Contact LWHS PTSA Co-Presidents Liz Hedreen and Anne Ryan if you have any questions.

2015-16 Coffee with Christina dates: December 2, February 3 & April 13

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Today! Get a Fresh Pair of Eyes on Your Student's College Application Essay! 
It's that time of year when seniors are busy writing their essays in preparation for applying to college. If your student needs help, has questions or would just like another pair of eyes to review their essay, send them to the PTSA's College Application Workshop. The College Application Workshop begins Wednesday, October 7, right after school at 12:35pm in the LWHS College & Career Center. Encourage your student to drop by with their work for support and lunch. We'll be here every Wednesday!

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Senior Party Fundraiser at Tres Hermanos
Please Join the Senior Class for Great Mexican Food on Thursday, October 15!
 
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What: Senior Party Fundraiser

Where: Tres Hermanos (Rose Hill) 12821 NE 85th St, Kirkland 98033

When: Thursday, October 15, 11am-10pm. Good for take-out orders too: (425) 827-4422

How: Tres Hermanos has kindly agreed to donate a portion of sales to the Senior Party. Please give this flyer to Tres Hermanos when you arrive (this will help keep track of LWHS sales for the Class of 2016 fundraising event).
 
Hope you and your family can attend! Questions? Please contact Joan Lindell Olsen.

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Brown Bag Lunch - State Testing: How Does LWSD Measure Up?
Thursday, October 15, 12-1pm, LWSD Resource Center
Students all over Washington faced new, more rigorous state tests covering new standards in language arts and mathematics during the 2014-15 school year. Lake Washington School District representatives will explain how students in our district performed on the new Smarter Balanced Assessments, what those scores mean, and how parents and students can better understand the testing process. 

Bring your lunch, join this discussion organized by the LW PTSA Council and get your questions answered!  Contact LW PTSA President Judy East for more information.

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Calling All Creative Students...
The Reflections art competition is underway and high school students are highly encouraged to submit an entry. Does your student enjoy music, writing, drawing, animation, painting, photography and/or dance? They can enter in any of these categories. This year's theme is "Let Your Imagination Fly" - perfect for teenagers! Find out more about Reflections. The deadline for entries is Monday, November 2, which means students have all of October to create and submit something imaginative and beautiful.

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Show Your Support - Become a Member
You can still join the LWHS PTSA. Just click to join online or pick up a membership form in the main office at LW. 

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Weekend Food for Hungry LWSD Students
WATCH: More than 30 LWSD students, including one from Lake Washington High School, came together to film a video about student hunger and the Hopelink Pantry Packs solution. Watch the video at feedwashington.org/lwsd.

DONATE:$5 monthly recurring donation can help end weekend hunger in our schools.

SHARE: Use social media to share the video through Monday, October 12; use the hashtags #solvestudenthunger, #lwsd, and #feedwa.

LWSD has more than 450 students that may not eat on the weekends when federal school meal programs are not available. Hopelink Pantry Packs and many volunteers work to hold food drives, fill the packs and deliver them to schools so these children can have weekend food. Pantry Packs and Feed Washington have collaborated to further sustain and grow the program. More information and the video can be found at feedwashington.org/lwsd. Email [email protected] with questions. The Hopelink Pantry Packs program is supported by the LWHS PTSA.

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Candidate's Forum for LWSD Board
Determine Who You Want Making Decisions
If you are concerned with overcrowded schools, standardized testing or any other issue affecting our schools, here is your chance to learn about the candidates running for the Lake Washington School District Board and how they plan to deal with the important issues facing our schools. Meet the candidates on Thursday, October 15 from 7-8:30pm at Redmond High School Performing Arts Center. Get the details about the LWSD Board candidate's forum.
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Kang Achievements

Congratulations to LWHS's National Merit Commended Scholars!
In addition to the LWHS National Merit Semifinalists featured last month, eight Kangs were recognized as Commended Scholars through the National Merit Program. Congratulations to Bradley Aarnio, Matthew Canin, Sheridan Ferguson, Siri Hedreen, Ethan Holle, Adrian Ionescu, DJ Mann and Erica Zieber. These students received Letters of Commendation in recognition of their outstanding academic promise and were honored at a school board meeting. 
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Kang Sports

Kangs on TV!
In case you missed it, the Lake Washington vs. Juanita football game on Friday, September 18 was "Game of the Week" on King5 TV. The LWHS pep rally was featured on the morning news and pre- and post-game coverage was on the evening news.

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LWHS News & Activities

Time to Apply for National Honor Society
Applications due Tuesday, October 13
Sophomores, juniors and seniors interested in joining National Honor Society should pick up an application from Mrs. Shoda, Mrs. Berge, or Mili in the main office. Applications are due to Mrs. Shoda (office room 372A) by Tuesday, October 13. Notifications about acceptance will be made the following week, and induction will take place on Tuesday, October 27. All application requirements are listed on the application form.
 
Freshmen who are interested in joining National Honor Society should work on maintaining a 3.7 GPA this year, and participate in service and leadership opportunities. They may then apply to join in the fall of their sophomore year.
 
Questions may be directed to NHS advisor Bethany Shoda.

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Autumn Report from ASB
Thanks to Homecoming Volunteers/Donors
Here at Lake Washington High School we pride ourselves on our clubs and athletics, our school spirit, and above all, our student unity. So much of what goes on here at LW is only able to happen because of the hard work and countless outside hours put in by the phenomenal ASB team we have, headed by president Emily LaFramboise. This group of 35 student leaders, comprised of all four grade levels, has been super busy in this first month of school! The group was responsible for LW's Homecoming Dance, which took place on Saturday, October 3. With an attendance of nearly 700 students, it was the most successful dance the school has seen in years. From planning the theme and coming up with spirit days, to ordering decorations and setting up the dance floor, this ASB team executed a great school function and made it possible for every student to have a fun-filled night. 

The ASB team would like to thank all of the parent and teacher volunteers who gave up their Saturday night to help things run smoothly, as well as everyone who donated food and decorations. It was because of these individuals that this night ran as smoothly as it did. 

Be on the look out for more great events like these in the near future and thanks for supporting this school. Go Kangs!

The ASB Team
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Poetry Club Welcomes New Members
Poetry Club is starting up again and we want your student to be there! We are electing officers soon. This year we are hosting another three Poetry Slams (late fall, winter, and spring). View a clip about last year's slams. We're looking for people interested in reading and sharing poetry, helping to organize the slams, recording poetry podcasts for us, and compiling and editing a new poetry book. We work hard, have a lot of fun, and inspire each other on a weekly basis. If this sounds like something your student would enjoy, please have them come to Poetry Club on Tuesdays after school in Room 271. For more information contact Poetry Club advisor Terry Terich.

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Insights Into Engineering & Manufacturing Night
Who: LWSD parents and students (middle school and high school)

What: An evening to explore engineering and manufacturing disciplines, job opportunities and educational pathways

Where: LWHS Theater, Commons, and College & Career Center

When: Thursday, November 18, 6:30-8:30pm
(drop-ins welcome)

Why: Meet industry experts in fields related to engineering and manufacturing jobs and explore pathways to get a rewarding job; connect with teachers who teach career and technology education classes in your learning community; and learn about tuition help in college.

For more information, contact Jared Greenwood at [email protected].

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Enjoy the Sound of Singing at the Fall Concert
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Lake Washington High School's Lyrica and Chorale will greet the season with their Fall Concert on Wednesday, October 21 at 7pm in the LWHS Theater. Please join us for a wonderful evening of autumnal choral music! 


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

JR Hentges
Madeline Ednie
Adam Trinka
Jack Sadis
Dion Babst
Colby Harris
Kaitlin Chan

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Emperor Shi Huangdi on Trial
AP World History students completed their first mock trial of the year, putting the Qin emperor Shi Huangdi on trial for his legalist principles! Through research and use of primary source material, students must prove the guilt or innocence of an historical figure in the context of five or six specific charges. Role-playing witnesses or attorneys provide kids a fun and entertaining way to learn about historical figures and the difficulty in determining their legacy.

Cheryl Aarnia, Elizabeth Merrit, Gerrit Van Zwol and Isaac Lee.
 
Sean Benson, David Shuer, Simon Ferry and Patil Clark.




 

Gabe Zahn, Arya Sheikh, Jesse Kaikkonen, Katie Chan and Kimnea Tang.
Lauren Peterson, Kerry Malone, Alyssa Mattler and Sydney Willis.
Cody Wilson, Desiree Eliason, Yael Pasumansky and Kayla Henry.
















Alex Wilder, Millen Katyal, Robert Neuman, Jesse Brown, David Pfeifer, Jack Bennett and Wilford Huang.

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Got Flu?
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Flu season is fast approaching. Please remember to get your flu shot before the flu gets you down.

If your student is sick please, please have them stay home so that they don't pass it on to their classmates. Also, remember, fever-free for 24 hours before returning to school. 

A message from your friends in the health room.

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College & Career Center

College Visits to LWHS
Admission representatives from colleges all over the country visit LWHS throughout the year. All visits will be held in the College & Career Center, Room 180. Students are required to sign up with Mrs. Madsen for a specific college visit; they will receive a pass to attend that must be signed by their class period teacher.

Oct. 7
University of Portland
Oct. 22
Portland State University
Oct. 8
University of Denver
San Diego State University
Oct. 23
University of Redlands
Oct. 9
Oregon State University
Dickinson College
Oct. 26
Bryant University
Pacific Lutheran University
University of Colorado - Boulder
Oct. 12
Seattle Pacific University
University of Utah
Miami University
Oct. 27University of Montana
Oct. 19
University of Alabama
Oct. 30
Linfield College 
Oct. 20
Chapman University
Nov. 3
Eastern Washington University 
Oct. 21
Claremont McKenna
Nov. 6
Seattle University
Oct. 22
Portland State University



See specific times of visits on the Career Center page on the LWHS website.
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Scholarships Await Your Student
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Calling all Kangs! If you are looking for scholarships to help pay for college, you're in luck! Scholarships for high school students are probably the most popular awards available by grade. So, whether your student is a freshman or a senior, begin your search with the LWHS College & Career Scholarship BulletinPick up a copy in the College & Career Center or go to the LWHS website and click on Career Center in the left sidebar.

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Work Study Credit - Don't Miss Out!
Students who are employed and earning a paycheck have the fantastic opportunity to earn work study credit. If your son or daughter is enrolled in Work-Based Learning, now's the time to be sure that all the paperwork is in order and turned in to Mrs. Luckey. Students may continue to turn in hour logs and signed employer evaluation forms.

The benefits of participation in this program include:
  • Earn one semester credit for each 180 hours worked (up to four semester credits)
  • The grade recorded for work study credit is an "A", so this helps increase GPA
  • Demonstrate responsibility to colleges and future employers
  • Open up space in student schedule to take other electives such as music, art, material science, etc.
  • Earn required CTE credits needed for graduation
Not sure what the status of your student's hours are? Contact Mrs. Luckey.

Interested in having your student enroll in this awesome program? Watch for details later this fall to enroll for the 2015-2016 school year.

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Seattle National College Fair
Friday, October 16, 9am-12pm & 
Saturday, October 17, 12-4pm
Parents and students participating in the Seattle National College Fair meet one-on-one with representatives from colleges/universities to discuss admission and financial aid opportunities at their respective institutions. This free fair is held at the Washington State Convention Center in Seattle.

Register before the fair to make the most of your time onsite and ensure that colleges can follow up with you. 

Transportation, directions, and parking: 
http://www.wscc.com/parking-directions

Need more information? E-mail [email protected] or [email protected]
or call (703) 299-6856.

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Counseling Center

PSAT
Deadline Today for Juniors to Register for PSAT!
Today is the last day that juniors can sign up to take the PSAT. They need to pay the $15 fee to Ms. McChesney, our bookkeeper, at the cashier's window. This is a great opportunity to preview and practice for the SAT. All sophomores are automatically signed up to take the PSAT and there is no fee for them.

When students sign up for the PSAT, they will be given a booklet that gives them information about the test; counselors will distribute prep booklets to sophomores during one of their classes. Students are encouraged to review the booklet so they feel better prepared. Juniors who are not taking the PSAT will take the ASVAB (a career/vocational assessment) instead.

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Mark Your Calendar for the Counseling Center's Parent Night Information Sessions
Four-Year College Application ProcessIf you were unable to attend this parent night on Wednesday, September 30, you can access the PowerPoint on our school website and on the Counseling Haiku page. This presentation is the same presentation that seniors will hear on Wednesday, October 14 during their High School and Beyond rotation schedule.  

Navigating the FAFSA - On Monday, December 14 at 6:30pm in the Theater, LWHS will sponsor a financial aid workshop. We will have a guest speaker who will explain the philosophy behind financial aid and how the final parental contribution figure is deduced. Parents will also be walked through the FAFSA's more difficult questions.

Selecting a College - On Wednesday, March 23 at 6:30pm in the Theater, the counseling office will offer a presentation explaining how to select the college that is the right fit for your student.

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Registration for SAT & ACT Tests
Below are the official test dates for the SAT and ACT tests which require registration before or during winter break. Students who plan to take a test need to register online as listed below, using the LWHS code, 480545. 

SAT Test (register at collegeboard.org)

Test Date
Registration Deadline
November 7, 2015
October 9, 2015
December 5, 2015
November 5, 2015
January 23, 2016
December 28, 2015

ACT test (register at actstudent.org)

Test Date
Registration Deadline
December 12, 2015
November 6, 2015

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Lake Washington School District

TaskForceSchool Facilities Task Force Develops Recommendations, Asks for Input 
Town Hall Meeting Tonight, 6-8:30pm, Rose Hill Middle School
The Long-Term Facilities Planning Task Force has developed a set of draft recommendations to help the district with the issues of overcrowding and aging facilities. They are asking for feedback from the community. The recommendations address classroom capacity issues, cost reduction, efficient use of space and other issues. They also recommend specific projects to be undertaken in the
future. They have launched an online survey to gather input on the recommendations. A district-wide Town Hall meeting on these recommendations is scheduled for tonight from 6-8:30pm at Rose Hill Middle School. 
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Community News

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.
On Tuesday, November 3, the citizens of Kirkland will vote on the Metropolitan Park District (MPD) to fund the Kirkland ARC - Aquatics Recreation Community center. Kirkland's 22,000 square feet of existing recreation space was built to serve a 1990 population of 40,000. Today, we are approaching 85,000 people. The Lake Washington School District has previously announced that it will close Kirkland's only indoor public pool. 

The Kirkland ARC is envisioned to provide year round recreation for kids and the entire community:
  • Warm water pool suitable for swim lessons, water aerobics and therapy
  • Lap pool suitable for both swim and dive, including Lake Washington and Juanita high school teams
  • One or more courts suitable for basketball and volleyball
  • Gym with various equipment
  • Hard floor studios suitable for dance, tot classes, art classes, yoga and more
  • Indoor track
  • Community rooms for meetings and events for up to 250 people
The City of Kirkland has studied potential locations, including environmental and structural concerns. The city's website has all the details, including facility features, architectural drawings, information about the MPD, budgets and more. The choice is yours - vote on November 3.

Host an Italian student a for a semester or school year and your child will be invited to Italy through this cross-cultural exchange program.

SAT test preparation courses for students on the Eastside. Courses are available for the current SAT and the new SAT.
 
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ptsa 
 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.bottomofpage