Lake Washington High School PTSA Newsletter        
            

 December 9, 2015 | Issue 8 
In This Issue
Kang Crier Links

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

Tonight! Choir Concert
Wednesday, Dec. 9, 7-9pm, Theater 

Tomorrow! Trivia Night Senior Class Fundraiser 
Thursday, Dec. 10, 7-9pm, Commons

Olympics Spirit Day
Friday, Dec. 11

Counseling Center Presentation: Navigating the FAFSA

Monday, Dec. 14, 6:30pm, Theater

Band Concert

Wednesday, Dec. 16, 7-9pm, Theater

LWPTSA Brown Bag Lunch, Legislative Preview: Education Changes
Thursday, Dec. 17, noon-1pm, LWSD Resource Center
 
Winter Break 
Monday, Dec. 21 - Friday, Jan. 1

Last Day to Purchase Senior Party Tickets at $145 
Thursday, Dec. 31

Last Chance for Yearbook Purchases
Saturday, Jan. 2 - Friday, Jan. 22   

Second Semester Schedule Distribution
 
Friday, Jan. 8

Senior Portraits for Yearbook Deadline
 Friday, Jan. 15 
 
 

Letter from the Principal
We Value Your Feedback
One of the goals of Lake Washington School District and Lake Washington High School is to engage our communities. We welcome and value parent and community feedback, and each year we administer two district-wide parent and community surveys:

1. An annual climate survey
This survey seeks feedback from parents and the community about school learning environments, academic standards, communication, student support and more. The district and schools carefully review the feedback collected to inform our continuous improvement processes and to determine what we are doing well and how we can continue to improve. Click here to see the results from the spring 2015 survey. Next year this survey moves to the fall, but your chance to weigh in for this academic year is happening now. In order to participate, take the survey, or post this link into a web browser: http://www.k12insight.com/k/SsWYVTsQRURsPsPsP. Please feel free to forward the survey link to friends and neighbors. We also want to hear from community members who do not have students in our schools. The survey takes approximately 10-15 minutes and closes on Friday, December 18. District-wide results from the survey will be shared on the "Your Voice" page of the district website. School-wide results for selected questions will be published as part of each school's annual report, distributed to all parents next fall.

2. An annual program survey
Each spring we survey parents to seek feedback about specific district programs and initiatives. The district uses the results to inform our strategic planning processes. Look for this survey in spring 2016.

In addition, for many years our district has had an ongoing telephone poll in place. Pacific Market Research places calls on behalf of the Lake Washington School District to seek
feedback from parents and community members. We regularly review the feedback collected and analyze the data trends over time.

Finally, we have created an LW Facebook page where you can follow us and keep abreast of all the things happening at LW.

We wish you the very best during this holiday season and I hope to see you at an upcoming event soon.

Christina Thomas, Principal
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PTSA News
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Senior Party Ticket Prices Go Up December 31
The Senior all-night party is a great LWHS tradition and takes place on graduation night, Thursday, June 9. This is the last all-senior event for the Class of 2016, and a fun and safe way to celebrate this important milestone.  
 
The night of graduation is potentially one of the most dangerous nights for a grad. With the all-night party, teens are not driving tired, and there is no pressure to drink or do drugs. The party is parent chaperoned, with paid bus transportation for all attendees. Great food, entertainment, and a variety of exciting activities are all included. There is something for every grad to enjoy at each location! The details are secret until the night of the party to add to the excitement.
 
Tickets are currently $145 each if paid in full and purchased by December 31. They can be purchased online on the LWHS PTSA website . To pay by check, download the registration form. Prices increase to $155 on Friday, January 1. Tickets are non-refundable. Senior Party is sponsored by the LWHS PTSA. 
 
For scholarship information or any questions, contact Joan Lindell Olsen.
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Save the Date for Senior Party Fundraiser
All Parents are Welcome - Wednesday, January 27, 6-8pm
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Please save the date for a Parents' Night Out fundraiser for the Senior Party on Wednesday, January 27 at the Kirkland Arts Center from 6-8pm. We'll enjoy drinks, appetizers and great music provided by local musician David Flett. All LWHS parents are welcome. Watch for details and an invitation in an upcoming Kang Crier.




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Fund Education Campaign Underway
Send a Postcard Today
Now more than ever the Lake Washington PTSA (LWPTSA) Council needs your help in getting the word to our legislators that education matters! In 2016, the Legislature will be working to comply with the Supreme Court order to fully fund basic education, and with the McCleary decision. Your LWPTSA Council has set a "Fund Education Now" postcard campaign goal to send 1,000 postcards to our legislators and Governor Inslee by January 31, 2016.
 
How can you help? It's easy - postcards are printed and ready for use. Just fill them out and send them to your legislator or the Governor with a brief note, signature, and return address. Please contact Advocacy Chair, Melissa Jackson for postcards and additional information. You can also just write your own letter or postcard using  the addresses and information here. 
 
Postcards will also be available at the PTSA general membership meeting on Wednesday, January 20, 2016.Thank you for your support in reaching out to our legislators to Fund Education Now!
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Advance Registration for Fear-free SAT/ACT Practice Tests
If you like to plan ahead you might want to register now for the upcoming Fear-free SAT/ACT practice tests. These are actual SAT and ACT tests, administered and scored by Princeton Review, but because this is practice, scores will not go on students' record. See dates and details on the PTSA website. You can register online or print the registration form and send it to the main office.
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Legislative Priorities - How You Can Help
Save the Date for Focus Day, Wednesday, February 3 in Olympia
At the recent Washington State PTSA's 37th Annual Legislative Assembly, members voted to add two new issues to the five existing short-term legislative priorities: 
 
1. Improving educational outcomes for foster children.
 
As a whole-child advocacy association, priority issues for the PTA represent education, health, well-being, and safety for all children in Washington State.

How can you get involved and help your PTSA advocate for these issues and more? Mark your calendar for Focus Day, Wednesday, February 3. This is your chance to get involved, help advocate for all children, meet legislators and make our (PTSA) voice heard in Olympia! Transportation will be provided - all you need to do is sign up and show your support. Look for more information in January, but if you have questions or want to sign up early contact Advocacy Chair Melissa Jackson.
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New Parent Resource from the National PTA
The National PTA has given their magazine an extreme makeover and, as of this November, Our Children has become a website, with great articles for parents. On this new website, you will find:
  • Tips to help you best support your child's academic success and well-being
  • Relevant stories about the successes and challenges of students, schools and families
  • Stories about everyday heroes who work to make every child's potential a reality
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Kang Achievements

LW Musicians in State Honor Groups
Eight LWHS music students have been accepted to 2016 Washington Music Educators Association (WMEA) High School All-State Honor Groups. Honorees from LW include:

All-State Wind Ensemble: Lea Maschotta, Bb Soprano Clarinet
All-State Concert Band: Matthew Maffeo, French Horn
All-State Symphonic Choir: Erik Abramson, Tenor 2; Annika Cable, Soprano 2; Collin Hesson, Tenor 2; Brandon Hewitt, Tenor 2; James Rowan, Tenor 2
All-State Symphony Orchestra: Jonah Joughin, Violin

Congratulations, Kang musicians!
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Reflections Entries Going to District Competition
Judging for the local portion of the Reflections art competition is complete and 16 student artists are moving on to the district round. Congratulations to: Samantha Nguyen, Olivia Lopez, Kalista Schultz, Johanna Brekkan, Jordan Johnsen, Kaitlin Burns, Shellbe Souza, Hanh Le, Zhane Claus, Cecilia Yagelowich, Leona Friedman, Ploy Hemrathiran, Ashley Putzke, Amilie Torres, Amanda Kartes and Samantha Beeman. Stop in at the Main Office to see photos of the entries with the artist and artist's explanations. This year's Reflections theme was "Let Your Imagination Fly" as demonstrated in these samples from the 32 entries received. Congratulations to everyone who submitted an entry, well done!

Boy in Red Sweater by Chloe Soejima


Owl by McKenna Davies

Mark Your Calendar
The District Reflections Art Show and Open House will be on Friday, January 8 from 6-8pm at the Lake Washington Resource Center.
The district art show displays the art forwarded by all of the district's schools, from primary grades through high school - one always walks away from the event feeling inspired and happy.

Reflections Chairs
Pam Hay, Irene Neumann and Amanda Maggiora 
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Kang Sports

Football Team Receives Honors
Players and Coaches Honored by Kingco
Kang football's successful season continues with 19 players and coaches honored at the league level. All-League awards are voted on by the head coaches from all Kingco 3A/2A schools. First team honorees received the highest number of votes and include Sean Gordon, Jake Wikel, Jared Menssen and Dylan Bacher. Second team and honorable mention recipients are Adam Long, D.J. Mann, Will Pliska, Parker Wikel, Matt Malloy, Stossi Tsantilas, Caleb Rickets, Rudy Wilkes and Colby Coco. Some players received honors at both offensive and defensive positions, read details of the awards here .

Kingco Head Coach of the Year, and Assistant Coach of the Year
Kangs Head Coach A.J. Parnell was named Kingco 3A Head Coach of the Year, and Andy Arena was named Assistant Coach of the Year.

Team Presents Awards
LW also presents two awards, both voted on by the team. The G.R.I.T. Award goes to the student/athlete in each grade who best demonstrates the values of Gratitude, Respect, Integrity and Team over the season. This year's winners include:
Brady Gockel - Freshman     
Ben McKinney - Sophomore   
Colby Coco - Junior          
Matt Malloy - Senior
 
The Always Rising Award goes to the student/athlete in each grade who best represents the team's "Always Rising" mentality of never quitting and striving to be the best they can be academically, athletically and socially throughout the season. Winners for this year include:
Nick Anderson - Freshman  
Coleton Pantley - Sophomore                
Rudy Wilkes - Junior       
Chet Atuanya - Senior

Congratulations to both players and coaches!

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LWHS News & Activities

Seeking Student Interested in Podcasting
Is your student interested in podcasting? Poetry Club is looking for someone to record student poetry and produce a podcast for us on a regular basis. If you are interested in sound design or podcasting, please see Poetry Club Advisor Mr. Terich in Room 271a. You don't need to have an interest in poetry to help us out!
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Loyalty Club's Holiday Baskets Food Drive 
Donations Due by December 15
Food collected so far
Holiday Baskets is an annual food drive put on by LW's Loyalty Club to help support our community. This year's food drive is halfway over and we are quite excited about the progress so far. However, we still need your help! Between now and Tuesday, December 15, we are asking students to bring in non-perishable food items to their homeroom classes.

All proceeds will be donated to the Rainier Valley Food Bank (RVFB). Loyalty Club has developed a relationship with this organization over the past few years and we are very proud to be able to continue it this year.
Why RVFB and not somewhere in Kirkland? In 2014, nearly 200,000 people accessed food from RVFB. While many local food banks in Kirkland and Redmond are well-stocked for the winter, RVFB has over twice the need of just two years ago. RVFB's mission also addresses the issue of access because they don't use zip code or address restrictions. The Loyalty Club voted that RVFB is a better fit for the mission of both the club and Holiday Baskets. We most need: 
  • Canned Chicken, Tuna and Salmon
  • Hearty Soups
  • Canned Vegetables and Fruits
  • Baby Food
  • Formula
  • Diapers
  • Dry or Canned Beans (kidney, pinto, green, yellow, black)
  • Peanut Butter
  • Pasta & Rice
  • Cereal and Oatmeal
  • Granola or Energy Bars
  • Ensure or other Nutritional Supplement Drinks
If you have any questions, contact Mr.Tuggle, teacher and Loyalty Club Advisor.

We thank you for your support,
LW Loyalty Club
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Last Chance to Buy Yearbooks Coming Up
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If you have not purchased a yearbook and would like to, the last opportunity will be Saturday, January 2 - Friday, January 22. You will be able to purchase online using Parent Access or at school from the cashier's window before school or during student lunches. This will be the last opportunity to purchase yearbooks; the cost is $65. If you are unsure whether you have purchased a yearbook for this school year, you can check your student's purchasing history on Parent Access.
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Genghis Khan Guilty as Charged
Ella Ludwig, Jemimah Harrison, Abby Croson, Crystal Runstadler, Natasha Stott, Michelle Um and Sajeena Jebanathan
Genghis Khan was convicted of almost all charges in last month's Advanced Placement World History classes.

Jaimi Lankerovich, Jacob Smith, Max Fanning, Audrey Bean, Jun Tu, Cassady Barnes, Anna Hubbard and Alex Repass


Aubri Baskin, Helen Serr, Gavin Robertson and Sam Dorsey
Angela Johnson, Annie Adams, and Sophie Campbell
Robert Coyas, Hunter Toyoda, Bryce Klinker and Will Pliska
Chloe Wozniak, Riley Pluth, Julian Oelsner and Jensen Leewens

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Winter-Rider Tips for ORCA Pass Users
When snow comes to the Northwest, Metro bus routes change. Here's what you need to know in "snow route" conditions.
  • The best place to catch the bus is along a major arterial
  • Wait for the bus at the top or bottom of hills
  • Wait back from the curb
  • Dress warmly
  • Prepare for delays
Metro Snow route Information can be found on the Metro website.
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Counseling Center

Counseling Center Presentation: Navigating the FAFSAinfonight
The Counseling Center will hold its second informational session, Navigating the FAFSA, on Monday, December 14 at 6:30pm in the Theater. A guest speaker will review the FAFSA and answer questions from the audience. See the article below for more information on the FAFSA.

If you experience difficulty when you fill out the FAFSA, call the financial aid offices at any local community college or university. They will be more than happy to answer your questions. It is important to submit the FAFSA as soon after January 1 as possible. Many schools have early spring financial aid deadlines. They strictly enforce deadlines and need your financial information as early as possible in order to give your student the best package.
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Student Schedules Worth a Second Look
Students will receive a copy of their second semester schedule on Friday, January 8. If they would like to change a semester elective, they need to download the "Schedule Change Request Form" (available on LWHS's website at 3pm on Friday, January 8), complete it, and turn it in to the Counseling Center anytime between Monday, January 11 and Wednesday, January 13. If the counselor can make the change, your student will be given a revised schedule. As always, schedule change requests based on teacher choice, teacher style, or lunch assignments will not be considered. Please remember there will be NO schedule changes once semester two begins.
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NCAA Eligibility Clearinghouse
Juniors and seniors considering participating in intercollegiate athletics need to register online with the NCAA Clearinghouse. This registration certifies the eligibility of student athletes to participate in sports during their freshman year in college.

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Registration for the SAT 
There is one more official test date for the SAT which requires registration during 2015. Students who plan to take this test need to register online at collegeboard.org using the LWHS code, 480545. 2016 SAT and ACT test dates will be listed in the next Kang Crier. 

Test Date
Registration Deadline
January 23, 2016
December 28, 2015


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Info for Seniors & Senior Parents

Seniors: Get Ready to Apply for Financial Aid
scholarship money
fafsaIt's almost time to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) early in January. The FAFSA is the paperwork step necessary to access federal student aid including the Pell Grant and federal student loans. Regardless of what your family's economic situation currently is, you are always eligible for federal student or parent loans, so don't put it off. Also, many scholarships are now requiring that a FAFSA be filed. It's usually advantageous to get the FAFSA filed as early in the year as possible because it allows you more time to consider your options. While you have to have at least an estimate of your family's 2015 taxes, the earlier you get things in order for this process the better. The student and parents need a PIN (personal identification number) to complete the FAFSA online. If you don't already have one, now is the time to apply at: www.pin.ed.gov. When you are ready to fill out the FAFSA be sure to use the site:
www.fafsa.ed.gov. Remember, it is a free form - don't go to sites where you have to pay to fill out the form. Don't forget the upcoming information session on the FAFSA. 
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Senior Party Tickets and Fundraiser
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Read more about Senior Party ticket prices and an upcoming parents night out fundraiser in the PTSA News section of this Kang Crier.

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LW Schools Foundation

LWSF Fundraising Success, Grants and Upcoming Events
We are Grateful for all You do
During this season of giving thanks, Lake Washington Schools Foundation would like to express our gratitude to all our wonderful teachers, parents and community members for your support of the Foundation. Our generous community has helped us raise over $30,000 during the All in for Kids campaign. Thank you! It's not too late to make a year-end gift, please give to impact students today. Whether it's writing a grant, running a Foundation funded program in your school or making a personal donation, you help the Foundation have a tremendous impact in our school community.

Reaching for Success Grant Application Information 
We want to fund your innovative teaching and learning ideas! The Foundation would like to receive a Reaching for Success grant application from every school. Grants fund innovative programs that help schools meet their goals. Past grants include Movie Making Technology, Kindergarten Literacy and Growing Young Scientists with STEM Kits. And best of all, we are making it easy this year with an online application! The Lake Washington PTSA Council will also be hosting a Brown Bag Lunch on Thursday, January 21 from noon-1pm to learn about the grant making process and to answer questions. Another opportunity will be Thursday, February 4 hosted by the Foundation. Both workshops will be held at the LWSD Resource Center. For more information, please visit our website.

Save a Date - Two Spring Fundraising Events
Join us at one of our two spring fundraising events: the Spring for Learning Luncheon, Wednesday, April 20 or Spring for Learning Breakfast on Wednesday, April 27 at the Redmond Town Center Marriott hotel, our generous new corporate partner! Join us to be inspired by students and teachers and see amazing educational programs in action thanks to the support of our community. Interested in joining the team to help make these events a huge success?
  • Serve as a table captain, a corporate partner or help recruit corporate partners
  • Volunteer for the spring events committee
  • Help recruit community members to the event
Please contact us if you are interested in volunteering.

And as always, let us know if you have questions or feedback. Thank you for partnering with the Lake Washington Schools Foundation in support of our kids!
 
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Community News

Lake Washington School District-approved flyers to keep you informed about upcoming activities, programs and events are listed on PeachJar.
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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.
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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.
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