Lake Washington High School PTSA Newsletter          
            

      February 3, 2016 | Issue 11   
In This Issue
Kang Crier Links

sidebarCo-editors Karen Peters & Debbie Ohman:
 
Quick Links
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~ Upcoming Events ~
 
TODAY! Coffee with Christina 
Wednesday, Feb. 3, 9-9:50am, College & Career Center

TODAY! Special PTSA General Membership Meeting
Wednesday, Feb. 3, 9:50-10am, College & Career Center 
 
TODAY! PTSA Focus Day 2016
Wednesday, Feb. 3, 8am-4pm, Olympia 
 
PSAT Score Reports to Sophomores and Juniors
Tuesday, Feb. 9
 
Poetry Slam
Tuesday, Feb. 9, 6:30-9pm, LWHS Theater
 
"Fear-Free" SAT Review Session
Tuesday, Feb. 9, 7pm, LWHS

Mid-Winter Break, No School
Thursday, Feb. 11 - Monday, Feb. 15

Summer Science Trip Registration Discount Ends
Monday, Feb. 15

"Fear-Free" ACT Registration Deadline
Tuesday, Feb. 16

LWSD PTSA Special Needs Group Meeting 
Tuesday, Feb. 16, 7-8:30pm, LWSD Resource Center

Robotics Club Spaghetti Night Fundraiser

Wednesday, Feb. 17, 6-8pm, Commons

Mini-Talk for Students - Cool Colleges

Wednesday, Feb. 17, 12:40pm, Library 
 
 

From Your PTSA Co-Presidents
LWSD Bond Election News
Okay, LWHS families and voters, it's "go time." The LWSD school board voted on Monday, January 25 to put a $398 million bond measure on the ballot in April 2016. The district has provided an easy to read and understand explanation of the issues on their website, you can read it here
 
The April bond will address the problem of overcrowding and aging schools with: new schools (two elementary and one middle school in the Redmond/Eastlake area), rebuilding and enlarging existing schools (Peter Kirk elementary and Juanita High School among them), and reducing reliance on portables. This bond will not increase the tax rate.
 
The LWHS PTSA has called a special membership meeting (i.e. not a regularly scheduled membership meeting) to discuss and vote on whether or not to endorse the bond measure. The special meeting is on Wednesday, Feb. 3, at 9:50am, immediately following the "Coffee with Christina". Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns.
 
Looking beyond our school district, The Seattle Times has launched their Greater Good II Campaign which is "a public service campaign dedicated to fixing our K-12 public schools. Both the inequity of funding and unacceptable outcomes as measured by college/work-ready graduation rates." Check out the Education section of their website for their interesting and relevant articles about education in our area. Keep yourself informed - these issues impact your kids!
 
As ever, please feel free to contact us!
 
Liz Hedreen and Anne Ryan,
LWHS PTSA Co-Presidents

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PTSA News

This Morning! Coffee with Christina
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Here is your chance to find out what's going on at LW and ask the principal any questions you have. Principal Christina Thomas will host her popular Coffee with Christina from 9-10am in the College & Career Center. Grab a coffee, warm up and ask away!

Contact PTSA Co-Presidents Anne Ryan and Liz Hedreen for more information.
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SpecialMembershipMeeting 
This Morning! Special PTSA Membership Meeting
Wednesday, February 3, 9:50am, College & Career Center
We are holding a special membership meeting at 9:50am on Wednesday, February 3 (immediately following the Coffee with Christina), to vote whether or not to endorse the LWSD's bond that will be on the ballot in April. If the LWHS PTSA membership votes to endorse the bond the LW Citizen's Levy Committee will be able to add us to their list of endorsements, and it will allow us to support the bond in the Kang Crier. We anticipate the meeting concluding by 10am. There is information on the LWSD website about the school board's decision to put the bond on the ballot. Read here a very brief explanation of the situation and what schools would be added/replaced if the bond passes. If you have any questions, please email LWHS PTSA Co-Presidents Liz Hedreen and Anne Ryan.  
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New! Mini-Seminars for Juniors
Affordable Colleges, Best Schools for B Students and More
This fall the LWHS PTSA's College Application Workshop program successfully guided seniors with essay support. The program will now focus on juniors by helping them start their college journey with weekly talks given by community volunteers and representatives from local colleges. Workshop topics include topics such as Best Schools for B Students, Affordable Schools: You Might Be Surprised!, and Twenty Ways to Choose your School. This list is just a sample of the many useful workshops the PTSA is pleased to offer; click here for a complete schedule and bring these to your student's attention!
 
The mini-seminars will be held on Wednesdays after school, 12:40pm, in the College & Career Center or library. Our first seminar will be Wednesday, February 17 with Debbie Cossey of Rainier College Counseling speaking on Cool Colleges - Schools with Unique Learning Environments (see article below). More information about the first seminar is in the next article. No registration is required, and pizza will be provided. This seminar is open to all students, we hope to see many curious Kangs there! 
 
This is a student-only event, but we encourage parents to ask their kids what they learned.

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First Mini-Seminar for Juniors:
Cool Colleges - Schools with Unique Learning Environments
Is your junior ready to start the journey to find a college that is right for them? On Wednesday, February 17 at 12:40pm in the library, Debbie Cossey of Rainier College Counseling will present a look at interesting and unique colleges. Does your student want to study marine biology... at a college on the beach? Would your student prefer to learn hands-on? How about a college that welcomes pets, or one for those who love the outdoors? There is a college for everyone and Debbie will reveal unusual and compelling colleges that you might not be aware of. 
 
Send your student to this after school talk for the opportunity to find a college as unique as they are! Free pizza will be provided by the College Application Workshop. No registration is required. Contact Judy Shedd for more information. (All grades are welcome.)
 
Next Mini-Seminar for Juniors on Wednesday, February 24: Affordable Colleges - You Might be Surprised!  
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PTSA Membership Drive for 5 Continues 
Help us Reach 500 Members!
We're striving to reach 500 members this school year and we're 83% of the way there. Will you help us reach our goal? When you join the Lake Washington High School PTSA you not only demonstrate your commitment to a strong partnership between parents and teachers, but you also provide funds to the school for classroom grants, science and art supplies, staff appreciation, college essay prep, and more. 
 
Membership is $15 for an individual, $25 for a family membership (two adults) and $10 for staff. Join onlinedownload a form or pick up a form and pay by check in the Main Office. Not sure if you are a member? Email Membership chair Meredith Goldstein to find out.

Thank you for supporting our PTSA Drive for 5!

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Parents of Sophomores and Juniors
Volunteers Needed for Senior Salute
We are in the planning stages for Senior Salute, a memorable and significant part of graduation week, and need some parents of junior and sophomore students to join the team! (Senior parents should be free to enjoy the evening with their graduate.) Senior Salute is a chance for seniors to celebrate the relationships they've enjoyed with their classmates here on campus prior to graduation. This year's Senior Salute will take place on Tuesday, June 7 (two days before graduation), and will include a short program and plenty of mingling and photo-taking time. Please contact Mindy Lincicome if you're available to help facilitate this special event. The time commitment will be a meeting in February, a meeting in May, email communication, and helping the night of the event.   
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Last "Fear-Free" Practice Test 
Your student has one final opportunity to take a "Fear-Free" ACT practice test. Remember, this test is a great way to learn about the ACT in a real test environment but without the stress! Scored, but unrecorded tests are returned to students in a free review session at LWHS.

Registration DeadlinePractice Test DateReview Session
ACT - Tuesday, Feb. 16
Saturday, Feb. 20, 8:30am-1:15pm
Tuesday, March 1, 7pm

See the PTSA website, lwhsptsa.org, for more information or to register online. To pay by cash or check, print the registration form and return it to the Main Office. Students who qualify for free and reduced lunches or have financial hardships may take the practice test at no cost, but still must register. Contact "Fear-Free" Chair Martha Rames with questions.

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PTSA Sheeley Scholarship Applications Open
The LWHS PTSA Sheeley Scholarship application is now available. Seniors can find more information here. 
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Kang Achievements

Dance Team Successful in Competitions
The dance team competition season is in full swing. The LWHS team recently placed second in Pom and first in Military at Edmonds-Woodway, and first in Military and second in Pom at Redmond High. Congratulations, Kangs!

There are several upcoming competitions where you can watch these talented Kangs in action, including:
February 6 - Eastlake
February 27 - Kentwood
March 12 - Districts
March 26 - State in Yakima 
 
Connie Khauv, Ingrid Swanson, Hannah Peacock, Penny Ryan, Kayla Torimoto, Katie Kwok, Grace Klinge, Kiersten Krumm, Kayla Brodie, Kaia Grobstok, Anja Hanson, Angela Johnson, Paris Johnson, Jaeda McCormick, Riley Sampson, Sydney Wickman, Sage Boyd, Maddie Burns, and Sophie Crane.  Coaches Lindsey Ryan and Jeanne Gloudemans
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Three-Time Winners in Culinary Arts
Sarah Rose Shuer and Hugo Pontes cook up a winning dish.
Culinary arts students from middle and high schools around LWSD sliced pork tenderloin, sauteed shallots, and blended legumes, among other ingredients, as part of the third annual culinary arts competition on January 9 at LWHS. Chef Mary Clarke, LWHS culinary arts teacher, said the competition encourages creativity as well as demonstrating the techniques learned in class. "I think everybody should know how to cook," she said.

Kangs Sarah Rose Shuer and Hugo Pontes won the high school competition for the third year in a row with their prosciutto-wrapped pork tenderloin and mushroom risotto.Yum!  From LWSD.org.

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Kang Sports

Get Ready for Spring Sports Registration
Monday, February 29 is the opening day of spring sports! Tryouts for baseball, softball and boys soccer, and practice for track, girls tennis, badminton and girls golf all begin on that day. Registration for all of these sports opens Monday, February 8 and goes through Friday, February 26. 
 
To register for a spring sport, the athletic eligibility formssport-specific form and proof of payment of the sports fee* must be submitted to the athletic office by Friday, February 26. The athletic office is closed for registration on Monday, February 29. If your student has already played a fall or winter sport, they must fill out three forms: the sport-specific form and the health and emergency forms.
 
Forms may be submitted to the athletic office during student lunches and after school until 2:45pm. Help your student avoid lines by paying their fee and clearing any fines online through Parent Access. Please note that an ASB card is required to participate in a sport. Find more information about sports registration and specific sports on the LWHS website under "Athletics".
 
*For cut sports (soccer, baseball and softball) the participation fee will be collected after tryouts. Once the teams are formed athletes have three days to pay the $200 participation fee. If the fee is not paid within three days, athletes will be benched and then cut from the team.

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LWHS News & Activities

Dance Team Offers Custom LW Socks for Sale
The Lake Washington High School Dance Team Booster Club offers the opportunity to purchase your own exclusive LWHS Skyline socks for only $15 per pair, while they last!  Supplies are limited so place your order today with any member of the Dance Team Booster Club or fill out this form. Socks will also be sold during certain lunch hours or on our website. Proceeds support the dance team. Email Suzy Sampson with any questions.

Thank you from the Lake Washington High School Dance Team Booster Club!
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Don't Miss the Next Poetry Slam
Tuesday, February 9, 6:30-9pm in the Theater
With the end of the first semester comes the second poetry slam of the year! Our last slam was a huge success, and this one will benefit LWHS's senior class. Admission costs $5 and all profits will go towards the senior prom, so be sure to support our seniors. This slam will focus on the open and flexible nature of poetry, and is encouraging all kinds of creativity in the open mic portion of the slam. The slam competition will be at its usual degree of originality and impressive performances, and we hope to see you there!

Mr. Terrance Terich, Poetry Club Advisor
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Spaghetti Night Fundraiser for Robotics Club
Save-the-Date Wednesday, February 17
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Mark your calendars; dinner is planned on Wednesday, February 17, from 6-8pm in the commons. The robotics club is hosting a spaghetti night fundraiser. Tickets will be sold at the door for $20 per person, or students can buy them from robotics club members. The proceeds will go towards buying parts for building the robots, and for transportation expenses to get to competitions.

Thank you for supporting your Kangs Robotics Team!  The Robotics Club
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January PE Students of the Month
The following students have been selected by their physical education/health teachers as Students of the Month for January. 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!

Ashley Butler
David Pfeifer
Spencer Colbert 
Roslyn Rux
Jordan Richter
Max Smith 

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Important Reminders for All Parents
Attendance: Please remember that if you are planning a trip during the mid-winter break and know that your student will be out for 3 or more days, a pre-arranged absence form needs to be filled out in advance in order for the absences to be excused. These forms can be found on the LWHS school website or picked up in the attendance office.
 
 
Health Room: As we are heading into the flu "peak" season, please remember, if your student is very sick and is running a fever it is best that they stay home and be fever-free for 24 hours before returning to school. Please be considerate of your neighbors and help keep the flu from spreading. Also, remember to call in any excused absences within a 48 hour period.
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England, Scotland and Science!
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Mr. Palmer is leading a student trip to England and Scotland for spring break 2017. Registration can be completed online  and all travelers who register by Monday, February 15 will receive $100 off the trip cost! More information can be found at the trip website. Please send any questions to the trip e-mail, [email protected], and not to Mr. Palmer's school e-mail address. Note: This trip is not affiliated with the Lake Washington School District.
 
 

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Microsoft Designers Learn from the Experts - 
our Teachers and Students
In early January, designers from Microsoft visited Leanne Fike's Life and Finance classes and Health classes at LWHS to learn from the experts - our teachers and students. Their goal: ask students how they would design an app that would assist with their education. While the designers worked with students on ideas for apps, students experienced what it would be like to be a designer at Microsoft. The Microsoft designers talked with students about design, design thinking and the design process. From LWSD.org.

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Keeping the Spirit of Martin Luther King Jr. Alive
Last month students reflected on the message of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during an assembly remembering the civil-rights leader. Student emcee Matt Malloy asked those attending to respect the different points of view they might hear. Kaitlyn Chan gave a moving rendition of the National Anthem and the Lyrica Choir performed. Student speakers shared personal experiences of feeling like an outsider because of race, ethnicity, religion, and gender.

Natalie Suvak and Finn Fertig presented the "Unsung Heroes" awards to students Anya Davis and Vincent Mollicone, as well as teacher Jared Greenwood. From LWSD.org.


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College & Career Center

Career and Technical Education for Students
The Washington Network for Innovative Careers (WANIC) provides a broad range of outstanding courses for all students in areas such as technology, business, health services and the arts. All classes encourage both male and female students to enroll. Programs are open to students in WANIC's seven member school districts, including Lake Washington School District. Start here to explore this exciting opportunity further.

Students also have the opportunity to get a jump start earning college credit through selected Career and Technical classes offered at LWHS. More information and a complete list of eligible courses are available here
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Counseling Center

Pre-College Tests for Juniors
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ACT and SAT I: They sound more like alphabet soup than acronyms for pre-college tests. Four-year colleges require one of these tests, and testing is normally done during the spring of junior year and in the fall of senior year. The American College Test (ACT) or the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT I) is required by in-state and out-of-state, four-year schools. Colleges accept either one. The SAT I or ACT is also required of those planning to participate in NCAA Division 1 athletics, for those applying to military academies, and for those applying for most scholarships.

SAT II Subject Tests: These are required for some of the more selective colleges; usually these colleges require two or three SAT IIs. It's a good idea to take one of these at the end of the junior year or as soon as the class is finished. Students are strongly encouraged to prepare for these tests by reviewing directions, reading sample questions, and taking a sample test. All of these - including helpful tips - are available online at
collegeboard.com and actstudent.org. Test dates and registration deadlines are listed below. Because so many students take these tests in the spring, students need to sign up early. Registering close to the registration deadline may mean testing as far away as Tacoma.

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Registration for the SAT and ACT
LWHS code: 480545
Below are the official test dates for the SAT and ACT tests for the rest of 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, using the LWHS code, 480545.

SAT Test 

 Test Date Registration Deadline
 March 5 - new SAT starts February 5
 May 7 April 8
 June 4
 May 5







ACT Test


 Test Date Registration Deadline
 April 9 March 4
 June 11
 May 6

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Registration for 2016-17 Already!

We will begin registration with our current LWHS students this month. Counselors will cover not only the requirements for graduation, but also specific needs of each student via a credit check form. Selecting classes needs to be a thoughtful process since course offerings and teacher assignments are made based on these selections. Traditionally, scheduling is tight; schedule changes are difficult and the process is oftentimes frustrating for students who sign up for classes without reading the course description in our course catalog. (Our course catalog is available on the LWHS website.) Please help prepare your student for this process. Do you feel your student is being realistic in his/her choices? Is the homework likely to get completed on time? What about other activities/athletics? Do the courses support your student's goals? Your student needs your input, and we need your support. We appreciate your involvement in this process.

Counselors will visit classrooms on Feb.19 (juniors); Feb.22 (sophomores); and Feb. 23 and 24 (freshmen). All students will register online in tutorial on March 1.

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Info for Seniors & Senior Parents

Required First Step for Aid for College
FAFSA Now Available!
On January 1, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) became available. Completing the FAFSA is critical to getting access to grants, loans, and work-study funds. Moreover, it is free, quick, and easy. To make sure that students do not leave money on the table, the Department of Education has prepared a number of resources:
 Visit StudentAid.gov for complete information on federal financial aid, including types of aid available, qualification criteria, and managing loans.
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Sheeley
2016 Sheeley Scholarship Applications Open
scholarship money
The LWHS PTSA awards the annual Louise Sheeley Scholarship to graduating seniors in honor of Ms. Sheeley, a former counselor. This year the PTSA will offer four, $1,000 scholarships to LWHS seniors who exemplify the characteristics of academic excellence, service to the school and community,  perseverance, and motivation toward their future goals. Students are required to submit a response that details their qualifications, along with two letters of recommendation and an accurately completed application. Scholarships can be used for books, tuition, or room and board at a vocational, two-year, or four-year college or university. If your senior plans to pursue further education after high school, encourage them to apply.

The selection process is blind. All applications are due in the Career Center by Monday, April 11 - the Monday after spring break. Seniors, download instructions for the Sheeley Scholarship and get the application here. You can also pick up an application in the Career Center.
If you have any questions, please contact Laura Bartoletti.  
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Outside Credit for Graduation
If your senior is currently completing a graduation requirement outside of LWHS (for instance, taking an online course), remember that we must receive the final grade/transcript documenting the credit earned by late May/early June. The final proctored exam at LWHS is Wednesday, May 4. Check with your student's counselor for more information 

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Midyear Reports for Seniors
If your senior applied to colleges using SENDedu or the Common Application, counselors will automatically send the midyear report including an updated transcript that reflects first semester. As soon as grades are final and posted on transcripts, counselors will complete these reports.

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LW Schools Foundation

Teachers, Parents or Community may Request Grants From the Foundation
Did you know that a teacher, parent, or community volunteer can write a grant request to the Lake Washington Schools Foundation, with the knowledge and direction of the principal? The Foundation is hosting a grant writing workshop on Thursday, February 4, 4-6pm at Tesla STEM High School. Click here to access more information. Perhaps you can turn a great idea into reality!
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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.


Free Tutoring and Test Prep
Need help with math, chemistry, physics, English or other subjects? Need help preparing for the SAT or Subject Tests? Now, you can get help for FREE! Salman Khan, who left his lucrative position as a hedge fund analyst, started the Khan Academy to help students succeed. He started the Khan Academy with backing from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Google and other benefactors with the goal of "providing a free, world-class education for anyone, anywhere." He has now partnered with the College Board to continue his work. Now you no longer have to pay to receive tutoring or test prep. You can learn in the comfort of your own home with your computer. Just sign onto the following website and start getting the help you need: www.khanacademy.org.

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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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