Lake Washington High School PTSA Newsletter          
            

      February 17, 2016 | Issue 12    
In This Issue
Kang Crier Links

sidebarCo-editors Karen Peters & Debbie Ohman:
 
Quick Links
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~ Upcoming Events ~
 
TODAY! Mini-Seminar for Students - Cool Colleges  
Wednesday, Feb. 17, 12:40pm, Library

TONIGHT! Robotics Club Spaghetti Night Fundraiser
Wednesday, Feb. 17, 6-8pm, Commons

Spring Sports Sign-Up
Monday, Feb. 8 - Thursday, Feb. 25, Athletic Office

Brown Bag Lunch: Earthquakes & Other Dangers: Keeping Kids Safe at Home & at School

Thursday, Feb. 18, 12-1pm, LWSD Resource Center

"Fear-Free" ACT Practice Test
Saturday, Feb. 20, 8:30am-1:15pm, LWHS

Mandatory Informational Cheer Meeting
Tuesday, Feb. 23 or Thursday, Feb. 25, 3pm, Library

Mandatory Informational ASB Meeting
Tuesday, Feb. 23, 7am or 2:40pm, Room 371

Mini-Seminar: Affordable Colleges - You Might be Surprised
Wednesday, Feb. 24, 12:40pm, Library

LWPTSA Presents: Teens and Stress: Helping your Teen Cope
Wednesday, Feb. 24, 7-8:30pm, Eastlake High School 

WANIC Open House
 Thursday, Feb. 25, 6-8pm, Lake Washington Institute of Technology 

Washington State PTA Scholarship Deadline
Tuesday, March 1

Incoming Freshman Parent Night
Wednesday, March 2, 6:30-8:30pm, Theater 
 
 

From the Principal
Congratulations to our winter sports athletes. Our gymnastics team and swimmers are advancing to the state playoffs. We also want to congratulate our three National Merit Finalists: Sarah Chen, Jonah Joughlin and Aman Talkar. This is the first year we have had three National Merit Finalists. We are very proud of their accomplishment. We will be recognizing them at an upcoming assembly.

We are beginning our registration process for next school year. Counselors will be presenting in classes this week and next. During these presentations, students are given their credit checks and provided information around college planning and course selection. Our ninth grade students will be using Career Cruising as the vehicle to register for classes. This new tool allows for their interests and also tracks their four year plan. All other students will use Skyward to register. Our course book is on line on the webpage. It is our recommendation that you read through it carefully. Credit requirements as well as new courses and courses which allow for dual requirements are listed.

As you may know, the district will be running a bond in April to address the issues around overcrowding and aging facilities. Information regarding the bond will be presented at our next General PTSA meeting on Wednesday, March 30. There will also be informational meetings planned for our learning community. Information regarding the bond may be found on the district webpage.

Finally, thank you for the support with the recent issues around safety at Juanita and Redmond High Schools. Our staff and students handled the situation extremely well. We will be continuing our training of staff and students around school safety later this spring. Information will be provided to parents as we get closer to this training.

Christina Thomas, Principal

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PTSA News

Many Hands, Many Thanks
The LWHS PTSA thanks the unseen volunteers who provide the baked goods and other food for Coffee with Christina, the PTSA meetings and staff appreciation. Your effort and culinary skills are much appreciated.
 
The PTSA owes a debt of gratitude to volunteer Debbie Cossey for lending her professional expertise to the College Application Workshops. Her knowledge has been instrumental in helping us get this new program up and running. We appreciate Debbie's generosity in sharing both her knowledge and contacts for the new Mini-Seminars for Juniors (see article below).
 
Thank you to Susie Arnold for keeping the PTSA website up to date, Erika Somm for organizing the parent education speakers at the PTSA meetings, Hae Sue Park for filling the calls for volunteers and Judy Shedd for implementing the College Application Workshop.

Thank you once again to Sarah Stone and her financial review committee. They do the unglamorous but important job of reviewing the PTSA's financial books twice a year; look for their report at the March General Membership meeting.
 
A big thank you to our Reflections committee: Pam Hay, Irene Neumann and Amanda Maggiora. Participation in this National PTA program requires many hours of local work over several months. Thanks to their efforts, LWHS students had the chance to demonstrate their artistic vision and compete with other students in the school, across the district and beyond.
 
 
If your student is feeling more confident about taking the SAT or ACT because they had a chance to take a practice test - be sure to thank Martha Rames, our  "Fear Free" practice SAT/ACT test program chair. She organizes these practice tests throughout the year, giving our kids a low or no-cost opportunity to try out the SAT/ACT. Thank you Martha!

If you have never seen the bulletin board in the Attendance office, check out the handiwork of volunteer Valerie Horvath. Her bulletin board is a cheerful celebration of Kang successes and news stories. Thanks Valerie!

And finally, thank you to our tireless Kang Crier newsletter editors, Karen Peters and Debbie Ohman. Putting out a large newsletter twice a month takes a lot of time and energy, a lot of organization and patience, and a dedication to the vision of keeping the Kang community informed and connected.

 Liz and Anne, LWHS PTSA Co-Presidents
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PTSA Membership Votes to Endorse LWSD Bond

The LWHS PTSA membership voted at a special membership meeting on Wednesday February 3 to endorse and support the LWSD bond measure, due on April ballots.

This $398 million bond will help alleviate some of the worst crowding by building new schools in Redmond and also rebuilding and significantly enlarging some of our most aged schools, including Peter Kirk Elementary and Juanita High School here in Kirkland.

The best part? This will be done with no tax rate increase.

Bonds must pass by a 60% super-majority, so it's very important that parents vote!

There is a wealth of information available on the LWSD website, as well as on the Vote YES for our Schools webpage. There will be opportunities to learn more in the coming months.

Questions or concerns contact Liz Hedreen or Anne Ryan.
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MiniSeminars

Mini-Seminars Start Today!
Weekly Help with Choosing a College
The College Application Workshop continues its series of mini-seminars for juniors on Wednesdays after school at 12:40pm in the College & Career Center or library. The topics assist students in selecting a college that is right for them. Free pizza will be provided and no registration is required, so send your student along!
 
TODAY! Wednesday, February 17: Cool Colleges-Schools with Unique Learning Environments
Read about today's topic in the last issue of the Kang Crier.
 
Wednesday, February 24: Affordable Colleges-You Might Be Surprised!
When the total cost of some colleges creeps toward $70,000 a year, it's time to discuss affordability... so that students and families will not be burdened with debt for years. In this workshop, students will get a quick overview of what is included in the "total cost of college," learn a variety of ways to reduce the cost of college and receive a list of colleges that offer generous merit aid.
 
Wednesday, March 2: Great Schools for B Students
If you ask high school students to name as many colleges as they can, they often stop around 30....and those schools tend to be local, known for athletics, or one of the highly selective schools that get a lot of press-but accept fewer than 10% of applicants. We'll focus on the hundreds of great schools around the nation that welcome students with B averages plus their various talents, experiences, interests and work ethic!
 
View the full list of mini-seminar topics. Contact Judy Shedd for more information. All grades are welcome. Sponsored by the LWHS PTSA.
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PTSA Membership and Advocacy
LWHS PTSA Members at Focus Day 2016
Several members of our LWHS PTSA lobbied our state legislators when they visited Olympia on Wednesday, February 3, for the annual Washington State PTA Focus Day. Along with hundreds of PTA members from across the state, their presence reminded legislators that our children's education is vitally important to Washington's future. The PTA pressed the legislature to comply with the state supreme court's order to fully fund education. When we met with Representative Larry Springer, he reminded us that the PTA is one of the strongest lobbying groups in Olympia, and encouraged us to keep speaking up for our children's education. 
 
You can contribute to our efforts simply by becoming a member and adding your name to the more than 140,000 members of the PTA statewide. Membership is $15 for an individual or $25 for a family membership (two adults). Join online at www.lwhsptsa.org or you can download a form and pay by check in the main office. Questions about membership? Contact Meredith Goldstein. Questions about advocacy? Contact Melissa Jackson.
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We Need You: Join the PTSA Board for 2016-2017
Hey Kang Families! 
 
We are looking for volunteers to join the LWHS PTSA board for the next school year, 2016-2017. If you are interested in helping to serve our school and community, please contact one of the Nominating Committee members for more details. Have a look at the link on the PTSA website with job descriptions for each of the board positions and send Martha Rames, Mindy Lincicome or Hae Sue Park an email with questions.

A big thank you to all the board members who have served this past year. We appreciate your contribution to our kids.

The LWHS PTSA Nominating Committee

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Upcoming Talks Offered by the District PTSA
Earthquake Safety and Teens and Stress
Two presentations of interest to parents are being offered by the Lake Washington PTSA (LWPTSA). First is a Brown Bag Lunch on Earthquakes & Other Dangers: Keeping Kids Safe at Home & at School on Thursday, February 18, noon-1pm at the Lake Washington Resource Center, Sammamish Room. Hear LWPTSA Emergency Preparedness Committee Representatives and LWSD staff explain the procedures in place should disaster strike during school hours, and what you can do at home to protect your family.

Next, on Wednesday, February 24, 7-8:30pm at Eastlake High School, Teen Wise presents Teens and Stress: Helping your Teen Cope. Speaker and Teen Wise founder Sheri Gazitt has been working with teens for over 13 years promoting positive lifestyle choices. Explore with Sheri the causes, effects, signs and symptoms of a stressed teen. Leave with some ideas on how to help your teen cope with stress. For more information, email Beth Sigall.
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Your PTSA in Action: Staff Appreciation at LWHS

We are so fortunate to have such hard working and dedicated staff at LW. We have 155 staff members - teachers, custodial and kitchen staff, administration and counseling - who strive every day to give our students a rich learning experience. Each month, the PTSA Staff Appreciation Committee (with help from many wonderful parent volunteers) shows the LW Staff our thanks in different ways. In December, we hosted a holiday soup/salad bar and dessert buffet. In January, we gave the staff Happy New Year cards with a coffee card good for a free drink at Mercury Coffee. A big shout out of "Thanks!" to Mercury Coffee for supporting their local community and generously donating 155 coffee cards to our LWHS staff! This month, we will treat the staff to a Valentines Treats Buffet to show them our appreciation. 

PTSA Staff Appreciation Committee


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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

Students Advance to State DECA Competition
The Washington DECA's Area 3 Competition was held on Thursday, January 7 with LW students competing against 1,200 students from the Northshore, Mercer Island, and Riverview School Districts, and Eastside Catholic. The following students advance to the state level competition in March where they will compete against 3,600 students from across the state on their quest for a spot at the International Career Development Conference in May. Congratulations, and go Kangs!
  • Maret Helgeson - third place, Individual Business Services test
  • Nika Bayanbat - third place, Individual Business Finance: Role Play #2
  • Meltem Akdeniz and Emily Calderon - third place, Hospitality Services Team and third place, Hospitality Services test
  • McKenzie Granston - fourth place, Individual Marketing Management
  • Andrew McGaw and Finn Mercer- fourth place, Team Hospitality Services and third place Role Play
  • Spencer Burmester - sixth place, Entrepreneurship Innovation Plan
  • Anja Mclain and Helen Serr - eighth place, Travel and Tourism Team
From LWSD.org   
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Kang Musicians Going to State
Many Kang musicians competed Saturday, February 6 in the Northlake Solo Ensemble Festival. Those selected to go on to the state solo ensemble contest, or as alternates for the contest, include:
  • Lea Maschotta, Clarinet, State
  • Joleen Lawson, Tuba, State
  • Lorenzo & Friends, Percussion Ensemble, Second Alternate
  • Misty Rose Peltier, Alto Vocal, State
  • Annika Cable, Soprano Vocal, First Alternate
  • Kaitlin Chan, Mezzo Soprano Vocal, First Alternate
 Congratulations Kangs!

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Kang Sports

Kangs Gymnasts are KingCo Champions
Following an undefeated season, the LW Gymnastics team went on to win the 2A/3A KingCo championship. LW's winning score was 154.925, with Mercer Island second at 144.9. The Kangs advance to the Sea-King District meet!

Go Kangs!
 
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LWHS News & Activities

Spaghetti for Dinner Tonight Helps Robotics Club
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From 6-8pm this evening, Wednesday, February 17, the Robotics Club is hosting a spaghetti night fundraiser. Tickets will be sold at the door for $20 per person. The proceeds will go towards buying parts for building the robots, and for transportation expenses to get to competitions. Please join us in the Commons for a delicious dinner!

Thank you for supporting your Kangs Robotics Team!
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Warning to Students Parking Off Campus
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If your student parks off-campus, remind them not to park in front of driveways or mailboxes! City regulations require seven feet of clearance on either side of a mailbox. If you're parking on neighborhoods streets, you need to park in the appropriate areas or risk being towed!
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Evening of Entertainment: Kang Cabaret
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The LWHS Drama Department and Boosters are hosting the Kang Cabaret: "A Night on Broadway" Friday, March 11, 7pm in the Theater. This fundraising event will feature our thespians and singers performing scenes and songs from Broadway productions while the Boosters will provide dessert to the audience. (No silent auction this year.) Suggested donation, $15 at the door. Doors open at 6:30pm.

Hope to see you there!
Thank you, the Boosters of LW Drama
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ASB Elections Coming Up
Top: Anna Captain, Abby Croson, Maya Bhowmik, Lindsay Allan, Olivia Rudolph, Dylan Bacher, Alex Lyon, Brandon Gockel, Jake Steele. Bottom: Ms. Roger, Katie Cowin, Lauren Peterson, Alexis Mirza, Brittany McCormick, Shantylle Black, Gaby Matz-Carter
Dear Kang Families,
 
ASB elections are just around the corner! All students that are interested in being in Leadership next year must attend a mandatory informational meeting on Tuesday, February 23, at either 7am or 2:40pm in room 371. This requirement includes all ASB officers, class officers, and appointed commissioners. All details can be found on Haiku → Extras→ LW Activities → Elections.
 
Joining Leadership is a great way to get more involved in school and serve your community. We would love to have you in Leadership next year!
 
Sincerely,
The Lake Washington ASB Team

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AP World History Students Try Joan of Arc

AP World History finished up their last mock trial of first semester by putting Joan of Arc on trial for witchcraft, heresy, and excessive nationalism!

Emma Waldroup, Anja Hanson, Kathryn Zigweid, Grace Guerrero, Anastasia Kotsakis, Truman Callens, Kristy Le, Sydney Fanning 
 






















Evan Shahkarami, Lindsay Allan, Izzy Cooper, Kiana Maadanian, Casey Brine, Audrey Hur, Conor Knox, Emily Worland
 






















Avery Lashley, Christina Brandao, Erin Glynn, Anja McLain, Hailey Menssen, Kate (Amy) East, Sebastian Villalobos
 






















Sean Miller, Jadyn Saldivar, Natalie Bromann, Ashley Putzke, Lance D'Alessio, Bushrod Rames
 
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College & Career Center

WANIC Skill Center Open House
The Washington Network for Innovative Careers (WANIC) is hosting an open house where you can talk with current students and teachers, learn about our Skill Center and CTE programs and see how our innovative hands-on classroom environments deliver advanced career and technical skills to your high school student. WANIC programs include medical research, health services, automotive technology, robotics, manufacturing, engineering and more. You can get more information by visiting the WANIC webpage, and read more about the open house here. We look forward to seeing you at the open house on Thursday, February 25, 6-8pm at the Lake Washington Institute of Technology.
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Counseling Center
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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
 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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Info for Seniors & Senior Parents

Washington State PTA Offers Scholarships
Application Deadline is March 1
The Washington State PTA offers three $3,000 scholarships and one $1,000 scholarship to graduating seniors from Washington State high schools who will be starting college (either 2 year or 4 year) in the fall of 2016. Now is the time to apply for these scholarships; thousands of dollars will be awarded on April 30. Apply here, and good luck!
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Sheeley
Attention Seniors: 2016 Louise Sheeley Scholarship Applications are Now Available !
scholarship money
The application period for the Sheeley Scholarship is open. If you are a graduating Senior and plan to pursue further education after high school, we encourage you to apply. Access the instructions here, and download the application. Information is also available in the Career Center. All applications are due in the Career Center by Monday, April 11. Don't delay, apply today! If you have any questions, please contact Laura Bartoletti.  
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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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SAT Prep Course to be Held at LWHS
SATPrep has a course coming up in April to prepare for the SAT. It will be held at LWHS. See 
satprep.org for details, cost and registration.  

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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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