December 3, 2023: Issue 8 | |
From the Desk of LWHS Principal Christine Bell | |
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Greetings, Kang Families.
Happy December! Please be aware that cold weather brings slippery driving and walking conditions. Students should take care when walking to and from school. Our Lead Custodian Mr. Fisher ices sidewalks and courtyards as needed and our district team will de-ice parking lots. This does not mean that it isn't still slick. Soon we will have winter weather and it is best to be prepared.
There are a few areas of academic success that I want to highlight here. Last month our Drama Club advisor and English teacher Terry Terich hosted the first of three Poetry Slam competitions. I learned this year that poems are performed by students and staff and that they must be the performer's own work. Emotions run high in this event and the audience has a chance to feel the expressiveness of our students. The next 'Slams" are planned for the evenings of March 5th and May 14th. We want to see as many students as possible participate in performing and attending these events. I will be there to cheer them on as well.
On November 22nd we had our short half-day schedule for the last day before Thanksgiving Break. Classes were only 21 minutes long and students traveled through all seven classes. Attendance was light. Many families travel on the day before Thanksgiving, or they extend their weekends to include Wednesday. Classes had around 50 percent attendance. I had a parent reach out to me concerned that the day would not have instructional value. I asked our teachers to let me know what they had planned so that I could see for myself what was happening on that short day.
Here's what I found:
- Students were having fun. Sure, there were test review sessions and time given in some classes for finishing up assignments or projects. There were also groups of students in classes writing thank you notes for teachers and other adults. There were games and snowflakes, skits and laughter.
- I also observed new learning opportunities. In Mr. Fetter's business class I sat with students as they considered the Five P's of Marketing. They watched a short video on the future of chocolate milk in schools and worked with a partner to assume the role of either the USDA or the school administrator. They then made a recommendation on the future of chocolate milk, using economic and nutritional factors in supporting their arguments. They did this all in 21 minutes.
- In Ms. Lewinski's health class I watched as students excitedly participated in a discussion about foods from around the world. It was a great opportunity to have students connect their own cultural experiences to the curriculum.
- In Mrs. Koury's chemistry class I enjoyed seeing students using their new knowledge of elements and neutral atoms to create models. She had students create "Bohr-naments" for a "chemis-tree" that would go in the hallway.
- In Mr. Stave's computer science class I was able to see students participating in an independent extension activity where they worked through problems related to the skills needed for the AP test. Mr. Stave showed me how he is able to track their progress on his end. The automatically generated report showed him exactly which areas to go back to and re-teach, and which ones students had mastered.
Short half days are tough, particularly when so many students are absent. The very best we can do for students is to provide extensions of learning on these days. Teachers use this opportunity for enrichment and community building. I was encouraged by the level of participation on the part of our students, and I could feel the excitement our teachers brought with them that day.
Thank you to our world-class staff for their work in providing meaningful opportunities for students, and to our students for their openness to building community at school. Go Kangs!
Christine Bell
Principal, Lake Washington High School
Connect with Mrs. Bell at cbell@lwsd.org
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College and Career Center News | |
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Upcoming College Admissions Rep Visits
Did You Know? WANIC - free alternative or complement to LWHS
Did you know that the Washington Network for Innovative Careers, or WANIC for short, has skill center classes like Baking & Pastry, Automotive Technology, and Medical and Dental Careers?
Some tracks, like Automotive Tech, have 2-year programs available, while the Medical Careers pathway can earn a student up to 28 college credits. Many WANIC classes can lead to Certifications in a student’s area of study. WANIC classes are open to Juniors and Seniors and the classes WANIC offers will be included in the 2024-2025 Lake Washington High School Course Catalog. You can find out more at WANIC (lwsd.org).
The Path Less Taken - Peace Corps presentation January 4th
Life after high school can be filled with uncertainty. Going directly to college, or even diving right into a career may not be for every graduating student. From leading health campaigns to boosting local entrepreneurship to teaching digital literacy, the Peace Corps offers a range of opportunities for making a difference all over the world. On Thursday, January 4th, the College and Career Center will be hosting a representative from the Peace Corps. Angelena Castro, the Washington recruiter, will be presenting during both A and B lunches for students who are interested in finding out more.
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November Grants from the PTSA | |
One of the ways that the PTSA supports our school community is by funding grants that provide educational enrichment as well as support club activities, social events, and social and emotional well-being. This month the PTSA has funded two grants:
- Fees for guest yogis to provide a yoga session each semester to promote relaxation and support mental health ($300)
- Purchase of two picnic tables to provide outdoor seating for students and staff ($2200)
Many thanks to the committee members who gave their time to review the grant applications, and to the members whose donations to the PTSA provided funds for these grants.
Christine Woskett
Grants Committee Chair
grants@lwhsptsa.org
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Reminder: Donations still needed for LWHS Staff Appreciation Cookies & Hot Cocoa Party | |
Please help us show appreciation and love during this holiday season to the staff and teachers at our high school! The LWHS PTSA Staff Appreciation team will be hosting a Cookies and Hot Cocoa party on Wednesday, December 13th at 2:00pm: sign up here to provide donations of cookies and other treats.
Questions? Contact Beatrice Joe, Brandi Comstock and Susan Davis
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Winter Break is Fast Approaching! | |
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Is your senior's essay or personal statement still under construction? Have them sign up and get it off their to-do list so they can enjoy a stress-free Winter Break!
Schedule a one-on-one session with Alex Clark-McGlenn, College and Career Specialist. He’s available now through mid-January, during school hours. Contact him to make an appointment.
Questions? Ask us!
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LWHS Gymnastics Fundraiser - Shop Online at Kendra Scott | |
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Looking for gifts that can be purchased from home and benefit the LWHS Gymnastics Booster Club?
- When: December 14th and 15th
- Where: https://www.kendrascott.com/
- Use code: GIVEBACK-FOUFW
- Benefit: 20% of your purchase at checkout will be donated to the LWHS Gymnastics Booster Club
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Travel Opportunities for Students! | |
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This summer, LWHS science teachers Ashley Zydel, Ryan Palmer and Ronica Wilson are guiding a curated trip to the Canary Islands, while teachers Alisa Kathol and Emily Gamache are leading a trip to England. These are travel opportunities tailored for LWHS students, but are not sponsored by the school or district nor by LWHS PTSA.
* Informational Meeting for England trip with Alisa Kathol and Emily Gamache:
Tuesday, December 5th, 6:00pm, room 172 at LWHS
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2023 LWHS Winter Market
Thursday, December 7th from 4:00 to 6:30pm
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ASB (Associated Student Body or student council) is hosting the 2023 LWHS Winter Market, a farmer's market-style event to celebrate the coming of winter! There will be a variety of vendors selling merchandise, art, food and goods. All students, parents and the entire community are invited.
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Where: LWHS Commons
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When: Thursday, December 7th
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Time: 4:00 to 6:30pm
Please join us to celebrate the holidays! If you would like to reserve a stall for your business, please contact 2023 Winter Market Chair Keira or Mr. Grundl.
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Lake Washington High School Theatre Presents: The Outsiders
December 1st, 2nd, 8th & 9th at 7pm
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Based on the 1967 coming-of-age novel by S.E. Hinton, Christopher Sergel's stage adaptation deals with real people, seen through the eyes of young Ponyboy, a Greaser on the wrong side of life, caught up in territorial battles between his tough, underprivileged family and friends and the have-it-made rich kids, the "Socs." While the novel is widely read in middle school classrooms, the play carries a PG rating due to content including violence, murder, and suicide; minimum recommended viewing age for The Outsiders is 10 years.
Tickets on sale now! Additional information on the LWHS Theatre Website.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for event listings, updates and photos.
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The High School Ski Bus Program is Coming to LWHS! | |
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Are you ready for an adventure-filled winter season? Look no further, as we bring exciting news your way! The High School Ski Bus program is coming to LWHS this year, so gear up for an incredible journey on the slopes. Whether you're an experienced skier or a complete novice, this program offers something for everyone.
What is the High School Ski Bus Program?
The High School Ski Bus Program is brought to you by Webbski Ski and Snowboard School. This afterschool program is a fantastic opportunity for students to embrace the joys of our NW winter by experiencing the thrill of skiing and snowboarding, creating lifelong memories, and building camaraderie with fellow students. Here are the details:
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The Ski Bus & Lesson Program is run by Webbski Ski and Snowboard School
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Registration Forms specific to LWHS students can be found in the LWHS front office
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Registration Deadline: December 13th or as soon as the bus fills up
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Dates: Starts Wednesday, January 3rd, 2024, and runs for 5 consecutive weeks
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Lessons (optional): Webbski offers ski and snowboard lessons. The lessons are 75 minutes and then students can free-ski/snowboard or eat, etc. until it is time to leave
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The Cost: $436 for lessons and transportation OR $250 for just transportation. Lift tickets and gear rental are not included
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Time and Date: The bus picks up in front of LWHS on Wednesdays after the 1:25pm release. Equipment and kids are loaded at that time. The bus leaves at 1:40pm and drives directly to Summit Central at Snoqualmie and returns ~8:30pm.
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Where do Kids Ski? Summit Central, including Silver Fir Chair and Lodge
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Can I Chaperone? Yes! Contact Cristy if you are interested in being a parent chaperone and getting a free lift ticket!
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Ski Bus Program contacts:
- LWHS Ski Bus Program Chairman (parent volunteer): Cristy Burgan Anderson, 206-954-0005, Cristy.Burgan@gmail.com
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Webbski Ski School main office: 206-782-5641, info@webbski.com
* This event is not sponsored by LWHS PTSA
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Senior Families - Reminder to Check LWHS Graduation Info Page | |
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Graduation will be on Friday, June 14, 2024 at the UW Alaska Airlines Arena; time is still TBD. Senior families, make sure to check out the LWHS Graduation Information webpage for cap and gown ordering, various yearbook submission deadlines, and other graduation details.
For an overview of all the various events during Senior Year, check out the LWHS PTSA webpage, Seniors: The Year Ahead.
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Information distributed in the Kang Crier does not imply endorsement by Lake Washington High School PTSA. We assume no responsibility for any content that does not originate from lwhsptsa.org, nor do we independently verify or exert editorial control over information not specifically endorsed by LWHS PTSA. Lake Washington High School PTSA shall not be responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss caused by the use of this content. | | | | |
