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What's HOT the week of October 24, 2022 | |
Important Dates
Oct 26
Oct 27
- CSCA social hour (5–6 pm, school)
- 12th grade family meeting (5–5:50, school)
- TCS curriculum night (6–7:30 pm, school)
Oct 31
- RS registration for Seattle Colleges opens
Nov 4
- In-school AP exam registration deadline
Nov 11
- Veteran's Day (no school)
Nov 17
- TCS open house & CSCA mixer
Nov 24–25
- Thanksgiving & Native American Heritage Day (no school)
Dec 1
- CSCA board meeting (6:30–8:30 pm, Zoom)
Dec 12
Dec 16
Dec 19–30
Jan 2
- New Year's Day observed (no school)
Jan 16
Jan 19
- CSCA board meeting (6:30–8:30 pm, Zoom)
Feb 1
- Last day of first semester
Feb 2
- Day between semesters (no school)
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Teen Health Center
TCS Students can get medical and mental health services at the Ballard Teen Health Center. To schedule, call or text clinic coordinator Say Tuitele at 206-390-3355. Or email at Sailau.Tuitele@swedish.org.
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New in This Week's Dragon's Fire:
- Board Meeting Recap
- Thank You New Board Members! Can a Few More People Step Up?
- Dragon's Wear—Show Your Dragon Pride
- AP Exam Registration
- TCS Graduation Date
- Line by Line FAFSA/CSS Guidance & 7 Mistakes to Avoid
- Running Start Registration Refresher
- New Items on the Bulletin Board
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Board Meeting Meeting Recap
Thank you to our new board members who attended our second board meeting last Thu. It felt amazing to meet with two board positions (secretary and treasurer) and several committee positions filled. Dr Casey filled us in on budget issues within the district and rethinking about alternative schools. She remains a passionate advocate for TCS and what we do for our students, but this is a good reminder that we can't take our school for granted. Unlike neighborhood schools, we need to continually think about our mission and communicate our value to the community and the district.
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Thank You New Board Members! Can a Few More People Step Up?
Thank you so much to our two new board members who are filling the secretary and co-treasurer roles! We've also had a few people step up to take on committee roles. But we're still looking for a few more people to make sure our board is in a strong position to support our school. Please contact us if you are interested in serving in any of the following capacities (or if you are curious but need more information about what's involved):
- President
- Co-President
- Co-Secretary
- Communications/Dragon's Fire
- Membership
- Recruitment & Retention
- Volunteer Coordinator
- Direct Drive/Fundraising
If you would like to serve, please contact member chair, Monica Payson, at monica@paysley.net.
Thank you also to all of our members who indicated they can volunteer for events. We'll be contacting you throughout the year as we need you.
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Dragon's Wear—Show Your Dragon Pride!
Looking for TCS spirit wear? Look no further for a variety of TCS dragon imprinted clothes and goods: https://www.customizedgirl.com/s/TheCenterSchool.
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AP Exam Registration
SPS students who wish to take AP (Advanced Placement) exams at their high school must register to take the exam(s) by the district-wide AP Registration & Fees Payment Deadline of Nov 4. The fee for AP Exams this year is $107 per exam. Students eligible for free and reduced lunch must pay a $10 deposit to secure their exam order by the registration deadline. Payments (either $107 or $10 per exam) are made for each exam on SchoolPay on the family SOURCE account.
In addition, the College Board assesses a cancellation fee for any exams that are not taken in May. For that reason, students who are unable to take the AP exam(s) after their exam has been ordered for any reason are eligible for a partial refund of $67 per exam of their $107 exam fee. Students eligible for a fee reduction would forfeit their $10 deposit to offset this cancellation fee which would be paid by the district.
How to register:
- Students must sign in to My AP (https://myap.collegeboard.org/login) using their College Board login information and enroll in each class section using the unique join code provided by the teacher of each AP class they’re taking.
- Pay your fees via SchoolPay (will be posted soon!)
If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Rho at ewrho@seattleschools.org.
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TCS Graduation Date
SPS has set high school graduation dates in light of the adjusted school-year calendar. TCS graduation is scheduled for Jun 28 at 2 pm at Memorial Stadium. As is our tradition, the whole school will attend and then gather for ice cream in the parking lot afterward. The rescheduled last day of school is Jun 30.
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2022/23 Test Dates
- Feb 15: ASVAB (military entrance exam)
- May 2: AP Environmental Science
- May 8: AP Calculus AB
- May 9: AP English Language and Composition
- TBD: Smarter Balance (10th graders only), test date will be between Mar 3 and Jun 9
Look for more information as test dates approach.
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Line-by-line FAFSA/CSS Guidance & 7 Mistakes to Avoid
Join College Aid Pro for a thrilling walk-through of how to complete the FAFSA & CSS/PROFILE.
You will learn:
- The 7 critical mistakes to avoid when completing the FAFSA
- The 7 critical mistakes to avoid when completing the CSS/PROFILE
- How (and who!) to login/access the FAFSA and CSS/PROFILE
- How to complete and submit the FAFSA & CSS/PROFILE
- Who requires the FAFSA and/or CSS/PROFILE and when they are due
Register here.
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Four-Year College Checklist
Seniors, if you're planning to attend a four-year college, it's application season! Make sure you are progressing in your planning and application process:
- Complete your college search. Choose 2 dream schools, 2 solid schools, and 2 safety schools that match your goals.
- Understand the difference between early decision, early action, and regular decision and plan accordingly. Many early decision application deadlines are around the beginning of November. Many regular applications are due around the beginning of January through spring. Make sure you know deadlines for the colleges you are interested in.
- Create a Common or Coalition App or apply directly to the schools of your choice.
- Draft your college essays and ask for feedback (you can ask for feedback from Mr Greenberg, Ms Carroll, your Running Start writing center, and Mr Rho).
- Ask teachers for letters of recommendation (many schools require 2).
- Let Ms Hayes know if you will need a counselor letter.
- Finalize and submit your applications.
- Apply for financial aid.
- Breath.
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Seattle Promise College Alternative
The Seattle Promise program guarantees two years of tuition-free education to all SPS high school graduates at any of Seattle's 3 colleges (North, Central, and South). Get more information at any of the upcoming information sessions during MASH:
- Oct 26
- Nov 1
- Dec 7
- Jan 11
- Feb 1
Read more about Seattle Promise.
Applications are open. Apply here.
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Registration Refresher
It's been forever since you registered for fall quarter! There's no shame in admitting you've forgotten how you did it. See our refresher slide show for a reminder of how to see what's being offered winter quarter and sign up for classes. Follow these steps to get ready to register for winter quarter classes:
- View winter quarter classes on CTC link. View a slideshow showing how to access classes (this is also how you will access classes when you sign in to register on or after Oct 31).
- Decide which classes you want to take and fill out your Enrollment Verification Form.
- Email the completed form (download forms by college below) to Ms Hayes for her signature.
- Email the signed form to your college's Running Start office.
- Register for winter quarter classes on or after Oct 31.
Not sure which classes to take? See the Running Start equivalencies to help you decide. Remember to keep in mind graduation requirements including CTE pathways when choosing classes. You can talk to Ms Hayes or your Running Start office if you have questions.
Enrollment Verification Forms:
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Planning for Winter Quarter
Hard as it is to believe, it's time to start planning for winter quarter. Make sure your student checks the course catalogue through CTC Link to plan winter courses. They will need to fill out and submit to Ms Hayes the Enrollment Verification Form (have your student check with their college's RS office for the form) listing the courses they plan to take next quarter. Your student must submit the signed (by Ms Hayes) form to their RS office to unlock registration. Encourage your student to register for classes as soon as possible after registration begins in order to ensure enrollment in the classes they need and want.
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Fall Quarter Calendar for Seattle Colleges
Important Academic Dates for Fall Quarter:
- Oct 31: Registration begins for Winter Quarter
- Nov 18: Last day to withdraw from a class (a “W” will be on the transcript)
- Dec 15: Fall Quarter ends
- Dec 19: Final grades for Fall Quarter available
- Jan 3: Winter Quarter begins
Holidays/No Class Days in Fall Quarter 2022:
- Nov 2: Faculty professional development day
- Nov 11: Veteran’s Day
- Nov 24 & 25: Holiday
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The Bulletin Board section publishes information about art, photography, film, theater, writing, and other programs and competitions outside of TCS that might be of benefit and interest to our students. If you know of an opportunity that our students might want to hear about, contact the Dragon's Fire at dfsubmitarticle1@gmail.com. | |
Kennedy Center VSA Playwright Discovery Program 2023
Young writers with disabilities enrolled in high school (generally, ages 14-19) are invited to submit a ten-minute script for the opportunity to participate in a playwrights program. The script should have at least two characters, incorporate an engaging plot, and move the audience through an emotional or entertaining experience all within ten minutes (this is usually eight to nine pages in 12pt. Arial font).
Winners will receive a financial award ($1,000 USD) and work with industry professionals to further develop their script, receive coaching/mentorship, and participate in networking opportunities.
Disability is a broad umbrella that covers a variety of lived experiences. Eligible student writers may have visible, physical, and/or sensory conditions, as well as less visible conditions like anxiety, ADHD, depression, chronic illness/pain, PTSD, OCD, dyslexia, dysgraphia, neurodivergence, and more.
Please review full eligibility requirements and application details on our website.
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Musical Theater in the Hands of Tomorrow's Leaders
The Rising Star Project uses the resources and professional knowledge that exist at The 5th Avenue Theatre to help every young person achieve a fulfilling career, a stronger sense of self, and confidence in their ability to inspire positive change in the world. Since 2011, this tuition-free program has opened the doors of The 5th Avenue Theatre to teenagers throughout Washington State. This season, we are excited to bring students back to the main stage.
Performing Mar 16, 17, and 18
Winter of 2023 will bring the Rising Star Project back to The 5th Avenue stage performing this iconic and beloved musical. Students teams will be involved in various aspects of the performance, technical, and administrative of this production, working alongside industry professionals in this unique mentorship experience.
Eligibility
This program is available to all Washington State students ages 14-19. Eligible participants are within this age range for the majority of the project timeline. Rehearsals will take place most often at The 5th Avenue Theatre in the evening (approximately 4-9) and on Saturdays (approximately 10-6). Performances will occur on the stage at The 5th.
Tuition
The 5th Avenue Theatre’s Rising Star Project is a tuition-free program. Please note that participants are responsible for expenses associated with day-to-day transportation and meals.
Apply online.
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YouthCAN 2022/2023
Wednesdays, Oct 12, 2022–Mar 1, 2023, 4–6 pm
YouthCAN is the Wing Luke Museum’s free, after school arts program for high school students designed to provide exposure to arts professions, increase knowledge and familiarity with the Chinatown-International District, and to connect with the museum, its mission, and its programs.
Students work with teaching artists to explore identity and culture through art and produce creative work that culminates into a group exhibit displayed in the Frank Fujii Youth Gallery at the Wing Luke Museum.
- YouthCAN registration is first come first serve with a capacity of 15 students.
- The program is free to participate in and open to anyone aged 13-19.
- All levels of artistic experience are welcome.
- All materials are provided by the museum.
- YouthCAN students receive a museum membership.
Register.
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True Colors' Next Narrative Monologue CompetitionTM
NNMC features newly created works from fifty of America's leading contemporary Black playwrights that engage students of all backgrounds in artful exploration of 21st century themes, while instilling confidence in all to find their voices.
Founded by True Colors Theatre Company in Atlanta, the NNMC mission is to celebrate the rich tradition of Black storytelling while giving voice to bold artists of all cultures. This Black storytelling lens is not exclusionary, but provides an inclusive portal to new worlds and the truths therein.
In each participating region, students progress through three competition rounds: Preliminaries, Semi-Finals, and Regional Finals. Then, the top two winners from each regional competition participate in the National Finals, receiving an all-expense-paid trip to New York City that includes workshops with theater professionals, tickets to a Broadway show, the chance to win a cash prize, and more!
Register now to join the 2022/23 Seattle region Next Narrative Monologue Competition! All high school-aged youth (grades 9-12) living in Washington state are encouraged to participate.
Register
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Poetry Out Loud virtual registration is Open now for students grades 9-12!
Poetry Out Loud is a national poetry recitation competition for students in grades 9-12. This national arts education program builds on elements of slam poetry and spoken word to engage students with the power of literature. Deadline to register is Nov 18. Register here.
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Listings in the Bulletin Board section for any specific commercial or organizational product, process, or service, or the use of any trade, firm, or corporation name is for the information and convenience of the public and does not constitute endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by The Center School or the CSCA.
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