February 22, 2022 | Issue #13 |
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Moving Forward, Looking Back |
After a particularly challenging two years, 2022 brings with it a few reasons to celebrate:
- It’s the 125th anniversary of the first meeting of the National Congress of Mothers, which formed the basis for what is now known as National PTA, the largest volunteer child advocacy organization in the United States.
- 2022 is LWHS’s centennial year! Celebrations will continue throughout the year.
- LWHS PTSA will have been incorporated 35 years ago this June.
- All three LWSD levies on the Feb 2020 ballot are passing. LWHS PTSA thanks our membership and our community for voting in favor of them – and by extension, in favor and in support of our children.
February marks the start of the second half of the school and PTSA year. Although LWHS PTSA is not yet operating fully in person, we are still very much engaged in our work with the school and the parent community. Here’s a look at what we’ve been up to so far this year.
We cannot do this work without our members and volunteers, and we are very grateful to them for their funding and support! Have you been meaning to become a PTSA member but simply haven’t gotten around to it yet? It’s easy to join and donate online – it’s not too late!
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Virtual Coffee With Christine |
The next PTSA-sponsored “Coffee with Christine” will be Thursday, February 24 at 6:00 pm. Come login and join other LWHS parents and community members for an open Q&A discussion with LWHS Principal Christine Bell and guest speaker for this month: Nichole Swanger from the LWHS College and Career Center. The meetings last about an hour, but you are free to join late or leave early.
The following meeting will occur on March 24 from 9:00-10:00 am.
Please be sure to read Principal Bell's letter in the "School" section below.
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March SAT and ACT Practice Tests |
Back by popular demand! LWHS PTSA is pleased to offer additional sessions for the SAT and ACT practice tests with Princeton Review. The practice tests will continue to be conducted online due to COVID restrictions. Students are given an access code that begins on the dates below – but the access code is good for 30 days.
The practice tests are created from original SAT/ACT tests from past years. They are a great way for your student to get comfortable with the format and style of the SAT or ACT. Students who take the test will also be invited to a Strategy Session that provides tips and tricks for better performance in the actual test.
These are the last practice tests for this academic year!
The online practice tests will occur:
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SAT: Saturday, March 19
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ACT: Saturday, March 26
Note: If your student has taken an earlier practice test, they can take it again. However, please note that the set of questions will be the same.
Don’t let your student miss this opportunity! Sign up for free! Registration must be completed by March 14!!
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A Valentine's Day Surprise |
We sweetened up our staff on Valentine's Day with several bowls filled with goodie bags, brownies, flowers, and lots of chocolates! Special thanks to all of you who helped make this happen by supplying the delicious treats. All of the teachers and staff are so appreciative when we celebrate them!
Anne Allan and Linda Cheyne, Staff Appreciation Chairs
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Free "Far from the Tree" Screening |
Presented by LWSD and LWPTSA Council
On February 25 and 26, join other LWSD families in watching "Far from the Tree," an inspiring and heartwarming documentary film about families meeting extraordinary challenges through love, empathy and understanding, based on the award-winning and best-selling book by Andrew Solomon.
This movie is appropriate viewing for adults and students in middle school and up. For more on the movie's age recommendations and reviews, visit Common Sense Media.
Registered attendees will receive access to a link to view the movie during a 48-hour window starting on Friday, February 25. The movie will be followed by a roundtable discussion for viewers on Tuesday, March 1 at 6:00 pm via Zoom.
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Lunch & Learn on LWSD Equity Efforts |
Please join LWPTSA Council for a discussion with LWSD Director of Equity and Family Engagement, Pablo Ortega, on the topic of LWSD's equity efforts and policies. Register to join this online discussion.
When: February 24 at noon
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Final Call for Washington State PTA Student Programs |
Submission Deadline: March 1
Washington State PTA has a number of programs specifically for students. We hope you will encourage your student to participate in one or more of these fantastic opportunities:
WSPTA Essay Contest - explores the important and varied influencers in the lives and education of children. Open to all grades. The submission form is located on the website and is due by March 1, 2022.
WSPTA Scholarship program - for graduating seniors from Washington state public high schools with an active PTA. The online form is located on the website and submissions are due by March 1, 2022.
WSPTA Game Development Competition - a STEM program for students in grades 6-12 who share their knowledge of computer science based on a theme. To ensure all students have an equal opportunity to participate, a new category has been added for best board game. Submissions are due by March 1, 2022.
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From the Desk of LWHS Principal Christine Bell |
Dear Kang Families,
For this edition of the Crier I would like to highlight student voice. One of the most remarkable aspects of working with young adults is their ability to provide voice and perspective on instruction, community, equity, and the overall operation of high schools. This year we have experienced this in many forms. Most notably, the Feminist Club’s protest for awareness of sexual assault and our student leadership’s focus on elevating voices provided insight to members of our learning community. Kang News is another key avenue for consistent student voice and idea sharing. These opportunities to listen to the perspectives of students have been invaluable.
Last week our administrative team met for the first time with a Student Advisory Panel. This panel was organized by students to increase the number of students providing feedback who may not be associated with leadership or involved in groups such as the Feminist Club or Kang News. The idea was to provide feedback and ask questions and students signed up through a link provided in their Homeroom classes.
While the group of students was small this first time around, the content of our discussion was rich and the feedback we received was very informative. Students shared with us their concerns about other students not properly masking and focused on a solution of having other students and staff share their personal stories around why masking matters to them. They expressed a desire to have mental health and reporting resources more readily available on the district website. We discussed a variety of topics and decided to work to get a larger group of students for our next meeting in March.
Students who were not able to attend but who still submitted feedback on a form noted the following concerns: Portion size/nutritional quality of school lunches, the amount of time allocated for lunch, support for students with 504 Plans, focus on Disability Awareness Month, and adjusting the schedule to allow for longer passing periods. A student shared a desire to have an Electives Fair that highlights student work, and another student would like to learn more about current human rights issues. Our students want to increase recycling and composting. They also want to increase the visibility of the many cultures represented in our community by sharing holidays and events. Finally, our students want our bathrooms to be for using the bathroom, not for groups of students to hang out.
These ideas and feedback from students are critical for us in building an understanding of how our practices and policies impact learning and belonging in our school. We are working on solutions and will partner with students in the process. There are many ways for students to get involved in this sharing of ideas. If your student would like to be involved we would be happy to hear their voices as well. As we work to better advertise this opportunity, please encourage your student to watch for advertisements for the next Student Advisory Panel (planned for March 9 during Roo time) and to use the feedback form that will soon be re-advertised on fliers and in Homeroom classes.
Thank you as always for your partnership in this work.
LWHS Principal
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Live Wednesday: First Responders Panel |
The LWHS College & Career Center continues their Live Wednesday Virtual Career Panels with a First Responders Panel on February 23 at 1:30 pm. Panel guests will include Firefighter and EMS leader Jack Greaves and School Resource Officer and Kirkland Police Officer Storm Gehrke. They will present their pathways to their careers and provide information for students interested in becoming a first responder. Click here to join the meeting.
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Clean Out Your Closets for LWHS Theatre! |
Lake Washington Theatre Boosters is holding a clothing drive as a fundraiser for our wonderful theatre program. Lake Washington High School Theatre has played an important role in the school and in our community since 1922. Your clothing donations will support theatrical productions including costumes, props, sets, musicians and more.
We Are Collecting:
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Clothes - men's, women's and children's clothes, coats, shoes, scarves, handbags, wallets, fashion accessories, ties, belts, backpacks, etc.
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Household Textiles - bedding, comforters, blankets, sheets, towels, linen, tablecloths, curtains, pillows, etc.
Donations can be dropped off at LWHS parking lot on the following dates:
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Sat, March 5, 11:00 am-3:00 pm
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Sat, March 12, 11:00 am-3:00 pm
Please place all donations in bags. All items must be clean and in sellable condition.
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LWHS Class of 2022 Senior Party - Tickets Available Now! |
Prices go up April 15!
Your senior is invited to a safe and fun-filled post-graduation all-night party presented by the LWHS PTSA. We provide transportation to two venues, entertainment, food and a memorable end-of-the year experience.
When: Tuesday, June 14, 2022
Start Time: check-in will be determined once graduation time has been announced but is generally after 9:30 pm.
End Time: 5:30 am on Wednesday, June 15, at LWHS
Ticket prices:
- $200 between February 1 and April 15
- $210 between April 16 and June 1
- Ticket sales end June 1, 2022
- All ticket purchases are non-refundable.
Scholarships or installment plans are available. Contact Jodee Hull at jhull@lwsd.org for more information.
Questions? Do you want to help chaperone or plan the event? Contact the Senior Party Co-Chairs at seniorparty@lwhsptsa.org.
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From the College & Career Center |
Scholarships Available
Now is a good time for seniors to apply for scholarships. Scholarships are available for all levels of education including 4-year, 2-year and trade schools. The LWHS list of scholarships can be found here. Our list features several scholarship databases as well as local scholarships from many Kirkland area providers such as the Kiwanis, Rotary and more local opportunities. Follow the LWHS College & Career Center Instagram feed @lwhscollegecareer for scholarships and additional information.
Destination Day
Have your senior be on the lookout for the Destination Day form, where they can submit their name, their plans post high school and attach a photo. Our district will create a great video to celebrate all our seniors and their plans beyond the halls of LWHS!
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Scholarships Available through LWPTSA Council |
The Lake Washington PTSA Council is pleased to roll out its 2022 Scholarship Program! Council offers several student scholarships and two $500 staff scholarships every spring. This year’s Student Scholarship Program will include 13 scholarships of $1,250 each:
- 8 Merit scholarships
- 1 LWEA/Teeley scholarship (funded by the LWEA)
- 1 Perseverance scholarship
- 1 Turn Around scholarship
- 1 L.E. Scarr 2 year, technical or vocational scholarship
- 1 At-large scholarship
Applications for both staff and student scholarships are due by midnight on March 25, 2022.
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Lake Washington School Foundation News |
Free College Planning Webinars for High School Students and Parents
Let us help you get ready and feel confident about the college application process! Register for these upcoming Find Your Fit webinars:
Parent Chat Webinar: Mental Wellness Across Cultures
Every culture has a different way of looking at mental health. At the next Parent Chat on February 23, learn how to navigate cultural differences in support of your children's mental health. Register at www.tinyurl.com/BIMWinter2022.
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February 24: Virtual Coffee with Christine, 6:00 pm
March 11: LEAP Day (No School)
March 16: PTSA Virtual General Membership Meeting, 7:00 pm
April 4-8: Spring Break (No School)
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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. |
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