Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at 7:00 pm

Our January General Membership Meeting will be Wednesday, January 18 at 7:00 pm in the LWHS Library and through Zoom. We'll hear from health teacher Jill Lewinski about the new yoga program sponsored by LWHS PTSA to promote student health and wellness in our school community. For fun (and wellness), Jill will teach us a few chair yoga poses to kick off our meeting and share more about yoga. After that, special guest Nichole Swanger from the LWHS College & Career Center will provide information about potential schedule changes and AP classes for the next school year. There will also be time to socialize with and ask questions of fellow parents/guardians after the meeting. We hope you can join us!

LWHS PTSA Nominating Committee Needs You!

Are you looking for a way to connect with other parents in the community? Are you interested in a short-term volunteer commitment? LWHS PTSA is looking for additional members to serve on our Nominating Committee. This committee recruits candidates for next year’s PTSA leadership. Training is available, duties are only a few hours a week, and end after spring elections. If you are interested in serving on this committee or would like more information, please email president@lwhsptsa.org. 

The next series of "Coffee with Christine" events will occur on the following dates:

• Thursday, January 26 at 6:30 pm via Teams
• Thursday, February 2 at 8:30 am in LWHS Career Center

Come join other LWHS parents and community members for an open Q&A discussion with LWHS Principal Christine Bell. Meetings last about an hour. Additional information will be provided in the next Kang Crier.

Please be sure to read Principal Bell's letter in the "School" section below.

LWHS PTSA has funds to support grants for school staff and ASB clubs. The teacher/staff enrichment grants provide an opportunity for staff members to request funding to support programs, equipment, or other activities that will help enrich the educational experience at LWHS. ASB Club grants can support activities by funding equipment and participation at events. The PTSA is excited to be able to support the Kang community by funding equipment and activities that will help to foster connection and learning.

Additional information and the application form are on the PTSA website under the Teachers and Staff section. The deadline for the Spring grant requests is Friday, January 27. Applicants will be notified about funding in late February.

Questions? Contact Christine Woskett, LWHS PTSA Grants Committee Chair

LWPTSA Council's Lunch & Learn series consists of short presentations and discussions on topics relevant to your child's education. All community members are welcome—you bring your lunch, and we'll provide the speakers. We hope you will join us in person this month for some big topics for post-secondary planning, such as how to work toward your child's post-secondary pathway, and the various ways students can graduate, beyond SAT/ACT/AP test scores.

Topic: Post-Secondary Planning

WHEN: Thursday, Jan. 19 from noon to 1:00 pm

WHERE: LWSD Resource Center (16250 NE 74th Street at Redmond Town Center

Bring your lunch and learn with us! Please email Council's executive vice president, Brandi Comstock, with any questions.

Game Development Competition

Students attending a middle or high school with a PTA/PTSA in good standing may participate in this competition either individually or in teams of up to five, using their creative talents to develop a computer game or a board game. This year's theme is "Curiosity". Entries are due February 15, 2023. The submission process is new this year. Visit WSPTA's Game Development Competition page for details.

Essay Contest

Every day, kids are exposed to a variety of people, and each one has an opportunity to influence the path a child takes. This contest is a platform for students to share their appreciation for the important influencers in their lives and education. Entries are due February 15, 2023. The student must personally know the influencer they write about. The submission process is new this year. Visit WSPTA's Essay Contest page for details.

Scholarship Program

Washington State PTA offers four $2,500 scholarships to graduating seniors from Washington public high schools with an active PTA/PTSA, who will be starting either a two-year or four-year college the following fall. Applications are due February 15, 2023, and scholarships are awarded by April 30. The submission process is new this year. Visit WSPTA's Scholarship Program page for details and eligibility requirements.

Greetings Kang Families,

This month we are focused on the Kang Commitment "Relationships". Our Kang Commitments are safety, integrity, responsibility, relationships and respect. When we choose a focus, it is based on occurrences of positive referrals as well as behavioral concerns from the previous month. 

At Lake Washington High School we have a team of teachers that works as a Multitiered System of Support (MTSS) for our learning community. This team is key for data collection and interpretation. They also provide professional development for our staff and choose the focus for our school each month. The Kang Commitment of Relationships is based on the commitment to work together to build win-win relationships. In our work with adults and students we seek to find solutions that benefit all parties involved. 

We know that reinforcement of positive behavior is important. As we move forward into this new year, I invite you to join with me in celebrating the many positive areas in which our students win each day. It is easy to fall into a habit of focusing on what is not happening at the end of a semester. If your student is behind in assignments, consider having them set their own daily goal around talking with teachers and turning in missing work. Then, check in with them and congratulate them on the small wins each day. 

High school is not easy. It takes maturity to work with adults and humility to ask for help. We encourage our students to focus on win-win results by initiating conversations with teachers and taking responsibility for their work. 

Thank you, as always, for your support of our learning community. Go Kangs!

Christine Bell  

LWHS Principal

Student Recognition

The Kirkland Rotary Club recognizes local students for school and community accomplishments through the Student of the Month program. Students submit applications and are interviewed by a team of Rotarians. Lake Washington High School is proud to announce that 4 students were selected for this honor. Stuart Barry, Brady Rabuchin, Elena Ferry, and Vernon Lumpkin will be honored at a Rotary Club dinner where each student will speak regarding their school and community involvement, activities, and post high school plans. Congratulations to our Student of the Month honorees!

Washington Network for Innovative Careers (WANIC)

For rising Juniors and Seniors for the 2023-2024 school year, WANIC will be accepting applications beginning on January 24. Students can participate in many different options such as medical, dental, baking, CISCO, FITE (fire & EMS program), DigiPen combined with their classes at LWHS. These are full-year programs hosted at Lake Washington Institute of Technology, DigiPen and other local area high schools. The College & Career Center will host a WANIC information session on February 24 during Roo Time. WANIC will also host an open house on March 16 from 5:00-7:00 pm at Lake Washington Institute of Technology at 11605 132nd Avenue NE in Kirkland. For students interested in attending DigiPen through WANIC, DigiPen will host several virtual information sessions. Register for a DigiPen session here.

Lake Washington Institute of Technology Visit

Did you know that Lake Washington Institute of Technology offers certificates, associate’s degree and bachelor’s degree programs? LWIT will be visiting the College & Career Center on January 20 - Roo B and February 3 - Roo B to present various programs. Students are welcome to attend by signing up through Flexi-Sched or contacting Ms. Swanger in the College & Career Center.

Questions? Contact Nichole Swanger, LWHS College and Career Specialist

Friday, January 20 at LWHS Commons

Learn to swing dance and raise money for the LWHS Theatre Program during a fun night out! Dance pro and theatre parent Mike Begley will provide one hour of dance instruction, followed by time to practice your new dance moves. Join us on Friday, January 20 from 7:00-9:00 pm in the LWHS Commons. Cost is $30 for individuals, $50 for couples. All ages are welcome!

Cash and checks accepted at the door. Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided. To reserve your spot, please email Joy Jernigan at fundraising@theatre.lwhsboosters.org. This fundraiser is sponsored by the Theatre Boosters. 

February 3-11, 2023

A fabulously fun award-winning musical based on the adored movie, Legally Blonde, The Musical follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. Action-packed and exploding with memorable songs and dynamic dances--this musical is so much fun, it should be illegal!

Tickets prices:

$10 Students w/ASB, Seniors (60+), Military

$15 General Admission

Click here to buy tickets

Additional information on the LWHS Theatre Website. Follow us on Facebook for event listings, updates and photos.

Last Call for January Deadlines!

There are a few more opportunities this month for essay support via Zoom if your student wants one last "read-through" before sending off their applications.

Click here to see dates and times

Questions? Email collegeapp@lwhsptsa.org

Senior Parents: It's time to start thinking about the awesome all-night party we're throwing for your kids the night of graduation on June 15, 2023. This year we will return to two venues with many options for entertainment, food, and a safe, good time for all the graduates. If you are interested in volunteering to help plan this event, to volunteer during the event, or to donate food/cash, please contact seniorparty@lwhsptsa.org.

Non-Senior Parents: We also need of chaperones for the graduation party on June 15. You can help with bus check-in, chaperoning at venue #1 OR venue #2 OR all of the above. If you are interested in helping, please contact seniorparty@lwhsptsa.org. We need as much help as possible and thank you in advance for considering. 

Ticket Sales: Ticket sales will begin in mid-January. Look for additional information in the next Kang Crier.

Parent Chat Webinar on January 18: Why Kids Self-Harm and How You Can Help 

Award winning speaker, author and educator Michelle Mitchell has combined her 20 years’ experience with the latest research, interviews with nationally recognized experts and stories from professionals and everyday families, to give parents and professionals fresh insights into ‘how-to’ prevent, understand and respond to self-harm. 

Register at www.lwsf.org/parentchat 

For Middle and High School Families: How to Select Classes in High School 

Save the Date! On January 24, independent college counselor Mary Pat O’Neil will be teaming up with LWSD school counselor, Taylor Reuhl, to give students and families guidance on how to pick classes in high school. 

More details to come! Stay tuned at www.lwsf.org/our-work/find-your-fit 

Check out additional Lake Washington Schools Foundation events and resources at lwsf.org.