January 26, 2021 | Issue #11
PTSA
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PTSA Membership Meeting and Parent Ed TOMORROW!
Wednesday, January 27 at 7:00 pm
Join us at our next virtual Membership Meeting where we will elect our Nominating Committee and provide an update on our programs. View the agenda here. Current PTSA members can also view meeting documents. Following our brief meeting, we will be hosting a parent education event.
 
Navigating Screen Time: What We Know & What to Consider in Making Thoughtful Choices
Join Michelle Brode from Youth Eastside Services (YES) for a timely discussion around finding balance in the digital world in which we all live. Learn how not all screen time is the same and ways to have productive conversations around tech with your teens.

The Zoom link can be found below and on our website calendar.

Meeting ID: 943 1728 3729
Passcode: 919090

All are welcome – hope you can join us!
 
LWHS PTSA President
Eyes UP LW! Control the Scroll
Teens spend an average of 7 hours and 22 minutes per day on their screens (not including doing homework). Often mindless minutes of scrolling turn into vanishing hours. How do we break this habit and reclaim our lives?
 
First step: Admitting you want change. Teens often think about their phone usage and have really great insights about how it affects their education, emotional life and relationships. A few strategies for managing screen time include turning off notifications, leaving phones in another room (especially while sleeping), turning on grayscale to make apps less eye-catching, removing apps that distract you, and setting boundaries by using screen time/app limits. Click here to find out how to set up these options and more.
 
For resources on digital wellness, click here to learn more about our Eyes Up LW! campaign.

LWHS PTSA President
New! Chapter Club - Parenting in the Screen Age by Delaney Ruston, MD
Sign up now and join us for one or all collaborative conversations!
LWHS PTSA is hosting a Chapter Club around the new book Parenting in the Screen Age by local physician, Delaney Ruston, MD, of the Screenagers Documentary Series. A “Chapter” Club is like a book club but you only have to read one chapter at a time! The Club will meet virtually at a time and day deemed best for those who sign up to participate. We will focus on 3 chapters over the next few months. You can join one meeting or all of them!
 
About Parenting in the Screen Age: Does every conversation with your teen about screen time blow up into a fight? Or maybe you avoid bringing up the topic but silently harbor worry and frustration. How can you better understand what you’re up against and ensure the healthiest screen time possible? 
 
You can see more about the book and purchase it here. There is also a Kindle version available. Don’t want to buy the book? No problem, you can still join the conversation.
 
We hope that our Chapter Club will be a way to bring parents together to uncover, devise, and share strategies to help all of us navigate our digital world. Please sign up here by January 29 or check our PTSA calendar to join us last minute.
 
Questions? Contact Hae Sue Park, LWHS PTSA FACE
Coffee with Christina
The next Coffee with Christina will be held on Tuesday, February 9 at 9:00 am. Bring your own coffee and join us for a virtual Q&A session and parent chat. The TEAMS link will be published on the school calendar and PTSA calendar a couple of days before the event. All are welcome!
LWHS PTSA Nominating Committee Needs You
We are looking for two more volunteers to serve on the LWHS PTSA Nominating Committee. This three-person committee works to select candidates for the 2021-2022 PTSA board. It is a great way to learn about PTSA, meet people (virtually!) and is a limited time commitment.
 
If you have questions or would like to volunteer, please contact LWHS PTSA President, Denise Campbell.
LWHS PTSA Grant Applications Due This Friday, January 29
LWHS PTSA still has funds to support grants for staff and ASB clubs during this school year. The teacher/staff enrichment grants provide an opportunity to request funding to support programs, equipment, or other activities that will help enrich the educational experience at LWHS. The ASB Club grants can support activities by funding equipment and participation at events. During this unique year when our school community is learning and socializing remotely, the PTSA is keen to support the community by funding equipment and activities that will help to foster connection and learning.  

If you are a staff member, parent, student or club advisor who would like to apply for a grant, more information and the application form are on the PTSA website under Teachers and Staff / Teacher Grant Info. The deadline for the Spring grant applications is Friday, January 29.

If you have any questions, please contact grants@lwhsptsa.org
Registration Now Open for February SAT and ACT Practice Tests
LWHS PTSA is once again partnering with Princeton Review to give students the opportunity to take SAT and ACT practice tests. All practice tests will be conducted online.

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. 

The online practice tests will occur: 
  • SAT: Saturday, February 6 with Strategy Session February 9
  • ACT: Saturday, February 13 with Strategy Session February 16  

Note: If your student has taken the test earlier, they can take the test again. However, please note that the set of questions will be the same and they will NOT get a new set of questions.

Don’t let your student miss this opportunity. Sign up for free! Registration must be completed before February 2. 
  
 
Questions? Email satactpractice@lwhsptsa.org 
LWPTSA Special Education Update
We hope you were able to join in the LWPTSA Special Education Meeting on January 19. These meetings are a great way to connect with other parents in the LWPTSA Special Education Group. Check out the Lake Washington PTSA Special Education Group Facebook page for helpful links that were shared during the last meeting.

February is a very exciting time for Special Education in LWSD, as the Special Education Resource Fair is usually held. Stay tuned for more information and sign up for Special Education newsletters on the LWSD website.

Questions or comments? Contact specialeducation@lwptsa.net.

LWHS PTSA Special Education Chair
School
Winter Support Groups
Provided by LWSD-Based EvergreenHealth Social Workers
EvergreenHealth continues to offer a variety of support groups for Lake Washington School District High Schoolers and their families. Group topics include parent support, general student support during COVID and virtual schooling, a craft/art group and all-around support. Click here for more information.

Questions? Contact Lindsay McMeins, LICSW, LWHS-Based EvergreenHealth Social Worker
From the College & Career Center
2021-22 WANIC Registration Opens February 2
The WANIC Skill Center offers high quality tuition-free technical and professional training for high school Juniors and Seniors. Click here for additional program information. Registration for the 2021-22 school year opens February 2. In late spring, LWHS counselors and the College and Career Center will work with students to modify original schedule requests in order to accommodate a student’s WANIC schedule.

Virtual College Fairs with NACAC
The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) has posted its Spring 2021 College Fair Schedule. Students can attend as many fairs as they wish - for free! Click here for a list of colleges, dates, topics, and to register. Additional colleges will be added through the spring.

Virtual Fair for Local Community and Technical Colleges
On February 11 from 3:00-4:30 pm, admissions representatives from Cascadia College, Edmonds College, Everett Community College, Lake Washington Institute of Technology, Shoreline Community College, and Skagit Valley College will team up and share information about their schools and the programs offered. Students can attend the presentations and connect with representatives for Q&A. Click here to register.

UW Multicultural Event: Young, Gifted & Black
February 6, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Students are invited to join the University of Washington for Young, Gifted & Black – a day of inspiration and empowerment. Through workshops and mentoring, UW faculty and staff work to connect with students and provide them with the resources they need to pursue the goal of higher education. Click here for more information and to register.

Questions? Contact Charolett Henderson, LWHS College & Career Specialist
LWHS Athletics Letter Jackets Now Available for Online Purchase
Did your student letter in spring sports in 2020 and missed out on ordering a letter jacket? Our vendor has put together an online ordering option for anyone who was not able to purchase a jacket. Click here for more information.

LWHS Athletics Director
Yearbook Sales Open through February 7
The second sales window for Yearbooks is here! Sales will run from January 17 through February 7
 
As a reminder, yearbooks are NOT automatically included in the purchase of ASB membership. Yearbooks are available for $65 and can be purchased online through the LWSD Payment Portal. Please make sure you are selecting the LWHS yearbook. You can also view your purchase history in the Payment Portal to double check if you’ve already purchased a yearbook during the first sales window.
  
There will be a third sales window, with details available later this Spring. But DON’T WAIT, order your yearbook now!

Questions? Contact Hannah Kreutz, LWHS Yearbook Advisor
Yearbook Photos Still Needed
The LWHS yearbook is looking for photos to use in the following sections: Student Life, Academics, Clubs, 9th, 10th, and 11th Grade Portrait Openers. Really, any and all photos of your students will be helpful!
 
Please follow the link below to upload your photos as follows, making sure you ask permission from individuals before submitting.

If the photo is of one individual:
  • Indicate student name and grade
 
If the photo is of multiple people:
  • Indicate the name of the person you are connected to, e.g., if it is your student with their friends, type your student's name
  • Indicate the grade of your student
  • Add the names and grades of the others in the photo in the description box

Please upload photos by February 5 by clicking here.
 
Thank you for your help! 
Hannah Kreutz, LWHS Yearbook Advisor
Seniors
Cascadia College Scholarship Application
The 2021-22 Cascadia College Foundation Scholarship application is now open. Students have a one in three chance of getting an award!
  • The average award is $1,500
  • Only one application required for various scholarship amounts and categories
  • Application involves three short essay questions

Students can learn more and apply at cascadia.edu/scholarships. Applications are due March 5.

Questions? Contact Charolett Henderson, LWHS College & Career Specialist
Midyear Reports for Seniors
If your senior applied to colleges using SENDedu or the Common Application, or requested a midyear report be sent through Coalition, counselors will automatically send the midyear report including an updated transcript that reflects first semester. As soon as grades are final and posted on transcripts, counselors will complete these reports.  

LWHS Counseling Center
WSPTA Scholarships
Washington State PTA offers four $2,500 scholarships to graduating seniors from Washington state public high schools with an active PTA, who will be starting college (either two-year or four-year) in the fall. Additional requirements and information can be found here. The online form is located on the website. LWHS students should reference Lake Washington High School PTSA 2.8.95. Applications are due by March 1, 2021.
Community
Community Forum: Mental Health, Drugs and Gun Safety - What You Need to Know
Wednesday, February 10, 7:00-8:30 pm
Hosted by Lake Washington Schools Foundation, this community forum is intended to help middle and high school parents and caregivers understand the linkages between mental health, drug use, and the importance of gun safety; as well as to learn tips on how to speak with their teens on these topics. More information will be posted on the LWSF website. Click here to register.
Lake Washington Schools Foundation News
Valentine’s Day Teacher Appreciation Campaign
Do you know a teacher who deserves a Valentine? We think you do! Add their name to our virtual Wall of Love at www.lwsf.org/valentine

Find Your Fit Webinar: Standardized Testing - What Now?
January 26 from 7:00-8:00 pm 
Join independent college counselor Mary Pat O’Neil and guest Matt Steiner of Compass Test Prep to learn how test scores are used in the admission process, the differences between test-optional and test-blind, and strategies behind submitting or not submitting test scores. Register at www.lwsf.org/findyourfit.

Balance in Mind Events for Parent & Teens
  • Parent Chats - Register today for the winter session. Chats are held on Wednesdays at 7PM.
  • February 3: Talking Consent with Christy Keating
  • February 17: Healthy Teen Relationships with Libby Gutschenritter
  • Spanish Youth Mental Health Workshops - Sistema Escolar, Youth Eastside Services, and Balance in Mind are presenting a series of workshops on youth mental wellness by Spanish speaking experts for Spanish speaking parents. Register at www.lwsf.org/youthmentalwellness.
  • Febrero 2, 6:30 pm: Auto-lesiones y Suicidio En Los Jóvenes
  • Febrero 16, 6:30 pm: Consejería De Salud Mental Para Jóvenes y Derechos De Los Padres
  • Marzo 2, 7:30 pm: ¿Que Tipo De Madre/Padre Eres?
  • Balance in Mind’s Instagram @balance.in.mind is a destination for teens to gain inspiration, learn self-care tips, and more! 
Events
January 27: LWHS PTSA General Membership Meeting, 7:00 pm
February 7: Yearbook Sales Close
February 9: Coffee with Christina, 9:00 am
February 11-12: Mid-Winter Break (No School)
February 15: President's Day (No School)
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.