January 25, 2022 | Issue #11 |
|
Virtual Coffee With Christine This Thursday |
The next PTSA-sponsored “Coffee with Christine” will be this Thursday, January 27 at 9:00 am. Come login and join other LWHS parents and community members for an open Q&A discussion with LWHS Principal Christine Bell. The meetings last about an hour, but you are free to join late or leave early.
Future meetings will occur on February 24 6:00-7:00 pm and March 24 9:00-10:00 am.
Please be sure to read Principal Bell's letter in the "School" section below.
|
|
Please Vote YES on LWSD Propositions |
Vote YES on February 8 for LWSD Propositions 1, 2 and 3
LWHS PTSA membership voted to support and endorse all three LWSD February 2022 levies at our November General Membership meeting. These are:
- Prop 1: Replacement Educational Programs and Operations Levy (renewal of expiring levy)
- Prop 2: Replacement School Technology and Capital Projects Levy (renewal of expiring levy)
- Prop 3: Building Excellence Capital Levy
These levies help our district cover the gap in educational funding from Washington state to meet critical needs for LWSD students. More information on what these levies cover is here and here.
If you are not currently registered, the last day to register to vote in the February election is January 31.
We thank you for your support of LWSD schools!
|
|
Parents of Freshmen, Sophomores and Juniors - We Need You! |
The Senior Party event needs you to pay it forward!
The LWHS PTSA Senior Party is looking for at least 15 volunteers to help out at the June 14 event. You can volunteer for the entire night or a portion of it. It is a great opportunity to pay it forward and to find out what Senior Party is all about!
Thank you!
Molly Gleason and Rachel Pemble, LWHS PTSA Senior Party Co-Chairs
|
|
Cap and Gown Donations Accepted |
Are you planning any spring cleaning soon? LWHS PTSA maintains a modest supply of gently used graduation caps and gowns which are lent out to LWHS graduating seniors who cannot afford to buy a set. If you would like to donate your LWHS graduate’s gently used cap and gown (no stoles or tassels, please), please put them in a plastic bag, clearly marked “LWHS PTSA” and drop it off at the main office at LWHS. We’ll take care of the rest!
|
|
Applications for PTSA Grants Now Available |
Did you know? LWHS PTSA has funds available to provide grants to school staff and ASB clubs. The teacher/staff enrichment grants provide an opportunity for LWHS staff members to request funding for 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 and help foster connection and learning for our students.
|
|
Finals Already! Fuel and Inspiration with Staff Appreciation |
Finals week is here, and our LWHS PTSA Staff Appreciation committee has created several Fuel Boxes full of snacks and drinks to help keep our amazing staff fueled up! Thanks to all of you for your support and generous donations that made this possible. Our staff is always so appreciative and excited when we get a chance to show them we are here for them!
In addition to the snack and drinks being provided, we are placing signs of inspiration and humor around the school with the hope of giving LWHS staff a positive thought or a laugh to brighten their day. If you have a moment, please reach out to a few of staff members as well. Just a positive note or a funny joke from a parent, and especially a student, can go such a long way!
To all of our LWHS staff members: Thank you for your continued support and encouragement to our kids, your ability to adapt to this constantly changing environment, and your motivation to help our kids become their best selves!
Linda Cheyne and Anne Allan, LWHS PSTA Staff Appreciation Co-Chairs
|
|
LWHS PTSA Virtual General Membership Meeting Recap |
Our January General Membership meeting was held on Wednesday, January 19. Guest speaker Bess Altamura, LWHS Social Worker with EvergreenHealth, gave a presentation on teen mental health and the effects of virtual learning. A recording of the presentation is here (passcode: @9G8&+p5). The recording will be available to view until February 19. The slides from her presentation are here.
At the meeting, the membership approved an updated budget, available for members to view here. We also elected Deepali Bhardwaj, Karen Smith, and Meredith Schwietzer to the 2022 Nominating Committee.
Our next General Membership meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 23, 2022 at 7:00 pm.
|
|
From the Desk of LWHS Principal Christine Bell |
Dear Kang Families,
In the last edition of the Kang Crier I shared the important role adults play in ensuring that students feel connected and safe in our community. Now, I want to share with you the goals our school has set for improvement in 2022.
Each year a school principal works with staff to develop a School Improvement Plan. A School Improvement Plan has goals set by the principal, and the goal areas are determined by the district. As a result of my ongoing commitment to communicating with our parent community I want to share these goals with you.
Goal One: Focus Area: Science
Approximately 15% of our students met standard on the WCAS in 2020. This number is relatively consistent across demographic groups, with slightly lower results for our Hispanic population.
Commitment:
LWHS will focus on alignment to Next Generation Science Standards so that our students are better prepared for this assessment. (Update: Students took the WCAS in the fall of 2021 and performed at a much higher level than they had in 2020)
Goal Two: Career and Technical Education (CTE)
For many students, CTE Pathways provide a route to graduation as well as a foundation on which to build a career. CTE Pathways also expose students to post-secondary options they might not otherwise have had access to.
Commitment:
LWHS will add courses and align our course sequence to provide better opportunities for post-secondary success for our students.
Goal Three: Social Emotional Learning.
Our Panorama Data shows that thirty percent of our students feel like they belong in our school. We know that relationships and belonging are foundational to student success and are focusing our resources in this area as a result.
Commitment:
Our staff will continue to support affinity groups as well as other leadership opportunities to lift marginalized voices in our community. Our focus is on listening and setting goals both in and outside of our classrooms in this area. Until our outcomes are equitable and our students report that they feel a greater sense of belonging our work in this area will not be done.
School Improvement Plan goals help drive decision making at the building level and they also shape budget allocations. Lake Washington High School is committed to our mission of Each Student, Every Day, Connected and Belonging in our Community.
Thank you for your partnership in this work.
LWHS Principal
|
|
LWHS Library is hosting a book drive in partnership with the Redmond Youth Partnership Advisory Committee. This is a committee run by the Redmond City Council for teenagers to develop leadership abilities and interest in volunteerism through participation in the creation and delivery of projects within the community. We are accepting all lightly used books to gift to homeless adults and children until Thursday, January 27. Simply bring your donations to the front office or directly to the library. Books will be picked up by youths in the Redmond Youth Partnership Advisory Committee and donated to Mary’s Place.
|
|
LWHS Class of 2022 Senior Party - Tickets Available Now! |
Prices go up January 31!
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:
- $190 until January 31
- $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
|
|
Lake Washington School Foundation News |
Send a Teacher a Valentine
This Valentine's Day, let teachers and staff know you care. For a limited time, when you make a donation in an LWSD teacher or staff member's honor, we'll put their name on our Virtual Wall of Love, send them an inspirational postcard, or even include a special edition enamel pin. Your donation supports our work and brightens their day! But please act quickly: Last day to place an order is February 10. Check out the options and send your appreciation today at www.lwsf.org/valentine.
Parent Chat Workshop: Your Family At Its Best
On January 26 at 7:00 pm, join Michelle Brode for this playful and inspiring workshop. Envision your family at its best even in the midst of challenging times, recognize the good that is already present in our families, envision a positive year ahead, and craft small steps in that direction. Register at www.tinyurl.com/BIMWinter2022.
Webinar for High School Students and Parents: Technical Colleges and Apprenticeship Programs
While attending a 4-year college is an option after graduating high school, there are other paths that lead to student success. In our Find Your Fit program's January 25th webinar, Mary Pat O'Neil will explore the benefits and opportunities offered by technical colleges and apprenticeship programs. She will be joined by guest speakers from the Lake Washington Institute of Technology and ApprenticePath. Register today at www.lwsf.org/findyourfit.
|
|
EvergreenHealth LWSD Parent Group |
Parenting Support As We Transition Back to School
Join your EvergreenHealth social workers for a monthly group to discuss different topics related to teen mental health. This is an opportunity for parents and guardians to learn, ask questions and bounce ideas off each other in a supportive environment with other parents.
Date: Thursday, February 3
Time: 6:00-7:00 pm
Topic: Connecting Your Student with Mental Health Support
|
|
January 28: Last Day of First Semester
February 3: 2022-23 Course Registration (during Roo Time)
February 17-18: Mid-Winter Break (No School)
February 21: 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. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
