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What's HOT the week of October 31, 2022

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Halloween Party

by Kenn Nesbitt


We’re having a Halloween party at school.

I’m dressed up like Dracula. Man, I look cool!

I dyed my hair black, and I cut off my bangs.

I’m wearing a cape and some fake plastic fangs.


I put on some makeup to paint my face white,

like creatures that only come out in the night.

My fingernails, too, are all pointed and red.

I look like I’m recently back from the dead.


My mom drops me off, and I run into school

and suddenly feel like the world’s biggest fool.

The other kids stare like I’m some kind of freak—

the Halloween party is not till next week.

Important Dates

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

  • End of quarter one
  • 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

  • Alumni brunch


Dec 16

  • 1–hour early dismissal


Dec 19–30

  • Winter break (no school)


Jan 2

  • New Year's Day observed (no school)


Jan 16

  • MLK Day (no school)


Jan 19

  • CSCA board meeting (6:30–8:30 pm, Zoom)


Feb 8

  • Last day of first semester

Quick Resources

Attendance or 206.252.9875


Bell Schedule


School Website


TCS Staff Contact List


SPS Website


SPS Academic Calendar


TCS Health Services


Last week's Dragon's Fire

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.

Join the CSCA

New in This Week's Dragon's Fire:

  • Let's Rejuvenate Our PTSA
  • Finding Free Money for College
  • Registration for Winter Quarter Opens Today
  • New Items on the Bulletin Board

CSCA

Let's Rejuvenate Our PTSA

As a senior parent, I'll admit I'm looking ahead to college. There's a part of me that's already over high school. I could just let it go. But I feel a deep debt of gratitude to TCS, the teachers and staff who have shepherded my kid from a wary ninth grader to a young person ready to take on her adult life. That's something I know other young people need in a way that our big neighborhood high schools can't provide. In looking back at our board roster from 2019, it makes me sad to see that our board was flush with members in all executive and committee positions. I know we're all weary from three pandemic years, but our school matters now more than ever. TCS needs our active support. Won't you help us rejuvenate the CSCA? We need people willing to step into the following positions:


  • President
  • Co-President
  • Co-Secretary
  • Communications/Dragon's Fire
  • Membership
  • Recruitment & Retention
  • Volunteer Coordinator
  • Direct Drive/Fundraising


If you can serve, please contact member chair, Monica Payson, at monica@paysley.net.

School News

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.

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:

  1. 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.
  2. Pay your fees via SchoolPay (will be posted soon!)


If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Rho at ewrho@seattleschools.org.

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.

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.

College Planning

Finding Free Money for College

Scholarships can be a huge help to college-bound students and their families but many don’t know where to find them or how to apply. During this session students and families will learn key tips on applying for scholarships, how to create a winning scholarship essay, and more. Online Wed, Nov 9, 7 pm EST (4 pm Seattle time). Get more information and register.

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.

Running Start

Registration for Winter Quarter Opens Today

It's time to register for winter classes. Registering early increases the likelihood that you'll get the classes you need and want. See our refresher slide show for a reminder of how to see what's being offered winter quarter and sign up for classes.


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.

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

Bulletin Board

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.

Skate Like a Girl is a space for women, trans, non-binary &/or gender non-conforming skaters.


You must register prior to attending!

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.

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.

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

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.

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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