January 12, 2021 | Issue #10 |
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PTSA Membership Meeting and Parent Ed |
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, including new things we are trying and adaptions to some of our favorites. 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.
All are welcome – hope you can join us!
LWHS PTSA President
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Coffee with Christina: December 9 Recap |
On December 9, 2020, Principal Christina Thomas and school counselor Taylor Reuhl talked with parents about class registration for the 2021-2022 school year. Additional information regarding registration can be found on the Counseling Center website, and in the School section below.
Principal Thomas also shared that teachers are finding it challenging to make connections with students in this remote learning environment. Parents can help by encouraging their students to turn their cameras on - if even for just a little while - and writing an encouraging or supportive email to their student’s teachers.
Another topic addressed was final exams. LWHS is not recommending finals this year. If a teacher does decide to offer a final exam, it must be able to be completed within the regular class period.
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. The Zoom link will be published closer to the date. All are welcome!
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Join Us for a ParentChat about 2021-22 Class Registration |
Students will be registering for next year's classes January 15-22, and they will get information in their homeroom classes about course offerings and processes. But we know parents have questions too! Join us for a parent-to-parent discussion about supporting our students in their course planning. We'll have some parents share their family experiences with different electives, AP classes, and other topics parents are interested in!
When: Wed, January 13 at 9:30 am
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Announcing: Eyes UP LW! A Digital Wellness Awareness Campaign |
We all are dependent on our technology now for so much of our daily lives. But when is our use of tech helpful and when is it becoming a problem? Our PTSA, in coordination with LWHS, is launching a campaign to help all of us find balance in a digital world and learn strategies to keep us on track.
What: In coordination with the National Day of Unplugging, Eyes UP LW! is our local awareness campaign that promotes increased knowledge about digital wellbeing and challenges us all to reduce our technology or social media consumption through a 24 hour respite. Observed the first weekend in March, this movement is intended to inspire healthy life/tech balance.
Mission: To increase awareness of technology use and resulting emotional wellbeing and create a movement of collective presence to illuminate our relationship with technology and pledge to elevate personal connections and whatever lights up your life!
Activities:
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Weekly Tech Tip Tuesday messages and Wednesday Digital Wellness calls to action. Follow us on Insta and Facebook.
- Join our Chapter Club to discuss ways to help us navigate screen time challenges with our teens (see additional information below).
- Mark your calendar for March 5-6 (sundown to sundown) to take part in the 24 hour respite, or at least reduce your use!
Here is this week’s tips and tools to try:
Pledge to try some of the suggestions that work for you and encourage your students to participate, too!
Interested in helping with the campaign? We'd love to hear from you! Please email info@lwhsptsa.org.
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New! Chapter Club - Parenting in the Screen Age by Delaney Ruston, MD
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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.
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?
Join us as we focus on the following chapters over the next few months.
- Chapter 1: Social Media
- Chapter 7: Challenging Conversations
- Chapter 10: Cultivating Creativity, Insight & Focus
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 19 and join us for thoughtful, collaborative conversation.
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LWHS PTSA Nominating Committee Needs You |
We are looking for 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.
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LWHS PTSA Grant Applications Due 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 for staff members 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.
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Registration Still Open for January 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. This year, due to COVID restrictions, the 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, January 16, 2021 with Strategy Session January 26, 2021
- ACT: Saturday, January 23, 2021 with Strategy Session February 2, 2021
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 January 12, 2021.
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Lunch & Learn: College and Career Pathways |
Bring your lunch and learn with LWPTSA Council on the third Thursday of the month. The January topic is College and Career Pathways.
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When: Thursday, January 21 at noon
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Where: See the Lunch & Learn schedule on the LWPTSA Council’s website and calendar for more information.
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Reflections: Eight LWHS Students Advance to State |
We are pleased to announce that the following students and their Reflections entries won an award at the Council level of the competition and are advancing to the State level. Congratulations to:
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Makena Weber won Outstanding Interpretation (1st) for "Side by Side" in the category of Photography.
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Amelie Barga won Award of Excellence (2nd) for "Looking Within" in the category of Photography.
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Carlos Adrian Datol won Award of Excellence (2nd) for "Who I Am" in the category of Photography.
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Brock Olson won Award of Merit (3rd) for "Pen and Paper" in the category of Photography.
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Armita Parsa won Award of Excellence (2nd) for "I Matter Because" in the category of Photography/Special Artist.
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Mason Colbert won Outstanding Interpretation (1st) for "A Laborer’s Legacy" in the category of Visual Arts.
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Elise Andrew won Award of Merit (3rd) for "Decolonizing Myself" in the category of Visual Arts.
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Ben Stott won Award of Merit (3rd) for "Sunny Day On Its Way" in the category of Visual Arts/Special Artist.
Stay tuned this spring when results from State level are posted.
LWHS PTSA Reflections Chair
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Opportunities for Students to engage in Local Sustainability Efforts |
If your student is interested in environmental and sustainability issues as a career path or a personal interest, there are many opportunities for them to engage in conversations on these topics and have a hands-on role in making a difference. Here is a list of local groups and upcoming events:
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LWHS Student Green Team meets online Thursday mornings at 8:30 am. King County Green Schools Program provides assistance and learning opportunities for Green Teams in LWSD schools.
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YMCA Earth Service Corps (YESC) is hosting an Environmental Leaders Summit on Wednesday, January 20 at 1:00 PM for all interested teens and adults. To participate, registration is required by January 15. YESC is an innovative youth-led program that empowers students to take a hands-on role in creating a healthier environment in their schools, communities, and region while nurturing a respect for diversity within the natural world.
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Sustainability Ambassadors promotes their mission to empower youth to catalyze community sustainability. Ambassadors develop skills in policy analysis, performance assessment, project management and public speaking – valuable skills for any field of study and profession. For more information on the program and how to apply, go to their website.
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On January 6, LWSD Superintendent Dr. Jon Holmen announced the plan for the return to in-person services this spring. If you missed the event, you can watch the replay or download the presentation on the district website at lwsd.org/pathway-forward.
Elementary students have the option to return for in-person services starting in February and secondary schools are expected to have an in-person option sometime in March. Details are still being developed for the secondary school in-person model.
If you have questions about in-person models, please submit them to the district using this form.
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Provided by LWSD-Based EvergreenHealth Social Workers
As we start the new year, Evergreen is offering a variety of new 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
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From the Counseling Center |
Registration for 2021-2022
Registration for current LWHS students begins this Friday, January 15. Students will view an online presentation during homeroom that will explain the registration process including how to complete the credit check form, how to read their transcript, and how to successfully register for next year’s courses. All registrations will be completed online. Online registration will open January 15 at 10:00 am and will close January 22 at 10:30 am. Counselors will host a student “Help Session” on Wednesday, January 20. Counselors will not be available for individual meetings with students, so it is important that students use the resources posted. Additional information is available on the LWHS Counseling website starting tomorrow, January 13.
Selecting classes needs to be a thoughtful process as course offerings and teacher assignments are made based on registration. Once schedules are set, changes are difficult; we urge students to become familiar with the course catalog so they understand the course content and amount of homework expected. If your student is considering signing up for an honors or AP course, students should consult with their current subject teacher to make sure that the course is a good fit for them.
Semester 2 Schedules
Students can view their second semester schedules starting January 22 at 4:30 pm. Unfortunately, schedule changes will not be available. We cannot move core classes, and all electives are full.
Additionally, seniors who have applied to colleges need to remember that if they request a change to their senior schedule (like adding a Late Arrival or Early Dismissal), they need to notify their colleges. Strength of curriculum is an important factor in the admissions decision, and a change to a student's senior schedule could potentially impact their final admissions decision.
LWHS Counselor
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From the College & Career Center |
Live Wednesday Career Series
Our Live Wednesday virtual series begins again tomorrow, January 13. The Career Series is a great way for students to learn about career pathways and courses to take in high school to support those careers. The career panelists are professionals in their field and will provide insight to education options, related careers, and will be able to answer student questions. The session topics and MS Teams links are on the College & Career Center Calendar.
Student and Parent Meetings Available
Meetings are available in the College & Career Center, either with students or with students and their parents/guardians, to help with any post high school questions and planning. Whether students don't know what they want to do, know exactly where they want to be, or are somewhere in between, they can email Ms. Henderson to set up an appointment. There are also resources available on the College & Career Center website.
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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!
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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
Thank you for your help!
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Attention Parents of Seniors!
It’s hard to believe but we are almost half way through Senior Year! Are you worried about having a memorable End of Year/Graduation? The Senior Salute committee needs your help! We are already planning some great events and have a plan for Yard Signs for Seniors but more volunteers are needed. We also want to make sure you are always informed since plans can change depending on restrictions in place. Please fill out this form so we can make sure our Seniors have a memorable Year.
We are also collecting pictures for a video production. We need parents to help! Encourage your student to upload videos/pictures or ask them for pictures that you can upload. Pictures of anything your senior has done this year would be appreciated. Upload videos and pictures here.
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Scholarships Opportunities |
This is scholarship season! Students will find scholarship options listed on the LWHS Scholarship webpage as well on the LWHS College & Career Teams page. In addition to the scholarships that are posted on the LWHS website, there are several scholarship search engines worth reviewing. Today, we’re highlighting theWashBoard.org.
TheWashBoard.org makes it simple to look for scholarships and connect Washington students with scholarship providers for free. Options are available whether your student is staying in state or going out of state for college. Application deadlines are coming as soon as February 1, so have your student check it out soon!
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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 and submissions are due by March 1, 2021.
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Lake Washington Schools Foundation News |
Balance in Mind Winter Parent Chats
Register today for the winter session. Chats are held on Wednesdays at 7:00 pm.
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January 20 - Body Confidence and Healthy Eating with Rebecca Manley
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February 3 - Talking Consent with Christy Keating
Calling all teens!
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Mindful moments with Marrie - every second Wednesday of the month at 9:00 pm! How’s your mood? Have stress? Anxiety? Chat with Marrie live for some tips!
- Real Talk – every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month at 4:30 pm on Instagram live! Listen to young adults share their own stories about life, relationship struggles, depression, anxiety, self-care tips, racial issues, gender identity and more.
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January 13: LWHS PTSA ParentChat: 2021-22 Class Registration
January 15-22: 2021-22 Student Class Registration
January 18: MLK Jr. Day (No School)
January 27: LWHS PTSA General Membership Meeting, 7:00 pm
February 9: Coffee with Christina, 9:00 am
February 11-15: Mid-Winter 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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