Kang Crier 2023-2024 Issue 3

September 24, 2023: Issue 3

Together, We Can Make a Difference in All Our Students' Lives: Donate Today!

LWHS PTSA is a nonprofit 501©(3) organization that operates solely through the dedication of volunteers and relies on generous donations from our community. In turn, we use these donations to benefit all students and the entire staff at LWHS.

Students: over $18,000 in grants for classroom and club activities, enrichment programs, scholarships, supplies and celebration events
The Senior Party, also known as a dry grad, offers students a secure and enjoyable environment to commemorate their graduation alongside their fellow peers. Organizing the Senior Party involves extensive event planning and relies on the dedication of dozens of parent volunteers who contribute countless hours of their time.
Teachers/staff: $7,000 in classroom grants and multiple staff appreciation events
Parents & community: $4,000 in emergency preparation supplies, newsletters, and community events.

For those who are able, we request a minimum donation of $50 per family. Additionally, we encourage you to consider corporate matching funds for both donations and volunteer time to help maximize the impact of your contribution. Thank you!

DONATE NOW

(via PayPal)

Upcoming Events

In this Issue

Highlights:

Principal Bell's message
Coffee with Christine Oct 5th
Reflections: Call for Entries
College Application Workshop begins Sept 27th - signup!
College and Career Center news
LWHS Theatre presents Self-Composed, Oct 6th and 7th
Athletics Dept job opportunity

Reminders:

Join the LWHS PTSA to Make a Difference!

School

From the Desk of LWHS Principal Christine Bell

Dear Kang Families,

Thank you to all families who attended our Curriculum Night this year. Our teachers were energized after meeting with you and we are all excited to continue through this year. It has been a great start overall.

As we move toward Homecoming, I would like to ask that parents communicate with their students about safety. This is the time of year when we see an increase in social media misuse (bullying) and in choices that are unsafe (drinking before/after events). We are with you in the desire to keep all students in our community healthy and safe. Talking through situations ahead of time is a great way to prevent incidents before they occur. Please remind them also to come to an adult if they have any concerns. We are here to help.

On a lighter note, last Friday we had our Club Fair. This is a great chance for all students to get involved, learn new skills and to make friends. Please ask your student about the fair and encourage them to get involved.

Thank you all for your support of our learning community.

Go Kangs!

Christine Bell

Principal, Lake Washington High School

Connect with Mrs. Bell at cbell@lwsd.org

PTSA

Coffee with Christine

9:00am, Thursday, October 5th in the LWHS Career Center

This PTSA sponsored event provides snacks, conversation and a time for questions with Principal Bell. There will be nine of these events throughout the school year, with most in person at the LWHS Career Center starting at 9:00am in the morning, and a few over Microsoft Teams starting at 6:30pm in the evening.

Join us in person for our first Coffee with Christine on Thursday, October 5th at 9:00am in the LWHS Career Center. The next Coffee with Christine is scheduled for Thursday, Oct 26th at 6:30pm online via Microsoft Teams (link to be provided).

Reflections: Call for Entries!

If your child has a passion for art, they can unleash their creativity by expressing themselves through their own original works centered around this year’s theme: I Am Hopeful Because… .

Reflections is a national arts competition offered through the LWHS PTSA; but Reflections is not “just an art contest.” It helps kids take risks, be inspired, think creatively, and be celebrated for their creativity and work. Categories include dance, film, literature, music, photography and 2D visual arts. Note that there is also a special artist division for students with disabilities.

Due date: Wednesday, November 1st before 5:00pm

Questions? Contact Reflections Chair, Rachel Pai, at reflections@lwhsptsa.org

Seniors

College Application Workshop begins WEDNESDAY, September 27th at 1:25pm

LWHS PTSA is pleased to provide students with FREE application essay support on Wednesdays after school. Students work one-on-one with trained volunteers who assist with college application essay and personal statement editing and review.

NEW: Students can sign up via Signup Genius for limited IN PERSON reservations on Wednesdays.

They can drop by the College and Career Center to sign up too. And don’t worry, first come/first served tutors are always available.

When: We meet every Wednesday at 1:25pm

Where: Outside the College and Career Center

Questions? Ask us!

College and Career Center News

Fall 2023 College Rep Visits at LWHS

The College and Career Center is hosting college visits again this year. Stay up to date with visit information by following the College & Career Calendar located on the LWHS CCC website.

Upcoming visits:

9/25 12:05pm George Washington University – Washington DC

9/26 8:00am Harvey Mudd College – Claremont California

9/27 1:30pm Gonzaga

College Application Support

There are many tools available for seniors completing college applications found on the LWHS College & Career Website. Follow the College Applications link to find out how to enter Common App coursework, UW Common App guidelines and more. College application workshops, essay workshops, and other events sponsored by colleges are listed in the LWSD Community Calendar found on the website as well.

Washington State University Regents Scholars Nomination

Lake Washington will nominate two seniors for the WSU Regent Scholars Program. Our nominees receive a Regent Scholars award of $4,000 per academic year for four years and will go on to compete for a Distinguished Regent Scholar Award which covers full tuition and fees for four years. Interested seniors with a 3.6+ GPA should reach out to their counselor by October 6th to be considered.

FAFSA Update 2023

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid otherwise known as the FAFSA and the Washington state format called the WASFA are being updated for the 2024-2025 school year. The FAFSA and WASFA will open in December 2023 this year. Watch for announcements!

Questions? Contact Nichole Schwanger, LWHS College and Career Specialist

LWHS Community

LWHS Theatre Presents: Self-Composed

October 6th and 7th at 7:00pm

Come see LWHS Theatre’s first production of the year, "Self-Composed". Local playwright Lyssandra Norton worked with our own theatre students to edit and update the show!

Charlie has never felt like a girl, though their mother has tried endlessly to keep them in pink dresses. Charlie’s best friend Tucker doesn’t understand but is dealing with his own struggles with OCD and anxiety. Their parents muddle through, trying to understand as their teens attempt to find their place in the world. Trigger warning: this play explores the topic of teen suicide, suggested for ages 13 and up.

Limited seating available at the door. Suggested donation of $5 benefitting LWHS Theatre Boosters.

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

LWHS Athletic Department is Looking for a Few Good (People)!

Are you a Kang Sports fan? Would you like to help be a part of our athletic operations? Want to earn a little extra money? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, we may have a job for you. The Athletic Department is looking to expand its game day event staff. We are seeking ticket sellers and ticket takers to help at football, basketball, volleyball, soccer, and more. Your help is greatly appreciated.

Please contact the Athletic Office at LWHS if interested in more information. Thanks!

Rick O’Leary

Athletic Director, LWHS

PTSA Reminders

Join the LWHS PTSA To Make A Difference!

Dear Lake Washington High School Families,

We want to redefine what PTA means to you. It's not just a noun; it's a dynamic verb, an action plan dedicated to ensuring your student's success.

There's no one-size-fits-all approach to PTA. However you choose to engage, it's an investment in your child's future. PTA can mean supporting your child's teachers and educational programs, advocating for issues that affect your child at local, state, and national levels, and fostering a more robust, diverse, and inclusive school community.

We extend an open invitation to every family to get involved with PTA because together, we can achieve more.

Join us through this link: https://lwhsptsa.org/Packet/join/FamilyInfoPacketPage/0

Membership fees and donations are the lifeblood of our organization, and our annual "Pass the Pouch" campaign is our sole fundraiser.

Partnerships between parents, educators, and students are key to student success. We recognize that students thrive when the entire school community collaborates to share ideas and work on projects that benefit them.

Lake Washington PTSA organizes programs that directly benefit our students. By becoming a member, you play a pivotal role in turning these plans into reality. We also welcome your fresh ideas for the betterment of our students.

Join us in making a meaningful impact on our students' education, health, and well-being.

For more information about the PTSA, please don't hesitate to contact Susan Davis, Membership Chair, at membership@lwhsptsa.org, or our PTSA President, Colleen Rutherford, at president@lwhsptsa.org.

We eagerly anticipate welcoming YOU as a valued member!

Warm regards,

Susan Davis

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Fred Meyer

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.