West Seattle, Washington
31 Sunday
Highland Park Elementary principal Mary McDaniel says she doesn’t like surprises – but she admitted the one she got this afternoon is “great.” During a day-ending HPE assembly, the nonprofit Alliance for Education‘s president Roxanne Christian and a Seattle Public Schools delegation led by superintendent Ben Shuldiner appeared unannounced to present McDaniel with the Thomas B. Foster Award, given to two SPS principals each year. It came with a $25,000 grant for the principal and her school.
In a post-assembly interview with Edgar Riebe of SPS TV, the principal said her Building Leadership Team would decide how to spend the grant money, though she could easily imagine numerous possibilities, including filling gaps in staffing and services for her students. She’s been at HPE for five years and said she makes it a point to know each student’s name, and to be outside the school greeting them on arrival every morning.
Their love for her was evident too – the students had signs and chants for her before the assembly ended.
P.S. West Seattle recipients of the Foster Award in the past 15 years have included now-retired West Seattle Elementary principal Pam McCowan-Conyers in 2023, then-Alki Elementary principal Dr. Rena Deese in 2018, and then-Denny IMS principal Jeff Clark in 2011.
Before we get to the list of what’s up today/tonight, a weekend preview – fun for all ages tomorrow at Gatewood Elementary (4320 SW Myrtle) during the Gator Fair, 10:30 am-2:30 pm! Organizers asked us to share one more invitation:
Join us for the Fourth Annual Gatewood Gator Fair! Come and celebrate our community with carnival games (prizes!), face painting, performances, a Science Fair, Food Trucks, Vendors, and so much more!
The fair is FREE and we would love to see you there! email GatewoodGatorFair@gmail.com with any questions.
As noted on the poster, one of the highlights wil be a Seattle Fire engine/truck visiting at 11 am (provided an emergency doesn’t call the crew away). And as mentioned here on Thursday, local preparedness volunteers will have an Urban Survival Skills Fair on the festival grounds too.
Thanks for the tip. For the second time in less than three weeks, a West Seattle elementary school has suffered flooding from a broken pipe. First it was Lafayette – yesterday, it was Arbor Heights Elementary. Students were dismissed earlier than usual on Wednesday (which is always a short day) because the pipe break, in the boiler room, required water to be shut off entirely, the district media office tells WSB. They also confirm the problem’s been fixed, the flooded area’s been dried, and school resumed normally today. Here’s the letter principal Lauren Porto sent to families.
(File photo – Roxhill students at NatureBridge in 2022)
With less than a month left until summer break, it’s time for the school year’s final fundraisers. Roxhill Elementary‘s Move-a-Thon is coming up this Friday (May 29), raising money for outdoor education that is no longer covered by state funding. The money that’s raised will pay for Roxhill fifth-graders to go to “outdoor school” at NatureBridge this fall. You can donate per lap that students run, or at a flat rate to help them reach the $15,000 goal; here’s where to go to pledge/donate.
No need to wait until summer to see outdoor Shakespeare. West Seattle High School students are about to take over the courtyard with “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” starting Wednesday night. Here’s the announcement sent to us with the rehearsal photos you see above and below:
Journey with us to the forests of Athens for a timeless tale as it was originally told: outside, under the rising moon! Senior Nadya Pederson directs WSHS’s adaptation of the whimsical fantasy full of love, adventure, and the foolishness that often accompanies them both. This production will take place in the WSHS courtyard as the sun sets over the school building. Come enjoy the sites of the blooming trees, the flowering bushes, and the glimmer of shimmer of the setting sun off the historic brick facade as you are transported to the forest. You never know what you may find amongst the trees…
Be advised that it can get chilly once the sun goes down; please layer accordingly. Additionally, the seating area will be mostly shaded, but it could be wise to bring a hat or sunglasses just in case.
This is a family friendly show for all ages, and we encourage you to bring your young ones! (Run time ~1 hour) The production will take place May 27, 28, and 29th at 7:30 PM, in the WSHS Courtyard.Reservations can be made at westsidedramatickets.ludus.com/index.php; tickets are “pay what you will.”
The courtyard is on the southwest side of the school, at 3000 California SW.
The state 2A track and field championships start this Thursday (May 28) in Tacoma and will include representation from Chief Sealth International High School – we received this photo and update to share with you:
Chief Sealth International High School‘s track & field team had a strong showing at last week’s SeaKing District Championship competition, with numerous podium finishes and several Seahawks advancing to this week’s WIAA 2A State Championships in Tacoma. Chief Sealth will send three individuals and two relay teams to compete across six events at the State meet: Remy Wittman (1600m & 800m), Forest Andrews Wehling (3200m) and Calvin Washington (Shot Put), as well as the Girls 4x400m Relay team (Doe Doe, Paige Dempsey, Elena Latterell, and Harper Gilbert) and the Unified 4x100m Relay team (Kelechi Olekanma, Cash Kochansky, Chloe Greenman, and Joey Snyder). The WIAA State Track & Field Championships will take place this Thursday, Friday and Saturday at Mount Tahoma Stadium in Tacoma. The full schedule of events and participants is available on the WIAA’s website.
Thanks to Lori Hinton for the photo! Earlier this month she shared the news that the Our Lady of Guadalupe School 7th-grade girls-varsity volleyball team, which she coaches with Patrick Lamb, won the CYO championship. Yesterday, the school held a double banner-raising for the volleyball champs and the 8th-grade boys-varsity basketball team, also CYO champions. Congratulations to both!
By Anne Higuera
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Short on funds and running out of time, cooperative preschool program advocates at South Seattle and other colleges are asking for help from everyone from politicians to school administrators to intervene so that the programs don’t close permanently at the end of the school year in early June. As we reported last month, changes in the statewide funding model for community colleges ruled out funding most, if not all parent education programs at community colleges, of which the coop preschools are an integral part.
“Everyone agrees that our programs are important and they should be saved/preserved. And no one is doing anything,” says Jen Giomi, South’s preschool faculty coordinator and a parent educator. In recent weeks, Giomi says more than 100 people joined a call with Governor Bob Ferguson’s office, letters have been sent to U.S. Senator Patty Murray, and a variety of meetings attended, with no commitment so far to keep the 80-year-old program open at 16 colleges statewide.
Organizers have also asked for a deferral from the State Board of Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC), which is the group that approved the funding model change. When asked this week if the board is actively considering that request, the SBCTC’s Communications Director Rachelle Alongi replied, “We are working closely with colleges to determine next steps,” though she also confirmed that parent education programs are not on the agenda for the board’s next meetings on June 3rd and 4th. “We are meeting with legislators to discuss the Parent Education Program and how we can support colleges.” She added, “Ultimately, the decision to offer or not offer this program is up to the college.”
While this is true, for colleges to offer it and use state funds to pay for it, the program must meet criteria around credentialing and workforce development that are part of the new funding model. That goes back to SBCTC, which reviews and makes a decision about which programs meet the criteria. Alongi says they have received requests from 5 schools so far. Of those, 3 have been denied and 2 are still under review. Six schools statewide already had certificate programs when the funding model change happened, but their future is not yet clear. “We’re continuing to iron this out,” said Alongi.
(WSB file photo)
Giomi says South Seattle’s Program Approval Request is one of the three that was denied. “It appears that will not be a way to save programs.” She says the reasons given for rejection focused around whether parent education would be required as a credential for jobs, other educational programs or with the state agency Department of Children, Youth, and Families. “We’ve all been told that that parent education certificates are not needed for any jobs. Almost all parent educators got their jobs through their programs. Additionally, 95% of what we explore with parents is that same content as a person studying to get an ECE [Early Childhood Education] degree. For some reason, if parents do the work, it’s not considered workforce, but anyone who studies it, is considered workforce.”
With South Seattle’s Cooperative Preschools parent education program application rejected, and a deferral unknown, finding a way to fund the program, even temporarily, is now even higher priority for organizers. A $2 million fundraising effort launched in April by parent educators to keep just the programs at South Seattle and North Seattle open next year has raised 40% of the needed funds so far. Independent fundraising could be a path forward for the preschools, since they run as individual non-profits. A key thing they will lack if they lose status as part of a college program is insurance, but that can be arranged. It’s that or the other option, as the final two weeks of the school year conclude. “There is no firm deadline, but many Co-ops are already putting plans in place to close or try to go independent,” says Giomi.
You’re invited to start the holiday weekend early with the South Seattle College Memorial Day 5K/10K Run & Walk, tomorrow morning. Here’s the announcement:
Friday, May 22, 2026, at 10:00 AM
Location: South Seattle College’s West Seattle Campus at 6000 16th Ave SW. On-campus parking will be free for this event. Visit our campus map for additional details. Participants will meet at the flagpole in front of the RSB Building (near the “Visitor Parking Only” lot on the map).
The Veterans Student Center and Veterans Student Services invite the community to participate in their annual (and free) Memorial Day 5K/10K Run & Walk.
Memorial Day is a time to reflect, remember, and honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to the United States. This event offers students, faculty, staff, veterans, and community members an opportunity to come together in support and remembrance.
Participants of all fitness levels are welcome, whether you are a veteran, have a personal connection to military service, or simply wish to pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
T-shirts (while supplies last), refreshments, and light snacks will be provided.
Who Can Attend:
Open to students, staff, faculty, and the general public. This is a free event!Registration:
Please RSVP to Paul.vonNahme@Seattlecolleges.edu to reserve your spot and receive additional information.
(Photo courtesy Hope School)
Need plants? You can help the Hope School Garden Club grow by shopping at their plant sale tomorrow (Thursday, May 21). Hope’s Sally Heit explains, “I and a teacher, Ms. Visser, have been leading a garden club after school once week (Thursdays) and teaching students from 14 2nd grade to middle school about seeds, planting techniques, water conservation (we have a rain barrel), worm composting (we have a worm bin) and planting seeds (we have a greenhouse) and so many other fun things. We did our first sale last year, so this will be our second sale which we will host on May 21st for our Grandparent and Special Person school event, as well as the West Seattle community.” The sale will run 9 am to 4 pm Thursday on the patio of Hope’s north campus (4100 SW Genesee), with “assorted veggie starts and flowers.” Proceeds will ” support the purchase of supplies for the club, activities, tools and the purchase of a raised bed container.” Adult volunteers will handle the sales until 11:30 am, then students will take over (it’s an early-dismissal day for Hope).
Story by Jason Grotelueschen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
The Alki Masonic Lodge held their 47th annual School Awards Night on Monday, and 16 juniors from Chief Sealth International High School and West Seattle High School were honored for their achievements.
Each year, the lodge’s Education Council works with school counselors from WSHS and CSIHS to collect nominations for outstanding junior-class members from each school, as part of the Freemasons’ mission “to recognize and thus encourage participation in public-school education,” as its parent organization “has long supported the public-school system as one of the basic necessities in maintaining the American ideal of democracy.” Selection criteria for the award winners includes a holistic review beyond GPA, emphasizing character, leadership, community service, dedication to athletics/arts, and personal integrity.
The 2026 award winners are, from Sealth:
And from West Seattle:
All 16 students selected for 2026 awards were actually in attendance on Monday, which lodge leaders noted was a rare occurrence due to schedules, and they commended students and their families for making the time. Here’s the whole group, pictured after the ceremony:
Photo by Jason Grotelueschen:
Front Row: Takumi Momma, Phillip Nguyen, James DiPaolo, Brandon Hu, Ada Rutman, Stella Springwalter, Maninte Teshome, Katherine Ackers
Back Row: Jamesia Henderson, Nia King, Christiano Solis, Sofia Bertelli, Keira Collins, Brigham Stowell, Octavio Sanchez Seger, Kazune Hansell
Students on Monday night were presented with certificates and monetary gifts, and faculty members in attendance from each school were given an updated “perpetual plaque” containing names of annual honorees. Eight students from each school were selected, with two students from each school receiving special recognition as “top students.”
Martin Monk was emcee for the evening, and he noted that he was also recipient of one of the lodge’s student awards in 1979 which was the very first year of the 47-year-old program. He added that 2026 marks the group’s 120th year in West Seattle – founded in 1906 on California Avenue in the Admiral District, and moved in 1952 to the current building on 40th/Edmunds. The lodge’s leader, Worshipful Master Michael Riley, also provided remarks for attendees, thanking students and families for their dedication and hard work.
Pictured above (photo by WSB’s Jason Grotelueschen) from left to right are, from WSHS, assistant principal Tia Yarbrough and school counselor Christine Nutters, lodge leader Michael Riley and (at the podium) Martin Monk, and Chief Sealth school counselor Krista Rillo.
Why does the group honor juniors each year, in particular? Lodge leaders joked that “seniors already get lots of attention” and said that the organization has historically recognized that the junior year is particularly crucial for high schoolers, and thus is the ideal time to recognize high achievement and excellence.
Following the ceremony in the lodge’s upstairs room, attendees and their families enjoyed sandwiches and refreshments downstairs, courtesy of the lodge.
(WSB photo from last year’s show)
The Greasy Peeps are doing it again! Here’s the invitation we received to share with you:
Come to the 5th Annual West Seattle High School Greasy Peeps Car Show!
We are very excited to present our 5th Annual WSHS Car Show in partnership with REVUP Energy and the WSHS Alumni Association. After fantastic shows in the last 5 years, we are back bigger and better this year, and can’t wait to see you there!
The car show is open to all vehicles, motorcycles, and even buses/vans that you would like to show off!
The show takes place Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 12 pm-3:30 pm (with vehicle check-in starting at 11 am) at the West Seattle High School Parking Lot.
There is a small entrance fee of $15 if you’re showing a car ($8 for students), that will directly benefit our car club. If you are able to, please pay online in the google form below. If needed, you can pay when you show up with cash or a check.
We are having a small awards show at about 2:45, so stick around for your chance to win an award and some car show merch!
If you plan to attend with a vehicle, please use this google form to let us know you’re coming! forms.gle/Q8Y8nFndk7FuKzNJ6
If you have any questions, feel free to email us at westseattlehscarclub@gmail.com, or by phone (206)-252-8862 – See you there!
Parade season is under way! West Seattle High School music director Ethan Thomas sent the photo and report:
The West Seattle High School Marching Band participated in the 88th annual Spokane Lilac Festival Armed Forces Torchlight Parade last Saturday. The weather was cold and wet, but we had a great time performing for a large and enthusiastic audience. The West Seattle High School Marching Band was recognized as one of the Lilac Parade’s Gold Standard bands. The Lilac Festival has been a tradition in Spokane since 1938. The parade featured over 150 entries from across Washington State.
You will likely see some of these student musicians in the West Seattle Grand Parade on July 18 as part of the Seattle Schools All-City Marching Band. The WSHS Band’s schedule each year includes leading the Costume Parade during the West Seattle Junction Harvest Festival.
(WSB file photo)
Before we get to today’s full list of what’s happening, one spotlight for families who have yet to register incoming kindergarteners and preschoolers for next school year. A registration/information event is happening at West Seattle Elementary (6760 34th SW), 4-6 pm today. This flyer (PDF) explains what you need to bring if you want to register.
The school year has about a month to go. The Chief Sealth IHS PTSA is expecting to finish strong, starting with Wednesday night’s meeting – all invited!
High Point CC is at 6920 34th SW.
Back before construction began on the Alki Elementary rebuild, much discussion – and even an appeal – centered on transportation and traffic issues. Now the new school is a few months from opening, and its traffic management plan is an agenda item for tomorrow morning’s monthly meeting of the Seattle School Traffic Safety Committee, a city-convened advisory committee. Its meeting is set for 8:30-10:30 am tomorrow (Friday, May 15), online and in person at City Hall, and the Alki traffic-management plan is on the agenda for ~10 am. The public is welcome at the meeting – room 370 at City Hall (600 4th Avenue) or online (find the link here). Other discussion items on the agenda include school-zone speeding and idling alongside schools.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
In a time when Seattle Public Schools enrollment isn’t exactly booming, West Seattle High School enrollment is.
Nearly 1,500 students fill the school now, principal Brian Vance told the Rotary Club of West Seattle today – up from 900 when he took over nine years ago. They’ve had to add portables.
The size of the student body isn’t the only number he brought to tell a success story. He had other numbers, like a 93 percent four-year graduation rate.
And he had some personal points of success, too – dad to two WSHS graduates now in college, president of the districtwide Principals Association of Seattle Schools.
Not everything was rosy. Despite the strong enrollment, they’ve had to make staff cuts for next year because of the district’s finances. Vance mentioned that in response to a question about his biggest current concerns; he also cited students’ mental health, and substance abuse.
He also was asked about cell-phone use in schools, subject of a recently announced district policy. He said WSHS has had a policy since the start of the school year and it’s “going fine.” Elsewhere on the technology front, they’re working with both students and teachers to ensure that AI is used as a support, not a “replacement.”
Vance’s appearance was relatively brief; he said he’d been summoned to a meeting with new district superintendent Ben Shuldiner, whose leadership so far – just hitting the 100-day milestone – led Vance to suggest “there’s going to be some big changes coming.” He did not elaborate.
(WSB photo, May)
Lafayette Elementary‘s students and staff are dealing with the aftermath of a pipe break. Principal Cindy Chaput sent families a note, which was forwarded to us:
Update on Flooding Issue for Lafayette Elementary Families
Dear Lafayette families and staff,
Today, our school experienced a pipe burst resulting in flooding in the kitchen, cafeteria, and office hallway.Repair and cleanup work are underway. While this work continues, the front entrance, kitchen, and cafeteria will be closed for the remainder of the week.
You may notice higher humidity levels and a mild odor as part of the drying process. Please be assured there are no concerns about air contaminants affecting student or staff safety. Drying equipment will be in place throughout the week and will be located away from classrooms.
To maintain a safe and secure environment when doors are open for ventilation, a facilities staff member will be present. You may also see increased presence of a security division lead on-site and the school gates will remain locked.
We have made the following arrangements to support students during this time:
• School Access: Students and families should enter the building through the back entrances.
• Lunch: Culinary Services will provide sack lunches for the remainder of the week. Students will eat outside on the playfield or under the covered area in the event of inclement weather.
• Childcare: Childcare programming will continue in the library.
We understand that this situation may cause concern or inconvenience, and we appreciate your flexibility and cooperation. The health and safety of our students and staff remains our top priority.
If you have any questions, please contact the school office.Thank you for your patience and understanding.
We’re checking with district HQ to see if there’s any additional information. We don’t know if it’s related to any of the boiler work done in a major project five years ago. Lafayette is West Seattle’s most populous elementary, with 532 students as of last month’s official count. It’s been considered, but passed over, for a rebuild in district levies.
With the school year ending next month,it’s time to finalize where your child(ren) are going to school in the fall. For those still deciding, independent preK-8 Westside School in Arbor Heights (WSB sponsor) is offering online info sessions starting tomorrow:
Westside is hosting a series of Virtual Coffee sessions with our Head of School, Dr. Daryl Wright. These are short, informal Zoom gatherings designed to give prospective families a feel for our community, learn about our approach to joyful learning and high academic standards, and ask questions in a relaxed setting.
Upcoming sessions:
May 7 | 9:00–9:30 am
May 14 | 9:00–9:30 am
May 20 | 11:15–11:45 am
May 29 | 12:00–12:30 pmRegistration is required here, and families will receive the Zoom link after signing up.
Congratulations to the Our Lady of Guadalupe School 7th-grade girls for winning the citywide volleyball championship! Here’s how they did it:
Our Lady of Guadalupe 7th Grade Girls Varsity volleyball team won the All-City CYO Playoff Championship Tournament at Bishop Blanchet Sunday night, beating St. Joseph in two straight sets, 25-22, 25-20.
Coach Lori Hinton and Patrick Lamb’s Lady Bulldogs finished the season with a 9-2 record, winning three straight in the single-elimination playoffs, beating St. Pius X and upsetting top-seeded, undefeated St. Anne on Saturday before facing St Joe’s.
“Attitude determines altitude,” said Coach Hinton. “We are so proud of our girls.”
A championship banner will soon hang from the rafters at the OLG gym.
The school’s 8th-Grade Boys also made playoffs and the 6th-Grade Girls Varsity advanced to the semifinals, coming in two points shy of a win in a nail-biting three sets.
(2025 photo courtesy Gatewood PTA)
Less than four weeks until this year’s Gator Fair with community fun at Gatewood Elementary! This morning, we received this call for volunteers:
It’s that time of year again — when your middle schooler or high schooler casually reminds you about the 10+ hours of volunteer work they need for school! Fear not! The Gatewood Gator Fair is here to save the day!
The fair is Saturday 5/30 10:30-2:30; volunteers are scheduled 10-4 (but usually we are wrapped up closer to 3:30). This has been a great volunteer opportunity for middle schoolers and high schoolers for the last 3 years and we are excited for another year of fun!
Click here to sign up! All volunteers will receive a free volunteer shirt designed by Good Sister!
The school is at 4320 SW Myrtle.
One other unique performance tomorrow afternoon – it’s your last chance to see “Little Shop of Horrors“ presented by and at Chief Sealth International High School (2600 SW Thistle), 2 pm Sunday. Nathan from Denny-Sealth Performing Arts, who sent us the pics, says, “Super entertaining, a show not to be missed.”
You can get tickets here!
PHOTOS BY OLIVER HAMLIN FOR WEST SEATTLE BLOG
As the regular season winds down, Chief Sealth International High School and West Seattle High School faced off in softball for the second time in less than a month. Last night’s final score at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex was similar to the earlier game – a double-digit win for the Wildcats, 26-2. Above is Lillian Zerr, who led WSHS scoring with five RBI on four hits. Below, Maddie Moeller, who got both of Chief Sealth’s RBI on one hit:
The Wildcats also had two players with four RBI each – Molly Lefkowitz and Daeja Piggee (below):
Two WSHS players had three RBI each – Kaila Ignacio and Marina Strange (below):
More photos:
Above, Chief Sealth’s Nyko Herndon; below, West Seattle’s Lucy Malloy:
Below, Chief Sealth’s Zayda Fischer:
Next, West Seattle’s Mackenzie Curry Uzwack:
Next, Chief Sealth’s Dani Thach:
And West Seattle’s Julia Herron:
WSHS is 9-4; Chief Sealth is 8-6. Both teams’ last regular-season games are at 4 pm Monday (May 4), with WSHS vs. Rainier Beach at NCSWAC, and CSIHS vs. Cleveland at Georgetown Playfield.
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