West Seattle, Washington
03 Sunday
(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.
Today we’re welcoming back The Bridge School Cooperative Elementary as a WSB sponsor. New local sponsors have the opportunity to tell you about themselves; here’s what The Bridge School would like you to know:
Local Independent Elementary Now Enrolling K-5 and Announces Part Day Kindergarten Offering
At The Bridge School Cooperative Elementary, a small, independent K-5 in White Center, we’re excited to offer Part-Day Kindergarten starting Fall 2026. This new program will foster young students’ foundational academic skills while slowly building endurance for longer school days.
With a focus on outdoor learning, play, the arts, and caregiver engagement, Bridge School offers a unique nurturing environment for students K-5. We have space for all ages 5-10 for Fall 2026! Learn more at bridgeschoolcoop.org or schedule a private chat and tour by emailing our Head of School, amanda@bridgeschoolcoop.org.
What Makes Bridge School Different?
The Bridge School is the only local elementary offering weekly instruction outdoors in an innovative Outdoor Education model. Seahurst Park in Burien becomes Bridge students’ classroom once a week, with hands-on investigation of the natural sciences, building connection and comfort with nature year-round. Learning is always an adventure when the beach and forest are your classroom!
As a community dedicated to affirming the identities of LGBTQIA and neurodiverse students and families, Bridge School is rethinking what inclusive education looks like in practice. Unlike programs that treat inclusion as an add on, e integrate gender expansiveness and neurodiversity into the fabric of the academic model and community programming, preparing students to both understand themselves and advocate for others.
Incorporating weekly arts instruction, a yearly musical theater production, and seasonal community events, Bridge School is a small and active community where each child and family can express themselves and feel known.
Is Bridge School Right for Your Family in 2026-27? Now Enrolling
Could The Bridge School Cooperative Elementary be right for your family? Our curriculum is designed to support students as learners exactly where they’re at academically, while prioritizing relationships and social-emotional learning. Classroom teachers have over a decade of teaching experience and use multi-age classes and hands-on learning to excite students.
As a cooperative school, families are welcomed into all aspects, from assisting in classrooms, to accompanying young naturalists on outdoor days, to leadership and governance. Participation looks different for everyone, as families’ contributions are tailored to fit their availability and skills. For all, however, it’s the shared values of community and support that make The Bridge School a school home for students and adults alike.
Come Get to Know The Bridge School
There are several opportunities coming up to get to know our community:
Free! May 2nd Play Date & Open House 10 am-12 noon
Free! Weekly Kaleidoscope Play & Learn Tuesdays 10 am for ages 0-5 with caregiver
Free! Pride Family Book Club at White Center Library 4th Thursdays 4:30-5:30
Free! Find us and kid-center activities at the White Center Spring Fling Sat. May 9th
Attend our Spring Musical Theater performance of A Kid’s Life Friday, May 29th, 6 pm, or Saturday, May 30th, 2 pm, at Fauntleroy Church. Purchase tickets here. Kids 0-4 free with an adult ticket.
We thank The Bridge School Cooperative Elementary for choosing to advertise the school by sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news on WSB. Interested in joining our sponsor team? Please email WSBAdvertising@wsbsales.com for information – thank you!
Now our second baking story! The daylong “Tastes Like Home” food/culture celebration at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) – previewed here – culminated Thursday afternoon with a taste-test competition for baked goods created by 10 aspiring chefs, judged by a prestigious panel.
Here’s what the the contestants created (alphabetical by creation’s name) – all original recipes that had to be baked goods featuring a whole grain and fitting into the event’s “Tastes Like Home”theme:
Berry Green Matcha Raspberry Jam Cupcakes by Deeqa
Blueberry Pancake Blondie, by Rachael
Coffee Ceremony Chocolate Cake, by Foziya
Homemade Pani Popo, by Ali’i
Kaab el Ghazal, by Layal
Pear, Apricot, and Blackberry Galette, by Adam
Red-Filled Conchas, by Bruce
Sweet Potato Pound Cake with Vanilla Icing Glaze, by Latrice
Whole Wheat Chocolate Baharat Angel Food Cake with Rose Icing and Fennel Pollen Glaze, by Tyler
Yema Pianono Sponge Cake with Yema Filling by Raoul
The event was a collaboration with King Arthur Baking Company, whose Jonathan Eng was one of the judges, along with William Leaman of Bakery Nouveau, SSC president Dr. Monica Brown, Rachael Coyle of Coyle’s Bakeshop, and Christina Wood of Temple Pastries. They sampled and evaluated big bites of each offering:
…while an audience awaited the verdict:
As did display plates of some of the taste treats:
And the winner … Foziya’s Coffee Ceremony Chocolate Cake, inspired by her Ethiopian heritage – coffee is a big deal in Ethiopia, she had explained, celebrated with ceremonies.
She won a choice between a $5,000 cash prize and a trip to King Arthur’s headquarters. Plus, her recipe will be further refined and then published – so you’ll get a chance to try making it too. (It includes espresso, cardamom cream-cheese filling, and Swiss buttercream.) There were two runner-ups – Latrice’s sweet-potato pound cake, inspired by her aunt, and Rachael’s blueberry-pancake blondie, harkening back to the pancakes her dad made for breakfast when she was little.
(WSB photos)
What a day for a field trip! More than 30 students from Pathfinder K-8 spent the morning at and near Longfellow Creek, starting from Dragonfly Pavilion in North Delridge.. They were split into groups for a variety of outdoor-learning activities, led by environmental educators from DNDA, and while the Salmon Bone Bridge (above) is the most scenic, that’s not where the major excitement was:
Another bridge a short distance south was set up with a sort of slide into which Pathfinder students released some of the coho they’ve been raising as part of the Salmon in the Schools program. That’s long been focused on Fauntleroy Creek, but as we’ve reported previously, culvert work starts this year so some of the release activities are moaving to Longfellow Creek instead. The release terrain isn’t conducive to getting close to the creek, so it’s down the chute with the fish:
At other stations along the creek, the students learned today about how to making the water safer for salmon – hearing about pollutants like tire dust and fertilizers. DNDA’s environmental-education coordinator Mikaela Ebbeson tells WSB this was the third of four field trips as part of their pilot program. partnering with Salmon in the Schools and Seattle Public Utilities.
Starting Monday, Seattle Public Schools will implement a new cell-phone policy for students. According to the announcement sent tonight, it boils down to:
Grade Span-Specific Rules
“Off and Away for the Day” Rule in Grades K–8: Phones are off and stored away for the full school day, with no access during instruction, passing periods, or lunch.
“No Cell Bell to Bell” Rule in Grades 9–12: Phones are off and away during all instructional time. Students may have limited access during lunch and passing periods, supporting responsible device use and digital citizenship while keeping phones out of the classroom.
Exceptions: Students who require access to personal devices for medical needs or as part of a documented IEP or Section 504 accommodation will continue to be supported.
The announcement notes some schools already have strict phone policies; Chief Sealth International High School launched one in 2023.
(Photos courtesy Denny-Sealth Performing Arts)
Turning now to good news: The jazz program at Chief Sealth International High School is growing, and student musicians brought home proof of that from a prestigious festival in Idaho. Here’s the report from Denny-Sealth Performing Arts president Jaeney Hoene:
The Chief Sealth International High School Jazz Program brought home honors from the 59th Annual Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival this past weekend. Led by Director of Bands Joey Roberts (Jazz I and Jazz Combos) and Director Dave Niimi (Jazz II), the Chief Sealth Jazz Bands competed with high school jazz groups from the United States and Canada and earned these recognitions:
(From left: Theo McGaughey, Tito Puente, Jr., Ella Ward, Noah Kimball at the 59th Annual Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival)
Jazz Trio — Division II Winner, Senior Instrumental Combos (Theo McGaughey, Ari Peck, Ethan Faunce)
Jazz Combo I — Division II Runner Up, Senior Instrumental Combos
Jazz Band I — Division II Runner Up, Senior Instrumental Large Ensembles
Theo McGaughey — Runner Up, Avista Scholarship Solo Instrumental AwardStudents attended workshops and performances and learned from jazz greats like Warren Wolf and various college faculty members. See all student performances at the Denny Sealth Performing Arts website: dspaboosters.org/programs/jazz-band.
Chief Sealth’s jazz program has grown by leaps and bounds this year, splitting into Jazz Bands I and II at a time when funding is scarce. Dave Niimi came out of retirement and donates most of his hours leading Jazz II. In addition to the two Jazz bands, Sealth boasts four individual student jazz combos. These combos self-select their individual music, allowing them to explore their interests and education within the field of Jazz music. Congratulations again, students, it is wonderful to see hard work and dedication pay off!
Want to have fun and support the program? Come to our first annual Rent Party on May 17 at Kenyon Hall, where the jazz bands will take the stage again along with local musicians for a rousing evening of jazz. Many thanks to the growing list of sponsors: Reubens Brews, Georgetown Brewery, The Locol Kitchen and Bar, West Seattle Thriftway, and especially Kenyon Hall Management for providing us an amazing space for our jazz party!
.
Six West Seattle High School student-athletes were honored at the Washington Athletic Club‘s recent 101 Club Scholar-Athlete Banquet. WSHS athletic director Corey Sorenson provided the photo and short bios of the half-dozen honorees:
Isabella Baber
Isabella Baber competed in swim & dive, cheerleading, basketball, and water polo, demonstrating exceptional versatility as a multi-sport athlete. A captain of the swim & dive team, she led with consistency and poise while exemplifying what it means to be a multi-sport student-athlete. Known for her positivity, competitive drive, and unwavering support of her teammates, Isabella made a meaningful impact across every program she was part of. She will attend San Diego State University to study business.
Kaila Ignacio
Kaila Ignacio competed in both softball and girls’ flag football, serving as captain of the softball team. A four-year varsity letterwinner in softball, she earned multiple All-Division and All-Metro League honors. Throughout her time at West Seattle, she has been a consistent leader, dedicated competitor, and supportive teammate. Kaila will attend Loyola Marymount University, where she plans to study Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences.
Thea-Jane Harnish
Thea-Jane Harnish competed in both soccer and girls’ flag football, serving as a captain of the flag football team. She played a pivotal role in launching the girls’ flag-football program at West Seattle, helping build it from the ground up and creating lasting opportunities for future athletes. Known for her leadership, energy, and commitment to growing the game, she set a strong foundation for the program’s success. Thea-Jane will attend the University of Washington to study Women’s Studies.
William Frederick
William Frederick competed in both cross country and track & field, serving as a team captain in each sport. A four-year athlete in both programs, he has consistently demonstrated leadership, commitment, and reliability across all seasons. He is known as a positive, supportive teammate as well as for his fearless competitiveness and gritty racing ability in high-pressure moments. William is a school record holder and a state place winner in the boys 4x400m relay. William plans to study music and is currently undecided on his college choice.
Sorin Smith
Sorin Smith competed in football and track & field, serving as a captain in both programs. A four-year contributor in each, he has been a leader on and off the field. Known for his high character, coachability, and relentless work ethic, he has earned the respect of his teammates and coaches alike. In football, he earned All-Division honors in recognition of his performance and impact. In track & field, he has been a versatile and important contributor over the past two seasons, helping strengthen the program in multiple events. Sorin plans to major in psychology and is currently undecided on his college choice.
Jeremy O’Keefe
Jeremy O’Keefe competed in swim & dive, cross country, and track & field, serving as a captain of the swim & dive team. A dedicated multi-sport athlete, he is known for his strong work ethic, coachability, and commitment to his teammates. His leadership and consistency have made him a valuable presence across all three programs. Jeremy will attend Whitworth University, where he plans to study aerospace engineering and continue competing in swim & dive.
Though the sign says 2 pm, the Highland Park Elementary PTA‘s donation-only “rummage sale” at the school is planned to continue until 3 pm, so you still have some time to get there. Lots of shopper interest!
What makes it “donation only” is two-fold – donated items, and also, “everything is free, pay what/if you can, proceeds are donations to the HPE PTA.”
Lots of kid stuff, of course! The school is at 1012 SW Trenton.
By Anne Higuera
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Fundraisers continue to be scheduled to keep co-op preschool programs at South Seattle and North Seattle Colleges from closing, even as a deadline looms to raise $2 million to sustain the parent education programs through the next school year. As we reported early this month, parent education programs at South and other community and technical statewide are no longer eligible for funding as they exist now under a new model that focuses on credentialed programs and workforce development. Those parent education programs include co-op preschools that have educated hundreds of thousands of students statewide since the 1940s. There are 5 cooperative preschool locations in West Seattle, through South Seattle College.
Co-op supporters gathered at South on April 9 to rally during a meeting on campus of the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC), the group that oversaw development of the new funding model. Supporters have been asking for a 1-year deferral from the board to give them time to either make adjustments to the program that would qualify parent education under the new funding model, or find alternate funding. The implications of the funding model change to parent education were only made clear within the last few months.
We checked back with the state board’s communications director to see if the board is actively considering the deferral request. “We are discussing all options,” Rachelle Alongi said. “We continue to have conversations and work closely with community and technical colleges as they make local decisions about budget and funding. Our goal is to help them navigate workable solutions that best meet the needs of their communities, students, faculty, and staff.”
Even as parent-education organizers are asking for the deferral, supporters at North and South are banding together to raise $2 million for the 2,100 students they usually enroll. Organizers say that would be enough for the 2026-2027 school year, or if they raise less than the goal, to make payments on a loan to keep the program and its preschools going. So far, the online donation page shows they are 1/3 of the way toward their goal.
There are fundraisers scheduled for the next two weekends. Tomorrow’s includes a walk around Green Lake in support of the programs.
Let’s get out and Move for Parents and Children!
What: Move-a-Thon to raise money for Seattle Colleges Parent Education and Cooperative Preschool Programs
When: April 25th from 10:00 AM-1:00 PM
Where: Greenlake – start at the Green Lake Bath House
A second fundraiser is taking place May 3rd at the Future Primitive locations in West Seattle and White Center, with a portion of sales that day going toward the program. More info on that here.
It’s student diplomacy in action. This past weekend downtown, the West Seattle High School Model United Nations group participated in its fourth conference of the year, KingMUN. The head delegate of the group, WSHS sophomore Lars Norman, sent this report for us to share with you:
KingMUN stands for King County Model United Nations, and is one of four MUN conferences hosted by the student-led organization, Model United Nations Northwest. For more context, at MUN conferences, delegates are assigned to represent a specific country, organization, or individual. Delegates serve on committees with different focuses, topics, and sub-topics. Debates are held between delegates. The overarching goal of the event is for delegates to come to an agreement on resolutions. This year, the WSHSMUN delegation included 11 students: Lars Norman, Hannah Haskel, Iris Christian, Manon Coffinieres, Kat Andes, Azalea Geoghegan, Yaphet Etana, Eden O’Donnell, Josephine Mangelsen, Larssen Landers, and Francesca (Franki) Breznau Foster.
Lars tells WSB, “This was the last conference of the year, but we will be attending a conference Lakeside High School is hosting later this year. We are also excited to get started with more conferences next school year!” The group was advised for the conference by Christina Dahms.
With two months left in the school year, fundraising season is in high gear, and this week, you can bid online to help West Seattle’s most populous elementary school! Here’s the announcement from the Lafayette Elementary PTA:
Lafayette Elementary Silent Auction now open!
Lafayette PTA’s online Silent Auction is open through Friday (April 25) at 3:00 PM. The silent auction is open to the public — no event ticket required.
Items include student-created class art, teacher experiences, family outings, camps, and gift packages from local businesses.
Proceeds support programs and enrichment for Lafayette students.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
While this morning’s West Seattle rally to save state-funded cooperative-preschool/parent education programs started gently – above, a “fund our schools” singalong to the tune of “Wheels on the Bus” – the message grew fiery, thanks to two locals.
We’ve been covering the situation, which involves the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges changing funding allocation in a way that would in essence defund the program, contending it’s not a workforce pathway. The board rotates meeting locations and was at South Seattle College (local program site and WSB sponsor) on Puget Ridge this morning, so that’s how the rally site was chosen.
The first West Seattleite to speak passionately about saving the program was Chris Lampkin, himself a co-op alum and dad, as well as deputy chief of staff for King County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda:
Speeches were interspersed with signwaving and chants.
The other West Seattleite presenting an energetic defense of the parent-education program was State Senator Emily Alvarado, who’s also a mom of a tween and teen; she urged the board to “slow down” the process in hopes something can be worked out to save the program:
The crowd also heard from co-op program reps including educators who said the program was their pathway into the system, countering the contention that it’s not a workforce pathway. If something doesn’t change, the program could shut down as soon as this summer, unless $2 million in funding is found – and that’s a high bar for crowdfunding to clear. They’re trying other forms of advocacy too. We’ll continue following up.
We’ve been reporting on the impending defunding of local cooperative preschools as parent-education programs in the community-college system, including the co-ops in West Seattle and elsewhere in the city. Above is a photo from a briefing in North Seattle over the weekend; the next step for supporters is happening tomorrow (Thursday, April 9) morning at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor). At 8 am tomorrow, they’re rallying at Cascade Hall on the northwest side of the campus, because the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges will be meeting at SSC. That’s the board that made a change in funding allocation that the preschool program says blindsided them – as explained in this WSB story – with just a few months to figure out another way to get funded and avoid having to close. So as part of advocacy efforts, they’re rallying tomorrow morning as a show of support before the board meeting, which (updated) has a public-comment period at 8:45 am. They’ve also been pursuing other advocacy channels mentioned here.
Chief Sealth International High School seniors are raising money for their prom via a Parents’ Night Out event. It’s happening on May 1st from 5 to 9 pm at CSIHS (2600 SW Thistle), for kids 3-12, with a movie, dinner, snacks, games, and cookie decorating.
Registration deadline is April 24 – here’s the form.
West Seattle High School Track and Field athletes competed in a high-profile meet this past weekend, and WSHS asked us to share this report with you:
West Seattle had a strong showing at the Nike Oregon Relays this past weekend, with athletes Sophie Martinez, Riley Buck, Daisy Pierson, Rees Hansen, Natalie Hampton, Evelyn Satwicz, Layla Eversman, Izzy Waite, Ava Wheatley, Ayla Moore, William Frederick, Kyle Yeung, Cullen Schoeb, Sorin Smith, David Contreras, Carlos Patino, Aidan Murray, and Zach O’Keefe all representing the program at one of the nation’s most prestigious meets.
As a team, West Seattle qualified for an impressive 10 relays, along with two individual events.
South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) has received national recognition for its support services. Here’s the announcement:
South Seattle College has been selected as a recipient of the inaugural Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) Award for Institutional Effectiveness, recognizing its leadership in scaling TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) practices to serve students across the institution and community.
Supported by ECMC Foundation, the award includes a $10,000 grant and recognizes institutions that have transformed proven TRIO strategies into institution-wide systems that drive measurable student success: mentoring, academic coaching and holistic advising.
The national award honors colleges that have successfully institutionalized TRIO strategies, such as holistic advising, early intervention systems and student-centered support, to improve persistence and completion outcomes.
At South Seattle College, TRIO SSS practices have been expanded through major initiatives such as the Seattle Promise program and the Starfish Early Alert system, allowing thousands of students to benefit from proactive, coordinated support.
“This recognition reflects decades of intentional work to center opportunity and student success,” said Sarah Sabay, director of grants at SSC. “By scaling TRIO-informed practices through programs like Seattle Promise, we are ensuring that every student, especially those from low-income households, has access to the guidance and support needed to succeed.”
South’s model has delivered measurable results, including significantly higher retention rates among TRIO participants compared to their peers and increased engagement through early alert systems and coordinated advising.
Seattle Promise is a college tuition and success program launched by Seattle Colleges, Seattle Public Schools (SPS), and the City of Seattle following passage of the Families, Education, Preschool, and Promise (FEPP) Levy in 2018 and its renewal in 2025. The program provides free tuition for SPS graduates for up to two years or 90 credits.
Seattle Promise’s success is driven by a deliberate effort to scale TRIO Student Support Services across all Seattle Public Schools graduates. By expanding these proven supports beyond a small cohort to an entire student population, Seattle Colleges has created a model for delivering student success at scale. At SSC, this approach has contributed to Promise student completion rates increasing from 28 percent to 54 percent.
“South Seattle College represents the future of student success in higher education,” said COE President Kimberly Jones. “Their work demonstrates how institutions can scale proven TRIO strategies to serve entire communities, particularly in urban environments like Seattle.”
“By integrating TRIO practices into large-scale initiatives like Seattle Promise, South Seattle College has expanded impact from hundreds of students to thousands,” said Aaron Brown, executive vice president of COE. “This is a powerful example of how institutional commitment can transform access into lasting success.”
“South’s approach highlights the importance of systems-level thinking,” added Nicole Norfles, COE director of program practice and innovation. “Their use of early alert systems, holistic advising, and cross-sector partnerships shows how TRIO principles can be embedded into the infrastructure of student success.”
Serving one of the most diverse student populations in the Pacific Northwest, South Seattle College plays a critical role in advancing educational and economic opportunity in the region. Its partnerships with Seattle Public Schools, the University of Washington, and community organizations create seamless pathways from high school to college completion and beyond.
To learn more about the Federal TRIO Program, Student Support Services, visit coenet.org
Sunshine, warmer temperatures, and thoughts of summer. If your family’s summer-camp plan isn’t finalized yet, here’s another option:
Westside School’s 2026 Summer Camp lineup is now open for registration, with programs running for seven weeks from June 29 through August 14.
Camps are open to the public and designed for students entering Pre-K through 8th grade. Families can choose from a wide range of half-day and full-day options, including hands-on STEM camps, art and cooking classes, sports, and classic summer camp experiences.
Popular offerings include robotics and LEGO engineering, game design, visual arts, baking, volleyball, and Westside’s full-day Adventure Camp, which features outdoor play, creative projects, and neighborhood excursions. Pre-K camps are available for rising Westside Pre-K students and follow a play-based, full-day schedule.
Programs are led by Westside teachers and staff, along with select enrichment partners, and are designed to balance fun, creativity, and skill-building throughout the summer. Aftercare is also available for families who need extended-day options.
Westside School is located in the Arbor Heights neighborhood of West Seattle. To view the full camp catalog and register, visit: westsideschool.org/summer-camp
(Westside School is a WSB sponsor.)
PHOTOS BY OLIVER HAMLIN FOR WEST SEATTLE BLOG
West Seattle High School gets baseball bragging rights again this year with last night’s “West Cup” victory over Chief Sealth International High School, 5-1 at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex. Wildcats pitcher Brady Stenberg got the win with 12 strikeouts:
Here are other scenes from the game, photographed by Oliver Hamlin for WSB:
(WSHS’s Cole Williamson celebrates on second base)
(Sam Popelka pitches for Chief Sealth)
(WSHS’s Lincoln Scott hits an RBI double, one of his three hits on the night)
(Chief Sealth’s Oliver Clark celebrates reaching third base)
(WSHS’s Lincoln Scott on second base after hitting a double)
(WSHS’s Keaton Gunner slides into third base)
(Chief Sealth’s Nevin Pivar throws a pitch)
(WSHS pitcher Stenberg celebrates strikeout ending the fifth inning)
After last night’s win, the Wildcats had a quick turnaround to today’s game vs. Issaquah HS at T-Mobile Park, which they lost 9-1. They play Seattle Academy at 3:30 pm Monday (April 6) at Delridge Playfield; the Seahawks’ next local game is at 5 pm Wednesday (April 8) vs. Garfield at NCSWAC.
PHOTOS BY OLIVER HAMLIN FOR WEST SEATTLE BLOG
West Seattle High School faculty ran the bases at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex on Thursday after a big softball in – the Wildcats beat the crosstown competitors of Chief Sealth International High School in their annual faceoff. This time, it was a high-scoring slugfest – WSHS 22, CSIHS 9. Photojournalist Oliver Hamlin was there for WSB – here are scenes from the game:
(WSHS’s Lila Whaley hits an RBI double in the first inning)
(Chief Sealth’s Ava Boisoneau throws a pitch)
(Chief Sealth’s Olivia Dunham fields a ball)
(WSHS’s Daeja Piggee high-fives after making it to first)
(WSHS’s Molly Lefkowitz celebrates on second base)
(WSHS’s Stella Eley gets a hit)
(WSHS’s Marina Strange gets a hit)
(Chief Sealth’s Dani Thach pitches)
(WSHS’s Julia Herron on second base)
(Chief Sealth’s Zayda Fischer avoids the tag to score)
(WSHS’s Kaila Ignacio heads home to score an inside the park home run)
(WSHS cheering Ignacio’s home run)
(Chief Sealth’s Triana Tuia fields a ball in play)
(WSHS’s Lucy Malloy pitching)
(Chief Sealth’s Elia Lopez celebrating after a steal)
Tonight the two schools’ baseball teams have their annual showdown, 7 pm, also at NCSWAC (2801 SW Thistle).
(Photos by Chi Krneta unless otherwise credited)
By Torin Record-Sand
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Tuesday night brought new Seattle Public Schools superintendent, Ben Shuldiner, to West Seattle for the second to last meeting of his community engagement tour, a major opportunity to hear the voices of local SPS parents. The meeting was held at West Seattle elementary in High Point.
As a recent arrival in the district, Shuldiner is looking to get a better grasp of the district’s needs. In his own words, “Building trust is central to the work ahead, and I believe the best ideas come from listening to you and learning from your experiences in our schools.” The meeting series is meant to bridge that gap; especially key in times when budget-balancing has become a defining issue for the district.
(Photo by Torin Record-Sand)
Around 140 attendees were at the meeting, representing students and families from all schools across West Seattle, as well as members of West Seattle Elementary and general SPS staff. Superintendent Shuldiner was also accompanied by Bev Redmond, SPS chief of staff and public affairs, and school board president Gina Topp, the director of SPS District 6, which includes West Seattle, most of South Park, and Georgetown.
After a brief introduction by Redmond and Topp, Shuldiner quickly introduced the agenda for the evening. Much of the time was spent on small-group discussions at tables of approximately eight people each, with three simple questions: 1. What is going well? [for the district], 2. What is not going well?, and 3. What can SPS do to make things better? The audience was given 30 minutes to discuss, with around 10 minutes for each question, and then they were asked to choose a leader from their table to report back their consensus on each question to the whole of the audience.
On the side of the good, many in the audience highlighted the strength of teaching at schools throughout the district. “We have excellent teaching, and when the teaching is fantastic – it’s really fantastic.” said one of the communiry discussion leaders. Others pointed to the district having strengths in diversity and culture, especially in terms of access to dual language instruction programs. Many also said they were happy with the quality of after-school programs.
The negative side of things was more varied. The most consistent theme was the possibility of further funding cuts for the district, and how they could impact schools, as well as how they’ve impacted schools in the past. Some said they felt the district had so far preferred to cut school staff rather than administrators, while others were worried about whether extracurricular funding would remain the same. A large portion of parents were also concerned about technology use in classrooms, saying that policies against phone or tablet use in schools had not gone far enough. Finally, there were concerns related towards racial justice: one woman in the audience, who self-identified as Latina, said that there was not a good path for the Latino community to be represented in district meetings with the ever-present threat of immigration authorities. Another individual pointed at Shuldiner’s comments in an email to parents from a few days ago as insensitive; in particular, his use of the phrase “the soft bigotry of low expectations” referring to systemic issues BIPOC students encounter in the schools.
Suggestions from the community also featured a large amount of agreement. Many said they were happy with the interest the superintendent was showing in community outreach; and were hoping for even more opportunities for communication with the district. The technology issue was raised again, with many highlighting that they were hoping the district would make a stronger policy on both phones and tablets in schools, as well as the usage of AI. And, as also mentioned above, many hoped that if there were future cuts due to the budget deficit, these would be aimed more at administrators or district positions than staff members directly in the schools.
The superintendent’s tour concluded with an online sessioh tonight. Officials from the school district also said that, for anyone who was present at the West Seattle meeting, if they submitted comments via the digital form available to attendees, district staff will be working on taking in the feedback and making sure that every voice is heard.
West Seattle High School baseball supporters want to be sure you know Saturday (April 4) is your annual chance to see the team play at T-Mobile Park in the Mariners Classic – this year vs. Issaquah HS, at noon. Admission is free – just show up to cheer the Wildcats. They will be coming off a big night Friday – it’s the annual “West Cup” games with crosstown competitors Chief Sealth IHS and WSHS facing off at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle), 3:30 pm Friday for JV, 7 pm Friday for varsity. (This afternoon the two schools’ softball teams played each other – we’ll have coverage of that game later.)
| 0 COMMENTS