Three weeks from today, the school year ends for most local students; in the wake of the last pre-summer-vacation three-day weekend, we have updates (including events you’re invited to share!) from six local schools:

HIGH SCHOOLS: West Seattle’s two biggest public high schools are both looking ahead to major changes for next year. The Chief Sealth High School site now has a section dedicated to the move to Boren (the former junior-high site on Delridge where CSHS will be based for the next two years during systems upgrades/renovation work). West Seattle High School is transitioning to a six-period day by using two different schedules next year, a “rolling schedule” for the first semester, “straight 6” for second semester. E-mail circulated by the WSHS PTSA, which will discuss the status of the change at its meeting tonight, says there’s been a change beyond what’s currently posted at the school’s website, with 50- and 80-minute periods planned instead of 55- and 85-minute periods. One more high-school note: According to the SPS site, the South Lake alternative high school is scheduled to end its 2-year temporary stay at the old Hughes building after this year.

ELEMENTARY/MIDDLE SCHOOLS: First, updates from Gatewood Elementary:

That’s a newly distributed rendering of the new play structure we told you about in a report last month. Steve White tells WSB the structure should be ordered soon, and installation is set for the weekend of June 21-22, starting 9 am that Saturday morning, volunteer help welcome. Before then, Gatewood has a HUGE party this weekend — its centennial celebration – carnival included – 11 am to 3 pm. (More at the Gatewood website.) And volunteer help is also welcome for another ivy-removal day on June 7. Now, to Pathfinder K-8:

(photo by Machel Spence)
That’s another scene from the hugely successful recent volunteer work day at Pathfinder (WSB coverage here), showing the bold colors painted onto the portables on the school’s north side. Students will show off a different type of painting — and other forms of artistic creation — tomorrow (Thursday) night, 6:30-8 pm, for Pathfinder’s first-ever all-school art show – you can check it out in the cafeteria. Also Thursday night, another display of West Seattle student art talent — Lafayette Elementary is having an Art Walk, with art on display at the school and in the windows of nearby Admiral businesses. 6-9 pm, maps will be provided.

Any other school news? Send it to us any time!