(Photo courtesy WSHS; click for larger image)
Classes don’t start at Seattle Public Schools till next Wednesday, but staff are on the job today – including the staff at West Seattle High School, from which Jennifer Hall shared the photos and this update:

West Seattle High School teachers, administrators and support staff were back on the job for a full day today, after being furloughed on August 31. We had a wonderful, collegial day to work with each other, and plan the best possible start for our 2011-2012 school year. We are excited to welcome new and returning students back to school on September 7!

Last year was a good year for West Seattle High School. Under new administrative leadership, we added new programs including a student lounge, new intensive Algebra classes, a school composting program, and several others. Our Drama and Music departments out did themselves, capping the school year with a superlative production of the musical, “Oklahoma!” Our athletes and cheer teams excelled! Our Science and Math departments brought out our students creativity with hands-on projects and field trips. Test scores improved for students served by the Special Education and English Language Learner departments. All in all, staff members worked with our students and with each other to create a world class school. We are glad to be back to continue that work.

This year, we are rolling out our new “Link Crew” program. Some of our returning students have been training to be Link Crew members. They will be providing support and advocacy to new students. More support for our students will come from the City Year program. West Seattle High School will have nine dedicated City Year volunteers supporting our students’ academically, and helping some to stay in school.

We are going to have a great year! With our awesome students, and the commitment of our dedicated staff and community partners, incredible things are possible!

ADDED THURSDAY NIGHT: This was Freshman Family Night at WSHS, so we stopped by for a few photos – starting with the PTSA team:

(This photo and next, by Patrick Sand for WSB)
And an overview in the halls:

We’ll also be there in the morning to check out one of this year’s new programs, aimed at helping 9th graders’ transition to high school.