(Sharp-shinned hawk hunting, photographed by Mark Wangerin)

Here’s what’s happening as the week begins – mostly highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

LAST WEEK FOR FREE TREE-CYCLING: If your Christmas tree hasn’t been sent off for composting yet – this is the last week you can do it for free with curbside pickup or South Transfer Station dropoff. After January 31, you will have to cut it up and dispose of it with your yard waste.

GATEWOOD ELEMENTARY KINDERGARTEN TOUR: 9 am, meet in the school library. If you didn’t see this in time or hear about it otherwise – 9 am February 11th is your next chance. (4320 SW Myrtle)

AFTERNOON BOOK GROUP: 2 pm at Southwest Library. This month, they’re reading “Exit Ghost” by Philip Roth. (35th SW & SW Henderson)

SANISLO SCHOOL TOURS: 6 pm, prospective parents are invited to tour Sanislo Elementary with principal Bruce Rhodes. (1812 SW Myrtle)

UNDERSTANDING THE SCHOOL BUDGET PROCESS: From Seattle Public Schools: “Have you ever wondered how school funding, staffing and budgets are determined, but never knew who to ask? The Seattle Public Schools finance team is excited to present an evening dedicated to understanding the school budget process.” Your new school-board rep Leslie Harris flagged us on this to get the word out. 6 pm at district HQ. More info here. (3rd S. & S. Lander)

GAME NIGHT AT MEEPLES, BENEFITING SHELTERBOX: We’ve reported here before about ShelterBox – which brings needed shelter and supplies to disaster and crisis spots around the world. 6:15 pm-8:30 pm, tonight’s game night at Meeples Games (WSB sponsor) benefits ShelterBox, and brings you a chance to learn about their work, too. (3727 California SW)