West Seattle, Washington
20 Tuesday
The 70th anniversary for Chief Sealth International High School will be a party to remember, with your help. Organizers asked us to share this invitation to the kickoff gathering this Thursday night:
Chief Sealth is celebrating their 70th Anniversary!!
Please Save the Date and Join Us!
Saturday, March 13, 2027 at the Brockey Center, South Seattle College
Volunteers needed: CHIEF SEALTH SEAHAWKS DINNER & AUCTION
Kick-Off Meeting: October 22nd, 7:30 pm @ Whisky West (6451 California SW)
Meet the Co-Chairs Mary & Melanie, Share ideas, Sign up for Procurement, and Share your enthusiasm for our great school!
2027 Auction Website: chiefsealthptsa.schoolauction.net/70thcelebration
Sponsor, volunteer, donate an item, experience or dessert, and/or share a favorite Chief Sealth Seahawks memory or photo. Thank you in advance for your support! 2027 Auction — Chief Sealth International High School PTSA
Tickets will go on sale: December 1, 2026
Questions and Inquiries: auction.chiefsealth@gmail.com
Big achievements for West Seattle High School‘s girls swim and dive team at their latest meet! The report and photo were sent by WSHS athletic director Corey Sorenson:
On Saturday, the WSHS Girls Swim & Dive Team traveled to the King County Aquatic Center in Federal Way to participate in the 30th annual Mukilteo Invitational.
Seniors Anna Baekkelund, Alina Luff, Eden O’Donnell, Matty Ogle, and Lisa Willis; sophomores Leia Al-Jawad and Avery Forcum; and freshmen Ivy Jones, Evelyn Nguyen, and India Prince all made the trip.
Highlights of the meet included the 200 free-relay team of O’Donnell, Nguyen, Forcum, and Ogle, Luff achieving lifetime bests in the 50 and 100 free, Ogle posting a season best in the 100 back, and O’Donnell establishing a new WSHS varsity record in the 100 fly.
In the photo are (from L to R): Eden O’Donnell, Matty Ogle, Alina Luff, Anna Baekkelund, Lisa Willis, Avery Forcum, Leia Al-Jawad, Ivy Jones, Evelyn Nguyen, India Prince.
Next up for the WSHS girls – they swim against Eastside Catholic at 4 pm Friday at Southwest Pool.
PHOTOS BY OLIVER HAMLIN FOR WEST SEATTLE BLOG
It was party time at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) on Puget Ridge this afternoon, celebrating the 10th birthday of the college’s mascot, Olivia the Otter. WSB contributing photojournalist Oliver Hamlin was there for the combination birthday party and resource fair at Brockey Center on campus, as were hundreds of students and staffers.
Olivia mingled, offering and receiving high-tens:
High-fives too:
Everyone got the chance to sign a giant banner/card with birthday wishes:
And of course there was a birthday cake – a carrot cake created by SSC’s legendary culinary program:
The culinary students of course got a photo-op with Olivia:
Other photo opportunities at the party included a “wishing tree”:
Some partygoers also got prizes for filling out a passport with visits to different tables/booths.
Olivia’s 10th birthday also celebrated the South Seattle College Foundation‘s $10 for 10 Challenge, matching donations of up to $2,500 (follow that link!) to support students and programs.
PHOTOS BY OLIVER HAMLIN FOR WEST SEATTLE BLOG
Now, the rest of our photos from this past Friday’s West Seattle High School home football game – as previously noted, it was Senior Night for the band members (photos here) and cheer-team members (photos below). First, the list of cheer seniors, provided by coach Nadine Nguyen, and then photos from Friday night:
Louisa Gliko
Chloe Khambatta
Julia Herron
Violet Faull
Lainey Marois
Emma Montelongo
Kiyomi Braxton
Addison Kelley
Kallen Tolentino
Stella Eley
Riley Hill
Natalia Zambiasi
Justin Pascual
Jocelyn Linford
Christiano Solis
PHOTOS BY OLIVER HAMLIN FOR WEST SEATTLE BLOG
As mentioned in our coverage of this past Friday’s West Seattle High School home football game, it was Senior Night for the band and cheer-team members who will be graduating in June. While on assignment to cover the game for WSB, photojournalist Oliver Hamlin also got Senior Night photos, which we promised to publish separately – first, band seniors, who carried signs with their names (and instruments):
PHOTOS BY OLIVER HAMLIN FOR WEST SEATTLE BLOG
In Friday’s only home varsity football game, West Seattle High School‘s win streak was snapped by Seattle Prep, which won 60-13. Photojournalist Oliver Hamlin reports that West Seattle got off to a hot start, responding to Prep’s opening drive touchdown with a kick return touchdown by Kian Deeds:
The Wildcats also scored in the second quarter with a pass to Justice Nguyen.
But those were the hiOther scenes from the field – Carlos Patino throws:
Mason Jones puts pressure on Prep:
Dylan Seaborn-Diaz runs:
Cohen Cicero runs:
Tate Read:
It was Senior Night for cheer and band – we’ll have photos of that separately (working to get the senior rosters!). Meantime, the football team is on the road next Friday night, vs. Ballard.
Though students had the day off today in Seattle Public Schools, it was an in-service day for staff. A parent forwarded us this note sent to Chief Sealth International High School families, signed by unnamed “staff”:
Hello Chief Sealth’s Families,
We are aware of the growing encampment within Longfellow Creek (east of Chief Sealth). We have reported it to Find It, Fix It App (seattle.gov/customer-service-bureau/find-it-fix-it-mobile-app). We encourage you to do the same! For safety reasons, please ask your student(s) to avoid the area at this time.
Thank you,
CSIHS Admin
It seems startling that the district wouldn’t have a better way to surface safety concerns than Find It Fix It, so we’ll be following up with SPS on Monday.
Find out about 16 West Seattle middle schools, all in one place! Your chance to do that is now less than four weeks away, during Greater West Seattle Middle School Night – here’s what to know about the November 2 event:
Choosing the right middle school is an important decision for families, and navigating the many options can feel overwhelming. To help West Seattle families explore those choices, the Greater West Seattle Middle School Night will bring representatives from public, private, independent and faith-based schools together in one convenient location.
The event will be held Monday, November 2, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Gym, giving families an opportunity to meet representatives from participating schools, learn about academic and extracurricular programs, ask questions and discover which school environment may be the best fit for their student. Kate Anderson, school counselor at Holy Rosary, will give a brief talk at the beginning of the event on the transition from elementary to middle school and how to support students.
“Transitioning to middle school is a big step for students and their families,” said Sally Heit, event organizer. “Our goal is to make the process easier by bringing a wide range of schools together in one place, so families can gather information, ask questions and begin exploring the possibilities for their student.”
Participating schools include:
* Academy Schools
* Denny Middle School
* Explorer West
* Harbor School (Harbor School)
* Holy Rosary
* Hope School
* Lake Washington Girls School
* Louisa Boren STEM 6–8
* McMurray Middle School (Vashon)
* Our Lady of Guadalupe
* Pathfinder K–8
* Seattle Christian
* St. Bernadette
* St. Francis
* Summit Atlas
* Westside SchoolThe event is open to families throughout the greater West Seattle community who are beginning to consider middle-school options. Families are encouraged to attend, even if they are just starting the process and are unsure which schools they want to explore.
Greater West Seattle Middle School Night
Monday, November 2
Our Lady of Guadalupe Gym
6:00 – 7:15 PMFamilies are encouraged to RSVP in advance.
For questions about the event, contact Sally Heit at sheit@hopeseattle.org
If your household includes a Chief Sealth International High School student, tomorrow night (Thursday, October 8) is an important night – here’s the invitation from CSIHS principal Hope Perry:
Chief Sealth International High School families are welcome to the Curriculum Night on Thursday at 6 pm! Come and learn about all the great initiatives and programs. See you there!
Here’s the schedule, starting with dinner in the Galleria at 6:15, followed by breakout gatherings by grade.
PHOTOS BY OLIVER HAMLIN FOR WEST SEATTLE BLOG
Chief Sealth International High School‘s varsity volleyball team is having a great year – undefeated until last night, having lost only one set on their way to eight consecutive victories. It just so happened that the first match we were able to go photograph ended as their first loss, 3-1 to Seattle Academy at CSIHS. But it was close – photojournalist Oliver Hamlin reports that the Seahawks won their first set 25-21.
But they lost the next three sets 24-26, 23-25, and 19-25. More scenes from last night’s match:
Above, Violet Lindow hits the ball; below, Malia Perez sets:
Sasha Lee hits:
Parker Wahl:
KahMaia Sutton:
Nia Long bumps:
Annika Gwilym sets:
Sylia Has bumps:
No rest for head coach Lori Tavila‘s Seahawks, as their next match is tonight, on the road at Garfield HS, 7 pm.
The West Seattle High School Model United Nations (WSHSMUN) club has just attended its first conference of this school year, and their head delegate, Lars Norman, sent us this photo and report to share their work with you:
– The conference last Saturday, Educational Model United Nations (EDUMUN), is the first of four PNW Circuit conferences. For EDUMUN, and other MUN conferences; delegates are assigned committees and positions, which they then research before attending. At EDUMUN, our delegates debated specific topics, primarily topics focused on current or historical crises, working to come to resolutions with delegates from across the PNW.
– WSHSMUN was incredibly proud to attend EDUMUN with a delegation of 22 delegates: Iris Christian, Franki Breznau-Foster, Maeve Zimbabwe, Adele Peterson, Phoebe Austin, Amelia Uy, Ryder Anderson, Sia Griffiths, Yaphet Etana, Sylvie Patrick, Ava Bajaj, Adelaide Miller, Josephine Mangelsen, Hannah Haskel, Madeline Knight, Miles Alba, Eden O’Donnell, Brynn Patrick, Evelyn Nguyen, Ely Thomas, and Head Delegate Lars Norman. We would like to give special thanks to Christina Dahms (Ms. Dahms), the faculty advisor of WSHSMUN, who gladly helped coordinate the details of attendance, and to all who helped chaperone and transport our delegation.
– Lars Norman was awarded Best Position Paper for his research on Post-Drought Somalia.
– WSHSMUN’s second conference of the year, Pacific Model United Nations (PACMUN), is coming up! On November 14th and 15th, WSHSMUN will travel to the Grand Sheraton Hotel, for two days of diplomacy! Be sure to follow our Instagram Page, @wshsmodel.un for WSHSMUN updates and photos!
Here’s a more-global look at what Model United Nations is about.
7:34 PM: We’re at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex, where the annual Huling Bowl football faceoff is under way, after some tailgating and other early displays of friendly rivalry:
(Added: Pregame/sidelines photos by WSB’s Torin Record-Sand)
(The athletic directors: Chief Sealth’s Ernest Policarpio, West Seattle’s Corey Sorenson)
With 10 minutes to go in the first half, the scoring is all West Seattle High School so far – 14-0 over Chief Sealth International High School. Updates to come.
8:01 PM: Now halftime, still WSHS 14, CSIHS 0.
(Superintendent on the sidelines)
Surprise sighting a few minutes ago- we’re at the top of the bleachers, and suddenly there was Superintendent Ben Shuldiner saying hi.
8:44 PM: Chief Sealth has just scored for the first time, midway through the third quarter. WSHS 22, CSIHS 6.
9:02 PM: End of third quarter, still 22-6.
9:22 PM: And that’s the final score – it’s a second consecutive Huling Bowl win for WSHS. We’ll have the full football story later with game photos by photojournalist Oliver Hamlin.
5:17 PM: Thanks to the Alki Elementary parent who forwarded this note sent to families by the school’s principal Mason Skeffington:
Dear Alki families,
I want to share with you some information on an incident from today that has affected some students in our school community.
This morning at approximately 9:15 a.m., it was reported that a stranger approached the fence line and attempted to lure three students away from the playground while they were playing near the fence at recess. The stranger shared that she had something in her car that she wanted to give the students. Our brave students recognized that this was a stranger, ran from the adult and went to report to our trusted adults on staff. The students were unharmed.
Upon learning of the incident, I immediately alerted our SPS Safety and Security, and they responded immediately with support from the regional support specialist. I contacted SPD, provided the details of the incident, and the investigation is ongoing and a case number has been assigned. I also alerted all staff at Alki and especially those assigned to recess duty. We will continue to remain extra-vigilant in supervision of recess, at arrival and dismissal, and throughout the school day as we move forward.
I’m sending you this letter to assure you that we are doing everything we can to support our students, and to suggest ways you may help your children.
Please know, the safety and well-being of Alki Elementary students is our top priority. You can help your children stay safe by talking to them about personal safety.
Remind your student to always be aware of their surroundings and not talk to strangers or go anywhere with them. If you are looking for guidance and tips, these resources might be helpful:
Scholastic: Talking about stranger safety
Seattle Police Department Personal Safety Tips
SPS Coordinated School Health Mental Health ResourcesWe all play a role in school safety. You can text or call the SPS SaferWatch School Tipline 206-222-4357 to report any threats to SPS schools. This phone number is managed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, all year round.
If you have any information, the SPD incident number is 26-292903. We’ll add anything more we find out.
6:51 PM: Here’s the narrative of that police report, provided by SPD:
At 1309 hours, the principal … called 911 to report a suspicious incident that occurred around 0915 hours. He stated some 1st grade students reported an unknown woman had approached the playground’s fence while they were playing. She told the children she had a crown in her car and was trying to get the children to go with her to see it. None of the children went with her but she told the children she would return later. School pick-up was at 1425, so I headed to the school to be present while the children were being released from school.
While being a presence at the school, XXXX approached me and we discussed the incident. He said 3 1st graders had told faculty about the incident and could only describe the female as “grandma age” and in a silver car. I asked if faculty was outside at the time of the incident and he said there were, but none of them saw anything. I asked if there were XXXXX playground and the sidewalk. He said XXXXX.
I told XXXX I would document the incident in case anything further should occur. He said staff was going to be having a meeting about the incident so they are all aware and more vigilant in the future.
(WSB photo by Torin Record-Sand)
The fall colors were in fine form when we visited South Seattle College for the Rotary Club of West Seattle Peace Pole dedication last Thursday. Tomorrow is a big day on campus – spring-quarter classes start. While there on Thursday, we asked college communications director Ty Swenson what’s new this quarter. He subsequently provided these highlights:
Fall Quarter 2026 starts Monday, Sept. 28 at South Seattle College. Here are some highlights as we welcome students back:
*We are celebrating 10 years of our college mascot, Olivia the Otter, this fall. To help our students succeed, the South Seattle College Foundation is holding a $10 for 10 Birthday Challenge. Every donation of $10 to support student success is matched by the foundation up to $2500.
*South’s student food pantry continues to help our student stay well-nourished and focused on their studies. New this year, thanks to a grant from United Way King County, we are pleased to announce we have new refrigerated, smart food lockers in Olympic Hall to complement our food pantry hours. The lockers will provide additional access for our early morning and evening students.
*We are in the final stages of curriculum development for an electric vehicle maintenance certificate in the Automotive Technology program. Additional details will be shared soon.
*Coming into fall quarter, South Seattle College is excited to see enrollment growth of 11 percent in our college transfer programs (compared to last fall). After significant growth in our skilled trades programs last year, enrollment is holding steady with one percent growth.
Never been there? The college’s main campus is on Puget Ridge, at 6000 16th SW. It has public venues worth a visit even if you’re not taking classes there, such as the Garden Center (student-raised plants for sale) and Northwest Wine Academy (tasting room and wine bar with student-made wines), both on the north end of campus.
(WSB photos)
The nearly full moon shone over the field at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex last night as the West Seattle High School Wildcats rose to the challenge of a come-from-behind win, defeating the visiting Roosevelt HS Rough Riders 32-17.
(#6, Carlos Patino)
Our photographer was there for part of the second and most of the third quarter.
Not long before halftime, the Wildcats were down 17-7, but scored to bring that up to only a three-point deficit, 17-14, at the half.
(#5, Coco Cicero)
Their comeback continued, and after holding Roosevelt scoreless in the third quarter, they held the lead.
As it turned out, the 17 points from the first half were the entirety of the Rough Riders’ scoring, while WSHS marched on to add to their lead.
(#18, Savion Ware)
Lots to cheer about again this week:
And the band provided another victory soundtrack:
Next week, it’s the epic annual crosstown competition between WSHS (2-2) and Chief Sealth International High School (0-4), the Huling Bowl, 7 pm Friday (October 2) at NCSWAC – CSIHS is the home team this time.
High-school sports aren’t just about what happens on the field, court,track, etc. The report and photos were sent by West Seattle High School athletic director Corey Sorenson:
Congratulations to Eden O’Donnell, Charlee Cummings, Izzy Waite, Mason Jones, Justice Nguyen, and Wes Stahl on representing West Seattle High School at the 2026 Fall Metro League Sportsmanship Summit!
The Metro League brings together schools with unique histories, traditions, and athletic communities. The Sportsmanship Summit provides student-athletes from across the league with an opportunity to connect, learn from one another, and discuss how we can continue to make our schools, athletic contests, and league communities positive and welcoming places for everyone.
We are proud of these students for representing West Seattle High School and helping promote the values of sportsmanship, respect, and community.
Got good news or announcements from your school? Email us – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Seattle Public Schools announced this afternoon that it’s changing its technology approach for its youngest students, starting early next year, after winter break. Key points of the announcement:
*K-2 students will no longer be assigned individual iPads beginning Jan. 1, 2027.
*iPads will remain available as shared classroom resources.
*Technology use will generally range from 0-30 minutes per day.
*Students will continue to use technology for instruction, assessments, accessibility, and approved learning activities.
*Hands-on, teacher-led learning will remain the primary instructional approach in K-2 classrooms.
*Students with IEPs, 504 Plans, and assistive technology needs will continue to receive required supports and accommodations.
Families with students in those grades are getting an explanatory letter from the district, which you can read here. That same page also includes an FAQ, which says this is why the district’s making the change:
Seattle Public Schools is committed to providing developmentally appropriate learning experiences for young children. Research and instructional best practices emphasize the importance of balancing technology use with:
-Direct teacher instruction
-Reading and writing
-Small-group learning
-Discussion and conversation
-Play-based learning
-Hands-on exploration
-Movement and social interactionThe goal is for technology to complement learning, not replace these important experiences.
District executives unveiled the changes in a media briefing; we’ve added the district video of that above. In opening remarks, superintendent Ben Shuldiner said it’s something of a course correction from the extensive technology reliance dating back to when schools closed during the pandemic. Will other grades be next? Shuldiner said they want to see how this works, first. How will they measure that? “We want to hear from the parents, and the kids themselves,” primarily, he said.
Two cross country athletes from West Seattle High School set school 5K records at the Bellevue Invitational meet over the weekend, reports WSHS athletic director Corey Sorenson:
West Seattle Cross Country delivered a historic day at Saturday’s Bellevue Cross Country Invitational at Lake Sammamish State Park!
Zach O’Keefe and Evelyn Satwicz each established new West Seattle 5K school records:
Zach O’Keefe — 15:53.16
Evelyn Satwicz — 18:41.88The Wildcats also turned in two strong team performances, with the girls finishing fifth and the boys placing sixth.
Congratulations to Zach, Evelyn, and the entire West Seattle Cross Country program!
(File photo)
Looking for a preschool? West Seattle’s unique Intergenerational Learning Center at The Mount (WSB sponsor) is holding an open house tomorrow (Thursday) night, and we’re mentioning it here in case you haven’t already seen it in our Event Calendar – here’s the invitation:
Join the Intergenerational Learning Center Director Yona Dembele and team for our Fall Open House!
Meet our caring team, explore our engaging classrooms and outdoor play spaces, and learn about the enriching and intergenerational programs designed to support every stage of your child’s development. Whether you or someone in your family are planning ahead or looking for care now, this is a wonderful opportunity to ask questions, connect with other families, and see firsthand what makes our program so special.
Thursday, September 17
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Intergenerational Learning Center
Providence Mount St. Vincent
4831 35th Ave SW
Two weeks ago tonight, Seattle Public Schools and its educators’ union, the Seattle Education Association, reached what was literally an eleventh-hour tentative agreement on a new contract, enabling classes to start the next day as scheduled. Last Friday, SEA members met to vote, and some voted online.Results are now final, and the union has just sent an announcement saying the contract was “overwhelmingly approved”:
…The agreement includes a new, input- and data-driven process to improve Special Education services. It also includes several new measures that reduce the growing pressure on educators, from protected planning and collaboration time to increased staffing of nurses, psychologists, and social workers or counselors. …
The next step is for the School Board to ratify the agreement, which is expected within days.
The contract vote is in fact on the agenda for the board’s next meeting tomorrow (Wednesday) night.
With the school year now well under way and tutoring time approaching, Invest in Youth still needs volunteer tutors at two West Seattle schools. Here’s the announcement sent to us to share with you:
Tutoring is about to start for local educational nonprofit Invest in Youth but they’re still short tutors at Roxhill and Sanislo elementary schools. If you’re looking to make a big difference right here in West Seattle, here’s how!
We have students lined up by their teachers as those who they believe will most benefit from our one-on-one tutoring program, but we still need tutors.
-Roxhill Elementary at E.C. Hughes, Tuesdays 2:40 – 3:40 pm
-Sanislo Elementary, Mondays 2:40 – 3:40 pmTutoring starts in October and runs through May 2026. If you can commit to one hour a week and you’re interested in connecting with your local community to narrow achievement gaps for neighborhood students, we want to hear from you!
You’ll meet one day a week with the same student in the classroom with other student-tutor pairs, and work on math and reading fundamentals, all while serving as a mentor to foster lifelong academic success.
No experience is necessary; just a commitment to show up for one hour, one day a week.
Visit our website for more information or complete our tutor application to begin tutoring this fall.
After playing on the road this afternoon, the West Seattle High School Wildcats are still looking for their first win of the season. Final score at the Southeast Athletic Complex was Rainier Beach HS 55, WSHS 0. Next week the Wildcats play Lincoln at home, 7 pm Friday (September 18) at Nino Cantu SW Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle).
(WSB photos by Torin Record-Sand)
Chief Sealth International High School students and other fans offered a variety of reasons to cheer in the early going of the Seahawks’ first home game of the season tonight.
They hosted the Roosevelt HS Rough Riders at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex.
Our photographer was there for part of the first half. Chief Sealth was down 10-0 at halftime.
In the second half, head coach Daron Camacho‘s Seahawks managed to get six points on the scoreboard – their first points of the season – but Roosevelt added points too, and left with the win, 31-6.
Next week, Chief Sealth is on the road vs. Ballard HS (7 pm Friday, September 18).
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