West Seattle, Washington
23 Wednesday
Spring sports are under way at local high schools. One is asking you to warm up your throwing arm and help. Here’s the request we were asked to share with you:
Baseball and softball aren’t just sports at Chief Sealth International High School — they’re a source of pride, teamwork, and opportunity for our students. But right now, our teams are facing a serious challenge. Many talented young athletes in our community simply can’t afford to play.
The cost of gear—gloves, bats, cleats, and protective equipment—is too high for some families.
Field maintenance and facility upgrades are desperately needed.Without proper funding, fewer students are able to participate, threatening the future of these programs.
We refuse to let financial barriers stop our students from stepping up to the plate.
With your support, we can provide:
⚾ Scholarships for student-athletes who can’t afford fees
🥎 New equipment to ensure every player has what they need
⚾ Team building activities to create a safe and welcoming space
🥎 Coaching and mentorship to inspire and grow our programEvery dollar makes a difference. Whether you’re a proud alumni, a local business, or a fan of the game, you have the power to keep baseball and softball alive at Chief Sealth International High School.
Donate today and help our student-athletes continue playing the game they love!
chiefsealthptsa.schoolauction.net/csihsplayball/give
Seattle Public Schools will be launching another superintendent search. Dr. Brent Jones announced this morning that he is leaving in early September. His announcement says highlights of his tenure include that “recent research has found that we have achieved accelerated academic recovery from pandemic declines at a significantly faster rate than Washington state as a whole or compared to similar districts in the state”; not mentioned, a key lowlight – last year’s scrapped school-closure plan.
Dr. Jones has been running the district for almost four years, since starting work as interim superintendent in 2021. At the time, he was only expected to fill that role for 14 months, but he became “permanent” superintendent instead. His announcement today says that “Further details on the superintendent search process will be announced in the coming weeks.” The announcement follows the Seattle Schools Community Forum website reporting Sunday that Dr. Jones might be leaving as his wife had accepted an out-of-state job.
We’ve heard so far from educators at two three local schools organizing “Walk-Ins” before classes Wednesday morning (March 19) as part of a nationwide demonstration against education cuts. Organizers are inviting community members to join staff and students. Here’s the invitation for West Seattle High School‘s Walk-In:
Staff, students, and community members of West Seattle High School (including community businesses and supportive neighbors) will be participating in a WALK-IN to celebrate our school, and to stand against cuts to ANY of the programs that serve our precious students.
School WALK-INs are happening across the country this Wednesday, March 19, for the same reasons; to stand as communities, for our children. The format is simple. 30 minutes to an hour prior to the start of the school day, staff members, students, parents, and supportive community members (including people from local businesses that serve our schools) gather in front of the schools to show support. Signs, musical instruments, carafes of coffee or tea and snacks to share are welcome. Then, about 20 to 30 minutes prior to the school day, we march as a body into the school.
Of course, we cannot have people who are not staff or students enter parts of the building that are not right up front, directly by the exits, because we need to maintain security, and begin our school day, but we can share context, contacts, ideas, and fellowship prior to our work days beginning. If anyone from West Seattle — parents, alumni, and Beloved Community members see this, and want to join us Wednesday morning, we will be gathering at 7:45 AM in front of the school, on California Avenue.
We’ve also heard from organizers at Denny International Middle School, who asked us to share this:
This Wednesday, March 19, please join staff, students, and family/community members at Denny International Middle School at 7:15 AM (prior to school starting) in a Walk-In protest of potential cuts in funding to our public schools due to the dismantling of the US Department of Education. This will culminate at 7:35 AM with staff and students walking in to school in solidarity. Prior to the Walk-In, there will be chanting and conversations. School appropriate signs geared toward these cuts are welcome.
Denny is at 2601 SW Kenyon; WSHS is at 3000 California SW. Meantime, we’ll add to the list if we hear from any other schools.
ADDED MONDAY: We’ve also heard from Genesee Hill Elementary, which is planning “a walk-in event for March 19, starting at 7 AM. Staff, families, and students are all welcome to meet at the front of the school to rally for public schools. We are gathering to support our students and families. The rally will last about 25 minutes. We will walk around the school and into the playground.” GHES is at 5013 SW Dakota.
If you aren’t already booked for Friday night (March 14), you have an extra day to get discount tickets for a night of music, food, fun, and dancing (optional)! The deadline for $30 tickets to Friday night’s Big Band Dinner Dance at West Seattle High School, starring the West Seattle Big Band (which started at the school), has been extended to today.
There will be music provided by the whole music program, dinner prepared by our very own Culinary Arts program, a silent auction, dancing, and the wonderful West Seattle Big Band directed by Jim Edwards.
Proceeds benefit the whole music program at WSHS!
TICKETS:
Dinner & Dance tickets: $30 when pre-purchased (by March 13th); $35 at the door (if available)
Dance only tickets: $10Ticket link through today: wsmusicanddrama.org/bbdd
Two updates on the Alki Elementary construction (on the site of the old school, 3010 59th SW):
ABOVE-GROUND CONSTRUCTION: Two weeks ago, we mentioned the slab pour. That paved the way – literally – for the framing, which is visible from outside the construction fencing, as our photo shows. You can get an on-site view from the project webcam.
ADDED: Here’s a view from above, courtesy of Don Brubeck:
PLAYGROUND CONCEPTS: Seattle Public Schools project spokesperson Tina Christiansen told us the project website has just been updated with a preview of the play equipment that’s in the works for the city-owned playground on the north side of the school (south side of Alki Playfield). Here’s one of the boards you’ll see at that link:
Alki Elementary is scheduled to move into the new school for the 2026-2027 school year, and SPS says the playground should be complete in “early-to-mid-2026,” in collaboration with Seattle Parks.
A quick reminder that if you’re interested in studying at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) – whether seeking a degree or certificate, or a continuing-education class – tomorrow’s the day to visit. 3:30 to 6:30 pm on Tuesday (March 11), you’re invited to SSC’s annual Discover Open House. The college will offer campus tours, program presentations, opportunities to speak with faculty and advisers, plus information on admissions, financial aid, and other student resources. You can RSVP here. Know before you go – review options here, from career training, college transfer, and applied bachelor’s degrees, to short-term training and personal enrichment courses. SSC is on West Seattle’s Puget Ridge, at 6000 16th SW.
(WSB video)
That’s the West Seattle Big Band at December’s Admiral Church concert. Your next chance to see/hear/dance with them is Friday at West Seattle High School and you have three more days to buy advance discount tickets – here’s the announcement:
We are excited to invite you to our 13th annual Big Band Dinner Dance on Friday, March 14th! There will be music provided by the whole music program, dinner prepared by our very own Culinary Arts program, a silent auction, dancing, and the wonderful West Seattle Big Band directed by Jim Edwards.
Dust off those dancing shoes (or not … dancing is optional) and get yourself tickets to one of the best events of the year!
Proceeds benefit the whole music program at WSHS!
TICKETS:
Dinner & Dance tickets: $30 when pre-purchased (by March 12th); $35 at the door (if available)
Dance only tickets: $10
WSHS is at 3000 California SW.
(2024 West Seattle 5K – photo by David Hutchinson)
It’s official! The West Seattle 5K will bring runners and walkers to the beach on May 18, and registration is open now! Here’s the announcement:
West Seattle High School PTSA, staff, and students are excited to announce the return of the annual West Seattle High School 5K on Sunday, May 18, 2025. All profits raised from the West Seattle 5K are used by the PTSA to fund classroom supply needs and student-led initiatives, as well as a monthly staffed Saturday Study Hall that benefits an average of 100 students each session.
Thousands of runners and spectators from all corners of Puget Sound and beyond have participated in this 5K in the past 15 years. In 2024, we had 1,570 participants, a 27% increase over the previous year, and we raised over $42,000 for West Seattle High School PTSA! Participants are drawn to the event by the family fun, the gorgeous scenery, a flat and fast course starting and finishing at the Alki Bathhouse, and all the amenities that Alki Beach has to offer. Prizes will be awarded to the top finishers in many categories.
(2024 West Seattle 5K – photo by Lynn Hall)
Coming back for a third year is a friendly competition among West Seattle High School students. The goal is to see which grade and/or club gets the most classmates to register. The winning grade or club gets out of Homeroom early for a special treat and cash ($250) to their grade level ASB. “We have heard from event runners that they didn’t know this event benefited the high school so we want to make sure to raise that awareness as well as get as many high schoolers involved as possible,” says Kelley O’Connor, event co-chair. Be sure to select your grade and club when registering.
“As you know, Seattle Public Schools is facing an enormous budget shortfall and limited funding for the programs we know our students need,” says WSHS PTSA president Holly Rikhof. “The WSHS PTSA is dedicated to funding the academic and classroom support we have long taken for granted at West Seattle High School. Until 2023, our students benefited from a levy that funded a robust tutoring program, including school-day, after-school, and Saturday tutoring. This year, we have been able, through your generous donations, to fund a monthly staffed Saturday Study Hall that benefits an average of 100 students each session, classroom supply needs and student-led initiatives.”
There are buttons on the registration page to donate to the 5k if you’d rather sleep in that morning or don’t wish to run/walk. This is a community neighborhood high school and we hope residents will feel generous in supporting the school and local students. This is a fun way to directly give back!
Registration is live now at westseattle5K.com and getmeregistered.com/WestSeattle5K
Pricing:
-Adults are $40 (5/10 raises to $45)
-Youth 19 and under are $20 (5/10 and later is $30)
-West Seattle High School students are $20 (5/10 and later is $30)
-West Seattle High School staff is free (need passcode and can buy shirt for $15)
-Kids under 6 are free (no shirt included, but can buy for $15)We have amazing sponsors to thank: West Seattle Runner, Dragonfly, Sea Pines Physical Therapy, Neighborhood Natropathic, The Joint Chiropractic, Northup Fundraising, Punch Drunk, West Seattle Blog, and so many more. Please go to www.westseattle5k.com to see all sponsors!
The West Seattle PTSA is a 501c3 non-profit Parent, Teacher and Student Association of West Seattle High School. We provide parent education, opportunities for families to connect to the school community, and support for education through fundraising and advocacy.
Questions and sponsorship inquiries, please email: westseattle5k@westseattle5k.com.
WSB has been a West Seattle 5K co-sponsor since the very first one in May 2009!
It’s fundraising season for many school groups and other nonprofits. Among them, the Gatewood Elementary PTA, which has just launched an online auction this morning – anybody can bid. The parent who let us know about this points out, “With the significant budget cuts facing Seattle Public Schools, the support of the West Seattle community is more important than ever.” If you skim the auction site, you’ll see a wide variety of items up for grabs, including tickets, gift cards, memberships, more. Here’s the link to browse and/or bid! The auction is open for a week, leading up to the PTA’s in-person fundraiser a week from tonight.
The photo and report are from teacher Alan Blackman at Denny International Middle School, who brought special guests to the school library today:
(Dawa, Marcus, and Geordan from the Buffalo Soldiers of Seattle)
Today, scholars at Denny International Middle School were joined by members of the Buffalo Soldiers of Seattle, an organization which honors the legacy of African American military veterans from 1866 until 1951. Our presenters shared information about the history of Black soldiers in the military, embodied by the motos “Ready and Forward,” and “We Can, We Will!” The Buffalo Soldiers of Seattle also spoke about the programs they offer to young people, from day camps to equine therapy. We are so fortunate to have the opportunity to learn from this fantastic organization!
Local students looking toward college have four weeks to apply for scholarships offered by the Rotary Club of West Seattle. Here’s the announcement we were asked to share:
West Seattle Rotary Scholarships – Applications Due April 1st!
High school seniors in Seattle — don’t miss this opportunity! The Rotary Club of West Seattle is offering two scholarships to help students pursue higher education.
The Gambriell Scholarship
Open to students across Seattle, with preference given to West Seattle residents and those facing financial hardship. This scholarship supports students who may not otherwise be able to attend college.
The Past Presidents’ Scholarship
Applicants must either reside in West Seattle or graduate from a West Seattle area school this year.
Go here for application information: westseattlerotary.org/scholarships
For questions, students can reach out to Gina Topp at gina@topp.law.
(WSB photo, looking southwestward toward school and flagpole from 34th/Myrtle)
In our windstorm coverage last Tuesday, we mentioned that Our Lady of Guadalupe School had closed SW Myrtle between 34th and 35th – usually just a school-hours closure – because the stability of its flagpole was in question. The street has remained closed, and taped off, since then, while OLG determined whether the flagpole had to come down. Tonight, we checked back in, and the answer is “yes.” Dave from OLG tells WSB, “The pole needs to be taken down and we think that will occur on Thursday or Friday, and we will open the road at that point.” He says the flagpole eventually will be replaced.
Thinking about continuing your education – with a class, or a full certificate/degree program, or other career pathway? South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) is ready to show you what’s possible! Here’s the announcement of next week’s open house, and more:
South Seattle College will open its doors to prospective students and their families on Tuesday, March 11 from 3:30 to 6:30 PM for its annual Discover Open House. There will be campus tours, program presentations, opportunities to speak with faculty and advisors and more. Information on admissions, financial aid and other student resources will also be provided. Those interested in attending are encouraged to RSVP. Learn more about the Discover South Seattle College Open House.
Located in the Puget Ridge neighborhood of West Seattle, South Seattle College offers a variety of opportunities to help our community members reach their educational and career goals. Options at South include career training, college transfer and applied bachelor’s degrees, plus short-term training and personal enrichment courses.
The open house is part of the Discover Seattle Colleges events series happening March 3-13. The first series includes four online events exploring academic programs and career pathways at Seattle Colleges (including South Seattle College, Seattle Central College and North Seattle College). Furthermore, those interested in apprenticeships and skilled trades can attend the Discover South Seattle College Georgetown Open House on March 12. The Georgetown Campus Open House will also feature a Clean Water, Sustainable Building, and Green Jobs Symposium, hosted in collaboration with the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks – Wastewater Treatment Division and South Seattle College’s Sustainable Building Science Technology program. Interested participants are invited to attend all events. See the full schedule and sign up at seattlecolleges.edu/discover.
An arts program serving two schools has just extended its fundraiser – here’s the donation invitation we were asked to share with you:
(Photo courtesy Jaeney Hoene)
Support Denny-Sealth Performing Arts!
We are inviting all community members to use the Snapraise links below to support the performing arts at Denny International Middle School and Chief Sealth International High School. Our amazing performing arts programs need your support to provide coaching, instruments, uniforms, maintenance and repair, and performance/competition opportunities for students.
We just passed the $10,000 mark with a goal of $15,000. Help us reach our goal!
Last day to contribute is Tuesday, March 11!
Denny International Middle School – https://raise.snap.app/donate/denny-middle-school-music-booster-2025
Chief Sealth IHS – https://raise.snap.app/donate/chief-sealth-intl-music-booster-2025
If you are a local business or community member wondering how you can support our programs directly, please contact DSPA co-chairs, Mary Wiener (mary_r_wiener@yahoo.com) and Jaeney Hoene (jaeney@me.com)
Before we get to what’s happening today/tonight, here’s a note about a chance to learn life-saving lessons this Thursday night at West Seattle High School:
Please RSVP at the following link: Forefront Parent Night RSVP
RSVP is recommended, not required. Questions? Contact School Counselor Mallory Neuman at mlneuman@seattleschools.org
(Photo courtesy West Seattle Realty’s Kevin Broveleit)
That was just part of the crowd filling the West Seattle Realty (WSB sponsor) front-room event space last night, as Madison Middle School presented the first of two “community poetry salons.” Dozens of students presented poems they’d memorized. Educator Robin Russell described it as “a celebration of both poetry and the tenacity it takes to excel at the skill of memorization and the art of recitation.” We were there for part of the salon and recorded a sampling of student readings, with poems both contemporary and classic:
If you weren’t part of last night’s overflow crowd, good news – they’re doing it again in two weeks, at 2 pm Sunday, March 16. West Seattle Realty is on the ground floor of the Admiral Station Apartments, across from Hiawatha, at 2715 California SW.
(WSB photos by Jason Grotelueschen)
Chief Sealth International High School‘s athletics program had a lot to celebrate at last night’s Winter Sports Banquet!
First, a signing ceremony celebrating CSIHS’s flag-football star Eleana Lee, who’s already been honored with the new Maxwell Award as the best player in the state, and was Metro League MVP. The sport isn’t offered at every school, noted coach Kyler Gaither, but she’s signed with the Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes. Her proud family was there to celebrate, too:
Sealth athletic director Ernest Policarpio gave a recap of the school’s winter success, including the achievements by a girls’ wrestling program that, as he described it, has become a “dynasty” with 6 Metro championships he recounted other championships and state contenders too:
The Seahawk Awards were presented to one outstanding student-athlete in each sport, recognized as outstanding scholars as well as for their leadership on the field or court.
Those winners are (including the seven in our photo): Ryan Nguyen for boys’ swim/dive, Owen Wright for boys’ wrestling, Keimani Proctor-Mills for girls’ basketball, Chase Valdez for boys’ basketball, Evie Nelson for girls’ bowling, Petra Sheppard for girls’ wrestling, Eleana Lee for flag football, Ryan Tran for cheer.
Also presented: the new “Above and Beyond” Awards:
These went to Micah Policarpio for boys’ wrestling, where he took second in state; Xavier Nguyen, also a wrestler, who took third in state; Lucy Self, girls’ wrestling, who took third in state; Gianna Moore, gymnastics, who competed at state; Dominic Milanese, boys’ swimming; and Karen Chiem, flag football.
Next up for local high-school athletes – the spring sports season, starting in March!
Today we’re welcoming one of our newest sponsors, Academy Schools. New WSB sponsors get the opportunity to tell you about themselves – here’s the message from Academy Schools:
Unlock Your Child’s Potential at Academy Schools!
Looking for a school that truly understands your child’s unique learning needs?
Academy Schools is a small, independent PK-12 school in Tukwila, dedicated to serving both neurotypical and neurodiverse students in a personalized, supportive environment.
Since 1997, we have believed that every child deserves an education tailored to their strengths — because learning isn’t one-size-fits-all. With small class sizes, flexible instruction, and a student-centered approach, we empower students to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Our inclusive community supports students with:
-ADHD
-Autism Spectrum Disorder
-Sensory Processing Challenges
-School Trauma & School Refusal
-Anxiety & Emotional Needs
At Academy Schools, we go beyond traditional education — no rigid state mandates, no unnecessary testing — just real learning that meets your child where they are.
Now Enrolling for Fall 2025!
Visit academyschools.org/contact or call us at 206-588-0860 to schedule a visit today.
Academy Schools – Where Every Student Matters.
We thank Academy Schools for choosing to advertise their program by sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news on WSB. Interested in doing the same? Call or text 206-293-6302.
(WSB file photo)
West Seattle High School cheer coach Nadine Nguyen asked us to share this announcement:
Are you ready to become a part of the State-Winning West Seattle High School Coed Cheer Team? Now’s your chance.
Tryouts will be held in person the following days and times at WSHS:
March 6th- 4 pm-6 pm
March 7th 4 pm-6 pm
March 8th 8 am-TBDTo try out, you will need to fill out all online forms and provide a current Sports Physical.
We will also be hosting Cheer Clinics on March 4th @ 4 pm-5 pm
*For those interested in trying out for our State Winning Competition Team, you are invited to attend our Stunt Clinics where you will learn basic stunt skills.
Stunt Clinics are on March 5th @ 4 pm-6 pm
To participate in tryouts on March 6th – March 8th, Stunt Clinics, and the Cheer clinics, please bring a printed and signed copy of the following items below to the first day of the clinics/tryouts.
-Student Athletic Registration Form
-Signed Parent Waiver
-Up-to-date PhysicalThe Tryout application and required forms are available through the following link tree:
linktr.ee/WSHSCHEERFor tips and more information regarding tryouts, follow our Instagram @westseattlecheer
Good Luck and Go Wildcats!! For Questions, email: nmnguyen@seattleschools.org
Before the Our Lady of Guadalupe School (WSB sponsor) fundraising event this weekend, two things happening right now are open to everyone: First, now through Friday, you can bid in the school’s online auction, with items donated by local businesses and other supporters – gift cards, tickets, more. Second, both today and tomorrow (Wednesday, February 26), The Westy (7908 35th SW) is hosting a dine-out fundraiser for the school – use the code OLG and mention you’re supporting the school, and they’ll donate 15 percent of the proceeds. Though The Westy is a 21+ establishment for dining and drinking, you can get take-out for the whole family, and that can count toward the fundraiser too.
Despite the stormy weather, workers are on site today at the Alki Elementary rebuild project; Don sent the photo showing the concrete pour that’s under way. If you’ve passed the site in recent days and noticed the white tent-like structures, those have been part of the preparations for this. This is for the building’s ground floor; other work already been done includes foundation construction and piping for utilities including the building’s heating and cooling system. We asked the district about any other updates, and a spokesperson says, “The mass timber structure installation will begin in March.” The new school is expected to open in fall of 2026; staff and students will have been in temporary quarters at the former Schmitz Park Elementary site for three years by then. It’s been a year and a half since the old school was demolished; after demolition, the start of construction was on hold until an appeal was resolved.
(Photo by Oliver Hamlin)
At left, above, is Chief Sealth International High School wrestler Micah Policarpio, who took second in his division (190) at the just-completed state tournament. CSIHS reports head coach Maurice Dolberry‘s team finished 8th in the state and says they’re the highest-placing Seattle Public Schools team ever. Other top-ten finishers from Sealth are listed in their announcement as Lucy Self (3rd, 140), Xavier Nguyen (3rd, 150), Lanu Amituanai (5th, 145), Eli Policarpio (5th, 215), Alex Pando (7th, 175), and Xander Gomez (8th, 132).
P.S. You can find full brackets/results by starting here.
The West Seattle High School boys are the only local high-school basketball team still in the playoffs, after both Chief Sealth International High School teams lost win-or-go-home games tonight: The girls lost to/at Cedarcrest 51-37, while the boys lost to/at Lindbergh, 73-50. The WSHS boys play Garfield at 3:30 pm tomorrow (Friday, February 21) at Bellevue College (3000 Landerholm Circle SE) – winner to state, loser out.
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