West Seattle, Washington
02 Wednesday
(WSB photos. Above, Weston Webb of WSHS)
In what was the second-to-last game of the regular season for both teams, West Seattle High School and Chief Sealth international High School faced off tonight at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex.
(Sealth’s Isaac Martinez out at the plate, trying to tie the game)
It’s been a good season for both teams – going into tonight’s game, WSHS, coached by Dylan Mclauchlin, led the Metro League at 17-1, while Chief Sealth, under head coach Ernest Policarpio, was <12-7. The Wildcats prevailed, but by just one run, 2-1. Winning pitcher was Miles Chandler, who allowed just 1 run and 7 hits in 6 innings:
On the mound for the Seahawks, Ryan Moore had a respectable night too, 2 runs on 6 hits in 6 innings. Good turnout to watch the game, which ended under the lights:
WSHS’s last regular-season game is at Kennedy Catholic in Burien next Monday (May 1st); the regular-season finale for CSIHS is against Lakeside this Wednesday, at home at NCSWAC.
JUNIOR VARSITY: We weren’t there for the JV opener but CSIHS shutting out WSHS 6-0, with one Sealth supporter reporting, “Sammy Popelka, freshman pitcher for the Chief Sealth Seahawks, pitched a complete=game shutout (7 innings) to beat the previously 14-1 Wildcats!”
(Thanks to Elise for the photo.)
School fundraising parties are back in full force this year, and we’ve been asked to make sure you know about these two, starting with one looking for community volunteer assistance:
GATEWOOD ELEMENTARY VOLUNTEER SEARCH: You can help make this party happen, with some perks:
Gatewood Elementary is holding their annual auction at the Hall at Fauntleroy on Friday, May 5th, 5:30 pm-10 pm. We are looking for volunteers from our community to help out with this year’s event! We specifically need help with facilitating the games during the cocktail hour, recording drink ticket sales, and live auction spotters and recorders. Gatewood auction committee will provide volunteers with a light dinner, soda/water, and our gratitude. Volunteers will also have the option to bid on live auction items. Your participation allows Gatewood parents to relax and enjoy the Auction! Thank you for your consideration! Sign up here.
MADISON BEACHY BULLDOG BASH: This party is happening 6-10 pm next Saturday (April 29) at the Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon). The Madison Middle School PTSA says tickets are available here. But also: “Even if you can’t make the event, you can still support our students, staff, and community by bidding on items or making a donation here.” They also have warm words of thanks for private donors and businesses who have already contributed – more than 100 have donated auction items.
One month from today – at 9:30 am Sunday, May 21st – Alki Avenue SW will fill with runners and walkers during the first West Seattle 5K since 2019. This is presented by, and benefiting, the West Seattle High School PTSA. If you haven’t registered yet, keep in mind that now’s the time to get in at the lowest price – general registration goes up May 1st, student fees on May 15th. (As announced last month, this year WSHS students have an incentive to participate – the grade that registers the most participants gets a cash grant!) The West Seattle 5K is powered not only by registration fees but also by community sponsors – see them here. Ready to register? Here’s the link.
If you’re looking ahead to gift-giving for your mother and/or “special other” next month, Hope Lutheran School wants you to know about this fundraiser for their 7th- and 8th-graders’ East Coast trip:
It’s never too early to start planning for your Mother’s and Special Other’s Day [May 14th]! Why not take the guesswork out of the perfect gift? Show your appreciation to the special women in your lives and help Hope students at the same time!
Hope Lutheran School is partnering with local businesses Bakery Nouveau and Market vendor, Friendly Hmong Farms, to offer chocolates and flowers for Mother’s Day! Delivery available within West Seattle!
Click the link: form.jotform.com/230777727637166
Deadline for orders is April 27th.
By Jason Grotelueschen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
West Seattle neighbors, community groups, school leaders and law enforcement trainees gathered on Wednesday night at Denny International Middle School for a town hall discussion focused on prevention of underage substance abuse.
The event’s keynote speaker was expert Dr. Kevin Haggerty, Emeritus Professor for Prevention at the University of Washington, who talked about current challenges and opportunities ahead for families and community members, particularly for vaping and fentanyl.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
The drop-in community meeting held this past Saturday by our area’s elected Seattle Public Schools Board director spanned a variety of topics, since as always, the agenda depended mostly on who showed up and what they wanted to talk about.
Two-term board director Leslie Harris began with a gasp-evoking announcement – that she would not seek a third term (as reported here that day).
With 20+ community members seated around a table in the basement meeting room at West Seattle (Admiral) Library, the meeting moved on to topics from sports to construction.
Genesee Hill Elementary has one, Roxhill Elementary has one, and now Lafayette Elementary is going to test a “School Street.”
Thanks to Anthony for the tip. “School Streets” are an SDOT program that prioritizes walking, biking, and rolling on a section of a street by a school from 7 am to 5 pm on days school is in session. For Lafayette, SDOT is going to start a month-long test on Wednesday, April 19th, for the section of SW Lander that runs along the south side of the school, between California and 45th SW (part of which already has a “streatery” for The Good Society). From the “School Streets” FAQ:
What does this mean for people getting to school?
– When possible, walk, roll, or bike with your child to school
– If you must drive to school, try parking a block or two away and finishing the trip on foot
– Students provided with district transportation or with mobility needs can access the blockWhat does this mean for drivers?
– People driving who need to get to home and businesses on a School Street are still able to drive on these streets. Drivers should use caution and yield to people.
– People enjoying the street should be mindful of drivers trying to get to homes as well
SDOT collected traffic data before the test and plans to collect data during the test. Here’s the notification flyer. Feedback is welcome at HealthyStreets@seattle.gov and by phone at 206-900-8760.
(WSB photos)
Both Chief Sealth International High School and West Seattle High School are having strong seasons in fastpitch softball so far. Just as school was getting out for spring break, the two faced off Friday afternoon at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex.
(WSHS’s Carmen Cruz)
As one spectator who emailed us postgame described it, this was a “five-inning slugfest with five total home runs and two ground-rule doubles that were centimeters shy of home runs.”
(CSIHS pitcher Delaney Sipila)
West Seattle went ahead early and took the win, 17-7. According to the GameChanger summary, Lane Ryan was the hitting leader, with three hits – including one of those home runs – and five RBIs. Tangerine Zurek was the winning pitcher for WSHS. Starter Sadie Stroud and reliever Delaney Sipila – who also had two steals – pitched for CSIHS. The Wildcats are now 5-2 and next play at Eastside Catholic, 4 pm Wednesday, April 19th. The Seahawks are now 7-3 and next host Roosevelt at NCSWAC, 4 pm Tuesday, April 18th.
(WSB photo)
What a way to head into spring break! West Seattle Elementary principal Pamela McCowan-Conyers got a $25,000 surprise at an assembly this afternoon. The Alliance for Education presented her with the grant while announcing her as the latest recipient of the Thomas B. Foster Award for Excellence, given annually to “two outstanding Seattle Public Schools principals who have demonstrated success in advancing educational justice and racial equity in their school community.” McCowan-Conyers said the grant for her school will help WSES keep moving forward as students and staff move back this fall to their newly expanded building in High Point, after two years at the former Schmitz Park Elementary campus. Foster Award recipients are chosen from “colleague and community nominations, as part of a process which takes into consideration school data and principal commitment and effectiveness.” This is McCowan-Conyers’ seventh school year leading West Seattle Elementary. Along with her students and staff, those on hand to congratulate her this afternoon included SPS superintendent Dr. Brent Jones and School Board director Leslie Harris.
After today, Seattle Public Schools – and some others – go out on spring break. If you have SPS issues, concerns, questions, ideas, Saturday brings your next chance to talk with our area’s elected School Board director, Leslie Harris. She’ll be at West Seattle (Admiral) Library 2-5 pm on Saturday (April 8) – you don’t have to attend for all three hours, just drop in when you can. (She’s also promising her famous lasagna.) The library is at 2306 42nd SW.
(File photo)
The Chief Sealth International High School PTSA is about 75 percent of the way to its goal for this fundraiser. Here’s what we weres asked to share with you:
Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week is May 8-12, 2023. Please help us show how grateful we are to Chief Sealth’s Teachers and Staff for everything they do to support our students and nurture our community!
I can think of so many instances where a teacher or a staff member has stepped up and supported my kids through some of their hardest days and some of their best wins. I also carry life-long gratitude with me for the teachers that encouraged me and challenged me to grow many years ago when I myself was a student at Sealth!
Whether you’re a parent or relative of a current or past Sealth student, a student or alum of Sealth yourself, or you want to just share in a show of gratitude in honor of all the teachers and school staff that made a difference in your life, we NEED you!
We are raising $2000 to fund a week of activities for Chief Sealth’s 150 teachers and staff, including a luncheon, a beverage and treats service and other tokens of our appreciation to let them know how much we care!
We want this celebration to stand out. The past few years have been so challenging for our public school teachers and staff. They have faced unbelievable challenges during COVID, requiring them to adopt new technologies, support students in new ways, and bring their best to school every day. They have gone above and beyond, even through these past few difficult years, to make every student count and to make a top education accessible to all.
Please donate what you can; any amount is appreciated! All funds will go directly to the PTSA and will be earmarked for Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week.
We often feature school fundraisers, most commonly for sports or music. Tonight, we have a teacher seeking a community boost for an arts project. From “Ms. A” at Chief Sealth IHS:
Hello, West Seattle community! In the Chief Sealth International High School Art Department, in our Ceramics class, we are grading up for our 4th annual Raku firing event on May 25. This is led by Eric from Seattle Pottery and is a fun technique we’ve been privileged to have students participate in!
This event does cost over what we expect our students to pay in everyday art fees. Typically the cost runs close to $700 plus about $150 for the clay. I am reaching out to you, our community to help make this happen. Please consider donating. It’s a great way to involve all students in the process of firing and see the connection between art and physics in real time! We appreciate your support! Thank you,
Carolyn Autenrieth, Ceramics and IB Art teacher
We asked Ms. A for a few more details: “We have $220 from donations, and I have $200 from a grant, but we still need about $400 for the RAKU event. Of course, anything extra just helps our underfunded department continue! Ceramic Glazes have gone up about 40% for some, and those changes eat into our regular budget.” P.S. If you’re unfamiliar with Raku, here’s an explanation.
(WSB photos. Above, senior Jake Daily)
Chief Sealth International High School lost for just the second time so far this season when Eastside Catholic visited Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex on Wednesday night. In their only home game of the week, the Seahawks fell 7-0.
(Starting pitcher, senior Wyatt Trujillo)
Chief Sealth is now 8-2 for the season. On Friday afternoon, they’ll play at Garfield; next home game at NCSWAC is Friday, April 7th, 4 pm, vs. Sammamish.
Shown above is the Chief Sealth International High School Mock Trial team, whose adviser Rebecca Neil sent the photo with this report of a successful season just concluded:
Thank you to everyone who supported the Mock Trial team this year. Our official season is now over and I’m thrilled to share that your Chief Sealth Mock Trial team finished in 3rd place in their division!
In addition to our team standings, several individuals were recognized district-wide: Gisele Newsom (10th grade) took first place for outstanding attorney and Avery Gilmore (12th grade) took second place for outstanding witness. Megan Ly (11th grade), Isabel Lyshol (11th grade), and Casmir Oliver (11th grade) all received one or more nominations for best witness as well.
We have had a busy season. In addition to countless hours of research, writing, and practice the team had the opportunity to observe official court proceedings and meet with Judge Nicole Gaines Phelps, participated in scrimmages in Shoreline and at the King County Courthouse downtown, and to travel to Vancouver, WA to compete in six rounds of competition over the course of two days at the Clark County Courthouse.
I’d like to thank our long-standing attorney coaches, Brian Beattie and Lisa Mulligan, for their ongoing support, patience, and good humor. We’ve also been thrilled to welcome Anna Newsom as an attorney coach and Elissa Ferguson as a faculty adviser this season. The number of hours that this team has dedicated to supporting our students is impossible to calculate.
While the official YMCA season is over, we will be competing in the Empire Mock Trial Sapphire League spring season, with a new case to be released on April 1st. We’ll be using this time to hone our skills and practice in anticipation of next year. If you know of any students who would like to give mock trial a try without the commitment of a full season, please feel free to reach out via email at rlneil@seattleschools.org
We could not have accomplished any of this without the support of the West Seattle community. Thank you for the countless ways that you have supported and encouraged our team this year. If you’d like to make a donation to support our ongoing efforts, you can do so here: tinyurl.com/CSMTdonate
If you haven’t already seen it – or if you want to see it again – you have three more chances to enjoy “Little Shop of Horrors” at West Seattle High School, starting tomorrow (Wednesday) night. Here’s the synopsis:
The meek floral assistant Seymour Krelborn stumbles across a new breed of plant he names “Audrey II” – after his coworker crush. This foul-mouthed, R&B-singing carnivore promises unending fame and fortune to the down and out Krelborn as long as he keeps feeding it, BLOOD. Over time, though, Seymour discovers Audrey II’s out-of-this-world origins and intent toward global domination.
Also forwarded in email from readers, this review from WSHS’s student news publication, hailing the “powerhouse vocals” of Lucy Warren as Audrey II – catch a clip of her singing here. Showtimes Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday are at 7:30 pm; you can get tickets in advance here – including an online option (choose the “virtual tickets” option at the top of that page). WSHS is at 3000 California SW – to get to the theater, enter through the courtyard off the south end of the school’s parking lot.
11:50 AM: Multiple texts came in minutes ago from parents saying Madison Middle School was being evacuated and that police were in the area. We’ve gone there to find out what happened; Southwest Precinct commander Capt. Martin Rivera is there and tells us they are investigating a ‘bomb threat’ that is believed to have come from “another school.” They’re searching the building and everyone remains evacuated at the moment, but so far nothing’s been found.
12:08 PM: Seattle Public Schools tells us this note has just been sent to families:
Dear Madison families,
Out of an abundance of caution Madison Middle School was evacuated at approximately 11:15 a.m. due to a threat toward the school that was called into the Seattle Police Department (SPD).
Students and staff are safe. They are currently waiting outside while SPD inspects our building for safety.
SPD and the SPS Safety and Security team are investigating. I will be sending families an update later today about this issue.
If you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Principal Gary
Madison Middle School
1 PM: Thanks for all the updates via comments and texts. Everyone’s been allowed back into the school.
3:42 PM: SPD has released a bit more information: “It was later discovered the call was made by a child who got possession of his parents’ phone.” We are asking on followup whether the child was questioned, detained, arrested, or none of the above.
3:59 PM: Police will only say that they “investigated the incident and determined the threat was unfounded.”
(WSB photos. Above, Matthew Henning)
In the third week of the season, the league-leading, undefeated West Seattle High School varsity baseball team just scored their third consecutive shutout victory. Playing tonight at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex, the Wildcats beat Franklin, 20-0.
(Tonight’s starting pitcher, Miles Chandler)
According to the GameChanger summary, WSHS really broke things open with a 10-run third inning. Owen Earls was the night’s leader in RBIs, with five; TJ Buehring was right behind with four. Starting pitcher tonight was Miles Chandler, who held Franklin to one hit in four innings; the hitless fifth inning was pitched by John Langen. The Wildcats’ next two games are on the road; they’re back home at 7 pm next Monday (April 3rd) vs. Cleveland at NCSWAC (2801 SW Thistle).
Your next chance to get up and dance – while helping local students – is just four nights away! In case you haven’t seen it the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar listing yet, here’s the invitation:
The Madison Music Boosters would like to invite students, their families, and community members to a Swing Dance & Auction on March 31st, 2023, from 6-9 pm at Madison Middle School! We have a lively event lined up, featuring performances by our very own Concert Band, Jazz Bands, Choir, and Orchestra, with a special performance by guest West Seattle Big Band! Tickets include a free Swing Dance lesson. Pizza and drinks available for purchase as well as an abundance of bake-sale treats, thanks to our Madison parents! The silent auction and Raise the Paddle will fund most of the Music Department expenses throughout the school year. Tickets are $15 presale or $20 at the door. Ticket link here.
An ADA accessible entrance is on the south side of Madison Middle School, nearest to the U-shaped parking lot outside of the gym structure. Elevators will be made accessible for the event, which will be held in the Madison Commons, one level below the main floor.
If you already know you can’t attend OR you’d like to simply donate to the Madison Music Program, please do so here.
Questions? Email the Madison Music Boosters at madisonmusicboosters@gmail.com
The school is at 3429 45th SW.
Three more students have been honored by the Rotary Club of West Seattle as Students of the Month – here’s who won, and what’s next:
The West Seattle Rotary conducted its fourth and final 2022-23 SoM Awards event.
Above is Chief Sealth International High School‘s SoM Kyler Blanton, with counselor Chelsey Thomas and Rotarian Alan Mitchell (who’s in all three photos). Below from Summit Atlas are counselor Keenan Grayson, SoM Ethan Anderson and his parents:
And below are West Seattle High School SoM Indie Oleson and her mom:
Now, each of the three West Seattle high schools will pick their nominee for the 2022-23 West Seattle Rotary Student of the Year (SoY) Scholarship from their 2022-23 SoM Awardees. The Youth Services Committee of West Seattle Rotary will select the winner from those three nominees. On May 9th, the West Seattle Rotary will conduct its 2022-23 West Seattle Rotary SoY Scholarship Award event. The winner will receive a scholarship worth up to $6,000 and each of the two runners-up will receive a scholarship worth $1,000.
From the Highland Park Elementary PTA:
Highland Park Elementary needs our support more than ever to raise 200K to add a classroom teacher and fund the Youth Services Assistant. This is a direct ask of our Highland Park Staff to support our school the way they see best fit.
Please share this Go Fund Me with anyone you know!The 150k is not just the salary, it includes the benefits of the teacher.
The Youth Service Assistant helps with social emotional support/development at HPE full time and our current HPE budget can only afford half time for this position; we want to raise the funds to have this support all the time for our growing students.
Even a small donation could help Highland Park PTA reach our fundraising goal. And if you can’t make a donation, it would be great if you could share the fundraiser to help spread the word.
More information can be found on our website or send us an email if you would like your company to match your donation. hpemustang@gmail.com
As a Chief Sealth International High School team parent described it in an email to us, “Huge win for the baseball team last night.” Sealth beat O’Dea for the first time in years, the parent explained – and the Seahawks were the visiting team. Final score Sealth 11, O’Dea 8. The parent added, “Fans were wild with the win! It was about 47 out and with a 7:00 start we all waited for the almost 11:00 finish!” According to the game notes logged with GameChanger, the Seahawks took the lead in the ninth inning, breaking an 8-8 tie when Teo Perala singled to bring in a run. The game’s hitting star for the Seahawks was Seth Clark, going 3 for 5. It’s early in the season but Chief Sealth has a 5-1 overall record and will play next at Nathan Hale, 3:30 pm Friday. O’Dea, meantime, will be visiting West Seattle High School (6-0) at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex at 7 pm Friday. We appreciate sports updates and tips – westseattleblog@gmail.com any time!
(Meeting video added Tuesday)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Seattle Public Schools plans to stake its future on “well-resourced schools” – but hasn’t settled yet on what exactly they are.
That’s one of the takeaways from what turned out to be a relatively short online community meeting about the district’s budget woes. Four district executives sat at a table, presenting information and answering questions for about 40 minutes before turning the rest of the hour over to other district staffers for Q/A in a Zoom chat window.
They reiterated that no decisions on school closures/consolidations would be made until spring of next year. One attendee, via onscreen Q/A, complained that’s too late, as enrollment decisions need to be made earlier in the year.
Assistant superintendent Bev Redmond warned attendees at the start of the meeting a
Chief operations officer Fred Podesta then rolled out the numbers: The current year has a $1.14 billion district general-fund budget, and money from the levy-generated capital fund can’t be transferred to it.
The district has to show the state a balanced budget by August. To cover the $131 million gap, he said they’ll throw in almost half that much from district reserved, and will also make some notable cuts – including $33 million from the “central office.” But, he added, this is not a “one-time problem” – he said state funding covers only about half the price tag of special education and transportation, and barely a third of multilingual education.
Meantime, on the enrollment front, low estimates show the district could be down to 43,000 students in 10 years. (Three trajectories of enrollment estimates were shown but not explained.)
Then that phrase “well-resourced schools” took centerstage again. Associate superintendent Dr. Concie Pedroza listed some attributes:
From there, the four at the table answered a few questions:
Why now? They’ve been covering budget gaps for years with various forms of one-time funding, so the underlying problem is not new.
Will my student’s teacher lose their jobs? The executives said they expected minimal job losses because hundreds of educators leave the district every year, and so even if a specific job is cut at a specific school, that teacher should be able to be placed somewhere else.
Why are you building/expanding schools if enrollment is dropping? Podesta said rebuilds are more efficient than modernizations for older buildings, and that they’ll improve safety. Plus, he said, the city continues to grow and the district must “take the long view.”
How are budget-cut decisions being made? Podesta reiterated that the district is trying to minimize cuts at schools by cutting more from the central office.
Why is enrollment declining? The contributing factors that were listed did not include any potential dissatisfaction with the district; the number of households with children isn’t rising at the same rate as the city population in general, they noted, also citing the housing crunch, lower birth rates, and changes wrought by the pandemic. Overall, Dr. Jones suggested, “we’re doing a pretty good job … I don’t think we’ve been telling our story.” The district plans to start doing that via an “enrollment campaign.”
After the four executives signed off and invited attendees to keep asking questions in Zoom (written) chat, several brought up the issue of the district lacking solid data on why families have left the district – or declined to choose it in the first place. One suggested a “simple exit survey” would be in order.
The only answer we found of note in the onscreen chat: “School consolidation does not typically affect class size,” said SPS budget director Linda Sebring.
WHAT’S NEXT? “Engagement” will begin in earnest in fall, said Redmond. Here’s the rest of the timeline:
As noted in our previous coverage, West Seattle was part of a wave of school closures in the late ’00s.
Parenting is a tough job. Especially considering the rules keep changing – for the kids as well as the parents. In hopes of helping a bit, the Westside Family Association is inviting all parents/guardians, West Seattle-wide, to this free event on Thursday:
Westside Family Association invites you to our next family-education event with speaker/educator
Consent Etc…. with Jo Langford from beheroes.net.
Thursday, March 23, 2023
6:30-8:30 pm
Westside Theater @ Westside School
10404 34th Ave. SWWe are now in 2023, and with our evolution both culturally and technologically, a new awareness about why and how we as parents need to speak to our kids about consent is emerging. It is our job to help ensure that we are providing the children we are raising communication and affirmative consent skills that are age-appropriate and that take into consideration the kinds of opportunities and obstacles they may face in today’s world – ‘cuz it’s not the nineties anymore…
This talk will help parents understand the ways that the concept of consent has changed and how variables such as LGBTQ+ identities and the use of technology impact affirmative consent. Attendees will also participate in a handful of fun, thought-provoking exercises and have the opportunity to ask questions and get answers around this important concept.
FREE. Please RSVP at this link. (so we know how many seats to put out)
Find out more about Jo Langford here.
Questions? Email wfa@westsideschool.org
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