West Seattle, Washington
27 Friday
(WSB photo: Jim Guevara, Lizzy Greene)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Digital communication has its limitations.
That observation is from two West Seattle High School seniors who are organizing an in-person gathering for more than 100 of their peers this Saturday.
The gathering at WSHS will make history as the first-ever Seattle ASB Leadership Summit, with students from every comprehensive high school in the city coming to spend the day learning from each other. In our photo above are the co-leads, Jim Guevara and Lizzy Greene. They went to 11 high schools to meet with other ASB (Associated Student Body) leaders to get buy-in for the summit plan.
Not only do they have triple-digit RSVPs, they’re also expecting a few non-student visitors – including two people new to their high-profile jobs, Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson (making it her second consecutive Saturday in West Seattle) and Seattle Public Schools Superintendent Ben Shuldiner. But this event is about, for, and by students, partly rooted in how students from around the district came together outside district HQ last fall:
(WSB photo, September 2025)
The reason for that rally was the district’s sudden decision, after the school year had started, to split lunch periods at high schools including WSHS. One of the students’ main objections was a loss of gathering time for activities such as clubs and academic support. That remains an issue, Lizzy and Jim agree. But the lunch controversy wasn’t the only inspiration. Jim says the idea of a summit was a “passion project” for him. They’ve been planning it for months now. The day will include 20 breakout sessions, with topics including event planning. They’ll have in-house performers at the opening ceremony – the band Across 35th, plus the WSHS Marching Band, Drumline, and Cheer Team.
What are they hoping to achieve with the summit? “Showing that Seattle youth can actively collaborate,” says Jim. Lizzy adds that they hope it will result in “continued communication and flow of ideas.” They’re also proud that as the school organizing and hosting the first one, that will shine a positive light on WSHS citywide.
And they have a lot of knowledge to share, noting that the WSHS ASB is one of the largest and most successful in the city, and that this self-sustaining part of student life has enough of a financial cushion to cover what it’s costing to put this on. Costs include security, food, transportation, even “decor.” (Their fundraising activities through the year include dances and Parents’ Night Out group babysitting events.)
But at least one thing about this first-ever summit will be priceless – the fact that it’s, as described by Jim, centering students “as decision-makers, rather than participants in an adult-led program.”
Thanks to Denny International Middle School student/family advocate and Kingmaker facilitator Keenen Allen Ladd for the report and photo from Denny’s Black History Month assembly today:
(From left, CM Saka, Keenen Allen Ladd, Dr. Mia Williams of SPS Office of African American Male Achievement, 8th grade math teacher Ms. Brown, Denny principal Mary Ingraham)
During our Black History Month Assembly, our students delivered powerful presentations honoring Black trailblazers and our Kingmaker students recited our King’s Pledge with pride and excellence. The program was a meaningful celebration of culture, history, and student leadership.
We were also honored to welcome Councilmember Rob Saka, who officially proclaimed today, February 25, 2026 as “Denny International Middle School Black History Month Day” in the City of Seattle. It was a powerful civic moment for our students to witness their school and community recognized at the city level.
To find out more about the Kingmaker program, you can read about it here.
If you’ve been hoping for a chance to hear from/talk with new Seattle Public Schools superintendent Ben Shuldiner, this district announcement says your chance is coming up in about a month (we’ve highlighted it in bold at the end of the list below):
Seattle Public Schools Superintendent Ben Shuldiner is hosting a series of community engagement meetings across the city to listen, learn, and begin building trust with students, families, staff, and community members.
The “Meet Superintendent Shuldiner” community conversations will take place in each School Board Director District, along with a citywide virtual session. School Board Directors representing each region are expected to attend. All sessions are open to the public, and attendees do not need to live in a specific district to participate.
These conversations mark an important step in Superintendent Shuldiner’s commitment to listening deeply to community experiences, capturing feedback, and following through with action.
WHAT
Community Conversations with Seattle Public Schools Superintendent Ben Shuldiner
WHO
Ben Shuldiner, Superintendent, Seattle Public Schools
School Board Directors (by district)
Seattle Public Schools students, families, staff, and community membersWHEN & WHERE
Thursday, Feb. 26 | 7:30–8:30 p.m.
Bailey Gatzert Elementary School
1301 E Yesler Way, SeattleTuesday, March 3 | 7:30–8:30 p.m.
South Shore K–8
4800 S Henderson St., SeattleTuesday, March 10 | 7:30–8:30 p.m.
Salmon Bay K–8
1810 NW 65th St., SeattleTuesday, March 17 | 7:30–8:30 p.m.
Eckstein Middle School
3003 NE 75th St., SeattleTuesday, March 24 | 6:30–7:30 p.m.
McClure Middle School
1915 1st Ave W., SeattleThursday, March 26 | 6:30–7:30 p.m.
James Baldwin Elementary
11725 1st Ave NE, SeattleTuesday, March 31 | 6:30–7:30 p.m.
West Seattle Elementary
6760 34th Ave SW, SeattleThursday, April 2 | 6–7:30 p.m.
Virtual (online; link forthcoming)
DETAILSSessions will include introductions, full‑group discussion, small‑group breakout conversations, and open Q&A.
Interpretation services will be provided at every session in Amharic, American Sign Language, Chinese, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
All sessions will be livestreamed and recorded on the SPSTV YouTube channel.
Superintendent Shuldiner will also be visiting every Seattle Public Schools campus during his first 100 days in the role.
Last weekend, we noted that two Chief Sealth International High School wrestlers won state championships. Sealth athletic director Ernest Policarpio says that’s just part of the team’s triumphs toward season’s end, and sent full details with photos:
It was a great finish for the boys and girls wrestling team of Chief Sealth.
The girls won their 7th consecutive Metro Title and their 2nd District 2 Title, bringing 5 girls to the Tacoma Dome.
The boys won their first Dual Meet Championship in over 30 years, going 16-0 in Metro Duals. Their 2nd 2A Team Metro Title and 2nd District 2 Championship.
Coach Maurice Dolberry won 2026 2A Metro Coach of the Year, Xander Gomez and Eli Policarpio won 2026 most outstanding wrestler of the year for the Metro League,
The wrestlers below qualified for the state tournament
120lbs Senior Stevens Nguyen (2nd in Metro, 4th in Districts)
120lbs Senior Lucas Jones (Metro Champ, 3rd in Districts)
126lbs Senior Jonnathen Seng (Metro Champ, District Champ)
132lb Junior Xander Gomez (Metro Champ and District Champ)
138lb Junior Jumpy Kamili (2nd in Metro and District Champ)
144lb Sophomore Seneca Nguyen (3rd in Metro, 2nd in Districts)
144lb Sophomore Abdi Abdi (Metro Champ, 3rd in Districts)
150lb Senior Vlad Ponce Ramos (2nd in Metro, 3rd in Districts)
190lbs Senior Jessie Gilmore (Metro Champ and District Champ)
215lb Junior Eli Policarpio (Metro Champ and District Champ)
285lb Senior Shane Allen Tino (2nd in Metro and 4th in Districts)
285lb Junior Yusuf Donzo (Metro Champ and District Champ)Girls
110lbs sophomore Nicole Ork (Metro and District Champ)
120lbs Senior Petra Sheppard (Metro and District Champ)
140lbs Senior Lucy Self (Metro and District Champ)
145lbs Senior Lanu Amituanai (Metro and District Champ)
155lb Senior Nyko Herndon (Metro and District Champ)4 wrestlers placed at the State Tournament:
Lanu Amituanai won the STATE CHAMPIONSHIP in the 2A 145lb bracket and became the 1st Seattle Public Schools female State Champion!
Eli Policarpio won the STATE CHAMPIONSHIP in the 2A 215lb bracket. 2nd State Champion in Sealth history and 5th State Champ in the Metro League.
Lucy Self took 3rd in State at 140lb and Yusuf Donzo took 6th in State at 285lb.
Two Chief Sealth International High School wrestlers are coming home from this weekend’s state tournament at the Tacoma Dome with championships! Eli Policarpio won the boys’ 2A 215 class by 9-8 decision over Theo Stevens of North Kitsap; Lanu Arnituanai won the girls’ 2A 145 class by fall (at 3:39) over Emily Gomez, also from North Kitsap. Both of those champion Sealth wrestlers took 5th at state last year. Two other CSIHS wrestlers made it to the state semifinals – Lucy Self in girls’ 2A 140, Yusuf Donzo in boys’ 2A 285. Congratulations to the wrestlers and coach Maurice Dolberry!
More local high-school swimmers headed for state, starting tomorrow! Here’s the announcement about West Seattle High School athletes:
Congrats to the West Seattle Boys Swim & Dive team – after a nearly undefeated dual meet season, the Wildcats recently finished 4th overall at the Metro League Championships, where they were also awarded the team Sportsmanship Award.
Thirteen Wildcats made Districts cuts during the season, 11 of whom competed at 3A Sea-King District Championships last weekend: Nate Boehmer, Enzo Conte, Luca Conte, Mason Duffy, Brisan Hruska, Casey Laplante, Lars Norman, Jeremy O’Keefe, Mac Rysemus, Ben Wrenholt, Tom Wrenholt.
Of this group, 10 athletes are headed to State this upcoming weekend, qualifying to compete in all three relays: 200 Medley Relay, 200 Freestyle Relay and 400 Freestyle Relay, as well as select individual events: Tom Wrenholt (500 Freestyle, 200 Freestyle), Ben Wrenholt (200 IM), and Mason Duffy (100 Fly, 100 Back).
Congrats to the whole Wildcat Boys Swim & Dive team and their amazing coaches — Karen Boehmer (Head Coach), Logan Rysemus & Ryan O’Donnell — on an awesome season, and good luck, State swimmers!
State competition is at the King County Aquatic Center in Federal Way.
Also looking ahead to the state championships, Chief Sealth International High School swimmers! Here’s the update we received to share with you:
Chief Sealth Boys Swim & Dive had an outstanding performance at the Sea-King District Championships this past weekend!
The team finished 3rd overall with 160 points, competing against schools from across the district. Our swimmers posted 21 personal records throughout the weekend, demonstrating the hard work and dedication they’ve put in all season.
Most exciting, we’re sending athletes to the State Championships:
• Two individual events qualified for state. (Theo Franzen)• Our 400 Free Relay team secured their spot with a thrilling 0.54-second victory over Renton in the final event. (Cole Peloza, Theo Franzen, August Truman, Dominic Melanese, David Ohta, and Nico Balducci)
Thank you to all our swimmers, families, and supporters. Best of luck to our state qualifiers as they prepare for the championship meet this Friday!
The championships are happening at the King County Aquatic Center in Federal Way.
It’s mid-winter break for most, but not all, schools. Families, students, and staff obviously already know, but in case you need to know too for traffic or other reasons, we checked the calendars for the schools we routinely track:
CLOSED ALL WEEK: Seattle Public Schools, Westside School, Explorer West Middle School, Tilden School, Summit Atlas, Vashon Island School District
CLOSED MONDAY-TUESDAY-WEDNESDAY: Hope Lutheran School
CLOSED MONDAY-TUESDAY: All three local Catholic schools (Our Lady of Guadalupe, Holy Rosary, Holy Family)
CLOSED MONDAY: Highline Public Schools, Kennedy Catholic High School
(Unlike many art walks, visual arts were just part of this one)
By Macey Wurm
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
The arts are alive and well at Chief Sealth International High School, showcased through Thursday night’s third annual CSIHS Art Walk. Originally proposed by Sealth’s choir director Katie Lenoue, the Art Walk is intended to cohesively showcase all of the school’s fine arts programs.
The event was open to the public, and began at 6:00 p.m. with a brief introduction, before guests were invited to explore the various rooms. Each room was home to a department – choir, jazz, orchestra, or poetry – which each put on three performance “sessions” throughout the night. Attendees were encouraged to continuously explore various rooms, paying no mind to performance starts, or end times. This created a well-rounded arts experience where attendees could linger as long as they wanted with programs they particularly enjoyed.
The choir department took over room 206, and showcased multiple soloists, a duet, and a quintet over the course of the three performances. Director Lenoue expressed her joy in the group, mentioning that one student had qualified as a state alternate in a recent competition on Jan. 31, and that she and a partner had qualified for state as a duet.
“We’re really proud of those kids, and we thought people would enjoy hearing them,” Lenoue said.
Jazz music filled the Little Theater, three different ensembles, each with at least 5 members, played for the audience in the span of an hour. This was just a snippet of the jazz program at large, which has seen recent growth at Chief Sealth, according to Joey Roberts, the band director. He mentioned that more than 50 students pursued the program this year, causing it to split into two stage bands and three combos. The program will be attending the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival in Idaho again this year, in April.
Unique from the other rooms were the poetry readings held in 209. An ensemble labeled on the directory as “Addison Whited and Friends” overtook the space in what seemed like an organic, mostly unstructured slam poetry session. Students took turns reading famous works and mixed in self-written poems. The poetry branch is largely student run, with some help from Chief Sealth’s English department.
The main auditorium was home to the orchestra, with three consecutive performances by a chamber orchestra and a string quartet. At 7:50, attendees gathered back into the auditorium to observe a brief combined show by the choir, jazz band, and orchestra. The diverse body brought together a piece from “The Prince of Egypt,” followed by a sneak peek into the drama department’s upcoming musical “Little Shop of Horrors.”
Chief Sealth plans to bring its music programs to Disneyland in June, with the help of DSPA Parent Boosters, the booster group for arts at Denny International Middle School and Chief Sealth IHS.
The Art Walk is typically DSPA’s most prominent fundraiser. “Performing arts programs are sorely underfunded, so we just do a lot of work throughout the year to try to raise as much money as we can,” said an officer of the booster group. Fundraising will ensure that all students would be able to go on the California trip. Consistently, funds go toward instruments, sheet music access, and other materials necessary to continue the livelihood of the arts. You can donate online by scrolling down this page to the “Direct Give” links.
12 years ago, we reported after the Seahawks‘ first-ever Super Bowl victory parade that about a quarter of all Seattle Public Schools students were absent that day. (The district had initially cited the same policy as it did for today – no excused absences – but then pulled back a bit and let each principal decide how to handle it.) So, how was attendance today? We asked the district, and received this reply:
As Seattle celebrated the Seahawks’ Super Bowl victory parade today, Seattle Public Schools (SPS) recorded an estimated 12,697 student absences as of the start of the school day today. While student absences were significantly higher than usual, over 38,000 students are estimated to have attended school today for teaching, learning, connection, and to receive the many other services our schools provide. Our initial estimates suggest that student attendance was slightly better than during the 2014 Super Bowl parade.
In addition, there were 663 staff absences (as of 2:30 p.m.), which is several hundred absences higher than normal. Central office staff, including SPS Superintendent Ben Shuldiner, were deployed to schools throughout the district to provide additional support considering the increase in absences.
We’ll ask on follow up if the “slightly better” is a reference to percentage or number; SPS enrollment was 2,000+ more students in 2014 than it is now.
Tomorrow is the second Thursday of the month – always West Seattle Art Walk night! In addition to the dozens of regular venues, tomorrow night brings a special event – an Art Walk at Chief Sealth International High School, showcasing performing arts as well as visual art. Here’s the invitation we received to share with you:
Chief Sealth IHS invites all community members to our annual Art Walk on Thursday, Feb. 12. Doors open at 6:00.
Grab snacks and wander as you enjoy orchestra quartets, jazz ensembles, and choir ensembles performing in different locations. Take in student visual art as you move from room to room.
The evening will culminate in a combined orchestra, band, and choir performance! Free to the public. Donations accepted.
The school is at 2600 SW Thistle. As for the rest of tomorrow night’s venues – see the preview here.
If you’re a Seattle Public Schools student or staffer, and/or have one in your household, you’ve likely already seen this, but for those who have not, here’s the official SPS word on Wednesday:
Seattle is buzzing with excitement as we celebrate the Seattle Seahawks’ Super Bowl victory! Moments like this bring our city together, spark pride across generations, and remind us of the power of shared experiences in our community.
As the city plans celebrations, including a victory parade planned for Wednesday, Feb. 11, at 10 a.m., we want families to know that Seattle Public Schools will remain open with the normal early-release Wednesday schedule.
Keeping schools open is an important part of maintaining stability, safety, and continuity for our students. For many families, schools provide not only learning, but also meals, transportation, specialized services, and trusted routines. Remaining open allows us to support students’ academic progress while ensuring essential services continue for those who rely on them.
Please note:
-Attendance policies will remain in effect, and parade attendance will not be considered an excused absence.
-Families should plan ahead for possible traffic or transit impacts, particularly near the parade route.
-Schools will continue instruction and student services.We encourage families to celebrate this historic moment in ways that work best for your household, while also helping us keep learning strong across the district.
Thank you for your partnership and support as we balance celebration with our shared commitment to students.
Go Hawks!
Fred Podesta
Chief Operations Officer
Seattle Public Schools
(Podesta was interim superintendent until Ben Shuldiner started work last week.) In 2014, according to our archived coverage, then-superintendent José Banda let individual principals decide whether to excuse students – but that was a change of heart after the original announcement that nobody would be excused.
(First and last photos courtesy WSHS Softball)
Hours before the Seahawks took the field in California, members of the West Seattle High School softball team took the field at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex. Their mission this morning: A skills clinic for younger players.
(This photo and next three by WSB’s Torin Record-Sand)
They taught two groups, separated by skill level and experience.
This is not only a mentoring opportunity – it’s a fundraiser; the entry fees go to the WSHS Booster Club to fund team needs that the school budget doesn’t cover.
The clinic has been held since 2021, originally the idea of WSHS player Kamil Ygnacio, now an alum, but her sister Kaila led today’s event with her team co-captain Kenzie (they’re at L and R below with head coach Kyler Tsukada):
The fastpitch varsity team has another fundraiser this week that’s open to all, a dine-out fundraiser Wednesday (February 11), 5-9 pm, at Chipotle in The Junction – the info and ordering code can be found in our calendar listing. The team’s 2026 season starts in March.
When the individual bowlers at the 3A state championships were all finished today, the top score – and the title “champion” – belonged to one of West Seattle High School‘s three bowlers in the tournament, Molly Combs! Her score for six games at Bowlero in Tukwila was 1191. Also bowling for WSHS, Violet Higenberg finished 55th of 102 with 785, Madison Miller finished 63rd with 714.
As reported here previously, the Chief Sealth IHS flag-football team is in the state tournament, with a must-win game against Lynden in Ferndale at 1 pm Saturday (February 7). Checking other sports, we see five local athletes are in the girls-bowling state tournaments too: In the 3A tournament tomorrow (Friday, February 6), West Seattle HS bowlers Molly Combs, Violet Higenberg, and Madison Miller will compete; in the 2A tournament Monday (February 9), Chief Sealth IHS bowlers Elizabeth Andrews and Claire Chao will compete. Both tournaments are at Bowlero in Tukwila.
Friday is sold out but you have two chances Saturday to catch Alki Elementary students performing the rock musical “Olympus”:
A fun kid-friendly upcoming event. Alki Elementary School is performing Olympus: The Greek Rock Musical this weekend. Tickets are $11. Use this link to purchase.
SHOWTIMES:
Friday, Feb 6 at 6:30 pmSaturday, Feb 7 at 1 pm
Saturday, Feb 7 at 6:30 pm
LOCATION:
Schmitz Park Elementary School
5000 SW Spokane
Jessie Kuehm of Emerald City Drama Club is directing
Seattle Public Schools‘ new superintendent Ben Shuldiner is officially on the job after School Board president Gina Topp administered his oath of office this morning at Mercer International Middle School on Beacon Hill.
It preceded a short media briefing, in which he answered questions about safety and spending. Here’s what happened, (added) starting with district video of the event:
District chief of staff Bev Redmond opened with a statement about the “deep loss” of two teens shot to death in South Seattle Friday and led a moment of silence; four schools in South Seattle are on modified schedules today as part of the response. She said police are still actively investigating. A bit later in the event, School Board president Topp echoed the sentiment.
“An important moment for Seattle Public Schools” is how Redmond then described the start of Shuldiner’s tenure as superintendent. Topp said the former Lansing, MI, superintendent would lead the Seattle district in improving “trust” and “outcomes.” She administered the oath of office to him.
He then took the microphone, starting by saying that last night he had visited the neighborhood where the deadly shootings happened. He then said he was asked about his hope for the year, and turned the question to, “what is OUR hope?” He repeated what he’d said during the interview process – he wants SPS to be the best urban public-school district in America. Safety is vital; so is “raising the bar,” because he believes students will rise to what’s expected of them. He did not speak for long, saying that he didn’t believe anyone really wanted “to hear me speak” – that educators, students, and families instead wanted to get on with the work of education. He said “the collective we” is what will “make this district terrific.”
Media Q&A followed. First question: How to make students safe? He said there are a variety of tactics such as cameras, “single point of entry,” but it’s also “about having a relationship with SPD” and family involvement. “We can do some gold-standard things inside the building” but then must work with the community on everything else.
Second question: Do they need community members watching bus stops, police at bus stops, to keep students safe? (Friday’s shootings happened at a bus stop.) Shuldiner said it’s important for everyone to “work together,” and that would lead to change. He said brainstorming with the community would be vital.
Third question was also about the district’s specific plans for helping students deal with the news of Friday’s shootings, and Shuldiner recapped the support the district was offering – bringing in counselors, giving students time to talk about it. Redmond said the district would offer those supports throughout the week.
Fourth question was about Shuldiner’s promises of transparency in communication. He said he would do his best and pointed to a message he had sent to families last night. If the community has a request and it becomes reality, for example, he said they would follow up and offer proof that it had happened (a photo of equipment installation, for example).
Fifth question recounted Shuldiner’s talk about budget review during interviews last year “to make sure everybody’s in the right place.” Will budgetary challenges result in layoffs? He replied, “There is a pot of money that we need to fill, what does that look like?”- they don’t yet know. Maybe positions will be eliminated through attrition (such as retirement), for example. “I don’t think initially you’re going to see any (changes/cuts) large-scale.”
Sixth question was about immigration-enforcement concerns on campuses. Shuldiner replied that the district has worked hard ‘to get information out” to communities. That’s important, but so is “the law … and understanding what we can and cannot do,” he said. “The school building … is probably the safest place for children to be,” not just because of physical security of schools but because there are administrators and (district) lawyers as resources that can be drawn on. “School is the safest place to be.”
Seventh question was about his communication plans. He will write a weekly letter to the community and is reviving a “roundtable” involving students, plus planning to visit schools. He also invited students and others to email him. “My job is to be a superintendent for all the people.”
The event was wrapped at 8:39 am, after a little more than half an hour.
Tomorrow (Monday, February 2) is the first official weekday on the job for Ben Shuldiner, the new Seattle Public Schools superintendent, coming here from Lansing, Michigan. If you’re interested in hearing from him as he gets started, the district plans to livestream a media briefing scheduled to start at 8 am Monday at Mercer Middle School on Beacon Hill. During the briefing, the district preview says:
-School Board President Gina Topp will deliver brief remarks and administer the oath of office to Shuldiner.
-Afterward, Shuldiner will speak about his excitement for rolling up his sleeves and getting to work, spending time in each and every school and their classrooms, and collaborating with communities to build the best schools for all our students.
-Stepping into office in the aftermath of Friday evening’s tragedy in the Rainier Beach neighborhood, Shuldiner will also emphasize his commitment to acting to strengthen student safety and security.
The briefing will be livestreamed via the district’s YouTube channel. (Here’s what Shuldiner told WSB in an interview after the School Board chose him as the lone finalist for the job last fall.)
(Added: Team photo from Friday night, sent by Angela)
ORIGINAL SATURDAY REPORT: Congratulations to the Chief Sealth International High School flag-football team, for earning a trip to the state tournament. Head coach Melvin Estes-Glaspie‘s Seahawks finished third in the district tournament with a 28-14 win this afternoon over, and at, Renton. When the state matchups are set, they’ll be on this page; quarterfinals are at various locations next weekend, with semifinals and championship the following weekend in Federal Way.
SUNDAY UPDATE: The bracket update has the Sealth team playing at Lynden next Saturday, time TBD.
(WSB photos unless otherwise credited)
Thanks to everyone who tipped us (mostly via our text hotline, 206-293-6302) about student walkouts as part of today’s “national shutdown” to protest deadly violence during federal immigration enforcement. We mentioned the walkout plans in our ongoing list of shutdown participation and we sent a photographer out to see if they happened.
They did.
Our first three photos are from Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex, where students from Denny International Middle School and Chief Sealth International High School (across the street) gathered. On Delridge, smaller groups walked out of Louisa Boren STEM K-8 and gathered along the street:
And students from Madison Middle School headed out to California Avenue SW a few blocks east:
Some walked down Admiral to Alki, as shown in this photo sent by a reader:
According to messages sent by school administrators to families, as well as what our photographer saw, school staffers monitored the walkouts but made it clear participation was a “family choice,” saying classes would continue as usual. Meantime, we’re continuing to update our list of shutdown-related closures, donations, and related notes here.
P.S. Thanks to the students who have sent additional photos – we’ll add a few of those later.
ADDED 7:21 PM: Among what we received from students, an organizer of the Denny walkout sent this video explaining the intent:
South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) on Puget Ridge now has another pathway to a full four-year degree, as part of the new agreement between Seattle Colleges and Western Washington University. From the announcement:
Students at Seattle Colleges now have a streamlined and guaranteed route to a bachelor’s degree at Western Washington University through a new transfer pathway partnership announced today by both institutions.
The agreement guarantees admission to Western for Seattle Colleges transfer students who complete a transfer degree, providing a clear and dependable path to continue their education at one of the state’s top public universities.
“This collaboration creates new momentum for student success and takes the guesswork out of transfer” said Seattle Colleges Chancellor Rosie Rimando-Chareunsap (above left, with WWU president Sabah Randhawa). “By simplifying the process, we are ensuring our students have every opportunity to complete their four-year degrees.”
Under the agreement, Seattle Colleges students qualify for guaranteed admission to Western if they:
-Complete either an Associate in Arts – Direct Transfer Agreement (AA-DTA) or Associate in Science – Transfer (AS-T) degree
-Earn a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
-Earn at least a 2.0 GPA in the last quarter before applying for admission and the final quarter before transferringStudents admitted through this program will enter Western as juniors, ready to progress toward a bachelor’s degree.
In addition to general admission, eligible Seattle Colleges students may receive direct admission into nearly 30 academic majors at Western. Some majors may require additional admissions steps or prerequisites.
South Seattle College is one of three schools in the Seattle Colleges system; the other two are part of this too. Find out more via this Seattle Colleges webpage and/or this WWU webpage.
Eight days after rumors of ICE presence led to four Seattle Public Schools campuses (none in West Seattle) going into shelter-in-place mode, the district has a new webpage and policies to address those types of concerns and others surrounding immigration-enforcement operations. They were briefly presented and discussed in the first 50 minutes of tonight’s special meeting of the Seattle School Board (the second part of the meeting, still under way, is a budget update).
First – here’s the slide deck from the presentation/discussion. It includes word of this new page on the district website devoted to the topic. Here are the toplines on dealing with “reports or rumors” of ICE activity near schools:
What if agents actually show up on campus? That was addressed too, with superintendent Fred Podesta noting it’s similar to how they deal with any type of law-enforcement officer turning up:
And finally, a resource page:
District officials say the updated policies and clarifications will be discussed with building leaders this Friday; how they’re rolled out to the rest of school staffs, they said, is up to building leadership. They said the point of the policies is to be simple and easily committed to memory, so no one will have to “run for a three-ring binder” to figure out what action to take.
One of our area’s FIRST Robotics teams has made it into the state championship round! Thanks to Ash for the photo, report, and video:
A LEGO robotics team called Brickrolled, made up of five students in grades 3 through 6 from Westside School, has qualified for the FIRST LEGO League Western Washington State Championship and will be representing West Seattle this Sunday.
At the semifinal tournament held January 25 at Lincoln High School, Brickrolled earned the Championship Award, the top overall award at the event.
The award recognizes teams that perform strongly across robot matches, innovation projects, teamwork, and core values.
The team will compete at the state championship on Sunday, February 1, 2026. The event is open to the public and is one of the highest-level FIRST LEGO League competitions in the region. Winning teams from this tournament go on to represent Washington at the FIRST World Championship in Houston this April.
Event details are below in case you would like to share or attend:
FIRST LEGO League Challenge
Western Washington State Championship
Sunday, February 1, 2026
Amazon Meeting Center
2031 7th Ave, Seattle
Opening ceremony begins at 1:00 PM.
Robot matches and judged presentations followThe event includes autonomous robot matches using LEGO SPIKE Prime, as well as judged sessions covering robot design, innovation projects, and teamwork.
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