West Seattle schools 5359 results

Golf/dine Friday for a cause: 1st Chief Sealth benefit tourney

May 29, 2011 5:14 pm
|    Comments Off on Golf/dine Friday for a cause: 1st Chief Sealth benefit tourney
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Get out and play golf this Friday – and help make sure that hundreds of local students can keep having fun, staying healthy, and representing our area by playing sports. With days to go till next Friday’s first-ever Chief Sealth International High School Athletics-benefiting Golf Tournament, and you can still get a spot – for a full day/night of golfing and dining, including an awards dinner with some hot items on the auction block. Here’s a news release just in with the newest details:

This Friday, June 3, 2011 is the date for the first Chief Sealth Athletics Golf Tournament at Rainier Golf and Country Club. All proceeds will benefit the student-athletes at Chief Sealth International High School. There are still limited spaces available for both individuals and foursomes to participate in the fun and fundraising. Reservations can be purchased here.

Individual participation is $150, while foursomes can still be reserved for $500. The tournament will be a scramble with a shotgun start beginning at 10:00 a.m. The afternoon will conclude with a full dinner and auction featuring exclusive sport memorabilia and unique athletic experiences.

Auction items and prizes include:

• Signed balls from Hall-of-Famers Lenny Wilkens and Warren Moon.
• Autographed balls from Seattle legends Edgar Martinez and Kasey Keller.
• Signed 100th Anniversary University of Washington football and basketball posters.
• Autographed prints featuring Seattle Seahawks Ring of Honor members drawn by acclaimed artist Michael Reagan.
• Oil painting by local artist Sanford Holien featuring Kasey Keller and other Seattle Sounders.
• Box seats to select Seattle Mariners games.
• Rounds of golf at area courses.
• Gift certificates and prizes from local West Seattle establishments including Husky’s Deli, Menashe & Sons, and the Brickyard BBQ.
• A custom-made Musty Putters featuring the Chief Sealth Athletics logo.
• Season tickets to Chief Sealth boys and girls basketball games.
• The opportunity to design and call the first play of a Chief Sealth football game.

Proceeds from the event will help fund a variety of departmental items, including “c-team” participation, transportation, new uniforms, equipment, off-season camps and leagues, and continuing education for coaches.

“I believe that high school sports play a very important part in developing success in the classroom and success in life. Responsibility, teamwork, and perseverance are traits that can serve one for many years to come. I ask you to support those traits and the growth of Chief Sealth athletics by considering participating in this event,” says Athletic Director Sam Reed.

To reserve a spot in the tournament: https://csptsa.ejoinme.org/?tabid=287424
For additional questions, contact Sam Reed, Athletic Director at 206-252-8603

Video: Seattle Lutheran welcomes the champions home

Two years in a row, and it starts to feel like a tradition: A late-night triumphant homecoming for the Seattle Lutheran High School baseball team, hours after winning a state-championship game. After the bus rolled up to the north-of-The-Junction school late Saturday night, it was time to gather in the gym for a prayer of thanks:

As reported here earlier, the Saints beat Warden High School in Yakima, 7-1, for the state 2B championship, which they brought home to West Seattle last year too.

Saints win! Seattle Lutheran repeats as state baseball champions

(Photo added 7:02 pm, courtesy SLHS)
The score’s just in from Yakima, via Twitter: Seattle Lutheran 7, Warden 1, and the Saints win their second consecutive state baseball championship! SLHS jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning and were ahead the rest of the way.

9:59 PM UPDATE: The team is expected to arrive back at the school (on the north side of SW Genesee between 42nd and 41st) between 10:30 and 11, and you’re invited to be there to cheer the champs on arrival.

West Seattle High School Class of 1971 reunion announced

Got the news today from Jim Biava – announcing the West Seattle High School Class of ’71 reunion plan. First, a potluck picnic is set for 3 pm-10 pm August 13th at Lincoln Park Picnic Shelter 5 (north end of the park). Then, the 40th reunion dinner will be on October 1st at Salty’s on Alki. Get in the loop by calling Jim at 206-387-2683 or e-mailing him at jim@jimbiava.com, so you’ll be on the list as further details are finalized.

Seattle Lutheran HS baseball to play for state championship

Saturday afternoon in Yakima, defending state 2B baseball champs Seattle Lutheran High School will play for the title again. In the semifinals tonight, the Saints beat DeSales, 12-7, which means they’ll face the other semifinal winner, Warden, tomorrow at 4 pm. (Last year, SLHS beat Colfax to take the title.)

Packed house for ArtsWest student art show reception/awards

(Photos by Ellen Cedergreen for WSB. This is “Summer,” Best in Show and Gervais Award winner, by Maddy Jones of Seattle Lutheran)
This week, ArtsWest Gallery in The Junction is full of work by local high-school students, and tonight was the reception/awards ceremony for the juried exhibit. Ellen Cedergreen was there for WSB and reports that there were a total of 14 winners in all from our area’s three major high schools: Chief Sealth International, Seattle Lutheran, and West Seattle High.

The show was judged by West Seattle-based artist RobRoy Chalmers. Arts West’s Nichole DeMent told WSB she chose him due to his visibility in so many different avenues in the arts, his potential for good leadership, and because he is “a fantastic artist.” Chalmers and DeMent handed out the monetary awards to the students, with “Best in Show” receiving a special award.

Read More

On the farm: Soccer star, Home Depot volunteers, Concord students

Just over the ridge in South Park, an exciting day at the community food-gardening site known as Marra Farm. First, a soccer star from the Mexican national team – which is in Seattle to play the Ecuador national team on Saturday – stopped by to meet fifth-graders from nearby Concord International School. 44-year-old Luis Roberto Alves, known as Zague, hung out for a while with the students from Linda Martinez and Kate Ayers’ classes. Besides autographing, he also dropped into a pickup game of keep-away:

The students had walked over from Concord to join in on the final part of a work party with about 50 Home Depot employees from around Seattle:

Their volunteer work included donations of strawberry plants and materials for new garden beds; the West Seattle/Fauntleroy YMCA (WSB sponsor) facilitated the project through its programs at Concord (which is considered part of the West Seattle region for Seattle Public Schools), where the Y supports Head-Start preschool, Community Learning Center programs with after-school academic/enrichment classes, and before- and after-school child care.

West Seattle schools: WSHS student accomplishments

Michelle Sloan at West Seattle High School shares news of several students’ accomplishments, starting with the above photo: It’s by Sage Taber, who won an award for it in the district’s annual art competition. It’s on display – as are other student works – at the Seattle Art Museum through June 5th … 20 creations by WSHS students are part of the ArtsWest Student Art Show that opened yesterday; tomorrow night, meet the young artists at a reception and awards ceremony, 6-7:30 pm. The show continues through Saturday … Student artist Jimmy Le will have work published in a student art book as the result of being selected in the Celebratingart.com competition … And last but not least, Michelle reports:

West Seattle High School Marketing students recently competed against each other in a Micro Loan competition. Student Marketing teams used the Kiva.org website to find small business entrepreneurs throughout the world who are in need of small loans to build their businesses. Students presented their entrepreneurs’ business to a panel of judges from the marketing/business industry. Holland America Cruise Line and West Seattle resident Jon Dawson and Marketing Judge Christa Peck contributed over $500 to fund the Micro Loans. After the loans are paid back (most within a year), West Seattle High School students will be able to loan the money out again to other small businesses throughout the world in need that cannot get loans through large banks.

Congratulations to all!

Denny demolition: Schedule outlined; community meeting planned


(CLICK FOR FULL-SIZE VERSION: Top of the rendering is west, left is south, right is north)
That’s the final layout of what will take the place of the current Denny International Middle School buildings at 30th/Thistle/Cloverdale, once they are demolished after the school year ends. BNBuilders, the contractor on the project, has just shared the rendering along with news that’s about to be distributed in the Denny-area neighborhoods, via door-hanger flyers: A community meeting to discuss the demolition/construction plan is scheduled for 6-8 pm June 14th at nearby Southwest Community Center. According to River Steenson from BNBuilders, “The agenda will cover an introduction of the project team and key members from the Seattle Public Schools district, Bassetti Architects, BNBuilders, etc. We’ll describe the project, review the schedule, what neighbors can expect to see over the coming months, answer any questions, etc.”

As for that demolition schedule – we’re told the contractor will take over the site on Monday, June 27th, days after school ends. After abatement work – removal of asbestos, doors, windows, etc. – actual teardown is likely to start in mid-July. Denny’s summer operations will be in the new adjacent-to-Chief-Sealth building (Denny’s new official address will be 2601 SW Kenyon). As noted here earlier this week, a June 11th farewell-to-the-old-building event is in the works.

West Seattle High School alumni: After-party invitation!

May 25, 2011 4:41 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle High School alumni: After-party invitation!
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Just nine days till the West Seattle High School all-school reunion on June 3rd, announced a month ago, PLUS the annual after-party – Terese Machmiller wants to get the word out, particularly to prospective performers:

It’s that time of year again – the first Friday in June WSHS all-school reunion at the school starting around 5 pm and the fourth annual afterparty at The Bridge, starting after 8 pm.

In addition to live music brought to you by the Tim Turner Band following the all-school reunion, Tim once again invites fellow alumni performers to come share the stage at The Bridge at 4439 35th Ave SW (formerly Redline Music and Sports/Legends). As always, dedicated musicians will be on hand to back up other musicians – and as well, standup comedians, acoustics and other performers are encouraged.

In years’ past, WSHS alumni classes spanning about 50 years fill the house, with fellow classmates and even current WSHS faculty/musicians taking their turns on the stage. Tim keeps things hopping as a dynamic host and entertainer. This year, the space is newly renovated, the outdoor patio extended and polished up and the menu expanded. Come check it out, support our alumni musicians and a new Westside business, and kick up your heels to some rockin’ tunes!

PERFORMERS: Please contact Tim @ cell 206.271.5384 ASAP and no later than Tuesday 5/31 to reserve your performance slot, let him know what you have in mind to contribute and what you want by way of jam partners so Tim can get you covered.

Questions? You can reach Terese at 206-890-2277.

Video: Seattle Public Schools’ new leader in High Point

May 24, 2011 9:02 am
|    Comments Off on Video: Seattle Public Schools’ new leader in High Point
 |   High Point | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Top Seattle Public Schools leaders including interim superintendent Dr. Susan Enfield and school board president Steve Sundquist led a forum last night at Neighborhood Center in High Point. It was not an official district event, but was co-sponsored by private organizations Neighborhood House and the Alliance for Education. Though an invitation was extended to anyone in West Seattle with public-school questions and concerns, the bulk of the discussion involved issues unique to High Point, including transportation to Denny International Middle School, whose principal Jeff Clark was also among those on hand. Though Denny students in HP are technically inside the walk zone, it was noted that they will be provided with transit passes. We recorded the nearly-two-hour meeting, which included translation for Somali community members, in its entirety from the point where Dr. Enfield began speaking (first hour atop the story, second hour below):

Our video was recorded by WSB co-publisher Patrick Sand, who estimates the attendance at about 50. The translator was Aynna Aden.

West Seattle Crime Watch: Witness helps solve burglary

(Photo shared by Michael, added Tuesday morning)
Couple messages came in earlier tonight about police activity at Delridge and Holden. Here’s what it was about, according to Lt. Ron Smith of the (not far from the scene) Southwest Precinct: About quarter till six, a call of “burglary in progress” in the 2400 block of SW Holden brought police to the scene. A witness said he had seen two “male juveniles” go into a home, steal items, and walk/run away.

Description/”direction of travel” information that the witness gave, quickly distributed among police, was good enough that officers found the suspects several blocks away; they fled into a residence and then, Lt. Smith continues, “The 2 suspects fled out a window at the rear of the house and were apprehended on a steep uphill embankment where they tried to conceal the stolen goods in the blackberry brush. Officers processed the scene and the recovered property was placed into evidence. Both suspects were positively identified and placed into the Youth Services Center for burglary. One suspect was also booked for a warrant. Thank you, West Seattleites, for taking good care of your neighborhoods!”

(P.S. Interested in burglary prevention? This meeting/field trip tomorrow night is for you.)

ADDED 10:23 PM: Since publishing this, we’ve received a note from the witness, Phillip, telling his story:

I actually heard them busting through my neighbor’s house and then saw them leaping over the fence, so I jumped up and ran out my door chasing after them down the street – I called out to my neighbor to call 911, and kept chasing them all the way down Holden (barefoot, mind you.. I didn’t even realize I forgot my shoes) where I saw them go running into a house. I managed to cut up my foot a bit chasing after them, but didn’t even realize until I got in my house and saw I was tracking blood around. I just did what any good neighbor would – looking out for them. :)

The credit really should go to the WSPD for their incredibly fast response.. it was only about 2 minutes from when I lost sight of them to when the first cruiser rolled up, and they’d apprehended them moments afterward.

ADDED TUESDAY MORNING: SPD Blotter featured this case early today. Only added detail is that the suspects are 16 and 17. Also, Michael shared a photo he took during the big police response, and we’ve added it atop the story.

West Seattle volunteers help provide safety net for budget-slashed Salmon in the Classroom

(Sanislo Elementary salmon-releasing visit** to Fauntleroy Creek last week; photo by Lisa Keith)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

This week, Fauntleroy residents Judy Pickens and Phil Sweetland will finish a busy schedule of assisting hundreds of local schoolchildren with salmon releases into Fauntleroy Creek, which runs steps away from their home.

But there’s no time to rest, if they are going to be back at creekside, doing it again next year.

One day before their schedule of salmon releases ends, the gavel is scheduled to fall on the special session of the State Legislature. And with that gavel, it will be official: No state money for the program that has facilitated the releases over the years, Salmon in the Classroom.

Read More

3 dates set for Denny International Middle School transition events

In our coverage of the recent joint Chief Sealth International High School-Denny International Middle School PTSA briefing, we mentioned a big event announced that night by Denny principal Jeff Clark – a June 11th event to say goodbye to the half-century old school that is soon to be demolished. Today, we have more information about that event, and a couple other dates you can mark on the calendar: First, the June 11th event, for anyone interested to take “one last look” at the old Denny, will start with “walking the halls” at 10 am – then 10:30-noon, a program in the cafeteria. (This is on a Saturday, so classes will not be in session.) Dates also have been set for the new Denny’s ribbon-cutting ceremony, 1 pm Tuesday, September 6th, the day before the new school year starts, and an “all-community celebration” at 10 am Saturday, September 24th.

As for exactly when the old Denny building is to be demolished, making way for new sports facilities – a softball field and tennis courts – replacing the ones lost in the construction of the new school on the Sealth campus, we have that question out to the district, which expects to be able to share the information later this week. The demolition permit has not yet been granted, but it’s close, as the city website lists its status as “reviews completed.” The land-use permit for the project was granted in March.

West Seattle schools: 2 Chief Sealth notes, including new website

May 22, 2011 6:09 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle schools: 2 Chief Sealth notes, including new website
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle online | West Seattle schools

NEW PLACE TO FIND CHIEF SEALTH INTERNATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL ONLINE: Seattle Public Schools has been revamping its web presence, not just for the district’s own website, but also for individual schools. The latest West Seattle school to get a new site – and new URL – is Chief Sealth, at chiefsealthhs.seattleschools.org. According to the announcement, CSIHS families should know “the new site has new capabilities for connecting with your students’ classes and teachers,” though they won’t be fully functional till fall (they’re explained here). Meantime, one event you’ll find listed on the new site is coming up Wednesday:

5:30-7 pm on Wednesday (May 25), student art will be on display, with some on sale too. Then at 7 pm, Sealth 9th graders will perform original poetry, written in the Book-It Repertory Theater “page to stage” style.

Video: Holy Rosary community’s gift to Holy Family

May 20, 2011 10:06 pm
|    Comments Off on Video: Holy Rosary community’s gift to Holy Family
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Last month, at the annual auction for West Seattle’s Holy Rosary Catholic School, attendees not only raised money for their own school’s needs, they also reached deep down to lend a hand to White Center’s Holy Family School – as reported here the next day, courtesy of journalist Gregg Hersholt, who emceed the HR auction that night. Now, a followup: Last night, Holy Family’s principal Frank Cantwell was invited to the Holy Rosary Parents Club‘s meeting for a check presentation. And as you can see in our clip above, it turned out to be not just the $20,000 announced the night of the auction – but a total of $25,000.

The Parents’ Club event also provided an introduction to Holy Rosary’s new principal, Michael Cantu, who is coming here from St. Francis School in Sherwood, Oregon. Current principal Dr. Randal Peters explains to WSB:

I’m leaving at the end of the school year to become a professor in the School of Education at my alma mater, Drake University, in Des Moines, Iowa. It’s been an extremely difficult decision to leave Holy Rosary and West Seattle, as I’ve really come to love both the school and community, but my wife and I have aging parents and large, extended families in the Midwest and moving back seemed to be the right thing to do at this point in our lives.

Two days till West Seattle 5K: Last-minute details

It’ll be a sea of orange along Alki on Sunday morning – at left, it’s this year’s official T-shirt for the West Seattle 5K, organized by and benefiting the West Seattle High School PTSA, coming up Sunday morning. Denise Lathrop e-mailed to remind you that, “You can still register for the 5K and pick up your bib, shirt and timing chip in person on Saturday [tomorrow] between 1 PM and 4 PM at West Seattle Runner, 3727 California Ave SW, Suite 2A (map). Packet pick-up and registration is also available on the day of the event, starting at 8:00 AM.” You’ll find that registration form here. Questions? E-mail Denise at delathrop@comcast.net or Andy at pandrewnorton@comcast.net. (And yet another reminder – the race closes Alki Avenue from 63rd SW to Don Armeni from 9-11 am Sunday, and then it’s closed only from 56th SW to 63rd SW, a change from past years, 11 am-5 pm for the Seattle Summer Streets party.)

Followup: Next steps in Arbor Heights Elementary principal change

Arbor Heights Elementary‘s principal Dr. Carol Coram is leaving to become assistant principal at Denny International Middle School, as reported here Thursday afternoon, after her letter to the school community was circulated. Thursday night, her departure was discussed at the Arbor Heights PTSA meeting, along with what happens next; Katie Meyer was there for WSB:

She reports that Dr. Coram received a bouquet after PTSA president John Christensen read a statement thanking her for “10-plus incredible years as our principal.” (He tells WSB there will be a more-official farewell/thank-you event toward the end of the school year.) Later in the meeting, the Seattle Public Schools official who manages West Seattle schools, Aurora Lora, talked to the PTSA about the “open hiring process” for new principals. She says the pool of candidate includes some “already in the district, some outside the district who’ve been principals in other districts and are hoping to move to Seattle.” Lora said they hope to make the hire before this school year ends, and laid out a timetable including a “paper screening” of applications next Monday, resulting in a list of five or six people to come to AH to meet the Interview Team. They’ll be called May 24th and invited for interviews the following week with a team including four parents and four staff members. That will winnow the field to three finalists, who will meet with interim Superintendent Dr. Susan Enfield as well as Lora.

Another student in SIFF spotlight: Lafayette Elementary’s Luca Rose

That’s “Our Grass Is Always Greener,” a film by Lafayette Elementary fifth-grader Luca Rose, one of three youth-category wnners in the SIFF (Seattle International Film Festival) Three-Minute Masterpiece competition. The grand-prize award will be presented at 10 am this Saturday (May 21st) at Seattle Center, during a special screening event (call 206-324-9996 for free tickets). Luca’s dad Tim Rose wrote the song; the cast includes three of Luca’s classmates – Olivia D’Amico, Johnny McConaghy, and Kenny Arnold. (Want to know more about the competition? Here you go.)

West Seattle schools: New job for Arbor Heights principal

Arbor Heights Elementary‘s principal Dr. Carol Coram is leaving her job at the end of the school year, according to a letter she has sent to members of the school community. Dr. Coram cites health reasons as deciding to take a different job, that of assistant principal at Denny International Middle School. No word on her replacement at AH. Read on for full text of her message (thanks to those who tipped us on this):Read More

Next local ‘Race to Nowhere’ screening set, 1 week from tonight

If you missed it at the Admiral Theater two months ago – or if you want to see it again – here’s your next chance to see the education-system documentary “Race to Nowhere“: The Arbor Heights Elementary PTSA is sponsoring a screening one week from tonight at the Chief Sealth International High School auditorium Little Theater. AHPTSA is inviting the entire community to come watch the film and discuss the issues it raises. Ticket details are here and organizers are offering a $5 faculty/student ticket with valid ID. AHPTSA coordinator Elise Olson explains, “The film is 85 minutes and we’ll be having a post-film discussion: How can we best prepare our youth to become healthy, bright, and contributing citizens? How do we define achievement? How can we make choices that support the healthy development of young people? How can we end the race to nowhere? We are hoping to get as many West Seattle families, students and educators there as possible to join in this important community discussion.” 6 pm Wednesday, May 25th, 2600 SW Thistle.

Lafayette Elementary playground construction this summer

When West Seattle’s most populous elementary school begins the 2011-2012 year, the projected 550+ students will have an upgraded playground. Tonight the Lafayette Elementary Playground Committee laid out the plan for how the project will unfold this summer: After the last day of school on June 22nd, fences will go up around the construction site on the playground. Then the first of two volunteer work parties is planned, June 25-26, to remove the existing playground bark (which will be saved for future use). Sometime after the 4th of July, a Seattle Public Schools crew will go in and tear out what’s there now, and prep the area for construction – the job hasn’t gone out to bid yet, so that part of the schedule isn’t finalized. Once that phase of the work is done, the “big toy” (above) that was chosen in a vote involving the entire school community (including the students) will be built on August 27-28.

The Playground Committee needs volunteer help for both those work parties – if you have a student at Lafayette, look for the brightly colored flyer with a form you can return to the project’s mail slot at the school office. Or, anyone and everyone interested in volunteering is welcome to e-mail Holly at rhgrambihler@msn.com.

Student filmmakers showcased tonight at pre-SIFF event

That’s “Technicolor Love” by Rachel Townsend, one of three local student filmmakers whose work is being showcased in relation to the Seattle International Film Festival. The festival officially opens Thursday, but there is a special event at SIFF Cinema downtown tonight, as part of Adobe Youth Voices. The free screening at 6 pm will include another of the showcased films, Brooke Sarver‘s “Love Stems” – like Rachel’s film, a stop-animation short about love lost and found:

Rachel and Brooke are both Chief Sealth International High School students. And the collection of youth works that SIFF is showcasing as part of the project also includes a short directed by students from West Seattle Elementary, “Our Hijabs”:

The public is welcome at the free event tonight, 6 pm, SIFF Cinema at 321 Mercer downtown. You can see some of the youth shorts paired with official SIFF showings at venues including West Seattle’s Admiral Theater – the festival formally opens Thursday and you can see the schedule here.