West Seattle, Washington
03 Sunday
Another school fundraiser is welcoming wider community participation this week. Here’s the announcement we were asked to share with you:
The annual Move-a-Thon at Louisa Boren STEM K-8 is happening THIS WEEK May 9 & 10! We invite the community to support our STEM students by making donations to a specific grade on the move-a-thon page (under “classes”) or through our general donation page.
All STEM students get to participate in the Move-a-Thon during their regular PE class. Activity stations such as four-square, volleyball or dance party will be set up in the gym, and students will rotate through the stations during PE class.
The Move-a-Thon is a fundraiser that helps pay for library books, school and classroom supplies, staff appreciation, and much more to support our school.
Many months into Seattle Public Schools‘ march toward seemingly inevitable school closures/consolidations to close a budget hole, a few things were clarified at tonight’s School Board meeting. For one, they’re only talking about elementary schools, so the plan that Superintendent Dr. Brent Jones is working on might be more accurately titled “A System of Well-Resourced Elementary Schools.” For two, while they insist there’s no specific list yet, the likelihood is that about 20 of the district’s 70 elementaries will be proposed for closure/consolidation:
But the district’s chief operating officer Fred Podesta insisted, “We weren’t looking for 20 schools to close, we’re looking for 50 schools to keep open.” They also outlined how a “well-resourced school” would be staffed – about 500 students, with full-time art, music, and PE teachers (though not full-time nurses):
The well-resourced schools plan – minus a specific list of schools – was discussed with board members after they moved down to tables with district managers; they voted unanimously at the meeting’s end to accept the plan outline, which was not, it was stressed, an “approval.” First, lots of questions; West Seattle/South Park board director Gina Topp, for example, asked Dr. Jones how he came to decide that closures/consolidations was the way to go. “A smaller footprint is going to allow us to do more things,” he replied. Other board directors asked hypotheticals regarding criteria for choosing which schools would be proposed for changes; the replies seemed to indicate that enrollment size will be the major driver.
Wondering about local elementaries’ sizes? West Seattle/South Park has 11 SPS elementaries – we’ve listed them with the enrollment projections for next year as noted in this budgeting document:
Alki (currently at the former Schmitz Park Elementary building, awaiting its appeal-delayed rebuild/expansion) – 267
Arbor Heights (rebuilt and expanded in the past decade) – 450
Concord International – 264
Fairmount Park (closed in the ’00s, reopened and expanded in the ’10s) – 366
Gatewood – 402
Genesee Hill (rebuilt and expanded in the past decade) – 439
Highland Park – 238
Lafayette – 494
Roxhill at EC Hughes (renovated six years ago) – 240
Sanislo – 164
West Seattle (recently expanded) – 330
So what’s next? Meetings:
We’ll publish the list of community meeting dates and places as soon as it’s made public. Meantime, Dr. Jones spoke repeatedly of bringing a detailed closure/consolidation proposal to the board “sometime next month,” no specific date yet. See tonight’s slide deck in full here. Again, this would be a plan to start in the 2025-2026 school year, NOT next school year.
(WSB photos)
One of the three local high-school teams that played Metro League postseason ballgames this afternoon and evening is still standing: The West Seattle High School softball team. Our photos are from the first of the two games they played today at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex, an 11-1 win over Eastside Catholic. Above, Julia Herron at the plate – she hit a triple today. Below, Tangerine Zurek threw a complete game, giving up only five hits and one run.
A few hours later, the Wildcats lost to Roosevelt, 14-0. WSHS’s next game is at 3:30 pm Friday vs. the loser of tonight’s Blanchet-Prep game.
Also in softball today, Chief Sealth International High School lost a must-win game vs. Holy Names at NCSWAC this afternoon, 15-0.
Chief Sealth’s baseball team also came to the end of its road at the Metro tournament today, losing to Blanchet 2-0 at Steve Cox Memorial Park in White Center.
Ford Rains pitched the complete game, giving up 2 runs on only 1 hits and 1 walk. The Seahawks almost rallied in the final inning – Mason Filitaula drew a leadoff walk, stole second, and made it to third.
But a double play ended the game.
P.S. The WSHS baseball team is off until Saturday, when it plays Ballard for the Metro championship, also at Steve Cox (1321 SW 102nd), at 7 pm.
Here’s your chance to see the Seattle Symphony without leaving West Seattle and without buying tickets – plus, talented student musicians too. We received the announcement today:
On Tuesday, May 14, the Seattle Symphony returns to West Seattle and shares the stage with the Chief Sealth International High School Chamber Orchestra for a FREE 60-minute Community Concert featuring works by an array of composers, from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart to Elisa Kain Johnson, a recent alum of the Symphony’s Merriman-Ross Family Young Composers Workshop!
Admission free, but RSVP recommended – go here. Chief Sealth IHS is at 2600 SW Thistle; the auditorium is on the west side of the campus.
(WSB photo, January. Above, Consul General Zhang Jianmin and wife Zheng Xin with WSHS Chinese teacher Ying Yu)
When China’s Consul General visited West Seattle High School in January (WSB coverage here), the school’s Chinese teacher Ying Yu beamed with pride as her students presented a program showcasing what they’d learned about the language and culture. Now, less than four months later, students have launched a petition campaign to keep her at the school, after a reported plan to transfer her elsewhere. We received this email asking that we publish the link:
Dear West Seattle Residents,
On Friday afternoon, Ms. Yu was notified that district HR made the decision to displace her. SPS plans to replace her with another teacher. She was devastated by the decision that was made without consulting her, or WSHS students, parents, or admin. This statement was arranged by her students who are trying to get the word out to keep our teacher here at WSHS. She is a vital part of the community and structure of WSHS. Please fill out the electronic petition to let the district know that the community supports her and wants to keep her here.
Thank you so much!
-WSHS Chinese program
In addition, nine of the speakers on the 20-spot speaking list for tomorrow night’s Seattle School Board meeting are slated to speak about the issue; one of the listed speakers is the teacher herself. The public-comment section of Wednesday’s meeting (here’s the agenda) starts at 4:30 pm.
(WSB photos)
#42 Sabin Tomlinson jumped exuberantly as he finished rounding the bases following a two-run sixth-inning homer that helped power the West Seattle HS Wildcats to a 4-0 Metro League Tournament semifinal win tonight.
The win over Seattle Prep at Steve Cox Memorial Park in White Center sends WSHS not only to the Metro championship game but also to the state tournament. #17 Matthew Henning got the complete-game shutout win, yielding only five hits and two walks while amassing four strikeouts.
The Wildcats’ two other RBIs tonight were by #2 Bobby Trigg and #5 Matthew Hazlegrove. WSHS, under head coach Dylan Mclauchlin, will play the championship game, also at Steve Cox, at 7 pm Saturday (May 11), versus the winner of the other semifinal game – under way right now – between Eastside Catholic and Ballard.
(Photos courtesy Junction FC)
Less than two weeks now until West Seattle’s new pre-pro soccer club, Junction FC, takes the field for their season-opening match on Sunday, May 19. On Sunday, hundreds of fans got a preview during a preseason match with Cultures United FC at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex. But the organization is still trying to get approval from Seattle Public Schools, which owns the venue, for access to operationally vital field resources. Junction FC executive director Jessica Pierce shares this report on the game and the challenges:
It was an exciting 4-0 victory for West Seattle Junction FC vs Cultures United Sunday in their first friendly match of the 2024 season at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex! With goals by Joel Demian, Will Maschmedt, Reed Henley, and Mani Diop.
The team showcased exceptional skill and determination on the field, making for an outstanding first performance after only four days of training together. The fan base was also strong despite the Sounders afternoon match and cold stormy weather.
The Club welcomed approximately 300 guests to the stadium who enjoyed tres leche cake, spicy duros, and Mexican-inspired coffee while cheering on the Junction FC to their win.
However, amidst this triumph, Junction FC continues to face challenges with Seattle Public Schools and equitable access to existing field resources despite paying the hefty rental fees and 10% of ticket revenue for their permit. Junction FC reports ongoing struggles with SPS, who are currently denying essential resources like the Nino Cantu scoreboard, existing WiFi, essential PA systems, and space in the empty home team booth to monitor the game properly.
Junction FC, in collaboration with West Seattle Booster Club, will be running concessions to benefit the West Seattle High School Athletic program; both rely on WiFi to run point of sale terminals and cameras for their (7) home matches. A majority of the concessions profit is donated to the Booster Club to run their 2025 athletic programs, which SPS gives minimal funding to. The scoreboard and PA system are obvious essentials for the general fanbase as well as those with visual or hearing impairments. SPS cites Master Use Permits from 2002 and a 1999 Superintendent decision which notes that a PA system will be installed and used up to 10 times per year for football. The language does not limit the use to 10; it notes how often it will be used. The decision goes on to say that the Parks Department may also use the PA system for weekend tournament play to allow more intensive use throughout the year. This Master Use Permit was superseded by the 2011 MUP (3011407-EX) which approved the relocation of Denny Middle School from the athletic complex property to its current location behind Chief Sealth; this action expanded the public space and the sports complex. All conditions were removed and no limitations exist on public record.
The issues of WiFi and scoreboard access come without consistent reasoning. Junction FC has requested time for public testimony at this Wednesday night’s School Board Meeting and will open this issue up to a greater audience. The Club has workarounds in place to get through the season, but is frustrated by the necessity for replacement resources when adequate facilities are already in place for the benefit of the community, its taxpayers. Stay tuned for updates.
We’ll be asking SPS for comment on this tomorrow.
Local high-school baseball and softball teams play postseason games this week:
BASEBALL: Postseason play is already under way. West Seattle HS (16-5) plays Seattle Prep at 4 pm tomorrow (Monday), Steve Cox Memorial Park in White Center (1321 SW 102nd), after a 2-1 postseason win over Lincoln on Saturday … Chief Sealth IHS (12-12) plays Bishop Blanchet at 4 pm Wednesday, also at Steve Cox Memorial Park, after a 7-0 postseason win over Roosevelt on Friday.
SOFTBALL: The first postseason games are this week – CSIHS (6-12) plays Rainier Beach at 4 pm Tuesday, WSHS (9-8) plays Eastside Catholic at 1:30 pm Wednesday, both at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle).
Got a Chief Sealth International High School senior in your household? The CSIHS PTSA can help with scholarship money! This week, they announced they “will award a $1,000 scholarship each to up to five graduating seniors planning to attend a College, University, or Technical or Vocational Program.” May 24 is the deadline to apply. Get more info – and the application form – by going here.
Still planning your garden and/or containers for the heart of the growing/blooming season? Friends of Roxhill Elementary has a fundraiser going right now:
Spring is here! We are partnering again with Flower Power Fundraising to sell flower bulbs, kitchen garden herbs, sprouts, seeds, and more to bring some joy to your home garden or window sill this spring and raise money for our school.
Check out our fundraising website:
http://friendsofroxhill.fpfundraising.comShare the link with your friends, neighbors, co-workers and relatives across the country. They have a variety of plants for every climate.
Friends of Roxhill Elementary receives 50% of the profits from every order. Orders are shipped directly to the person placing the order (there is a $6.99 shipping fee).
Order deadline is May 15, 2024. Thank you for supporting Roxhill Elementary!
Again this year, Gatewood Elementary is planning a community event, and welcoming teenage and tween-age volunteers to help make it happen. Here’s the announcement we were asked to share with you:
Volunteer opportunity for Seattle Public School middle and high school students to earn service hours:
Gatewood Elementary is hosting the 2nd Annual Gatewood Gator Fair on Saturday, June 1st, 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., and is looking for volunteers to set-up and break down the event, run carnival games, help out at booths, etc.
The event is rain or shine and the community is invited.
Volunteer shifts are: 9:30 – 11:30 a.m., 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., 1- 3:30 p.m.
Sign up at signupgenius.com/go/10C0B48A8A629A1F4C34-48659222-gator#
Questions? GatewoodGatorFair@gmail.com
School address: 4320 SW Myrtle Street. Parking in the neighborhoodPublic transportation: Rapid Ride C line stop is Fauntleroy Way SW and SW Myrtle St.
Before we get to what’s happening today, an announcement for your weekend planning, from Chief Sealth Drama Company and BAYFEST Youth Theatre:
Following the wonderfully successful reinstatement of the drama program at Chief Sealth International High School last year with our productions of “She Kills Monsters” and this fall’s “Scenes About Teens: A Musical Extravaganza!” produced with the help of over 75 students, staff members, and Sealth alums, we are presenting a full production of Shakespeare’s beautiful and funny A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Directed by local director and BAYFEST teaching artist Keni Cohen, who taught and directed for many years with Seattle Children’s Theatre, the production promises to be full of love-gone-wrong-and-back-to-right, magic, fairies and lots of laughs. It is a truly timeless play that all ages will enjoy.
20 cast members, supported by 35+ student costume designers, musicians, set builders and technicians, parent volunteers and an amazing crew of Chief Sealth High School alums, have been working diligently since January to put the production together. Performances will be held in the large Chief Sealth Theater, with wonderful acoustics, comfortable seating, and is physically accessible.
This show is appropriate for all ages, and we encourage the community to experience the amazing work of our students and staff, and come out to support the drama program at Chief Sealth as we continue to build this exciting program.
Public show times are:
Friday, May 3 at 7:30 pm; Saturday, May 4 at 2pm and 7pm; Sunday, May 5 at 2PM
Chief Sealth International High School
2600 SW Thistle St.pre-purchase (online) individual tickets prices:
Students – $7.00
Adults – $12.00at the door:
Students – $9.00
Adults – $14.00FOR TICKETS: https://bayfestsealththeatrecompany.ludus.com
(The art featured in the announcement is by CSIHS student Evan Dortero.)
It’s a fusion of art, chemistry, and community support! Chief Sealth International High School teacher Carolyn Autenrieth explains:
I teach Ceramics at Chief Sealth International High School, and we are gearing up for our RAKU clay event again in June! As with many of our HS Art programs, funds are usually tight, and to do this event with the wonderful folks of Seattle Pottery Supply, we have to raise an additional amount to cover expenses and clay: $750
This is our 4th time providing a wonderful experience for our students to witness art and chemistry come together in real time! We are lucky to have Eric from Seattle Pottery, who does a great job with the equipment, also engaging the students actively in the process.
Please consider donating through this link to support our event. Thank you so much.
With less than eight weeks to go in the school year, students are looking ahead to next year while working toward the end of this one. That’s why one club at West Seattle High School is hoping for community support. The announcement and photo we were asked to share were sent by Kamil:
Hello! We are West Seattle High School’s Intersectional Feminist Club! We are a group of around 45 students dedicated to creating a safe and welcoming community in WSHS. We are committed to learning from each other and our community while honoring our individual identities through a feminist lens. Our overall goal is to empower our members and build a stronger community in WS rooted in feminism. We hold weekly meetings for all interested students. Within the past school year, we have held meetings about the history of feminism, analyzing the Barbie movie, Hour of Code, hosting book clubs, holiday cookie decorating, and more! We are most proud of our self-hosted, free Self-Defense class and our Menstrual Product Drive (2,092 products collected!), all proceeds to SODO Mary’s Place.
As we are nearing the end of the school year, we are seeking donations to operate our free self-defense class for WSHS students, help buy graduation cords to recognize our hardworking seniors, and for the upcoming school year’s activities. Any amount is greatly appreciated! Thank you for supporting WSHS’s IFC!
Donate at: schoolpay.com/pay/for/WSHS-Intersectional-Feminist-Club–Fundr/Sbk0bX4
(WSB photos)
Continuing with today’s recycling theme – a different take on recycle/reuse, the classic rummage/yard/garage sale. The PTA/PTSAs of Highland Park Elementary and Pathfinder K-8 are teaming up on this “give and take” sale today – taking donations, with the motto “Give what you can, take what you need.”
Among those making this happen at the HPE campus (1012 SW Trenton) are Gretchen, Haley, Sher, and Ellen:
The sale’s on until 3 pm!
(Photos courtesy South Seattle College)
It’s Earth Week and South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) used the occasion to show off the solar array installed a few months ago atop Cascade Hall on the north end of campus as part of the larger Seattle Colleges systemwide campaign to decarbonize. It’s an 82-kilowatt array, successor to the building’s original 7-kilowatt array, supported with state financing that will be paid back over 15 years by energy savings. SSC’s Steve Abercrombie led a tour of the installation atop the roof:
But first, those gathered heard from not only Abercrombie but also reps from partner McKinstry – which is helping with a variety of energy-efficiency campus upgrades – and from Seattle City Light, which supported the Seattle Colleges installations with $425,000 in renewable-energy credits:
The array is not only generating power, but it and the arrays at the other Seattle Colleges campuses are also integrated into the curriculum, including sustainable building.
Abercrombie says, “Students get tours of the arrays to understand the mechanics of the siting, installation, and considerations for solar. They then engage in projects related to solar feasibility, planning, and renewable energy financing through several of our classes.” They also use the real-time data to learn about performance evaluation and, ultimately, workforce opportunities. He says those “include identifying and practicing 21st century skills like troubleshooting and communication that are the heart of careers like energy analysis and commissioning.”
Your bids are welcome right now in the 11th annual auction to benefit two local nonprofit bilingual preschools on Delridge, Southwest Early Learning and the Refugee and Immigrant Family Center. Here’s the announcement we were asked to share:
For the past 15 years, RIFC & SWEL Bilingual Preschools have provided high-quality, culturally enriching preschools, serving families in and around our West Seattle community. Many of the children we serve come from lower-income families that do not have the resources to go on field trips, learn a second language, or explore their interests. The money we raise through this Silent Auction will significantly benefit the children, providing enriching learning.
Our auction this year is virtual and will run until Friday, April 26th. We have many great items like self-care kits, homemade food, museum passes, and gift cards to many local shops and restaurants. All the proceeds from this auction go right back into our classroom to support our two non-profit preschools. We will coordinate pick up with the winner of our items at the end of the auction.
To browse and bid, go here!
11:08 AM: That was the scene a short time ago outside the north side of West Seattle High School as more than 50 students gathered for what social-media announcements declared as a statewide student walkout supporting Palestinians affected by the Hamas-Israel war, now in its seventh month. They headed out to California SW shortly thereafter, walking south. We have not heard of any other schools in West Seattle participating.
11:32 AM: Walking off campus, the group crossed California and passed the McDonald’s across the street, chanting an accusation that the company supports genocide, a disputed allegation that has circulated on social media. (Video added above.) Our photographer has moved on but we just heard an FYI on police radio that the group is continuing southbound toward The Junction.
(Photos courtesy CSIHS Athletics)
Tonight is Senior Night for Chief Sealth International High School‘s baseball team, playing Cleveland at 7 pm at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle). The players in the photo above are seniors Noah Tewolde, Gavin Brown, and Isaac Martinez, and as CSIHS athletic director Ernest Policarpio recounts below, the team scored this year’s “Best in the West” crosstown-rivalry win over West Seattle High School on Friday night:
Both teams were strong on the mound on Friday, but Chief Sealth defeated West Seattle Varsity Wildcats 2-1.
Isaac Martinez started on the bump for Chief Sealth. The starting pitcher gave up four hits and one run over five innings, striking out six and walking five. Nevin Pivar threw two innings of no-run ball for Chief Sealth in reliefl he gave up three hits, walking two.
Miles Chandler led things off on the hill for West Seattle, He gave up four hits and two runs over six innings, striking out 10 and walking three.
Chief Sealth got on the board in the first inning after Teo Perala singled, scoring one run. Clay Pecore singled, which helped West Seattle tie the game at one in the top of the second.
Chief Sealth didn’t take the lead until later in the game. The game was tied at one in the bottom of the sixth when Miles Chandler induced Marko Woefle to hit into a fielder’s choice, but one run scored.
Teo Perala and Marko Woefle each drove in one run for Chief Sealth; Brady Murphy went 2-for-2 at the plate to lead Chief Sealth.
West Seattle’s Matthew Hazlegrove made the most of his chances at the plate; he led the team with three hits in four at bats. Clay Pecore went 2-for-3 at the plate as the infielder led the team with one run batted in.
Four weeks from today, you can start your Sunday with a scenic run/walk along Alki during this year’s West Seattle 5K run/walk on Alki, May 19. This will be the 15th anniversary of the first West Seattle 5K, in 2009. If you’re not registered for this year yet, today’s a great day to do it – here’s where to go. The West Seattle 5K is coordinated by the West Seattle High School PTSA, and funds a variety of programs. If you can’t get out on the course on May 19, you can still donate. Find out how and see the race-day schedule on the registration page. (WSB is the WS5K media sponsor again this year.)
As school fun(draising) season continue, tomorrow’s your last chance to get a ticket to Prom Through the Ages, an April 27 celebration benefiting cooperative elementary The Bridge School! Here’s the announcement we were asked to share with you:
Step back in time and dance through the decades with us at The Bridge School Auction: Prom Through the Ages!
Grab your tickets now for an unforgettable evening of nostalgia, fun, and philanthropy. (Ticket sales close this Friday, April 19th at 12 pm)
Your ticket includes:
-Admission to the event
-A delectable dinner from Centro Neighborhood Kitchen, featuring a taco bar buffet with options for meat lovers, vegetarians, and vegans
-A complimentary alcoholic or specialty beverage courtesy of your drink ticket
-Dress to impress and compete in our prom costume contest (optional)
-Gain exclusive bidding privileges in our electrifying live auction
-Additional drinks will be available for purchase, ensuring the party never stops! Secure your spot now and join us in supporting our school while reliving the magic of prom night. See you on the dance floor!Ticket sales close this Friday, April 19th at 12 pm
What: Prom Through The Ages: Live Auction Event to support The Bridge School
When: Saturday, April 27th 6-9 PM
Where: Explorer West Gymnasium
10300 28th Ave SW
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
“All these changes are good, but where is the student voice in this?”
That was said by one of the few students at tonight’s community-safety forum at Chief Sealth International High School, three months after a student’s shooting death at nearby Southwest Pool/Teen Life Center.
“There needs to be more communication with the students …we’ve been kind of left in the dark,” continued the student, Satomi. “We need to hear ‘we understand that this is tough’ … even for a middle-schooler, they understand the loss, that a sibling or friend could be gone at any time … this is a huge issue because of gun violence.”
Communication was the intent of the forum, organized by the Chief Sealth PTSA and featuring an onstage panel with school and city officials – along with Sealth principal Ray Morales and adjacent Denny International Middle School‘s principal Mary Ingraham, panelists were Seattle Public Schools‘ regional executive director of schools Chris Carter and executive director of operations Marni Campbell, Southwest Precinct commander Capt. Martin Rivera, City Councilmember Rob Saka‘s district-relations director Leyla Gheisar, and Seattle Parks‘ interim recreation-division director Brian Judd and interim deputy superintendent Daisy Catague.
To Satomi’s point, the panel did not include a single student. But the event was intended to listen as well as inform, Morales explained, describing it as a “continuation of a listening session with mostly East African families back on February 1st,” a little over a week after 15-year-old Mobarak Adam‘s death in a restroom at the pool/teen center, Seattle’s first homicide of 2024, for which no one has been arrested.
Tomorrow is the night for the long-planned community-safety forum at Chief Sealth International High School, organized by the CSIHS PTSA and newly formed Campus Safety Team after the January shooting death of Chief Sealth student Mobarak Adam at nearby Southwest Pool/Teen Center. The meeting will be held in the school auditorium 6:30-8 pm and will include not only principal Ray Morales and other school administrators, but also officials from the school district and city – Seattle Police, Seattle Parks, Seattle City Council, Seattle Housing Authority, all of which have been asked to provide an update on how their work enhances student safety. Interpretation will be available in Oromo, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese. All are welcome.
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