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E-News From The Principal
December 13, 2024
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Winter Break - Mon, Dec 23 through Fri, Jan 3
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From all of us here at WHS, enjoy the final school week of 2024 (12/16-20) next week followed by a relaxing and memorable Winter Break! Have a safe and happy holiday season and a bright new year! |
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Holiday Bazaar 2024-25 - Join us Saturday, Dec 14!
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Woodinville High School's Senior Class Holiday Bazaar is Saturday, December 14, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. in the WHS Commons! Please join us!
Portions of the proceeds from this holiday craft fair support reducing ticket prices for the Class of 2025's prom and senior breakfast!
Thank you for your support and see you there!
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The Women of Influence (WOI) Club are having several Woodinville/WOI alumni speakers come in Wednesday, December 18 after school in the library to speak to students about their college experience and what being an influential woman in their field has looked like so far, etc. We have a series of questions that are being asked, similar to our end of year conference but in a more informal setting! It costs $5 to come to the event so students can either bring cash or pay through GoFan. |
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Freshmen Device Swap - Monday, Dec 16
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On Monday, December 16th, NSD Technology Department will be conducting a device swap for all 9th graders at WHS. This will take place in our library during the students’ specific time slot in their English class. The times have been arranged with the English department already. Your 9th grade student(s) are required to bring their assigned Chromebook to school and exchange it for a new Chromebook. Charger and bag will not be exchanged. Their current charger and bag will work with the new device.
To prepare for the swap, please ask your students to:
- Carefully remove any stickers, tape, or other personal items from the Chromebook.
- Log out of the Chromebook.
- Be sure that the Chromebook is the one assigned to them and not to a friend or sibling. Check with the School Technology Specialist in the Library to confirm if they are unsure.
- Note any problems with their assigned Chromebook? Ask your students to report those problems to the School Technology Specialist as soon as possible.
In order to support a smooth device swap, please remind your 9th grader to bring their Chromebooks to school on Monday, December 16th.
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Reminder From the Attendance Office
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Attendance News: Unexcused Absences/Truancies Reminder
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A student’s absence is considered unexcused (truant) when it is without parent/guardian consent.
- Truancies will result in the assignment of consequences (i.e., detention, Saturday School, suspension).
- Truancies will result in loss of credit for assignments and/or performance on the day of the truancy.
- If a student has three (3) or more days of unexcused absences, regardless of total number of absences, a conference with administration is needed.
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Senior Grad Ads - Last Chance! Due Fri, Dec. 13
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- What they are: The Yearbook Staff (Wingspan) sells ad space in the yearbook for seniors. This is a way to share your congratulations to your graduate. You can add pictures (baby and a different version of their Senior “nice” picture) and congratulatory messages .
- Please know we are working with a new company this year. This means the process is a little different from when we worked with Balfour. Please don’t wait until the last day, that is typically when problems arise 🙂.
- How do you buy and create them?: They are paid for and created on the Walsworth Yearbook Website: Click here for a direct link to the main page
- Sizes: Full page $240, ½ page $120, ¼ page $60 and ⅛ $35
- *There is a surcharge charged by the company.
- You can only select *Design My Own Ad Online
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Yearbook Final Sales Window ends Friday, Dec 20!
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The FINAL sales window to buy your 2024-25 yearbook is open now through Friday, December 20th!
Yearbooks can be purchased online or by cash, check (payable to WHS), or card ($2.95 processing fee applies to all card purchases) in person at the cashier's office between 7:50am & 3:50pm, during non-class times.
Not sure if you've purchased a yearbook?
Parents: Login to your Touchbase account to see your purchasing history.
Students: check this link and search for your student ID. If your student ID is listed on this document, a yearbook has been purchased as of 12/01/2024 (must be logged into your student account). If your student ID is not listed, you have not purchased a yearbook or it was purchased after 12/01/2024.
More information can be found here.
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Winter Clothing & Item Drive - Donate by Tues, Dec 17
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Join WHS ASB in making a difference this holiday season by participating in the Winter Clothing & Item Drive to support the Friends of Youth Organization. Please take ornament(s) from the table by the Holiday Tree on the perch, purchase the item(s) and drop them off before school in the ASB Room 101 by Tuesday, December 17th. Your contributions will provide support to young people in our community during the holiday season. Thank you for your support and kindness! |
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Winterfest Spirit Week - December 16-20!
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Students are encouraged to dress-up and participate! The Winter Spirit Assembly also takes place on Tuesday!
Monday: Deck the Halls from Head to Toe - Holiday accessories, holiday pajamas, anything that brings the festive spirit! (hats, headbands, slippers, fuzzy socks)
Tuesday: Holiday Colors by Grade Level - Each grade is wearing holiday colors for the Winter Spirit Assembly: Seniors – red, Juniors – white, Sophomores – blue, Freshman – green)
Wednesday: Ghost of Holiday Past - Dress from a different decade! Doesn’t have to be holiday related, just from a previous decade/year
Thursday: Flannel Fever for Sweater Weather - Wear your favorite flannel or sweater
Friday: Freaky Friday - Students Dress as Teachers & Teachers Dress as Students
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Claim your Lost and Found Items by Fri, Dec 20
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All lost and found items can be found outside the Main Office. Please be sure to come take a look if you lost an item throughout the school year as all items not claimed by Friday, December 20th will be donated to Threads and Treads. |
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December Staff Appreciation
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Thank you so much to everyone who donated to the staff Cookie Exchange. It was so wonderful to have an assortment of homemade goodies for the staff to take home and enjoy! The entire Falcon Staff greatly appreciated all of the thoughtful treats! |
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Winter Wish List for WHS Staff
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Show your support to our teachers during the holidays with “Winter Wishes for WHS Teachers.” Find ideas on the Amazon Wish list to donate to our various departments and classrooms. Donations can be ordered and shipped directly to WHS or dropped off in the office before the holiday break. Thank you for helping us celebrate our fantastic staff! |
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Class of 2025- Grad Night Tickets on Sale Now
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This annual event is the ultimate celebration for the new grads, held just a few hours after they walk across the stage and receive their diploma. This year's grad night party starts at 9:30pm on June 12 and ends at 5:30am on June 13, 2025.
The grad night committee worked hard and has reserved two secret locations that promise to offer a great time for all of the new Falcons graduates. Whether you are looking for a night packed with fun and activities or a place to relax and hang with friends in a safe atmosphere, there is something for everyone at Grad Night.
The cost is $220/person and will be subject to increase after this date. Lock in the lowest prices by signing up today!
Need a Scholarship? The PTSA planning committee wants to ensure that ALL graduates can attend regardless of ability to pay the full ticket price. Please contact us at 2025whsgradnight@gmail.com to request a scholarship or financial assistance. No questions or forms are required to qualify.
Want to volunteer? We also invite you to contact us if you would like to volunteer, chaperone, donate additional money, or if you have any other questions. Email us at 2025whsgradnight@gmail.com.
Required forms:
Sorry, no refunds.
Link for purchasing tickets and making donations to make sure all students are able to attend:
These activities are not sponsored nor endorsed by the Northshore School District or any of its schools. The district assumes no responsibility for the conduct during or the safety of the activities. Northshore School District shall be held harmless from any cause of action, claim, or petition filed in any court or administrative tribunal arising out of the distribution of these materials including attorney's fees and judgment or awards.
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Grad Night's Evereve fundraiser is this Sunday!!
We would love you to join us for a shopping and styling event on December 15th at the Evereve in Redmond Town Center. You can shop all day and/or join us for sips and snacks from 4:00-6:00 PM. Spread the word and bring your family and friends and come grab a new outfit for the holidays, New Years night out (or in) or if you just need a new warm and stylish outfit for the winter.
Hope to see you all there and mention the WHS 2025 Grad Night when shopping and 15% of your purchase will be donated to us.
Thank you everyone for your support.
Grad Night Committee
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The Northshore Schools Foundation is thrilled to be part of the Gallery of Giving Trees this year, and it's happening right now!
The Gallery of Giving Trees is an event hosted inside the fine art gallery where you can explore beautifully decorated trees that support a selection of local nonprofits, stunning decorations, and exceptional artwork by Pacific Northwest artists. This holiday experience is free and family friendly. Well behaved dogs on leashes are always welcome! The trees will be up until the first of the New Year.
Catalyst Fine Art Gallery, located inside The Lodge at St. Edward State Park in Kenmore, hosts the event every holiday season.
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These activities are not sponsored nor endorsed by the Northshore School District or any of its schools. The district assumes no responsibility for the conduct during or the safety of the activities. Northshore School District shall be held harmless from any cause of action, claim, or petition filed in any court or administrative tribunal arising out of the distribution of these materials including attorney's fees and judgment or awards. |
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Washington State PTA (WSPTA) offers four $2,500 scholarships to graduating seniors from Washington state public high schools with an active PTA, who will be starting college (either two-year or four-year)
in the fall.
Requirements
- Current and verified GPA of at least 3.4
- The name and number of the PTA/PTSA at your school (Woodinville High School PTSA 6.10.85)
- At least three volunteer activities
- Answer the essay question: “How has volunteering within my community helped me today and into the future?” (max. 500 words)
Application
The application deadline is February 13, 2025.
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WA State PTSA Essay Contest
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The Washington State essay contest explores the important and varied influencers in the lives and education of children - from the children's perspective.
Every day childen are exposed to a variety of people and each one has an opportunity to influence the path a child decides to take. Whether it is someone that sparks an interest in a new topic, helps them work through a problem, shapes the kind of person they want to become by modeling behavior, simply listens to them, or any number of other actions, this is the platform for students to share their appreciation.
To help celebrate the people that are most important in influencing the lives of children around the state of Washington, the objective of this contest is for students of all ages and abilities to write an essay about an influential role model that has had a profound impact on their life. The influential role model must be a real person that the student has interaced with, not a fictional character. These essays, from the students' perspectives, will serve to inspire and acknowledge amazing individuals. The essay must be no more than 650 works. The application deadline is February 13, 2025.
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It is an annual tradition to bring together our community from across the district and showcase the Art that was submitted from our K - 12 grade participants. Northshore Council PTSA hopes that the reception can continue to broaden the impact on education, the arts, and family engagement. Light cookies and refreshments will be provided. |
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From the Cashier's Office
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Student Device Protection Plan
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The Northshore School District provides each student with a district-issued technology device. When students/families assume responsibility for a district-issued device, they sign forms agreeing to accept financial responsibility for any device damage or loss. We know accidents and loss can happen. The Student Device Protection Plan provides NSD families an optional path to mitigate the financial liability of using a district device.
PARTICIPATION COST: The standard payment to enroll in the NSD Student Device Protection Plan is $25 per year; free for students who have qualified for free or reduced-price meals and who have provided consent to share their status for fee waivers. No refunds will be given once enrolled in this program.
COVERAGE AND BENEFIT: This program covers the device (Chromebook, Macbook, or iPad) loaned to your student against accidental damage for the school year. This program does NOT cover damage resulting from misuse or neglectful loss of the device. We expect all students to properly use their device and to secure it when it is not being used. If the device is used improperly or is not secured while the student is not using it, families will be expected to pay the full cost of replacement or repair.
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Important NHS Information
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Here are important date to remember:
- January Chapter Meeting: 1/15/25
- March Chapter Meeting: 3/19/25
- Final hours due: 3/27/25
- Induction Ceremony: 5/22/25
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Hey Falcons!
Winter Break is just one week away—hang in there! As we head into the final stretch, make the most of your remaining class time before the break. If you need extra support, Math help is available during both lunches in Room 333. Looking for a Peer tutor? Stop by and ask your counselor about the options available. As you approach tests and project deadlines next week, remember to take care of yourself—you’ve got this!
Seniors: Please remember that the High School & Beyond Plan ( HSBP ) is a graduation requirement. If you need help with completing this requirement, please contact Ms. Tang in the College & Career Center. Check out our website for more information (and information about post-secondary planning!): https://woodinville.nsd.org/counseling/naviance
Mental Health Resources
The holidays can be a difficult and stressful time for many people. We encourage you to keep in touch with your emotions and reach out for help. Your loved ones, friends, teachers, and counselors are all here to support you. If you are worried about a friend, please be the one to reach out and help them get the help they might need.
Our website is full of resources:
Here is the link to the school district mental health support page:
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Students, please don’t forget you can drop-in to the school counseling office any day before/after school, during Options or during your lunch. We are always happy to see you. If you need an appointment at a different time, feel free to schedule a time on our website: https://woodinville.nsd.org/counseling
With the holidays coming up, here are a few local resources for food assistance:
The WHS Falcon Pantry is available to all students and/or families who could benefit from free resources.
Northshore Nourishing Network
Maltby Food Bank
Woodinville Storehouse
- Call 211
- Tell the representative what support you are looking for and they will provide you with a list of resources.
Here is a link to information about Holiday gift assistance:
Your WHS Counseling Team is here to support and help in any way possible!
WHS Counseling Team
Amy Strandy, Kat Lamb, Scott Churchill, Nate Hirsch, Sarah Brenner, and My Tang
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Supportive Resources for the Holiday Season
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The holiday season can bring a mix of emotions—while it’s often a time for celebration, it can also amplify feelings of stress, loneliness, or grief, especially for those facing challenges or losses. It's important to remember that it's okay to not feel joyful all the time, and asking for help or finding support during difficult moments is not a sign of weakness, but rather a step toward healing and self-care.
Whether it's reaching out to a loved one, talking to a professional, or simply giving yourself permission to take a break, there are ways to ease the burden. You're never alone in these feelings, and there’s always support available, even if it’s not immediately visible. If you're in a tough spot, you don't have to navigate it by yourself.
Here are some available resources available:
- Call if experiencing loneliness, Anxiety, Depression, problems with family or friends, and any other emotional and mental health needs: toll free 877-500-9276, HOURS MON-SUN 9am-10pm
- Teen Link (Call/Text): toll free 866-833-6546 , HOURS SUN-SAT 6pm-10pm
- If you or someone you know has experienced sexual abuse, please call the 24/7 sexual assault hotline at: 1800-656-4673.
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Reduced or Waived Fees 2024-25 Applications
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Parents and guardians whose income falls within specified guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture should apply for free or reduced-price meals for their students. Applications were available August 1st and were due by October 14th to avoid an interruption in benefits (only one application is required per family), but families can apply at any time during the year – throughout the year.
If you qualify for Free or Reduced Meals you may also qualify for:
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School fee waivers (a fee waiver consent form must be completed) in addition to the Free and Reduced application.
- See below for more information or contact your school counselor.
- Other services such as health insurance.
- Contact Nurse Christie Callahan or Jennifer Gardner for more information.
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Weather & Emergency Information
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Emergencies and weather-related problems can alter school schedules and affect bus transportation for students.
If weather conditions make a schedule change necessary, we will communicate the decision through the following methods and in this order:
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TV and Radio Stations. You can also sign up for Flashalert to get the same media information.
- District and School Websites
- Northshore School District social media:
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Instagram: @teamnorthshore
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Twitter: @Northshore_SD
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Facebook: Northshore School District
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Phone calls, emails, and text messages: Staff and families will receive an email, phone call, and text. These communications will begin between 5:30 and 5:45 a.m.
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Northshore Information Line: You may also call the District’s information line, 425-408-6001, beginning at 6 a.m. Monday through Friday for school closure information.
Families will receive a telephone message from the district if there is a change to the school schedule. If no schedule change information is posted, schools and buses are on their regular schedules.
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2025-26 School Calendar - Available Now!
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The Northshore School District is happy to announce the 2025-26 school calendar is available here! |
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Passes Required for Elevator Use
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As we start the 2024-2025 school year please note that in order to use the elevator, students are required to check out an elevator pass in the Main Office with Mrs. Benedict.
The ONLY students who should be using the elevator are students with medical conditions. If a student is seen using the elevator without a pass that has been checked out, they will receive progressive discipline.
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Food Services and Bus Information
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Questions about student meals?
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Please click this LINK for bus information 2024-25. Bus stop information is now available.
Please click HERE for Daily Bus Passes and Activity Bus Passes routes and information!
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Speech and Debate Racking up State Bids!
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Our Speech and Debate kids competed in the Bellevue SD tournament on Friday, December 6 and Saturday, December 7. This was another excellent tournament for us!
The Bellevue tournament was a huge tournament with more entries in each event and thus was more competitive. We now have four students on the board with state bids! Here are the results:
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Ian Miller - 2nd place in Open Lincoln Douglas debate and a state bid!
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Mohammad Kazmi - 4th place in Open Lincoln Douglas debate and a state bid!
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Donovan Cheng - 1st place (for the second tournament in a row!) in Spontaneous argument
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Guy O'Connell - 4th place in Spontaneous Argument (this is the second tournament in a row where Guy made it to finals!)
Guy O'Connell and Eshaan Chowdhry had more challenging opponents for this tournament since they have a state bid on the board. In their first round, they went against the Overlake team they lost to in our last tournament in the semifinals round. They came out of that round victorious! This was a major win for them, because the win was against a team who had three state bids going into this tournament.
Please also congratulate Emiliano Trejo and Evenne Burgess (Novice Public Forum debate), Shaan Paracha (Novice Lincoln Douglas debate), Anirudh Deval (Open Lincoln Douglas debate), Musa Ali (Open Lincoln Douglas debate), and Donovan Cheng and Will Klein (Open Public Forum debate). All of these students competed in challenging rounds this weekend and did well!
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Akebi High School Student Visit!
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Twenty-two students from Akebi High School located in Hokkaido, Japan visited WHS on Monday, December 9! They were accompanied by Assistant Principal Hiroko Kanehira. The students shadowed the WHS students' 1st through 3rd periods, then during 4th period students from Akebi High School presented to the WHS students about Japanese school life and culture. The Akebi students also introduced a Japanese game to play with the entire class, followed by a pizza party to enjoy the last get together before they had to take off. It was a quick trip, but the all the students had a great time before the Akebi students had to depart out on a bus to head to Vancouver, BC on Monday, the 9th. Many thanks to everyone for accommodating this wonderful opportunity and to Mizue Sunahara and our Japanese program families for supporting the arrangements! |
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Thank you to the Performing Arts Department, Mr. Tanksley, Ms. Thompson, Mr. Meucci, and Mr. Vivelo, as well as our student musicians and performers for the enjoyable Winter Concert #1 performed before a packed house on Thursday, December 12th!
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Congratulations to the Lady Falcons Gymnastics Team!
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The WHS Gymnastics team started the season strong finishing FIRST in a four-way meet against Redmond, Bellevue, and Mercer Island High Schools. Additionally, out of 37 competitors, Woodinville gymnasts held the top five All-Around places plus the top spot in three out of four events!
Individual Results:
* AA = All-Around, VT = Vault, UB = Uneven Bars, BB = Balance Beam, FX = Floor, (t) = tie
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Lola Kongkarat: 1-AA, 7-VT, 4-UB, 3-BB, 1-FX
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Audrey Samdal: 2-AA, 4-VT, 1(t)-UB, 7-BB, 4-FX
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Ainsley Mann: 3-AA, 9-VT, 1(t)-UB, 2-BB, 8-FX
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Sophie Brittingham: 4(t)-AA, 1(t)-VT, 3-UB, 8-BB, 11-FX
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Addison Wheeler: 4(t)-AA, 8-VT, 5-UB, 4-BB, 7-FX
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Dhanika Pearce: 8-AA, 12(t)-VT, 10-UB, 6-BB, 10-FX
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Emily Tsai: 11-AA, 12(t)-VT, 13-UB, 24-BB, 15-FX
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Emma Long: 1(t)-VT, 14-BB
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Avery Fauber: 12(t)-VT, 18(t)-BB, 9-FX
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Suhana Ahsan: 20-VT, 11-UB
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Ananya Jain: 17-UB, 18(t)-BB
Follow along this season on Instagram: @whs_gymnastics
Mark your calendars for the last home meet and senior night: Thursday, January 16th @ 7pm.
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Ongoing thru 03/07/2025: AP Exam Payment
12/13: DECA @ Area 3 Conference, Bellevue
12/13: Senior Grad Ads Due for Yearbook
12/13-14 Speech & Debate @ Auburn
12/16-20 Winterfest Spirit Week
12/16: Freshmen Class Device Swap
12/17: Winter Spirit Assembly - Schedule #9
12/19: Winter Concert #2, WHS Theatre, 7p
12/20: Learning Center Student Breakfast
12/20: Final Yearbook Sales Window Ends
12/23-01/03: Winter Break
01/06: School Resumes
01/15: NHS Whole Chapter Meeting, Commons, 2p
01/20: MLK Holiday - No School
01/21: Activity Tuesday Schedule #10
01/24: End of 1st Semester
01/24: 2nd Semester Class Schedule Online
01/24: Flapjack Friday
01/24-25: Speech & Debate @ Seattle University
01/27: Non-Student Grading Day
06/09: Class of 2025 Commencement Rehearsal (MANDATORY)
06/12: Class of 2025 Commencement Ceremony, Pop Keeney, 6:00p
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WHS E-News from the Principal
"Care - Respect - Leadership"
December 13, 2024
Volume 14, Issue 11
Office Hours
Monday – Friday 7:50 A.M. – 3:50 P.M.
Denise Schwans, Office Manager, Ext. 7401
Kim Benedict, Main Office Secretary, Ext. 7403 (whsoffice@nsd.org)
Jenn Diaz, Student Info Specialist/Registrar, Ext. 7512
Julie Leong, Attendance Secretary, Ext. 7410 (whsattendance@nsd.org)
Roberta Porter, Counseling Office Manager, Ext. 7418
Rachel Nelson, ASB/Bookkeeping, Fine/Fee Payment, Ext. 7504 (whsasb@nsd.org)
Nicki Kongkarat, Athletics Secretary, Ext. 7491
Andrea Baleva, Office Support, Ext. 7416
The mission of Woodinville High School is to become a community of learners, providing a safe and encouraging environment for developing the mind, body, and spirit.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF WOODINVILLE HIGH SCHOOL!
GO Falcons!
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