Dear Kang Families,

Thank you to everyone who responded to the need for items for our Fall Harvest Staff Appreciation event. Our students and staff have fallen into a rhythm as we approach the end of the first quarter. We are wrapping up our fall sports season, and we have already had several field trips. These events are fun and they also add pressure to our students' already busy schedule. Please check in with your students to see how they are doing on schoolwork and grades, and importantly, in finding balance.

Recently, I met with students during a PTSA-sponsored Donuts with Dr. Bell session. Our students shared their need for balance, their desire for a student mental health club, and a request that teachers play quiet music in class during individual work time. I also sought ideas and feedback from student leaders about our three School Improvement Plan (SIP) goals. Those goals involve helping all 9th graders earn 6 credits, supporting juniors and seniors with on-time graduation, and a focus on social and emotional wellbeing. We continue to focus on feelings of belonging for all students. Most of our students are engaged with school outside of the classroom and our Homework Cafe afternoons are well-attended. I am grateful for our students and their willingness to engage with me in conversation about improvement to our school.

This is an exciting time of year for the Kang Community. I am proud of our students and their advocacy in our community. Our theatre students recently held two weekends of performances of "Boy Gets Girl" and our Marching Band had several wildly successful performances. We also have a student working with Nutrition Services and our district chef to pilot taste tests for our new plant-based options with more cultural connection to our community. Finally, we are adding several new AP classes to our catalog for next year that are accessible for more students, such as AP Business & Marketing, Biotech and AP Physics C. Students have been advocating for these opportunities, and like you, we are proud of their efforts. 

As we enter the second quarter, we remain committed to our mission of cultivating community. Thank you for encouraging your students to access available supports and connecting them to the opportunities available. 

Go Kangs!

Dr. Christine Bell

Principal, Lake Washington High School



Parent Learning Walk, Nov 13

Parents are invited to join our next Parent Learning Walk on Friday, November 13, from 1:30-3:30 p.m. This is a great opportunity to experience a typical day at LWHS by observing classrooms, connecting with school administrators, and learning more about the student experience. Time will be provided for questions and discussion. Space is limited to the first 16 parents who register. Registration closes November 10 at 11:45pm, or sooner if all spots are filled.

Click here to sign up.

College & Career Center Updates

After Hours...Hour

On the 2^nd and 4^th Wednesday of each month join our College and Career Specialist, Alex Clark-McGlenn from 7pm-8pm for “After Hours…Hour” - a Teams video call to answer questions about the college process, financial aid, and career pathways. The next session will be on November 11. Join via this link: https://bit.ly/3WiLdGv

Kangs in College & Bridge to Campus

Have you ever wondered what LWHS grads are doing in college? Kangs in College is a new resource for students and families to keep track of some 2026 LW graduates. There is one episode thus far and more to come. Available on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ68z9G-a3dU&si=Kok3vpuriIFhNeGV

Bridge to Campus is a resource to hear directly from college admission representatives. From Purdue University to Read to Cal Poly and SDSU, episodes are about 15-20 minutes and touch on campus life, academics, athletics, and financial aid. Find all 10 episodes with many more to come here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLY58RExIqiBvn74HUyvjb4SO5h_ObhJOP&si=jOSL6hQHX5VfMT0Y

WSU Instant Decision Day!

WSU is hosting Instant Decision Day at LWHS, in the College and Career Center on November 5^th during Roo time. Seniors who are interested must register through this link: Lake Washington High School Instant Decision Day

Financial Aid Webinar

LWSD and Bellevue College will host a Financial Aid webinar on Wednesday, November 4, from 6:30-7:30pm Get expert guidance on FAFSA/WASFA, scholarships, grants, important deadlines, and paying for your post-high school goals. Link to the webinar: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/28452061770786?p=4VMPpqe7E9OimOcCCP

Colleges Visit LWHS

Nov 2: Seton Hall University - 12:41pm

Nov 3: University of Colorado Boulder - 8am

Nov 6: North Dakota State University - 8am

Nov 13: University of Nevada, Las Vegas - 12:58pm

Nov 16: Western Washington University - 8am

Thank you to everyone who generously donated items and volunteered their time to help make our Fall Staff Appreciation Event such a success! We'd also like to extend a special thank you to our new Staff Appreciation Co-Chairs, Kimberly Taylor and Molly Salazar. We are incredibly grateful for every contribution, big or small, and for the many volunteers who worked behind the scenes to make the event possible. Thank you for making this celebration a warm and memorable expression of appreciation for our amazing staff!

LWHS PTSA Mission Statement: To strengthen the educational connection between home, school, and community while serving as a powerful voice for students, and to enrich the learning environment for students, staff, and families at Lake Washington High School.