Westside School (Seattle, WA)

It takes a village, and ours is pretty incredible. 💚💙🐺

Yesterday, we had the joy of celebrating the volunteers who help make Westside such a special place. Whether you organized events, chaperoned field trips, served pizza, planned class parties, supported fundraisers, worked behind the scenes, or jumped in wherever help was needed, thank you. Your time, energy, and generosity make a lasting impact on our students and community.

Our students helped make the morning extra meaningful with handmade decorations, including placemats, napkin holders, paper flowers, and vases. We were also treated to wonderful performances from our kindergarteners and second graders.

A special thank you to Westside Family Association Co-Chairs Jackie Fleming and Tami Elwin for their leadership, enthusiasm, and countless hours spent building community and creating opportunities for connection throughout the year.

Please join us in giving all of our volunteers a well-deserved round of applause. We are so grateful for each and every one of you.

Today is our final 8th Grader Friday post as we get ready for graduation next week. A HUGE congratulations to Käthe, Saniya, Sam, Manny, Avelyn, Emma, Menno, Pax, and Brody. Wishing you all the best in high school and beyond!

Congratulations to our entire Class of 2026! (Group photos by Alexis Wolfe Photography)

From Tukwila to Taiwan! 🇹🇼🥢

As part of their preparation for this summer’s Taiwan trip, our 8th grade Mandarin students headed to the Asian Family Market in Tukwila to shop for ingredients, practice budgeting, and explore foods they’ll encounter during their travels.

They brought it all together by making and sharing a traditional Hot Pot meal. It was a chance to build cultural understanding, try new things, and enjoy a meal together before their adventure begins.

Watching this group step outside their comfort zones, ask thoughtful questions, and embrace new experiences shows just how ready they are for the next chapter. They are heading into high school with the curiosity, confidence, and global perspective that bring language learning to life.

‘Tis the season when we’re celebrating student learning almost every day! 📚🐺

Last week, First graders hosted their annual Read-Around the Room O’Rama, sharing the stories they’ve been writing throughout the year, while second graders welcomed families to their Poet-Tea and read a variety of poems they created.

These events give students a chance to share their work with parents, siblings, and other families while practicing public speaking and building confidence. It’s always a joy to see students take pride in their learning and celebrate how much they’ve grown over the year.

Happy Pride Month! 🏳️‍🌈 🏳️‍⚧️

At Westside, we celebrate the many identities, experiences, and perspectives that make our community stronger. This month and every month, we are committed to fostering a community where everyone feels seen, valued, and has a true sense of belonging.

We’re excited for our inaugural Pride with the Pack celebration this Friday and can’t wait to come together for an afternoon of fun, connection, tacos, ice cream, and community.

We’ll also be at White Center Pride this Saturday with a Westside booth and would love to see many of our families stop by to say hello and celebrate with us!

🎓🐺 Today, we continue celebrating our wonderful 8th graders as they get ready for graduation and their next adventure. Congratulations to Azaela, Lillian, Ruby, Declan, Sicilia, Nick, Nev, Josey, and Zinnia! Wishing you all the best in high school and beyond! 💙💚

This year’s yearbook cover contest saw 68 submissions! A huge round of applause to everyone for creating such amazing designs around the theme of “Westside in Orbit.” Congratulations to our winner, Nico, runner-up, Shay, and finalists, Maggie, Quinn, Poppy, and Keegan! 🪐🐺

Spring trips were a great success this year! Last week, our middle schoolers headed out on six different adventures across Washington.

🎒 Backpacking took sixth and seventh graders to the North Cascades and along the Baker Lake East Bank Trail, where they hiked through old-growth forest, crossed creeks and suspension bridges, cooked group meals together, camped along the water, and soaked in incredible views. From heavy packs and slippery trails to campfire cinnamon rolls and sunny afternoons by the river, students showed grit, teamwork, and a real sense of adventure.

🧗 Rock Climbing brought students to Eastern Washington for a week of climbing, belaying, hiking through a slot canyon, camping under wide open skies, and exploring along the Columbia River. Students pushed themselves outside their comfort zones, supported one another through challenge, and celebrated personal growth every step of the way.

⛰️ The 8th Grade Trip gave our graduating class time to slow down and be together for one final Westside adventure. Through hiking, field games, campfire reflections, shared meals, and student-led activities, they showed so much maturity, care, and appreciation for one another. A meaningful way to close out their middle school journey together.

A huge thank you to all the incredible staff who helped make these trips possible. We’re so proud of all they accomplished last week. 🐺

Last week, our Art Studio Enrichment students shared their work during the White Center Rat City Art Walk, and it was such a celebration of all their hard work and creativity.

Over the semester, our 2nd–4th grade artists explored different materials, tried new techniques, and created artwork that was entirely their own. Seeing their pieces displayed in a real gallery setting was a proud moment for everyone.

A huge thank you to Tina Abrams for leading this group and for the incredible job she did displaying the students’ work. The show looked amazing, and we’re so grateful for all the care she put into making it happen. 🎨

Spring trips were a great success this year! Last week, our middle schoolers headed out on six different adventures across Washington.

🚲 Bikepacking took students from Fauntleroy to Southworth and on to Manchester State Park, where they camped by the water, toured the NOAA Manchester Fisheries Research Center, explored the beach at low tide, and made endless loops around camp on their bikes.

🐋 Whales & Trails brought students to Deception Pass for a week of cabins, beach exploration, marine science, art, campfires, and learning all about orcas with naturalist Jeff Hogan from Killer Whale Tales . Between the wildlife, the views, and time together, it was a trip to remember.

🏕️ Challenge Camp was packed with canoeing, archery, climbing, outdoor living skills, team-building games, campfire performances, and plenty of s’mores. Students challenged themselves, cheered one another on, and made memories that will stick with them long after returning to campus.

A huge thank you to all the incredible staff who helped make these trips possible. We’re so proud of all they accomplished last week. Stay tuned for more about the other three trips tomorrow! 🐺

Education