Blog
Declaration Day 2021: Graduating seniors announce their fall plans
By Susan Trower. West Sound Academy seniors were on campus on May 17 for their last day of classes as WSA students. They also took time to make a special announcement to the school community. Barrie Hillman, WSA Head of School, had each senior come up to Baker Hall...
Mystery on Campus
By Karen Mattick.A few years ago, walking the long way back to my classroom from Baker Hall, I noticed a strange growth hugging the curb in the parking lot behind Ryan Hall. I stopped and checked it out. What was so startling was that it looked like seaweed. I...
How the West Sound Academy Pandemic Theatre was born
By Gretchen Nordleaf-Nelson. On March 16th of 2020 the COVID-19 Lockdown hit West Sound Academy, classes were moved into the virtual classroom indefinitely. The after-school theatre program was producing their first musical, Once Upon A Mattress. We had no choice –...
Put down your Comfort Goggles
By Barrie Hillman. In 2020 most humans are seeking comfort or seeking to comfort others especially as we a face a grim winter of COVID-19 statistics. Recently, a friend posted an oldie but goodie graphic on Facebook about the comfort zone seen here to the right. I...
WSA is Breaking Through Barriers
By Barrie Hillman. One of WSA’s greatest assets is its campus with 20 beautiful acres of fields, huge trees, and four charming buildings. Before March 2020, no one would have ever imagined we would not be able to use our own classrooms. One of the most significant...
¡Hola! ¡Bienvenidos a la fiesta!
By Susan Trower. Students in Jessica Outlaw’s 10th Grade Spanish class have been studying vocabulary related to food, clothing and celebrations during Mod B. Señora Outlaw decided that the best way to assess what students had learned was to have a party – actually, a...
Solutions, and Other Problems
By Barrie Hillman. I have started and stopped writing a new blog post for almost six weeks now. There is so much going on in the world and in my own life that I was struggling to find focus and meaning in the words I knew wanted to come out and land on the page. I...
Using Literature to Recognize Authenticity
By Georgia Chehade. As an English teacher, there are few things better than watching students read a piece of literature and become inspired about real world issues. In the 8th grade, we started this unusual year by reading Born a Crime, by Trevor Noah. In their...
Juggling with Jello
By Barrie Hillman. I have been trying to write my school year kick-off blog post for two weeks, and, much like the last six months, writing a compelling, relevant, and upbeat blog has been like trying to juggle Jello. The Jello represents all the things we want to...
Solving the puzzle in IB Theatre – by leaping in the dark.
By Gretchen Nordleaf. During my time at West Sound Academy, I have experienced one of the most exciting and challenging moments in my teaching career. Learning to teach and breathe the IB curriculum has been difficult and energizing all at the same time. As a...
That Feeling as a Leader When You Have to Disappoint People
By Barrie Hillman. As a leader and Head of School, I try to say "yes" as much as possible. Even if it is really a no, I work hard to find a mutually beneficial solution that feels like and really is a sort-of yes. However, lately, I have been a disappointing leader. I...
Announcing! College destinations for the Class of 2020
By Susan Trower. West Sound Academy seniors came back to campus on May 12 - not all at once, of course, but on a staggered schedule so they could maintain social distancing requirements. Barrie Hillman, WSA Head of School, met each soon-to-be-graduate at the door of...
Seniors reflect on their experiences at WSA – en español.
By Jessica Outlaw. Last week WSA seniors in IB Spanish showcased their language skills and reflected on their time as students at this school. Their presentations were heartwarming, funny, and very memorable. They shared pictures, videos, and stories about their...
Keeping Traditions Alive For the Class of 2020
By Barrie Hillman. There is no doubt that 2020 has opened the new decade with all the grace and decorum of a wrecking ball. The disruption caused by the coronavirus quarantine will have deep and long-lasting impacts to everyone but I want to reserve this tiny space...
West Sound Academy students rise to the challenge of the online classroom.
By Susan Trower. It’s 12:30 on a Tuesday afternoon, 6th period, and time for West Sound Academy 9th Grade English class to meet. The teacher, Gretchen Nordleaf-Nelson, sits at her laptop and admits her students one at a time into her Zoom meeting room, greeting each...
Why IB at WSA?
By Alayna Garvin. At WSA, we strive to prepare learners for the world beyond our classrooms. At all grade levels, we encourage students to improve their thinking, research, social, and communication skills. We want them to get to know their strengths, challenge...
Teachers work to answer the question: What does Commitment to Care mean at WSA?
By Barrie Hillman. At the end of February, WSA staff and teachers engaged in a three-day in-service discussing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). One of the standards of excellence in education that the school upholds is its Commitment to Care as set by the...
Using Project-Based Learning to Build a Culture of Trust in the Classroom
By Georgia Chehade. Middle school is an interesting time. Not only are students expected to adapt to a new school, expectations, and social scene, they are experiencing profound changes within themselves. Many adults who learn that I am a Middle School teacher admit...
It’s Kindness Week at WSA! Join in and plan your own act of kindness.
By Barrie Hillman. NPR reported on February 8th that 2020 has started off as the third wettest year on record! As good Pacific Northwesterners, we should be used to the winter liquid sunshine. More importantly, we should be practiced in counteracting the very real...
West Sound Theatre Company Presents “The Importance of Being Earnest” in February
By Gretchen Nordleaf. The West Sound Theatre Company (West Sound Academy) will present Oscar Wilde’s endlessly entertaining comedy The Importance of Being Earnestjust in time for Valentine’s Day! Gretchen Nordleaf will direct West Sound Academy’s handsome production...