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The Urban Legend: Teachers Take the Summer Off
At West Sound Academy – Our Teachers Study the IB Curriculum in their Summer Months There is an urban legend that has passed down through the ages that teachers take…
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Thespian & Drama Club Retreat: a day of inspiration and leadership
Members of West Sound Academy Thespians and Drama Club were the only students on campus on the last weekend before the first day of school. They came to spend an…
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Graduating and Celebrating: the Class of 2024.
West Sound Academy families, friends, and faculty came to Kingston on the first day of June to celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2024. The school hosted its 23rd…
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Declaration Day 2024: Graduating seniors announce their fall plans
West Sound Academy’s 23rd class of graduates, the seniors of 2023-2024, came back to campus on May 31 – the day before graduation. They had already submitted the last…
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Diving into Colombia: WSA Students’ International Expedition!
West Sound Academy’s Junior and Senior classes traded in their usual finals week for a ten-day service trip to Cartagena, Colombia. After handing in their final evaluations the weeks prior,…
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West Sound Academy Theatre Company Presents: Two Witches, No Waiting
Laugh til you cry with Pat Cooper’s – Two Witches, No Waiting! West Sound Academy Theatre Company continues its theatre season with this hilarious comedy. Arlene Marcus and her sister,…
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WSA senior explores math topic with a collaborative artwork.
Students in Ben Owen’s IB Math Applications & Interpretations class do an assignment of math exploration, connecting a specific mathematical topic to something that is personally interesting or relevant. Owen…
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Class of 2023 graduates, then celebrates.
On May 27, the Indianola Clubhouse was the setting for West Sound Academy’s commencement for the school’s 22nd graduating class: the seniors of 2023. Family, friends, and teachers of the…
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Declaration Day 2023: Graduating seniors announce their fall plans
West Sound Academy seniors have finished all of their exams, submitted the last few assignments to Google Classroom, and have returned their library books. They have picked up…
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West Sound Academy takes first place at Knowledge Bowl State Tournament
West Sound Academy’s Knowledge Bowl team prevailed at the state tournament on March 11 and took first place in Division 1B. Congratulations go to the members of WSA’s team: Mia…
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Theatre students’ research leads to building and creating Bunraku-like puppets.
“The I in IB truly does stand for International. IB schools are known for their focus on producing global citizens who are educated about the world.”1 This semester the 10th-grade…
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Theatre Students Learn Life Skills Through Active Learning.
One of the most common acting exercises in the theatre classroom is the Mirror Exercise. Students imagine they are looking into a mirror, and taking turns leading their partner while…
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Visiting Norwegian history scholar gives WSA actors new perspectives on their play.
The West Sound Academy Theatre Company is producing Lizzie Nunnery’s The Snow Dragons, as their fall production. The play’s plot is based on the true story of the Nazi occupation…
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WSA’s Class of 2022 graduates and celebrates
The Indianola Clubhouse has been the venue for numerous West Sound Academy dances and music concerts in the past. On May 28, the clubhouse doors were opened for a day…
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Announcing! College destinations & post-graduation plans for the Class of 2022
West Sound Academy seniors came back to campus on May 27 to pick up their caps, gowns, and stoles for the commencement ceremony to be held the next day in…
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6th and 7th Graders learn that history is created from many perspectives.
By Georgia Chehade. In Humanities, 6th-grade students have been researching a Washington State History topic since October, a project culminating in a website that students shared with the WSA community…
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West Sound Theatre Company presents: The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon
West Sound Theatre Company presents the wacky sideways fairytales of The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon by playwright Dan Zolidis, May 13 & 14, 2022. Performances are Friday and Saturday at…
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WNDB grant will bring diverse books and author visit to WSA.
West Sound Academy’s students will be reading more books by diverse authors next school year, thanks to an Educators Making a Difference grant from We Need Diverse Books. The grant…
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Middle School students turn discarded materials into art.
Students in the 6/7th Exploratory Art class are finishing up their artwork sculptures created with repurposed materials. The requirement was a sculpture that is made solely from repurposed materials that…
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Inspired by Maya Angelou, 6th and 7th Grade poets use their voices.
Students in Georgia Chehade’s 6th/7th Grade Humanities class read and analyzed the poem, “Still I Rise” by Maya Angelou as part of their class celebration of Black History Month in February. …
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Physics students learn about light and create their own holograms.
Students in physics class have been working through a unit on light over the last few weeks. Our more recent labs have had us working on the refraction (bending) of…
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Declaration Day 2021: Graduating seniors announce their fall plans
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…
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Running the World Should Be Modeled After the Kitsap COVID Vaccine Clinics
My mother always taught me to write thank you notes whenever anyone has done something kind or generous for me. Well, this is less a blog and more a thank…
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Mystery on Campus
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. …
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How the West Sound Academy Pandemic Theatre was born
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…
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Put down your Comfort Goggles
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…
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WSA is Breaking Through Barriers
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…
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¡Hola! ¡Bienvenidos a la fiesta!
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…
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Solutions, and Other Problems
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…
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Using Literature to Recognize Authenticity
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…
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Juggling with Jello
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…
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Solving the puzzle in IB Theatre – by leaping in the dark.
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…
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That Feeling as a Leader When You Have to Disappoint People
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…
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Announcing! College destinations for the Class of 2020
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. …
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Seniors reflect on their experiences at WSA – en español.
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…
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Keeping Traditions Alive For the Class of 2020
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…
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West Sound Academy students rise to the challenge of the online classroom.
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…
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Why IB at WSA?
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…
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Teachers work to answer the question: What does Commitment to Care mean at WSA?
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…
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Using Project-Based Learning to Build a Culture of Trust in the Classroom
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…
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It’s Kindness Week at WSA! Join in and plan your own act of kindness.
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. …
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West Sound Theatre Company Presents “The Importance of Being Earnest” in February
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…
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6th and 7th Grade students plan and create projects for their final exam.
This year in 6th and 7th Humanities students have dedicated time to exploring their own creative spark. Their final, instead of focusing on specific content from the course, was focused…
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WSA Robotics team finishes the season at Tesla Interleague Championship playoffs.
WSA’s Robotics team competed in the Tesla Interleague championship event of the FIRST Tech Challenge on January 11 at Baker Middle School in Tacoma. Thirty-four schools from the Puget Sound…
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Open yourself up to be ready to learn…
On Thursday, December 19th, West Sound Academy Alumni from the Classes of 2018 and 2019 joined our current juniors and seniors for an informal talk on what to expect with…
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Lean Into the Light
Last week, I had the great privilege of attending the annual TEDWomen conference in Palm Springs. My first intention in going was to help support WSA’s work to host our…
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West Sound Academy Robotics places second in the FTC regional qualifier
The WSA group arrived at King’s Schools Campus in Shoreline at 9:30 a.m. for the First Tech Challenge regional competition on December 8 – the second regional qualifier of the…
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WSA Robotics takes their tech on the road to Silverwood School
WSA’s Robotics team packed up their robots and took them for a visit to Silverwood School in Poulsbo on December 4. Co-captains Aidan Phelan and Emma Longworth and team members…
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What is Knowledge Bowl, and is it fun?
West Sound Academy has a Knowledge Bowl team that holds practices twice a week. The goal of these practices is to help the team get ready for the three regional…
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Financial Aid is giving way to Sliding Scale
In every professional development opportunity I have participated in over the last two years, the prevailing message has been about innovation and implementing progressive ideas in the education world. Change…
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West Sound Academy Robotics Club Placed Second in the First FTC Regional Qualifier
It was an early rise for our West Sound Robotics Club last Saturday! Our group arrived at King’s Schools Campus in Shoreline at 9:30 a.m. for the First Tech Challenge…
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Get plugged in…..the right way!
This past weekend I had 16 kids in my 1000 square foot house. Full size kids that take up a lot of space. The massive pile of shoes by the…
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IB Students Read Spanish Children’s Books, Then Create Their Own
This week IB Spanish students enjoyed reading some children’s books. They analyzed what verb tenses were used and found three new vocabulary words per book. They were transported back in…
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West Sound Theatre Company Opens “She Kills Monsters” this November
Join West Sound Academy students as they present She Kills Monsters: Young Adventures Edition, November 15-17 at the William D. Harvey Theatre, Olympic College – Bremerton, Washington. She Kills Monsters…
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WSA Hawks and Safire Phoenix Robotics Team Practice ‘Coopertition’
West Sound Academy’s First Tech Challenge Robotics team is busy as they race to build and program a robot that can execute the challenging maneuvers and build requirements prior to…
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Collaborating and Strategizing: WSA Robotics Meets Up with Girl Scout Team
October is a busy time for First Tech Robotics teams all around the country as they race to build and program a robot that can execute challenging maneuver and build…
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WSA Thespians & Student Council Ask for Food Donations, not Candy, in October
By Grace Schmitt ’20 and Phillip Cox ’20 The West Sound Academy Drama Club and Thespian Troupe #8175, in cooperation with WSA Student Council, will be collecting non-perishable food donations…
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Parents Walk the Learner’s Journey on Curriculum Night
On September 10, 2019, WSA staff and faculty welcomed parents to campus for Curriculum Night which provided an opportunity for parents to experience the Learner’s Journey. Connecting in-person to the…
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New, new and more new!
By Barrie Hillman It’s a new school year and WSA is kicking it off with lots of new things! The most exciting change is our new logo, designed by…
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2019 Commencement Speaker Shares Advice from Graduates
West Sound Academy’s Class of 2019 came to the House of Awakened Culture in Suquamish on May 24 for an evening of graduation and celebration – the school’s 18th annual…
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Announcing! College Destinations for the Class of 2019
Congratulations are in order for students in the Class of 2019 as they celebrate college success. They were accepted at 40 four-year colleges and universities in the United States and Canada and were offered $2,191,802 in grants, awards…
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WSA Team Wins 2nd Place at WA State Knowledge Bowl XXXVII
West Sound Academy’s team of top academic competitors, aka Manifest Westiny, won 2nd Place in Division 1B at the Washington State Tournament XXXVII at West Valley High School in Yakima on March 23, 2019.…
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WSA Theatre Company Presents: See How They Run
The classic 1940’s farce See How They Run, by Philip King, will be performed by the West Sound Academy Theatre Company as their spring drama production at Restore Church, 20081 Viking…
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WSA Knowledge Bowl is headed to State Tournament in March
West Sound Academy’s Knowledge Bowl team competed in the third and final regional competition of the season at Fort Worden on February 7, 2019. WSA’s top squad, WS1 (aka “Manifest Westiny”) had…
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WSA Presents: She Kills Monsters
West Sound Academy Theatre Company Presents She Kills Monsters by Qui Nguyen Directed by Gretchen Nordleaf-Nelson November 15, 16, & 17 Friday, 7 PM Saturday, 2 PM and 7 PM Sunday, 2…
READ MORE > WSA Presents: She Kills Monsters
West Sound Academy Theatre Company Presents She Kills Monsters by Qui Nguyen Directed by Gretchen Nordleaf-Nelson November 15, 16, & 17 Friday, 7 PM Saturday, 2 PM and 7 PM Sunday, 2…
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Veteran’s Day – No School
There is NO SCHOOL on Monday, November 11 in observance of Veterans Day.
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2:00 PM Release – Collaborative Planning Day
2:00 p.m. dismissal for teacher collaborative planning 2:05 – 3:10 p.m. Optional study hall for grades 11-12 Homework café available for grades 6-10
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Daylight Saving Time Ends
Daylight Saving Time ends at 2 a.m. on Sunday, November 3, 2019 [box type=”info”] “Fall back” and turn your clocks backward by one hour[/box]
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WSA 22nd Annual Auction Gala – 5:30 p.m.
WSA’s 22nd Annual Auction “To Infinity and Beyond!” Saturday, November 2 at 5:30 p.m. Kiana Lodge, Poulsbo
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Teacher In-Service (Mid-Semester Reports) – No School
There will be NO SCHOOL on Friday, November 1 so that WSA Teachers can complete Mid-Semester Reports.
READ MORE > 2:00 PM Release – Collaborative Planning Day
2:00 p.m. dismissal for teacher collaborative planning 2:05 – 3:10 p.m. Optional study hall for grades 11-12 Homework café available for grades 6-10
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Days for Girls Community Work Party
Days for Girls (DFG) International helps girls around the world stay in school by providing sustainable feminine hygiene solutions and health education. The DFG hygiene kits are produced with the…
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PSAT / SAT / Field Trip – Dismiss 11:45 a.m.
All students in Grades 8 – 11 will take the Preliminary SAT (PSAT) on Wednesday, October 16. This is a program co-sponsored by the College Board and National Merit Scholarship Corporation. The PSAT…
READ MORE > 2:00 PM Release – Collaborative Planning Day
2:00 p.m. dismissal for teacher collaborative planning 2:05 – 3:10 p.m. Optional study hall for grades 11-12 Homework café available for grades 6-10
READ MORE >
College Info Night for Parents & Students in Grades 9-11
This informational evening is open to any parents and/or 9th-11th grade students who are interested in learning more about the college search, finance and application process. Barrie Hillman, WSA Head of…
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Parents Walk the Learner’s Journey on Curriculum Night
On September 10, 2019, WSA staff and faculty welcomed parents to campus for Curriculum Night which provided an opportunity for parents to experience the Learner’s Journey. Connecting in-person to the…
READ MORE >
New, new and more new!
By Barrie Hillman It’s a new school year and WSA is kicking it off with lots of new things! The most exciting change is our new logo, designed by…
READ MORE >
2019 Commencement Speaker Shares Advice from Graduates
West Sound Academy’s Class of 2019 came to the House of Awakened Culture in Suquamish on May 24 for an evening of graduation and celebration – the school’s 18th annual…
READ MORE >
Announcing! College Destinations for the Class of 2019
Congratulations are in order for students in the Class of 2019 as they celebrate college success. They were accepted at 40 four-year colleges and universities in the United States and Canada and were offered $2,191,802 in grants, awards…
READ MORE >
WSA Team Wins 2nd Place at WA State Knowledge Bowl XXXVII
West Sound Academy’s team of top academic competitors, aka Manifest Westiny, won 2nd Place in Division 1B at the Washington State Tournament XXXVII at West Valley High School in Yakima on March 23, 2019.…
READ MORE >
WSA Theatre Company Presents: See How They Run
The classic 1940’s farce See How They Run, by Philip King, will be performed by the West Sound Academy Theatre Company as their spring drama production at Restore Church, 20081 Viking…
READ MORE >
WSA Knowledge Bowl is headed to State Tournament in March
West Sound Academy’s Knowledge Bowl team competed in the third and final regional competition of the season at Fort Worden on February 7, 2019. WSA’s top squad, WS1 (aka “Manifest Westiny”) had…
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