West Seattle High School students have done and are doing very well. While there are areas for improvement (as at any school), there are many successes. As identified in the "4 Period Schedule Program Evaluation," October 2006, produced by Seattle Public Schools Department of Education Technology, Research Evaluation and Assessment, the following was found:

- Over a seven-year period from 1999-2005, West Seattle High School showed a gain in averaged aggregate WASL scores in reading (plus 20.6 percent), writing (plus 31.6 percent), and math (plus 18.1 percent). The WASL data demonstrated a gain in West Seattle High School aggregate scores and identified these gains as the highest of all regular high schools in the district. In 2006, each of five identified ethnic groups showed a gain in reading, writing and math.

- There is a statistically significant and positive relationship between attending West Seattle High School and achieving a higher score on the 2006 10th grade WASL. Using this measure, the school ranks among the top three high schools in Seattle.

- Having only four periods in a day does not appear to restrict students from enrolling in core courses, and there are no significant course scheduling inequities by ethnicity.

In addition, the December 2006 Data Profile: District Summary finds that:

- West Seattle High School has the highest attendance rate of all Seattle Public Schools high schools, at 91.5 percent. The district total is 86.7 percent.

- West Seattle High School has an on time graduation rate of 83.6 percent. The district total is 83.5 percent.

- West Seattle High School has the third highest first choice enrollment assignment in the district for 9th grade students (79.6 percent). Roosevelt has the second highest with 82.2 percent, led by Nova at 96.6 percent.

On June 5th it was announced that:

- Over $300,000 in scholarship money has been awarded to 83 graduating West Seattle High School seniors.

- 131 honor cords were presented to seniors graduating with a 3.2 - 4.0 accumulative grade point average. This represents over 40 percent of the graduating class.

- This year, West Seattle High School has five class valedictorians, all graduating with a 4.0 grade point average.

- Each year, Washington recognizes three students from each legislative district in the state. 147 four-year, full ride tuition scholarships are presented. In our legislative district, which runs from Alki Point to 163rd in Burien and includes Vashon and Maury Islands, two of the three scholarships awarded were given to West Seattle High School graduating seniors.

This information presents a picture of students and a school succeeding. Again, there is always room for improvement, but to ignore these accomplishments does a disservice to our students and to the teachers who have helped bring about these accomplishments. We are proud to be parents of West Seattle High School students.

Bob and Amy Amundson

Jim Burt and Marilyn Anderson-Burt

Jane Harmon Jacobs, Ph.D.

John Moritsugu, Ph.D.

Angela Pelletier