The West Seattle High School PTSA Board of Directors would like to respond to the issue of student safety at our school. We believe it is important that our community know the West Seattle High School staff is striving to ensure a safe learning environment. It is also important to remember that school safety is the responsibility of the entire school community, including students, parents and staff.

In the fall, a half-time dean of students will join Westside for the purpose of guiding a small number of disengaged students.

In addition, bids are now being received for the installation of security cameras inside and outside the high school facility.

The Seattle School District has ordered security gates so that unused parts of the building can be closed to the public after hours. This will help ensure the safe and respectful community use of our building.

PTSA has a parent representative serving on the school's Safety Committee. This individual serves as liaison between parents and staff and will continue to post Safety Committee reports on our electronic newsletter, Westside Notes (to join, please visit notes.moderator@wshsptsa.org).

West Seattle High School has adopted an "electronics-free" policy during the school day. Cell phones, iPods, CD players, etc. may not be used in the building at any time during school hours. This will allow students to continue to focus on their education. If there is an emergency, parents can contact the school directly at 252-8800.

Finally, staff and district security members continue to maintain a high profile in the area surrounding our school during lunch time and after school. We also encourage parents and guardians to fully engage in their student's education and to continue as, or to become, an active presence at West Seattle High School.

The PTSA board would like to express its support of the West Seattle High School staff and the continued efforts to provide a safe learning environment for our students. As always, we encourage all parents, students and community members to attend our PTSA meetings and to become active members of West Seattle High School PTSA. PTSA meets the third Wednesday of each month in the West Seattle High School library. We also encourage parents and guardians to continue to fully engage in their student's education and provide an active presence at West Seattle High School.

Laura Bull,

Lori Wright,

co-presidents

(and other officers)

West Seattle High

PTSA Board