11605132ndAveNEKirkland,WA98034,425‐739‐8107
March
2016
Newsletter
Lake Washington Technical Academy
TextbooksAreDueontheLastDayoftheQuarter
Keep this in mind throughout the
quarter. Put it in your calendar!
We will not accept books a er the
last day of the quarter. Students
who do not turn in their books
must pay full price for the books
Inside this issue
HSPE Exams ........ ..2
Important Dates ... ..2
Purpose Statement..2
How To Tell………….3
AND re‐pay the deposit before
they can check out books again.
HighSchoolPro iciencyExams(HSPE)
High School Proficiency Exams (HSPE) in Reading
and Wri ng will be administered by LWTA staff on
March 15, 16, and 17. Students who are members
of the class of 2016 or an earlier class are required
to take and pass these exams to meet Washington
high school gradua on requirements. Another way
to determine whether this informa on applies to
you is to note that students who began 9th grade
on or before September 1, 2014 are eligible to take
the HSPE.
Students in those classes who have not met these
gradua on requirement will be informed of the
ming and loca on of the exams by email very
shortly. For addi onal informa on, students should
contact their High School Advisor or the LWTA
Tes ng Coordinator at [email protected].
ImportantDates
Mar 1
College Open House
4p‐7p
Mar 2
NO CLASS
Faculty In‐Service Day
Mar 11
Last day to register
Mar 15 & 16
HSPE Wri ng
Mar 17
HSPE Reading
Mar 17
Last day for GTC
Founda on Classes ONLY
Mar 21
Last day winter quarter
High School Programs
Purpose Statement
TimeChangeMarch13th
On Saturday night, March 12th, before you go to
bed, be sure to set your clocks back one hour.
To provide an educa onal experience which a racts, retains, and graduates students who have achieved academic, technical and life skills to be successful ci zens in a diverse world Does a Friend Has a Drug Problem?
By David Flack
How can I tell if a friend’s drug use is out of control?
Sometimes a person using drugs can be pretty secretive about it, especially with nonusing friends, family members, or others they feel might be judgmental. That can make it
hard to tell if someone has a problem. The list below gives some signs. If you notice
some of the following in a friend, you might want suggest getting help:
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Gets drunk or high on a regular basis.
Gets drunk or high alone.
Lies about things or about the amount of drugs he/she is using.
Avoids you and other non-using friends to get drunk or high instead.
Stops doing stuff that used to be a big part of her/his life, such as sports, homework, or
hanging out with friends who don't do drugs.
Plans drinking or drug use in advance.
Hides alcohol, drugs, or paraphernalia.
Has to drink or use more drugs to get the same high.
Doesn't think he/she can have fun unless drunk or stoned.
Has a lot of hangovers.
Seems withdrawn, depressed, or tired.
Has started to care less about personal grooming and physical appearance.
Has changed her/his eating and sleeping patterns.
Rapid loss of weight.
Has difficulty concentrating.
Red-rimmed eyes or runny nose not related to a cold or allergies.
Pressures other people to drink or use other drugs.
Takes risks, including sexual risks.
Has "blackouts" and forgets what he/she did while under the influence.
Feels run-down, hopeless, depressed, or even suicidal.
Sounds selfish and doesn't care about others.
Constantly talks about drinking or using other drugs.
Gets in trouble with the police.
Drives while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
What do you do when a friend is abusing drugs?
Here are some suggestions for talking to someone that may have a problem with alcohol
or other drugs:
 Make sure the timing is right. Talk to the person when she/he is sober, there is
adequate time for a genuine conversation, and the person doesn’t seem stressed out or
upset.
 Express your concern. In other words, specifically tell the person that you are worried
about what is happening.
 Don't accuse the person of being a drug addict. Just let the person know you're worried
and willing to help.  If appropriate, tell the person what you've seen when he/she uses drugs. Be specific and
let the person know that the behavior concerned you.  Watch your tone — don't sound like you pity the person or like you're mad.  Don't be surprised if the person gets angry.
 If possible, before talking to the person, know what help is available.
 You must follow through if you offer to go with the person to get help. Know that you
can make a huge difference by reaching out to help someone, but ultimately it is up to
the person to take action.
If you have concerns about a friend’s use of alcohol, marijuana, and other substances and
want to discuss it further, I invite you schedule an appointment with me. I also invite you
to meet with me if you want to discuss other concerns, including perhaps your own
substance use. To set up a time to meet, talk to you academic counselor or email me at
[email protected]