BIG NEWS!

MAKE AN IMPACT for BHS Interactive Makerspaces coming to BHS, providing students a hands-on way to experiment and collaborate with math and science. Makerspaces are emerging at many high schools and colleges as a different way to teach students the practical application of math and science. Definitions may vary, but in general, makerspaces are places for students to build things with their hands that combine technical and nontechnical tools. Makerspaces are a great way to expand interest in science and engineering in our youth because they help students apply a hands-on application of science in a fun way. The Ballard High School PTSA recently provided funding for equipping a makerspace in the BHS Library, something many schools around the country are starting to use their libraries for. This is just the start, and more community help will be needed to make this a great resource for students. You can help fund activities like this by donating to the BHS PTSA Direct Appeal fundraiser here.   

Social Media is a great way to keep up-to-date with what's happening with BHS PTSA. Please join us on Facebook and Twitter
 
IMPORTANT INFO FOR SENIORS
The College Info & Scholarship webpage has links to the following info: How to complete the FAFSA, Common App Tips, Community Events, and College Visits at BHS as well as SPS & BHS Scholarship Bulletins.
 
The Senior webpage has a direct link to the Senior Important Date List. It also has a Senior Resource Forms section with all the college checklists & forms that have been distributed as well as Graduation info and a SENIOR ONLY calendar.

LAST CHANCE | Grad Ads deadline 11/22 | Costs: 1/8 page=$40, 1/4 page=$75, 1/2 page=$130, Full page=$25. Make checks out to Ballard High School or pay through SchoolPay on The Source.  Please email Mr. Smith or drop off at SW122. For more information, click here.

The Ballard Elks Lodge awards three local girls and three local boys $1,500 each to be used toward college tuition. Be sure to select "Ballard Elks" during the application process. Applicants may also advance to be considered for state and National Elks scholarships. This scholarship is available to high school seniors and the deadline is 11/27. For more information and to apply, click here.
 
ACADEMICS
After-School Credit Retrieval Classes | Do you need to make up required credit for history, language arts, or math classes? Registration forms available in the Counseling Center. See your counselor if you have questions.
 
FOR STUDENTS
Interested in a career in actuarial science? Liberty Mutual Insurance is hosting a free Actuarial High School Outreach Day on 12/7 for grade 10/11/12 students. If you would like to attend the event at the Safeco building, please email Ms. Flanagan or drop by the Counseling Center or email before 11/30.

PERFORMING ARTS
Ballard Performing Arts Families | Are you receiving the weekly BPA Newsletter? If not, you are missing important updates, holiday performance schedule, videos, photos, and much more. Sign up here today!

Auditions for Damn Yankees are the week after Thanksgiving!!! SIGN UP for an audition time on the scene shop doors and pick up an audition packet in the black box on the FORMS bulletin board. They are also here: Audition Info , Audition Contract , Conflict Calendar.
  • 11/28: Dance auditions with Eia. Wear clothes to move in.
  • 11/29: Singing auditions. Students must have piano accompaniment. Songs must be from a classic Broadway show and not exceed 1 verse and 1 chorus.
  • 11/30: Callbacks.
  • 12/1: Cast List Posted
Winter concerts are coming! 

 
HEALTH & SPORTS
Winter Sport sign ups taking place now. Sports packets in the main hallway outside the office.

Ballard Girls Lacrosse Club Informational Meeting | The Ballard Girls Lacrosse Club will be having a quick lacrosse informational meeting for all new and returning players after school 11/29 in the commons (starting at about 2:30 p.m.). Meet Head Coach Suzanne Replinger as she will  briefly talk about expectations and planning for the 2018 spring season. This is a players-only meeting (parent meeting will be in January). If you are interested in playing, this is the opportunity to get to know your teammates, get on our contact list, and learn about the fastest growing sport in the NW. If you have any questions please contact Coach Replinger. We are a no-cut club sport and welcome anyone interested. See you there!!

Ballard Athletic Club needs a treasurer. Position includes handling deposits, check requests, basic accounting using Quickbooks, and generating reports for teams and the board. Position is perfect for someone who likes numbers. If you are interested or have questions, please contact Lauren Molloy-Johnson.

Click here to access sports and medical forms. 

Flu vaccine is now available free to all BHS students in the Teen Health Center. Stop by and talk to Annie about scheduling an appointment. They are open from 8-4 p.m.
 
SERVICE LEARNING
Volunteer Thanksgiving Day | The Seattle Turkey Trot, which benefits the Ballard Food Bank, is a 5K walk/jog/run that starts in Sunset Hill (NW 85th St. and 32nd Ave. NW) and ends at Golden Gardens on Thanksgiving morning, 11/23. They still need volunteers to help with directing the runners and walkers along the route, registration, and more. Shifts are approximately 2-4 hours each. Sign up for shifts here. Contact Erin Tierney with questions.
 
For more Service Learning opportunities, click here.

PARENTS
Student Assignment Plan and High School Boundaries | Opening the new Lincoln High School in 2019 will require modification of existing high school boundaries, which will direct affect the  BHS boundaries. Seattle Public Schools is providing information as well as accepting comments and feedback on the proposed changes. Information is accessible via the following links: 
Advanced Learning Opportunities- Improving Access
Seattle Public Schools is considering improving access to Advanced Learning opportunities for Seattle area students. Their preferred recommendation is to develop regional Highly Capable (HC) pathways for students entering 9th grade beginning in 2019-20, and BHS is currently listed as a potential regional pathway school as part of this proposal.  More information on the proposed changes can be found here . If you have questions or comments about the recommended changes to High School Advanced Learning services and HC pathways, please email .

PARENTS/GUARDIANS--
VOLUNTEER NEEDS
Take part in Seattle University's 2017 Seattle Public Safety Survey. The purpose of the survey is to solicit feedback on public safety and security concerns from those who live and/or work in Seattle. A report on the survey results will be provided to the Seattle Police Department to assist them with making your neighborhood safer and more secure. The survey is available now through 11/30. Make sure your voice is heard! Questions? Contact Dr. William Parkin (206-295-3254) or Michael Sowby.
 
Spree Coordinator | The BHS PTSA is searching for a Spree Coordinator. If you are interested, please add your contact details here. The Senior Spree is an ALL NIGHT graduation party designed by the seniors and hosted, produced, and chaperoned by proud BHS parents and staff in collaboration with a professional graduation company, Grad Nights. In order for this event to happen for the 2017/2018 school year, we need a BHS parent to help organize the event. Parent volunteers will receive one free registration for their Senior this year or one free registration for their current Junior for next year (a $175 value).
  
For more Volunteer Opportunities at BHS click here




 
BHS Gymnastics Kids Camps | Back by popular demand! 2 more K-5 camps at the Ballard High School gym. Tickets are $45 per date, per camper (additional campers from the same family are $40 per date). No gymnastics experience is needed!
  • Camp 1: 12/2, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
  • Camp 2: 1/27, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Please see our attached poster, including our online link to make registration and payment easy. Contact Kimball Mullins (Kids Camp coordinator) with questions.

BALLARD HS TOURS & OPEN HOUSE INFORMATION
Ballard Families: 8th Grade morning tours will be 2/6 & 2/14/18 from 8:00- 9:30 a.m. Evening Open House will be 2/8 from 6:30-9:00 p.m. Shadowing: While Ballard does not arrange shadowing opportunities for students, we do allow our current students to host 8th grade students that they know during the month of February. If you know a current BHS student, feel free to contact them to ask if they would host your 8th grade student who is considering attending BHS. The current BHS student would need to complete paperwork in the Main Office at least one week ahead of the proposed visit. S tudents interested in Music should contact the Directors: Michael James (Band), Courtney Rowley (Choir), or Brittany Newell (Orchestra) who may be able to arrange for a shadow with a current music student. Visit the Ballard Website ballardhs.seattleschools.org for the most up-to-date information.
  
Play in band or orchestra? Sing in choir? Audition for JazzED! | Jazz Big Band Ensembles, Nina Simone Vocal Ensemble, and Creative Orchestra Project. $25 audition fee, enter code WAIVER to waive the fee, no questions asked. Secure your audition spot here. Seattle JazzED is a nonprofit music education organization in the Central District. We're dedicated to creating awesome opportunities for kids and ensuring equal access for all with scholarships and instrument loan assistance. Currently over 500 kids from 70+ schools come through our doors annually. Full and partial scholarships are available for any Seattle JazzED program. Families are encouraged to apply online here

Come to a tween/teen yoga series at Soma Yoga (just a few blocks from BHS) this January. Classes are based on research on the benefits of yoga and mindfulness for teens held in a safe, encouraging space. Unwind, learn tools for managing stress, cultivate confidence, and forge lasting friendships. Please see flyer attached here
  
* BHS PTSA provides community news for purely informational purposes and does not necessarily support the activities or views presented therein.
11/21 - Winter Sports Parent Meetings
11/22 - Link Crew Squared Meeting

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Happy Thanksgiving!
 
11/22 - Regular School Release at 2:20 p.m.
11/23 - Thanksgiving Day - No School
11/24 - No School

SAVE THE DATE
12/1  - Winter Blood Drive
12/6 - Orchestra Winter Concert
12/7 - Band Winter Concert

For up-to-the-minute information, check out the Ballard Bulletin.
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For a list of clubs, click here.

Read the latest edition of the  Ballard Talisman.