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BHS ASSESSMENTS
Grade 10: SBA ELA (March 14-18) and Math (May 16-18)
Grade 11: SBA ELA, if not already met (March 7-11)
Grade 11: WCAS Science (April 29)
Grade 11: SBA Math, if not already met (May 16-18)
Grade 12: SBA ELA and/or Math, if needed for graduation (March 7-11)
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Class of '25 Fall Course Registration |
Online fall course registration continues for Freshmen through midnight on Tuesday, March 8. Class of 2025, your Registration Link is now available on student's Source account. |
Please note: Schedules are built on courses/alternatives submitted online. If students do not complete this critical step within their class registration window, it could result in not getting the courses wanted.
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Running Start Information Sessions |
BHS Sophomores & Juniors: If you are interested in signing up for Running Start next year, it is important that you attend one of the Running Start Information sessions.
Running Start Information Sessions will be offered at lunch on Wednesday, March 9, March 16 or April 6 in Classroom SW205. [MORE INFO]
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Join BHS PTSA For March Membership Month! |
Have you joined the PTSA yet? It's not too late! Join us during March Membership Month! We are hoping to reach more than 200 members this month! Help us out by joining, encourage your student to join, their teachers, BHS alumni and even your neighbors! Everyone who supports and cares about Ballard is invited to join us! We want and need your voice on the PTSA!
We will have a drawing at our April 7 Board Meeting where we will gift this special BHS Spirit Basket, pictured, to one of our members!
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Why join the PTSA? The BHS PTSA sponsors programs to enrich our community such as Teacher/Staff Grants, our new DEI Committee/Book Group, Direct Appeal academic enrichment drive, Staff Appreciation events, Reflections Student Art Recognition Program, Ballard Auction, informative parent speaker events, Bucky's Home for the Holidays effort for families in need, the Jenny Lee Scholarship, weekly PTSA Newsletters, school volunteer support, and much more.
In order for the BHS PTSA to continue with our work, we need your help! A robust membership not only helps us complete our mission, it offers more opportunities for advocacy at state PTSA legislative events, and increases the number of student participants in the local, state and national PTA Reflections Art Program. Plus, what better way to say "It's Always Great to Be a Beaver"?
The Ballard High School PTSA offers membership scholarship/subsidies for those who would benefit. Please email Membership Chair Lisa Vanderford-Anderson at bhs.ptsa.membershipchair@gmail.com to request a subsidy.
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Small Donations Go Far For Ballard Auction |
Small donations add up and giving a dessert or special beverage to the auction is a simple way to help us reach our fundraising goal of $90,000.
Ideas for Dessert Dash donations include:
- Join with another family to purchase an extra special dessert from one of many fabulous local bakeries.
- Combine small or bite size desserts from several places to create a tasting platter.
- Choose one dozen cupcakes from Cupcake Royale - easy!
- Order something fun online and have it delivered to you just in time for the big night.
- Are you a baker? Whip up an amazing treat in your kitchen.
Please email ballardhsdessertdash@gmail.com ASAP if you can donate a dessert. Dessert Dash Chairs Molly Sousely and Wendy Gaylord will be in touch a week before the auction to firm up details and delivery.
Are sweets not your thing? We also need donations of bottles of wine ($20+ value) for the wine grab. Not a wine connoisseur? We will gladly accept spirits, cider and beer whether donated alone or within a basket of paired goodies. Email ballardprocurement@gmail.com for a drop off address or to schedule pick up.
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Unified Champion Schools Summit |
Are you passionate about inclusion? Going into 10th-11th grade next year? Special Olympics Washington is looking to choose a Unified Pair (and their adult teacher/BHS staff mentor) from the Seattle Public Schools to attend the 2022 Unified Champion City Schools Summit on Aug. 4-7 in Detroit (travel expenses covered).
Summit participants will learn and grow as leaders. The Unified Pair must consist of two students (one youth with an intellectual or developmental disability and one youth without intellectual or developmental disability). After the Summit, they will also serve as advocates for Unified
programming in Seattle Public Schools. Applications due March 11.
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More Unified Options at Ballard! |
Support inclusion at Ballard High School through the Unified Program. The group meets for lunch at 1 p.m. Fridays in SW 226.
Also check out the new Unified Game Club after school, from 3:45-4:45 p.m. Tuesdays in SW208.
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State Required Assessments |
The WA State education agency, OSPI, announced the following date windows for the School Year 21-22 summative testing window.
State assessments are required for federal accountability and also provide a common measure of student progress at the school, district and state levels. Our educators examine the results and use them to help determine which resources and supports are needed to close achievement gaps.
BHS Spring Assessments Windows
- All Grade 10: SBA ELA (March 14-18) and Math (May 16-18)
- Grade 11: SBA ELA if not already met (March 7-11)
- Grade 11: WCAS Science (April 29)
- Grade 11: SBA Math if not already met (May 16-18)
- Grade 12: SBA ELA and/or Math if needed for graduation (March 7-11)
Important: All students MUST bring a charged SPS laptop and headphones for the ELA portion (see Important SPS Laptop Requirements).
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No Spring School Day SAT for Juniors |
SPS School Messenger Update to Families:
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Seniors! Class of 2022 Important Dates |
Get SPREE Early Bird Discount Thru March 28 |
What is Senior SPREE? Senior SPREE is an all-night grad party and a BHS tradition, sponsored by the BHS PTSA! Immediately following the June 15 graduation ceremony, students hop onto chartered buses. Throughout the night, grads will travel to two exciting event venues and be treated to a variety of activities, food, friends and fun.
Early bird ticket prices are $175 through March 28. We want every senior to attend, regardless of financial ability. Scholarships are available -- see your school counselor. [MORE INFO] Follow @BHSspree/Instagram
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Request, Read, Recommend, Repeat! |
Beaver Readers: What do you want to see at the BHS Library?
It's your library! There's a cool new station set up for you to request and recommend books, games and more! "Shelf talker" slips share student recommendations and thoughts on all the awesome titles. And Ms. Chambers and Ms. Elam will take requests to add to our epic collection!
The Beaver Reader Book Club next meets at lunch on Friday, March 11. The group will be discussing "The Electric Kingdom" by David Arnold.
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Access Tutors thru Seattle Public Library |
Students have access to a feature with Seattle Public Libraries called Tutor.com that will read students’ papers, help with math questions, and tutor them from 2-10 p.m. on multiple subjects. Live English and Spanish tutors are available from 2-10 p.m. daily. Vietnamese tutors are available from 4-7 p.m.
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Counseling Center Offers Many Online Options |
Don't have time in your busy school day to stop at the Counseling Center? Counselor contact details and online scheduling tool; scholarship information; and applying to college resources are available on the Counseling Center webpage.
NEW UPDATES | A myriad of recent summer job, service learning offerings, camps and internship postings for all grade levels are also available on the Counseling Center News Page too! Check it out to get a head start on summer enrichment opportunities.
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Variety of Spring Scholarships Available |
A plethora of scholarship details are available on the BHS website, including the following options with deadlines soon approaching: |
Online College Visits Thru Naviance |
Monday, March 7 | Temple University Japan, 9 a.m.
Friday, March 11 | Pacific Lutheran University, 1:35 p.m.
Tuesday, March 15 | Seattle Pacific University, 9 a.m.
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Beauty & the Beast opens March 17!
Playmakers' Spring Musical Back on Stage
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Ballard High School brings musical theatre back to life with the Disney favorite Beauty and the Beast
Be Our Guest ... This is Ballard’s first live musical theatre in two years! The show is based on Broadway’s modern classic with songs from the beloved animated film. The play features 36 BHS students, and is directed by Shawn M Riley.
The performance runs March 17-20 and 24-27. Guests must wear masks and adults must present proof of vaccination at the door. (Guidelines subject to change.) Purchase tickets at www.showtix4u.com: $20 general; $15 for senior citizens; $10 for students.
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Spring Saxaphone Serenade ... |
Ballard High School’s sax quartet, Alice and the Chipmunks, performed "Escapade" at yesterday's Solo/Ensemble Competition at Seattle Pacific University. Bravo! You can also subscribe and view many of this year's performances on the Ballard Performing Arts YouTube page.
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Goodwill Donation Trailers Back March 12 |
Start an early spring clean around the house and donate unwanted clothing and household items for Ballard Performing Arts!
Two Goodwill trailers will be parked in the north parking lot from 2-5 p.m. on Saturday, March 12 (or until the trailers fill).
BPA receives $600/trailer! This money goes into BPA's general fund to support everything from sheet music to cleaning uniforms. [MORE INFO]
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Metro League Guidelines for Spring Sports |
In response to policies announced by Gov. Jay Inslee on Feb. 28, the Metro League updated its guidelines for Spring Athletics, with regard to spectators, masking and more.
Note: COVID protocols are evaluated throughout the season and are subject to change. Guidelines may be modified after Saturday, March 12 to align with the Department of Health, WIAA and Seattle Public Schools.
Spring Athletics include: Baseball, Fastpitch Softball, Boys Soccer, Girls Tennis, Boys Tennis, Girls Track, Boys Track.
Club Sports: Boys Lacrosse, Girls Lacrosse, and Girls Ballard Ultimate Frisbee.
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Boys Basketball Celebrates Successful Season |
The Boys Basketball Program closed out their fantastic season on Feb. 12.
Varsity finished with an overall record of 14-11, placing 7th in the Metro League, the highest rank finish since BHS returned to Metro in 2014.
This team advanced to the final eight in the ultra-competitive Sea-King District with playoff wins versus Chief Sealth, Roosevelt, and Liberty. They earned two winner-to-state games but fell short with defeats against Rainier Beach (47-48!) and Eastside Catholic.
"The coaching staff is extremely proud of our players who have an amazing work ethic, sense of team, and pride in each other," said Varsity Head Coach Mike Broom. The team was led by senior captains Ian Macpherson, Carson Nakagawara and Drew Herrman, with Josh Coacher leading the team in scoring.
The players voted for the following season awards:
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Most Valuable Teammate Ian Macpherson
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Most Improved Player Ralph Stinebrickner
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Most Enthusiastic Teammate Max Sevier
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Defensive Stopper Carson Nakagawara
The basketball program consisted of three teams; JVC, JV and Varsity for a total of 34 players, 3 team managers and 8 coaches. The JV team was coached by John Verduin and Patrick Sheehy and the JVC team was coached Drew Blacksmith and Nathan Hartman. These teams practiced and played hard throughout the season and battled every game.
The entire program participated in the Long Talk in the Uncomfortable Truth antiracism activation program and the Varsity team participated in the Coaching Boys Into Men sexual assault prevention program. "The lessons learned from these programs, their speakers and the discussions has led the team to a deeper awareness of the issues and has helped prepare them to step up as leaders and allies," Broom said.
These student athletes prioritized the classroom by finishing out first semester with a program wide GPA of 3.55. In addition, the Varsity team, consisting of 12 players and 2 managers, maintained a cumulative weighted GPA of 3.9 during their time at BHS.
"These student athletes have made Ballard proud and should be celebrated for their work on the court, in the classroom and community," Broom said.
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Teachers, Apply by March 18!
BHS Staff Spring Grant Season
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PTSA Spring Grants are NOW available!
Teachers and staff, don’t forget to apply for PTSA Grants by Friday, March 18.
Applications have been sent to staff email, so just fill them out, send them to Lori Wilbur at bhsgrants@gmail.com and then sign up in the office to present to the committee on March 23.
We look forward to seeing all the great things you want to do for our students at BHS!
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March Board Meeting Recap |
As part of our busy March Board Meeting agenda, the Ballard PTSA learned about the school's Unified Program, with presentations from BHS teacher Robyn Maddess, alumni student athlete Trenton and Manager of Unified Champion Schools Emily Carter.
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Nominating Committee Being Formed |
In order to identify candidates for next school year's PTSA Executive Board (President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer), a nominating committee is formed.
Members of the nominating committee must belong to the PTSA.
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The BHS community is welcome to attend PTSA Board and General meetings, which will remain online until further notice.
Our remaining Board Meetings are 7 p.m. April 7 and May 5; and 5:30 p.m. June 9. Note: Only current PTSA members can vote.
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Support BHS PTSA while shopping! |
Support BHS academics while you do your spring shopping! |
Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to BHS PTSA. Check out the AmazonSmile information page to learn about using AmazonSmile and select “Ballard High School PTSA, Seattle, WA.” Thank you!
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Once your card is linked, all you have to do is swipe your Shopper's Card while paying for your purchases. More info: Community Rewards
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Student COVID Testing Schedule |
Ballard High School is offering COVID testing for students.
Ms. Lee, our Health & Safety Support person, performs the testing. Students testing will need to bring a signed Parent Consent Form.
Please test only if you are symptomatic or were exposed to a COVID positive person at least 5 days prior.
Here are the tests available:
Rapid Antigen Test | Administered when students have a concern of exposure but no symptoms. Results are received in 10 Minutes.
PCR Test | Administered when Covid symptoms are present. Students with symptoms are sent home after taking the PCR Test. Results take 2-4 days.
Here's the updated Testing Schedule:
1st-4th Period | Both Rapid Antigen and PCR Tests are available in the Nursing Office (located inside the Teen Health Center)
5th-6th Period | Rapid Antigen Tests are available in the Library (ask for Ms. Lee at the main desk)
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Read BHS News by Topic Online |
Find your school news and information by topic on the BHS Website by visiting the "all topics" page.
These BHS webpages are helpful to look at for a glance to see what is going on:
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BALLARD HIGH SCHOOL
FOUNDATION
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Victor Salvino
22nd Annual Golf Classic | Aug. 19 Newcastle
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Registration is now open for the Victor Salvino 22nd Annual Ballard High School Foundation Golf Classic, Aug. 19 at Newcastle Golf Course.
New name, new day of the week, new location, new golfers welcome too!
Come join in and support Ballard High
School Athletics, the Performing Arts Boosters, as well as Dance & Cheer.
When registering, please note in the
comments section if you would like to support a specific team or program.
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State of the District Address March 15 |
Seattle Public Schools Superintendent Brent Jones will present his State of the District Address on Tuesday, March 15, at 6 p.m. from the JSCEE Auditorium.
The event will be broadcast on SPSTV and YouTube/SPSTV Community Cable Channel Livestream.
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From SPS: COVID-19 transmission rates have been going down. On March 7, the changes to some SPS COVID Health and Safety protocols will be in effect.
We’ve been advised that Department of Health (DOH) will further adjust K-12 guidance during the week of March 7, so families can expect further changes in the coming weeks.
"While Gov. Inslee plans to lift the state mask mandate on March 12, until further notice, the district will continue current mask requirements -- requiring mask use by all students, staff, visitors, and others while they are indoors and outdoors at all SPS buildings and on school buses. To change our current masking requirements, SPS and the Seattle Education Association (SEA) must first seek to negotiate a revised agreement/Memorandum of Understanding."
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Money Talks w/ JoLynn Berge |
SCPTSA is hosting Money Talks: Conversations with Assistant Superintendent of Business and Finance, JoLynn Berge at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 15 via Zoom.
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DEI Book Club Meets March 8 |
Please email DEIatBHS@gmail.com for event link. You're also welcome to join the DEI Committee for our regular meeting, starting at 5:30 p.m. Participants can choose to read the book (available at the Seattle Public Library and Ballard High School Library) or watch the movie (available at the Seattle Public Library or streaming on Hulu)
If you need a copy of the book, a scholarship is available by emailing your request to DEI Committee Co-Chairs Shelley Bolser and Naida Boyer at DEIatBHS@gmail.com.
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Last week saw the release of five 2022 supplemental budgets: the House and Senate operating budgets, House capital budget, and both House and Senate transportation budgets.
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SB 5078 Passes Legislature Friday! |
On Friday, the House passed Senate Bill 5078, which would limit the sale and transfer of high-capacity magazines over 10 rounds. For his March update, Legislative Liaison and longtime gun-violence prevention advocate Brian Duncan celebrates.
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The BHS PTSA offers Community Resources for informational purposes & does not necessarily support activities or views presented therein. |
Summer Biomedical Programs |
The following Summer programs are specially designed for students interested in biomedical science: |
⫸ Seattle Children’s Research Institute | Seattle Children's Science Education Department offers two FREE biomedical research programs led by PhD-level scientists and educators. | Applications due April 3.
- The Research Training Program (RTP) is an in-person program with a competitive application process for students from groups that are underrepresented in biomedical research.
- The Virtual Research Training Program (VRTP) is an online program with a competitive application process, and is open to local, national and international students.
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Parent University talk with Dr. Lisa Damour |
Helping Kids and Teenagers Manage Intense Emotions with Dr. Lisa Damour at 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 16.
Our collective emotions have been heightened since the beginning of the pandemic. Now two years in, parents are noticing that these emotions can have a dramatic impact on their children’s behavior and are seeking to understand the connection.
Lisa Damour is the author of two New York Times best-selling books, "Untangled: Building Teenage Girls Through the Seven Transitions into Adulthood" and "Under Pressure: Confronting the Epidemic of Stress and Anxiety in Girls."
In an effort to make parenting resources more accessible to families, all virtual Parent University events are free, but please be sure to register in advance!
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Seattle Children's Nurse Camp |
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Crisis Connections Teen Link program |
The group's teen volunteers are trained to listen to your concerns and talk with you about whatever’s on your mind – bullying, drug and alcohol concerns, relationships, stress, depression or any other issues you’re facing. No issue is too big or too small! Calls and chats are confidential.
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Washington World Fellows Leadership Program |
For Sophomores: The WA World Fellowship is a 2.5-year global leadership program that aims to equip Washington’s young leaders through academic preparation, leadership development, civic engagement, and international travel.
The purpose of the program is to provide students who may lack access to similar opportunities with training that will enhance their high school academics, support their trajectory into college, and encourage them to become leaders in their communities and beyond. Applications due March 14.
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Teens Needed as Girls Rock Math Counselors |
Looking for a fun, fulfilling way to earn service hours? If you're a female-identifying student who enjoys art and math, then consider filling out an application to become a Girls Rock Math camp counselor.
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Youth in Focus is offering a variety of summer photography camps for youth and teens on a sliding fee scale to support all families.
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Pedalheads Spring Break Camp Hiring |
Pedalheads is hiring teens, 16 and older, for its Spring Break Bike Camp April 11-15 at the Ballard Elks Club.
- Gain leadership experience and growth opportunities
- Work daytime hours outdoors with no weekend work
- Inspire kids to believe in themselves. There is no feeling like it!
Apply here. This Spring Break Camp is a great introduction for working in the group's summer program too.
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World Citizen Essay Contest |
This contest is sponsored by the UW Center for Global Studies. Essays due March 20.
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Spring Online Philosophy Classes |
Begun by UW's Center for Philosophy for Children in spring 2020, PLATO’s Zoom classes for young people ages 8-16 explore some of life’s big questions, including topics such as friendship and loneliness, the treatment of animals, boredom and creativity, the environment, identity, and happiness. We use books, films, games, and thought experiments to inspire discussions of interesting philosophical questions.
The spring series of 8 weekly classes will begin the week of April 4. Classes are held on Wednesdays from 4-5 p.m. Registration is now open. The cost for the series is $225, and scholarship funds are available for families who require financial assistance.
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JazzED Ensembles Start This Spring |
Seattle JazzED is now enrolling for all levels, including the following ensembles, slated to start the week of March 28:
- New Works Ensembles w/ Wayne Horvitz - Two sections. All instruments, including oboe, bassoon, violin, flute, etc. Grades 9-College.
- JazzED Drumline Project w/ Tony Sodano - Grades 8-12.
- Gospel Choir w/ Shaina Shepherd - Grades 8-12.
- Slots open! Big Band Ensembles w/ Brian Kirk and Deb Schaff - Two sections. Open to sax (alto, tenor, bari), trumpet, trombone, and rhythm section (piano, bass, guitar, drum set, vibes). Grades 8-12.
Sliding scale tuition available to EVERY family.
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Do You Have an Announcement for the BHS PTSA Newsletter?
Submit content (appropriate and relevant to Ballard High School or Community) by 5 p.m. Thursday (1 or 2 weeks before your event ) to the BHS Newsletter Editor email at ballardhighnews@gmail.com. Please submit posts no more than 100 words and include relevant URLs, contact info and a small graphic (if available). Editor has full discretion over what is published. The BHS PTSA provides Community News for purely informational purposes and does not necessarily support the activities or views presented therein.
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