B A L L A R D
H I G H S C H O O L
C A L E N D A R
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2-3pm – Last Names A-L
3-4pm - Last Names M-Z
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10-12 yearbook pickup, Thanksgiving Week schedule |
As we head into this shortened school week, we look forward to seeing students for the 19-20 Yearbook Pickups.
Students in grades 10-12 who have pre-purchased a 2019-20 yearbook may pick up their yearbooks on Tuesday, Nov. 24 or Wednesday, Nov. 25 at the north entrance of the school off of Northwest 67th Street.
Please follow the schedule provided below, mask up and adhere to a safe physical distance between you and other students picking up materials. Students will line up on the west side of the tennis courts and pick up their yearbooks from the appointed lines at the western gym doors.
Note: Yearbook sales for the School Year 19-20 will resume on Dec. 2, while supplies last. More information on the yearbook news page.
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Nov. 24 or 25, 2-4 p.m.
Schedule: 2-3 p.m. Last Names A-L | 3-4 p.m. Last Names M-Z.
Thanksgiving Day | Nov. 26, no school
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Principal Wynkoop focuses on fall positives |
Principal Keven Wynkoop shared an update last Wednesday, Nov. 18, including information about grading policies, new communications tools, and safe yearbook distribution next week, given increasing COVID numbers.
Although this year hasn't come without its challenges, he's also seeing bright spots:
"For me, I am trying to stay focused on the unexpected positives, like the way that our students support each other through the chat in classrooms, the way that our staff has come together to help each other grow their remote teaching and the reality that this pandemic has given all of us unexpected quality time with our teenagers," he said. "I am sure that for some this has been entirely too much 'quality time,' but our young adults are so close to leaving that we have to appreciate this time together."
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Bucky's Home for the Holidays
Donate gift cards to help families in need
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Bucky’s Home for the Holidays is intended to assist school families who have been severely impacted by COVID-19 and may not have the financial stability to enjoy the holiday season as much as many BHS families.
The BHS PTSA is still accepting donations of gift cards to Fred Meyer, Target, Starbucks, Safeway and other local businesses in the amount of $10 or more. Please bring purchased gift cards to the PTSA representative at the Yearbook/Library Curbside Pickup from 2-4 p.m. Nov. 24-25 in the North Parking Lot.
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Thank you Education Support Professionals |
Whether we're in the building or participating in this fall's remote learning, we think Thanksgiving Week is the perfect time to show our gratitude for BHS's Education Support Professionals!
Who's an Education Support Professional (ESP)? Besides our wonderful Ms. Cindy Peterson and Ms. Rayna Bauer, staffing the Main Office during the closure, ESPs include a long list of professionals who keep school running smoothly. They include administrative professionals, paraprofessionals, food services workers, maintenance workers, bus drivers, security guards, school nurses, computer tech specialists and the others who support educators, school leadership, and students too.
While we couldn't thank them in person this year, the BHS PTSA would still like to recognize the ESPs at Ballard High School for they work they do to make sure our students can learn and achieve in a safe and nurturing environment. (Yes, this year's official celebration was Nov. 18 but through the magic of editing and spirit of gratitude, we're adding a few days!) Thank you BHS ESPs!
Also in appreciation of Substitute Educators!
We'd also like to share a shout out to Substitute Teachers in honor of Substitute Educators Day, which was Nov. 20.
They also, this year, have had the added challenge of teaching in an online environment. We appreciate all they do to encourage learning when students' regular classroom teachers are absent.
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Support student journalism
New BHS Talisman articles available online!
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Check out BHS student journalism through the online version of the student newspaper, the Ballard Talisman. Tess Petrillo and Paige Anderson are this year's Editor-in-Chiefs.
For everything Ballard Talisman and Shingle (the School Yearbook Production Team, headed by Editor in Chief Maddy Bowles) visit the BHS Journalism webpage. There you'll find updates on Senior Portraits, Grad Ads, the Talisman website and upcoming Freshman interview opportunities too!
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Share art, poems & short stories with Ink Club |
Ink Club celebrates the creativity of students, be it through their sketches, painting, photography or writing.
Each year the club puts out an Ink Journal, featuring students' art and writing.
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Say thanks through Ballard Appreciation page! |
During this time of Thanksgiving, it's easy to recognize someone in the Ballard High School Community whom you're thankful for! The Ballard Appreciation Club will make an awesome Instagram shoutout to these honorees!
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Senior photo deadline now Monday, Nov. 23 |
Just a quick peek at the '21 Insta! |
Check it out on the news and information page just for you, Class of 2021!
You'll also find news updates and quick links to the Applying to College and the Cap & Gowns product information pages as well as a Senior Events calendar there.
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Parent volunteers needed
Senior Celebration Committee forming
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We are looking for parent volunteers to help with the Senior Celebration Committee, to help develop fun ways to celebrate our awesome Class of 2021. In a traditional year, we would be hosting a SPREE graduation party to celebrate our graduating seniors.
Due to the shift necessitated last spring by COVID-19 safety concerns and state mandates regarding gathering, we instead focused on celebratory signage and Senior Journals to mark our Class of 2020 celebration.
This year, we would like to have more ideas on the table, given the state and county gathering guidelines as we get closer to the June 16, 2021 graduation date.
We have gathered a few volunteers but are looking for a couple more to help start planning the celebration, be it SPREE (if state/local guidelines allow) or another creative way of celebrating the Class of 2021.
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Check out Curbside Pickup, 2-4 p.m. Nov. 24-25
Need books or fun for Thanksgiving Break?
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Timed to coincide with the Grades 10-12 2019-20 Yearbook Pickup, the next Curbside Pickup will be 2-4 p.m. Nov. 24-25!
Put books, weaving kits and games -- everything you'll need for Thanksgiving Break -- on hold at bit.ly/BHSHolds.
When you have finished your library books please return them. There are bins outside the Main Office and Library from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Wednesday this week.
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Bring titles to Curbside Pickup Nov. 24-25
BHS Library book replacement drive
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Beaver Readers: Please help us replace books students are unable to return during COVID. Go to bit.ly/bhsbookdrive to replace books or choose from the list to buy from an independent bookstore. Check out the wishlist for Queen Anne Book Co. We are also accepting gently used but current titles to support the BHS Library.
Books can be sent to BHS or brought to Curbside Pickups:
Nov. 24 & 25 | From 2-4 p.m.
Dec. 10 | From 3-5 p.m.
BHS Parking Lot off NW 67th
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Read, then play Beaver Reader Book Bingo! |
Beaver Readers: It's time to play Bingo! Track your titles on a Beaver Reader Bingo sheet, available below or on the Library News page, and try to win a prize! There are three different Bingo sheets to choose from! Try one or all! Will there be a triple blackout?!?
To complete the sheet just do what the box says and then cross it off or color it in (you can’t use a single book for more than one). Each Bingo (5 in a row) is worth one lottery entrance, for a blackout (the entire sheet completed), you get 10!
To submit a Bingo sheet, give a filled out printed copy to Ms. Chambers at the Jan. 7 Curbside Pickup or email a picture of the completed sheet to tschambers@seattleschools.org by Jan. 7!
Winners will be announced later that week via email, and those who won can come collect prizes at the next curbside pickup day.
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Note from the Nurse: Finding Joy
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Finding joy in your everyday life can bring increased contentment and satisfaction. This can help protect and enhance your health. Joy is found in the ordinary minutes of your life. Take a minute to listen to and appreciate the laughter of children playing or the smile of a young baby. Take a minute to sit on a step and listen to the pouring rain outside a window. Take a minute to talk to a distant relative on the phone. Take a minute to slowly taste each morsel of food as you eat dinner. Take a minute to find joy in your life.
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BHS Teen Health Center available by appointment |
Did you know your student can get health care and confidential mental health therapy through the Teen Health Center (BTHC)? The BTHC also has free flu shots and sports physicals available by appointment.
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Student meals distribution sites |
SPS is offering free student meals at 40 school locations and eight bus routes. Meal sites are open Monday-Friday from 11:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. (except for the Thanksgiving Break).
Students and families are welcome to take as much food as is needed when they come in on Wednesday, Nov. 25 to cover them for Thursday and Friday when the sites will be closed.
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Counseling Center offers helpful resources |
Filling out college applications?
Check out Applying to College page for helpful links
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The Counseling Center's Applying to College resource guide has answers to commonly asked questions about applying to college as well as upcoming events and opportunities. The Applying to College webpage is updated often with new content and helpful links, including:
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Interested in Eastern Washington University? |
Sign up on Naviance for the Eastern Washington University rep's 2:05-3 p.m. Monday, Nov. 30 Virtual College Visit.
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WSU National Merit Scholarship opportunity |
To receive the award at WSU Pullman, National Merit semifinalist students must complete the following:
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The Show Must Go On!
Donations help BPA with remote music learning
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Ballard Performing Arts says "Bravo!" to all the BPA supporters who have contributed to its annual Direct Giving Campaign.
Ballard Performing Arts | How To Keep In Touch:
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Ballard Performing Arts Coaches and Adjunct Instructors, including Jazz Band Coach Gary Hammon (pictured), offer virtual instruction and support for students throughout our school's performance disciplines.
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Turn in Ballard Market receipts Dec. 10 for BPA |
Please save and drop off your Ballard Market receipts at Curbside Pickup from 3-5 p.m. on Dec. 10 in the North Ballard High School parking lot off 67th.
For every receipt submitted to BPA, Ballard Market will give a portion to support our students.
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WIAA alters athletics season schedule |
The WIAA Executive Board voted Nov. 17 to amend the current season schedule for the remainder of the 2020-21 school year, opting to delay the start of WIAA Season 2 to Feb. 1 and shorten each WIAA Season to seven weeks in length.
The decision comes in light of surging COVID-19 cases around the state, putting in jeopardy the ability to begin WIAA Season 2 which was scheduled to begin on Dec. 28.
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Tentative BHS Athletics Season 2 dates & deadline |
SEASON 2 Athletic Registration is due Jan. 15 on FinalForms (including updated physical if needed).
Season 2 includes the following teams and tentative season dates:
- Jan. 25-March: Gymnastics
- Feb.-March: Boys Basketball, Girls Basketball, Boys Swim & Dive, Girls Wrestling and Boys Wrestling
Note, these dates are tentative based on WIAA decision making with regard to the COVID-19 situation. More information on the BHS Athletics Overview.
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Help those affected by COVID through Ballard Cares
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A note of thanks from the PTSA |
Typical Thanksgivings at our household mean travel and fellowship: Our oldest returning for respite from a challenging fall of college exams; puzzles, football and movies to enjoy; trying to find the crumpled folded recipe for a tried and true side dish to share after the hour drive to Grandma's house.
Because of COVID, it's a bit different this year at our house, as I'm sure it is at yours. But I'm feeling even more sentimental now and thankful for not only loved ones but our BHS PTSA family and the spirit of community that has been shared this fall.
There's the recently relaunched Ballard Cares effort, that directly supports families severely impacted by the COVID-19 virus.
Or the Nov. 12 Library Curbside Pickup, with our talented Jazz Band overcoming the elements and providing a lovely soundtrack in the midst of darkening, rainy skies.
The book donation bin overflowing with books to fortify the BHS Library shelves. Bundled and masked staff, volunteers and eager student readers sharing a moment to reflect on the true meaning of community and pick up some great titles from the BHS Library.
So while we're missing a typical Thanksgiving this year, the meaning and spirit behind it still shines through.
Best wishes for a restful Thanksgiving Holiday from the Ballard PTSA,
Interim President,
BHS PTSA
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PTSA Board meeting Dec. 3 |
The BHS PTSA Board will next be meeting online at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3.
PTSA Board meetings are held monthly during the school year and are open to all, although only board and committee members may actively vote. Due to the pandemic, meetings are held this school year via Microsoft Teams.
At the November Board meeting, we approved our October General Meeting minutes which included an interesting Q&A of BHS staff on the topic of online learning.
We've attached the discussion, facilitated by Principal Keven Wynkoop, here.
The December agenda will include discussion on PTSA fundraising and grants, and a vote on approving Interim President Gloria Kruzner as president.
2020-21 school year PTSA Board meetings
Following Thursdays at 7 p.m.: Dec. 3, Jan. 7, March 4, April 8 and May 6:
Following Thursdays at 5:30 p.m.: Feb. 11 and June 10
PTSA General Meetings
These meetings typically feature a speaker or program of interest to the school community.
The next General Meeting is Feb. 11. The final General Meeting is June 10, featuring the year-end Teacher/Volunteer recognition event.
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Main office staffed for calls/emails Mon-Wed this week |
The Main Office is staffed 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. school days by Cindy Peterson and Rayna Bauer who are only available via their linked emails or phone at 206-252-1000.
Helpful quick links:
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How to report student absences |
If you leave a voice mail message please be sure to include your student’s name, your name, reason for the absence, and the date of absence.
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SPS will remain remote thru Jan. 28 |
SPS will remain remote with limited in-person instruction through the end of the first semester.
A public work session on in-person learning will be 4-5:30 p.m. Nov 30.
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Weekly SPS Tech Tip: TypingClub |
TypingClub is highly recommended as an effective way for students to learn how to type.
TypingClub is integrated with the Student Portal (Clever) so usernames and passwords do not need to be re-entered. To get started, students can follow these steps:
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- Log in to an SPS student computer.
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Open Chrome to https://seattleschools.org.
- Select the Students tab and scroll down to Student Portal.
- Select Log in with Active Directory.
- Select the TypingClub icon under the SPS Tools section at the top of the page.
- Click Start and select a class to begin the typing lessons.
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Sign up for SPS IT Advisory Cmte. |
SPS is seeking members for the Information Technology Advisory Committee (ITAC). The committee comprises dedicated students, community members, teachers, and other staff that help plan future funding and provide technical expertise and community input on technology solutions' recommendations.
The application has been extended until Dec. 7.
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COMMUNITY ARTS, CULTURE, ACTION |
The BHS PTSA offers these Community Activities for informational purposes & does not necessarily support activities or views presented therein. |
UW winter high school enrichment |
The University of Washington is offering school-year enrichment courses for high school students. Classes offered in the winter session include:
- Coding in Java II
- Algorithmic Thinking: Programming Fundamentals
- Writers Workshop
Registration deadline is Dec. 28 and courses begin Jan. 5, running twice weekly in the evenings over 10 weeks. For details visit program website
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Seattle Promise Application & Financial Workshop |
Visit the Seattle Promise Application Workshop site to find workshops to best help students complete the Promise milestones ahead of deadlines and get connected early. Promise workshops open to all students. Financial Aid and Promise workshops with translators available.
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Seattle Public Library offering free tutoring |
Seattle Public Library has launched free virtual tutoring in a variety of subjects for K-12 students. Help is available in math, writing, science, history, foreign languages, college essay writing, AP courses, and more. Sign up for Library Link using your SPS student ID and get access to thousands of free tutors today.
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Sign up for the BHS PTSA here! |
The Ballard High School PTSA Mission is to: "Create an inclusive, supportive community that cultivates a tradition of excellence for all students."
Become a PTSA member and help us continue our work through fundraising, volunteerism, grant support, holiday gifting to families in need and more! More information on the BHS PTSA.
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Join our BHS PTSA volunteer team |
We may not be able to meet in the building but we'd love to have you sign up as a BHS volunteer!
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BHS PTSA social media links |
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SHOP AND SUPPORT BHS PTSA |
Support BHS PTSA at Fred Meyer |
Thank you to the BHS families who contribute to BHS PTSA while they shop at Fred Meyer.
Once you link your card, all you have to do is shop at Fred Meyer and swipe your Shopper’s Card.
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AmazonSmile supports Ballard PTSA |
Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to BHS PTSA.
Thank you!
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The BHS PTSA offers Community Resources for informational purposes & does not necessarily support activities or views presented therein.
Seattle Public Schools
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Learning/mental health support |
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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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