PTSA Auction Wrap Up
Thank You Ballard High School Community
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What an amazing evening we had on April 3! Thanks to the incredible generosity from attendees, volunteers, donors and sponsors, we SMASHED OUR $95,000 FUNDRAISING GOAL, raising $111,500.
The total includes $37,000 in support of the Ballard HS Library -- A Place for All. In addition to keeping our Library inclusive and open, you will see these funds used in future grants to teachers, contributing to success for all students.
Special thanks to:
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- Principal, Senior and Junior Sponsors -- Hartman Group, Grow Salon and Chuck Johnson Architect;
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Our amazing Masters of Ceremony, teachers David Furman and Laura Lehni, cheered by amazing staff members in attendance. (Picture credit above, Kilbreath Auctions);
- Acting Principal Dr. Joseph Williams III for the rousing intro and Auctioneer Stephen Kilbreath for encouraging spirited bidding;
- Dessert Dash bakers and wine donors;
- Talented Ballard Performing Arts students who performed before the Live Event;
- The Auction Committee, headed by Carol Cheyne and Deb Fitzpatrick, and all of our wonderful volunteers!
We hope you will join the fun at the 2023 Auction. To help the Auction Committee with next year’s event, please get in touch: ballardauction@gmail.com.
P.S. You can still support the Library by texting APLACEFORALL to 44321 now (or, if you prefer, donate online here)
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Spring Break | Office Notes
Families to COVID Test Prior to Return to BHS
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Happy Spring Break, Beavers. The Main Office will be open from 8 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, April 12 and Thursday, April 14. The Counseling Office is closed all week.
In preparation for a COVID surge Ballard HS sent home two COVID Rapid Antigen tests per student. We know some families will be traveling during Spring Break and in order to prevent the spread of COVID we are asking students and staff to test within 24 hours prior to returning to school on April 18. While we are asking anyone who is sick or tests positive to stay home, we are not requiring people to report their test results.
Enjoy your Spring Break April 11-15!
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Spirit Week Fun Celebrates BHS |
Thanks to the Ballard HS ASB and Activities Coordinator Laura Lehni for an awesome and creative Spirit Week celebration, capped off with the most epic #AG2BB Assembly Friday that rocked the Dam!
We hear the Senior Class took home the honors for most Beaver Bucks, but every class showed amazing spirit and Beaver pride! More photos @ballardhighasb
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Survey to Permit On-Demand COVID Testing |
SPS sent an email last week to families preparing for a possible COVID surge after Spring Break. Seattle Public Schools is taking measures to respond to a surge in our schools if/when necessary.
This effort includes on-demand testing after Spring Break, if merited. If you did not get the email last week from SPS's testing partner CIC Health, here is a way to agree to on-demand testing for your student at BHS. (Thank you, BHS parent Krista Place, for sharing this link.)
SPS COVID Exposure Notification Process Update: SPS also recently sent a separate email to families letting them know, per the Department of Health, only families of students with medically fragile or complex health conditions would be notified of potential COVID-19 exposure. Read more on the SPS News page.
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New Feature on BHS Home Page!
The BHS website home page has current news posts displayed and now a new "Read All School News" button to more great school updates for families with concert events, athletics, graduation and more! [CHECK IT OUT!]
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New Student Course Registration 2022-23 |
For SPS students (Class of 2026) the district will be sending new student assignments this week. Once we receive notification from the district, we will reach out to newly assigned BHS students to complete registration. Information for students new to Seattle Public Schools and updates will also be posted to our school website. Visit the Incoming Students page for more details and the Course Registration page for a Fall Course Registration timeline and instructions.
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May 2-6 & May 9-13
AP Exam Important Instructions
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Students who pre-registered in November for AP Exams or who are not sure they registered can confirm their exams by signing into the myap.collegeboard.org to confirm their AP Exam Registration status.
Students cannot arrive late: Students arriving after the start of the exam will forfeit their exam. No refunds or make-up exams will be offered.
Students cannot be dismissed early: Morning exams should end between 12-12:30 p.m. and students are expected to attend their afternoon classes. Afternoon exams should end between 4-4:30pm and students are expected to attend their morning classes.
The music and language exams will run longer due to the recording piece so plan accordingly.
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Junior Parents Needed to Chaperone SPREE |
SPREE is an all-night event that the PTSA organizes for seniors that takes them to 2 secret locations on the night of graduation. We need chaperones to accompany the seniors throughout the night, supervising to ensure their safety and helping with a variety of activities.
That is where Junior parents come in. We ask Junior parents to be the ones to staff the event to allow Senior parents to do their own celebrations AND to learn about SPREE for your soon to be Seniors. Then next year, we will again find Junior parents to staff SPREE. Please reach out to one of the parent organizers, Monica Ganyard, at monicaganyard@yahoo.com for more information or you can just sign up here:
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Follow all the SPREE fun @bhsspree on Instagram! We want all seniors to join us! Scholarships are available, talk to your counselor. [MORE INFO]
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More Important Dates for Class of '22 |
FAFSA/WASFA Frenzy Workshops | Start April 20
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BHS Seattle Promise Outreach Specialist May Saetern will be offering FAFSA/WASFA Frenzy application workshops in the Counseling Center Meeting Room 213. Dates and times listed on flyer.
FAFSA/WASFA Applications are due for Seattle Promise Students by April 30. [MORE INFO]
Questions? Email May Saetern after Spring Break, May.Saetern@Seattlecolleges.edu.
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SPS Puts Spotlight on Ms. Chambers |
At Ballard High School, TuesD Chambers can barely contain her excitement. Her love for her role as teacher-librarian is evident throughout the library. She has made the room a place where students can connect. There is a room for arts and crafts, areas for clubs to gather, and spaces for classes to meet.
“What I believe is with any library it has to be more than books,” she said. “Your library has to be the heart of the school for everyone.” [ FULL STORY]
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March Madness is Over! Scythe Wins! |
Ballard Beavers, the Battle of the Books is over: Scythe by Neal Shusterman dominated with an 82% vote.
Thanks so much for participating in March Madness! Follow @beaverreadersbhs on Instagram and also see all the fun on the Library Page on the school website.
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Service Learning Opportunities Spring Forward |
Students can roll up their sleeves and help their community through Service Learning volunteer roles. Information about the program and the more-than-a-dozen Service Learning opportunities blooming this spring are on the Ballard website.
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Counseling Center Offers Many Online Options |
While the Counseling Center will be closed during Spring Break, there are a myriad of resources for BHS students and families to access. Counselor contact details and online scheduling tool; scholarship information; and applying to college resources are available on the Counseling Center webpage.
Did you miss the Running Start Information Sessions last week? Here's a link to the Counseling Center's PowerPoint Presentation.
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Spring is not too late to apply for scholarships. Here are many options: |
Even More News, Job Board & Internships |
Summer job and internship ideas for all grade levels are available on the Counseling Center News Page! Here are some of the featured opportunities:
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Online Job Board offerings include: Seattle-to-Alaska Cruise Season Seasonal Jobs (Piers 66 and 99), Pier 57 Miners Landing and More! BHS only shares postings and does not endorse any of these businesses.
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BPA Student Coffee Sales April 18-29 |
Order your favorite coffees from Caffe Appassionato between April 18-29 and support Ballard Performing Arts. For each bag sold, the BPA student you name will earn $6 toward program fees, camps and trips. Proceeds with no student named will go into the BPA general fund.
Choose from Arietta, a mellow and smooth medium roast; Tempest, a bold French roast; Espresso that has a bright and smooth Italian roast; and don't forget Decaffeinated with a bright and balanced medium roast. Choose from whole bean or ground, $14/12 oz. bag.
Orders will be available to pick up at the May 26 (Choir), June 1 (Band) and June 2 (Orchestra) Spring Concerts. Shows are 7:30 p.m. (grades 9-10); and 8 p.m. (grades 11-12). Questions? Email Karen Morse at karen.morse@gmail.com.
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Girls Lacrosse Tailgate Fun Wednesday |
As part of the ASB Spirit Week and celebrating women in sports, there was a fun tailgate featuring the Pep Band and the cheer and dance teams before the Wednesday home Varsity Girls Lacrosse game.
Senior midfielder Sam Simpson, who recently became only the third Beaver girls lacrosse player to score 100 goals in her BHS career, was also feted as she signed her letter of intent to play for Boston University.
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More Sports Updates | Baseball at T Mobile, Softball Crushing
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➤ Varsity Baseball ended a busy week of games playing at T Mobile Stadium Saturday and losing a squeaker 7-8 against Garfield.
The Beaver Brigade came out early to support the team at the Mariners home park. Follow the team @ballardbaseball.
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➤ Varsity Softball beat Seattle Prep 15-3 Tuesday after Addy Wynkoop drove in four runners off a double in the first and a double in the second. The second inning also saw the bats come alive for Wren Norris, Bea Nelson-Talbot, Payton Habel, Madi Guthrie and Olivia Henderson, who all knocked in runs for the Beavers. Pitcher Molly Baker dazzled in the team's Thursday victory against Cleveland, 12-2, allowing zero hits over three innings, striking out six and walking one. Follow the team @ballardbeaversoftball.
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➤ Track had two meets last week, Thursday against Sealth, Franklin, Holy Names and O'Dea; and Saturday the team participated in the Birger Solberg Invitational in Bellingham.
At the chilly Bellingham Meet, the Men's Varsity team took third out of 34 teams: Thomas Duggan and Brendan Day came in first and second, respectively, with a 12-6.00 height reached on pole vault. The 4x200 Men's Relay Team of Hayden Wiggins, Luke O'Meara, Chance Stanley and Logan Plesko finished second. Peter Golden took second with his discus throw. The Men's Varsity team had at least a dozen PRs.
The Women's Varsity team took eighth out of 40 teams competing. Madeline Koenig was one of 15 PR/SRs on the team with her first-place pole vault of 10-00.0. The 4x800 Women's Relay Team of Jill Philbin, Hazel Engstrom, Chloe Bargfrede and Amelia DeEulio took second. Full results on the team's Athletic.net page.
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➤ Varsity Soccer had a 1-1 draw against Garfield at home Tuesday and dropped a close one to Roosevelt 1-0 Thursday.
Come support the team at its next home games, 5 p.m. April 21 against Seattle Prep and 5 p.m. April 25 hosting West Seattle.
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Have a great Spring Break, Beavers! We are taking a little breather too, so there will be not be a PTSA newsletter on Sunday, April 17.
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Win BHS Swag
Support Your School, Join PTSA
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Parents, staff, students, community supporters ... we'd love for you to join the BHS PTSA!
We are hoping to reach more than 200 members this spring! We want and need your voice on the PTSA!
Why join BHS PTSA?
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Numbers! We have the largest high school enrollment in the city of Seattle and thrive when we have an enthusiastic crew, willing to roll up their sleeves and support BHS.
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Raise everyone's voice! More student artists can participate in the PTSA Reflections program and more BHS advocates can attend the WSPTA Fall Legislative Assembly when we have a robust PTSA membership.
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There's something we all can do. Joining the PTSA doesn't mean signing up for a slew of meetings. You can help at an individual one-time event, or chose a PTSA committee activity that matches your interest, time availability and expertise.
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Keep up with BHS. Because sometimes our teens just want to chill after a long school day and getting info out of them can be, well ... a little challenging. Our newsletter and social media pages keep you in the know. You'll also meet parents and build connection too.
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Win some cool BHS spirit swag. We will have a special drawing at our 7 p.m. Thursday, May 5 Board Meeting and gift the fun BHS spirit items, pictured, to one of our members! Meeting link coming soon.
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We also offer membership scholarships 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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Follow BHS PTSA on Social Media |
Stay in the know on all our PTSA initiatives and exciting upcoming BHS events. Follow the Ballard High School PTSA on Social Media!
Facebook:
Twitter:
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Dr. Brent Jones Listening Sessions |
The Seattle Council PTSA is hosting a series of community engagements with Seattle Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Brent Jones.
Please join us to share your voice with our district leader about safe and welcoming environments. To register, please use the following links.
ASL and closed captioning will be available at each listening session. Interpretation (Spanish, Somali, Vietnamese, Cantonese, and Amharic) is available as well. Listening sessions are 5:30- 7:30 p.m.:
April 25: Black families (Interpretation in Oromo and Tigrinya available in addition to listed languages)
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SCPTSA Take Back PTA Workgroup |
Please mark your calendar for the inaugural meeting of Seattle Council PTSA’s Take Back PTA workgroup, to be held online on at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 26 (Zoom link here).
This meeting is intended to honor and learn more about PTA fundraising equity work. It is also intended to recenter the PTA mission of advocacy for all children. Please prepare by reading Council’s 2019 #takebackPTA resolution.
Please contact Vivian van Gelder at vivian.van.gelder@scptsa.org about accommodations, interpretation, or with any other questions about this event.
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Sign up for WSPTACon2022
May 20-22
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All WSPTA members are invited to attend the 109th annual WSPTA Convention and Conference, in-person or at the remote conference.
The in-person convention will be May 20-22 at the Lynnwood Convention Center. The remote conference is also May 20-22 through the Whova app.
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Submit Proposed WSPTA Resolutions |
Any PTA member is encouraged to submit an issue, resolution, or legislative principle that addresses concerns that affect children on a state-wide level to the WSPTA.
The deadline to complete the online form(s) is May 27:
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Legislative Session Debrief |
Join the WSPTA at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 26 to hear from their Legislative Consultant Marie Sullivan, as she recaps the 2022 legislative session, focusing on the WSPTA's impact on legislation.
She will also provide a look at bills that didn’t pass that might make good positions for the Fall Legislative Assembly. There will also be time questions and answers.
A Zoom link will be sent to registrants closer to the session date.
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Apply to be a Student School Board Member |
Seattle School Board is accepting applications for three 2022-23 student school board members. The student school board members will provide guidance to the board.
Current 10th-11th grade Seattle Public Schools students are eligible to apply.
Applications are due April 20.
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Volunteers a Vital Asset to SPS |
The district’s Self Help Projects Program and volunteers work year-round to be good stewards of the environment by improving school buildings and grounds.
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SPS Recognizing Volunteers |
Although SPS appreciates the work of volunteers throughout the year, they will recognize these unsung heroes during the month of April, which is National Volunteer Month.
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Equity News and Information |
Congratulations to future Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, who will be the first Black female Justice on the US Supreme Court! The highly qualified Judge Jackson was confirmed by the Senate on April 7, 2022, and she will be sworn in this summer. Ketanji Brown Jackson confirmed to U.S. Supreme Court | AP News
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This organization connects members of the Seattle community with American and International students to “advance international understanding through cross-cultural experiences, student leadership, and community connections.”
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The BHS PTSA offers Community Resources for informational purposes & does not necessarily support activities or views presented therein.
Note: As we near summer months, there will be more listings for internships, service learning and enrichment opportunities.
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FBI Teen Academy May 24-25
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The FBI Seattle Teen Academy is now accepting applications. This will be virtual from 6-8 p.m. May 24-25.
Applicants must be juniors or seniors. Deadline is 5 p.m. April 22. [MORE INFO]
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Young Executives of Color |
Young Women's Leadership Summit |
Sound Careers in Healthcare |
Join the Health Industry Leadership Table for a FREE online event for Washington high school students & young adults ages 16-24 exploring careers in healthcare from 3-4:30 p.m. April 25-29. JOIN FOR A DAY OR ALL WEEK! Participation from BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color), low-income & first-generation learners are encouraged!
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Ballard, Make April "Idle Free" Month |
Hey Ballard! Let’s make April “Idle Free” Month!
Save money, protect air quality, and slow climate change by turning off your engine when you’re not going anywhere – outside school, in the drive-through, or checking your phone.
Did you know --
10 seconds of idling uses more fuel than restarting
16 million gallons of fuel are wasted by unnecessary idling in the U.S. every day
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Sound Careers in Healthcare |
SBE Examining Grad Requirements | April 12
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The Washington State Board of Education (SBE) is exploring and developing recommendations related to graduation requirements. The request is to align graduation requirements with the Washington State Profile of a Graduate.
Round 1 listening sessions are an opportunity to provide feedback at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 12 via Zoom.
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Student Loan Info Session |
The Center School will be hosting a Virtual Student Loan Info Session at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, April 20. Seniors, juniors and parents are welcome. Financial Aid Counselor Emily Huff, from Seattle Pacific University, will be provide info and answer questions about student loans.
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Consider supporting the SE Seattle Move-a-thon |
A group of 15 Southeast Seattle public school PTAs and PTOs have joined together to create an equitable and collaborative fundraising model while encouraging kids to actively engage in their school and greater Southeast Seattle community by getting out and moving together.
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Accounting Career Awareness Program |
If you are interested in accounting and business, will be a sophomore, junior or senior next year, Seattle ACAP’s summer Residency Week program is for you!
Applicants must be students of color, with priority given to those that are considered underrepresented in the accounting field: African American/Black, Hispanic/Latinx, and Native American. The priority application deadline is April 15, with additional spaces to be filled on a rolling basis.
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Ballard Community Center Summer Volunteer Jobs |
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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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