New for student lunch at a BHS near you!
Under the tent: 14 tables and 56 seats
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Students have the option of dining underneath the big tent, along with common spaces around the rest of campus, during lunchtime.
During the 21-22 school year, breakfast and lunch will be provided at no cost for all students at all SPS schools. Breakfast service is available before school, starting at 8:15 a.m., and between second and third periods. Check out this month's offerings here:
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Get to know your SPS laptop! |
SPS Laptops were handed out on Thursday and Friday, along with a Laptop Agreement and Setup information. Thanks to the staff members and PTSA volunteers for helping this process run smoothly.
Questions about your student's new machine? Check out the video below and the SPS Technology Support page for even more laptop information.
Photo of Assistant Principal (A-F) Elizabeth Guillory and volunteer c/o @beaverreadersbhs.
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Mark your calendars
Schoolwide testing on Oct. 13
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Testing for all BHS students will occur on Wednesday, Oct. 13.
- Seniors – SAT
- Sophomores/Juniors – PSAT
- Freshman – SBA ELA, Math and WCAS*
All students will be automatically registered for the tests. Room assignments and testing schedule will be posted in the next couple of weeks. There will be no classes on Oct. 13. Students will be dismissed after testing. More details to come as we get closer to testing date.
*All freshmen must bring their school district laptop and if possible bring headphones that work with the laptop for the Smarter Balanced Assessment English language/literacy (ELA) and Math tests as well as the Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS).
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Ballard High School Yearbook Sales | The Shingle
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Yearbook sales dates are established in accordance with state tax policies. "The Shingle" Yearbooks are sold during break, lunch, and after school in the Activity Center and online through the Source/SchoolPay. No yearbook sales between April 30 and Beaver Day, June 3. Pre-Sold yearbooks will be distributed on Beaver Day, June 3. Yearbook sales resume June 6 following Beaver Day until books are sold out.
- 9/7/21-9/28/21 $50 with Activity Card (plus $35 if ASB needs to be purchased)
- 1/3/22-1/23/22 $55 with Activity Card (plus $35 if ASB needs to be purchased)
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4/4/22-4/29/22 $55 with Activity Card (plus $35 if ASB needs to be purchased) (Excludes Spring Break – 4/11– 4/15)
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ASB Activity Card purchase details |
All students who tryout/participate in a Ballard athletic team or perform in a music group are required to purchase a BHS Activity Card (sticker) for $35.
For students who pay the ASB fee it also allows them to also receive free admission to BHS home games (discounted for Football games). They will also get a discount on the price of a yearbook and school dances.
Parents/guardians may pay via the Source/School Pay (the option is on the left side of the Parents' Source Account). ASB Activity Cards (stickers) are sold daily during break, lunch, and after school in the Activity Center. Please bring exact cash or a check payable to BHS in the amount of $35.
Your Student ID Card becomes an ASB Activity Card when you have the ASB sticker attached to your card. This year, if you pay your ASB fee early, it will be printed on your card. More info.
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Transportation | You can still pick up ORCA Card
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ORCA Cards were handed out at freshman orientation and on the first day of school. If your student did not get an ORCA card (or lost a card) please have them see the Attendance Secretary Alice March on the 2nd floor. Students should bring their signed transportation form to exchange for the card or download and complete the form.
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Magnolia shuttle information |
Did you know there is also a morning-only shuttle bus, Route 1007-T, serving Magnolia? Check the shuttle bus page for stop times and locations.
Note, like several other bus routes, this bus was delayed last week due to First School staffing shortages. For future reference, here's the delayed bus info page.
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Stay Connected to BHS | Forms, other resources
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Forms Coming! | Required Start of School Forms will be done electronically this year and need to be completed either online with the fillable forms or downloaded and returned to Ballard HS.
- We are providing the forms/information online via the district Start of Schools page and a Ballard HS Start of School email will be sent to families.
- Paper copies of all forms will be available outside the Main Office.
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Watch for updates coming soon on how to complete the process.
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Now available: School Nurse Welcome Letter and Online Health Forms
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Nurse welcome to Ballard High School! |
My name is Laurie Tirtanadi and I am your School Nurse for the 2021-2022 school year. I’m very excited to be working with all of you! My job is to support your child’s health and learning for this upcoming year. I hope to collaborate with and support you as we navigate these challenging times. I look forward to speaking with you by phone, cell or communicating with you by email. My office number is 206-252-1007. My cell number is 206-308-6706 and the confidential nurse fax line is 206-743-3106. My email is ljtirtanadi@seattleschools.org.
Please do not hesitate to email or call if there are any questions. I am available M, T, Th, F from 8:45 a.m. to 3:35 p.m. and Wed from 8:45 a.m. to 2:20 p.m. Visit the School Nurse page for ongoing updates.
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Thank you donors!
Foundation Auction another great success!
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From the Ballard High School Foundation: Thank you so much for participating in the Celebrating All Things Ballard Online Auction and Online Live Auction Event. Again this year, we celebrate and are grateful for a huge success.
Thanks to your donations, we raised more than $24,000 in support of Equity With Music Lessons, and thousands in support of Ballard High School Athletics, Performing Arts, Cheer, and Dance.
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Auction Ticket Holders' Goodie Bag pickup Sept. 18 |
Did you buy an auction ticket? Your Goodie Bag is ready for you to pickup on Sept. 18 from 9-11 a.m. in the BHS Parking Lot off of NW 67th. To get your Goodie Bag sent (without the bottle of wine), contact Marianne Baker at: maribaker@msn.com
Pictured above: Ballard High School field mural project funded by the Celebrating All Things Ballard Online Auction 2020. Muralist Molly Keen
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Meet Claire Elam, our new library assistant! |
Welcome to our new BHS Library Assistant Claire Elam. Keep reading this week's PTSA Newsletter for even more new staff introductions!
Hello Ballard, I just moved back to the USA after working as a middle school teacher-librarian in Ho Chi Minh City/Saigon for two years. I moved there with my family which includes my husband John who is a Science teacher at Broadview-Thomson and my two kids Carter (10) and Mason (8) who attend Loyal Heights Elementary. We loved our time in Vietnam and are happy to be back in Ballard.
Before moving to Vietnam, I worked as a middle school ELA teacher in Mukilteo and at Hamilton in SPS. I enjoy hanging out with my family, reading, running and exercise, yardwork, travel and playing board games.
I’m most excited to be part of a high school community after many years at the middle school level. I can’t wait to talk about books with the students!
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It’s really hard for me to choose a favorite book of all time … so my favorite book from the 21-22 Beaver Reader list is Burn by Patrick Ness.
Thanks and welcome again, Claire! Want to see the Beaver Reader lists for even more inspired back to school book ideas? Sure, it's a summer list, but fall isn't here OFFICIALLY until Sept. 23!
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BeaverReaders, Help Library and Make New Friends |
BeaverReaders, g o to Schoology to see what events we have ahead -- from community service hours before and after school, to the start of clubs like Ballard Comic Book Club on Wednesdays and soon to be decided Beaver Book Club.
Stop by if you are interested in helping the library and making new friends. There are new clubs being formed as we speak! Join us and, to learn more, follow us on Instagram at @beaverreadersbhs.
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New! Counseling Center Protocol for Sept 1-15
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Students, please follow the process outlined below (through Tuesday, Sept. 15) to help follow our school building (COVID) protocols:
- Only new students (those with no schedule), or who have a hole or no class in their schedule will be permitted in the Counseling Center. Students with a hole or no class in their schedule should only come down during that period with which they don’t have a class.
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Students should not report to the Counseling Center for any other reason including other scheduling issues, please email your Counselor with your concern (i.e. wrong level of class, etc.). Students are assigned to counselors by the first letter of their last name: Sonja Petersen A-Ci | Sarah Bowman Cj-Han | Tom Kramer Hao-Mci | Gail Olson Laing Mcj-Sch | and Leti Bravo Sci-Z.
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College Visits and Events available online |
Upcoming College Visits:
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Sept. 7 at 6 p.m. | University of Colorado Denver (special signup link)
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Sept. 21 at noon – University of Massachusetts-Amherst
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Sept. 22 at 8:45 a.m. – University of Chicago
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Sept. 28 at 1:35 p.m. – Seattle Pacific University
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Oct. 6 at 8:45 a.m. – George Washington University, DC
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Oct. 6 at 12:45 p.m. – Sarah Lawrence College, NY
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Nov. 11 at 1 p.m. – Oregon State University
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Running Start COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement |
Most community colleges in Washington state have implemented a COVID-19 vaccination requirement for students attending in-person Running Start classes. If you have any questions in regards to these requirements or the exemption process, please contact the community college directly.
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Band Camp This Coming Weekend! |
All Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, and Percussion students are expected to participate in camp as it creates the foundation for Ballard High's award-winning Marching Band.
Camp dates:
Friday, Sept. 10: 4-7 p.m. at Ballard High
Saturday, Sept. 11: Section Leaders organizing
Sunday, Sept. 12: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Memorial Stadium
Fee: $45, covers costs of student meals (scholarships provided if needed). Permission slips will be distributed in class on Sept. 7 and returned by Sept. 9. Ask your kids about it!
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Ballard Beaver Duffle Bag Shop is now open! |
Ballard Beaver Duffle Bag Shop is now open! Follow the link below to the online store where you may purchase a standard size or mini size Ballard Duffle bag. Bags can be personalized with your student's name!
The store is only open through Sept. 24, so don't delay! When the bags have been made delivered, a member of the Beaver Gear team will call you to let you know it is ready, so be sure to include email or phone number when you order. Bags arrive 4-6 weeks after the online store has closed.
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BHS Athletics | Proud Member of Metro League
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Ballard High School is a member of the 3A Metro League. The Official MetroLeague WA website is metroleaguewa.org. On the website you will find the most accurate and up to date schedules, scores, and standings for the Metro League. You can also register and subscribe to important event change notifications for all of your favorite Metro league teams. More info.
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This year's first recorded game features Ballard Varsity Football's season opener last Friday at Lake Washington High School, featuring 12 new starters! It was a nail biter that the Kangaroos ended up taking 13-12.
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Boys Basketball Workouts begin |
Boys Basketball: Open Gyms and Strength Workouts will start the week of Sept. 13. The fall activities are open to ALL students. Email Coach Mike Broom (mrbroom@seattleschools.org) if you are interested in joining the fall open gyms and for more information regarding the basketball season. Tryouts for the Season start Nov. 15.
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Slow Pitch Softball team needs players! |
Slow Pitch Softball Girls: We are still looking for Slow Pitch Softball players at any skill set; we will continue our Strength & Conditioning program this coming Tuesday and Thursday at 9 a.m. in the Weight Room (located between the tennis courts and football field)! Thanks and Go Beavers!
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In coming weeks, the PTSA will be sharing a quick intro to our new staff members. |
Meet Ruth Martin Losada | Bilingual IA
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HI! My name is Ruth Martin Losada, I'm originally from Spain and I've been living in Seattle for the last 15 years. I have a Bachelor in Education and I've been working with Latino families for 7 years at Phinney Neighborhood Assocation. I love cooking, reading, traveling, and hiking. I'm super excited to work with high school students for the first time as a Bilingual Instructional Assistant and grateful to join SPS. Ready to start an awesome year at BHS! Go Beavers! |
Meet Christina Russell | ELA
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My name is Christina Russell, I grew up on Bainbridge Island, where I attended Bainbridge High School (also “BHS” 😊). I studied Politics and French at Whitman College, taught English overseas in Istanbul, Turkey, and Paris, France, then completed my Master’s in Teaching at the University of Washington in 2019. Prior to coming to Ballard, I was an ELL Specialist and 9th grade Humanities teacher at Skyline High School in the Issaquah School District.
I LOVE the water –open water swimming, sailing, surfing, even reading books about swimming brings me joy! I also love gardening and spending time with my adorable Russian Blue kitten.
I am looking forward to teaching in the neighborhood where I live and learning from and with the dedicated learning community of students, teachers, staff, and family that make Ballard such a special space.
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Meet Laura Lehni | ELA/ACE teacher, ASB Advisor and Activity Coordinator
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This year I am taking on two new roles in addition to continuing my role as an ELA 11 teacher. I will be the new Activity Coordinator, facilitating and supporting our amazing ASB leaders, and the Activism and Civic Education (ACE) teacher for a new History elective open to all students.
I am so excited to see students and work alongside so many great folks at BHS!
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Thank you PTSA Volunteers! |
Thank you to all of the volunteers for the first week of school support! We APPRECIATE YOU!
Essential volunteers may be able to continue to volunteer in person at the school. Volunteers will be required to complete a video training and follow health and safety protocols. In order to reduce risk to students, all volunteers will be required to be vaccinated.
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PTSA News, Notes & Updates! |
The PTSA Newsletter comes out weekly on Sunday mornings during the school year with important BHS news and information.
Look for details in our next newsletters on:
- Membership Signup
- New BHS PTSA Website
- PTSA Board Welcome
We can also send Newsletters to students but only using a personal email address and not their Seattle schools email address.
Please include the student's grade level so we add the new email to the correct mail list group. Email to ballardhighnews@gmail.com.
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New school year Main Office hours |
While the building remains closed to visitors (including parents/guardians) the Main Office is now staffed for the new school year from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays. You can contact the Main Office at (206) 252-1000 for assistance.
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Free & Reduced Price Meals
Application could lower some fees
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Students approved for free and reduced price meals may be eligible to receive reduced fees for the following programs:
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Health and Safety Protocols |
SPS continues to follow the guidance of public health experts on what effective strategies work in our buildings. These include staff vaccinations, masking, COVID testing, physical distancing, cleaning/disinfecting, hand washing, strong ventilation, and contact tracing in partnership with Public Health King County & Seattle. We are pleased to announce that we are also adding COVID-19 testing for students and staff with COVID-like symptoms or a known exposure.
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SPS Let's Talk offers outlet to answer questions |
Let’s Talk! (or the "Contact Us" feature at the bottom of SPS webpages) is great for Community-initiated two-way communication with central office or school staff via phone call, text message, email, or online form.
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Apply for Information Technology Advisory Committee |
SPS is seeking members for the Information Technology Advisory Committee. ITAC serves as an advisory committee for IT recommendations and future funding planning. The membership application is open until Sept. 8. Apply here.
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Mark your calendars for this year's online BHS PTSA meeting dates! |
The BHS PTSA looks forward to sharing dynamic programs for our schoolwide General Meetings this school year!
Make sure to put our General Meetings on your calendar, all at 7 p.m. via Microsoft Teams
- Fall, Program TBA, Thursday, Oct. 7
- Winter, Program TBA, Thursday, Feb. 10.
- PTSA volunteer & educator awards event, Thursday, June 9.
Please also note the following Board Meeting dates on your calendars! Meetings include committee updates, we'd love to have you join us!
Board Meeting dates:
7 p.m. Thursdays via Teams: Sept. 9 | Nov. 4 | Dec. 2 | Jan. 6 | March 3 | April 7 | May 5
5:30 p.m. Thursdays via Teams, (before our 7 p.m. PTSA General Meetings): Oct. 7 | Feb. 10 | June 9
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Contact your BHS PTSA Board Members |
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Support BHS PTSA while you shop |
Passive fundraising programs are easy ways to support BHS academics and PTSA initiatives while you do your back to school 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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WSPTA Legislative Assembly coming Oct. 23-24 |
The 43rd annual WSPTA Legislative Assembly plans are currently underway. Make sure to mark your calendars for October 23-24. And, keeping the safety of our volunteers and members top of mind, the WSPTA will be hosting the event virtually.
Stay tuned for more information to be posted on the website soon!
Please email PTSA President Gloria Kruzner at bhs.ptsa.pres@gmail.com if you are interested in attending the assembly as a Ballard High School delegate.
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Teen actors sought for Penguin Productions play |
Register now for Penguin Productions' Fall Play, Metamorphoses by Mary Zimmerman
Tony Award-winning Mary Zimmerman’s smash hit Metamorphoses is a play of such grace and beauty that the memory of it lingers long after the lights have gone down. Experience magic and enchantment, bawdy humor and deep sincerity, told in a provocative mix of both contemporary and classic styles.
Ages: 14-19
Rehearsal: Oct. 11-Dec. 3
Performances: Dec. 5-6
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Team Read is currently accepting reading coach applications for the 2021-22 school year in Seattle.
Students in grades 9-12 are eligible to receive hourly pay or service learning hours
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The deadline for Seattle applications is Sept. 15. More info.
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College Application and Admissions Seminar |
Do you know a teen preparing for college? Dr. Mark Hofer helps students find, get admitted to, and graduate from great colleges and universities. He guides students and their families through the application and admissions process to identify the best colleges while maintaining a focus on graduating with as little debt as possible.
Join Dr. Hofer at this introductory talk for parents and college-bound high school juniors and seniors from 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 16 in
Phinney Center, Blue Building, Room 6.
COVID-19 Update: This class is currently being held in-person (masks required) but may be moved to an online/zoom format (same date & time) for the health and safety of participants.
Please check with the instructor or contact the PNA for the most up-to-date information.
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Seattle Theatre Group is pleased to announce an open call for volunteers for the 2021-2022 season and beyond. We also have opportunities to earn community service hours for high school students.
To begin the application process and inquire further about the benefits of the STG Volunteer program, email xaviera@stgpresents.org.
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Officials needed for interscholastic sports |
Washington Official's Association is recruiting game officials of all ages for a variety of interscholastic sports.
Could you use some extra income? Sign up to become a high school official today! You’ll earn a few extra bucks, fill a critical need, and have a lot of fun too! More info.
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The BHS PTSA offers Community Resources for informational purposes & does not necessarily support activities or views presented therein.
To provide a Community Resource item, email ballardhighnews@gmail.com.
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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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