Online Fall Course Registration |
Time to sign up for next year's classes, Beavers! BHS Counselors will be visiting Language Arts classrooms during February to present important online course registration information.
Fall Course Registration Timeline
(Link is available on Student's Source Account)
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Grade 11 (Class of 2023) Feb. 9-15
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Grade 10 (Class of 2024) Feb. 16-March 1
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Grade 9 (Class of 2025) March 2-8
Attention BHS Juniors Class of 2023! BHS Counselors will be hosting drop-in help sessions at lunch time in the Counseling Center on Monday, Feb. 14. Reminder! Juniors/Class of 2023 Course Selections MUST BE entered on the Source before midnight on Tuesday, Feb. 15. Do not wait until the last minute.
For all grade-level registration windows, counselors will be hosting drop-in help sessions to get your questions answered. Please check the Counselor’s Schoology page to access the times and links to meetings. Please attend a session before trying to set up an individual meeting.
Students should consult with their current teachers for questions regarding an area’s course sequence. Students with IEPs should work directly with their IEP case manager to select their courses.
Please Note! Students' 22-23 Fall Class schedules are built completely on which courses and alternatives are successfully submitted online. If that critical step is not completed within the posted class registration window, it could result in not getting courses that were wanted.
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Prospective/Incoming Students Video |
Thanks to Ballard Digital Filmmaking Students Siena G. and
Lucas S-R., as well as other Beaver students and staff members, who helped put together our BHS Informational Video! This video is an extra helpful resource this year since we couldn't host an in-person event/new student tours due to district guidelines.
Have a friend or neighbor interested in learning more about Ballard High School? Share with them our Video Link and tell them to check out the BHS website's Incoming Students Information Page, which includes helpful resources and a registration timeline. |
1st Semester Progress Reports Online |
- If you have a question about a grade, talk to your teacher.
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First BHS DEI Book Club | 6 p.m. March 8
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Please join the BHS Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee for its First BHS DEI Book Club at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 8. We'll be discussing The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas.
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 DEIatBHS@gmail.com.
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Sponsors Needed for the Ballard Auction |
Do you have, or know of, a business that could support the auction as a sponsor? Sponsorship levels start at just $250 and include recognition leading up to and throughout the event on April 3. See sponsorship level details on the auction website or email ballardauction@gmail.com to inquire.
Procurement help is also needed to find items for the live and silent auctions. If you can assist with procurement, or have an item or experience to donate, please contact procurement@bhsauction.com
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Superintendent Search Student Forum Feb. 15 |
The School Board will be holding a forum from 4-7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 15 to hear from students regarding the superintendent search.
SPS invite students to preregister using the registration form at the bottom of the Superintendent Search webpage to share your thoughts on the leadership needs of the district during the forum. Public comments will be limited to the topic of the Superintendent Search and testimony time will be limited to two minutes per speaker.
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Check out a Ballard HS Club! |
Ballard Clubs are a great way to get involved and explore interests. More on the BHS website, or follow @ballardstudentlife on Instagram.
Two new options:
Astronomy Club
Meetings: Wednesday, 12:10 p.m. (Lunch), NW221
A chill, laid-back club where we talk about space stuff and the latest astronomy news.
Pokémon GO Club
Meetings: Wednesday, 12:10 p.m. (Lunch), NW105
We are working to build camaraderie, talk about Pokémon GO, and, hopefully, everyone will learn more about the game we all love so much.
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Stay Informed Page for Students |
Students: This year is flying right by! It's already second semester and the BHS website has helpful links via it's All the Ways To Stay Informed page.
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From Madame Sturgeon, in our World Languages Department! With course registration coming up, why study French at Ballard HS?
- Get college credit.
- 40 to 50% of English vocabulary comes from French.
- Sharpen your English skills
- Improve your score on the verbal section of the SAT.
- Stand out for college
- French Club (cooking, trivia, …)
- French National Contest
- Trip to France
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Get your literature and art in print! |
Ink, Ballard High School’s literature and arts journal, is accepting student submissions of drawings, paintings, poetry, short stories, photography, art, sculptures, pottery and collages. Some works will need to be a photograph of the piece (sculpture, pottery etc.) so it's suitable for publication.
The annual Ink Journal is printed in early May; please submit before April 1!
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SPREE Tickets Go on Sale in Two Weeks! |
What is Senior SPREE? Senior SPREE is an all-night grad party and a BHS tradition! Immediately following the June 15 graduation ceremony, students hop onto chartered buses. Throughout the night, grads will travel to two different exciting event venues and be treated to multiple activities, food, friends and fun.
We keep exact details a secret -- we want our seniors to be surprised! The Senior SPREE committee, comprised of BHS parents, has been hard at work to create an amazing and memorable night for this year’s Senior Class. Give your student the gift of one final night as the Class of 2022 where great memories will be created!
Ticket sales start on Wednesday, March 2 online and in-person after school outside the Commons. Take advantage of early bird pricing of $175, then actual ticket prices of $200 begin in April! For behind the scenes SPREE fun, follow @BHSspree on Instagram! [MORE INFO]
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FAFSA/WASFA Help Days at BHS |
SENIORS: It's time to do your FAFSA or WASFA!
Seattle Promise Outreach Specialist Kelsey Peronto will be available to help you finish your financial aid application during FAFSA/WASFA Help Days at Ballard High School all day -- Wednesday, Feb. 16 and Friday, Feb. 18 in the Counseling Center! Completing the FAFSA or WASFA is required to participate in Seattle Promise.
You'll need to bring some information! Please work with your parent/guardian to gather as many of the documents as possible from the list below. Photos and/or copies of documents are just fine, and all documents should be kept in a secure place! You'll need:
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Your Social Security Number (SSN), Tax ID Number (ITIN), or Green Card Number (A#) IF you have one (undocumented students can complete the WASFA!)
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A copy of your parent/guardian's 2020 Tax Return (IRS 1040) IF they needed to file taxes in 2020.
- Any 2020 tax documents such as W-2s that YOU may have (if you worked in 2019-2020).
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Valentine's Day Fun in the Library |
Also, make your own DIY Valentine's in the Makerspace during lunch on Monday!
The Beaver Reader Book Club will discuss White Smoke at its meeting at 1 p.m. Friday.
Follow @beaverreadersbhs on Instagram and view the Library Page on the school website. Also, for the love of all readers, please remember to return your checked out materials!
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All the help via the Counseling Center online |
BHS Counselors work with students to help them develop strategies for success in academics, social skills, and in considering their post-high school plans and career options.
Counselor contact details, scholarship information, applying to college resources, job and volunteer opportunities are available on the Counseling Center webpage. You can also schedule a student appointment online too!
Interested in learning about colleges? Here are some upcoming virtual College Visits via Naviance. For more information, contact Carol Bristol at chbristol@seattleschools.org:
Monday, Feb. 28 | Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising-Los Angeles, 10:55 a.m.
Wednesday, March 2 | Savannah College of Art & Design, 8:45 a.m.
Monday, March 7 | Temple University Japan, 9 a.m.
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Ballard High School Foundation
Apply Now for Golden Beaver Scholarships
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The Ballard High School Foundation offers a variety of scholarships to BHS graduating seniors. Applications are available in the Counseling Center or can be downloaded. Email your application to Carol Bristol at chbristol@seattleschools.org. Deadline is March 11.
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The Ballard 19 Scholarship | This scholarship is to remember the 19 men from BHS who died serving in Vietnam. A $1000 award to any graduating senior at BHS for college or accredited trade school who meet the criteria listed on the application.
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The Daniel Chavez Scholarship | This scholarship is in honor of fallen marine, Daniel Chavez who graduated from BHS in 2003. Seniors that are a relative of Daniel Chavez or have a parent, grandparent, or sibling in the armed forces should apply.
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The Golden Beaver Scholarships | The Golden Beavers Scholarships are one-time grants awarded to students pursuing further academic or technical education. Awards can range from $500 to $5,000.
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New! The Jonathan Shoop Scholarship | This scholarship is to remember Jonathan Shoop, a BHS 2006 graduate who was slain as a Bothell Police Officer. Looking for students with a very strong ability to play a musical instrument with special consideration for playing the trumpet.
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Bravo ~ 63rd Annual BPA Spaghetti Dinner! |
Wow, between the amazing meal and the Motown-infused score from the BPA performers, the 63rd Annual Spaghetti Dinner was a feast for all the senses!
Thank you to all our performers, supporters, volunteers and event sponsors! Check out the performances in the linked video!
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Sign Up for Choir 2022-23 |
Are you interested in joining Ballard’s incredible choir program? Next year’s Concert Choir and Advanced Chorale will hopefully be traveling to New York City to perform at Carnegie Hall!
Choir placements for next year’s choirs will happen in the spring, but if you are interested, sign up now when you fill out your schedule request form! No experience necessary; a love of music is all you need.
Find out more by watching this video put together by current and former choir students: https://youtu.be/DFKO46875wQ. We’d love to welcome you into the choir community!
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Magical Beauty & the Beast Coming in March |
Mark your calendars for the Spring Musical, Beauty and the Beast, which runs March 17-20 and 24-27. You can buy tickets at www.showtix4u.com: $20 general; $15 for senior citizens; $10 for students.
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A Little Hoops History at Liberty! |
Kudos to the girls and boys basketball teams, which both advanced to districts Saturday evening at Liberty High School.
It is extremely rare that both teams would be playing in the same gym on the same day in the first round of districts.
A Beaver Brigade contingent showed up Saturday for the "Red Out." Ballard boys defeated Liberty 60-55 to advance. Next, they play Rainier Beach at 4:45 p.m. Tuesday at Bellevue College. [ BRACKET HERE]
The girls team lost a close one, 30-26 to Liberty, but congratulations on finishing out an excellent season with hustle and heart.
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Gymnasts Win Metro Championship |
Congratulations to the Ballard Gymnastics Team for its undefeated season AND winning the Metro Championship Friday at West Seattle High School!
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Congrats to our Senior Cheer Team Members |
Quick shout out for our senior cheerleaders for their spirit and leadership! They were part of the Feb. 2 basketball game halftime senior celebration. The Winter Athletics webpage features all BHS Athletics and club sports details, including a link to team schedules and Coach Directory.
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View Brawling Beavers Matches Online |
Want to see some Brawling Beavers post season? Boys Metros and Girls District Wrestling contests are shared on the teams' YouTube Channel. You can also follow the teams on their Facebook page! Congrats to boys team members who made it to regionals: Owen (113lb), Sam (120lb), Simon and Ian (126lb), Hayden and Brendan (132lb), Avery and Thomas (145lb), Cooper (170lb) and Lazlo (182lb).
Also congrats to the Girls Wrestlers who made it to regionals: Lucille (115lb), Cassidy (135lb, 1st place), Jackie (140lb), and Jazmyn (155lb).
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Swimmers Make Most of Metros |
Twenty Ballard swimmers and two divers excelled in their triumphant conclusion to the regular season at the Seattle Metro League Championship Feb. 4-5! Ballard Beavers earned fifth-place overall in the 15-team competition.
"We are thrilled with the personal bests, camaraderie and fierce determination that our swimmers showed last weekend," Coach Kyle Morean said.
Diving | Oliver Stacey took home top honors with a personal best 380.
Caleb Pook earned 3rd place in diving, tying his personal best score 359.
(Both are already two of the top 3A State qualifiers and will be quite successful across the post-season. To this point, at deadline we hear Caleb won Districts this weekend and Oliver took second!)
Swim | Kyle Chew: In a photo finish, earned a silver medal in the 100 Butterfly swimming personal best, state qualifying and Ballard school record 52.62! Kyle is now the owner of the three fastest 100 Butterfly swims in Ballard’s history. He also swam a personal best 200 IM.
Thomas Bioren: Personal bests in both 200 (1:48.39) and 500 (4:54.65) Free. Other noteworthy point earners and incredible swims include Charlie Parker in the 50 and 100 Free; and Ryan Brown and Evan Mast in the 100 Breast.
Special shout out to Assistant Coaches/full-time parent volunteers, Tom Keenan and Heather Bioren. "They have been my ballast this season and especially this week. I was out sick the entirety of this week and in fact missed the (Metro) meet," Morean said. "So they took the helm and managed our team to success while I coordinated as a spectator from the couch. They are instrumental to this team’s success!"
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Spring Sports Registration Due Feb. 14 |
Spring Registration 21-22 | Paperwork Due Feb. 14 | Sports Start Feb. 28
Spring Sports: Baseball, Girls Fastpitch Softball, Boys Soccer, Girls Tennis, Boys Tennis, Girls Track, Boys Track. [SIGN UP DETAILS]
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Spring Club Sports: Girls & Boys Lacrosse, Girls BUF |
Club Sports are also open for registration [MORE INFO]:
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Consent Etc.
Thanks for Coming to our Winter General Meeting!
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Thanks for supporting the BHS PTSA and coming to our Winter General Meeting!
After a quick PTSA update, we learned about how to talk to our kids about consent.
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As part of National School Counselor Week, the BHS PTSA Appreciation Team celebrated our hard-working counseling team with personal thank you cards and chocolates on Tuesday, Feb. 8.
We have also been collecting kudos and shout outs, listed below, for our awesome counselors, who have been working hard to help students succeed during these changing times.
Sarah Bowman ~ "Noticed a need with student nutrition and worked with Ballard Food Bank to offer a new pantry to make sure all Beavers are nourished."
Leti Bravo ~ "She is such an important adult in that community especially for students of color ... She works so hard and cares so much!"
Carol Bristol ~ "Thanks for helping students keep up with virtual College Visits from around the globe through Naviance!"
Katie Huguenin ~ "Goes and beyond behind the scenes, especially this time of year when it comes to fall course registration."
Tom Kramer ~ "Clearly explained options when there was a schedule issue! We know he's the department head, so his expedience was much appreciated."
Gail Olson Laing ~ “I did not anticipate a quick response as I know the counselors support so many kids. It was clear that she had familiarized herself with our child’s transcript and knew the school, teachers and classes well.”
Kim Nickerson ~ "Talk about the magic behind the scenes, Kim as registrar works to keep students schedules and grades registered to provide a record of their academic studies for transcripts."
Sonja Petersen ~ "Her faith in the students, integrity in her work, and responsiveness to students and parents alike make her an outstanding educator."
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Support BHS PTSA while shopping! |
Support BHS academics while you do your 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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BHS Health & Safety Webpage |
In addition the Ballard Teen Health Center page has information about Vaccines, Immunization, Medical and Mental Health Resources for BHS families.
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Reminders from the Office! |
The school building remains closed to visitors, including parent/guardians (other than approved nurse visitors and volunteers who have been vaccinated).
Please wait outside the building and call the Main Office, 206-252-1000.
Mid-Winter Break Hours:
Monday – Closed for Presidents Day Holiday
Tuesday – Closed
Wednesday-Friday – staffed 8 a.m. to noon
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BALLARD HIGH SCHOOL FOUNDATION
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Golf Classic Aug. 19 at Newcastle |
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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School Levy Renewals Heading Toward Approval |
Thank you, Seattle! The two SPS education levy renewals are clearly headed toward approval.
Renewal of the levies means SPS students and staff can count on the nurses and custodians who support them in buildings, nutrition services, special education services, and access to technology, as well as necessary repairs and safety improvements at schools.
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Black History Month | Superintendent Jones' Message
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What started as Black History Week in 1926 by Carter G. Woodson has transcended into an entire month that serves as an annual catalyst for us to remember the past and propel us into the future by honoring the contributions of African Americans. The value of Black History Month is that it lets us know we matter, we still rise, and we are strong.
It is important to pause and celebrate the hard and beautiful history of Black people in America. It is critical in cultivating truth and authenticity. By affirming the contributions of African Americans, we also affirm the identity, strength, and power of our Black students.
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How to Submit an OTC COVID-19 Test |
Seattle Public Schools will accept over the counter (OTC) COVID-19 tests for students and staff.
A photo of the negative test result may be emailed to the school front office or brought to the school front office by a parent or guardian. Schools will communicate specific directions to families.
On the test card write or provide in an email the following information:
- The first and last name of the person tested
- The test date
Test result lines must be clearly visible in the photograph.
If the lines are not visible the test results will not be accepted.
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Mid-Winter Break is February 21-25
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All Seattle Public Schools will be closed Feb. 21-25 for Mid-Winter Break. The district office will be closed Monday, Feb. 21, for Presidents’ Day. School will resume Monday, Feb. 28.
As we approach school breaks, it is a good time to remind everyone about the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) travel guidance.
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SPS Sexual Health Education Resources |
The Seattle Public Schools Health Education Office, in partnership with SPS TV staff and Harborview Assault and Trauma Center, is developing health education content to create safe, welcoming, and respectful environments for all students.
The videos, lessons, and guidance documents address ways students can set healthy and appropriate boundaries. Videos are available on these topics:
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Learn about Roberta Byrd Barr (shared by our friends with the Lincoln High School PTSA DEI Team):
"Roberta Byrd Barr was Principal of Lincoln High School in 1973-81 -- the first woman and first African-American high school Principal in SPS -- and a major voice for social and racial justice in Seattle throughout her life. In addition to her leadership in the areas of education and civil rights, Roberta moderated 'Face to Face' in the 1960s and 70s, the first television show to consistently explore issues of concern to
minorities, such as race, equitable education, and welfare. Her legacy and impact is crucial to appreciate as our children attend Seattle schools in 2022 ...." This is just part of her remarkable story, linked above.
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Celebrating Black History Month |
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Watch a short video to learn more about Afrofuturism, “a movement in literature, music, art, etc., featuring futuristic or science fiction themes which incorporate elements of black history and culture.”
Equity Corner compiled by DEI Committee Co-Chairs Shelley Bolser and Naida Boyer
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Legislative Session at Mid-Point |
The 2022 legislative session has hit the mid-point. There are a number of resources to help leaders and members stay informed with what is happening in Olympia.
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Every Monday, we post a new Weekly Report on the WSPTA blog. Click here for the Feb. 7 post.
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Issue handouts can be found on the Advocacy webpage. These are great to use when speaking with your legislators, school board members, etc.
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Short education videos on the issues are also available on our YouTube channel and under the specific issue dropdowns on the Advocacy page.
Compiled by WSPTA Legislative Consultant Marie Sullivan.
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Weekly Advocacy Discussion |
SCPTSA Legislative & Advocacy Chair Samantha Fogg will host a weekly series to help support advocates during the remaining 2022 Washington State Legislative Assembly at 2 p.m. Saturdays, Feb. 18-26.
We need to work together to let our voices be heard. Interpreters in Spanish, Somali and Cantonese will be provided.
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The BHS PTSA offers Community Resources for informational purposes & does not necessarily support activities or views presented therein. |
Time to register for UW Youth and Teen Programs Spring Writers Workshop, which runs Tuesday and Thursday evenings April 5 through May 26.
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Advocating for Your Special Education Student |
The Seattle Special Education PTSA presents Ten Tips for Advocating for your Child from noon to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 15.
Join Rachel Nemhauser from The Arc of King County for an overview of special education and recovery services for parents and caregivers of loved ones with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
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Youth Hoops Videographers Needed | Service Learning
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The Seattle Parks & Recreation Department is looking for a student to record or live stream youth basketball games at Loyal Heights Community Center and earn Service Learning Hours. There no application needed.
Teen Center and Open Gym
Also, Loyal Heights Community is open for kids, 11-18, on weekday afternoons for Open Gym and more:
- Pool
- PS5
- XBox One S
- Wii Sports
- Arcade Games
- Board Games
- Darts
To enter the building, students must be fully vaccinated or have a negative Covid-19 test within 72 to hours of entering.
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Free College Admission Info Presentation at PNA |
Do you know a teen preparing for college? Come to this free, in-person presentation 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 24 at the Phinney Neighborhood Association, Room 3.
Dr. Mark Hofer helps students and families prepare for and navigate the college application and admission process with a goal to find colleges and universities that will best serve their academic, social, financial, and personal needs.
He guides students and their families to identify the best colleges for them while maintaining a focus on graduating with as little debt as possible. Join Dr. Hofer at this free introductory talk for parents and college-bound high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors. No RSVP necessary.
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BECU Teen Virtual Investing Classes |
BECU is offering following virtual investing classes for teens through Seattle Parks and Recreation at 4:30 p.m.:
- BECU Virtual Stock & Roll for Teens on Tuesday, Feb. 15
- BECU Virtual Risk Management for Teens on Tuesday, Feb. 22
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Seattle Ultimate Mid-Winter Break Camp |
Mid-Winter Break is coming up and Seattle Ultimate is hosting a 3-day youth clinic series at Jefferson Playfield. Choose one, two, or all three days! Participants in grades 3rd-12th ... all skill levels and all genders welcome.
Coaches include Seattle Tempest & Seattle Cascades professional ultimate players!
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Aeronautical Science Pathway Info Night |
Are you a sophomore or junior interested in becoming a Professional Pilot, Air Traffic Controller, Airline Dispatcher, or Airport or Airline Manager?
Join the Museum of Flight staff for a virtual presentation and Q&A about how you can join the 2022-2023 ASP class to jumpstart your career in aviation.
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Screenagers: The Next Chapter |
The Digital Age and Social Media are here to stay. We are seeing high rates of stress, anxiety, depression, and emotional challenges in our youth. How do we help our youth build crucial skills to navigate these challenging times?
Join PNW Parent Education for a special event as the group partners with Screenagers to bring you Screenagers Next Chapter: Uncovering Skills For Stress Resilience at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 2.
This FREE event will include a showing of the documentary Screenagers Next Chapter (69 minutes) followed by a moderated Q&A with Ali Tabb, Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
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Free Virtual Event From ParentMap |
Join ParentMap for its free talk, "Bias Interruptus: Supporting Anti-Bias Education at Home and in School" at 1 p.m.
Wednesday, Feb. 16 by anti-bias education expert Dr. Scotland Nash.
Anti-bias education works to expose the inherent biases we all have. As parents, how can we proactively confront our own biases in order to best support our students in learning and fostering anti-bias skills?
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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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