September 26, 2021
BHS CALENDAR

Sept. 27-Oct. 1 | Homecoming Week


7 p.m. in the gym

Sept. 29 | Club Rush,
2:20-3 p.m.

Oct. 1 | Homecoming Game vs. Rainier Beach, 5 p.m. Memorial Stadium; Band Halftime Show


Oct. 5 | Photo Retake Day


Oct. 7 | PTSA Online Fall General Meeting | Contact Tracing at BHS, 7 p.m. (Board Mtg at 5:30 p.m.)

Oct. 8 | In-Service Day, no school

AND Home Football vs. Seattle Prep, 7:45 p.m., Memorial Stadium (Band Senior Night too)
Oct. 9 | Goodwill Truck at BHS, BPA benefit, 9-noon

AND HPV/COVID/FLU Vaccine Clinic @ BHS, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Oct. 12 | BPA Boosters Meeting, 6 p.m.


Oct. 14 | Football Senior Night; 6:30 p.m. O'Dea game, Memorial Stadium (band attending too)


ALL SCHOOL NEWS
Sept. 27-Oct. 1
Let's celebrate our BHS Magic Kingdom!
Celebrate Homecoming this week with a special Disney theme. ASB leadership is working to create a week that is memorable and COVID-safe! We are excited to have Dress-up Days, Club Rush, hallway decorating, and more!

Dress-up Days include (get inspired by the ASB video above):
  • Mon, Sept. 27 | Pajama Day (Sleeping Beauty)
  • Tues, Sept. 28 | Twin Day (The Parent Trap)
  • Wed, Sept .29 | Farm vs. Formal (Cinderella)
  • Thurs, Sept. 30 | Mardi Gras (The Princess and The Frog)
  • Friday, Oct. 1 | Class Colors (Freshman; Grey, Sophomores; White, Juniors; Red, Seniors; Black -- High School Musical)

Buff Puff Game
It's the tradition that's back after last year's hiatus ... Find out who will win the annual Buff Puff Volleyball Game; juniors or seniors? Watch the fun at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 28 in the Gym! The game will also be streamed live on the BHS Athletics YouTube page.

Club Rush
Check out the myriad of Clubs available at BHS through the Club Rush from 2:20-3 p.m. (more info under CLUBS) Wednesday, Sept. 29 in the Commons and on the First Floor.

Hallway Decorating
Want to show some class spirit and help decorate your class hallway? Hallway Decorating will be happening from 4-8 p.m. on Thursday, Sept 30!

Football Game/Band Halftime Show
The Homecoming Football game is 5 p.m., Friday, Oct. 1 against Rainier Beach High School at Memorial Stadium.

The theme for the football game is BEAVAPALOOZA! Wear neon colors, glitter, and anything colorful and festival-esque. Also, check out the Marching Band's spirited halftime Guardians of the Galaxy theme performance!

More information on the Homecoming Week Events page.
Staff Appreciation – Homecoming Treats Edition
Help us celebrate our winning BHS staff on Oct. 1, the culmination of Homecoming Week. We’ll provide them with savory and sweet snacks and drinks to get them to the end zone Friday night at Memorial Stadium.

Please visit this sign-up link to volunteer to drop off snacks and/or drinks. Information on when and where to drop off items is in the sign-up. Thank you and go, Beavers!

-Michelle Peters & Lisa Vanderford-Anderson, PTSA Staff Appreciation Chairs
PTSA Oct. 7 General Meeting
How Does BHS Contact Tracing Work?
The Ballard High School PTSA looks forward to seeing you at our 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 7 General Meeting via Teams!

We will be introducing our 2021-22 Board, sharing some of our upcoming initiatives, and voting on our 2021-22 Budget and Standing Rules.

Also, we'll have an important program on our building response to COVID cases as they happen. Families may feel anxious about how contact tracing and quarantine protocols will affect their student.

Some questions may be:
  • What do I do if my student is sick?
  • How will I know if my student is a close contact to someone with COVID-19?
  • How long will my student have to quarantine and how will student learning be supported?

While SPS has information posted and updated on its Contact Tracing and Quarantine Protocols webpage, our special guest, School Nurse Laurie Tirtanadi, RN, MS, ARNP, will detail how this looks in the BHS building.

Share your questions with Nurse Tirtanadi on button linked here:
Join us for A Conversation with Jesse Hagopian
Join us for "A Conversation with Jesse Hagopian" Oct. 6 at 7 p.m via Zoom.
Presented by the Lincoln High School PTSA's DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) Committee, as part of its yearlong speaker series to listen, learn and cultivate a school community where all students of all backgrounds and identities feel welcome, safe, supported and successful.

This amazing opportunity to support these goals is co-hosted by the Ballard High School, Roosevelt High School, Hamilton Middle School and Whitman Middle School PTSAs.

Jesse Hagopian is an award-winning educator and a leading voice on issues of educational equity, standardized testing, the Black Lives Matter at School movement, and social justice unionism. He is an editor for Rethinking Schools magazine, a co-editor of the books Black Lives Matter at School and Teaching for Black Lives, a public speaker, organizer, and Ethnic Studies teacher at Seattle’s Garfield High School.

Please take a moment to register for this free and informative ZOOM event that is open to all. Text TableTalks to 41444 and you will receive a reply and link to register for the event. More information here.
Curriculum Night videos still available to watch
For the second year in a row, last Thursday night, Ballard offered a Virtual Curriculum Night.

If you missed out, videos from all teachers are available on Schoology through the month of October. There are also important School Welcome videos, listed here:


Start on the Curriculum Overview news page to find videos about the school overall and then follow the instructions to teacher Schoology pages for their videos. Enjoy!
Dam Store opens Monday during lunch
Students: Shop for your BHS merch! The Dam Store and Kiosk re-opens Monday, Sept. 27 for the school year during lunch!

Check out BHS sweatshirts, t shirts, $25 cozy sherpa quarter-zips and more!

The store is run by Advanced Marketing Students. Follow @thedambhsstudentstore.
Start of School Forms | Time to fill out & turn in!
TIME TO TURN IN YOUR START OF SCHOOL FORMS!

These required forms are fillable online and can be downloaded and emailed to Cindy Peterson in the Main Office at crpeterson@seattleschools.org.
NEW! You can now pick up your Student ID/ASB Card
Student ID/ASB cards are here! If your student didn't pick their ID card up Friday they can get it next week during lunchtime!
Photo Retakes Oct. 5 in Activity Center
Photo Retake Day will be on Oct. 5. Students may go to the Activity Center during lunch or during the passing time between 2nd-3rd and 3rd-4th periods to have their pictures taken. More info on the Photo Retake Day page.
Ballard High School Yearbook | Shingle Pre-sale
The first Shingle Yearbook presales window ends Tuesday, Sept. 28. Yearbooks are sold during break, lunch, and after school in the Activity Center and online through the Source/SchoolPay. The cost at this time is $50 (adding $35 if you still need to purchase your Activity Card too).

Pre-Sold yearbooks will be distributed on Beaver Day, June 3. More information on the Yearbook Sales page.

Check out details on Senior Portrait/Grad Ads Submission in the SENIORS section below.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
NEW! FREE HPV, COVID-19 & FLU VACCINATIONS
Outdoor Vaccination Event at BHS Oct. 9
In partnership with the American Cancer Society, Swedish is hosting a FREE outdoor vaccination event for HPV, COVID-19 and Flu vaccinations 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 9 at Ballard High School.

ELIGIBILITY: HPV: 9 -19 years old; COVID-19: 12 & older; Flu: 6 months & older 

All vaccines are administered at no cost. Seattle Public School students, faculty, families and community members are welcome. More information here or on the linked graphic.
SVNA Fall Flu Shot Clinic goes thru Oct. 21
Seattle Visiting Nurse Association (SVNA) will be offering flu shot clinics through Oct. 21. All SPS students, families and staff are welcome to attend. Flu shots will be free for those with insurance, including Apple Health. Appointments will be required.

Six of these regional clinics will also offer COVID-19 vaccines for students, staff and families who are 12 and older. COVID-19 clinics are in partnership with Safeway/Albertsons Pharmacy and Public Health Seattle King County.
ASSESSMENTS
Assessments all for grade levels on Oct. 13
college_student_study.jpg
Assessments for all BHS students will occur on Wednesday, Oct. 13.

  • Seniors – SAT (more info below in the SENIORS section)
  • Sophomores/Juniors – PSAT
  • Freshmen – SBA ELA, Math and WCAS (Smarter Balanced Assessment English language/literacy & Math tests; Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science)

All students will be automatically registered for the tests. Important: Freshmen must bring their school district laptop (and, if possible, headphones).

Sophomores and Juniors should have received a PSAT student guide in their LA class. Extras are available in the Counseling Center. Room assignments and schedule will be posted in the next couple of weeks. There will be no classes on Oct. 13. Students will be dismissed after assessments.

Please visit the Ballard Assessments Overview page for study resources, updates and more information.
Help testing students by donating snacks
BHS Families: We would like to provide some snacks for the upcoming full day of assessments on Oct. 13. If you are able, we would appreciate you donating a Costco-sized box of granola bars or fruit snacks to keep our scholars functioning at their best.

Please send the donations to the Main Office with your student or bring it to school and call 206-252-1000 and the office staff will come out and grab it from you. Thank you!
Important! Payment window closes Nov. 5!
AP Exams Pre-Registration details here
AP Exams will be given over May 2-13 at BHS. Students must register and pay for their AP Exams by Nov. 5!

Students must be currently enrolled in an AP class at BHS to register for the corresponding AP test. Registrations that are not paid by Nov 5 will be cancelled and exams will not be ordered.

Payment must be done on SchoolPay via the Parent Source Account (which opens on Oct 1). More details on the AP Information page.
SENIORS
Class of 2022 Graduation Date details
The Ballard High School Graduation has been scheduled for 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 15 at Memorial Stadium.

Also, make sure to check out the Senior Class page on the BHS website and follow the BHS Class of 22 Parents Facebook page.
JOIN SPREE COMMITTEE
Let's plan to celebrate our '22 Grads!
Will your kid be a senior at Ballard High School this year? Would you like to help organize a great event for your graduating student and all the other seniors, and help keep them safe on graduation night? We need your help! Be a member of the SPREE 2022 Committee!

The SPREE is the fantastic and super fun party that seniors go to after graduation. It’s a great way to have an all-out celebration for the seniors while ensuring they are in a safe environment. In order to have the SPREE, though, a SPREE committee needs to be assembled to organize the event. If you are interested in helping please contact Becky Moore at bhs.ptsa.spree@gmail.com.
Senior SATs scheduled for Oct. 13
All Ballard Seniors will be automatically enrolled in the Oct. 13 School Day SAT. BHS will have more specific instructions posted for students and families soon!
BHS Counselors want to encourage all 12th graders to take the SAT as it is an opportunity to meet the Graduation Pathway requirement. The Graduation Pathway requirement can be met a few different ways, including taking and earning a cut score on the SBA, SAT or ACT. Or also, by taking and passing a college-level English and college-level math course. Since 12th graders didn’t have the opportunity the past two years to try one of the test options this is important for them to take advantage of the opportunity.

Visit the Free SAT Practice at CollegeBoard and the district SAT pages. In addition view CollegeBoard SAT, for helpful tips and resources.

Senior Yearbook Pictures | 10/29 submission deadline
CLASS OF 2022 – Senior yearbook pictures are due by Oct. 29. You may be contacted by Rowland Studios to have your senior portrait taken; however, you may use any photographer.

Your senior yearbook portrait needs to meet the requirements on the Senior Portraits & Grad Ads page.
Send your congratulations with a Grad Ad
Grad Ads are an opportunity for families to submit digital photos and a personal message for graduating seniors.

Photo and message parameters are on the Senior Portraits & Grad Ads page. Payment and submission deadline: Nov. 16.
LIBRARY
Read to earn a Headband and more HOCO fun!
You can earn BeaverReader swag in the library! Stop by for a #HomecomingBeaverReader video with our greenscreen or earn a BeaverReader headband by sharing your favorite book on Flipgrid.

Go to flipgrid.com and use Join Code: 67c743 or go to flipgrid.com/ballard and look for #IDeserveAHeadband: https://youtu.be/qO73kd6BcV4
BeaverReaders book clubs picking up steam
The vote is in! BeaverReaders, joined by Teacher-Librarian TuesD Chambers, history teacher Robin Dowdy and the Head Beaver, will be reading Monday's Not Coming. (Read to page 200 by the group's next meeting during lunch on Friday, Oct. 8.)

Head to Schoology to check out the lunchtime book club meeting schedule!
This week during lunch, the Comic Book Club meets on Wednesday (Ms. Marvel and Batman/Fortnite: Zero Point) and Pride Book Club meets on Friday to discuss Juliet Takes a Breath.

  • You can always check out book club titles and explore all library titles at Bit.ly/ballardlibrary.
  • Learn how to put Books On Hold by watching this video!
  • Check out "Banned Books" -- on display at the front of the library this week -- to fight censorship. (Banned Books Week runs Sept. 26 through Oct. 2.)
Reading Buddies, Library Leaders share love of books
There are plenty of ways to share the joy of reading at the BHS Library!

Want to help shape programming at the BHS Library? Check out Library Leaders at 1 p.m. on Monday.

Beaver Reader Reading Buddies earn Service Learning time and read to Elementary Students 8 a.m. Friday. Please bring headphones!

More information and updates also on the library webpage!
Returning your books just got so amazing!
Nom Nom! Thanks to Library Assistant Claire Elam for creating this awesome Beaver book return! Return any SPS title. That's right! That middle school one collecting dust? Yup, that one too.
CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS
Explore the fun at Sept. 29 Club Rush
Clubs are starting! Find one that matches your interests on the Clubs and Organizations page! Also check out @ballardstudentlife for more details.

Club Rush will take place after school on Wednesday, Sept. 29 from 2:20-3 p.m. in the Commons and on the First Floor main hallway. Students are encouraged to attend, join and connect with clubs/athletics that share their interests during this time.

BHS Clubs and Organizations offer a great opportunity for students to socialize with their peers and explore interests. We currently have 45+ clubs starting, listed in the box below!

Reach out to ballardhighclubs@gmail.com or the Ballard HS Activity Coordinator Laura Lehni with any questions at lllehni@seattleschools.org.
COUNSELING CENTER
Counseling Center Overview has helpful resources
The Counseling Center Overview offers helpful information for students and families. Looking for College Visits & Events, Applying to College Resources including Scholarships or Jobs & Internships? Refer to links on this
frequently updated page.

Also, remember to check out the Counseling Center News Page for breaking news and new opportunities, including this fee waiver for Gonzaga University applicants.

Applying to Gonzaga University?
Contact BHS Counselor Ms. Sarah Bowman at sabowman@seattleschools.org for an application fee waiver!
College Visits and Events available online
Go to the College Visits and Events page to learn how to sign up for online visits and see the updated list for Fall College Visits.
Upcoming College Visits:
  • Sept. 27 at 9 a.m. – Saint Martin’s University (Lacey, WA)
  • Sept. 27 at 9:50 a.m. – Willamette University (Salem, OR)
  • Sept. 27 at 10:55 a.m. – Boston College
  • Sept. 27 at 2:40 p.m. – Loyola Marymount University (Los Angeles)
  • Sept. 28 at noon -- Academy of Art University
  • Sept. 28 at 1:35 p.m. – Seattle Pacific University
  • Sept. 29 at 12:45 p.m. – St Olaf College (Northfield, MN)
  • Sept. 30 at 10:55 a.m. – Grinnell College (Grinnell, IA)
  • Sept. 30 at 2:40 p.m. – Binghamton University (Binghamton, NY)
  • Oct. 1 at 9 a.m. -- University of Washington - Tacoma
  • Oct. 1 at noon -- University of Redlands (CA)
  • Oct. 1 at 1:35 p.m. -- Oberlin College (OH)
  • Oct. 4 at 9 a.m. -- Northwestern University (Evanston, IL)
WSU Regents Scholarship
Seniors who are interested in going to WSU and have a 3.6 or higher cumulative GPA should talk to their school counselor before Friday, Oct. 8 about the possibility of being nominated for the Regents Scholarship Program. Nominees who complete the student application process will receive a Regents Scholars award, which provides $4,000 per academic year for four years to WSU.

Those students will then compete for the Distinguished Regents Scholars Award, which covers full tuition and fees for four years, approximately $42,000. For more information: https://admission.wsu.edu/scholarships/scholarship-awards/regents/.
BALLARD PERFORMING ARTS
Band Camp culminates in Drilldown fun
Band Camp happened the weekend of Sept. 11; the students learned to march and play the songs you’ll hear at the football and basketball games.

But what is “The Drilldown”? It’s a fast-paced, tough as nails Simon Says type exercise in which marching commands are shouted out, students perform them, and are eliminated if they make a mistake. It takes an enormous amount of concentration and skill and has all members of the band going in every direction.

After an approximate 30-minute drilldown, Junior Wind Ensemble Flutist Sadie Clark was the last person standing, without making a single mistake. Congrats Sadie! See featured video below of the drilldown, and more photos and videos on the BPA Flickr page.

Watch the BHS Band in action!
The award-winning Ballard High School Band will be performing at the upcoming Homecoming Football Game at 5 p.m. Oct. 1 at Memorial Stadium. Catch their cool Guardians of the Galaxy theme performance!

On Oct. 8 at the 7:45 p.m. Seattle Prep game, it's Senior Night for Band Members! Seniors will get a photo with their family and Director Jay Gillespie on the Memorial Stadium field!

The band will also perform at the final Oct. 14 home game against O'Dea at 6:30 p.m. Hail, Hail BHS!
Ballard Fiddlers Start on Oct. 5
​Starting Tuesday, Oct. 5, the Fiddlers will meet weekly on Tuesdays in the main band/orchestra rehearsal room from 6:30-8 p.m. The new instructors this year are Amanda Fitch and Shelley Weiss.  

All string instrument students from all BHS orchestras are welcome! More information on the BPA Website.

More exciting string news!
Props to Chamber Orchestra! Chamber Orchestra has been invited to be featured performers at the WA Music Educators Association Conference in February.
Fill the Goodwill Trailers for BPA on Oct. 9
The Goodwill trailers will be parked in the north parking lot on Saturday, Oct. 9 from 9 a.m. to noon (or until the trailers fill). We will accept clothing, toys, shoes, books, accessories, electronics, cell phones, small furniture (3’x3’ only), and more. BPA receives $600/trailer so please donate your unwanted items (exceptions are baby furniture, broken items and trash).

BPA will also be collecting Ballard Market receipts (now called Town & Country).
ATHLETICS
Ballard Football faces Beach for Homecoming Game
Following its loss Friday to the Garfield Bulldogs, the Beavers are looking forward to hosting Rainier Beach for the 5 p.m. Oct. 1 Homecoming Game at Memorial Stadium.

The BHS Marching Band will bring the spirit with their Guardians of the Galaxy theme halftime show. Football games are also streamed on the BHS Athletics YouTube Channel and via live Metro broadcast on Rainier Avenue Radio. If planning to join the Beaver Brigade in person, fans must wear masks.

Follow the team on Instagram @ballardbeaverfootball.
Girls Soccer takes two impressive wins
The Ballard Varsity Girls Soccer Team beat Chief Sealth 6-1 Tuesday and Bishop Blanchet 1-0 on Thursday. (Team pictured celebrating "the dub.")

The Beavers next host Nathan Hale Raiders at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 30 and the Ingraham Rams 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 7. Follow the team and photo courtesy of @ballardgirlsoccer.
Cross Country tackles two tough races
The Ballard High School Cross Country Team took to the hills of Lincoln Park Wednesday and the heat of a sunny sandy beach start at Lake Sammamish Park on Saturday for the massive Bellevue XC Invite.

For the Wednesday Meet, which BHS hosted, the Beavers' Girls Varsity Team took first while the Boys Varsity took second, competing against West Seattle, Garfield, Franklin, Chief Sealth and Rainier Beach.

For the Bellevue XC Invite, there were 40-plus teams from around the state competing, offering a day full of racing excitement. Bellevue Meet Results here.

Follow BHS XC on its Athletic.net page. The team next participates in the 25th Annual John Payne/Curtis XC Invitational at Chambers Creek Regional Park on Saturday, Oct. 2.
BHS Volleyball
The 3-4 Ballard Varsity Volleyball Team closes out the month traveling to Rainier Beach for a 7 p.m. game Monday, Sept. 27 and hosts Chief Sealth 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 29. Follow the team @bhsbeaversvolleyball!

BHS Golf
Ballard Golf hosts Ingraham Rams Monday, Sept. 27 and faces Lakeside Lions Friday, Oct. 1. Both matches are 3:30 p.m. at Jackson Park.

BHS Slowpitch Softball
The team started its season Friday against Chief Sealth last week. Its home opener is Sept. 27, taking on crosstown rival Roosevelt. Slowpitch schedule here..

BHS Girls Swim & Dive
Ballard Girls Swim & Dive hosts Nathan Hale 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1 at Queen Anne Pool. Follow the team @ballardgirlsswimanddive.

More information on the BHS Website: Fall Athletics Info | BHS Athletics Overview
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
Help support the Hernandez Family
The Hernandez family lost their mother, Tatyana Taboada, unexpectedly on Sept. 24. Her four children, Brianna, Amy, Jamie, and Jazzy, need support more than ever to begin a process of healing. (Amy and Jamie are Ballard High School students.)
 
“Taty”, as family and friends call her, was a hardworking single parent who was doing her best to make a better life for her kids. Taty not only supported her four young daughters, but also supported her own mother.
 
The Hernandez Family needs support covering funeral fees, groceries, paying bills and any other expenses that may arise.

To donate and for more information, check out the family's GoFundMe campaign, https://gofund.me/a65f3081.
PTSA CONNECTIONS
Meet BHS PTSA President Gloria Kruzner
In the coming weeks, meet our BHS PTSA team, starting with President!
Hello, I’m Gloria Kruzner, parent of a sophomore and a senior (and a BBHS 2017 alum, ahem!), PTSA President and PTSA Newsletter Editor.

I joined the PTSA because I've enjoyed volunteering at my kids' schools over the years, and although I usually purchased a PTSA membership, I never really attended a meeting.

A chance posting that I did on the Friends of Ballard Facebook (go Botany Plant Sale!) led to me being asked to edit the newsletter. Which led to attending those dreaded meetings!

But, I've come to find out they are actually really fun (especially online - !) and it's great to see all the focused work on behalf of our students and staff.

I love learning more about our community and bringing information to you every week throughout the school year in the newsletter.

As one who was hesitant to sit at the table, let me know what I can do to make the PTSA more accessible for you! We want all our voices represented on our team.

Reach out at bhs.ptsa.pres@gmail.com. Go Beavers!
Want to Become a BHS Volunteer?
If you would like to be considered for BHS volunteer opportunities, please check out the Volunteer Opportunities page or email PTSA Volunteer Coordinator Sarah Visser at volunteers.ballardhs@gmail.com

Auction Planning Meeting
The Ballard Auction (BASH) Committee is having its first Planning Meeting at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 28!

Interested in attending?
DM via Friends of Ballard HS Facebook or email Auction Co-Chair Deb Fitzpatrick at info@bhsauction.com.
Let's keep building our Ballard PTSA!
Thank you to those of you who have signed up for the Ballard High School PTSA and are joining our effort to build and support our school community, expressed interest as volunteers and donated to our Fall Teacher Fund.

We encourage all members of our Ballard Beaver community -- teachers, parents and students – to become members of the BHS PTSA. Check out all our initiatives on the PTSA Get Involved page. Simply becoming a member supports every student in the school and is a way to contribute.
Reflections | Explore the Arts and Express Yourself
National PTA’s Reflections program provides opportunities for recognition and access to the arts which boost student confidence and success in the arts and in life.

The 2021–2022 Reflections theme is I Will Change the World By…

Students submit their completed works of art in one or all of the available arts categories: Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography, Visual Arts. Deadline Oct. 22, more details coming soon on how to submit work.


Thank you. PTSA Reflections Volunteer Misha Zadeh Graham, mishazadeh@gmail.com
Serve as a Legis. Assembly Delegate
The 43rd Annual Legislative Assembly will take place in a virtual format on Oct. 23-24.

The purpose of legislative assembly is to determine the legislative priorities of WSPTA, to educate and mobilize advocates, and to advance WSPTA’s legislative program. Full details here.

Please email BHS PTSA President Gloria Kruzner at bhs.ptsa.pres@gmail.com if you are interested in attending the assembly as a Ballard High School delegate.

Deadline to express interest is Wednesday, Oct. 6. Adult and/or student delegates must have an active BHS PTSA membership. Cost: $40/adult, $10/student but subsidies are available.
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:

  • New BHS PTSA Website
  • Continuing our PTSA Board Welcome

Also, check out our Newsletter Archive!

Please contact the PTSA Newsletter Editor if you'd like to add a secondary email address to the newsletter mail list.

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.
OFFICE NOTES
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.

Alternatively, you can email your questions to BHS Administrative Secretary Cindy Peterson at crpeterson@seattleschools.org. Sports questions can be sent to Athletics Secretary Bethany Nielcen at blnielcen@seattleschools.org.
BHS Attendance Information
Student absences can only be excused by a note signed by parent or guardian or by email from parent/guardian. Absences cannot be excused by phone.

Parents/Guardians are asked to wait outside the building when picking up your student for appointments this year.

There are no visitors permitted inside school buildings, other than approved volunteers who have been vaccinated. This is a District policy this year.

To report an absence or early dismissal, email Attendance Secretary Alice March at ballardhs.attendance@seattleschools.org.

More information on the Attendance page.
No Student Parking in Staff Parking Lot
PARKING LOT: Please remember, there is no student parking in the staff parking lot. Students may receive a $50 fine if they park in the lot. 
Breakfast and lunch service free this year
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:
Meal Assistance Program offers multiple discounts
Students approved for free and reduced price meals may be eligible to receive reduced fees for the following programs:


Please visit the district School Meal Fee Assistance page for application and more information.
SPS UPDATES
Stay connected to SPS
Your Seattle School Board
To learn more about the School Board and its work, public meetings, and upcoming policy initiatives, visit the board webpage.
COVID Contact Tracing Steps
Families may feel anxious about how contact tracing and quarantine protocols will affect their student.

The top questions district leaders have heard are:

What do I do if my student is sick?
How will I know if my student is a close contact to someone with COVID-19?
How long will my student have to quarantine and how will student learning be supported?

Answers are available on the SPS Contact Tracing page, linked here:
Addressing Issues of Hate & Bias
Seattle Public Schools believes that having a school community where your child feels safe and respected, regardless of race, religion, gender, immigration status, language, sexual orientation, political view, or social economic standing, is an important foundation to their academic success.

SPS is committed to advancing inclusion and belonging for all of our families. We stand against all forms of intolerance, bullying, and harassment ...

Please read this full statement, including helpful resources, from Assistant Superintendent James Bush.
National Latinx Heritage Month
Sept. 15 marked the beginning of National Latinx Heritage Month. We celebrate our Latinx community to recognize the achievements and contributions of Latinx American champions who have inspired others to achieve success.

Our Ethnic Studies Department has compiled a variety of engaging resources for educators and families that highlight books, community events, and more.
Information Technology Advisory Cmte.
books_laptop_apple.jpg
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 deadline has been extended to Oct. 1.

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, BHS Contact Tracing Steps, Thursday, Oct. 7
  • Winter, Program TBA, Thursday, Feb. 10.
  • PTSA volunteer & educator awards event, Thursday, June 9.

Please also note Board Meeting dates on your calendars! Meetings include committee and principal updates, we'd love to have you join us!

Board Meeting dates:
7 p.m. Nov. 4 | Dec. 2 | Jan. 6 | March 3 | April 7 | May 5
5:30 p.m. (before the 7 p.m. PTSA General Meetings): Oct. 7 | Feb. 10 | June 9

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!
To participate at Fred Meyer stores, link your Shoppers Card card to the BHS PTSA (code MJ933).

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.
Community Resources
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.
SAM Teen Advisory Group
The Seattle Art Museum is currently accepting applications for its Teen Advisory Group (TAG). TAG is an intensive program for high school-aged youth who are interested in leadership, are highly opinionated, want to learn about themselves and the world through art, and want to make SAM fun and engaging for teens.

National Youth Filmmaker Summit | Oct. 4 - Nov. 6
At the first National Youth Filmmaker Summit, NFFTY alumni return to the youth filmmaker community to share career advice and tips with the next generation in a variety of panels, roundtables, and workshops.


The Summit takes place over five weeks, and is divided into three tracks -- Create, Advance, and Launch -- each focused on a different part of the filmmaking process. You can attend each session a la carte, attend all sessions in a track, or do the whole thing.

Reflections Theme Search
National PTA is seeking a theme for the 2023-2024 Reflections program year. The student who submits the winning entry will receive $100 and their theme will be presented at the annual National PTA Convention in June 2022.

Please review the past themes listed on the websiteRepeat themes will not be considered.

Use the form link in the Theme Search dropdown to submit theme ideas. 
 
Entries are due by Nov. 1.
Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month
We celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month (NHHM) in the U.S. between Sept. 15 and Oct. 15, a time to recognize the diverse contributions of Latinx to the United States.

VisitSeattle offers an extensive listing of area NHHM events and resources, including the MexAm NW Festival (art featured above).

Learn widely used world languages and get credit
OneWorld Now language and leadership programming for offers after school and online instruction in Mandarin Chinese, Arabic, Korean or Russian.

These languages were chosen because they are less commonly taught in U.S. schools but are widely used world languages that will be beneficial for future global leaders. Students earn up to one high school credit per year for these classes.
 
Registration Deadline is Oct. 3 (Classes begin the week of Oct. 18.) Tuition is priced on a sliding scale, based on family size and income. More information and registration here.
Juniors: Learn about space travel careers through Flight Museum's WAS
Washington Aerospace Scholars (WAS) is an online distance learning course and summer experience specifically designed for high school juniors interested in pursuing science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) pathways through the exploration of space and space travel.

More information on the Flight Museum webpage.
Penguin joins forces with the Rep for the Bonfire Collective, fall creation!
All youth, ages 14-19, are invited to come hang with us for a few hours on Saturday, Oct. 2 and Sunday, Oct. 3. Penguin's Shana Bestock and the Rep's Alex Reed will be facilitating as we forge community, eat snacks, and explore the themes, characters, and stories that are lighting you up.

This is just the beginning of a beautiful friendship! Whether you are interested in creating new works this Fall or curious about opportunities to perform at the Rep, join us and shape the future of Penguin and the Seattle Rep's collaboration.

Registration is FREE — don't miss this weekend of exploring possibilities and creating with other creatives! More information here.
Parent University | Eli Lebowitz
Dr. Eli R. Lebowitz will kickoff Bush School's Virtual Parent University on Tuesday, Oct. 26 at 5 p.m. Professor Lebowitz is the author of, Breaking free of Child Anxiety and OCD and the Program Director for Anxiety Disorders at the Yale Child Study Center.

This talk will provide parents with
practical tools for helping their child overcome anxiety. Dr. Lebowitz will introduce parents to SPACE, a parent-based treatment for childhood and adolescent anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

All virtual Parent University events are free, but please be sure to register in advance.
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.