Vote Yes to Ensure Student Success! |
We're getting down to the wire, Ballard voters.
It is crucial that these measures pass as they bridge funding gaps that affect our schools. These levies are not new taxes, but a renewal of expiring Seattle school levies. They provide STEM programs, nurses, athletic funding, Special Education programs, needed updates at Memorial Stadium, and critical building maintenance.
The Ballard High School PTSA enthusiastically endorses both measures and thanks Schools First volunteers for helping get the word out about the importance of this year's vote! There will be a group of sign-toting Schools First volunteers at the corner of 15th Ave NW and NW 65th Street from 6-7:30 a.m. Monday. Make your own sign and join the fun!
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BHS PTSA | 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 10
Jo Langford Talks Consent at General Meeting
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The BHS Community is invited to our Winter PTSA General Meeting, featuring a presentation by author and international speaker Jo Langford, M.A. The meeting is 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 10 via Teams.
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He will present his latest talk, Consent Etc.: "With our evolution, both culturally and technologically, a new awareness about why and how we need to speak to our young people about consent is emerging ..."
Langford's talk will include a comparison of passive and affirmative consent; primers on adolescent brain development; plenty of tips for parents -- and time for a healthy dose of Q&A.
We look forward to seeing you at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10 (following our 5:30 p.m. Board Meeting).
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Join the Party, Buy Your Tickets Soon!
April 3 BHS Auction Supports Teacher Grants
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It’s time to grab your tickets for the biggest BASH of the year, the Ballard High School Auction!
Don’t miss the fun from 5-9:30 p.m. Sunday, April 3 at Block 41. This year’s auction will offer loads of great items for bidding and a chance to safely gather and celebrate! Funds raised through the auction support teacher grants for academic materials not covered by district funding.
Tickets are $80/person (attendees must be fully vaccinated), including FOODZ catering barbecue-theme dinner.
Do you have sports team tickets, restaurant gift certificates, vacation property getaways you'd like to donate for bidding? Are you a next-level baker and want to share a sweet treat for the Dessert Dash? Let our Auction Team know!
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DEI Committee First Meeting Feb. 8 |
The PTSA's Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee welcomes the BHS community to its first meeting 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 8 via Teams. The group will be finalizing plans for its Book Club.
Please contact co-chairs Naida Boyer and Shelley Bolser at DEIatBHS@gmail.com for information and meeting link. We’d love for you to be involved! We want everyone to link arms toward creating a more welcoming, diversity-rich safe space in our school community.
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Welcome Dr. DeCano, Student Equity Advocate |
My name is Dr. Polo DeCano. I am new to the BHS community and am excited to get to know you and your students.
My role at BHS is as a Student Equity Advocate and primarily to support students in having an equitable experience where they feel equally seen, respected, included, and celebrated. I have also sent an email to your students introducing myself, noting my new role at Ballard High School.
This is a new role to Seattle Public Schools and is something that I’ve been asked to form and build out. Because of this opportunity I want to listen and learn from all of you and your students. In addition, if you or your students have general questions related to equity, I am happy to hear those and share what I can. Please feel free to reach out to me at BallardHSEA@seattleschools.org.
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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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Students, check out these PTSA programs
☞☞☞ Scholarships, Essays and Gaming ...
There is still time to participate in the following WSPTA programs, all with a March 1 deadline. Details linked here:
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☞☞☞ Reflections 22-23 Theme Announced
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Reflections provides an opportunity for students to use their creative talents. Students submit original entries in the fall, in the categories of visual art, photography, literature, music composition, film and dance choreography. Look for entry details next school year, students, and think about ways to Show Your Voice!
Parents/guardians: Want to help coordinate next year's BHS Student Reflections submissions? Email Gloria Kruzner at bhs.ptsa.pres@gmail.com.
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Washington World Fellows Leadership Program |
For Sophomores: The WA World Fellowship is a 2.5-year global leadership program that aims to equip Washington’s young leaders through academic preparation, leadership development, civic engagement, and international travel. Open to 15 new students each year, the fellowship is administered at no cost to its participants.
The purpose of the program is to provide students who may lack access to similar opportunities with training that will enhance their high school academics, support their trajectory into college, and encourage them to become leaders in their communities and beyond.
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Class of 2022 Updates on Senior Page |
Workshops for Financial Aid, Discover Seattle Colleges
Seattle Promise Scholarship Opportunities
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Learn how to complete the FAFSA or WASFA to request financial aid for college at an upcoming workshop:
Applications require information from students and parent/guardians, so it is helpful to sit down together to complete the process. See examples of what documents you'll need handy. Can't make it? Check for additional upcoming workshops here.
You are required to complete the 2022-23 FAFSA or WASFA by April 30 for Seattle Promise. The Seattle Promise scholarship is available to all SPS graduates regardless of GPA, income, ability, or country of birth. If you have already completed the 2022-23 FAFSA or WASFA, please double check that you included North, Central or South Seattle College.
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Discover Seattle Colleges Programs |
Get inspired about your future and learn about your opportunities at Seattle Colleges through the virtual Discover Seattle Colleges program Feb. 7-17.
Explore Seattle Colleges programs in eight areas of study at eight online events.
Each one-hour online event offers an opportunity to hear from Seattle Colleges instructors and learn about the programs and career pathways that you can study as a Seattle Promise scholar.
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Come to the BHS Library for Reading, Relaxing |
Beaver Readers come see what's going on in the library! Puzzles, Makerspace, an Epic Game Cabinet ... books, books and more books ... you name it!
Check out titles here. The Beaver Reader Book Club, which will next meet at 1 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 18, is still reading White Smoke.
Also, this week's activities:
- Library Leaders, 1 p.m. Monday
- Eager Beaver Readers, 1 p.m. Tuesday
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Comic Book Club (reading Boba Fett)
- Manga Club, 1 p.m. Thursday
- Reading Buddies With Second Graders, 8 a.m. Friday
- Pride Book Club (reading Can't Take That Away), 1 p.m. Friday
- Student-led Tutoring, 8-8:30 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday
Follow @beaverreadersbhs on Instagram and view the Library Page on the school website. Please return books promptly when done, thank you awesome Beaver Readers!
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National School Counseling Week |
Wishing our Counseling Center staff a happy National School Counseling Week!
The 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.
Thanks to all our Counselors and Counseling Center staff for all you do! Counselor contact details, scholarship information, applying to college resources, job and volunteer opportunities are available on the Counseling Center webpage.
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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 nineteen men from Ballard High School who died serving in Vietnam. A $1000 award to any graduating senior at Ballard High School 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 Ballard High School 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 Ballard High School 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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63rd Annual BPA Spaghetti Dinner | Feb. 12
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Performances will be livestreamed by all the groups in Band, Orchestra, Choir, and Theatre.
Dinners ( Spaghetti Dinner Kit: $30 | Wine: $15 | Dessert: $25) must be ordered in advance. Order today, there is a limited supply.
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Livestream 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12
(Students will perform at school)
Pick up Dinner Kit, Wine and Dessert:
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. | North Parking Lot of Ballard High School
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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.
Want to reserve Primo Seats to help support the Theatre Department? You can now reserve premium seating in Row L, which is in the center of the front section and offers EXTRA LEG ROOM. Tickets for these special seats are $100 for the pair, or $50 per single seat. Contact Jill at bpabtreasurer@gmail.com to reserve these special seats. [MORE INFO]
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Senior Night Celebrated at the Dam Feb. 2 |
Congrats to our graduating seniors, who were honored at last Wednesday's Boys and Girls varsity basketball games.
The Ballard Dance Team (seniors pictured, right) performed at halftime for both games.
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Senior basketball players, cheer squad and dance team members were recognized at the games, which were livestreamed on the BHS Athletics YouTube Channel. ( Boys team seniors picture from Ed Tanaka.) |
Boys Swim & Dive Metro events are also featured on the BHS Athletics YouTube page. Boys and Girls Wrestling contests are shared on the teams' YouTube Channel, including their recent meet against Lakeside.
The Winter Athletics webpage features all BHS Athletics and club sports details, including a link to team schedules and Coach Directory.
Ballard Gymnastics also just celebrated Senior Night at the Feb. 4 Meet! Congratulations to all our gymnasts as they finished the Metro season undefeated. Next, they're off to the Metro League Championships Friday in West Seattle. Follow the team @ballardgymnastics!
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Spring Sports Registration |
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 & Field, Boys Track & Field.
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Spring Club Sports: Boys & Girls Lacrosse, Girls BUF |
Club Sports are a valuable part of BHS but are not WIAA (WA Interscholastic Activities Association) sanctioned sports. Team funding comes from players, families and donors, instead of SPS and WIAA. Scholarships, however, are available. [MORE INFO]
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Join the Nominating Committee |
In order to identify candidates for next school year's PTSA Executive Board (President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer), a nominating committee is formed.
Members of the nominating committee are elected by fellow BHS PTSA members at the Feb. 10 General Meeting.
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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! |
NEW! Students who are not participating in teacher meetings, or after school-affiliated sports and clubs, are asked to leave campus grounds after school.
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.
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Open House Video
for Prospective & Incoming Families
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Per district guidelines, we will unfortunately not be hosting an In-Person Open House, or Tours including Students Shadowing this year.
But we still want to share our school with the community!
Also, new families can explore our school website, including the Prospective Families Update, packed with links, newsletters, historical updates, videos, and information about Ballard High School!
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Online Calendar Subscription Update! |
Great news! Families can now subscribe to the district and/or school website calendars. Your personal calendars update automatically when a change is made or when a new event is added.
To subscribe (add each month), scroll to the bottom of the calendar page, select Subscribe to calendar and select an option. If using Outlook, we recommend the iCalendar.
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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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SPS Superintendent Search |
The Seattle School Board is engaged in a search for a new superintendent for Seattle Public Schools.
One of the responsibilities of the School Board is hiring and evaluating the superintendent. The seven-member elected School Board has retained the services of Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates, a consulting firm specializing in assisting school boards in the recruitment and selection of educational leaders.
The firm is currently conducting interviews and leading focus groups to inform the development of a leadership profile. That leadership profile is used in the recruitment process and will be presented to the Board at the end of February.
All members of the SPS community are encouraged to complete the online survey, which will be open until Feb. 15.
Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates plans to begin interviewing qualified candidates in late March, with finalists determined by mid-April.
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Levies Message from Supt. Jones |
Please follow this link or click the graphic above to hear a message from SPS Superintendent Dr. Brent Jones.
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Seattle Skills Center CTE Programs |
The Seattle Skills Center is accepting applications for second semester in several programs, like Maritime Vessel Operations, Careers in Education/Teaching Academy, and Core Plus Aerospace Manufacturing.
The Skills Center provides advanced Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs that offer high school credit, industry recognized certifications, and pathways to college and career. These half-day classes are located around the city and any high school student can attend, regardless of home school. Transportation is provided.
Learn more about Seattle Skills Center in the video above.
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SEATTLE SPECIAL EDUCATION PTSA
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Special Education Speakers Kick off Feb. Meetings |
The Seattle Special Education PTSA is hosting several speakers of interest in coming weeks:
February General Meeting
At the group's 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 4 meeting, ARC of King County's African American Family Support Coordinator Richard Mullen will talk about his work including:
- the different experiences black families have from white families in the special education system.
- how this PTSA and other disability advocacy organizations can be better allies.
Executive Director of Special Education Dr. Rocky Torres will also join the meeting to present about recovery services and take questions. Register on Eventbrite.
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Advocating for Your Special Education Student |
Also, from noon to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 15: Ten Tips for Advocating for your Child.
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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Black History Month Events Continue |
Celebrate Black History Month with these virtual events and socially distanced happenings in Seattle and around the country.
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Tết in Seattle’s 25th Annual Festival |
Welcome to Tết in Seattle’s 25th Annual Festival Feb. 12-13 at Seattle Center! Tết in Seattle is a volunteer-based community organization that produces a two-day festival near the Lunar New Year. Since 1996, Tết in Seattle has celebrated the culture of Vietnamese and Vietnamese-Americans in the Pacific Northwest through art, food, music, and traditions. After last year’s online festival, they will host a hybrid event this year.
Equity Corner compiled by DEI Committee Co-Chairs Shelley Bolser and Naida Boyer
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HB 1226 Would Make it Easier to Pass School Construction Bonds |
Washington State PTA members have been advocating for more than three decades to change the voting requirement for passing school construction bonds from the current 60% to pass to 50%+1 (simple majority.)
"We have the best chance in years to see it happen and we need your help," says Lizzy Sebring, WSPTA Advocacy Director.
House Bill 1226 would start the process to allow voters to amend our state constitution and permit a simple majority vote to authorize school construction bonds. Let’s make sure that all school districts can pass their construction bonds with a majority of voters.
Here’s what to do before 7 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 7:
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Click on this link and follow the prompts to select “Pro”, write your name, and add “Parent Advocate” in the Organization space.
- Fill in the rest of the information.
- Confirm you aren’t a robot and click on “Submit Registration.” And that’s it! The process will take less than 90 seconds to complete.
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The BHS PTSA offers Community Resources for informational purposes & does not necessarily support activities or views presented therein. |
YESC Environmental Symposium March 25 |
The YMCA Earth Service Corps is hosting its annual Environmental Symposium from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on March 25 at the University of Washington.
Space is limited! [REGISTER] Questions? Deadline: March 17.
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UW Center for Global Studies Essay Contest |
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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Hamilton Mid-Winter Break Camp |
Stone Soup Theatre is offering a Hamilton Mid-Winter Break Camp for actors ages 8-15 from Feb. 21-25 at Wallingford Presentation Church.
This sung and rapped musical about American founding father Alexander Hamilton will come to life with hip hop, rhythm and blues, soul and pop music. Cost: $400.
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Public Comment Period Open for Ballard Light Rail Extension |
Sound Transit and the Federal Transit Administration have published the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Ballard Link Extensions project, kicking off a 90-day comment period.
Members of the public can comment on the Draft EIS analysis and share their thoughts on routes and station alternatives through April 28.
The Draft EIS, prepared in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), evaluates potential impacts and benefits of project alternatives to inform the public, Tribes, government agencies and decision makers.
The Ballard Link Extension would be about 7.1 miles from Downtown Seattle to Ballard's Northwest Market Street area and includes a new 3.3-mile rail-only tunnel from Chinatown-International District to South Lake Union and Seattle Center/Uptown.
Stations would serve Chinatown-International District, Midtown, Westlake, Denny, South Lake Union, Seattle Center, Smith Cove, Interbay, and Ballard.
Members of the public are invited to attend an Interbay/Ballard focused online open house from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 15, where they can review alternatives and station options, and submit formal responses.
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UC Berkley Pre-College Scholars Program |
Be part of UC Berkeley’s vibrant community this summer and attend the Pre-College Scholars program!
With virtual, residential, commuter, and new non-credit options, our summer courses will allow you to learn with Berkeley students, gain college credit, and expand your social and cultural horizons depending on your track of interest.
Choose from courses in Humanities, Social Sciences, ESL, STEM, and more! Optional extracurricular activities and college exploration workshops are available.
Applicants must be 16 by June 19, must have completed two years of high school by the start of summer classes and have a 3.0 average GPA or better.
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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. 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 "Bias Interruptus: Supporting Anti-Bias Education at Home and in School" at 1 p.m.
Wednesday, Feb. 16.
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?
This is a free ParentMap Live talk by anti-bias education expert Dr. Scotland Nash.
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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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