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From the Ballard PTSA, we wish you a peaceful and relaxing Winter Break with your friends and families. We are taking a few weeks' break from the PTSA newsletter, but we look forward to seeing you in the new year with our January 7 edition!
As a reminder, there's no school from Dec. 18-Jan. 1. The Main Office will have limited hours during break from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Dec. 18-20 and 26-28.
Finally, from Principal Abby Hunt's Friday Message to Ballard families:
"Your commitment to students and the Ballard community has been truly inspiring. I hope that during this break your student is able to relax, rejuvenate, and enjoy time with friends and family."
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Thanks for Bucky's Home for Holidays Donations | |
On behalf of the Ballard PTSA, we would like to extend a huge THANK YOU to everyone who contributed gift cards or gave a financial donation online to Bucky's Home for the Holidays this season!
We were able to provide more than $15,000 in gift cards to Ballard families because of your generosity.
Special thanks to our GAINS Coordinators, front office staff and our partners at the Ballard High School Foundation. We also thank our Family And Community Engagement Chair Victoria Watson for coordinating this program!
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Check Out the New Issue of the Talisman | |
Congratulations to the Talisman staff for wrapping their second issue of the school year!
View the Talisman online or stop by the Main Office to pick up a copy!
Cover photo and design by Marley Helfer. Learn more about the student newspaper.
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Direct Appeal Continues Thru Dec. 31 | |
We are overwhelmed and thankful for your generosity! To date, we have raised more than $50,000 to fund the academic grants to Ballard High teachers and staff.
Please help us reach our goal of $75,000 so the PTSA can fund the humble requests from BHS teachers and staff. Make sure to ask if your employer has a matching gift policy. What an easy way to magnify your gift.
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Your tax-deductible donations made it possible for the PTSA Grants Committee to fund a range of requests this fall, including support to publish seven issues of the Talisman.
Many thanks!
Kristin Anderson,
PTSA Direct Appeal Chair
| Ballard High School PTSA Tax ID #91-1303069). More info. | | |
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Save the Date!
PTSA Fundraising Gala March 24 at Block 41
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Hey Ballard High School Parents and Guardians!
Are you ready for some fun? Our annual PTSA Fundraising Gala is back again! This year, join the madness in March at Block 41, a cool venue in the heart of Belltown.
Save the date and stay tuned for more details as we get closer to March 24, from 5-9:30 p.m., for a night of bidding and socializing to support our school.
Want to help the cause and have fun behind the scenes too? The Gala Committee is always looking for volunteers.
More info.
Don't forget to follow @ballard.fundraising.gala for more exciting updates!
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SPREE Senior Party Tickets on Sale thru Dec. 31 | |
Thanks to all the seniors who visited the SPREE table last week for a little sweet treat and to learn more about SPREE!
It's not too late to get your senior the ultimate gift for the holidays: a ticket to SPREE! Senior SPREE is an all-night post-graduation party and a BHS tradition, sponsored by the BHS PTSA!
Following the June 14 ceremony and a short break to grab a quick bite and change of clothes, grads will travel from BHS to two secret event venues and be treated to a variety of activities, food, friends and fun before being dropped off back at BHS for parent/guardian pickup around 5 a.m.
Tickets are on sale through Dec. 31. Prices are $200 per ticket. (There will also be a spring ticket sales window in May.) We want every senior to attend, regardless of financial ability. Scholarships are available, email your Counselor for more info. More info. Photo c/o and follow @bhsspree for even more behind the scenes fun!
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From the special Senior Timeline mailing:
December: FAFSA & WASFA open soon. Review scholarship opportunities on the BHS website. Continue to complete Service Learning hours and do college visits.
Sunday, Dec. 31: SPREE ticket sakes window ends. (Another sales window is coming in May.)
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January 2024: UPDATE Grad Ad deadline extended! Work on your Naviance High School & Beyond Plan Required Steps. Buy your Yearbook during the Open Sales Window.
Wednesdays, Jan. 3 and 31: Counselors Drop In College Admissions Application Support after school until 3:30 p.m.
Updates on the Senior page
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Call for Library Volunteers ~ Join the Fun! | |
Our wonderful librarian, TuesD Chambers, can use additional parent volunteers, that can sign up for a shift once a week, especially in the afternoons.
Parent volunteers help check in books, shelf returns, create displays and support classroom library activities.
It's a fun way to contribute (and you'll probably discover a book or two that you want to read!)
Parents must be approved by Seattle Public Schools to volunteer.
Photo of PTSA volunteers c/o and follow @beaverreadersbhs.
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Seattle Promise Scholarship Deadline Feb. 16
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Seattle Promise scholarship provides up to two years or 90 credits of free tuition towards a graduating SPS senior’s first degree at Seattle Colleges.
Students can choose to study at North Seattle College, Seattle Central College, or South Seattle College.
Learn more about and how to apply for Seattle Promise. Applications are due Feb. 16.
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Questions? Email Ballard's Seattle Promise representative Trinity Covington at trinity.covington@seattlecolleges.edu or text 206-661-1290.
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Scholarship Bulletin Features Many Options! | |
Review the published SPS Monthly Scholarship Bulletin opportunities as well as the extensive list that is available on Naviance as well via the Ballard website!
Options include:
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Tis the Season for Winter Concerts | |
Enjoy these encores of the Winter Concert series! Congratulations and gratitude to all of the student performers for sharing their talents with the community. Learn more about the programs, which included a collaborative performance of Leonard Bernstein's "Chichester Psalms at the Orchestra and Choir concerts.
Above, Winter Orchestra Concert encore
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Winter Band Concert encore | | |
Winter Choir Concert encore | | |
Vocal Jazz Sings Carols Around Community | |
As shared by Choir Director Courtney Rowley in the Ballard Performing Arts Newsletter:
"Vocal Jazz spent last Tuesday (Dec. 5) visiting local area schools, a retirement community, and the Rotary Club’s Holiday Luncheon. They delighted students, staff, residents, and community members with a range of Holiday/Winter themed songs. They were greeted warmly and many of the audience sang along to some old favorites, such as Jingle Bells and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. They sang on stages, in a parking lot, and in hallways, delighting the crowds wherever they went."
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Save the Date for the 65th Annual Spaghetti Dinner | Saturday, Feb. 3 | |
The 65th Annual Spaghetti Dinner is coming up on Saturday, Feb. 3, 5:30-8:30 p.m. The theme is Night at the Movies.
All of our Ballard Performing Arts groups – band, orchestra, choir, and theater – will provide us with live entertainment throughout the evening.
Please join us for a magical night of food, community, and performances at our biggest event of the year. You won’t want to miss it!
More information coming soon …
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Jam the Dam Unified Basketball Event | Congratulations to Ballard Unified for another inspiring Jam the Dam Unified Event on Thursday. The Beaver Brigade welcomed the new Lincoln Lynx Unified Team to the Dam, and the Pep Band, Dance Team and Cheer squad also brought the spirit. Group photo c/o and follow @Ballard_Unified. | |
As a reminder, Unified fans can pick up a "Jam the Dam" t shirt or sweatshirt (designed by BHS teacher teacher Lyall Wallerstedt and worn by Unified Coach Kiana Peterson) after Winter Break, with proceeds going to the program!
Full details on the Winter Athletics page.
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Schedules, online ticket purchase info, and team updates are on the Athletics webpage.
Send game/meet recaps and photos to ballardhighnews@gmail.com.
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➠ Girls Basketball is undefeated in Metro action (6-2 overall), after defeating Nathan Hale at Friday's Quad Night/Toy Drive at the Dam.
The next time the Beavers will be at home is 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 8 when the team faces Lynnwood in non-league action. Photo c/o and follow @ballard_girls.basketball.
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➠ Gymnastics shared results from their win at Roosevelt Friday:
"Naomi won bars, beam and all around. Alex won vault and floor and was 3rd AA (all-around). Caitlyn was 2nd on beam, tied for 4th on floor and was 5th AA. Dylan was 2nd on floor and 3rd on beam. Brooke was 3rd on bars and tied for 4th on floor. Olivia competed vault for the first time and Ruby, Elena and Vivi did bars for the first time this season!"
Catch the team at its home meet after break at 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6. Photo and recap c/o @ballardgymnastics.
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➠ Heading into Winter Break with their Friday Quad Night victory over Lincoln, the next opportunity to see Boys Basketball at home is when the Beavers host Mariner for non-League action on Tuesday, Dec. 19.
- 1 p.m. - JVC
- 2:45 p.m. - JV
- 4:30 p.m. - Varsity
Purchase tickets online or with cash at the door.
Photo c/o and follow @ballardbball.
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➠ Boys Swim and Dive hosted Cleveland and Franklin Friday at Ballard Pool.
While we're still waiting on results from their meet with the Eagles and Quakers, we can share the team's schedule following the break. Note, the team's 4 p.m. Jan. 19 meet versus Blanchet is their final home swim. Follow the team @bhsboys.swim.
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➠ Congratulations to the Boys Wrestling team for their success at Fife High School's Larry Brown Invitational (and their annual post meet trip to Dairy Queen):
126 Ben 🥇
138 Simon, 150 Miles & 215 Lazlo 🥉
144 Luka 5th
157 Hayden 6th
285 Rishab 6th
Photo and results c/o @ballard_boys_wrestling.
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➠ Girls Wrestling, with (l-r) Sydney, Elsa, Michele and Jackie (team captain), competed in the Santa Slam at 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 16 at Juanita High School. Can't wait to hear results!
Next, the team competes in a tournament with nearly 70 other squads (speaking to the growth of the women's sport) at the Braided 2024 Jan. 5-6 at Kelso High School.
Photo of the team (pictured with Coaches Jared Daniels and Nick Lundquist) c/o and follow @ballard_girls_wrestling.
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➠ Girls Bowling have revealed their epic new uniforms! Thanks to Coach Scott Cachopo for sharing! The team will take on the Garfield Bulldogs after break at 3 p.m. Friday, Jan. 5 at West Seattle Bowl.
Follow the team @ballardgirlsbowling.
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➠ How do you get BUF? By checking out Mixed Ultimate Frisbee action of course! With three of their upcoming games in Ballard come January, there's no excuse:
- Jan. 6 vs. Garfield, 11:30 a.m. at BHS
- Jan. 20 vs. Lincoln, 5:30 p.m. at Loyal Heights
- Jan. 27 vs U. Prep, 11 a.m. at BHS
Photo c/o and follow @bufballard.
| ➠ We can't wait for another great year of Flag Football cheering at Memorial Stadium! The team kicks off the season on Saturday, Jan. 6 at 9 a.m. against Holy Names and 10 a.m. against Nathan Hale! Schedule Photo c/o and follow @bhs_girlsflagfootball. | | |
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The Ballard PTSA DEI Committee normally meets the first Tuesday of each month, but we’re adjusting the meeting date in January due to the holidays. The next DEI Committee meeting is 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 9 on MS Teams. (Please email DEIatBHS@gmail.com for a link.)
Save the Date: On January 17 the DEI Committee will host a Welcome/Happy Hour at a local BIPOC-owned restaurant (location to be confirmed soon). We’ll provide food and drinks for attendees. Come meet the DEI Team and find out more about this work – we'd love to meet you. Everyone is welcome to attend!
We’d love to see you!
Please reach out if you're interested or have any questions: DEIatBHS@gmail.com
| December 7-15 Hanukkah is a minor holiday in Jewish culture, celebrated by gathering with family, eating delicious food, playing games, and lighting the menorah. Here’s one more fun way to engage with the holiday this year: Hanukkah Movies You Should Watch This Year (insider.com) | December 16-24: Las Posadas and Noche Buena is celebrated in many Latin American cultures. Learn more about how different cultures celebrate this holiday: Holiday traditions across Latin America - Los Angeles Times (latimes.com) | |
December 21 is Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year. Here are some ways to celebrate this turning point: How to Celebrate the Winter Solstice, the Shortest Day of the Year (sunset.com)
Learn more about past and present celebrations here: Winter Solstice - Date, Definition & Traditions | HISTORY
| December 21 marks the start of Shabe Yalda, celebrated by Iranian people, who mark the longest night of the year with food, drink, and poetry. Shab-e Yalda (Yalda Night, Shab-e Chelleh) | Iranian celebration of the longest night of the year (learnpersian.us) | | |
December 22, the arrival of winter, is observed in Japan (Toji) and China (Dongzhi). You can learn more about some of the traditions here: Japanese Winter Solstice Traditions (Toji) • Just One Cookbook and How to Celebrate the Dongzhi Festival (2023) | Chinese American Family | December 25 is Christmas. If you celebrate this holiday, Merry Christmas! Learn more about the history behind Christmas Trees here: History of Christmas Trees - Symbolism, Traditions & Trivia | HISTORY | |
With ‘Fantasy A Gets a Mattress,’ a Seattle rapper is living his dream | The Seattle Times
See an interesting event that celebrates Diversity, Equity, or Inclusion and you’d like to see it highlighted here? Please send it our way! DEIatBHS@gmail.com.
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December Teen Programs
Loyal Heights Community Center
| Get a Head Start on Financial Aid Applications | |
From the Washington State Achievement Council: Big changes are coming to financial aid applications for the 2024-25 academic year. The changes will increase eligibility, make more money available, and simplify the form. Because of these improvements, financial aid applications likely won’t be available until Dec. 31, 2023.
Here are some things to take care of in the meantime:
Create your FAFSA or WASFA account:
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Create a FAFSA account on the Federal Student Aid website.
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Create a WASFA account on the Washington Student Achievement Council website if you’re ineligible to use FAFSA.
- Remember your login info or store it somewhere secure. Do not share this info with anyone.
Consider options for your plan after high school:
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Explore potential careers and the educational pathways to get you there. Financial aid can be used for college, technical schools, trade schools, and apprenticeships. State aid, such as WA Grant, can be used at more than 65 institutions in Washington.
Don’t forget to apply for admission:
- Confirm application deadlines for any colleges or training programs you’re interested in.
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Check out the Common app. This shared application is accepted at over 1,000 colleges and universities.
- Don’t stress! You do not need to apply to financial aid before applying for admission. And you do not need to know where you are going to college or training before you apply for financial aid.
Get help with applications:
Talk to your school counselor college and career specialist about how to get support. Many schools host a financial aid night to provide info and resources to students and families about types of financial aid, and about the financial aid process. Or check out a virtual event.
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Online Health Resource: Teen Health Hub | |
Teen Health Hub WA is a new webpage on the Department of Health's website. It was cocreated with Washington teens and young adults, including members of DOH’s Youth Advisory Council (YAC). The Hub features a curated online directory of youth-friendly information and resources on behavioral health, primary care, navigating the health care system, sexual and reproductive health, and teen dating and violence prevention. Teens and young adults, parents and caregivers, and youth-serving professionals can use the new webpage to find easy links to health-related resources that have been vetted by experts at DOH and approved by the YAC.
Check it out at: Teen Health Hub WA | Washington State Department of Health
| WSPTA Legislative Session Preview | |
Join WSPTA Legislative Consultant Marie Sullivan from 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 3 for an overview of what to expect in the 2024 legislative session, including known session protocols and how to best engage with the 2024 legislature during this short, 60-day session. Register for the Legislative Preview to receive the session Zoom link.
| Are You Ready to WSPTA Focus on Advocacy? | |
Help make PTA’s grassroots advocacy a success by connecting with legislators about WSPTA priorities during Focus Day and Focus on Advocacy Week.
Check out the Focus on Advocacy Toolkit for resources, including a Focus on Advocacy checklist and information on how to set up meetings with legislators.
Register to attend Focus Day on Jan. 15, in person in Olympia by Jan. 12 at noon. All PTSA/PTA members and students welcome! Wear your “PTA blue.”
During Focus on Advocacy Week January 15-19, 2024, WSPTA will send out action alerts focused on Top 5 issues, to members participating in daily calls to action. Help us amplify our voices in support of children: Subscribe to WSPTA action alerts.
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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 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 Resources purely for informational purposes and does not necessarily support the activities or views presented therein.
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