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Jan. 21 | 1st & 4th periods
Jan. 24 | 2nd & 5th periods
Jan. 25 | 3rd & 6th periods
Jan. 26 | Amnesty Day
NEW! More community calendars and updates:
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Mr. Wynkoop on leave, Dr. Williams Acting Principal |
Effective Nov. 24, Mr. Keven Wynkoop was placed on leave from his position as Ballard Principal. Assistant Principal Dr. Joseph Williams III is now serving as the Acting Principal for the duration of Mr. Wynkoop’s leave.
Dr. Williams' role as the interim building leader is to support students, staff and families during this time of transition, effectively maintain the daily operations of the school, and provide stable leadership.
"Together, we can confidently move forward as a school by working as a team to enable our students to learn and achieve at their fullest potential," he wrote to the community in an introductory message.
Here is Dr. Williams' Video Message:
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Let's Talk
SPS has created a special interest form using "Let’s Talk" to collect questions and comments from the BHS community. Click the link here to share your thoughts.
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Welcome Student Equity Advocate Polo DeCano
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Polo DeCano, a member of the central office Behavioral Health and Restorative Practices/Justice Teams, is joining the support team at Ballard High School as a Student Equity Advocate.
"His work will be to support our school response to students’ and community members’ requests for added structures around equity and advocacy," Dr. Williams said. "As a first step, his role at Ballard will be to connect and engage with various groups to listen to perspectives and recommendations that pertain to the culture and climate of the school, with a specific focus around race and equity." [FULL INTRO]
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Bucky's Home for the Holidays gift card drive |
Consider helping brighten BHS families' holiday seasons with donations of gift cards! DONATIONS ARE DUE DEC. 10!
Affectionately known as “Bucky’s”, the intent of this partnership is to provide donated gift cards to Ballard High School community families in need of financial assistance, to help with food and household essentials during the two week Winter Break and to help celebrate the holiday season.
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Families and staff are asked to donate gift cards to Fred Meyer, Target, Starbucks, Town & Country (Ballard Market), Safeway and other local businesses in the amount of $10 or more. Students may bring gift cards to the Main Office. Office staff Cindy Peterson and Bethany Nielcen can also meet families with gift cards during school hours at the south doors to the school. Please call 206-252-1000 when you arrive and they will come out to meet you.
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Because of the school building closure to visitors, the Ballard High School Foundation (Tax ID #91-1811275) will also be accepting monetary donations this year, which they will convert into gift cards.
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Gift cards will be distributed equitably in festive Bucky Gift bags and will be handed out to families in December. All information about the families will remain anonymous to the community, except for a few program leads. [MORE]
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BHS PTSA DIRECT APPEAL
Let's keep supporting Ballard academics!
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Thank you so much to all who have donated to this year's Direct Appeal. We know there are many worthy causes asking for money as we near the end of the year. None greater than your student's school building. |
“Thanks a lot for your generosity and this opportunity one more time. This time, more than ever, we need your support and this means a lot for our students and for us,” said 2020-21 PTSA Outstanding Educator Vanesa Ló pez Madrid, regarding the grant for her Spanish classroom.
Your donation goes specifically to teachers and students for academic programs. Meeting this goal is critical to closing the legislative funding gaps that directly affect our kids. No donation is too small!
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Please ask your employer whether they will match your donation. Many companies match 100% of their employees’ donations. [MORE]
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SPS Special BHS Q & A Session Dec. 1 |
In response to a request from Ballard High School student groups, SPS hosted an informational session on district policies and procedures regarding reports alleging sexual harassment on Dec. 1 after school in the Performing Arts Center. Other students also attended a rally of more than 100 supporters that same afternoon, outside of School District Headquarters.
The BHS information session was facilitated by staff from the SPS Title IX Office and included opportunities for students to ask questions. In addition to Title IX Office staff (who have experience in conducting trauma-informed investigations), adult professionals trained in trauma-informed care participated as well.
Per the District Letter sent Nov. 23 to BHS families via School Messenger, "a similar virtual informational opportunity is being developed for all SPS students, parents, and families later in December. More details will be forthcoming soon."
Seattle Public Schools encourages students who have been sexually assaulted to report the crime to the Seattle Police Department and to a trusted SPS staff member.
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Students are also encouraged to bring forward reports or concerns to the district’s Title IX Office, which implements the federal civil rights law prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sex/gender and provides oversight for the district’s response to reports alleging sexual harassment or sexual assault toward students.
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More information on how to get help and other questions is available on the SPS website. SPS established procedures and protocols, shared here for quick reference: Policy 3208 and Superintendent Procedure 3208SP.
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BHS Food Pantry available for students |
The Ballard HS Counselors have partnered with the Ballard Food Bank to offer a Food Pantry at Ballard HS for all Ballard students to access during the school day. Students can stop by Room S217 to grab food items to take home for families.
If families would like, we can organize a bag for your student to take home or for families to pick up. Please reach out to BHS Counselor Ms. Sarah Bowman to arrange this at sabowman@seattleschools.org.
Here is a list of our current food items:
- Canned soup (Tomato, Broccoli Cheese, Chicken Noodle)
- Mac and Cheese
- Lentils
- Rice
- Trail Mix
- Ritz Crackers
- Single serve: Milk, Cheerios, Oatmeal, Peanut Butter, Jelly, and Raisins
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Beaver Gear Pop-Up Store Dec. 15-16
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BHS Students and Families! Come shop for all your Beaver Gear clothing and accessories at the Athletic Booster Club (ABC) Winter Pop Up Store from 3-6 p.m. Dec 15-16 near the BHS Library Entrance under the orange tent! We are excited to offer a new 1/4 zip grey fleece shirt with an embroidered logo! Supplies of this new item are limited, so be sure to stop by the store to get yours!
Shopping at the live store is strongly encouraged to ensure you are able bring the size and style of Beaver Gear you want home for the Holidays. The Beaver Gear Team will not have access to inventory after Dec. 16. [FULL DETAILS]
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Clubs are a great way to get involved! |
Clubs are also a great way to sustain and create new connections at Ballard High School. Find a club that matches your interests and get involved! We currently have more than 70 clubs!
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Multicultural Club
Meetings: After School Tuesday, Dec. 7 and 14, P104
Club summary: Uniting students of color at BHS. This club will have multicultural speakers and events, plan assemblies, and be a place for students to share their cultures and experiences.
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Meetings: At Lunch Monday in the Library
Club summary: Library leaders is a club where students can work on different projects that build community at Ballard High School. Join us at a weekly meeting, where members talk about and organize projects.
School Community can participate too! Library Leaders are hoping to share posts of appreciation and gratitude with our community and would love to have you participate. This can be to students, parents, colleagues, or community members. It doesn't need to be long, heartfelt is the best. We understand and value what a gift it is to share in someone's gratitude. Please direct message to @ballard_appreciation or email ballard.appreciation@gmail.com.
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December Seniors of the Month |
Congratulations to the Ballard Rotary Students of the Month for December! These seniors have shown excellence in multiple areas. This includes academic achievement, extra curriculars, service work and other unique hobbies.
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Casper is Co-president of the Spikeball Club, volunteers at the Nordic Heritage Museum and supports local businesses in Ballard. While out of Ballard, and mostly in Magnolia, he plays Pickleball and enjoy all watersports.
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Casper's AP Calculus teacher, Ms. Oana Rus, speaks very highly of him, saying, "Casper is a very talented student and I highly value his determination and the way he pursues challenging content. He is mature, well-liked by his peers and with a natural inclination to do math, which I hope he will consider as a possible career." |
Madisun "Madi" is a drum major in Marching Band, plays French horn in wind ensemble, trumpet in Brass Band and, with the help of Band Director Mr. Jay Gillespie, she's getting some students together to start a Bossa Nova Combo. She was also in Biotech Freshman-Junior year. She has been a member of the National Honor Society since sophomore year and been in and out of French Club since sophomore year as well and joined Craft Club this year.
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"Madi is the kind of musician that band directors want their class full of," said Mr. Gillespie. "She loves music and Is always looking for new ways to express herself musically. She isn’t afraid to try new instruments or musical styles and she works hard at playing whatever she is doing from drum majoring to playing the horn. Bravo Madi!" [Full profiles.]
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Dec. 31 deadline for ordering cap & gown
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Seniors – it’s time to order your graduation cap and gown! Visit herffjones.com for Caps & Gowns, Senior Apparel, Graduation Announcements and other items. Choose from packages or order individual items. Deadline for your order is Dec. 31. There are also limited cap and gown sets available from the Counseling Center for loan for students in need. [Info & FAQ's]
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College application help after school Dec. 8 |
Come get help with your college applications Wednesday after school from 2:30-3:30 in the Counseling Center. Bring your laptop for a work session or stop by to ask questions on Wednesday Dec. 8.
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Counselors will be available to help you with questions about Common Application, Coalition, sending transcripts through Naviance, Seattle Promise Scholarship application, or other applying to college questions you have. Plan ahead -- Don’t wait until the last minute to get help! More information, College Visit and scholarship options, on Applying to College page.
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Seattle Promise FAFSA/WASFA Workshops |
Students and their parent/guardians/support people are invited to attend a Seattle Promise Applicants FAFSA/WASFA Workshop via Zoom from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Dec. 7 or Dec. 14.
Translated sessions will be available at a later time. Full schedule at Seattle Promise.
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Seattle Promise: In Person Help Too! |
Kelsey Peronto, from Seattle Colleges Seattle Promise Scholarship Program, will also be in the BHS Counseling Center every Wednesday and Friday to meet with students.
Stop by if you need help with completing your Seattle Promise application or your FAFSA.
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December has many offerings in library |
Library and Book Club titles are available to check out at bit.ly/ballardlibrary. Thank you for returning your titles promptly!
On the docket for December:
❥ Library Leaders at lunch Monday in the Makerspace Room.
❥ Want to rate books for the Evergreen Teen Book Award? Join Eager Beaver Readers every other Tuesday (next on Dec. 14) during lunch.
❥ Math Tutors, including precalculus tutoring, is available from 8-8:30 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday
❥ 3D Printing Club meets at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 8
❥ Beaver Book Club is discussing "Crown Chasers" at lunch on Friday, Dec. 10. Pride Book Club will be reviewing "Felix Ever After" on Friday, Dec. 17.
❥ Reading Buddies earn Service Learning hours as well and read to Elementary Students 8 a.m. Friday. Please bring headphones!
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Counseling Center online news and info |
The Counseling Center has a myriad of scholarship information online, including the following offerings. Remember to check out the Counseling Center News, Service Learning and College Visits pages too for upcoming opportunities and helpful resources. |
WA Opportunity Scholarship Helps Promise Scholars |
Mayor Jenny A. Durkan, DEEL (Department of Education and Early Learning), and partners from education, philanthropy and STEM industries announced a new partnership Nov. 29 with the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship to strengthen pathways to college and career advancement for Seattle Promise scholars pursuing jobs in the trades, STEM and health care. Seattle is the first city in Washington to become a municipal partner for this competitive scholarship, ensuring Seattle Promise scholars have access to continued financial aid and support as they successfully complete the Seattle Promise program and transition to furthering their education at another institution. [ more] |
Pride Foundation and the GSBA Scholarship Fund |
The Greater Seattle Business Association (GSBA) partners with the Pride Foundation to provide scholarships to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and allied student leaders in the Northwest to pursue higher education. When a LGBTQIA+ student applies to a scholarship through the Pride Foundation they are also applying for 61+ scholarships at the same time. Application closes in early January. [Learn more and apply]
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Job readiness & internships offer learning |
More local job opportunities are available on the Counseling Center's Online Job Board. BHS only shares postings and does not endorse any of these businesses.
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Teens In Public Service (TIPS) allows high school students to work with a nonprofit over the summer and gain work experience while also contributing to their community and getting paid. More information and application linked to the graphic. |
SYEP Job Readiness Program |
To be eligible, young people must:
- be between the ages of 16 and 24 years old at the start of the program.
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live within the Seattle city limits (check here).
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live in a household with income at or below 80% Area Median Income (AMI). See AMI table to the right.
- provide proof of vaccination (for in-person attendance).
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Winter concerts will have in-person viewing! |
The show will go on! Two people per student will be allowed to attend the Winter Concert in person! People will be seated in pairs, six feet away from other audience members for these upcoming shows!
Tuesday, Dec. 14 -- Orchestra Concert
6 p.m. (9th-10th grades); 8 p.m. (11th-12th grades)
Wednesday, Dec. 15 -- Band Concert
6 p.m. (9th-10th grades); 8 p.m. (11th-12th grades)
Thursday, Dec 16 -- Choir Concert
6 p.m. (9th-10th grades); 8 p.m. (11th-12th grades)
General admission tickets are free, but you can reserve specific seating for a $25 donation per seat via showtix4u.com (search for Ballard High School). All attendees will need to present vaccination cards and identification and complete a health attestation prior to entering the building. Please consider arriving a half-hour early to allow for enough time to get everyone seated.
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Winter athletics season starts | Go BHS!
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Congratulations to our Winter Sports athletes on their first week of competitions. Ballard Boys Swim & Dive celebrated a win at its Meet at Southwest Pool against West Seattle and Chief Sealth on Friday. (Photo c/o @bhsboys.swim). Want to catch their Meet, along with Friday's varsity hoops games at Lakeside? Check out the Ballard Athletics YouTube page!
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Metro League (Seattle Public School’s athletic conference) are limiting spectators at all high school athletic games/contests. [Spectator Policy]
The Ballard High School Winter Athletics and Club Sports webpage, linked below, features all Winter Sports details, including a link to the teams' schedules and Coach Directory.
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We were surprised to hear about Mr. Wynkoop's leave before the long weekend break and, like you, are awaiting more news and information.
The Ballard PTSA welcomed our Interim Principal, Dr. Williams, at our Dec. 2 Board Meeting, and we look forward to working with him.
A quick update on our initiatives:
We are sharing news, information and resources in our weekly newsletter. We have introduced a new PTSA webpage, thanks to Chuck Fuller, and will soon add a Facebook page to assist with communications.
We are continuing to build our equity and inclusion efforts with freshmen parents Shelley Bolser and Naida Boyer, who have experience at Whitman and Loyal Heights engaging diverse voices.
We are also requesting gift card donations for families in need this holiday season with the Bucky's Home for the Holidays effort. Thank you for your contributions through Dec. 10! Our Family And Community Engagement (FACE) coordinator Brenda Savage is working closely with Academic Intervention Specialist Lisa Coacher on this yearly giving program.
The appreciation team, chaired by Lisa Vanderford-Anderson and Michelle Peters, is hosting a Holiday Coffee Cart for our dedicated staff in a few weeks.
Our legislative liaison Brian Duncan is keeping us informed on advocacy issues, while participating in SCPTSA and WSPTA online assemblages.
Want to join our efforts? Here's how you can get involved, including signing up as a volunteer with Volunteer Coordinator Sarah Visser (more limited this year, due to the building closure); or helping Becky Moore on the Senior SPREE Committee.
Also, please remember to mark your calendars for some great PTSA events in 2022:
➢ Winter PTSA General Meeting at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 10
➢ Auction/BASH at 7 p.m. Sunday, April 3
➢ Spring PTSA Awards General Meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 9
Details coming soon!
Please join us, here's a signup link if you'd like to become a PTSA member too.
~Your Ballard PTSA
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Students in Reflections online gallery |
Congratulations to students Madelyn Skinner ("I will lead", literature); Sheridan Green ("Concrete Chasm", photography, top left); Charlotte Bryan ("Unveiling Beauty", photograph, right); and Jaewon Winter ("Boy with Flower", visual arts, bottom left) for their participation in the Reflections PTA arts competition.
Their work will be featured in an online gallery, hosted on the SCPTSA website, and a virtual Reflections Celebration launch at 4 p.m. on Dec. 12.
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Support BHS PTSA while you shop for the holidays |
Passive fundraising programs are easy ways to support BHS academics and PTSA initiatives while you do your holiday shopping! |
Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to BHS PTSA.
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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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Social Media Chair sought |
The PTSA is in need of a Social Media Chair for the remainder of the school year for our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages ! This role takes 2-4 hours a week and is an amazing way to stay up-to-date and connected to the school.
We are now starting a PTSA Facebook page to share our initiatives with the community.
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College Board scores online |
PSAT scores for Grades 10 & 11 will be released by online by CollegeBoard on Tuesday, Dec. 7.
SAT scores for Grade 12 are available to view now on CollegeBoard. Students will need to log onto their CollegeBoard account to view their scores.
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School Health & Safety Protocols |
The school website has a new school health and safety dashboard page to help with health and safety FAQs.
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Early dismissal? Here's how to report
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Note: Parents/guardians are asked to wait outside the building when picking up students for appointments. No visitors are permitted inside school buildings, except approved vaccinated volunteers. This is a District policy this year.
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School Board Directors Sworn for New Terms |
Three directors took the oath of office for the Seattle Public School Board of Directors on November 30.
Vivian Song Maritz, representing District 4 (right, Queen Anne, Magnolia and Ballard), and Michelle Sarju, representing District 5 (Central Seattle), were elected to their first term in the November 2021 election. Brandon Hersey, representing District 7 (Southeast Seattle), was elected for a second term in the same election.
Before the swearing in ceremony, SPS students and community members offered words of thanks to departing board directors Zachary DeWolf and Erin Dury on Nov. 17. The former members were presented with gifts and certificates of appreciation for their service.
Thank you to Erin Dury for representing Ballard's District 4 on the School Board. We look forward to continue working with Erin in her new role as SCPTSA District 4 Director.
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Check Your Contact Info for SPS Weather Alerts |
From time to time, winter weather may change the normal schedule at your student’s school.
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As we approach a season of school breaks and family gatherings, it is a good time to remind everyone about travel guidance. Thank you for your continued efforts to keep our students and school communities healthy and safe.
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No School or Meal Service During Winter Break
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Seattle Public Schools will close Dec. 21-31 for Winter Break. The district office will remain open with limited staff. During the break, meal sites will also be closed. School resumes Jan. 3.
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LGBTQ+ Families Dinner Series |
The LGBTQ+ Families Dinner Series is a virtual opportunity for people to connect across shared identities and experiences. This event is for LGBTQ+ families of SPS students, LGBTQ+ students and their families, and present LGBTQ+ staff and their families. [RSVP by 5 p.m. Dec. 10.]
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Jan. Board meeting includes details on levy renewal vote |
The BHS Community is welcome at our Board meetings, which are held online this year via Microsoft Teams.
In January we will host SPS representatives to discuss the February Levy vote.
Meetings also include committee and principal updates, we'd love to have you join us!
Board Meetings are at 7 p.m. on the following Thursdays: Jan. 6, March 3, April 7 and May 5. The Board also meets at 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 10 and June 9, prior to our PTSA General Meetings.
We have two remaining General Meetings:
- Winter, Program TBA, 7 p.m., Feb. 10.
- PTSA volunteer & educator awards event, 7 p.m., June 9.
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Seattle Council PTSA meets Dec. 16 |
Topics will include:
- Preparing for advocacy at WA State Legislature- SCPTSA's Legislative Agenda
- Upcoming city-wide vote on the Levies to fund education.
- Voting to approve the 2021-2022 SCPTSA Budget
- Opportunity for local PTA/PTSA members to ask questions, gather ideas, and give input to Council and district leaders.
- Update on Council President election.
Council membership meetings are open to all interested persons. The council's voting body consists of the members of the board of directors and one delegate from each local PTA/PTSA that is in good standing. Local PTA/PTSA presidents are automatic delegates and can delegate their vote to other board members to serve as alternates.
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Menorah lighting & gelt drop Dec. 6 |
Chanukah/Hanukkah ends on Dec. 6 this year. On Sunday, Dec. 5 at 4:30 p.m. there’s a Menorah Lighting and gelt drop at Bergen Place Park, 5420 22nd Ave. N.W., hosted by Chabad Of NW Seattle.
The event will include:
- The Giant Menorah lighting
- Latkas and jelly doughnuts
- Music
- Raffle for grand prize
- A large firetruck for children to tour.
- The Great Gelt drop- Collect chocolate gelt as it “rains” down from the fire truck.
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Multicultural Mental Health Care Guide |
The Seattle Times Education Lab partnered with members of King County Public Health’s Social Media Ambassadors and Soar youth programs to create a resource for young people seeking mental health support services. [FULL STORY]
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The BHS PTSA offers Community Resources for informational purposes & does not necessarily support activities or views presented therein. |
COVID-19 booster now available for 18 and older |
Anyone age 18 and older can now get a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine if enough time has passed since their initial vaccination:
- 6 months since second dose of Pfizer or Moderna
- 2 months since one dose of Johnson & Johnson (J&J)
Public Health’s vaccination sites at Auburn, Kent, Bellevue Eastgate, and Downtown Seattle are using a waitlist for all booster appointments.
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Online Afterschool Enrichment Programs |
Starting in January, UW Youth & Teen Programs is offering these exciting afterschool remote courses for high school students:
Registration closes Dec. 23.
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YMCA Environmental Leaders Summit Dec. 9 |
The YMCA Earth Service Corps is sponsoring an Environmental Leaders Summit from 1-4 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 9 for youth in grades 8-12.
Join youth and environmental professionals across the Puget Sound to discuss environmental issues such as climate change, waste reduction, natural resource management, marine health, and more! Share your ideas and learn from others. More info and registration.
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Bonfire New Works Festival |
Bring new scripts to life in a whirlwind weekend of rehearsal and performance. Teen writers have new plays—and they need YOU to get from page to stage!
Actors, directors, and designers ages 14-19 are invited as artists for the New Works Festival, and all are welcome as audience members. Special thanks to UCUCC and Seattle Office of Arts & Culture for their support!
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UW Center for Philosophy for Children classes are open for registration for winter online philosophy sessions for students ages 8-16. The eight-week session begins Wednesday, Jan. 12. Please see the information and registration page on our website for more details, and please share it widely. Series cost is $225. Scholarship funds available. Registration closes Dec. 17.
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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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