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Special Bell Schedule and Friday Assembly
Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
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The Bell Schedule will be adjusted this week to teach about the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Throughout the week our school community will be celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in preparation for MLK Day on Monday, January 15 (no school).
Each day, we have a Special Bell Schedule to ensure that we have dedicated time during which students will be participating in activities prepared by the Ballard HS Black Student Union (BSU). These activities will take place adjacent to students’ third period classes. On Friday, we will come together as a whole school community for a special MLK Assembly.
The BSU has put in a great deal of work to support the learning throughout the week in addition to Friday’s assembly. Thanks to both the BSU and the Associated Student Body for their efforts!
More information.
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Learn About BHS PTSA DEI Committee! | |
The Ballard PTSA DEI Committee curates area events of interest and DEI news in the weekly Equity Corner, including these MLK Day observances:
Interested in learning more about the DEI Committee?
Jan. 9 Meeting: 6:30-8:30 p.m. on MS Teams. Email DEIatBHS@gmail.com for Teams link.
Jan. 17 Welcome/Happy Hour: at a local BIPOC-owned restaurant (location to be confirmed soon). Meet the DEI Team, everyone is welcome to attend!
Please reach out if you're interested or have questions: DEIatBHS@gmail.com
Learn more on the DEI Committee page.
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Grades 9-11 Registration for next year’s courses is coming up!
Counselors will visit classrooms next week to present Course Registration information to students.
Online registration for students in grades 9 – 11 will open on January 11 and run through January 23. The counseling team will be visiting language arts and social studies classes to support students with this process.
Information about course offerings can be found in the Ballard HS Online Course Catalog.
| BHS Prospective Families Night Feb. 8 | |
Know anyone interested in attending Ballard High School?
The Ballard HS Prospective Families Night is scheduled for 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 8.
Additional helpful resources are available on the Prospective/Incoming Families page.
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BHS will be utilizing the following schedule for finals for Semester 1. Finals may be offered over the course of this window. Students should check with their teacher and Schoology for their final date/time.
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Thursday, Jan. 25 Special Bell Schedule Class Periods 1, 3, 5: Finals may be given during this time
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Friday, Jan. 26 Special Bell Schedule Class Periods 2, 4, 6: Finals may be given during this time
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Monday, Jan. 29 Regular Bell Schedule: Finals may be given during this time
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Tuesday, Jan. 30 Regular Bell Schedule: Finals may be given during this time
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Wednesday, Jan. 31 Regular Bell Schedule: Finals may be given during this time
Learn more.
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Preparing for Winter Weather | |
If snow or ice in the Seattle area affects road conditions, schools may have schedule changes. SPS and the Seattle Education Association have created a plan to use technology and remote learning instruction so students can continue to learn from home during inclement weather/snow days.
Based on weather conditions, there are two possible scenarios – two-hour late start with in-person learning or school buildings closed with students at home engaged in remote learning.
Learn more about how to receive weather alert reminders at Preparing for Winter Weather.
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5th Annual Running of the Beavers March 23 | |
Get ready to lace up your sneakers and join the 5th Annual Running of the Beavers 5K Walk/Run to benefit the Ballard High School Foundation at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, March 23 at Golden Gardens.
The Ballard High School Foundation provides financial support for wellness and activities at Ballard High School. The 5K walk/run will start and finish at the beautiful Golden Gardens Park along the Ballard waterfront. Enjoy stunning views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains on this fast, flat course. The finish will take you right by the famous Beaver Pond at Golden Gardens.
| For volunteer and sponsorship information, contact Dick Lee, rjlee@seattleschools.org. | | |
PTSA Reflections Program Update | |
Congratulations to the following students who submitted works for the Ballard PTSA Reflections program, sharing entries inspired by this year's theme, "I Am Hopeful Because ..."
Art: Lake Neill and Juniper Stoddard
Dance: James Madden
Music: Max Germann; Josiah Hoy-Tisdale and Ben Jaynes (Ingraham)
Photography: Lucas Salm-Rojo
Thanks to PTSA Reflections Chair Anna Harper for organizing our school's participation. Next, these entries will be judged by the SCPTSA program chairs to determine possible advancement onto the state WSPTA and national PTA programs. More info.
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Purchase the BHS Shingle Yearbook Thru Jan. 23 | |
Did you forget to purchase a yearbook in the fall? There is a new Shingle yearbook sales window that runs through Jan. 23. Cost: $65.
Payment Options:
- Cash, Check (Ballard High School), Debit, Credit Card
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Pay online via parents Source/SchoolPay
- Yearbooks will be sold in the Activity Center (AC) at lunch and after school.
Details, including how to check if you've already purchased a yearbook are available on the Yearbook Sales page.
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Special Golden Beavers Scholarship Announcement Coming Soon | |
Seniors! Watch for information about upcoming Ballard High School Foundation Golden Beavers Scholarships and special announcement coming soon!
| Class of 2024 News & Updates | |
Follow Class of 2024 updates on the Senior Timeline and on the Class of 2024 Facebook group.
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FAFSA and WASFA Applications Soft Launch | |
The 2024–25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form is available periodically. Complete the form to apply for financial aid to help pay for attendance at college.
The Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA) is also available. Simpler, more generous 2024-25 financial aid applications now available — but process will be slower. Learn more on the Wa Student Achievement Council site.
Follow updates and information.
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Find Your New Book for the New Year Online | |
So many new titles! Your Ballard Library has a bevy of new books following Winter Break!
Search by topic and find learning resources and recommendations from our awesome librarians, Ms. Chambers and Ms. Bowman, through the online library catalog.
From graphic novels, to poetry volumes, to crafting and cookbooks, biographies and popular best sellers too, there are SO many ways to be a Beaver Reader!
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Library Volunteers Needed | |
The library could use additional parent volunteers, that can sign up for a shift once a week, especially in the afternoons. 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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Sign up for Ballard Choir! | Are you interested in joining Ballard’s incredible choir program for the 2024-25 school year? Choir placements for next year’s choirs will happen in the spring, but if you are interested, sign up now when you fill out your schedule request form! No experience necessary; a love of music is all you need. Find out more by watching this video put together by current and former choir students. We’d love to welcome you into the choir community! | Email Ms. Rowley at chrowley@seattleschoools.org or ask a current choir student if you have any additional questions. | |
If you are not currently enrolled in a music ensemble class, there are still many great opportunities to take a music class! Are you interested in what makes music work, and would love to delve more deeply into theory and composition? Consider AP Music Theory!
Do you want to learn piano or guitar? We offer classes in both! Sign up on your schedule request form, or stop by the Music Office (NE 221 inside of the band room) to learn more.
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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 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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Also, from the BPA Newsletter:
The Ballard Performing Arts Booster Board is meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 9 in the BHS Library.
All families of student performers are invited to attend!
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Join the Fun, Support BHS Athletics!
Athletic Booster Club Trivia Night Jan. 31 Ballard Elks
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Register today for the Athletic Booster Club Trivia Night Wednesday, Jan. 31 at the Ballard Elks Club (6411 Seaview Ave. N.W.).
Join BHS parents, staff, coaches and students for a fun evening testing team trivia skills! Register your team of six players below ($20/person) or email BallardBeaverTrivia@gmail.com if you want to be placed with other players to make up a team. Popcorn and snacks, cash bar available, Beaver Gear sales table, cash raffle and prizes for trivia champs and best team name. Last year was a hit, so register your team now to reserve a table!
Your registration fee is a donation to the Athletic Booster Club to further their mission to support and promote quality athletics at Ballard High School. Donations are fully tax-deductible.
Doors open at 6 p.m.; trivia starts at 7 p.m. Volunteers are needed and service learning opportunities available too. If you want to help or have questions, email Kelly Jones at BallardBeaverTrivia@gmail.com. Full details.
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Congratulations to the Boys Wrestling Team on their dominant victories over their opponents Thursday night.
First dual was won 65-12 with your Brawlin' Beavers rolling off 12 consecutive wins, 9 of them by pin! The second dual was won 70-11 with your grapplers getting another 12 consecutive wins and 11 of them by pin!
The team will have its first home meet at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 10 in the Main Gym. Let's get that place rocking!
Also, late Saturday results and photo c/o @ballard_boys_wrestling! Congrats to Hayden, Lazlo, Simon and Tommy who all won their weight divisions at the team's Everett High School meet.
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The Athletic Booster Club's popular custom-order BHS duffle bags are on sale through Jan. 31. This is the last opportunity to order for this school year. | |
Bags come in standard and tiny sizes, include shoulder straps, and can be personalized for an additional fee. The Beaver Gear Team let you know when to pick up your order in the school office, with delivery estimated in 8-10 weeks following the order deadline.
Questions? Email the Beaver Gear Team at bhsabcgear@gmail.com
Full details.
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Boys Basketball Faces Lakeside Jan. 9 at Home | |
Celebrating their sixth win in a row, the 10-2 Boys Basketball team topped the Ingraham Rams Saturday 49-41 after also beating the Franklin Quakers 61-34 Wednesday.
Come cheer the squad as they host the Lakeside Lions at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 9.
Purchase tickets online or with cash at the door.
They'll close the week at 8:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 12 at Cleveland.
Photo c/o and follow the team @ballardbball.
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Gymnastics Scores Victory at Home Saturday | |
Gymnastics started the second half of the season hosting a conference meet win Saturday night against Ingraham, Lincoln and Snohomish County High School Gymnastics. As reported on their Instagram page, "Another fun night for the Beavers with a home win!"
Results:
Bars: Naomi 1st, Cailtyn 2nd, Alex 3rd
Beam: Naomi 1st, Justene 3rd, Brooke 4th, Vivi 6th, Linden 9th
Floor: Naomi 1st, Alex 3rd, Linden 4th, Dylan 5th, Justene 7th, Brooke 9th
All Around: Naomi 1st, Alex 2nd, Caitlyn 4th, Justene 5th, Brooke 8th, Linden 10th
Next, they visit West Seattle Friday, Jan. 12 to take on the Wildcats, Chief Sealth and Roosevelt. Photo c/o and follow @ballardgymnastics.
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Girls Basketball Takes Two | |
The 8-3 Girls Basketball team remained hot following Winter Break with a 67-58 win over Chief Sealth Wednesday and a 62-59 victory over Lincoln Saturday.
In a busy three game stretch this week, the Beavers host Lynnwood for non-conference action 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 8.
Next, they'll have two away games on Wednesday, Jan. 10 (7:30 p.m. tip) at Rainier Beach and Friday, Jan. 12 (5:30 p.m. tip) against Ingraham.
Photo c/o and follow @ballard_girls.basketball.
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Looking for More Ways to Support BHS Hoops? | |
Both the Girls and Boys Basketball programs have fun promotions coming up:
Mark your calendars for a Varsity Double Header Wednesday, Jan. 17. (Girls tipoff against Cleveland at 5:45 p.m., Boys Varsity tipoff against Chief Sealth at 7:30 p.m.). The band will perform and bring food drive donations.
Dine Out in Support of Ballard Hoops 4-9 p.m. Monday, Jan. 22 at Duke's Seafood (Greenlake location, proceeds split between both girls and boys teams)
Women and Girls in Sport Night
Friday, Jan. 26 Girls Varsity hosting Chief Sealth, tip at 7:30 p.m. Female BHS athletes will be recognized throughout game and halftime will feature younger players from the Ballard Basketball program.
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Schedules and team updates are on the Athletics webpage. | |
➠ The 3-1 Boys Swim and Dive team is off to a quick start for their season!
While we're still waiting on results from their Friday meet at Ingraham, we're looking forward to their 4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 19 home meet versus Bishop Blanchet.
Photo c/o and follow the team @bhsboys.swim.
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➠ Flag Football kicked off their season Saturday at Memorial Stadium, dropping their first game against Holy Names before topping Nathan Hale!
On Saturday, Jan. 13 the team takes on Bishop Blanchet at 1 p.m. and Rainier Beach at 2 p.m. Follow the team @bhs_girlsflagfootball.
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➠ Girls Wrestling competed in the Braided 64 Invitational Friday and Saturday at Kelso High School. It's the largest girls wrestling tournament in the country with 815 girls wrestling in over 1600 matches. Ballard had some great matches. Senior Captain Jackie competed into day two, going on to place 7th in her weight division. Congratulations! The team will next compete in the Lads and Lasses Tournament at 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13 at Fife High School. Photo c/o and follow @ballard_girls_wrestling.
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➠ Girls Bowling took on the Garfield Bulldogs Friday. While results aren't available, the team heads back to West Seattle Bowl for their next games against Nathan Hale at 3 p.m. Monday, Jan. 8 and Holy Names at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 10.
Follow the team @ballardgirlsbowling.
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➠ After dropping their Saturday game against the Garfield Purple Haze Mixed Ultimate Frisbee has two more games coming up at area fields: Jan. 20 vs. Lincoln, 5:30 p.m. at Loyal Heights
and Jan. 27 vs U. Prep, 11 a.m. at BHS. Photo c/o and follow @bufballard.
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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 Wednesday, Jan. 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 questions: DEIatBHS@gmail.com. Learn more on the DEI Committee page.
| January 7 is Orthodox Christmas, celebrated by many cultures that observe Orthodox Christianity, such as Ethiopia, Ukraine, and Greece. መልካም ገና “melkam gena” (Amharic -Ethiopia), веселого Різдва “veselogo rizdva” (Ukranian), and καλά χριστούγεννα “kala Christmas” (Greek). Learn more here: Did you know there’s a Christmas in January? | Articles | CBC Kids | January 14 Youth Event for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Day: “come witness youth performances, food, workshops, and more, in the name of accomplishing MLK’s dream!” Young Leaders Event — Sea MLK Jr Coalition (seattlemlkcoalition.org) | | |
January 15 is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Day, remembered and celebrated with a rally, march, and other events: Sea MLK Jr Coalition (seattlemlkcoalition.org) | 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. | | |
January Teen Programs
Loyal Heights Community Center
| 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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PTAs Participating in MLK March Jan. 15 | |
From the Seattle Council PTSA Newsletter: Calling all PTA Families in Seattle Public Schools—Let’s March! We invite you to the 41st annual MLK Jr March to honor the life, legacy, and unfinished work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Meet at noon Monday, at the playground on Cherry St. East of 23rd. Look for the yellow balloons! Coordinated by Thornton Creek and John Rogers PTAs.
Learn more and RSVP.
| Ninth Circuit Essay and Video Contest | Ninth Circuit Essay and Video Contest | 2024 marks the 70th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1954 landmark decision in Brown v. Board of Education. Students are invited to submit an essay and/or video reflecting on the legacy of this decision for cash prizes. Deadline March 8. Full details | |
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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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