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GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY
PTSA March Madness Fundraising Gala March 24
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Today's the day to grab your tickets for the biggest BASH of the year -- the PTSA Fundraising Gala on Sunday, March 24. The clock will run out on ticket sales this week so be sure to grab your squad and get in the game!
The Fundraising Gala supports ALL students and staff at Ballard High by allowing the PTSA to fulfill the mission of promoting and supporting the social, emotional, and academic well-being of all students. This year’s big BASH will feature silent and live bidding, Dessert Dash, a great Pop-a-Shot competition and catering by Foodz!
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The procurement deadline has hit, so be sure to get that donation in today. Email ballardprocurement@gmail.com so that we can arrange pickup.
Follow us on Facebook and Insta for a sneak peek at some of the amazing items up for grabs!
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GALA VOLUNTEER NEEDS!
Dessert Dash & Wine Toss Donations Sought
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There are many ways to continue to support the PTSA Fundraising Gala.
As we approach the big day we continue to seek donations of desserts and wine to sweeten the deal.
Donate online or coordinate via email at ballardprocurement@gmail.com.
Looking for another way to help?
Sign up to volunteer at the event. Bring your student along, and they can earn service hours! Volunteers can purchase a dinner ticket for the reduced rate of $50 if you would like to partake in the seated dinner portion of our evening.
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GALA FUNDRAISER
Raise the Paddle Project: Ballard Building Pride
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PTSA Fundraising Gala attendees will have the opportunity to "Raise the Paddle" for Ballard Building Pride. After 25 years, our "new" school still looks great, but the wear and tear from thousands of students and staff along with just plain age means that our building could use some attention. From replacing safety equipment like cameras and AED defibrillators to upgrading science classroom wiring, to expediting wall and plumbing repairs, we as a community can help keep pride in our "Beaver Dam" strong.
If you can't make it to the Gala, you can still donate to our Raise the Paddle fundraiser online. Thank you for your support!
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'The Addams Family' Opens Thursday, March 14 in PAC | |
Ballard Playmakers are presenting "The Addams Family" musical at 7:30 p.m. March 14-16 and 22-23; and 2 p.m. Sunday, March 24.
The musical is based on the quirky characters created by Charles Addams in his darkly humorous cartoons published in the New Yorker from 1937 through the 1980s. The musical is campy and funny, and is ultimately an affirming story about family, acceptance and joy.
Ballard's staging is directed by Miller Shor with musical direction by the BHS Choir Director Courtney Rowley, and choreography by Megan Moore. BHS Orchestra Director Daniel Valdez will conduct the pit orchestra. Meet the cast!
Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and $10 for students and staff. More info.
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SENIORS LEADING CLASS COMPETITION!
5th Annual Running of the Beavers 5K March 23
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It's almost time to lace up your sneakers and join the Ballard High School Foundation's 5th Annual Running of the Beavers 5K Fun Run/Walk at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, March 23 at Golden Gardens. Direct your registration proceeds to your favorite athletics team, Cheer, Dance Team or Performing Arts.
This year, the grade level with the greatest participation gets $500 for their class ASB account! Currently, the senior class leads with the most sign ups!
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ADVOCACY UPDATE
Legislative Session Wrap
| From Seattle Council PTSA: The 2023-24 Legislative Session ended Thursday. Here are highlights of some bills of that made it through: |
- 1239 – Establishing a simple and uniform system for complaints related to, and instituting a code of educator ethics for, conduct within or involving public elementary and secondary schools.
- 1541 – Nothing About Us Without Us
- 5883 – Concerning the burden of proof for special education due process hearings
- 1228 – Building a multilingual, multiliterate Washington through dual and tribal language education
- 1608 – Expanding access to anaphylaxis medications in schools
- 2331 – Modifying requirements for public school instructional and supplemental instructional materials.
- 1618 – Concerning the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse.
- 5462 – Promoting inclusive learning standards and instructional materials in public schools.
WSPTSA – It’s the Final Countdown
WSPTA Legislative Bill Status Reports
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Did You Know All the Quick Resources on the School Website Homepage? | |
Communication to Families Resource: Refer to the information on this page for all the ways Ballard HS communications with students and families to keep everyone connected and informed.
A Safe and Welcoming School Resource: On behalf of the Ballard High School Safety Committee, we want to thank you for your support with fostering a safe and welcoming school community. We invite you to review the following resources, announcements, and department contacts in order to help us in our mission to support our staff, students, and families. We look forward to ongoing collaboration with ensuring our school safety.
Who to Contact to Resolve a Concern Resource: For helpful links to district resources.
Calendar and News: Upcoming Ballard HS Events, School News and a Daily Bulletin.
Explore more on the BHS Website
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NEW DATE!
Multicultural Festival Potluck April 26
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Please join the Multicultural Student Union’s first festival in the Commons on Friday, April 26!
The BHS Multicultural Union is looking for volunteers to come and help celebrate! Thank you!
Parents! Families! Students! Can You Help Out?
- Bring food or a game from your culture!
- Perform a dance, a song, an instrument that represents you or your culture!
| Multicultural Week will be April 22-26. Look for more information coming soon! | | |
SPS School Board District 2 & 4 Appointment Update | |
The Seattle School Board is appointing new directors to fill District 2 and District 4 vacancies. (District 2 includes Ballard, Phinney Ridge, southern Greenwood, Green Lake, Magnolia, and Interbay. District 4 includes Fremont, Queen Anne, Westlake, South Lake Union, and Downtown.)
Review information about the appointment process and view the candidate profiles.
Appointment Process Timeline:
March 13 | Board Special Meeting: Board selects finalist candidates.
March 27 | Anticipated date for Candidate Forum for all remaining candidates.
April 4 | Board Special Meeting: Anticipated date for Oath of Office for District 2 and 4 Directors.
May 2 | Legal deadline for appointments.
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Celebrate a Spirited BHS Teacher! | |
Is there a Ballard HS teacher who is the most school spirited? A teacher who comes to work so excited that it makes others around them excited too? Is there a teacher in your school who has quirky habits that the students enjoy?
Tell Seattle Public Schools about them! They could be featured in a special SPS Shout Out in May!
Submit nominations by March 22!
| Student Leaders Wanted for Seattle School Board | |
Students entering their junior or senior year are eligible to apply for a one-year term as a School Board member. Applications open March 11 and are due April 10.
Learn more about the position.
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Mock Trial Team Competes at Districts | |
The Ballard Mock Trial club participated in the YMCA Youth & Government Committee's Mock Trial Districts Competition Feb. 24-29 at the King County Courthouse.
"Typically, mock trial is taught as a formal class at most high schools, led by experienced coaches and legal experts such as attorneys and judges," said sophomore Club Coordinator Sabi Yoon. "However, Ballard ran it as a club this year, which required a higher level of commitment from both students and teachers, as practices and meetings took place outside of school hours."
The club had numerous Saturday morning meetings at school with community judges who generously volunteered their time. The club also had to raise $800 for competition expenses. "Despite these challenges, we had a successful first year," she said.
Photo c/o and follow @ballardmocktrial
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Not Too Late to Join a Student Club | |
Clubs are a great way to get involved. Ballard HS has more than 75 clubs available for students this year!
STUDENTS! Find a club that matches your interests and get involved. If you can’t find a club that fits your interests, start your own club!
NEW! Card Club: We play card games and its to invite new people and teach people to play cards.
Card Club meets Thursday's in S116 during lunch.
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Important Senior Reminders!
Class of 2024 Timeline
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Ballard Rotary | Seniors of the Month | |
Congratulations to the following Seniors of the Month!
Ballard Rotary Honors two outstanding BHS seniors each month as part of its Students of the Month program.
In February Ballard Rotary and the BHS community celebrated the school and personal accomplishments of Lidet B. (top left) and Luke B. (top right).
In January both groups also honored the accomplishments of Justene L. and Niko T.
Full bios of these Senior Honorees are on the Ballard High School website.
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BALLARD HS FOUNDATION
Apply for Golden Beaver Scholarships
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Seniors: Remember to apply for the Ballard High School Foundation Golden Beaver Scholarships!
Hughbanks Family Scholarships* are awarded to students pursuing further academic or trade education in Washington state and will prioritize students with situational or financial need. Awards are $5,000 for two years.
Golden Beaver Scholarships are awarded to students pursuing further academic or trade education (not limited to schools in Washington). Awards are for one year and can range from $500 to $5,000.
Application deadlines are Sunday, March 24.
Full details and even more opportunities online!
| *Read about how C. David Hughbanks '54 donation is also helping SPS scholarship recipients. Full story. | | |
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FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS
New! Tim Nygard Ballard "Legacy" Scholarship
| The Ballard High School Foundation is also offering the following scholarships: | |
NEW! The Tim Nygard Ballard “Legacy” Scholarship is an annual $2,000 award which will be made to a graduating senior with Ballard HS “legacy roots” and be known for modeling character, compassion, and friendship towards fellow students. The award is to be used for tuition to pursue further academic or trade education.
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The Ballard Nineteen Scholarship is to remember the nineteen men from Ballard High School who died serving in Vietnam. A $1,000 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 is in honor of fallen Marine Daniel Chavez who graduated from Ballard High School in 2003. Seniors who are a relative of Daniel Chavez or have a parent, grandparent, or sibling in the armed forces should apply. The scholarship is a one-time $1,000 award.
Application deadlines are March 24. Full details.
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EVERGREEN TEEN BOOK AWARDS
Vote for Your Favorite Young Adult Book
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Here are the nominees for the Evergreen Teen Book Awards, honoring the school year's best young adult books! It's time to vote for your favorite title!
- Love in English, by Marie E. Andreu
- Firekeeper’s Daughter, by Angeline Boulley
- Skin of the Sea, by Natasha Bowen
- Code Name Badass: The True Story of Virginia Hall, by Heather Demetrios
- You’d Be Home Now, by Kathleen Glasgow
- Perfect On Paper, by Sophie Gonzales
- Before We Disappear, by Shaun David Hutchinson
- The Initial Insult, by Mindy McGinnis
- The Girls I've Been, by Tess Sharpe
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Iron Widow, by Xiran Jay Zhao
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Ms. Chambers Talks Hacking Digital Tools | |
Teacher-Librarian Ms. Chambers presented "Hacking Digital Tools" at the 2024 Washington Library Association Conference March 1-3 in Spokane.
Visit bit.ly/hackdigitaltools24 to check out the work being done at the BHS Library to support teaching and learning in a time when Ai is changing so quickly.
Thank you Ms. Chambers!
Photo c/o and follow @beaverreadersbhs.
More library updates on the BHS website! Parents and guardians, looking for a way to help out at our busy library? Sign up to help as a volunteer!
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10th-11th Graders
Running Start Info Sessions Wednesdays
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Attention sophomores and juniors!
Interested in learning more about Running Start?
The school counselors will offer Running Start Info sessions on Wednesdays, March 13, 20 and 27 during the first half of lunch (12:05-12:40 p.m.) for 10th-11th graders inquiring about the program. Students ony need to attend one session, all sessions will cover the same info.
Meet in Rm. S217 for the presentation and Q & A. More info.
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Juniors, check out the school representatives offering College Visits in the Counseling Center. Sign up via Naviance. Upcoming schools include:
Friday, March 22
University of Nevada Reno | 12:45 p.m.
Monday, March 25
Queen's University Belfast | 1 p.m.
Tuesday, March 26
Air Force Academy | 12:45 p.m.
Monday, April 1
Columbia College Chicago | 2:45 p.m.
Wednesday, April 3
University of California - Santa Cruz | 1 p.m.
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Learn about regional internship opportunities on the BHS website, including SPS's Career Quest program. Students can earn high school credit outside their school day while exploring interests and future career possibilities. | | |
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Spotlight Job Fair
Woodland Park Zoo
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Learn about exciting seasonal job opportunities at Woodland Park Zoo's spring Hiring Fair from 3:30-5:30 p.m. March 19 in the Center for Wildlife Conservation (off of the Otter Lot, 5500 Phinney Ave N).
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Spotlight Job Opportunity
Summer Work Experiences for Neurodistinct Teens
| Washington Neurodiversity Project (WNP) is offering its 2024 Summer Work Experience program for high school students with ADD, ADHD, or autism. WNP seeks to strengthen work skills for neurodistinct teens (aged 15-18) through paid work experiences with employers and organizations who are interested in building neuroinclusive workplaces. | |
They are currently seeking teens to fill four summer work experience spots with Gamers Engaged at Mox Boarding House, 5105 Leary Way N.W. Teens will contribute to a project that will help schools across the country start Magic the Gathering Clubs. The program is designed to help teens develop workplace skills, learn about the parent company, Card Kingdom, and meet and learn from people who work in the gaming industry.
The Gamers Engaged program runs 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 15-26. Participants should have a basic familiarity with or interest in Magic the Gathering. Applicants should fill out the short online Interest Survey by Friday, March 22.
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UW Foster School of Business
ACAP Summer Residency Week July 21-26
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Seattle ACAP (Accounting Career Awareness Program) is pleased to invite WA state high school students of color to its Summer 2024 Residency Week program at the University of Washington's Foster School of Business, July 21-26. ACAP’s mission is to help underrepresented students realize academic and career opportunities in accounting and business.
This free program for rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors introduces participants to accounting and the many opportunities offered in a career field actively seeking to diversify its workforce. Participants reside on campus, learn in and out of the classroom, visit accounting firms, build valuable life skills, and network with other ACAP students and diverse professionals. Priority deadline: April 12. More info.
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FREE Summer Enrichment
Seattle Children's Nurse Camp, and Scrubs & 'Scopes Camps
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Seattle Children's is offering two free high school summer camps: Nurse Camp, July 15-19, and Scrubs and 'Scopes Camp, Aug. 12-16.
The August camp will allow students to explore various allied health careers by job shadowing Medical Assistants, Pharmacists, Laboratory Scientists, Pharmacy Technicians and Radiology Technologists in a clinical environment.
Applications for both are now open, make sure to apply promptly, as both will be popular options for summer teen enrichment.
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Chamber Orchestra Participates in CWU Festival | |
Led by Director Daniel Valdez, the Ballard Chamber Orchestra participated in the Central Washington University Orchestra Festival March 9.
The non-competitive festival for high school and middle school performance groups included constructive and engaging exchange between the clinician/conductor and students.
Photo c/o and follow @ballardperformingarts.
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Donate Items to Goodwill Trailers at BHS March 16 | |
Donate unwanted items from your spring cleaning decluttering and benefit BPA!
Goodwill trucks will be parked in the BHS staff parking lot on Saturday, March 16 from 9 a.m. to noon.
Bring your donations and your neighbor’s too! For every truck filled, BPA gets $600!
Student and adult volunteers are needed to help, students can earn service hours.
Volunteer Signup | Event Info
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Dance Team Qualifies for State Tournament | Congratulations to the BHS Dance Team! They competed at Districts at Mount Si High School last weekend and qualified for the State Dance & Drill Championship. They qualified in the Dance category with their lyrical/contemporary routine to “Burn” from the musical Hamilton. The team will head for the WIAA 3A State Competition March 23 at the Yakima Valley SunDome. Photo c/o and follow @ballardhsdanceteam | | |
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Next DEI Committee Meeting April 2 | |
The Ballard PTSA's Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee will be meeting 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, April 2 at the Fish Ladder Lounge, 4910 Leary Way N.W. We’d love to see you! The DEI Committee meets the first Tuesday of each month. Please reach out with any questions to: DEIatBHS@gmail.com.
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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Apply now through March 26: Seattle Youth Employment Program (SYEP). This paid summer internship will “provide youth professional and/or structured paid work settings within City departments, local businesses, and non-profit agencies to gain hands-on experience, develop professional connections, and build resumes.”
Applications are open for folks between the ages of 16-24, who live in the City of Seattle or attend a Seattle Public
School, and who live in a household with income at or below 80% Area Median Income. Seattle Youth Employment Program - Human Services | seattle.gov
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March 23:
The Festival of Colors (Free, but registration required; Marymoor Park in Redmond) “Festival of color, welcoming Spring, is the largest Festival of color/ Holi celebration in the Pacific Northwest with 10,000+ participants from the Eastside, Seattle, and beyond ... The highlight of the festival is the great fun of coloring while dancing and jumping blissfully with friends and newcomers. Enjoy colors, music, dance, fun, contests and tasty Indian food. The best and most joyful event for the complete family, suitable for all ages during a warm spring day.” nwshare.org
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Gates Discovery Center Teen Action Fair March 23 | |
Calling all teens who are interested in making a difference and creating positive change in their communities and beyond! Join the Gates Foundation Discovery Center's Teen Action Fair 2024: Waste to Wonder from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 23.
Teen Action Fair is an annual event created for teens by teens in the center's Youth Ambassador Program. Engage with local organizations, take part in games and activities, connect with other teens, and enjoy live performances by Rhapsody Project and Totem Star.
This year’s event is tied to the center's new exhibition, A Better Way to Go. Participants will explore how sanitation intersects with topics like the environment, health care, equal access, self-care, poverty, innovation, and sustainability.
The Discovery Center is located at 440 5th Ave N. Full details.
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Loyal Heights Teen Program March Calendar | |
The Loyal Heights Community Center Teen Program offers after-school and summer activities for youth ages 11-18 years old.
This includes pre-employment training, employment opportunities, service-learning opportunities, out-of-school time programs, fitness, social recreation, and more!
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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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