Share Gratitude With BHS Teachers & Staff! |
May 8-12 is Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week and we'd love to have the whole BHS community thank our teachers and staff for their creativity and commitment to our students.
Please sign our Padlet online greeting card to say thanks! (Select the + sign at the bottom of the Padlet screen to add your message! And sign your name if you wish.)
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Questions? Email Michelle Peters and Lisa Vanderford-Anderson at bhs.ptsa.membershipchair@gmail.com. [MORE INFO]
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PTSA End-of-Year Award Nominees Due May 12 |
Attention students, parents/guardians, and staff! Anyone in the Ballard community can submit a nomination for a PTSA teacher/staff member and/or volunteer of the year. Nominations are due Friday, May 12 to Gloria Kruzner at bhs.ptsa.pres@gmail.com.
PTSA awards are announced annually at the final General Meeting of the school year at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 7 in the Library. Please join us for this inspiring occasion where we honor creativity in the classroom, dedicated staff members, and hard-working PTSA volunteers. (See more details below.)
Just in time for next week's Teacher Appreciation Week, send your nominee for a special PTSA Educator of the Year Award or Golden Acorn Award (for volunteers) and include a few reasons why you feel they deserve this award. Thank you! Learn about PTSA Awards.
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Mark Your Calendars for Our End of Year Celebration!
PTSA General Meeting & Awards June 7
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We'd love to have you join us at this special Spring PTSA General Meeting and Awards Event at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 7 in the Library, as we:
- Recognize a year of excellence in the classroom,
- Celebrate our Educators/Staff Members of the Year and Golden Acorn Volunteers of the Year,
- Hear a Year-End Report from Principal Abby Hunt,
- Introduce some of next year's new Board members and,
- From members to committee leads, say thank you to all who participated on the PTSA this year.
This meeting follows our 5:30 Board Meeting in the Staff Lounge. [ MORE INFO] |
Duncan at Gun-Violence Prevention Bill Signing |
BHS PTSA Legislative Liaison & SCPTSA High School Chair Brian Duncan was an invited guest for Gov. Jay Inslee's April 25 signing of three gun violence prevention bills:
HB 1240, (Assault Weapons Ban on sales)
HB 1143, (10 day waiting period and required training)
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SB 5078, (Civil liability for irresponsible gun manufactures and dealers)
Thank you, Brian, for your efforts! Want to join Brian as a co-chair for the PTSA Legislative Committee and learn the ropes for next year? Email him at bhs.ptsa.legislative@gmail.com for more details!
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Principal Message
Families Can Help Support Success
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The school year is flying by, with 3rd Quarter ending April 26. From Principal Abby Hunt's Friday message, "As May is just around the corner, I want to remind you of 3rd quarter grades. This is a great time to sit down with your student(s) to ensure that they are on track in their classes and to identify a plan if they need support.
"As a reminder, all teachers have 30-minutes in the middle of the day when they are available to assist students, in addition to before and after school. This is a great time for students to ask for help, retake an assignment, or just study in the classroom space." Full message
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AP Exams are May 1-5 and 8-12 at BHS. Students can confirm their exam registration status by signing into the myap.collegeboard.org.
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Here's important information on check-in and exam times and locations, and what to bring testing day (ok: water in clear bottle, snack in clear bag; not allowed: cell phone or Apple watch).
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Volunteers Still Needed for AP Exam Help |
Parents/Guardians: Volunteers are still greatly needed to help with AP Exam support! Please view our Sign Up Genius for days and times and complete details. Thank you! AP Exam Parent Volunteer Details
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Apply Leadership Skills, Interests on ASB |
Interested in representing the Beavers next school year? Sign up for a role on the Associated Student Body (ASB). There are many positions available for a variety of skills, perspectives and interests. |
Applications are due May 12 for elected positions and May 22 for appointed positions. [ MORE INFO] Follow the @ballardhighasb on Instagram!
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Link Crew Applications Due May 5 |
If you are a current 10th or 11th grader and want to help welcome 9th graders next year, consider completing a Link Crew application. Getting a diverse group of leaders is vital to creating a group that will engage all members of the school. Applications close May 5. [MORE INFO/APPLICATION]
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Read All About It in the April Talisman! |
Students! Pick up your April Issue of the Talisman TODAY! The Ballard HS award-winning student-produced newspaper also has some updated articles online! Visit the Talisman website for the most current updates and recent articles or grab a copy at the Talisman Newsstand box near the Main Office or in the Library! [MORE INFO]
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Only a limited time longer to enjoy the work of 15 BHS artists at the Seattle Art Museum (SAM)! The Naramore Art Show, a collaboration between Seattle Public Schools and the Seattle Art Museum, continues 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekends only, through May 14 in the SAM first floor corridor (1300 First Ave.). The show celebrates more than 200 artworks by SPS middle and high school students.
A celebratory reception for the exhibition will take place at 6 p.m. Friday, May 5 at the Seattle Art Museum. Congratulations Beaver artists! [MORE INFO]
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Senior Graduation Countdown |
The Ballard High School Graduation is scheduled for 8 p.m. Friday, June 23 at Memorial Stadium. Class of 2023 households should have received an email Friday containing important upcoming dates:
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April 30: Seattle Promise Students FAFSA/WASFA Applications Due or lose scholarship. Learn more.
- May 1: PE Waivers if Needed Due
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May 8: Prom Tickets go on sale. Learn more.
- May 16: Pre-ordered Cap & Gown pick up during lunch
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May 26: Last day to purchase a Senior SPREE Ticket
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May 31: Senior Academic & Scholarship Awards Survey. Please complete.
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Senior Prom Tickets Go on Sale May 8 |
Senior Prom will be "A Starry Night", 8-11 p.m. Saturday, June 3 at the Columbia Tower.
Tickets can only be bought by BHS Seniors, however, they can invite guests from other grade levels or other schools (as long as they fill out the Outside-Guest form). Ticket sales start during lunch May 8 and after school in the Activity Center. [MORE INFO]
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Senior Yard Signs Announcement |
The PTSA will have a limited number (~275) of Senior Yard Signs available for the Class of 2023 families who would like one for display. These are leftover signs from 2022 that we are updating with weatherproof heavy-duty 2023 stickers. Look for more details soon on pickup information. |
Buy SPREE Grad Party Tickets Today |
Senior Families: Time to buy tickets for the all-night graduation celebration, Senior SPREE!
At the Ballard PTSA-sponsored SPREE Graduation Celebration, your Class of 2023 students will get a night where they can make memories, have fun together, and say some goodbyes in person, all in a safe and supervised setting at two secret amazing locations.
Tickets are on sale until Friday, May 26. We want ALL seniors to attend! Contact your BHS School Counselor to learn about scholarship availability.
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Here are some upcoming Service Learning Opportunities.
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➤ Outdoors for All Summer Camps provide recreation activities for youth and adults with disabilities. Volunteers, 14 and older, will support staff and counselors with group management, activity delivery, and support campers to ensure safety, fun, and learning. We will be on the move enjoying activities that may include rock climbing, cycling, hiking, trips to the zoo, and visits to local parks. Camps at Magnuson Park and Lake Sammamish State Park June 26 – Sept. 1. [SIGN UP HERE]
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➤ Samos Mujeres Latinas is looking for student volunteers for its 9th Latin Women's Symposium 4-8 p.m. Friday, May 20 at North Seattle College. Email Janely at voluntariadosml@gmail.com if you wish to volunteer. More hours may be available on the day of Symposium.
➤ Volunteers are also needed to help out at the Whittier Elementary Spring Fling 7-9:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 20. Event will be held outside of Whittier Elementary on 13th Avenue Northwest, between Northwest 75th and 77th St. Volunteers will be moving items to staging and helping pick up items for check out. Email Renee Hartnett at rbishman@gmail.com if interested and available.
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Students, take a deep dive into a job or internship! Here's a listing from the Counseling Center's Job & Internship Board!
Career Connected Learning: Paid High School Internship:
Attention Ballard Beavers planning to major in business or those interested in business: There's a paid part-time internship available now at State Farm Insurance on Lake City Way. More info, email
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BeaverReaders joined other Washington State teen readers and voted! And, drumroll, the 2022-23 high school Evergreen Book Award winner for best young adult title is Jennifer Lynn Barnes' "The Inheritance Games."
Want to get a head start on next school year's Evergreen Book list, developed by a committed group of young adult librarians? Here are the titles! Check them out on the bit.ly/ballardlibrary
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BPA Coffee Sale Fundraiser |
Ballard Performing Arts will be partnering with Caffe Appassionato once again to sell delicious 12 oz. bags of coffee. Consider supporting this important fundraiser which supports many of our performing arts students. Choose from four delicious blends! Coffee will be delivered in early June. Thank you for your support, sale ends May 10! Order Here!
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Already signed up and still not seeing it? Check your promotional/spam email folder, the newsletter comes from BPABnews@gmail.com.
Need help? Email BPABnews@gmail.com and we'll get your subscription sorted. Note: If you unsubscribe from the PTSA Newsletter, you will also unsubscribe from the BPA Newsletter, and vice-versa. Also, students should sign up using their personal emails, not an SPS email.
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Buy Tickets for Year-End BPA Performances |
Be prepared for BPA's great end-of-year performances! You can now reserve a great seat for the student-directed One Act Plays (May 18-20); and starting Monday, May 1, you can reserve a seat at the Spring Choir Concert (June 1), Band Concert (June 6) or Orchestra Concert (June 8). Note, Ballard Performing Arts concerts are free, however, there are a section of seats available for reservation.
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Athletes Celebrated at Signing Day |
On Tuesday, Ballard Athletics had a Signing Day. Congratulations to this group of seniors:
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Kaden L. - Lower Columbia CC, baseball
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Max F. - Pacific, baseball
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Francis V. - Highline CC, volleyball
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Charlie C. - Whitman, baseball
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Thanks to the supporters who showed up for the Athletic Booster Club Trivia Night Wednesday, April 26 at the Elks Club. The fun event included BHS parents, alumni, coaches and other Beaver Believers! Congratulations to “Leave it to Beavers” – best team name. And for the win – way to go “Yes, Coach,” featuring Athletic Director Eric Ensign and Coaches Ross Humphries, Jared Daniels, Nicholas Thornton-Jack, Michael Morgan, and Ian Essig. Lots of fun and lots of money raised to support our student athletes and teams. Go Beavers!
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Cheer Tryouts are 4:30-6:30 p.m. May 2-5 in the Gym. Registration due by May 2.
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Fastpitch Softball had a walkoff lead-in to their postgame Senior celebration Thursday, as Wren N. went yard and brought home the victory against West Seattle 16-15. Congrats to the two seniors, Wren and Payton H. Earlier in the week, on Monday, the team topped Ingraham 23-3. On Friday they beat Mercer Island 10-0. Fastpitch fans can also watch the team at Lower Woodland when they're hosted by the Lincoln Lynx at 4 p.m. Tuesday, May 2. Follow the team @ballardbeaversoftball.
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Beavers Baseball beat Bonney Lake 9-1 on Friday. Congratulations to graduating seniors: Captains Max F. and Max S.; Charlie C.; Ike M.; Jesse K.; and Kaden L. who played in their last regular season game. In Metro Tourney action, they will be playing Chief Sealth 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 3 at Southwest Athletic Center. The winner will then face West Seattle 4 p.m. May 6, while the loser will play TBD 7 p.m. May 5, and both of these games will be at Steve Cox Park. Follow the team @ballardbeaversbaseball.
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As part of ASB's fun Spring Spirit Week, Beaver fans shared support for the girls lacrosse team last night at BHS Field, and honored all BHS female athletics captains. This year's senior class includes Captain Cathy J., and senior players Aitana M., Lucy M. and Louise W. Beaver fans will have one more chance to catch the team at home when the team hosts Bainbridge Island at 7 p.m. Friday, May. Follow the team @bhs_girlslax. Full schedule.
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Before hosting Stanwood Friday at home, the Metro-Public Champion Boys Lacrosse team celebrated its senior Captains Aidan B., Quinton B. and Cody L.; and senior players Hugo B., Christian C., Sam C., Jake I., and Ben C.! Follow the team @ballard_lacrosse.
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Varsity Soccer wrapped up the regular season beating Garfield 3-2 Thursday at Memorial Stadium. Next, they host West Seattle at TBD time on Monday, May 1 in the first round of the Metro Tournament. Come root on the team! Congratulations to senior players: Natan A., Henry B., Thomas C., Dudu D., Connor F., Max G., Paco J., Finn K., Gray L., Orlando L., Finley M., Drew O., Elijah P., James S., Lucas S., Oliver T., Karel V.-D. and Jacob W. Follow the team and meet this year's seniors @ballardsoccer.
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Track honored its senior athletes at its April 27 Meet at Nathan Hale against the Raiders, Garfield, Lakeside and Roosevelt. Congratulations to Boys Track seniors: Benjamin A., Leo C., Nicholas F., James G., Garrett K., Benjamin M., David P., Jack R. and Emmett S. Congratulations to Girls Track seniors: Natalie A., Eva B., Lola F., Jaden H., Helen R. and Jill S. Team calendar and meet results. Metro League Championships run May 10-12 at Southwest Athletic Complex (Chief Sealth).
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The tennis teams both won their matches on Monday. The Boys Tennis team topped Rainier Beach 5-0, while the Girls Tennis team beat the Vikings 4-1. At 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 26, the teams have their regular season tennis finale against Garfield at Amy Yee Tennis Center. Scores were not available for the final matches. Photo c/o and follow @ballardhighschooltennis.
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Both the Varsity and JV Ballard Ultimate Frisbee (BUF) teams finished 5th at the April 22-23 Spring Reign co-ed tournament in Burlington, competing against teams from Washington, British Columbia, Manitoba, Oregon, Montana, and Idaho. They're nearing the end of the girls season but will continue with captains practices for all genders over the summer (because BUF never rests!) They're always looking for new players so if you're interested in joining the team or learning more about BUF, fill out our Interest Form here. Questions? Email ballardultimate@gmail.com.
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Pre-Season Football Updates |
At 6 p.m. Monday, May 15 the team is going to have a Meet & Greet for new football families in the BHS Library. This will be an opportunity to learn about the program and what to expect. Returning families are welcome to attend if they would like. Questions? Email Coach Ross Humphries at ballardbeaverfootball@gmail.com.
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Join BHS PTSA Board for 2023-24! |
If you are looking for a way to help support Ballard students and staff, please consider joining the PTSA Board next year.
You can volunteer to assist any PTSA Committee or help fill this roles that will be opening next fall (positions can be shared):
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President: Manages overall objectives and strategies of PTSA. Facilitates PTSA Meetings. Collaborates with Board and Committee Chairs to support PTSA vision, mission and goals.
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Vice President (performs duties of the President when the President is absent or unable to serve)
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Legislative Liaison/Advocacy Chair: acts as a BHS liaison with SCPTSA, WSPTA, NPTA, and the Seattle School Board. Keeps PTSA up to date on crucial issues through board/general meeting participation and information for publication.
Learn more on What Does the PTSA Do? page or come to the 7 p.m. Thursday, May 4 meeting via Zoom! (Details coming soon.)
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LGBTQ+ Family Gathering May 6 |
LGBTQ+ Family Gathering
The SPS Health Education Office is offering a dinner and gathering for all LGBTQ+ families in our district on Saturday, May 6, from 4-7 p.m. at Meany Middle School.
This event celebrates LGBTQ+ parents, guardians, and students, as well as LGBTQ+/gender-expansive kids in SPS and their parents and guardians. Dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m. All SPS families and staff are welcome to attend. Expect food, connection, activities for kids, and opportunities to learn about community resources for families!
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Four School Board Seats on Ballot in 2023 |
Four Seattle School Board positions are up for election this fall, including Ballard High School's District 2 position, currently held by Lisa Rivera Smith.
Candidates must file with the Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) by May 19.
The SPS Board of Directors is an elected body of seven citizens who serve four-year terms and represent geographical regions within the City of Seattle. (District zones 1, 2, 3, and 6 are on the ballot this cycle.)
Questions? Contact Brian Duncan at bhs.ptsa.legislative@gmail.com
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Week 15 Report: Sine Die Edition |
April 23 was the final day of the 105-day 2023 legislative session. The operating budget Conference Committee released the biennial budget Saturday, April 22. The Senate and House are expected to approve the budget bills before adjourning sine die.
(Sine die means: without any future date being designated.)
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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. |
"We will listen to panelists of different generations share their stories of growing up mixed race. Our Moderator is LeiLani Nishime, a professor of Communication at the University of Washington and the Grants Manager of the Seattle Asian American Film Festival. Our panelists include three generations of mixed-race POC who grew up in the Seattle area. Join us for this learning experience."
Meeting ID: tel:7783458583
Password: 6CL8GB
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7-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays through May 23 on Zoom:
Join Lady A and Joe Seamons of The Rhapsody Project for a series of free virtual classes and strategy sessions to establish a culture of equity and accountability in the North End public school community, hosted by Lincoln High School!
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Below is a snippet of what to expect at this week’s session on Tuesday, May 2:
Session 5: Collaboration
Check In Question - What is a glorious musical collaboration that you love?
Discussion topics:
Why is collaboration crucial to work on issues of racial equity? The answer may seem overly obvious – but the work of effective collaboration is too rarely singled out as a skill we can intentionally develop.
When the workers and singers use their songs to accompany their work, they are:
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Setting a sustainable pace for their work.
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Keeping one another safe by coordinating the work.
Discussion Questions:
What other functions do their songs serve? What lessons can we draw from their experience when we view them as collaborators with one another who are forced to endure -- and creatively address -- a patently racist and degrading system of oppression?
After contemplating this together, out loud, we’ll discuss ways in which we can take lessons from the collaboration done in work songs and apply to our work in our communities and other spheres of influence.
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Building Your Child's Stress Resilience |
You're invited to a free parenting online event, “Building Your Child’s Superpower of Stress Resilience” with Dr. Laura Kastner, PhD. from 6:30-8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 2.
Learning about the relationship between stress and mental health and ways caregivers can model and enhance their children's stress reduction skills through effective and positive parenting.
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Seattle Art Museum Teen Night Out |
Teen Night Out is a one-night-only party at Seattle Art Museum, planned by teens and designed for teens from 7-10 p.m. Friday, May 5 in SAM's Brotman Forum.
This year's cohort of Teen Arts Group (TAG) leaders have a lot in store: from live music and a fashion show to accessory-making and so much more.
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Demystifying the College Essay Process |
Join Bonnie Rochman, a local college essay coach and Roosevelt/Garfield parent, for Demystifying the College Essay Process, a free online workshop to share tips and strategies for writing a compelling college essay.
Essays are an increasingly critical component of the application as many schools remain test optional. Learn how to brainstorm for topics, choose the right subject, craft an eye-catching opening paragraph and unlock the key to a unique and insightful essay. This one-hour workshop and Q&A will take place on Monday, May 22, at 7 p.m.
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Encourage the teens in your life to make their mark in Seattle's artistic community by joining SAM's Teen Arts Group (TAG).
TAG members develop leadership skills, explore their creativity, and plan all aspects of SAM's annual Teen Night Out. Submissions close Sunday, May 28!
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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 Resources for purely informational purposes and does not necessarily support the activities or views presented therein.
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