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May 31-June 3 | Beaver Week (ASB spirit week), details coming
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June 3 | Beaver Day (spirit assembly), details coming
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Opening Night May 12!
Buy Tickets for Midsummer Night's Dream
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The Ballard Playmakers invite you to indulge in spring reverie with the popular Shakespeare comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. May 12-14, and 19-21 in the school's Performing Arts Center.
Come enjoy this play about love, marriage, transformation, and the importance of accepting people for who they are! The cast features 22 BHS students and is directed by Shawn Riley.
Tickets are on sale at https://showtix4u.com (search for Ballard) : $20 for adults, $10 for students, $15 for seniors. Patrons must wear masks. COVID safety guidelines are subject to change. [BPA THEATRE]
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One Love Parent-Education Night | May 25
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Please join the Ballard High School/Seattle Council PTSAs from 7-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 25 via Zoom (link will be made available soon) for an important parent-education presentation and Q&A from One Love on Healthy Relationships, with a special section at the end for LGBTQ+ Relationships. 100% of us are in relationships, and we often forget that the skills we need to have healthy romantic relationships are learned early through our friendships. We will share several social emotional learning-infused resources for broaching these topics, as well strategies for having difficult conversations with your teens.
We were introduced to One Love from the work they are doing right now at Ballard High School to train teachers. We were impressed with the curriculum and the relevance to the struggles our children are facing today both in friendships, and in exploring or observing romantic relationships at their peer level. We plan to do more presentations and Q&A with families over the coming year and will record the presentations so parents can watch when it works for you. This presentation is targeted to parents, but is appropriate for students as well. [MORE INFO]
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Digital Film Students Nominated for Emmys |
The Northwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences recently shared its nominees for the 2022 NATAS Northwest Student Production Awards. The Ballard Digital Filmmaking Program received nominations in four of the five categories students entered. High School nominees and recipients will be recognized at the virtual Northwest Regional Emmy Awards on the evening of Saturday, June 4.
News Report: Light News Category
Ballard Band News Feature
Hazel H. ‘25, Producer; Lena C. ‘25, Producer; and Mateo M. ‘25, Producer
Music Video Category
Oceans Away
Matthew W. ‘23, Producer; Siena G. ‘22, Producer; Remy H-R. ‘23, Producer
Editor Category
Oceans Away
Matthew W. ‘23, Editor
Afraid Of The Moon
Ballard High School
Matthew T. ‘22, Editor; Evelyn N.-S. ‘22, Editor
Photography Category
Oceans Away
Siena G., ’22, Cinematographer; Matthew W., ’23, Cinematographer; and Remy H.-R., ’23, Cinematographer
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Return of the Ballard Film Festival June 10-11! |
We'll be rolling out the proverbial red carpet, once again, for the Digital Film Program's biggest celebration of the year! Mark your calendars and see the amazing work of our talented student filmmakers at the return of the Ballard Film Festival, 7 p.m. June 10-11 in the PAC. [DETAILS COMING SOON] |
Senior's Writing Featured in WITS Celebration |
Senior Ainslee W. will be showcasing their incredible work in the Writers in the Schools (WITS) 2022 Year End Student Readings & Celebrations at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 26 at Town Hall Seattle's Forum.
WITS, a program of Seattle Arts & Lectures, connects professional writers with classrooms throughout the Puget Sound region. Our school's participation was generously funded by Ballard PTSA grants. This year, writing professional Rachel Kessler worked with students in Ms. Olsen's and Ms. Lehni's classes.
Rachel selected just one student to represent BHS, and they are one of 45 students, out of the 4,000 who participate in the WITS program across the Puget Sound Region, selected to read their incredible work at this free annual event that is open to the public!
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We Love Our BHS Teachers & Staff! |
The BHS PTSA Staff Appreciation Team pampered our BHS staff with plenty of treats and special attention this week in celebration of Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week! From #AG2BB mugs, to Jumpin' Jimmy's Java Cards, to a delectable dessert bar, we made sure our staff felt the love.
Also, May 6 was School Lunch Hero Day, so we made sure to also thank our school lunch heroes – Lan Dang, Kay Shen and Kanlaya Khamsitthisack -- for all they do to nourish our Beavers every day!
Thanks to Staff Appreciation Co-Chairs Lisa Vanderford-Anderson and Michelle Peters for putting together all our gratitude for our amazing educators.
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Run for ASB Office | Applications Due May 9
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BHS Greenhouse Sale May 13-14 |
The BHS Greenhouse Sale will be from 3:45-6 p.m. May 13 and 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday May 14. Sale will be in the BHS greenhouse on 15th Avenue Northwest. We have indoor and outdoor plants, veggie starts, and plant crafts. All sales benefit the BHS greenhouse program.
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Support Student Journalism
Help Print Last Talisman of Year
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Ballard’s student-led newspaper, The Talisman, has been serving the community for over 100 years. To print their senior issue, the last issue of the year, The Talisman is seeking donations from you, our community.
Every year, a dedicated team of editors and the newspaper’s adviser, Michael Smith, come together to educate and support a group of developing student journalists. This hardworking group creates articles, photos, and visuals to cover local issues and student opinion in their monthly paper. The Talisman also physically prints every issue using a local professional printing company to properly display their effort.
Your donations will help deliver high-quality journalism to the Ballard community. Not only will you help the current Talisman staff, but your support will also fund future classes of aspiring journalists. Please consider donating via the Schoolpay link below and share this message to ensure The Talisman can continue to serve the community.
Thank you for supporting student-led journalism at Ballard.
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Register to Vote May 18 ... At School! |
Voter registration volunteers will be across from the Main Office, 9:40 a.m. to 1:35 p.m. Wednesday, May 18 to help eligible citizens register to vote by mail. Please bring your Driver’s License or the last 4 digits of your Social Security Number for identification. |
If you are a US Citizen, you should be eligible to vote by mail after your 18th birthday. Most Seniors can register now since those who will be 18 by Nov. 8 can vote in both the upcoming Aug. 2 Primary as well as the Nov. 8 General Elections. Even students who are 16 and older can pre-register now and receive their ballots when they become eligible to vote on their 18th birthdays.
Volunteers are also available to answer your voter registration questions so you can get to the polls when you're ready! [MORE INFO]
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As part of BHS's BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) Celebration Series, students can sign up for one of the remaining sessions. Flyers, with upcoming topics and QR code to sign up, are posted around the school. Only 25 pre-registered students are allowed at each event.
Upcoming topics, both will happen in the Library:
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People of Color and the Law | Wednesday, May 18, 9:35 a.m. (2nd Period) Hear from a plain-clothes detective from Seattle Police Department and an international finance attorney. Both will discuss their particular jobs, how they chose their careers, and their experience being women of color in the legal field.
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Diverse Voices in Film | Wednesday, June 1, 12:45 p.m. (5th Period)
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Please consider helping!
Volunteers Needed for End of Year Laptop Return
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The end of year is busy time on campus. We need parent/guardian volunteers to assist our hard-working staff, including student laptop return in June. Please see the Volunteer Page for even more options. Thank you!
We need helpers throughout the day on June 10, June 16 and June 17.
Please visit the signup sheet to schedule a shift:
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Junior Parents:
We Need Your Help With Senior SPREE Night!
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We can't put on this event without you!
SPREE is an all-night event that the PTSA organizes for Seniors that takes them to two secret locations on the night of graduation. We need chaperones to accompany the Seniors throughout the night, supervising to ensure their safety and helping with a variety of activities.
We ask Junior parents to staff the event so Senior parents can do their own celebrations. And, it just happens to be a blast, so bring a friend! Please reach out to Monica Ganyard, at monicaganyard@yahoo.com for more information or you can just sign up here:
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Interested in Engaging Students in Robotics? |
We are looking for a volunteer to lead the Unified Robotics afterschool club at Ballard in the fall! This club promotes social inclusion to ensure special education and general education students are equitably engaged. This position would start in the fall and would require a 90-minute commitment on one day for 10 weeks.
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AP Exams continue this week. Students cannot arrive late: Students arriving after the start of the exam will forfeit their exam. No refunds or make-up exams will be offered.
Students cannot be dismissed early: Morning exams should end between 12-12:30 p.m. and students are expected to attend their afternoon classes. Afternoon exams should end between 4-4:30pm and students are expected to attend their morning classes.
The music and language exams will run longer due to the recording piece so plan accordingly. [MORE INFO]
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Smarter Balanced Math Assessment | May 17-19
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All Grade 10 students, and any Grade 11 students who have not yet met the Math graduation requirement, will be given the SBA Math Assessment in their math classes on May 17-19.
- Bring a SPS laptop and charger. There are no laptops to borrow for testing.
- The test should take between 2-3 class periods.
- Passing this assessment will count as meeting your Math graduation requirement.
If you do not have a Math class or have other questions, please email or visit Ms. Coacher in Portable 101 or email ljcoacher@seattleschools.org.
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Important Seniors Updates & Info |
Senior families were sent an email last Thursday, May 5 with important Senior Dates & Info, including a helpful year-end schedule: |
Up in the Clouds
Senior Prom | June 4 at Columbia Tower
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Senior Prom will be "Up in the Clouds", 8-11 p.m. Saturday, June 4 at the Columbia Tower.
Tickets can only be bought by Ballard Seniors, however, Ballard Seniors can invite guests from other schools or other grades as long as they fill out the Outside-Guest form. Ticket sales are available during lunch on Thursday and Friday and after school in the Activity Center. [MORE INFO]
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Class of 22 Graduation | June 15
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Graduation is at 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 15 at Memorial Stadium. Memorial Stadium will be open on both sides for friends and family to celebrate our graduates. No tickets are required to attend. There is no livestream planned, but a recording should be available at a later time.
Senior Reminders:
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There will be a required Graduation Rehearsal at 10 a.m. June 15 at Memorial Stadium. [BHS GRADUATION]
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We Want to See YOU at SPREE |
Senior Families: Three more weeks to buy tickets for the all-night graduation celebration, SPREE! Get your Senior SPREE tickets today!
At the Ballard PTSA-sponsored SPREE Graduation Celebration, your Class or 2022 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.
Tickets are on sale until Friday, May 27. We want ALL seniors to attend! Contact your BHS School Counselor to learn about scholarship availability.
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Seattle Promise Placement Help May 13 |
Seattle Promise students: Learn the steps to complete the Seattle Colleges Math and English Placement Process at lunch Friday, May 13 in SE225 (end of hallway, next to Counseling Center). [LEARN MORE]
Questions? Email BHS Seattle Promise Outreach Specialist May Saetern at may.saetern@seattlecolleges.edu or call/text 206-661-5207.
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AAPI Titles Featured This Month |
The Library has a special table of titles in honor of May, Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. More information on the Library News Page on the school website.
Here's what else is going on this week:
Monday | Library Leaders at lunch
Wednesday | Comic Book Club at lunch
Thursday | Manga Club at lunch
Friday | Reading Buddies, 8:30 a.m.
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Summer Volunteer and Job Options Online |
Aside from college-planning and scholarship resources, the Counseling Center webpage offers summer enrichment opportunities including Service Learning and student employment options.
Note: BHS only shares postings and does not endorse any of these businesses.
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Spring Concerts Coming to the PAC! |
Mark your calendars for several evenings of amazing music. There will be a special collaboration between the Wind Ensemble and Chamber Orchestra at 7 p.m. on Monday May 23 in the BHS PAC.
Other performances are May 26 (Choir), June 1 (Band) and June 2 (Orchestra) Spring Concerts. These shows are at 7:30 p.m. [MORE INFO, BPA EVENTS]
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Marching Band Back at Syttende Mai Parade |
The Marching Band is looking forward to a return to the Syttende Mai Parade 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 17 on Market Street.
It's been a long time since the band has been able to march in this uniquely Ballard event. Come cheer them along the parade route. Neighbors can also get a sneak peek, as the band will be practicing on local streets after school Wednesday, May 4 and during first period on Monday, May 16. Let's Go Beavers!
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Success at State Solo and Ensemble Contest |
Congratulations to Malcolm L. (pictured), who won second at the State Solo and Ensemble Competition this past weekend at Central Washington University in the String Bass category!
Additional congratulations to Chamber Choir, Vocal Ensemble, Tenor Bass Quartet, Soprano Alto Duet, Brass Quartet, and Alice and the Chipmunks Saxophone Quartet, and vocal soloists Izzy R., Sophie N., Ezra H., Malcolm L., and Alden P.
Every one of the six soloists and six ensembles who made it to State Solo and Ensemble had incredibly musical and artistic performances and earned ratings of Superior or Excellent. Their strong showings are a testament to their hard work and musicianship and a reflection of the vibrant Performing Arts community at Ballard High School!
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Spring Athletics Head into Playoff Season |
Baseball: The Beavers picked up a huge playoff win Wednesday in extra innings against Garfield, 2-0.
Even more impressive, senior Sam C. and sophomore Chase E. combined for a 10-inning no hitter. Follow @ballardbaseball!
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The Track Team competed honorably in cold, rainy conditions Thursday afternoon at Nathan Hale against the Raiders, Holy Names/O'Dea, and Eastside Catholic. [ TOP FINISHERS] Full results on the team's Athletic.net page.
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Soccer: Big win Wednesday on Senior Night (3-0 over Hale) sent the boys to Metro quarterfinals! While Hale had their revenge in the first round of Metros Friday, congrats on a great season, Ballard soccer! Follow the team and photo from @ballardsoccer. |
Lacrosse: Check out the Senior Spotlights on the lacrosse teams Instagram pages, the girls' @bhs_girlslax account and the boys' @ballard_lacrosse account. |
The boys team cheered on the girls' Thursday 14-8 win over Snohomish, while the girls returned the favor at the boys' Friday regular-season home closer and Senior Night against Nathan Hale. |
Softball bested Holy Names 3-2 Friday and ended the regular season with an amazing 13-3-0 record overall, and 11-2-0 in League! The Metro League Tournament kicks off May 10 at Southwest Athletic Complex. Follow the playoff schedule on the team's Metro League page and the fun on @ballardbeaversoftball on Instagram. |
Girls Hoops Summer Training | Welcome '26 Players!
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BHS Girls' Basketball Summer Season is open to incoming freshman from May 31 to July 21. This is a highly recommended opportunity for those interested in playing BHS girls' basketball next year. Includes practices and weekend tournaments. Contact Coach Michelle Gallagher if you are interested, mcgallagher@seattleschools.org. |
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Ballard High School PTSA Needs YOU! |
Spring is here and that means it's time to look ahead at recruiting next year's PTSA Board.
Please reach out to Michelle Renn at join.bhs.ptsa@gmail.com if you are interested in learning more about any of these opportunities.
Executive Committee Openings: President, Vice President
Executive Board Openings: Volunteer Coordinator, Legislative Liaison Co-Chair
Building Leadership Team (BLT), Family & Community Engagement (FACE) Chair
Standing Committee Openings: PTSA Newsletter Co-Editor, Grants Committee Chair, Direct Appeal Fundraising Chair, SPREE Chair, Reflections Chair
Training offered for each role. Grab a friend, have fun and help support your students, positions can also be shared with another volunteer.
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Nominate Your Fave BHS Teacher for an Award! |
After our first week of call outs, thank you to the students and parents who have already shared a volunteer/teacher award nominee!
Calling everyone else in the BHS Community:
Do you know a BHS Teacher, Staff Member or Volunteer who goes out of their way to make an outstanding impact at Ballard?
Every year, the BHS PTSA gives out recognition awards at our year-end June General Meeting.
Email PTSA President Gloria Kruzner at bhs.ptsa.pres@gmail.com your nominees, along with a few details why you've chosen them.
Teachers, parents and students too: We're accepting your award nominations through Monday, May 23.
Winners will be celebrated at our 7 p.m. June 9 General Meeting.
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Membership BHS Spirit Drawing |
Congratulations to PTSA Member Ellis Terrell whose name was drawn at the May PTSA Board Meeting! You win the BHS spirit package! Membership Chair Lisa Vanderford-Anderson will reach out soon!
Thanks for your membership support and everyone who participated in our Spring Membership Drive!
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While King County is experiencing an increase in COVID-19 cases, Seattle Public Schools remains committed to safely sustaining in-person learning. The rate of cases puts King County into the medium COVID-19 Community Level as defined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Keep a supply of home tests on hand. You may get free home tests from the State of Washington or from your student’s school.
If your student or someone in your family becomes infected with COVID-19, let the people you’ve exposed know and report your child’s positive case to their school.
SPS continues to highly encourage masking while students are indoors, especially during periods of increased community transmission. Students may pick up a mask at school if they need one.
Masking is still required during high aerosolizing activities such as singing and in health-related spaces (nurse office, protected health care room).
If there is a suspected or confirmed outbreak in a classroom or across classrooms, testing and masking may be required to sustain in-person learning.
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May | Mental Health Awareness Month
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Did you know May is Mental Health Awareness Month? Each year, millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental health condition. However, mental illness affects everyone directly or indirectly through family, friends, or coworkers.
If you are struggling with your mental health, know you are not alone.
Graphic from Teen Link, 1.866.833.6546, a helpline for teens by teens.
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Dr. Brent Jones Listening Sessions |
The Seattle Council PTSA is hosting a series of community engagements with Seattle Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Brent Jones.
Listening sessions are 5:30- 7:30 p.m. ASL and closed captioning will be available at each listening session. Interpretation is available as well. To register, please use the following links:
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Virtual Family Engagement Spring Symposium |
Please join SPS for its Virtual Family Engagement Spring Symposium from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 14!
This will be an opportunity to connect and ground ourselves in the collaborative principles and practices of family engagement, recognizing students’ families as their first and forever teachers.
This year’s symposium will feature live, interactive and engaging workshops for families, students, community members, and staff/educators (clock hours provided), along with a district family leaders panel, and a very special keynote address by Trise Moore, President & Senior Consultant at The Family Outreach & Engagement Network.
SPS hopes to create a space where we can work together to imagine a future of genuine partnership between home and school that supports student learning and thriving!
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Sign up for WSPTACon2022
May 20-22
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WSPTA members are invited to attend the 109th annual WSPTA Convention and Conference, in-person or at the remote conference.
The in-person convention will be May 20-22 at the Lynnwood Convention Center. The remote conference is also May 20-22 through the Whova app.
BHS gets four delegates at this year's convention. Instead of PTA presidents submitting names in advance, convention attendees will indicate whether they are a delegate upon registration. [MORE INFO]
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Share Thoughts on WSPTA Legislative Priorities |
At the 2022 Legislative Assembly, WSPTA delegates will debate and vote on these submissions and whether to add them to our platform.
This year is especially important as we will be voting on a new Top 5 legislative issues to focus on over the next two years.
The submission process is now open. Please see complete instructions and deadlines for submitting at the bottom of the following pages:
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Victor Salvino
22nd Annual Golf Classic | Aug. 19 Newcastle
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Registration is now open for the Victor Salvino 22nd Annual Ballard High School Foundation Golf Classic, Aug. 19 at Newcastle Golf Course.
New name, new day of the week, new location, new golfers welcome too!
Come join in and support Ballard High
School Athletics, the Performing Arts Boosters, as well as Dance & Cheer.
When registering, please note in the
comments section if you would like to support a specific team or program.
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Calling Class of 1972 (1971 & 1973) Come Celebrate our 50th Class Reunion on Aug 26. [LEARN MORE]
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Equity News and Information |
Here’s a Care Package: Poems, meditations, films, and other cultural nutrients for times like this. Curated with love by the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center.
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The DEI PTSA Committee will be meeting at 5:30 pm on Tuesday, May 10 via Teams. Email DEIatBHS@gmail.com for the meeting link!
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Interested in politics and supporting educational positions in Olympia? Brian is looking for a co-chair for the 2022-23 school year. He may even show you the ropes on testifying to the Legislature! Email join.bhs.ptsa@gmail.com if you are interested! |
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The BHS PTSA offers Community Resources for informational purposes & does not necessarily support activities or views presented therein. |
Seattle Artist League Summer Camps |
Join Move for Love Seattle May 21 at Lumen Field for a timed 5K walk/run and a day of community and family fun!
One Love Foundation is a national nonprofit organization that empowers young people with the tools and resources they need to see the signs of healthy and unhealthy relationships and bring life-saving prevention education to their communities. [MORE INFO]
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College Essay Writing Workshop | May 17
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Join Bonnie Rochman, a local college essay coach, for "Demystifying the College Essay Process," a free Zoom workshop to share tips and strategies for writing a compelling college essay.
This one-hour workshop and Q & A will take place at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 17. RSVP to CollegeEssay911@gmail.com and Bonnie will reply with the Zoom link.
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Students, Apply for Role in Legislature |
Applications for the WA Legislative Youth Advisory Council (LYAC) close May 15!
This opportunity is for all Washington 8-10th graders who are passionate about advocating for youth in our legislature.
No prerequisites are required except a dedication to change.
Access the application here.
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Loyal Heights Summer Teen Program |
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UW Summer | Gender, Women, Sexuality Studies
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Summer quarter is open to non-UW students and is a great way for high school students to earn college credit and to get a taste of the college experience.
The majority of UW's courses in the Department of Gender, Women & Sexuality Studies do not have prerequisites, so are a way for high school students to explore topical issues and to earn college credit. Summer courses will be offered as hybrids and some of them will be completely online.
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UW Math Hour Olympiad | June 5
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The annual UW Math Hour Olympiad is an individual oral math Olympiad in the tradition of Russian math Olympiads, which date back to the 1930s. Open to students in grades 6-10.
Registration open until by May 15 (or until capacity).
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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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