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May 31-June 3 | Beaver Week, (ASB spirit week), details coming
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Ballard High School PTSA Needs YOU! |
Thanks to those who have stepped forward already with interest, but we are still "eagerly" (yes, a beaver pun) recruiting next year's PTSA Board.
Transition and training will be available for each role. And positions can be shared. So, grab a friend, have fun and help support your students and our teachers/staff!
Executive Committee Openings: President, Vice President
Executive Board Openings: Volunteer Coordinator, Legislative Liaison Co-Chair, Family & Community Engagement (FACE) Chair
Standing Committee Openings: PTSA Newsletter Co-Editor, Direct Appeal Fundraising Chair, SPREE Chair, Social Media Chair, Reflections Chair
These days especially, it is vital to have a vibrant, active PTSA -- steadfast in its support of academics, volunteer needs, school advocacy, and staff appreciation. Please reach out to Michelle Renn at join.bhs.ptsa@gmail.com if you are interested in learning more about any of these opportunities. [MORE INFO]
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Principal Attributes Survey due May 20 |
Seattle Public School's Director of School's Jon Halfaker sent a Principal Attributes Survey to Ballard families May 9.
"Your input will be shared with the superintendent which will help inform their decision as we search for, interview, and select the next principal of your school," he wrote. The survey deadline has been extended to 4 p.m. Friday, May 20.
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One Love Parent-Education Night | May 25
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Please join the Ballard High School and Seattle Council PTSAs from 7-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 25 on Zoom 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.
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One Love Foundation is a national leader in relationship health education. We were introduced to their work through their recent BHS teacher training. At our upcoming meeting, One Love facilitators will share resources for broaching relationship topics, as well as strategies for having difficult conversations with your teens.
We will have interpreters in the top 5 languages (across SPS) and the meeting will be recorded for future viewing. This presentation is targeted to parents, but is appropriate for students as well. One Love's work is funded by donations, please donate as able or join Move for Love Seattle May 21 at Lumen Field for a timed 5K walk/run and a day of community and family fun! [MORE INFO]
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Yay Ms. Carlson!
Botany Teacher Receives National Recognition
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The Garden Club of America has selected BHS teacher India Carlson for the prestigious Hull Award, given to outstanding teachers who further the early environmental education of children. Read more on MyBallard.com
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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.
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Ballard Film Festival Coming June 10 |
Mark your calendars and see the amazing work of our talented student filmmakers at the return of the Ballard Film Festival, 6:30 p.m. June 10 in the PAC. Check out the new official trailer for the Digital Film Program's biggest celebration of the year @bhsdigitalfilm!
Student Emmy Nominations
BHS Digital Filmmakers also recently received nominations in four of the five categories students entered (News Report, Music Video, Editor, and Photography) for the 2022 NATAS Northwest Student Production Awards! They will be recognized at the virtual Northwest Regional Emmy Awards at 6 p.m. Saturday, June 4. Congratulations to our students and Digital Filmmaking teacher Steven Bradford!
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Senior Reads Work at WITS May 26 Event |
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 connects professional writers with classrooms around the Puget Sound region. Writer Rachel Kessler worked with students in Ms. Olsen's and Ms. Lehni's classes this year, funded by Ballard PTSA grants.
Only 45 students, out of the 4,000 who participate in the WITS program, are selected to read their work, so congrats Ainslee! [MORE INFO]
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Help Print Last Talisman Paper of Year
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Thank you to those who have supported student journalism at Ballard by donating to The Talisman to assist in the printing of its senior issue , the last issue of the year.
With the support of Adviser Mike Smith, the hardworking Talisman team covers local issues and student opinion in the monthly paper. Please consider donating to ensure The Talisman staff can continue to deliver high-quality journalism to the Ballard community.
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Register to Vote at BHS May 18 |
Voter registration volunteers will be across from the Main Office from 9:40 a.m. to 1:35 p.m. Wednesday, May 18 to help students register to vote by mail. Please bring your Driver’s License or the last 4 digits of your Social Security Number for identification. |
Most Seniors can register now since those who will be 18 by Nov. 8. Even students who are 16 and older can pre-register now and receive ballots when they become eligible to vote. [MORE INFO]
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Women of Color Discuss Jobs in Legal Field | May 18
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Students are invited to one of the remaining sessions in Ballard's BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) Celebration Series:
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People of Color and the Law | Wednesday, May 18, 9:35 a.m. (2nd Period in the Library) Hear from a SPD plain-clothes detective (she's also a molecular biologist and one-time FBI toxicologist), as well as 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 in the Library)
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Volunteers Needed for Student Laptop Return |
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 Senior SPREE Chaperones!
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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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Unified Robotics Volunteer Advisor Sought |
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 require a 90-minute/week commitment for 10 weeks.
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Sheridan G. has been chosen for Senior of the Month because of her dedication to the community through her environmental impacts and her kind and thoughtful attitude/engagement during class.
Sheridan’s photography teacher, Ms. O’Neill, speaks highly of her. “I absolutely love Sheridan. She is a hard worker, helpful, respectful and eager to learn new things.”
Sheridan is hub coordinator and president of the school's Sunrise Ballard Club, encouraging students to take political action on environmental issues and organizing community trash pickups.
"I’m passionate about making the city of Seattle a better, healthier, and safer place for everyone," she says.
Sheridan sets the example for all Ballard students who wish to have an impact bigger than themselves in their communities.
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Nico D. has been chosen because of his kind nature and consistent work ethic he brings to his classrooms.
Mr. Gillespie speaks in high regard of Nico saying, “Nico rocks! He plays sax in Wind Ensemble and was just featured at the State Solo and Ensemble Festival as a member of the (Alice and the Chipmunks) Sax Quartet. He is super personable and everyone digs his company.”
As the saxophone section leader, Nico plays in the Marching and Pep Bands. He's the captain of Varsity Boys and Co-ed Ultimate Frisbee teams. He's an Assistant Coach of the Hamilton Hawks Ultimate Frisbee team; volunteered at the PNA Tool Library and Ballard Food Bank; and participated in studies at Seattle Area German American School and Eastside German Language School.
Nico leaves a legacy of what it truly means to be involved in Ballard programs, and we only hope that future Beavers follow.
Seniors of the Month is a Ballard Rotary program honoring exceptional graduating Beavers. [FULL DETAILS]
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Important Seniors Updates & Info |
Here's a helpful year-end schedule for Senior Families. Refer to the list of important dates and information for Seniors and their families. Some dates may still change, visit the Senior page for updated information.
Pick Up Grad Items Tuesday at Lunch
If you ordered caps, gowns and/or other Herff Jones graduation items (announcements etc.), students can pick it up at lunch Tuesday, May 17 in the Commons.
Prom Ticket Sales End Friday
Senior Prom will be "Up in the Clouds", 8-11 p.m. Saturday, June 4 at the Columbia Tower. 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. The final day for ticket sales is Friday, May 20. [MORE INFO]
Graduation is One Month Away!
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. Practice makes perfect! Seniors are required to attend Graduation Rehearsal at 10 a.m. June 15 at Memorial Stadium. [BHS GRADUATION]
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Two Weeks Left to Buy Tickets!
We Want to See YOU at SPREE
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Seniors: Only two weeks left to buy your SPREE tickets!
Senior SPREE is the biggest, all-night grad party of the year and tickets are only on sale only until Friday, May 27. Students will leave Memorial Stadium on chartered buses following the graduation ceremony and return to the BHS parking lot the next morning at 5:30 a.m.
Tickets cost $200 and cover everything the party offers -- a full night of food, transportation, activities, entertainment and fun! Scholarships are available by asking your school counselor to be added to the list. Click here to buy your ticket today!
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Eager Beaver Reader Recommendations |
Eager Beaver Reader students meet throughout the year, not only to satisfy their voracious reading appetites, but to help pick favorite books for the state as part of the Evergreen Teen Book Awards! The student's favorite titles are now featured on an awesome new display in the library. (In case you were wondering, George Takei's They Called Us the Enemy was named Evergreen's top high school read for this school year.)
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Scholarships and internships online |
The Counseling Center webpage now has two new helpful pages for Regional Internships and Scholarship Bulletins. Check them out!
Regional Internships - Live list of available internships open to all Seattle Public Schools students. Some are paid, unpaid, volunteer, and more. Check back often for new postings!
Scholarship Bulletins – Listing of available SPS Scholarships, links to Scholarships on Naviance and designated Ballard High School Scholarship Bulletins as well.
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Summer Volunteer and Job Options Online |
The Counseling Center webpage also offers student summer enrichment and employment opportunities. Note: BHS only shares postings and does not endorse any of these businesses.
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Marching Band Back at Syttende Mai Parade! |
HIPP HIPP HIPP HURRA!
Syttende Mai, the 17th of May Celebration, is back! We can't wait for the Marching Band's return to the Syttende Mai Parade 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 17 through historic Ballard.
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 before the crowds, as the band will be practicing on area streets during first period on Monday, May 16. |
Midsummer Night's Dream Continues
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You have a few more opportunities to indulge in spring reverie with the popular Shakespeare comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Ballard Playmakers performances will be at 7:30 p.m. May 19-21 in the Performing Arts Center.
The play 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. [BPA THEATRE]
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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 PAC.
Other performances are May 26 (Choir), June 1 (Band) and June 2 (Orchestra) Spring Concerts. These shows are at 7:30 p.m.
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Spring Athletics Head into Playoff Season |
Tennis: Congratulations for Lauren O. and Katherine M., the top-seeded doubles team at the Metro Tournament! They will be looking to move onto districts after their Metro match on Tuesday, May 17. The boys team ended the season 5-5 and the girls team 3-7. Follow the team @ballardhighschooltennis. |
Baseball: Ballard dropped a close one to Blanchet 2-1 Saturday at Steve Cox Stadium to end its spring campaign. Senior Sam C. stunned with several complete game efforts in his final week on the mound. Senior Gunnar S. went yard with the Beavers' only run.
The Beavers reached the penultimate game against the Bears, sending the winner onto state, after beating O'Dea 3-2 Tuesday and Roosevelt 6-4 Thursday. Against the Fighting Irish, Senior Alex G. went yard twice, including a go-ahead two-run homerun with one out in the seventh. Follow @ballardbaseball! |
Track competed in the Metro Championships May 11-13 with many athletes earning PRs and the boys team taking fifth and the girls team taking ninth out of the 12 teams competing.
Metro Champs: Senior Caleb P. won the 110m hurdles with a PR of 15.15 and the 300m hurdles with a PR of 39.78.
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Senior Tova G. won the 100m hurdles with a school-record breaking (and PR) 16.77. Senior Peter G. won the discus with a PR of 137-07.
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Girls Lacrosse beat SnoLax 14-8 May 5 at home to end the season 6-5-1. With 76 goals in 12 games, Senior Sam S. demolished the standing single-season goals record, and the single season total points record for BHS. On top of that she also set the single-season draw control record with 60. Follow the team on their @bhs_girlslax account
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Boys Lacrosse finished their regular season on May 6 with a resounding win over Nathan Hale. The evening was also Senior Night for four players who have played with the team for four years: Jack M., Noam C., Wilson S. and Luke G. The win improved their overall record to 9 wins and 6 losses and secured 2nd place in their division. Follow the team @ballard_lacrosse. |
Softball is looking forward and moving onto Districts after a Metro Championship loss to Roosevelt. Love this @ballardbeaversoftball capture of both teams showing spirit following Friday's game. They'll be playing either Blanchet or Juanita 3:30 p.m. Thursday, May 19 at SWAC (2801 S.W. Thistle St.).
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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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One More Week! Nominate Your Fave BHS Teacher & Volunteer
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Calling everyone in the BHS Community! Do you know a BHS Staff Member or Volunteer who makes an outstanding impact at Ballard?
Every year, the BHS PTSA gives out recognition awards at our year-end June General Meeting.
Students have heard the call and are in the lead with the most nominations! Staff are also welcome to shout out peers and volunteers. Parents and guardians, we'd love for you to share your kudos too!
Email PTSA President Gloria Kruzner at bhs.ptsa.pres@gmail.com your nominations, along with a few details why you've chosen them, through Monday, May 23.
Winners will be celebrated at our 7 p.m. June 9 General Meeting.
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School building visitors are required to sign in at the Main Office and provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test in the past 72 hours.
Office staff can answer questions, of course, without a building visit via phone at 206-252-1000. Current office and building updates are also available on the School Bulletin.
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Please Report COVID-19 Cases |
COVID-19 cases have increased in King County. Keep your student home if they have any COVID-19 symptoms and report to our school any confirmed cases.
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Students cannot park in the Staff Parking Lot off of NW 67th St by the tennis courts. Students must park on the street. In addition, the front Parking Lot off NW 65th St is for Administration and Visitors (2 hour limit) only. |
Have a younger student or neighbor coming to Ballard for the first time next year? |
The district's proposed changes to school start times (bell times) were not introduced at the School Board meeting on May 4 as expected.
SPS received a lot of feedback from its families and community partners about the challenges this proposal would create for families and staff.
They are taking more time to work through ways to address those challenges.
Staff will continue to work with schools, families, and partners over the next several weeks as we refine this plan.
Find the latest information, including updates to the frequently asked questions, on the bell times webpage.
Let’s Talk is the best way to share your comments and concerns.
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2022-23 School Calendar Ready |
Dr. Brent Jones Listening Sessions |
The Seattle Council PTSA is hosting two more community engagements with Seattle Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Brent Jones.
Listening sessions are 5:30-7:30 p.m. To register, please use the following links:
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May | Mental Health Awareness Month
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May is Mental Health Awareness Month.
If you are struggling with your mental health, know you are not alone.
Each year, millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental health condition.
Graphic from Teen Link, 1.866.833.6546, a helpline for teens by teens.
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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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Legislative Youth Advisory Council |
Applications for the WA Legislative Youth Advisory Council (LYAC) closes today, Sunday, May 15!
This opportunity is for high school students who are passionate about advocating for youth in our legislature.
No prerequisites are required except a dedication to change. Access the application here. [ APPLY NOW!]
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Civics Center Aims to Build Student Advocacy |
The Civics Center is dedicated to building the foundations of youth civic engagement and voter participation in high schools through education, organizing, and advocacy. View its blog and learn more!
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Four million teens turn 18 each year, but only 10-20 percent of them usually vote; we should do our parts to change that to a much higher fraction!
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36th Legislative District Debate |
King County Young Democrats are hosting an online 36th Legislative District Debate at 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 15 between Democratic candidates for the State Legislature in the 36th Legislative District.
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Participants include Nicole Gomez, Jeff Manson, Julia Reed and Waylon Robert.
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Showing now through July 10 at the Seattle Asian Art Museum: Embodied Change: South Asian Art Across Time
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The DEI Committee's final meeting of the school year is 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 14 on Teams. Please contact DEIatBHS@gmail.com for a meeting link!
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The BHS PTSA offers Community Resources for informational purposes & does not necessarily support activities or views presented therein. |
Recycle, Reuse Event May 21 at PNA
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Have stuff to recycle that doesn't go in your cart? Bring it to the next Recycling & Reuse Collection event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 21 at the Phinney Neighborhood Association.
Accepted items:
- Styrofoam
- Household batteries (no damaged batteries)
- Florescent tubes and bulbs (no broken bulbs, limit: 4 ft.)
- Small, empty propane camping canisters
- Small electronics (TVs, computers, etc.)
- Small appliances (non-freon)
- Paper for shredding (limit: 4 boxes of paper)
- Household textiles - clothing & curtains
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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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Summer JazzED is Fun for Everyone |
Did you know that JazzED has a multi-age option for students excited to continue their learning this summer? The Summer Jazz Ambassadors program is open to young musicians in grades 5-12 with anywhere from 1-3 years of experience. The flagship camp will be two weeks of fun-filled music and performance opportunities!
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Seattle Artist League Summer Camps |
Penguin Premieres New Play at NW Folklife Festival |
Join Penguin Productions for its free quirky, heartwarming world-premiere performance from young Seattle talent Hersh Powers, "The Sasquatch Society," at 12:30 Saturday, May 28 at Cornish Playhouse.
produced in partnership with Seattle Rep and NW Folklife Festival.
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UW Summer Youth & Teen Programs |
Make UW Youth & Teen Programs part of your teen’s summer plans. There’s still time to register! The high school classes below are still open for enrollment.
- Esports, Gaming & Broadcasting (In Person/Seattle)
- Screenwriting Workshop (In Person/Seattle)
- Coding in Java I (In Person/Bellevue)
- Coding in Python (Online)
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Help Support SE Seattle Schools |
Fresh off the group's annual Move-a-thon fundraiser, they continue to have a couple ways to offer support right now.
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Visit the SESSFA website to learn more about the group's goals and access donation information.
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Or Dine at Tutta Bella Sundays to Thursdays through May 25 and they'll donate 20% of sales to the Alliance. Order at ANY Tutta Bella location via dine-in, delivery, takeout, or curbside from tuttabella.com. Use code EasyAsPieSESSFA
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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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