PTSA Feb. 15 General Meeting: Teen Mental Health

Attention ALL BHS PTSA Families! 

Please join us at our Winter PTSA General Meeting at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 15 in the BHS Library.

We've got a great program planned, with Licensed Therapists Charlie Delavan and Caleb Visser. They'll share important information about teen brain development and skills for self regulation. We look forward to seeing you there!

Speaker bios and more info.

The General Meeting and speakers will follow our 5:30 p.m. PTSA Board Meeting, all are welcome at this business meeting as well!

Black History Month Starts With Week of Lessons

From Principal Abby Hunt's Friday message:

" ...As we enter Black History Month, I want to reflect on the fact that five years ago, SPS began a journey to make education in SPS more equitable and just. Our focus was on improving outcomes for Black/African American boys. Students and teachers have been at the forefront of this education and change, organizing a week of action to demonstrate inclusive instruction and further efforts toward positive, systemic transformation.

"This year, Ballard staff in collaboration with students have created projects and lessons that explore Black experiences, contributions, and history. Throughout next week, February 5-9, our school community will engage in these lessons as we seek to equip all students with excellent 21st-century skills and achieve our goal of a just and equitable society."

Progress Reports/Report Cards

The Source is the online platform where families access their student’s daily attendance, assessment scores, and Secondary student grades. All Report Cards and Progress Reports will be available to families logging onto the parent or guardian Source account following the end of each term. More info.

Attn. 10th & 11th Graders!

Running Start Info Sessions Coming

The school counselors will offer Running Start Info sessions on Wednesdays in March (6, 13, 20, 27), during the first half of lunch (12:05-12:40 p.m.) for all interested current 10th-11th graders. All sessions will cover the same info. Meet in Rm. S217 for a presentation and Q & A. More info.

ADVOCACY CHAIR OPENING

PTSA Legislative Liaison Needed

If you are looking for a way to support Ballard students and staff, please consider joining the PTSA Board! We have an immediate opening for Legislative Liaison (Advocacy Chair). Share advocacy news and information with the Ballard High School community through newsletter updates and at monthly Board meetings, and promote attendance at WSPTA and SCPTSA events of interest. Thanks to past chair Stephanie King for her support in this position this fall. Learn more on What Does the PTSA Do? page. Questions? Email Victoria Watson at join.bhs.ptsa@gmail.com.

ADVOCACY NOTES

2024 Legislative Session: Week 4

The Legislative Session continues into Week 4. WSPTA Legislative Consultant Marie Sullivan has tracked bills of interest with her latest Bill Status Report, highlighting those that share the same legislative priorities established by the WSPTA.

Interested in learning more? The WSPTA has organized Action Alerts to keep you posted on the legislative session.

More info.

Sunday, March 24 Block 41

Donations Needed for Fundraising Gala Dinner

Calling all Ballard High School Parents and Guardians to join us for some March Madness! The BHS Fundraising Gala is just eight weeks away!

The Gala Committee is looking for some slam dunk donations! Do you have a vacation rental? Know of a fun business willing to donate? Have a skill to share – pottery, art, baking? Refer to the Ballard Gala page for more info. Deadline is March 6.

You can score your tickets today to join the fun at 5 p.m. Sunday, March 24 at Block 41. Full details, tickets and more!

Limited Tickets Left!

Winter Ball Saturday at SAM

The ASB's "Aurora Borealis - Northern Lights" Winter Ball semi-formal is 7:30-10:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10 at the Seattle Art Museum.

• Limited number of tickets remaining, available for in-person purchase only at the Activity Center during lunch.
• Pre-purchased Online Tickets may ONLY be picked up during lunch in the 1st floor foyer, by the Main Office Feb. 5-7.
• Look for updates on the ASB Instagram page daily. The Ballard HS Website also has timely updates, required forms and helpful tips.

SPOTLIGHT CLUB

Gettin' Crafty With It Thursdays at Lunch

The Crafts Club is meeting at lunch Thursdays in S102.

The club is a get together for people who want a creative outlet but don’t want the commitment to doing “fine arts." Also crafts are fun and can bring positivity to people’s lives.

Full details on this and other fun clubs on the BHS website, linked below.

COUNSELING CENTER UPDATE

Mid-Year Transcript Requests

As shared in this week's School Bulletin

Seniors: If you have colleges/universities that are messaging you that they need a mid-year transcripts/report, please let them know that reports will be uploaded and available mid-February before our break (Feb. 19). More info.

Class of 2024 Updates

More Class of 2024 updates:

Senior Timeline

Cap & Gown Orders | Act quickly!

Golden Beaver Scholarships | Applications Due March 24

Class of 2024 Facebook group

FAFSA & WASFA Application Updates

Classroom Lessons Extended at BHS Library

From the @beaverreadersbhs Instagram page, the library hosted several important classroom deep dives last week:

• Mr. Lee’s seniors taught about misinformation to freshmen Beaver Readers, using the News Literacy Project Rumor Guard to share how to spot and understand misinfo in the news! Look for details on Misinfo Day coming this spring, and check out related impressive student presentations at BHS!

• Ms. Katrel's senior class picked out choice books from a variety of thematic book displays around the library, including the Evergreen Teen Book Awards; Goals, Dreams and Wishes; Financial Literacy; New Books; and more. (Check the online catalog for even more themes and book ideas!)

• Mr. Riley's freshman class learned about print and ebooks, graphic novels, and movies related to the topics of WWII and the Holocaust at they prepared to read Elie Weisel's "Night".

BHS Library Webpage | PTSA Library Volunteer Signup

Cool Tool Alert!

Helpful Grade Level Resources Online

Did you know the Ballard website offers helpful grade-level resources and student check lists?

Explore the Grade Level Overviews for your (or your student's) class. You can also look ahead and find out what to plan for next year!

• Freshman
• Sophomore
• Junior
• Senior

Full details

Seattle Promise Scholarship Deadline Feb. 16

The Seattle Promise scholarship application deadline is Tuesday, Feb. 16. It provides up to two years of free tuition towards a graduating SPS senior’s first degree at Seattle Colleges.

If you have question, reach out to Seattle Promise Outreach Specialist Trinity Covington in the Counseling Center from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. You can also email trinity.covington@seattlecolleges.edu or text her at 206-661-1290.

Spotlight Internship

Teens in Public Service at BHS Feb. 13

Teens in Public Service (TIPS) is a nonprofit dedicated to developing young leaders committed to their communities. TIPS hires teen leaders for paid community service internships and pairs them with nonprofit organizations over the summer.

There will be a TIPS Information Table outside the Main Office during lunch on Tuesday, Feb. 13 for students to learn more. TIPS applications due March 4.

TIPS also has a new partnership with the Washington Neurodiversity Project for students with IEP or 504 plans or documented ADD, ASD or ADHD diagnosis.

TIPS FAQs flyer and more info.

Spotlight Internship

Learn About Seattle Youth Employment Program at BHS Feb. 5

Seattle Youth Employment Program (SYEP) representatives will be at Ballard's Career Connect classes (periods 3-6) on Monday, Feb. 5 to talk about the paid summer internship program. SYEP interns earn high school credit along with their paycheck.

Students can email Career Connect teacher Mr. Brent Martin at brmartin@seattleschools.org for more information on attending a presentation during one of the class periods, or visit the SYEP website for more details on the program.

More info.

University-Ballard Lions Club Scholarships

The University-Ballard Lions Foundation scholarships are open to all Ballard High School seniors who have been accepted to an accredited school of higher 

education. Students from diverse communities are encouraged to apply. Applicants with sight and/or hearing impairments and financial need are also encouraged to apply. Short essay required.

Applications should be mailed by April 15.

WSPTA Scholarship & Student Essay

The Washington State PTA is offering a scholarship program for all schools with an active PTA/PTSA. Ballard seniors can apply using the Ballard PTSA Local Unit No. 6.15.460

WSPTA also has Essay Contest for all students to share their creativity. This statewide essay contest explores the important and varied influencers in the lives and education of children – from the student's perspective.

WSPTA Scholarship & Contest Application Deadline is Feb. 15.

WA Department of Health

Youth Science Contest

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is calling on high school students to enter the Washington Tracking Network’s (WTN) third annual Youth Science Contest.

The contest is an opportunity for high school students to develop their science and communication skills by working with health and environmental data from their own communities.

Submissions must be received by midnight on April 15. Find more information, resources, and project examples on WTN’s contest page. 

Bellevue College

Discovery Day Feb. 10

From College Visits and Events:

Bellevue College is hosting its Discovery Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 10. The day will include academic programs and student support offices information tables, campus tours, free snacks, and Bellevue College swag!

Information sessions will include an admissions overview, Running Start, and CTE dual credit for students who wish to know more about getting started. Registration and more info.

Service Learning Spotlight

Ballard House Work Day

Fill some service learning hours while helping senior citizens rearrange their community room at Ballard House from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24.

Ballard House (2445 N.W. 57th St.) is a Seattle Housing Authority property for low-income, mostly senior residents who also may have disabilities and/or other health challenges. Workout equipment, a pool table, and a piano are the larger items to be moved. Organizers really need some muscle to accomplish that! Please RSVP to Diana Alexander by Saturday, Feb. 16 if you can help at rcc.dalexander@gmail.com.

Service Learning Spotlight

St. John School Auction

St John School is seeking teen volunteers for a variety of shifts and activities at its School Auction from 4:45-10 p.m. Friday, March 15 at

Fremont Studios (155 N. 35th St.)

More info and signup: Lauren Exnicios, lexnicios@gmail.com.

Golden Beaver Scholarships Opening Opportunities

Apply today for the Ballard High School Foundation Golden Beaver Scholarships!

Hughbanks Family Scholarships ($5,000 for two years) are awarded to students pursuing further academic or trade education in Washington state and will prioritize students with situational or financial need.

Golden Beaver Scholarships (ranging from $500 to $5,000) are awarded to students pursuing further academic or trade education (unlike the Hughbanks Scholarships, not limited to schools in Washington).

Application deadline: Sunday, March 24. Full details.

5th Annual Running of the Beavers March 23

Get ready to lace up your sneakers and join the Ballard High School Foundation's 5th Annual Running of the Beavers 5K Walk/Run at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, March 23 at Golden Gardens. Direct your registration proceeds to your favorite BHS team and/or Performing Arts.

The grade level with the greatest participation gets $500 for their class ASB account. See you on the course this spring!

24th Annual Victor Salvino Golf Classic

Golfers of all ages and skill levels are invited to sign up for the 24th Annual Victor Salvino Ballard High School Foundation Golf Classic Aug. 16 at Newcastle Golf Club benefiting BHS Athletics, Cheer, Dance Team and Performing Arts!

Choose from the challenging Coal Creek Course or the scenic China Creek Course! Pre-event barbecue and putting contest at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. tee off. More info.

Golf Classic Registration

What a 'Night at the Movies'!

65th BPA Spaghetti Dinner

Thanks to all who attended the 65th Annual Spaghetti Dinner Saturday.

Including longtime BPA volunteer Peg Radford's famous spaghetti sauce and spirited performances of music from The Jungle Book, Footloose, The Muppets and a sneak peek at the spring musical The Addams Family, it was a magical night of food, community, and performances at Ballard Performing Arts' biggest fundraising event of the year.

The Spaghetti Dinner is the longest standing tradition at Ballard High School! It has been a BPA annual fundraiser event since 1959! Thank you so much for your support.

The Addams Family

Tickets Now on Sale

The Ballard Thespians will be staging The Addams Family musical in March. Filled with song, dance and the signature Addams Family macabre, this production is a delightful expression of the wild and weird joy of family and love.

Shows are 7:30 p.m. March 14-16 and March 22-23, and 2 p.m. Sunday, March 24 in the Performing Arts Center.

Buy your tickets now at Showtix4u. It's gonna be spooktacular! Tickets cost: $20 for adults, $10 for students & staff, and $15 for senior citizens.

Questions? Email Ms. Miller at mashor@seattleschools.org. More info.

Trivia Night Fun, Raise Money for Athletics

Thanks to everyone who participated in the Athletic Booster Club's Trivia Night fundraiser Wednesday at the Ballard Elks! Congratulations to "Beaverlocks and the 3 Beers" for winning both the team name and the trivia contest. Thanks also to our trivia hosts, Kelly Jones and Cindy Peterson, and student volunteers who assisted throughout the night. Special thanks to Coaches Jared Daniels (wrestling and slowpitch), Randall Hanna (baseball) and Nick Thornton-Jack (football and baseball) for joining the fun too.

If you missed out, ABC is planning another event in the spring! Donations are always welcome too, to further Athletic Booster Club's mission of supporting and promoting BHS Athletics.

Register Online for Spring Sports by Feb. 13

Register for Spring Sports online through Feb. 13. Ballard's spring sports include: baseball, fastpitch softball, boys soccer, tennis and track. Club sports are boys and girls lacrosse, and girls ultimate frisbee.

Register online via FinalForms. If you still need to pay ASB, you can do so on SchoolPay via the Source.

Questions? Call Bethany Nielcen in the Main Office at 206-252-1000. More info

Spring Athletics Parents/Guardians Meeting March 5

The Spring Athletics Parents/Guardians Meeting is 6:30 p.m. Tuesday March 5 in the Gym, including Beaver Gear sales. Athletic Director Eric Ensign will share important information. Meet BHS trainer Loka Murphy and Strength/ Conditioning Coach Colin Matthiesen. Breakout groups for individual spring sports teams to follow. There will also be a few fan giveaways from the Athletic Booster Club too so don't miss out! More info

Brawlin' Beavers Sending 19 to Regionals

Miles and Lazlo are Metro Wrestling Champs!

Congratulations to Metro League Wrestling Champions Miles P. (144) and Lazlo D.-R. (215) who won their divisions Saturday at Chief Sealth! Ballard had 19 wrestlers qualify for Regionals next weekend. The Boys team will compete at Eastside Catholic on Saturday, Feb. 10 while the Girls site is TBD. Congratulations to the following qualifiers:

106 Rowan F. 3rd

113 Lucca R. took 4th 

120 Owen M. took 3rd 

126 Ben K. took 2nd 

130 Michelle M. took 4th 

132 Simon M. took 2nd

132 Charlie B. took 7th 

138 Tommy M. took 3rd

138 Harrison K. took 5th

140 Jackie B. took 2nd 

144 Miles P. took 1st

144 Jonah S. took 8th 

150 Luka S. took 6th

150 Hayden W. took 3rd

157 Mason J. took 6th

190 Sincere N. took 5th 

190 Sydney C. took 5th

285 Rishab N. took 6th 

Photo c/o and follow the teams at ballard_boys_wrestling and ballard_girls_wrestling. Special thanks to Captain Jackie B. for this update!

Gymnasts Complete Metro Season Undefeated

For the third consecutive year, Gymnastics completed their Metro season undefeated as a team! They did so at home Friday, while honoring their seniors: Linden, Alex, Naomi, Mirabel, Justene, Emilie and Elena.

Ballard's top 10 finishers Friday were: Alex, Naomi, Linden, Dylan, Cailtyn, Brooke and Justene! So great to see Elena back out on the floor, Mirabel in the all around, and Emilie competed on bars for the first time!

For Saturday's Metro All Comers Meet, the last meet of the year for the non-post season team members (also at Ballard), the Beaver gymnasts scored high again:

Ruby and Ella took second and third on vault, first and second on bars; Ella and Elena took second and third on beam, Ella and Ruby took second and third on floor, while Ella and Ruby took first and second in all-around! Photo c/o and follow @ballardgymnastics.

METRO PLAYOFF DOUBLE-HEADER

Girls Basketball Hosts Franklin Tuesday

Thanks to everyone who supported Girls Basketball seniors Wednesday at their game against Lincoln: Lidet B., Sydney M., Makenna M., Vivian N., Signe R., and Carmella T.

The team opens their Metro post-season hosting Franklin in a loser-out game 5 p.m. Tuesday at home. (Bracket) Photo of the varsity team c/o and follow @ballard_girls.basketball.

METRO PLAYOFF DOUBLE-HEADER

Boys Basketball Faces Cleveland Tuesday

Boys Basketball celebrated Senior Night Tuesday before their 61-42 victory over Ingraham.

The team's six seniors are Jackson C., Charlie D., Dale E., Chase H., Nirvan L. and Jaxon R.

The team opens their Metro post-season hosting Cleveland in a loser-out game 7 p.m. Tuesday at home. (Bracket, tickets)

Photo c/o and follow @ballardbball

Swim Bringing 38 Atheltes to Metros!

Boys Swim & Dive ended the regular season Friday, Jan. 26 with a hard-fought loss to an exceptional Roosevelt Team. In the process however, there are now 22 swimmers and 1 diver who have qualified to compete in at least 1 individual event in this coming weekend’s first round of the post-season. Including JV relays, Ballard will bring 38 members of the team to the Metro League Championship this weekend at Snohomish Aquatic Center.

This is the biggest group of Beaver Coach Morean has ever taken to the Metro Championship. This is a testament to the community and hard work at the core of this team. Congratulations Boys Swim & Dive on a remarkable season!

Photo c/o and follow @bhsboys.swim

Bowler Rolls into Metros

The Bowling team wished Natalie well with a sendoff Pep Band hype session through the BHS halls Thursday. She represented the team at the WIAA State Tournament Feb. 2-3 at Bowlero in Renton. Photo c/o and follow @ballardgirlsbowling.

Flag Football Feb. 3 at Memorial

Flag Football finished the regular season Saturday at Memorial Stadium with a 27-7 win over Rainier Beach. The team also honored their seniors Madison E. and Ella R.

Playoffs are Feb. 10 at Memorial Stadium (bracket). Follow the team @bhs_girlsflagfootball.

Unified Competes in League Play

Congratulations to the Unified Basketball team. They won their game Saturday against Ingraham 34-6. It was a great team effort! 

Ballard Unified played Kentwood Saturday in District 1 and 2 League Play at Auburn Mountainview High School. Photo c/o and follow @ballard_unified.

Cheer Seniors Honored

Cheer honored its seniors Annika, Ava, Charlie and Ryan at the Boys Basketball game Tuesday night. The team is looking forward to Nationals on Feb. 15. Go Beavers! Photo c/o and follow @ballardcheer

Girls Ultimate Registration is Open! 

The Ballard Gx Ultimate Frisbee team is open to all girls who want to participate in the Spring Ultimate league.

The season runs from Feb. 26 to May 19 with practices and games occurring during the school week after school. Everyone is welcome and no prior experience is necessary.

Find more information and register here. Email any questions to ballardultimate@gmail.com. Go BUF!

Girls Lacrosse Registration Open

Girls Lacrosse registration is open! Come out and have fun with us this spring and become part of the fastest growing sport in the Pacific Northwest ! Season runs Feb. 27 through May 5. Lacrosse is a no-cut sport – everyone is welcome and no prior experience is necessary. More info and registration.

Boys Lacrosse Registration Open

Registration is OPEN for Boys Lacrosse! Practice begins Feb. 26 with games through May, plus tournaments. Conditioning is now. It is a no-cut sport with Varsity & JV teams. Scholarships are available. The Dam will be rocking with lots of lacrosse excitement!

Follow along @ballard_lacrosse, email info@ballardboyslacrosse.com with questions and for scholarship info. Spread the word, recruit your friends, join the fun this season! Sign up here.

DEI Committee Meeting Feb. 6

The next DEI Committee meeting is 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 6 at the Fish Ladder Lounge, 4910 Leary Way N.W. We’d love to see you! The Ballard PTSA DEI Committee meets the first Tuesday of each month. Please reach out with any questions to: DEIatBHS@gmail.com.

Upcoming Events

Applications open for Waterfront Park — Community Partnership Committees (waterfrontparkseattle.org) "As we anticipate the completion and opening of Waterfront Park in 2025, there is a critical need for strategic visioning and planning to ensure that all communities, particularly those that have been historically excluded – youth, seniors, people with disabilities, and BIPOC – have access to enjoyable cultural and recreational opportunities and the economic benefits of Waterfront Park." Meetings are held in the evenings and committee members are financially compensated for their time.

Feb. 8 | Deadline to apply for The Pulling Together Committee (Indigenous-centered) 

Feb. 25 | Deadline to apply for the Accessibility Advisory Committee 

February 10 (Phinney Center, Free)

Lunar New Year celebration “It will be an inclusive and diverse new event for North Seattle that honors the traditions of the Asian cultures that celebrate the Lunar New Year and supports local Asian-led businesses and organizations.” 

Lunar New Year | PNA (phinneycenter.org) 

Feb. 13 (Rainier Arts Center, $10) Advancing Racial Equity: Revisiting Dr. King's Lost Speech “One of Dr. Martin Luther King’s greatest lessons was simply to listen. Can we intentionally build this practice of listening and empathizing in our workplaces, places of worship, within our families, and across our networks?”

Advancing Racial Equity: Revisiting Dr. King's Lost Speech, Rainier Arts Center, Seattle, Feb. 13 | AllEvents.in  

Feb. 15 (Northwest African American Museum, Free) Black History Month Keynote with Dr. Doretha Williams “Join us for our Black History Keynote with Dr. Doretha Williams and her family history team from the Smithsonian Museum. Dr. Doretha Williams will be NAAM's keynote speaker in honor of Black History Month where she will discuss Black family history and genealogy. Dr.

Williams' presentation honors NAAM's tradition of hosting a Smithsonian scholar for Black History Month.”



NAAM — Black History Month Keynote with Dr. Doretha Williams (naamnw.org)

Check out all the ways to celebrate Lunar New Year around the Seattle area:  

Where to Celebrate the Lunar New Year 2024 Around Seattle | South Seattle Emerald

In the News

Celebrate Black Arts, History, and Culture in Seattle | Visit Seattle  

Seattle non-profit Arte Noir uplifts Black artists, creatives | king5.com

Check out King County's "A Vision in Action" newsletter highlighting Black History Month and Lunar New Year  

West Seattle Blog … | VIDEO: Past, present, future celebrated and explained at Duwamish Longhouse’s 15th anniversary party

Petition urges Seattle City Council to officially recognize Lunar New Year 2024 (nwasianweekly.com)

Lunar New Year stamp unveiled in CID (nwasianweekly.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.