Nominations Close Tuesday!

Nominate a PTSA Volunteer, Educator & Outstanding Advocate

Calling everyone in the BHS Community! Do you know a PTSA volunteer, advocate, student advocate and/or educator who makes an outstanding impact at Ballard High School? Every year, the BHS PTSA recognizes excellence through our year-end awards, handed out at our June 13 General Meeting.

These awards include:

• Golden Acorn Award: Above and beyond PTSA volunteer dedication and service;
• Outstanding Educator Award: Educator who provides educational learning environment that is fun and beneficial;
• Outstanding Advocate: Demonstrated continued and dedicated service to all;
• Outstanding Student Advocate: recognizes student PTSA members who have made significant contributions through leadership and service in their school and community.

Email your nomination(s) and reasoning to Karla Rava at bhs.ptsa.pres@gmail.com. Nominations are due Tuesday, April 30. Meet our past award recipients and learn more.

SPREE Chaperones Needed to Help Grad Night Party

This night is only possible with the help of volunteers -- which is why we need you! We're looking for 20 parent volunteers to staff the event, and since those seniors probably don't want their own parents hanging around, we're appealing to you to help make this BHS tradition happen.

Please join our list of SPREE chaperone heroes and help ensure a fun and safe evening for the Class of 2024 graduates!

Junior and Sophomore Parents & Guardians - We Need Your Help!

SPREE is an all-night party for our seniors hosted by the Ballard High School PTSA and chaperoned by PTSA volunteers.

Seniors will have a chance to celebrate with their classmates as they are taken to two secret locations on the night of graduation for games, dancing, food and all sorts of fun.

Multicultural Week a Great Success

From Principal Hunt's Friday Message: "(Friday) was a great day at Ballard HS as our community came together for our annual Multicultural Assembly, which was organized by students in the BHS Multicultural Student Union.

"The mission of the Multicultural Student Union is: 'We, as the Multicultural Union want to provide a safe, comfortable space for all Ballard High School students, allowing for unique individuals with extraordinary cultural backgrounds, to work together as a proud, diverse community.'

"The assembly featured dances, musical performances, and speeches representing multiple cultures and countries from around the world. The students did an amazing job organizing and putting on the event!

"And to top it off, (Friday) evening (was) the Multicultural Festival. I am so proud of the students for their vision and commitment to seeing both events through to action."

Photo from the celebration kickoff and follow @ballardmulticulturalunion.

AP Testing at Ballard High School May 6-17

AP Exams are May 6-10 and 13-17 at BHS for students who pre-registered in November.

Students can confirm their exam registration status by signing into the myap.collegeboard.org.

Refer to the important information and details on the AP Exam Overview page as well as view the attached AP Exam Flyer.

AP Exam Volunteers Needed!

Volunteers are greatly needed May 6-17 to help with AP Exam support with AP student test check-in, room set up and handing out exams.

Please review the available days and times needed and sign up to help out. Thank you!

Today, April 28!

Plant a Seed w/ Plant Club at Ballard Farmers Market

Join FARMore for their 3rd annual Plant A Seed event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, April 28 at the Ballard Farmers Market.

“Agrimentors” from the BHS Plant Club, Nathan Hale Urban Farm, and Tilth’s Garden Hotline will be there to share their expertise. More info.

Let’s Grow Together

BHS Plant Sale May 10-11

Help support the Ballard Greenhouse Program at the Ballard High Plant Sale, May 10-11 at BHS Greenhouse on 15th Avenue Northwest.

The school community sale is 3:45 to 5:30 p.m. Friday, May 10.

The public sale is 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, May 11.

Sale includes Heirloom tomatoes varieties, unique vegetable varieties (all vegetable starts are organic), houseplants, student-made hand balm and lip balm, succulent terrariums, plant-based jewelry, and many other items.



Questions? Email Ms. Carlson at ikcarlson@seattleschools.org

Your PTSA Donations at Work

Spring PTSA Grants Help Programs Around School

At its spring meeting the Ballard PTSA Grants Committee approved more than $20,000 in grants.

The Grants process is the culmination of your BHS PTSA donations at work. Our online annual Direct Appeal fundraiser as well as our Spring Gala, all help garner funds for needed classroom support. The Grants Committee, in turn, hosts two application and selection process meetings, in October and March, to give grants to projects that earn merit. The Grants Committee could not fund Teacher and Staff requests without the generous support of our Ballard HS PTSA members and the donations made to our PTSA Fundraising efforts.

Here's what was funded for this round:

World Language: World Language convention at the University of Washington for four teachers (and payment for four substitutes)

P.E.: Two badminton sets

Performing Arts: Baritone saxophone and stands

Social Studies: UW Misinformation Day field trip transportation

Library: Cricut maker and design supplies

Social Studies: Human Geography training and accommodations

Language Arts: Common Lit

Theatre: Macbeth Performance by Professional Actors

Thank you to the Grants Committee, coordinated by co-chairs Libet Wallblom and Nancy Wesche (bhsgrants@gmail.com). Learn more about BHS PTSA Fundraising.

Viking Robotics Club

From the Daily School Announcements:

Do you have any interest in engineering, programming, business or social media management?

Come join Viking Robotics Club! Work with professionals in engineering and business fields. There’s no better time to join than now. All skill levels are welcome!

Viking Robotics meets from 6-8 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays in the woodshop. Learn more on the team’s website. Photo c/o and follow @vikingrobotics2928

Maui 2025 Trip Applications Due June 3

Also from the Daily School Announcements:

Ever want to snorkel in active reef? Climb a 10,000 foot hot spot volcano? Ballard is going back to Maui in February 2025!

Applications available NOW from Oceanography teacher Mr. Noam Gundle for this unique educational experience.

Scholarships and service hours available. Applications due June 3. Mahalo! Questions? Email Mr. Gundle njgundle@seattleschools.org.

Forms Due May 1, RSVP for Senior Dinner ASAP

Seniors: More "to dos" on the Senior News page, including these action items:

Wednesday, May 1:

• Deadline for PE Waiver Forms and Service Learning Forms.

Senior Dinner! Wednesday, June 5:

• RSVP ASAP for the Senior Dinner at the Ballard Elks

Graduation is 5 p.m. Friday, June 14, Memorial Stadium

• No tickets required.

Check in with your Counselor during lunch drop-in time if you'd like to borrow a cap and gown set, or have question about graduation requirements.

SPREE Senior Grad Party Tickets on Sale

Buy your tickets today for SPREE, the PTSA's all-night grad party, and a BHS tradition!

Following the 5 p.m. graduation ceremony on June 14 and a quick break to change and have a bite to eat, SPREE celebrants will hop onto chartered buses at Ballard High School.

Grads will travel to two different exciting event venues and be treated to multiple activities, meals, and fun.

Scholarships are available, we want everyone to attend who's interested in joining the fun! Ask your counselor for information on how to get a scholarship. Full details.

Senior Prom Tickets on Sale Monday, April 29

Senior Prom, "Night Under the Lights,"

The dance will be 8-11 p.m. Saturday, June 1 at the Columbia Tower.

Dress Code: Formal

Theme Colors: Green, Purple and Gold

Tickets will go on sale Monday, April 29 in the Activity Center.

More info, participation forms. Graphic c/o and follow @ballardhighasb.

Librarians Thank Community for Their Support

The amazing library dynamic duo of Teacher-Librarian TuesD Chambers and Britta Bowman, assistant librarian, recently shared their appreciation with the PTSA and Ballard High School Foundation:

As School Library Month ends, we wanted to extend our deepest gratitude to you and the entire parent group and community for your unwavering support in fostering a culture of literacy and learning within our school community.

At the heart of our mission to promote reading and lifelong learning lies the invaluable partnership between home and school. Your dedication to encouraging students to read at home and to visit our school library has been instrumental in nurturing a love for reading and exploration among our students.

Here's a glimpse into some of the engaging activities and events we have on the horizon for the remainder of the year: 

• Mother's Day Card Celebration
• May the 4th Be With You - Makerspace Activities and Photo Shoot
• Feeder School Events
• Summer Reading Lists
• 1st Grade Reading Buddies for Seniors

We also want to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt appreciation for the role you play in making our library the vibrant center of learning and discovery that it is.

Stay engaged with all that's going on through the Ballard High School Library page and @beaverreadersbhs.

FAFSA/WASFA Deadline Extended for Seattle Promise Students

Due to extended delays related to the launch of the updated FAFSA online system, Seattle Promise is extending the 2024-25 FAFSA/WASFA deadline to July 15.

New and continuing students from 2022-24 will have until July 15 to submit their 2024-25 FAFSA or WASFA to a Seattle College. Students who meet that deadline will have until August 16 to complete their financial aid file and remain eligible for Seattle Promise.

For more info, email Ballard's Seattle Promise Specialist Trinity Covington at Trinity.Covington@Seattlecolleges.edu

Seattle Parks & Recreation Summer Hiring Event

Seattle Parks & Recreation is hosting a summer hiring event from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 4 at Miller Community Center, 330 19th Ave E.

Meet the team and apply on site. Aquatics positions (for teens 16+) and recreation positions too (18+). More info.

Learn about other summer job and internship opportunities on the Counseling Center News page.

Spotlight Scholarship

Edmund F. Maxwell Foundation

The Maxwell Scholarship was established to assist high school seniors from Western Washington in obtaining a higher education. This $5,000 per year award has the potential to be renewed for up to an additional three years of undergraduate education based on financial need and reasonable progress toward graduation. Application deadline: May 10.

Full details.

Scholarships Bulletin

Multiple Spring Offerings

The Scholarships Bulletin feature multiple opportunities:

UW Labor Studies: Silme Domingo and Gene Viernes Scholarship; Frank Jenkins Jr. Fellowship; and Kennedy Drayton Scholarship. Deadline May 6.

Angel Wings Foundation: to recognize and honor Thai-American students. Deadline June 14.

Caffè Appassionato Coffee Sales Benefit BPA

Order your favorite Caffè Appassionato coffees through May 15 and support Ballard Performing Arts performers. For each $14 bag sold, the BPA student you name will earn $6 toward program fees, camps and trips.

There are four blends to choose from (in both drip ground and whole bean):

• Arietta Blend - A medium roast with a mellow and smooth flavor.
• Tempest Blend - A bold and strong French roast.
• Espresso Blend - A bright and smooth Italian roast.
• Decaffeinated - A French roast that is smooth with a caramel finish.

Orders can be placed at Schoolpay. Students will deliver coffee orders when ready in early June. Full details.

Mattress Sale Fundraiser May 5 at BHS Gym

Support Ballard Performing Arts by purchasing a new mattress at the Mattress Fundraiser from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 5 in the Gym. ! Shop name brand mattresses with HUGE savings off retail. There will be more than 30 styles on display. All sizes and firmness levels will be available too.

Event profits will go directly to the Ballard Performing Arts (BPA) Boosters!

More info.

Orchestra Concerto Concert May 2 PAC

Chamber Orchestra soloists, accompanied by members of Chamber and Symphonic Orchestras, will be performing Concertos by Vivaldi, Mendelssohn, Elgar, Accolay, and Sarasate at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 1 in the Performing Arts Center. More events on BPA Calendar.

Brass Band & Drumline in Seawolves Fan Zone May 3

Check out the thrill of professional rugby with discounted tickets just for BHS families using our special PTSA Fundraiser Gala discount link.

This offer includes all upcoming games, at Starfire Stadium, in Tukwila, including May 3 game against Anthem RC where the BHS Brass Band and Drumline will be performing in the Fan Zone before the game.

Special shout out to Beaver alum and Seawolves Manager of Business Operations, Payton Lawson '17!

Student Directed One Acts Coming to PAC May 9-11

Ballard High School Thespians present the Spring One Acts at 7:30 p.m. May 9-11 in the Performing Arts Center. The following student produced plays will be staged, along with interludes of music and dance:

• "The Bobiad", written by Nicolas and Anthony Markle
• "Lights Camera Cut", written by Sam Ruzumna
• "Dinner with a Side of Murder", written by Zirahuen Herrejon-Crutcher
• "Surf’s Down", written by Ollie Cain
• "A Very Frosty Christmas Eve", written by Kyle Brown
• "The Dreadful Story of Helmetless Henry", written by Silas Horn

More info.

'Bring a Friend' Open Gym May 8 & 13

Ballard Cheer Tryouts May 14-17

Cheer Tryouts are coming up 4:30-6:30 p.m. May 14-17 in the BHS Main Gym.

Want to see if cheer is for you, or looking to get in some practice before tryouts? There will be a "Bring a Friend" Open Gym from 4:30-6 p.m. May 8 and 13 in the BHS Commons. (Remember to fill out the interest form.)

Photo c/o and follow @ballardcheer. Email questions: Ballardhs.cheerleading@gmail.com

Athletics Spring Season Winds Down

Congratulations to Ballard seniors as our teams wind down the regular season and celebrate their graduating athletes! Here are some updates from this week's action:

• Softball has been on a tear this week, beating Blanchet 2-0 Monday, Rainier Beach 18-4 Tuesday, West Seattle 12-1 Thursday, and Kentlake 18-8 Friday. At Friday's game, the team held an "End to Gun Violence" event, in remembrance of Coach Dale Griffith's cousin D'Vonne Pickett Jr. (Photo c/o Coach Griffith.)

• Baseball beat Auburn 3-1 at T Mobile Stadium on Saturday, Franklin 9-2 Monday, and Cleveland 7-1 Wednesday.

• Track and Field was one of 71 teams to compete at the Shoreline Invitational Saturday. Results were not available yet. The team has one more regular season meet on Thursday, May 2 at Ingraham, competing against the Rams, Holy Names/O'Dea, Lincoln and Franklin. First event is at 2:45 p.m.

Athletics Updates Continue

Here are some more Ballard Athletics updates:

• Tennis celebrated Senior Night Thursday with a 3-2 boys team victory over Eastside Catholic. Eastside squeaked by the girls team 3-2. (Photo c/o @ballardhighschooltennis.)

• Boys Lacrosse Senior Night will be Friday, May 3 against Bainbridge at the Dam. The pre-game ceremony is at 6:30 p.m. and the teams face off at 7 p.m.

• Girls Lacrosse hosts Kennedy Catholic at the Dam at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 30. Come cheer on the team at their final regular season game.

• Soccer dropped a game to Lincoln 3-0 Monday and finished its regular season Friday with a 2-0 loss to Seattle Prep.

• BUF Gx celebrated Senior Night and wrapped their final game of the season against Lincoln Wednesday.

Updates are also on the BHS website.

Save the Date for Trivia Night May 29 at the Elks

Save the date for Trivia Night Wednesday, May 29 at Ballard Elks. This is the second major fundraiser this school year to benefit the Athletic Booster Club (ABC) and you'll get a chance to take down the Coaches Team which is ready for a little redemption following their Winter Trivia Night showing. Doors open at 6 p.m., first Trivia round is at 7 p.m.

Signup details coming soon! Learn more about how ABC supports Beaver athletes in this month's newsletter. Sign up for the ABC Newsletter.

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

The next DEI Committee meeting

is May 7 from 6-8 p.m. at the Fish Ladder Lounge (4910 Leary Way N.W.) 

We’d love to see you there! Please reach out if you're interested or have any questions: DEIatBHS@gmail.com. 

The Ballard PTSA DEI Committee meets the first Tuesday of each month. More info.

May 22: Save the date for an exciting interactive Restorative Practice workshop! This workshop will be held in the early evening at Ballard High School and led by RJOY (Restorative Justice for Oakland Youth), a national leader in this topic. Watch for more details coming soon…

Everyone is welcome to attend! The workshop is hosted by the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee for Ballard’s PTSA and by Ballard High School.  

Want to learn more about Restorative Practice? Roosevelt Alumni for Racial Equity (RARE) has some excellent information and ongoing activities here: Restorative Practice Committee – Roosevelt Alumni for Racial Equity (RARE) (rhs4racialequity.org)

More Upcoming Events

Donate now through May 3 to the Southeast Seattle Education Coalition (givelively.org)

“The SE Seattle Schools Fundraising Alliance (SESSFA) is a group of 17 public school PTAs and PTOs that believe in the power of sharing resources and strengthening relationships across our SE Seattle education community and beyond. Since 2021, SESSFA has raised more than $1 million for participating schools with the generous support of donors in our neighborhood and throughout our city. These funds are distributed equitably through a model that prioritizes populations furthest from educational justice.”

Due to redlining and other types of structural racism in our country, families in south Seattle neighborhoods are generally not as wealthy as many families in north end neighborhoods like Ballard. This limits fundraising in south end schools. Donating to this fund is one way to improve equity for students in Seattle schools. 

May 3 (6-9 p.m., Loyal Heights Community Center, $6 tickets). Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with tacos, trivia, and a movie screening. More info: https://fb.me/e/1Rd9vc71m.

May 4 (12-5pm, El Centro de la Raza, free event) Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at El Centro de la Raza in Beacon Hill. More info:

https://fb.me/e/c7ZE3OG0P

May 4 (11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Seattle Center, free event) Celebrate Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month

at Seattle Center with music, performances, dancing, the Alan Sugiyama hum bow eating contest, and more at the Armory Food & Event Hall Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month Celebration

In the News

Tribes redouble efforts to protect dwindling salmon populations | Real Change (realchangenews.org)

OPINION | Addressing Disparities in Health Care Careers Affecting Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders | South Seattle Emerald