The PTSA Board kicked off their school year volunteer roles with an introductory Meet & Greet and Zoom work meeting in August.

We'd love to have you join us as a volunteer and/or member. You can sign up as a member on our attached MemberPlanet packet. (Please contact Lisa Vanderford-Anderson at bhs.ptsa.membershipchair@gmail.com if you have any questions.)

Also, mark your calendars for our first hybrid Zoom/offsite Board meeting of the school year at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14. (Email President Karla Rava for meeting directions or Zoom link at bhs.ptsa.pres@gmail.com.) In the meantime, learn about What Does the PTSA Do?

Thank You,

Back to School Volunteers!

Thanks to the Parents/Guardians who have answered the call and signed up to assist with volunteer needs the first week of school.

Volunteering is a great way to support your student and school community. Every contribution is appreciated no matter how much or little. 

Interested in volunteering in other capacities this school year? Email PTSA Volunteer Coordinators Joy Das Gupta & Jen Wenrick at volunteer.ballardhs@gmail.com.

Photo of last year's PTSA laptop volunteer helpers Victoria Watson, Donna Bergeron & Sue Howe c/o @BeaverReadersbhs.

2023-24 PTSA President Welcome

Hello, I'm Karla Rava, parent of an incoming freshman and new to the Ballard neighborhood. I'm a Los Angeles native and alumna of California State University - Los Angeles with a master's degree in Sociology. Community outreach and public service has always been a passion of mine and the reason for my interest in joining the Ballard High School PTSA. 

As the new President, I look forward to working with parents/guardians, educators and students in mobilizing their programs through the support and fundraising efforts of the PTSA.

The mission of the PTSA is to create an inclusive, supportive community that cultivates a tradition of excellence for all students. To join the PTSA (open to parent/guardians, teachers, and students) please visit this link or send me an email at bhs.ptsa.pres@gmail.com to learn more. Go Beavers!

PTSA Advocacy Update

Student, Parent Rep Sought for WSPTA Legislative Assembly

The Washington State PTSA Fall Legislative Assembly is scheduled for Oct. 21-22 and is fully remote this year! Ballard High School PTSA has four seats for this event and is looking for two additional volunteers to attend.

We’d love to see a student and parent attend alongside the PTSA President and Advocacy Chair. Join us to learn more about statewide PTSA initiatives and action steps for school advocacy. Please reach out to Karla Rava if you are interested: bhs.ptsa.pres@gmail.com.

The Advocacy Committee is looking for a co-chair for the Advocacy Chair. Join us as we work to advocate for resources and support for our schools and children. If you are interested, please reach out to join.bhs.ptsa@gmail.com. 

Parents/Guardians of incoming 9th graders/new to BHS students: Please join us at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 31 for a special Orientation Night just for you!

The purpose of the evening is to share tips on how you can help your student make a successful transition from middle school to high school. Event is for Parent/Guardians Only.

Meet some of the PTSA chairs and Beaver Gear will be available too! Learn more about this fun event!

We look forward to welcoming all students back to school on Wednesday, Sept. 6.

Students may view their schedules on the Source before the start of school.

For incoming 9th graders (students new-to-Ballard), we are holding an adjusted schedule to provide a 1/2 day orientation.

ALL Students: Please refer to the Special First Day of School Bell Schedule (not an early release) for when to arrive on campus.

The Main Office is located on the first floor, with access on the south main entrance of the building.

The Office is open 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.

Welcome to new Administrative Secretary Cal Hartmann!

You can reach Cal at cmhartmann@seattleschools.org or via the Main Office number, 206-252-1000.

Transportation Updates

ORCA Card Information: The district is no longer managing ORCA cards for students. Students will need to request a new ORCA card but can use their student IDs when boarding buses in the meantime.

Traffic Alert: Be on the lookout for major Seattle Department of Transportation roadwork on the Ballard Bridge and 15th Ave. West/Northwest corridor. Paving and safety enhancements will begin by the end of the year.

Please visit the Transportation page for updates on all of these topics, as well as student parking reminders.

BHS will have student Photo Days and laptop distribution on Sept. 7-8.

School pictures are used for the yearbook and Student ID cards (Activity Card if ASB fee paid). ID cards should be available a week or two after Photo Days. Running Start Students can come anytime Sept. 7 or 8 for their pictures.

SPS Laptops will also be distributed at this time. Learn more about Photo Days.

Time to Buy an ASB Activity Card

All students who tryout/participate in a Ballard athletic team or are in the BPA Marching Band are required to purchase a BHS Activity Card (sticker) for $35.

We encourage all BHS students to purchase a ASB Card as paying the fee allows all BHS students to receive free admission to BHS home games (discounted for football games).

Students who pay the activity fee will also get a discount on school dances. Parents/guardians may pay via SchoolPay on the Source.

(Troubleshooting tips are also available on the BHS Website if you are having challenges with SchoolPay). More information on ASB cards.

If students requested an AP course, please be aware that some courses require that students complete assignments over the summer before beginning class in the fall.

The following courses require summer assignments: AP Studio Art, AP Photography. Students taking Grade 12 APLit must acquire a book.

For both 12 APLit and 11APLA, recommended reading lists are available on the school website.

Visit the BHS Website for more information.

Learn the many ways that Ballard High School communicates with BHS families to keep everyone connected and up to date.

• How Ballard HS Communicates with Students & Families

• BHS School Bulletin (Daily Online Announcements)

• PTSA Newsletter

In addition to Schoology, there are many other ways for students to get Ballard HS information.

How BHS Students can Stay Connected and Informed

Thanks to the Beaver Reader students, parents and staff who stopped by the library over the summer for the two open house library sessions, finding books, "s'more" community, inspiration, and plenty of smiles!

Thanks to Teacher-Librarian TuesD Chambers for offering the summer hours!

Explore everything our amazing library has to offer on the Ballard High School website. Here is Ms. Chambers' Summer Reading List too if you need a reading fix for the final week of August.

Photos c/o and follow @BeaverReadersbhs on Instagram.

Counseling Center Online Info

Explore Counseling Center resources on the Counseling Center Dashboard. Many answers to questions can be found there. BHS Counselors return late August, watch for more updates on their return to the school building.

Service Learning Requirement

Service Learning is giving time, without pay. One of the graduation requirements for SPS is 60 hours of Service Learning.

Summer hours that students complete that meet the service-learning requirement can be counted toward the 60-hour graduation requirement, except for incoming freshmen who can claim only 15 service-learning hours in the summer before they start at Ballard HS.

Service Learning:

Taproot Theatre Company

On Sept. 22, Taproot Theatre Co. in Greenwood is opening the world premiere of Last Drive to Dodge by Andrew Lee Creech, and they're looking for volunteer ushers.



Ushering at Taproot involves a few light tasks like stuffing programs and helping guests to their seats – then you are invited to stay and watch the show for free! Email scottz@taproottheatre.org for more information.

Busser/Server’s Assistant

Highliner Public House at Fishermen’s Terminal

Great part-time student job with excellent pay and benefits. A strong work ethic, reliability and attention to detail are a must. Flexible schedule but must have evenings (5-9 p.m.) and weekend availability. Please send your contact information along with your resume and/or a few words about why you would be a good fit for this position to HighlinerPub@gmail.com.

Looking for after school employment? Check out the Counseling Center's Job Board for even more options!

Fall Sports Parent & Guardian Info Night

Fall Sports Parent/Guardian Information Night will be 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 30 in the Gym. 

Individual teams' breakout sessions will occur immediately following Athletic Director Eric Ensign's sports overview. This is a great opportunity to meet coaches and ask specific questions. Learn more about the Athletic Booster Club and purchase Beaver Gear too!

Fall Sports Updates

Those who have signed up for Fall Athletic Sports need to make sure their athletic paperwork is turned in, their sports physical is current (and uploaded into FinalForms -- coaches cannot accept copies), and ASB fee is paid on The Source/SchoolPay (or via https://schoolpay.com/).

Full details.

BHS Athletic Booster Club

The Athletic Booster Club (ABC) is a volunteer group of parents working together to support, promote, and advocate for all BHS athletes with the BHS Athletic Director and Coaches. Our focus is on programs that benefit all Ballard HS athletes.

• So, your student is playing sports at Ballard! Are you looking for just the right low-key volunteer opportunity with a great group of people?

• Are you interested in fostering school-wide athletic community and reducing barriers to play for all BHS athletes? Do you like to help parents connect with coaches and each other? We have a spot for you!

• Think you can pitch in to support your student’s team or Ballard Athletics in general?

Even more information is available on our ABC Website and also on the Ballard HS Athletics pages too! If you’d like to talk to someone about specifics, please email our Community Outreach Chair, Beth Sylves at bhsabcmemberships@gmail.com. We would love to work with you!

Celebrating All Things Ballard BHS Foundation Fundraiser

The Ballard High School Foundation's Celebrating All Things Ballard Salmon Barbecue (Aug. 17) and online auction were held recently in support of Ballard Athletics, Performing Arts, Cheer, and Dance Team.

While the Foundation is still tabulating totals, they are pleased to announce they raised nearly $25,000 in support of this year's funded item, Ballard Strength and Conditioning.

Learn more about this inclusive program, open to all Beaver students @ballardstrength on Instagram.

Also, learn more about the Ballard High School Foundation.

BHSF Golf Classic

A full field of golfers enjoyed a gorgeous day of golf Aug. 18 at the Ballard High Foundation's 23rd Annual Victor Salvino Golf Classic at Newcastle Golf Course.

Check out the winning teams here. Thanks to the Ballard High School Foundation for their community support at both of their summer events.

Breakfast of Champions Coming Oct. 7!

Mark your calendars and buy your tickets today for the Ballard High School Foundation and Athletic Booster Club's fundraising Breakfast of Champions event Saturday, Oct. 7!

The "Empowering Women Through Sports" themed event will celebrate 50+ years of Title IX, and honor our first Woman of Impact, BHS alum Sue Stimac Verduin '78, all the while raising money for Ballard Athletics, Performing Arts, Cheer, and Dance Team.

Performing Arts Mandatory Uniform Fittings Days & Times:

• Tuesday Aug. 29: Between 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Wednesday Aug 30.: Between 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Thur. Aug 31: Between 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Thur. Sept 12: Tux fittings in classroom.

Uniforms will be organized on the Auditorium Stage in the PAC and there will be dressing rooms set up to try them on. You should be in and out in under 30 minutes! More info.

BPA News

Ballard Performing Arts (BPA) offers a weekly newsletter for families during the school year. Check out the mid-summer newsletter, featuring important updates and Music Camp info! A new BPA Newsletter edition will be coming out soon, sign up today!

Join Us for a PTSA Meeting!

Welcome back Beaver families! The BHS PTSA Board meetings will be held in a hybrid format via Zoom and a local meeting room.

All are welcome to join a Board Meeting, please email BHS President Karla Rava for Board meeting directions and/or Zoom link at bhs.ptsa.pres@gmail.com. Your time is valuable, so we are going to try and keep our monthly Board business meetings to an hour!

Also, mark your calendars for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 17, our Fall General Meeting in the Ballard Library. Meet our new Board, find out how you can be involved, and sign up as a member! Principal Abby Hunt will be there with a school update, and we'll vote on the final 2023-24 PTSA Budget too.

2023-24 PTSA Meeting Schedule

• Thursday, Sept. 14: Board Meeting, 6 p.m. off-site/Zoom
• Tuesday, Oct. 17: Board Meeting, 5:30 p.m. and Fall General Meeting, 7 p.m. Library/Zoom
• Thursday, Nov. 16: Board Meeting, 6 p.m. off-site/Zoom
• Thursday, Dec. 7: Board Meeting, 6 p.m. off-site/Zoom
• Thursday, Jan. 11: Board Meeting, 6 p.m. off-site/Zoom
• Thursday, Feb. 15: Board Meeting, 5:30 p.m. and Winter General Meeting, 7 p.m. Library/Zoom
• Thursday, March 7: Board Meeting, 6 p.m. off-site/Zoom
• Thursday, April 18: Board Meeting, 6 p.m. off-site/Zoom
• Thursday, May 9: Board Meeting, 6 p.m. off-site/Zoom
• Thursday, June 13: Board Meeting, 5:30 p.m. and Spring General Meeting PTSA Awards, 7 p.m. Library/Zoom

More information!

Save the Date!

PTSA Fundraising Gala March 24 at Block 41

Ballard parents’ favorite fundraiser is back! Don’t miss the fun at Block 41 on March 24 from 5 to 9:30 p.m.

This year’s Ballard High School PTSA Fundraising Gala will offer loads of great items for bidding, from restaurant gift cards to amazing trips away!

Sponsorship Opportunities: Do you have, or know of, a business that could support the March 24 PTSA Fundraising Gala as a sponsor? Sponsorship levels start at just $250 and include recognition leading up to and throughout the event on March 24.

See sponsorship level details here and fill out our sponsorship form or email ballardgala@gmail.com to inquire.

Volunteers are also needed! We continue to add to our team as the season progresses. Let us know if you would like to lend a hand by emailing ballardgala@gmail.com.

DEI Committee Equity Corner Back Next Week!

Stay informed through the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee's "Equity Corner", a weekly feature in the PTSA Newsletter.

Learn more about the DEI Committee!

See an interesting event that celebrates Diversity, Equity, or Inclusion and you’d like to see it highlighted? Please send it our way to DEIatBHS@gmail.com. Thank you!

PTSA Social Media

Follow us on our PTSA social media pages!

@bhs.ptsa (Instagram)

Facebook Business Page

Facebook Groups:

Friends of Ballard and Class of 2024 Facebook Parent Groups