Start of School Forms Due Sept. 30

As seen in our Friday email, please fill out and return the required Start of School forms by September 30, 2023.

The forms listed as well as other helpful district forms are available to download w/translations and some are fillable as well on the SPS Start of School Forms.

Completed forms can be dropped off in the Main Office; emailed as an attachment to Administrative Secretary Cal Hartmann at cmhartmann@seattleschools.org; or mailed to Ballard High School, 1418 N.W. 65th St., Seattle WA 98117.

Paper copies of forms are available to pick up outside the BHS Main Office.

Connecting to Schoolwork Through Schoology

From Principal Hunt's Friday Message:

"It was wonderful to have a full five-day week to settle into our routines. Students now have their laptops, their pictures have been taken, and learning is taking place throughout the building. Our admin team has been actively visiting classrooms and observing the many ways that educators are thoughtfully working to build relationships and community.

"As your student looks to access course materials from home, please know that all our teachers have committed to using Schoology as a common learning management system. Our intent behind this is to support students’ ability to stay connected to their coursework while increasing accessibility with a commonly used resource. We look forward to sharing more information with you about your student’s coursework at our upcoming Curriculum Night on Thursday, September 28." Talisman photo.

Did you miss Photo Day?

Rowland Studio will be back at Ballard on Tuesday, Sept. 26 for Make-Up Picture Day.

More info.

Time to Buy an ASB/Student ID Activity Card

All BHS students are encouraged to purchase an ASB Activity Card ($35) as paying the fee allows all BHS students to receive free admission to BHS home games and discounts for football games and school dances. Your Student ID card becomes an Activity Card when you have paid the ASB Fee and either get a sticker or a stamp on your Student ID Card. Cards should be ready to be picked up in about a week or two. More info.

In addition to Start of School Forms being due Sept. 30, the Main Office has the following announcements:

Puyallup State Fair one-day passes are now available! One ticket per student. Come by the Main Office to pick up a ticket. Fair runs through Sept. 24

Curriculum Night will be 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 28, more details will be announced soon.

Students, there is no parking in the Staff parking lots and you will get a sticker put on your car.

Yearbook Purchase Window Ends Sept. 27

Yearbooks can be purchased online via parents/guardians Source/School Pay account.

Yearbooks can also be purchased in the Activity Center at lunch and after school with cash, check or Debit/Credit Card.

Yearbook Sales Windows:

9/6/23 – 9/27/23 $60

1/2/24 – 1/23/24 $65

4/1/24 – 4/29/24 (excludes Spring Break 4/8/24 – 4/12/24) $70

More info.

Homecoming Dance Oct. 7, Ticket Sales Sept. 27-29

Homecoming Spirit Week Eras Tour, October 2-6

From the Associated Student Body, Homecoming Spirit Week is October 2-6!

Spirit Days Theme: The Eras Tour (Bucky’s Version) | More info.

• Monday, Oct 2: Monday Midnights (PJs)
• Tuesday, Oct 3: Tuesday debut vs 1989 (country outfit or fave streetwear)
• Wednesday, Oct 4: Lover (pastels)
• Thursday, Oct 5: Lucky Bucky (favorite jersey or any lucky number)
• Friday, Oct 6 (Assembly, Special Bell Schedule): Friday Era Day, BHS Class Colors (Freshmen Grey, Sophomore White, Junior Red, Senior Black)

Homecoming Dance Bejeweled

• Oct. 7 at Ballard HS Gym from 7-10 p.m. More info.

Follow @ballardhighasb for fun updates!

Get Involved With a Club!

Students, mark your calendars for Club Rush on Wednesday, Oct. 4. More details are coming soon!

Also, if you have a had a club last year, or are interested in starting one, please fill out this form!

In the meantime, here are some of the student interest clubs that are starting!

Ping Pong: Did you know that Ballard has a table tennis team? Come to the AC during lunch or after school to get a game in and learn more. 

Viking Robotics

Students, come join Viking Robotics. Robotics meets from 6-8 p.m. every Monday and Wednesday in the Woodshop. They are looking for students who have any interest in Engineering, Programming, Electrical, Business and Social Media Management.

No prior experience required. Just come hang out and have a good time.

Membership Drive

Join PTSA by October 6 and Win Ballard Swag!

The Ballard High School PTSA Membership Drive is in full swing, and we've got an exciting incentive to encourage you to join us! From now through Oct. 6, when you become a PTSA member, your name will automatically be entered into a special drawing for a chance to win fantastic Ballard swag. Are you one of the many who have already signed up to be a member? Congratulations! You are already in the drawing!

Our children may be growing up, but the PTSA needs you to support the mission of an inclusive, supportive community that cultivates a tradition of excellence for all students. The PTSA organizes programming to support parents, teachers, and students. PTSA-sponsored activities include everything from parent education sessions to teacher grants, to Bucky's Home for the Holidays gift card drive. With your membership, we are able to impact the number of seats we are allowed at the WSPTA Fall Legislative Assembly and the number of submissions available for our students in the annual PTA Reflections Program.

Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to support our students, connect with our community, and score some awesome Ballard gear.

PTSA Board Volunteers needed!

There are still a few openings to get involved and make a difference for the students and staff at BHS!

Direct Appeal Chair: The Direct Appeal is a fall mailing that raises funds to provide grants to teachers and staff throughout the year. This is a one time ask 

SPREE Coordinator: SPREE is a safe way for our BHS Seniors to celebrate after graduation. If you're the parent of a Senior this is a great way to help make sure we cap off the class of 2024's high school journey with some fun and great memories!

Vice President: As a member of the executive board, this role supports the President and helps plan meetings and works with committee chairs. The board meets once a month throughout the school year.

If you are interested in any of the above positions or want more information about getting involved in the PTSA, email join.bhs.ptsa@gmail.com.

Full details.

PTSA Board Kicks off year with September Meeting

Thanks to President Karla Rava for hosting the first hybrid Board Meeting of the year!

Some PTSA Updates:

• From Membership Chairs Lisa Vanderford-Anderson and Deborah Frieze: We have more than 75 new members, thank you BHS Community and we look forward to ways we can meet and come together in support of our students and staff. You too can sign up here or if you want an "eye-catching" PTSA shopper tote, come visit our table at Sept. 28 Curriculum Night! Everyone who signs up by Oct. 6 will be eligible to win BHS swag in our Membership Drive drawing!

• Kelly Mazzola will step away from the Vice President role and back into the Secretary role. Thanks to longtime secretary Gena Mason Frank for her thorough minutes (and ability to walk through technical online meeting issues with ease!), we wish her well!

Learn more about all our Committee activities on What Does the PTSA Do?

Fall General Meeting Tuesday, Oct. 17

Mark your calendars for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 17, our Fall General Meeting in the Ballard Library.

You can also 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.

This schoolwide Fall General Meeting will follow a 5:30 p.m. PTSA Board (business) meeting, also in the School Library.

All are welcome at both meetings, members can vote!

Questions? Email President Karla Rava at bhs.ptsa.pres@gmail.com

Also in October

PTSA to Raise Virtual Voice in Olympia

Thanks to BHS parent Tim Danskin and daughter Genevieve who have volunteered to attend the Washington State PTSA Fall Legislative Assembly on Oct. 21-22, along with PTSA Advocacy Chair Stephanie King and PTSA President Karla Rava. We can't wait to hear the full report!

Join the Gala Fundraiser Committee

Ballard parents’ favorite fundraiser is back! Don’t miss the fun at Block 41 on Sunday, 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 PTSA Fundraising Gala as a sponsor? Sponsorship levels start at just $250 and include recognition leading up to and throughout the event. Email ballardgala@gmail.com for more information on sponsorships.

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.

Parent volunteers are needed to help in the Ballard Library by signing up for regular weekly shifts during the school day.

This is a great opportunity for parents who are able and interested to come 2 hours a week at the same time each week. Help our fantastic librarian with checking in books, book displays, reshelving and other special projects!

Please note that SPS requires all volunteers to complete their volunteer approval process before you can volunteer. Please complete the forms HERE

Questions? Email Jen or Joy at bhsvolunteer@gmail.com

Counseling Center Resources

There is a lot of helpful back to school information on the Counseling Center Dashboard, including applying for college resources, service learning options, scholarship offerings, job board opportunities and more.

• Sonja Petersen (A-Deg)
• Maya McKenzie (Deh-Kar)
• Tom Kramer (Kas-Pes)
• Gail Olson Laing (Pet-Wat)
• Katie Huguenin (Wau-Z)

College Visits

Juniors & Seniors Sign up on Naviance for College Visits

Students, over 40 College Admissions Representatives have signed up to visit the Counseling Center.

Note Husky applicants! The University of Washington is coming 8:50 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 21.

Visit the Naviance website or the College Visit page to sign up. See Ms. Bristol in the Counseling Center if you need help signing up.

Questions? Email Ms. Bristol at chbristol@seattleschools.org.

The National Association for College Admission Counseling's National College Fair will be 9 a.m. to noon Oct. 6 and noon to 4 p.m. Oct. 7 at the Seattle Convention Center, inclouding:

• Over 200 diverse school.  
• Presentations on Financial Aid, the College Essay and more
• College Advising Center.

Register here. More info.

Service Learning Offers Lessons Beyond Classroom

Service Learning is giving time, without pay. One of the graduation requirements for SPS is 60 hours of Service Learning. The Counseling Center posts service-learning resources at school and online.

For questions, email Counseling Secretary Carol Bristol at chbristol@seattleschools.org.

The Alzheimer's Association is hosting its annual Seattle "Walk to End Alzheimer's" coming up on Sept. 30 at the Seattle Center. Volunteers are needed to set up pop up canopies, tables, chairs, and serve in various other roles. The event is taking place at the Seattle Center, is all outside, and usually has about 1,500 people show up. Signup here.

Service Learning

Fisherman's Fall Festival, Signup by Sept. 25!

Fall Fishermen’s Festival is a free community event that brings awareness to the fishing and maritime industries. It also raises funds for the Fishermen’s Memorial Fund. This year it is being held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30 at Fisherman's Terminal. 

Organizers are looking for volunteers to help in a variety of available shifts with set up and break down, bussing tables, working in the beverage children’s activity and wooden boat-building booths, and food prep.

Each volunteer will receive a T-shirt and a BBQ ticket to be enjoyed before or after your shift, and community service hours. Sign up here by Sept. 25.

Service Learning:

Pasado's Safe Haven LEAP

Pasado's Safe Haven, in Monroe, is one of 25 sanctuaries nationwide to join Leaders for Ethics, Animals, and the Planet (LEAP). This nine-month program provides hands-on learning and workshops with animals, volunteer service opportunities, and even scholarship awards to high-school students who show a passion for bettering the world for others, including animals. Information and applications. Note: Application deadlines have been extended to October 1.

Service Learning:

Sustainable Ballard

Here are some options from the area nonprofit, Sustainable Ballard.

View their current projects or assist at the Sustainable Ballard Festival at Loyal Heights Community Center on Saturday Sept. 30 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Learn more and sign up.

Internship

Help Plan MLK Day 2024

The Martin Luther King Jr. Organizing Coalition of Seattle, is looking for excited high school student interns to aid in event planning for MLK Day 2024. The Coalition is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Apply by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 27: More info, application

Internship

Ace Mentor Program

The ACE Mentor Program of America, founded in 1994, is a no-cost after-school program that prioritizes workforce development for high school students by connecting them with experts from the design and construction industry.

Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis, with the exception of seniors and returning students getting higher priority. Registation due Oct. 13. Apply here. More info.

More offerings on the Counseling Center News page.

Ballard Fiddlers

The Ballard Fiddlers group meets from 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesdays in the Band Room with coach Kat Bula. The ensemble is composed of students who play the violin, viola, cello, bass, guitar, mandolin etc. Members work to refine their improvisational skills, learn music in an aural tradition, and perform authentic American roots music by arranging traditional tunes of the American Roots and Jazz repertoire. The ensemble performs at school concerts and special events and is available for private performances.

All acoustic string instruments are welcome! Contact Kat Bula for more info.

Tech Crew Introductory Meeting

Students, there is an introductory meeting for those interested in theatre tech crew on Mon, Sept 18 at 12:15 p.m, in the Black Box theatre. Applications will be handed out at the meeting. If you cannot attend the meeting, please reach out to Ms. Miller for details.

The fall show will be a devised piece, written and performed by a student ensemble. "We will take inspiration from playwright Jose Rivera, using his text 'Sonnets for an Old Century', to uplift and inspire our own voices," said Ms. Miller.

Show dates are 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct.19, Friday, Oct. 20, and Saturday, Oct 21.

Please reach out to Ms. Miller at mashor@seattleschools.org with any questions.

Fall Sports Updates

Follow all the fall teams' schedules on the Metro Athletics Ballard page. (Check often, as game times and locations can change) and get important news and information on the Ballard High School Athletics webpage.

Livestreaming Options: Some volleyball, football and soccer games will be livestreamed on the NFHS Network, check the upcoming events here.

Football Online Ticket Purchase Details

Football fans, you can buy tickets on your phone through the HomeTown Fan app, available in the Apple App Store or Google Play. Make sure to have your tickets out and ready to scan for fastest entry. Full details. There is still a cash option to pay for tickets at games too and your ASB card will provide a discount.

Breakfast of Champions Fundraiser Oct. 7

Please join fellow Beavers for a morning of fun and fundraising for BHS mental health programs!

The Ballard High School Foundation and Athletic Booster Club Breakfast of Champions is set for the end of Homecoming Week on Saturday, Oct. 7 in the Commons (lunchroom).

8:30 a.m. Meet & Greet Reception for VIP Table/VIP Ticket Holders

9:30 a.m. Pancake Breakfast and Program

The "Empowering Women Through Sports" themed program, emceed by BHS Parent and FOX13 News' Erin Mayovsky (right), will include:

• Presentation of inaugural Sue Stimac Verduin '78 Woman of Impact Award (Sue is pictured after getting her SPS Athletic Hall of Fame Award from Paul Silvi);
• Seattle U Athletic Director Shaney Fink (center);
• Student and alumni speakers;
• Athletes and coaches/administrators will be seated with guests to share more details about their experiences as BHS team members;
• And the Ballard Pep Band will be there to get the festivities started!

Event proceeds go to mental health programs for all BHS students. Ticket sales proceeds may be directed to your choice of athletic team, cheer, dance team or performing arts.

Interested in sponsorship? Email Dick Lee at rjlee@seattleschools.org.

Cross Country Has Blast at Bellarmine Invite

Both the Girls and Boys Cross Country teams came in first place at their Metro season starting Sept. 13 meet at Lincoln Park, competing against Garfield, West Seattle, Chief Sealth, Cleveland and Eastside Catholic. Meet results.

Thirty runners (15 from boys and 15 from girls team) also participated in the Brooks Fort Steilacoom Invitational Sept. 16, on a hot course against a crowded field. We're looking forward to seeing those exciting results too. Photo c/o parent volunteers. Follow @ballardhsxc.

Football Tackles Lynx

From Coach Ross Humphries about the football team's gutty 18-14 win Friday over the Lincoln Lynx: "Emotional week of practice, but leaders emerged in our big team win against our week 3 opponent". Full schedule on the Metro Athletics page.

SPS sports fans can buy football tickets online through the Hometown Ticketing. Photo c/o Ed Tanaka.

Golf Hosts Two Matches This Week

The Golf team has two home matches this week. The first is at 3:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 18 against Nathan Hale at Jackson Park.

The second event is at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 21 against Roosevelt at Jackson Park.

Schedules for both the Boys' and Girls' Teams. Follow the team @ballard.golf.

Catch Volleyball's Next Home Game Wednesday!

Volleyball is 2-1 in Metro League play and visits Nathan Hale on Monday, Sept. 18. Come cheer the team on at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 20 as they host the Ingraham Rams.

Schedule. Photo c/o and follow the team @ballardvolleyball.

Girls Swim & Dive Heads to Hale's Pool Friday

The Ballard Girls Swim & Dive team hosted its first home meet Sept. 15 against Roosevelt. Results aren't available yet, but congratulations to the swimmers and divers.

Future Dual Meets (all at 4 p.m.):

Sept. 22 Nathan Hale (Away)

Sept. 29 Garfield (Away)

Oct. 6 Cleveland/Franklin (Home)

Oct. 13 Ingraham (Away)

Oct. 20 Bishop Blanchet (Home)

Metros will be Oct. 27-28 at Snohomish Aquatic Center

Photo c/o and follow @bhsgirlsswimanddive.

Cheer Soccer Tuesday at Home

Support the Girls' Soccer team while they face off against Eastside Catholic at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 19! Schedule.

Photo c/o Lisa Vanderford-Anderson. Follow the team @ballardgirlsoccer

BUF Off to a Big Start!

Ballard Ultimate Frisbee Boys Varsity is hosting Ingraham under the Ballard Turf lights at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 19. Schedule. Follow the team @bufballard

Boys Swim & Dive Interest Meeting

There will be an Boys Swimming & Dive interest meeting in Coach Kyle Morean’s room during lunch on Thursday, Sept. 21 for all interested – new and returning.

There is no experience required beyond basic water safety and competence. Please come out and meet the captains and the team.

Questions? Email Coach Morean at kimorean@seattleschools.org.

Duffel Bag Sale ends Oct. 2

The Online Duffle Bag Store is open Tuesday, Sept. 5 through Monday, Oct. 2! Beaver fans can order bags in two sizes – standard and tiny (6" x 10") – with straps. Personalization is available, too!

A portion of the sale from each bag goes to the BHS Athletic Booster Club (ABC) to support the athletes and coaches of our high school. When your order is ready, the Beaver Gear Team will let you know to pick it up in the school office! Questions? Email bhsabcgear@gmail.com

Please Fill Out the DEI Committee Survey

The next DEI Committee meeting is October 3, 2023, from 6:30-8:30pm at Station 18 – 5425 Russell Ave NW 

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.

Please take this very short survey by October 2, 2023 and let us know what you would like the DEI Committee to focus on this year! Ballard HS DEI Survey - 9th Grade Parent/Guardian Information Night (surveymonkey.com)   

(this survey was created for the event to welcome the new families, but we would love everyone’s input – both new and established Ballard HS families!) 

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

Upcoming Events

September 18 (Free, register online here) Open Discussions - RARE (Roosevelt Alumni for Racial Equity, rhs4racialequity.org)

Join RARE at 5 p.m. Monday, Sept. 18 to learn what programs are in place in several Seattle Public Schools to address racial equity.

Principals from both north end and south end schools will share what programs they have in place to mitigate racial inequity, what challenges they’ve faced and are anticipated, as well as success stories that have enhanced the educational value of their students.

The evening will be moderated by Rena Mateja, an award-winning philanthropist and humanitarian since the age of seven. She was born and raised in Seattle and is currently a student at Seattle Central and is a community advocate, activist and nationally certified circle keeper. She is a former member of the NAACP Youth Council and a Board Member of the SCPTSA.

September 22 is the Autumnal Equinox, celebrated in many cultures, including Ohigan in Japanese culture and Mabon in Pagan and Wiccan religions: Autumnal Equinox in 2023/2024 - When, Where, Why, How is Celebrated? (holidayscalendar.com)

September 23 The Italian Festival (seattlecenter.com) “Seattle Center Festál presents The Italian Festival in partnership with Festa Italiana. The Italian Festival is an annual festival inaugurated in 1988 to celebrate the joy of “All Things Italian.”

September 24 at sundown marks the beginning of Yom Kippur, which ends at nightfall on September 25. This Day of Atonement is an important day in Judaism and marks the conclusion of the Jewish High Holy Days. Learn more here: Yom Kippur: Significance, Facts & Traditions - HISTORY  

In the News

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