BHS PTSA News
Jan. 10, 2021
B H S C A L E N D A R
News and updates also available through the online School Bulletin


Jan. 18 | Martin Luther King Jr. Day, no school


Jan. 21 | Library Curbside Pickup, 3-5 p.m.

Jan. 22 | BPA Collage Concert, 7 p.m.

Jan. 27 | Amnesty Day, chance to complete work

Jan. 28 | Day Between Semesters, no school

Jan. 30 | BPA Goodwill Truck, 9 to noon, North Lot
ALL SCHOOL NEWS
Learning blooms through BHS Botany program
Erika Schultz/The Seattle Times
"India Carlson, who teaches botany and environmental horticulture at Ballard High School, gives plants to students during a curbside pickup event at the school Dec. 10."

Ms. India Carlson's BHS Botany program was featured in a Jan. 3 Education Lab story "Washington science teachers get creative during pandemic learning" in The Seattle Times.

We love this shoutout to our staff ingenuity during the building closure! Check out the article, written by Times Staff Reporter Hannah Furfaro, on the BHS Greenhouse webpage or linked below.
Community mourns Instructional Asst. Rafael Vargas
From Principal Keven Wynkoop's Jan. 7 letter to the community, we learned of the passing of BHS Instructional Assistant Rafael Vargas.

"Rafael was an outstanding educator that was kind, supportive, intelligent, hard-working and just plain cool," Wynkoop said. "He was an accomplished flamenco guitarist and served Ballard students for the last 10 years. He is going to be greatly missed by his students and his colleagues."

On Jan. 7 BHS Counselors were available via an open Teams call for students and staff to help process this sad news. In his letter, Mr. Wynkoop also shared the following grief-support resources:

Jan. 20 Picture/ID Day at Rowland Studio
School Picture/Student ID sittings will again be offered at Rowland Studio (6900 Roosevelt Way N.E., 206-522-7171, info@rowlandphoto.com) on Wednesday, Jan. 20.
Students are not required to have photos taken in the studio. This is an optional service. Those who do choose to have a photo taken there will get a free Student ID as well as be able to use the in-studio photo for the yearbook.
2019-20 Yearbooks still available to purchase
If you would like to purchase a 19-20 Yearbook please email Karen Kazanjian, Fiscal Specialist, at klkazanjian@seattleschools.org for a link to pay for the 19-20 Yearbook. Cost is $55, while supplies last.

If you haven’t yet picked up your purchased yearbook please call the Main Office at 206-252-1000 to schedule a pickup date and time. More info on the Yearbook page.

Look for details coming soon on 2020-21 Yearbook sale dates.
PSAT & SAT School-Day Assessments Update
School-Day PSAT/NMSQT that was originally scheduled for Jan. 26 has been cancelled. Visit the SPS School-Day PSAT page for more information and view the Alternate Entry to the National Merit Scholarship Program flyer for student options.

School-Day SAT | At this time, the SPS School-Day SAT is still scheduled for all Juniors on March 3. The SAT is offered free of charge with no pre-registration required. Students can visit the SAT Information page for more updates and helpful practice links.
 
Visit the BHS Assessments Overview for updates and tabs describing different types of assessments.
BHS photographers in National Nordic Museum exhibit
The National Nordic Museum, located in downtown Ballard, has partnered with four Seattle high schools in a virtual exhibition that asked AP Photography students to respond to Norwegian artist Edvard Munch's experimental selfies with their own portraits.

BHS AP Photographers featured in exhibit: Anya Blissett, Dori Buttleman, Grey Colleran, Annabelle Falconer, Sheridan Green, Leonardo Hale, Dylan Nicole Hansen, Frances Magnuson, Hope Onstad, Chamonix Reynolds, Eli Warshaw and Anna Wilk.

In addition to BHS, Roosevelt, Nathan Hale and Garfield student photographers participated in the exhibit.

Check out BHS student photographers' amazing work in the Virtual Gallery (linked below), including Anya Blissett's dog portrait.
Talisman student newspaper online
The Talisman, BHS's award-winning student-produced newspaper, has updated articles online! Visit the Talisman website for the most current updates and recent articles.


Dec. 18, 2020 Talisman cover art by Sam Rainville.
LIBRARY
Library MakerSpace blanket project on Jan. 12
The BHS Library MakerSpace Group will have its first virtual meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 12 at 1:30 p.m.

MakerSpace creators are going to make warm blankets! All you will need is two pieces of fabric and scissors.

"I made a 2-1/2 yard blanket, which I can fully wrap myself in at 5'-8", so get as much fabric as you need," said Ms. Chambers. Scissors should be strong/sharp enough to cut through fabric.

Email TuesD Chambers with questions at tschambers@seattleschools.org.

Library Curbside Pickup fun continues Jan. 21
Thanks for coming to the First Curbside Pickup of the year last Thursday! The next pickup will be 3-5 p.m. Jan. 21!

Need inspiration for titles to check out? Here's the top 25 most checked out at BHS for 2020!

Put books on hold any time at bit.ly/BHSHolds. Don't forget to return your BHS Library books then too!
Visit the BHS Library page to stay current on what's happening in the BHS Library!
Filling out college applications?
Applying to College page offers helpful links
The Counseling Center's Applying to College resource guide has answers to commonly asked questions about applying to college as well as upcoming events and opportunities. It is updated often with new content and helpful links, including: Letter of Recommendation Form | Class Rank | Transcript Requests | High School and Beyond Plan
Free tuition for Seattle Colleges
Seniors: Apply for Seattle Promise by Feb. 1!
More than 1,000 high school seniors have applied for Seattle Promise already. Don't miss out on two years of free tuition at Seattle Colleges. The scholarship is available to all SPS graduates regardless of GPA, income, ability, or country of birth. Apply by Feb.1.

Visit the Seattle Promise Application & Financial Workshop site to find application completion help.

COUNSELING CENTER
Counseling Center offers services online
The BHS Counseling Center has helpful information online such as its updated Featured News section, Applying to College resources, Service Learning opportunities, and a convenient online appointment signup site for students.
Service Learning opportunities for juniors & seniors
Bank of America Student Leaders programs
Bank of America’s Student Leaders program connects 225 community-minded high school juniors and seniors to employment, skills development, and service. They're awarded paid summer internships with local nonprofits, and participate in a national leadership summit in Washington, D.C. that focuses on skill-building and creating a more civically engaged society. Application deadline is Jan 29. Visit the Bank of America Student Leaders website for more details.
Whitworth Financial Aid offering FAFSA info program
As financial aid season approaches, the Whitworth University (Spokane) team is offering multiple webinars to help students/families prepare for and understand the financial aid process.

With 33 years of financial aid experience, Whitworth's Assistant VP of Student Financial Services will share her tips and insights about filing the FAFSA and pursuing financial aid resources that can help students and families at any college they plan to attend!

Incoming students who participate in two Whitworth virtual visit programs during 2020-21 are eligible to receive a one-time, $1,000 Visit Scholarship to help cover tuition. Visit the Whitworth University Info page for more details.

Who is your local hero? | 2021 SPL Foundation Essay Contest
8th Annual Stimson Bullitt Civic Scholarship

Seniors are asked to write a 1,500-word essay about an individual (or group) from Washington who has demonstrated civic courage at great personal, political or professional risk. Submission deadline: March 15.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Student Meal pickups available weekdays
Students, parents/guardians can pick up "to go" breakfast and lunches from 11:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. weekdays at 40 SPS meal sites, including these area neighborhood schools:
  • B.F. Day Elementary, 3921 Linden Ave. N, Seattle, WA 98103
  • Broadview-Thomson K-8, 13052 Greenwood Ave. N, Seattle, WA 98133
  • Catherine Blaine K-8, 2550 34th Ave. W, Seattle, WA 98199 and
  • North Beach Elementary, 9018 24th Ave. NW, Seattle, WA 98117

Note from the Nurse
Coping with Disheartening News
We’ve all heard the disheartening news recently. How do we cope and process this? Periodically unplug from all news and social media for as little as 15 minutes at a time. Engage in any physical activity that will take your mind off it. Enjoy walking? Wonderful! Love meditation? Great!

Even in bad situations there is some good, so look for the good. If your reaction to this disheartening news is causing considerable distress, seek out someone to talk to and help you through this.


I'm available weekdays via email at ljtirtanadi@seattleschools.org or phone. My office number is 206-252-1007 and the confidential nurse fax line is 206-743-3106. Please do not hesitate to email or call if you have questions or concerns.
BALLARD PERFORMING ARTS
Save date for BPA Virtual Collage Concert Jan. 22
violin-playing.jpg
Save the date for the Ballard Performing Arts Collage Concert Virtual performance, Friday, Jan. 22 at 7 p.m. Featuring performances from the bands, choirs, orchestras and more! Stay tuned for details for the concert and the accompanying “Dinner and a Show” dinner-to-go box from Tom Douglas Restaurants.

Eat MOD Pizza and Support the Arts Jan. 14
MOD Pizza Fundraiser! Take a break and order takeout, pickup or delivery from MOD Pizza in Ballard on Thursday, Jan. 14, and 20% of your meal’s price will be donated back to BHS Performing Arts Booster Club.

Visit the MOD Pizza's Ballard online order site. Use the promo code "GR173011B" and 20% of your meal’s price will be donated back to BPABC! Thank you!
Join BPA for the Virtual Spaghetti Dinner on Feb. 6
Join Ballard Performing Arts for the reimagined 2021 Virtual Spaghetti Dinner!
7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6. YouTube link will be sent closer to event. Pick Up Pasta Dinner: Time TBD from BHS North Parking Lot.

Jan. 30 Goodwill Truck at BHS to help BPA

Please save your new year’s resolution Marie Kondo-ing, outgrown clothes, outdated home decor, velvet dog paintings, and unused furniture. We’ll take it!
ATHLETICS
WIAA revises sports in response to Gov. guidelines
The WIAA Executive Board voted to move Fall Sports to WIAA Season 1 and will review Seasons 2 and 3 at its Jan. 19 meeting.

WIAA Season 1 will span seven weeks in length, beginning with pre-competition practices on Feb. 1 and ending on March 20. Refer to the WIAA-updated season chart with dates and sports. (All dates are tentative.)

The change comes after Gov. Jay Inslee “Healthy Washington” plan with new guidelines for athletics and activities in WA. Sports will maintain their previously assigned risk levels; however, the level of participation for each activity will vary in Phase 1 or Phase 2.

“There is still is not a clear pathway to the high-risk indoor activities of basketball, competitive cheer and dance, and wrestling” said WIAA Executive Director Mick Hoffman.
 
More information is on WIAA News & Headlines. Visit BHS Athletics Overview for registration due dates and additional info.
OFFICE NOTES
8th Grade Choices Virtual Event Feb. 4
Ballard HS will host an Asynchronous (independent) 8th Grade Choices Virtual Event on Feb. 4 for prospective families to learn more about Open Enrollment and hear from staff and students on why "It's Always Great to Be a Beaver!"

Leading up to the event, if you have any questions you’d like answered, please submit them via the form below to help us answer as many of them as we can in our upcoming presentation.
Please visit the BHS Choices Event page for more information and current updates.
BHS Office hours
The Main Office is staffed 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (for email or phone communications only) on school days. The phone number is 206-252-1000.

Email BHS Administrative Secretary Cindy Peterson at crpeterson@seattleschools.org or Assistant/Athletics Secretary Rayna Bauer at rcbauer@seattleschools.org with any questions.

Helpful quick links


Student Portal (Source/Schoology)

BHS Weather Conditions (thanks to the BHS Greenhouse)
PTSA UPDATES
Save the Date!
Feb. 11 BHS PTSA Meeting
The BHS PTSA is coordinating an informative program for our online General Meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11 and we can't wait to share all the details with you!

The General Meeting will be preceded by a 5:30 p.m. PTSA Board Meeting. More information on BHS PTSA Overview page.

Email Gloria Kruzner at bhs.ptsa.pres@gmail.com for meeting links.
PTSA Nomination Committee
We need a couple parents to volunteer for the PTSA nominating committee.

Members of the committee must belong to the PTSA. They are asked to help identify candidates for next year's PTSA Executive Board (President, VP, Treasurer and Secretary)

If you're interested in helping, email Gloria Kruzner at bhs.ptsa.pres@gmail.com.
WSPTA Focus on Advocacy
The Washington State Legislature is scheduled to convene on Jan. 11 and adjourn on April 25.

To better amplify its voice, the Washington State PTA (or WSPTA, of which BHS PTSA is a member group) has designated Jan. 18-22 as Advocacy Week.

Each day has a designated focus, based on member-adopted legislative priorities.

WSPTA will develop a new message each day based on the focus and send it to anyone who has signed up to receive action alerts through WSPTA'S Action Network.
Here is the list of engagement focus topics (subject to change):

Jan.18 - anti-racism
Jan. 19 - equity
Jan. 20 - mental health and wellness
Jan. 21 - preserving and flexing funding
Jan. 22 - safety and emergency preparedness

SPS UPDATES
Return to in-person learning update
On March 1, students in preschool, kindergarten, and 1st grade and students enrolled in Special Education Intensive Service Pathways (SEL, Moderate Intensive, Focus, Distinct, Developmental Preschool, and Medically Fragile) will have the opportunity to return for in-person instruction. Learn more on the SPS Return to In-Person FAQ.
Eden Mack resigns from School Board
Seattle School Board District 4 Director Eden Mack announced her resignation Jan. 7.

District 4 includes southern Ballard, Queen Anne and Magnolia neighborhoods.

COMMUNITY ARTS, CULTURE, ACTION
The BHS PTSA offers these Community Activities for informational purposes & does not necessarily support activities or views presented therein.
Seattle Aquarium Ocean Career Series
Join the Seattle Aquarium for a free, virtual, three-week series to learn about career paths in the marine and ocean sciences with expert members of the aquarium staff!

Registration for this free event is required.
Once registered, you'll receive emails with links to the weekly panels by noon on the days they take place. Classes are: Jan.27, Feb. 3 and 10 at 3:30 p.m.
JazzED Virtual Protest Songs Project
Virtual Protest Songs Project is JazzED's main winter program, available on Saturdays, Feb. 6 until April 10 via Zoom.

Open to student musicians and vocalists grades 5-12, learn iconic protest songs by Bob Marley, Marvin Gaye, Nina Simone, Charles Mingus and Sam Cooke.

Choose your price and if you can't pay anything right now, it's totally OK! Choose tuition waiver, no questions asked. That code is WAIVER at check-out.

Ski bus program update
Plans for Mohan Skiing's 2021 Snowsports Season are still being developed.

Visit the skimohan.com website for more details or contact Program Coordinator Noam Gundle at noamjg@gmail.com with any questions.
SHOP AND SUPPORT BHS PTSA
Support BHS PTSA at Fred Meyer
Thank you to the BHS families who contribute to BHS PTSA while they shop at Fred Meyer.

A digital account is needed to participate in Fred Meyer Community Rewards. To help contribute, link your Shoppers Card card to the BHS PTSA (code MJ933).

Once you link your card, all you have to do is shop at Fred Meyer and swipe your Shopper’s Card.
More information about Community Rewards here.
AmazonSmile supports Ballard PTSA
Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to BHS PTSA. Check out the AmazonSmile information page to learn about using AmazonSmile and select “Ballard High School PTSA, Seattle, WA.”
Thank you!
Friends of BHS FB group offers support
The BHS PTSA Friends of Ballard Facebook group is about community -- parents, volunteers, staff, students, neighbors all sharing news and information.

Parents, students, staff, neighbors, alumni -- it takes a village, let's build one here! Join the conversation, get involved -- it's Great to be a BHS Beaver. Check out Friends of Ballard here!

Follow BHS PTSA on our Instagram page @bhs.ptsa! We are also on Twitter!
Become a member of BHS PTSA
The BHS PTSA exists to strengthen the BHS Community but we can't do it without you!

Please consider membership in the BHS PTSA! Your membership helps drive our focus on supporting our school.
Community Resources
The BHS PTSA offers Community Resources for informational purposes & does not necessarily support activities or views presented therein.
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.