Head Beaver reacts to Inslee's in-person goal |
Following Gov. Jay Inslee's March 12 announcement about secondary students returning to in-person school for at least 30 percent of the time on April 19, Principal Keven Wynkoop had a lot to say, both to students on his Instagram account @the_head_beaver:
"I'm sure that you have had a million thoughts and emotions about Friday's announcement about returning to in-person school on April 19. I would guess that for most of you, it is a combination of excitement, fear, relief, apprehension and more. All of these emotions are 100% understandable. We are committed to helping you get acclimated to being back in person ...."
And via March 18 email to Ballard Families and Staff:
|
"Wow! After months and months of very little movement, the announcements last week from the Governor gave me a little whiplash. Moving the whole state to phase three and announcing that all districts will need to start offering in-person school for at least 30% of the time starting April 19 for secondary schools was astonishing," he said.
"There are so many implications and details that need to be determined there are still many more questions than answers, but I will try to give you some idea of what I know and think," Wynkoop added.
Families can make own decisions about in-person return
|
"It is important to start with the fact that all families will get to make their own decision about whether your student returns to in-person school. I certainly hope that the large majority of our students return, but I know that there are legitimate concerns for students and families," he said.
"In making your decision, I hope that you consult with the latest studies that have been supporting a growing consensus that in-person school can be done safely and that we can mitigate the risk to our students ...."
|
Get involved! Join the 21-22 BHS PTSA
|
We need you! One easy and fun way for parents to get involved at Ballard is by joining the PTSA Executive Board/Committee Groups.
We are actively seeing BHS parents for a variety of positions. Many of the available roles require little to no PTSA experience and take a few hours each month.
Openings include:
- Treasurer
- Secretary
- Membership
- Grant Committee
|
If you have questions or would like to learn more about the open roles for the upcoming school year, please contact the BHS PTSA Nominating Committee at join.bhs.ptsa@gmail.com.
|
Sophs & juniors interested in 21- 22 Running Start |
BHS sophomores and juniors who missed the BHS Running Start sessions to learn more for the 21-22 school year, should thoroughly review the Running Start Info Session Recap and attend a North Seattle information session too, upcoming dates available March through May! Use the Ballard HS Running Start Checklist as a guide.
|
ASB virtual 'Jam the Dam' T-shirt promotion |
In celebration of Season One of athletics, Ballard ASB is sponsoring a "Jam the Dam" promotion. If any student watches five streamed games between now and the end of the season, on April 17, they will be eligible for a Jam The Dam T-Shirt
|
Pre-order your 2020-21 Shingle thru March 27! |
Hurrah, yearbook production is underway and now you have a chance to order your own copy of the Shingle! Yearbooks are for sale for $50 through March 27 via SchoolPay on the Source.
|
Ink Journal accepting student creative works |
Student artists, photographers and writers: There will still be a Ink Journal for this school year! Submit to the 2021 Ink Journal by April 21!
|
AP Exam Update | 4/1 last day to get quick refund
|
BHS AP Exam details: AP Exams will be offered remotely. Families will receive a full refund if you decide not to take exam. If you cancel before April 1 your refund will be processed within 2 business days. If you cancel after April 1 your refund could take up to 2 months to process. Contact Mike Broom at mrbroom@seattleschools.org if you want to cancel an AP exam.
|
Season 2 Sports Registration Due April 9
|
Season 2 includes Baseball, Girls Basketball, Boys Basketball, Boys Swim & Dive, Boys Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Track & Field, Girls Wrestling, and Boys Wrestling.
If you have NOT already registered your student athlete by completing the online FinalForms, they must be filled out by April 9 in order for your student athlete to be cleared in time to participate in Season 2 sports.
DID YOU KNOW? SPS students can get a FREE physical in the Ballard Teen Health Center. For appointments, call Clinic Coordinator Sailau Tuitele at 206-390-3355 or email Sailau.Tuitele@providence.org.
|
Boys basketball team looking for players |
Boys Basketball: The basketball season is scheduled to begin on April 19. Open gyms and Strength and Conditioning are currently being held and are open to any students interested in playing basketball this year.
|
Club Lacrosse kicks off this spring too |
Girls: BHS Girls Club Lacrosse tryouts and practices begin April 19. Practices will be 6:45-8:15 p.m. Monday through Friday at the BHS Field. Players must register with the team to tryout due to COVID-19 contact tracing protocols.
This year, the registration deposit is $50 and the balance of $350 won't be charged until the season starts the week of April 19. It will be an eight-game season and players are responsible for their own equipment. More info @bhs_girlslax. Signup on https://go.teamsnap.com/forms/253462
Boys: BHS Boys Lacrosse is actively recruiting new players for the Spring 2021 season. Practices are being held now and the season starts April 19. Please contact Mary Scott Senan (maryscotts@gmail.com) for more information.
|
Athletic duffel bags available for purchase |
Ballard Beavers, now is the time to order your full-size or mini duffel bag!
The online store is open NOW through March 26. Each bag is custom-made by Jensen-Lee of sturdy canvas in BHS colors and personalized for you. These bags are great for all your gear; the mini duffel is the perfect purse to show your Beaver Spirit!
|
Bags will be shipped to the Beaver Gear Team after Spring Break (April 12-16).
|
Stream more Season One games on YouTube |
Congrats to the Ballard Football varsity squad for showing grit, topping Bishop Blanchet 13-6 on Friday!
Watch more BHS football and Season One sports home games this week on our BHS Athletics YouTube Channel. Times may change, check the YouTube page for all upcoming streams.
Here are events currently scheduled to stream this week:
Monday, March 22:
JV Football vs. Chief Sealth @ home – 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, March 25
Girls JV Soccer vs. Roosevelt @ Magnuson – 4 p.m.
Girls Varsity Soccer vs. Roosevelt @ Ballard – 7:30 p.m.
Friday, March 26
Gymnastics vs. West Seattle @ home, 7 p.m.
Varsity football vs. Garfield @ Memorial Stadium, 8 p.m.
|
More XC runners PR at third meet vs Roosevelt |
Under glorious sunny skies, the BHS XC Team took on Roosevelt runners March 16 at Magnuson Park.
"We had 19 PRs and another 11 season records!" said Coach Neal Howard. "We are reaching the halfway point of the season, things have gone well the first few weeks and the team is looking to be in a good position to finish strong as well."
BHS next takes on Lakeside at 3:40 p.m. (Boys) and 4:40 p.m. (Girls) Tuesday, March 23 at Hamlin Park in Shoreline.
Follow @ballardhsxc on Instagram. Photo by parent volunteer Yuriko Brunelle.
|
Varsity golf tees off twice this week |
Good luck to Ballard Varsity golfers as they take on Bishop Blanchet Monday, March 22 and Nathan Hale Friday, March 26.
|
All three Volleyball squads hit RHS courts |
The BHS Volleyball teams hit the courts at rival Roosevelt Wednesday March 24, starting with JVC at 4 p.m.; JV at 5:30 p.m.; and Varsity at 7 p.m. Follow @bhsbeaversvolleyball. |
Gymnastics hosts second meet at Dam |
Ballard Gymnastics hosted Holy Names last Friday in the Dam.
"Always a fun battle when Holy Names comes to Ballard. They came out on top tonight with a strong performance, but plenty of bright spots for the Beavers, with Alex placing second on vault; Cosette winning bars, tying for third on vault, placing third on beam and second all-around; and Lilly winning beam and floor (with a huge 9.75!), tying for third on vault, tying for second on bars, and placing third all-around!"
|
Next Curbside at the Library March 25 | 3-5 p.m.
|
TuesD and Lindi can't wait to see you at the next Curbside at the Library from 3-5 p.m. Thursday, March 25. Put titles on hold via the Library Catalog at Library Catalog at bit.ly/BHSHolds.
Also check out this week's online Library groups; meeting links are available on the Library Schoology page:
Monday, March 22 - Eager Beaver Readers, noon | Library Game Club, 12:30 p.m.
Tuesday, March 23 - Library Leaders, noon
Wednesday, March 24 - Picture Book Pilot Reading Buddies, 10 a.m.
Thursday, March 25 - Pride Book Club, 12:45 p.m. | Curbside at the Library, 3-5 p.m.
Friday, March 26 - Ballard Comic Book Club (Gideon Falls Vol. 2 by Jeff Lemire and Andrea Sorrentino), noon; Beaver Readers Book Club (Concrete Rose by Angie Thomas), 12:30 p.m.
|
Library bookmark fundraiser |
Another way to support the BHS library is to read fabulous books and use these beautiful bookmarks, made by BHS parent and artist Jessica Plesko, to hold your spot.
|
Wynkoop ponders spring senior events |
"Phase 3 also makes it more likely that we can host some in-person Senior events this Spring. Graduation is the most important one for us to figure out, but the new limit is 400 people at events like this.
"We will need the Governor to further relax this rule or else we won’t even be able to get all of our graduates into Memorial Stadium, let alone any parents. I cannot imagine a scenario where we can host a prom, but I am hopeful that we can come up with some more events that we can get approved."
|
Seattle Promise students!
FAFSA/WASFA deadline on April 15
|
Attn: Seattle Promise Students | The FAFSA/WASFA deadline for Seattle Promise students is April 15!
You and your parent/guardian are invited to get support completing this process from your Outreach Specialist Kelsey Peronto and the rest of the Seattle Promise Outreach team
|
Scholarship opportunities on SPS/BHS bulletins
|
Be sure to check the page often for more opportunities!
|
SAEOP Scholarship | Deadline April 9
|
The Seattle Association of Educational Office Professionals (SAEOP) is proud to be continuing the tradition of awarding a $1,000 scholarship and two $500 scholarships.
All interested and qualified Seattle Public High School graduating senior students who wish to continue their education at a 2-year, 4-year college or vocational school are invited to apply. Please keep in mind that this is not a need-based scholarship.
Application deadline is Friday, April 9. Complete Scholarship Application information is available on the SAEOP website.
|
Virtual College Visits & College Fairs |
Students! Did you know that there are still upcoming College Visits? Visit the College Visits and Events webpage often for additional school visit dates and more details.
|
BigFuture Days College Fair | Multiple Days and Times |
College Board is hosting its first-ever series of virtual college fairs called BigFuture Days.
Sophomores and Juniors as well as parents/guardiansare invited to sign up for a chance to connect directly with college admissions representatives and current college students.
Students will have a chance to explore colleges in a way that's not overwhelming, ask questions about topics they want to learn about, and take action on key college planning steps. More information here.
|
Monday, March 22 | 1:10 p.m. University of Massachusetts-Amherst | 2:05 p.m. University of Colorado Boulder
|
Tuesday, March 23 | 1:10 p.m. University of Oregon
Wednesday, March 24 | 10:30 a.m. Delaware State University
Wednesday, March 31 | 9 a.m. Willamette University | 9:45 a.m. University of Connecticut
|
Virtual Job/Internship Board |
Students, check out the virtual Job Board located on the Counseling Center page! Be sure to check the page often for current updates and opportunities! Here are some options below:
|
Launch 206 Paid Internship | Summer CTE program |
LAUNCH206 is an instructional internship program that works with local companies to support meaningful worksite learning experiences while having regular classroom check-ins.
Student-interns will gain insight into a career pathway of their choice and build a career portfolio. They will also acquire essential leadership skills, gain exposure to technical skills and work with local industry experts. This program is through Seattle Public Schools. Upon completion of the internship and classroom expectation, each student intern will be awarded $1,000 stipend, and 0.5 CTE credit.
Application deadline: April 19. | Orientation: June 17-18 | Internship: June 21 to July 16.
|
King County Airport internships | April 11 signup deadline
|
New! King County International Airport Internship Program | High School 16+ year old finance internship opportunity plus more options for seniors enrolled in college for Fall 2021. Deadline April 11.
|
Note from the Nurse: Random Acts of Kindness |
Paying it forward through random acts of kindness has been shown to increase happiness. How is this possible? It gives one the feeling of making a difference and in return, receiving appreciation and gratefulness. To be the most effective, it should be within an existing relationship or community. Need a push? Pay for a drink for the person in line behind you. Cook a meal for a neighbor. Drive a friend to an appointment. Volunteer for an organization of interest. Who knows, maybe someone will pay it forward to you!
|
Enjoy free meals at select SPS schools |
SPS Nutrition Services offer free meal distribution to students/families from 11:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. weekdays at 40 school locations and eight bus routes around the city -- including these area neighborhood schools:
- Adams Elementary, 6110 28th Ave. N.W.
- Catherine Blaine K-8, 2550 34th Ave. W.
-
B.F. Day Elementary, 3921 Linden Ave. N.
-
John Hay Elementary, 201 Garfield St.
- North Beach Elementary, 9018 24th Ave. N.W.
- Whittier Elementary, 1320 N.W. 75th St.
|
Spring Awakening | BPA Musical Spring Production |
The winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Spring Awakening explores the journey from adolescence to adulthood with a poignancy and passion that is illuminating and unforgettable.
Show Dates! May 6-8 and May 13-15
Tickets are $25 and good for the day and time of the show only, and work only on one device. Parental Guidance Advisory for explicit language and content.
|
BPA New Family Open House April 5 |
Ballard Performing Arts (BPA) is hosting a New Family Open House for incoming students and their parents in the band, choir, orchestra, and theater programs on Monday, April 5, at 7 p.m.
The virtual meeting will be held via Zoom, and is a chance for parents and guardians to learn about the program, meet the directors and members of the Ballard Performing Arts Boosters Club.
|
In the meantime, here's how you can stay in touch with the program:
|
|
St. Patty's themed cheers to our staff! |
BHS PTSA shared appreciation for our staff at a Teacher Happy Hour March 18 at Ridgewood bottle and tap on Phinney Ridge (co-owned by BHS's Teacher of the Year Robyn Maddess).
We are so thankful for our amazing teachers and glad they were able to meet safely for some fun and camaraderie. Though they were "spring showered" a bit outside in the elements, we hope they know we are thinking of them and can't wait to see them!
Thanks to PTSA Appreciation Chair Phyllis Rosen for supplying St. Patty's Day-themed treats and a lovely spread for the occasion.
|
BHS PTSA Reflections entry moving onto Nationals |
Congratulations to senior Sydney Smith, who won the Outstanding Interpretation in Film Production (9-12) for "a letter to my younger self" in the WSPTA Reflections Arts Recognition Program.
Smith will represent the Ballard High PTSA at Nationals! Nationals Reflections awards are announced in May.
We had three student artists move onto state: Sydney Smith, Sheridan Green and Mara Scanlan, who all had work inspired by this year's theme I Matter Because. Check out all their work on the Reflections page. And here's Sydney's winning film!
|
We are looking for a volunteer to coordinate the 2021-22 Reflections submssions for BHS PTSA. For more information, contact the BHS PTSA Nominating Committee at join.bhs.ptsa@gmail.com.
|
BHS 8th-grade registration update |
8th grade students (Class of 2025) planning to attend Ballard next year, once we receive our official list of students from the District, we will reach out to newly assigned BHS students to complete registration.
Please stay tuned for more information.
|
Have a BHS question? Here's who to contact! |
Ballard High School Office Hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays, although the building is closed for visitors.
|
New School Website Redesign | District & School Websites
|
BHS Families, please take a moment and look at the new website design of both draft websites. Your participation and ideas are important!
The redesigned district and school websites will go live this summer!
|
Thank you for sharing your ideas on how we can improve our websites! Your feedback is essential to the success of this project.
|
Wynkoop, SPS respond
Asian Pacific Americans targeted by hate crimes
|
In his March 18 letter, Mr. Wynkoop expressed horror over last week's Atlanta murders.
"The rise of anti-Asian hate-based attacks over the last year has been tragic and this just became the worst of them. We are not immune to hate crimes like this as they have also impacted the Ballard community, as one of our parents was attacked and injured downtown a few weeks ago.
"Beyond the physical injuries, the feelings of fear and unease must be so unsettling. Please reach out to members of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities to make sure they know these ridiculous attacks do not speak for us and that they are loved."
SPS also shared a variety of resources in response to the rise in hate crimes against the Asian Pacific American community, stating, "It is not enough to condemn these acts, as a public-school system we must also educate."
Artwork by artist
|
SPS Leadership updates:
District IV Director Appointment process continues
|
The four candidates participated in two online forums last week, including one planned and moderated by the NAACP Youth Council and another one presented by the SCPTSA.
Public feedback is still being collected through a form on the District IV appointment web page following the forum. The feedback form will close at 9 a.m. on March 22.
Candidates are:
|
Dr. Jones starts as Interim Supt. in May |
On Friday, March 19, Superintendent Denise Juneau and the School Board announced that the transition to a new interim superintendent will occur on May 1.
In Dec. 2020, Superintendent Juneau announced her decision to leave the district by the end of June.
|
SPS In-Person Learning updates |
Last week, SPS and the Seattle Education Association (SEA) came to a tentative agreement that supports a safe return to school buildings for all preschool, K-12 Special Education Intensive Service Pathways, and all K-5 grade students on a hybrid (in-person part-time and remote part-time) instructional model.
The tentative agreement must be approved by SEA and the SPS School Board. It will be brought to the SEA membership to be ratified and to the SPS Board of Directors for a vote next week.
Return dates for in-person learning:
March 29: All preschool students and elementary students enrolled in Special Education Intensive Services
April 5: All other kindergarten to 5th grade students.
April 5: Students enrolled in middle and high school Special Education Intensive Pathways.
Bargaining continues as SEA and SPS work to come to an agreement to bring middle and high school students back to classrooms, including 6-8th grade students attending K-8 schools.
|
SPS staff have been working for months to prepare our schools for a safe reopening. The work to reorganize classrooms, set up plexiglass barriers, check and update HVAC systems, and deliver PPE continues.
View what steps have been taken in school buildings to prepare for a return to in-person learning. School readiness charts
|
Technology Resource Center Location update |
Technology Resource Centers are open to support families and students with remote learning software, devices, and general technology information.
There will be a center change coming up this week:
New site: the Roosevelt High School technology resource center will open March 23.
Closure: the John Marshall Building technology resource center closed on March 19.
|
COMMUNITY ARTS, CULTURE, ACTION |
BHS PTSA offers these Community Activities for informational purposes & does not necessarily support activities or views presented therein. |
Register for the 2021 All-City Band |
Registration is open for the 2021 All-City Band. The summer marching band, under normal circumstances, rehearses at Memorial Stadium and performs at summer community parades. They are preparing as though this will be a normal summer but will adjust plans as additional guidance comes out from the CDC, OSPI, SPS, and Seafair.
Membership is open to students in the graduating classes of 2020-25.
This will help them to know how many students to plan for and to do the necessary thinking outside of the box to accommodate everyone.
|
|
|
|
Contribute to PTSA while you shop |
Once your card is linked, all you have to do is swipe your Shopper's Card while paying for your Fred Meyer purchases.
|
AmazonSmile purchases benefit 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!
|
|
Governor orders more in-person learning this school year |
Perhaps the most interesting thing that happened this past week was Governor Jay Inslee’s announcement Friday, March 12, that through an emergency proclamation to be issued this coming week, all schools in Washington must offer the opportunity for in-person learning to students who choose that option. The announcement came with direction that all Department of Health and other safety protocols (including the six-feet distance between students) also must be maintained, and that the order did not mean all students would be returned to buildings 100% of the time.
|
|
|
|
The BHS PTSA offers Community Resources for informational purposes & does not necessarily support activities or views presented therein. |
|
|
Learning/mental health support
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
