BHS PTSA News
Feb. 14, 2021

March 4 | PTSA Board Meeting, 7 p.m.

March 11 | Library Curbside Pickup, 3-5 p.m.


March 25 | Library Curbside Pickup, 3-5 p.m.
April 8 | PTSA Board Meeting, 7 p.m.


April 12-16 | Spring Break, no school

Want a Daily Bulletin for events and updates at BHS?
We've got one! Check it out on the BHS website!
ALL SCHOOL NEWS
Thank you BHS teachers & staff,
Happy Valentine's Day!
Thanks to our amazing Ballard High School teachers and staff for an inspired 2020-21 school year so far!

Check out the PTSA Valentine we delivered via staff email, which was signed by numerous grateful BHS families: PTSA Teacher Appreciation Valentine
#AG2BB!
PTSA Winter Meeting Recap | Video & resources
At our Winter PTSA General Meeting, members from the Ballard Teen Health Center (BTHC) staff, the BHS Nurse and one of the BHS School Counselors, Sonja Petersen, shared helpful resources for these challenging times. (We've linked a video to the Panel portion of the evening above.)

Mental Health Counselor Chelsea Clark, MSW, LICSW and Karen Boudour, ARNP informed the online audience about BTHC services. (The BTHC is a partnership between Swedish and BHS, providing students with medical and mental health services virtually and at our school campus.)
The evening also included an introduction to new BHS School Nurse Laurie Tirtanadi, RN, MS, ARNP, who shared thoughts on stress reduction for the community as a whole. Sonja Petersen also shared her expertise and how the Counseling Center is often a student's first step to reaching out for help when they're needing assistance.

Thank you to our Panel for an informative evening and for many BHS Community members for joining us!
PTSA Nomination Committee also named at meeting
Prior to the BTHC Panel, PTSA President Gloria Kruzner gave a short introduction, encouraging attendees to join the BHS PTSA as volunteers, members and to build community.

Via chat, meeting-goers also approved PTSA Secretary Michelle Renn, Volunteer Coordinator Sarah Visser and Auction Co-Chair Carol Cheyne as chairs of the Nomination Committee. The Nominating Committee identifies candidates for the 2021-22 BHS PTSA Executive Board, which includes the President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary.

For more information and to find out a number of ways to get involved, check out the BHS PTSA Overview or email bhs.ptsa.pres@gmail.com.
Online Registration
BHS Course Signup for 2021-22 school year
Online windows of registration:
Grade 11 (Class of 22) | Link on Source thru Feb. 22
Grade 10 (Class of 23) | Link on Source Feb. 23 to March 1
Grade 9 (Class of 24) | Link on Source March 2-8

PLEASE NOTE! Your 2021-22 class schedule is built completely on which courses and alternates you SUBMIT ONLINE. If you do not complete this CRITICAL step within your registration window posted above, it could result in not getting the courses you wanted.

Students with IEPs should work directly with their IEP case manager to select their courses for 2021-22.

Visit the Fall Registration page for more information.
New class offerings for the 2021-22 school year
Check the Course Catalog below for more information on the following new courses:

  • Antiracism & Civic Engagement (Social Studies Semester Elective)
  • Business Math 130 (Formerly Financial Algebra)
  • Math 107 | Math in Society [through Edmonds College in the High School program ($ - application fee applies)]
  • Business Management (Replacing Ethics in Business)
  • French 4 A/4 B
Filmmaking students honored at NATAS ceremony
It was postponed for four months, but the online ceremony was finally held for the National Academy of Television Art & Sciences Awards on Feb. 11.
The Ballard Digital Filmmaking Program had four films nominated, in the Long Form Non-Fiction, Short Form Non-Fiction, Public Service Announcements and Audio categories.
 
One Minute to Midnight, a short dramatic film, won for Audio Production.
The winning producers are James Brammer ’22 (pictured above), Claire Kilkenny ’20 (left in photo), and Jasper Swift ’20 (right in photo).

A Day at the Beach, won for Best Public Service Announcement and was produced by: Marley Rankin ’20, Sebastian Zufelt ’20, Olivia Flego-Wirth ’20, and Madison Jackson-Hite ‘21.
Diversity Empowerment Council forming
We have a new group for families of color at BHS called the Diversity Empowerment Council. Any family member or student of color can join. The group's goal is building relationships with and centering the voices and ideas of the families of color at Ballard. The group typically will meet at 7 p.m. the third Thursday of the month via Teams, but due to Mid-Winter Break, this month the meeting will be on Feb. 25.

We are currently working on outreach to students, systems for supporting students of color at school, and planning an evening event for families of color and their allies. To join or get more information, contact history teacher Robin Dowdy at rmdowdy@seattleschools.org.
Check out a club after Mid-Winter Break!
Clubs are a great way for students to explore interests, while sustaining and creating new connections during remote learning. Check out the myriad of options on the Clubs and Organizations page and reach out to the student leader or club advisor to get more details.
You can also follow @ballardstudentlife on Instagram and find out more ongoing information about Clubs, Activities, and Student Life! Reach out to ballardhighclubs@gmail.com after the break with any questions.
Report cards should be ready mid-month
Report Cards will be available to view on the Source after the end of the 1st Semester grading process has been completed, estimated to be Feb. 19. Printed copies may be requested if families are unable to access remotely by emailing BHS Counseling Secretary Carol Bristol at chbristol@seattleschools.org

Student Yearbook Photos due Feb. 18
BHS Families have two options to get student photos in the School Yearbook.

OPTION 1. If comfortable, students can go to Rowland Studio for 5 minute appointment for photo and ID by making a reservation for a time on Feb. 15 or 16 and Rowland will send those files to the Yearbook committee for the Yearbook photo. 

OPTION 2. Is to do the HJ eShare Upload to upload a student photo (no ID) for the yearbook. You will need to enter our school code (case sensitive): ag2bb

Photo deadline Feb. 18. Submission details on the Yearbook Photo Page. If you have questions or need help submitting photos, please email the Shingle Editors at ballardshingle@gmail.com or message us on Instagram @bhs_shingle.
Innovative BHS botany teacher featured on podcast
India Carlson, BHS botany and environmental horticulture teacher, was recently featured on the science curriculum podcast Lab Out Loud.

"In a typical year, India’s students spend a significant portion of time working in the school garden and greenhouse. Faced with the unique challenges of learning science at home this year, India decided to clone a plant for every one of her students to use at home for learning, experimentation, and even finding joy."

Congrats to Ms. Carlson! Her episode is titled: Learning Science, Finding Joy at Home with Plants -- listen in! And check out the BHS Greenhouse page for more botany fun!
ASSESSMENTS & TESTING
AP Exam update!
AP tests will be offered remotely. More specific details for Ballard High School students coming in March! Visit the CollegeBoard 2021 Updates for more information about AP exams from CollegeBoard.  
SAT School-Day Assessments Update
Due to health and public safety concerns, the administration of the March 2021 school day SAT for Juniors has been cancelled.

The plan is to provide the school day SAT to all Seniors in Fall 2021. Also: College Board will no longer offer SAT Subject Tests or SAT with Essay. Students are still able to register and take the PSAT and SAT but will need to register on their own through the CollegeBoard. Please visit CollegeBoard for additional information and resources. More info on the Assessments Overview Page
LIBRARY
Next Curbside Pickup Feb. 25
A little snow, but lots of BHS love Curbside!
Thanks to those who showed up for a chilly precursor to this weekend's snow at the Feb. 11 Curbside Pickup event. Great job showing some Beaver Reader spirit and BHS love, just in times for Valentine's weekend!

The next Curbside Pickup event is 3-5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 25. BHS Families and students! Check out our Library Catalog at bit.ley/BHSHolds and make a favorites list, put books on hold and also email Teacher-Librarian TuesD Chambers if you need a textbook too.   

When you're done with your Mid-Winter Break BHS Library book, you can return it either during Curbside events or on any school day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the bins outside of the south (Main Office) building entrance.

Visit the BHS Library page to stay current on what's happening in the BHS Library!
Parent helpers needed for Feb. 25 Curbside Pickup
Volunteers Needed! We need 5-10 parent volunteers to help make the 3-5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 25 Curbside Pickup event happen.

Email Teacher-Librarian TuesD Chambers at tschambers@seattleschools.org if you're interested in helping.
SENIORS
Service Learning requirement removed for '21
Breaking News! The School Board has approved a motion to remove the 60-hour Service Learning requirement for seniors graduating this year. This only applies to the Class of 2021. For more information, please contact Lindsay Squires at lesquires@seattleschools.org
Seniors who need a midyear transcript sent to a college (that you have not applied to through Common or Coalition App), update your request on Naviance. Check out the Applying to College resource guide for more information.

Class of 2021, don't forget to check out the Senior Resources page for more timely news and information.
COUNSELING CENTER
Applying to College resources online to help
Working on college applications over break? While the office might be closed, the Counseling Center's Applying to College resource guide has answers to commonly asked questions about applying to college and helpful links.
WSU Admissions Application extended to March 15
WSU campuses have extended the admission application priority deadline (for first-year students) and the general scholarship application deadline (for all students) to March 15.

FAFSA/WASFA application priority deadline for incoming new WSU students is Feb. 15. Visit the WSU Website for more updates and information.
College Visits and Events, a ticket to campus life!
The BHS Counseling Center offers online college visits this year! Get information about admission processes, financial aid and campus life in a virtual setting, while speaking with a live college representative.
Upcoming visits include:

9 a.m. Wednesday. Feb. 24 | University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland

2:05 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 25 | Pacific University, Forest Grove OR
2:05 p.m. Thursday, March 11 | Cal Poly San Luis Obispo

Additional details on College Visits and Events webpage.
Explore California Schools with ARROW
The Pacific Northwest regional admission counselors from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, San Diego State, University of the Pacific, University of Redlands, and University of San Francisco are excited to invite you and your students to a virtual event to explore colleges in California.

Explore California Schools with ARROW (sessions linked):
Session 1: Wednesday, Feb. 17 from 4-5 p.m.
Session 2: Thursday, March 18 from 7-8 p.m.

Visit the ARROW website for more information.
NACAC Virtual College Fairs offered through May 2
NACAC Virtual College Fairs are offered though May 2. Students please log in and review the Spring Schedule and register for free at virtualcollegefairs.org.
It's easy to drop in on live Zoom sessions offered by hundreds of colleges on a single day.
BHS Foundation offering three scholarships
The Ballard HS Foundation is currently offering three Scholarship opportunities for Ballard students: The Ballard Nineteen Scholarship, the Daniel Chavez Scholarship and the BHS Foundation Golden Beavers Scholarship. Please read the information below and view the attached applications for each of these wonderful scholarship opportunities.

The Ballard Nineteen Scholarship was established to remember the 19 men from BHS who died serving in Vietnam. A $1,000 award to any graduating senior at BHS for college or accredited trade school who meet the criteria listed on the application.

The Daniel Chavez Scholarship is a one-time $1,000 scholarship in honor of fallen Marine Daniel Chavez who graduated from BHS in 2003. Refer to the application for more details and information regarding the scholarship.

The Ballard HS Foundation Golden Beavers Scholarship is a one-time grant given by BHS alumni graduates of 50 or more years. The Foundation is offering scholarships for students going to four-year, two-year, and technical colleges/universities. Refer to the application for more details and information.

Due date for these scholarships is March 12. Email application(s) to Carol Bristol at chbristol@seattleschools.org or see additional options listed and full details on the Scholarship Information Page.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Note from the BHS Nurse | Meaningful Connections
Video Chat
Meaningful emotional connections are a basic human need and are more important than ever during these times. Social media and social distancing make it harder to connect with others. We connect, participate, and interact with other’s joy, worries, happiness, sadness, angst, etc. Connections are a two-way street and in the process we each provide emotional support to the other.

The deepest foundation of connection is family and friends. Make it a habit to call a different person twice a week. Have an outdoor neighborhood hangout weekly, just keep social distancing and masking in mind. Encourage several friends to sign up with you for a virtual class of interest. Host a digital dinner party and include a virtual cooking lesson of one of the dishes. Make the most in connecting with others in a positive way.

BALLARD PERFORMING ARTS
Spring Awakening | Auditions for 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.
 
Read this informational sheet on how to sign up for auditions. Link to the audition form will only be live through Feb. 19. No audition submissions after that date will be considered.
 
Due to the unique nature of the school year, this play will be rehearsed completely via Microsoft Teams! Ms. Courtney Rowley will once again musically direct the show with Eia Waltzer as choreographer. BPA grad Gustavo Gutierrez will work with Director Shawn Riley on all the video recording elements.
 
The production will be streamed through showtix4u.com! Don’t wait, get your tickets NOW! If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email Mr. Riley at smriley@seattleschools.org
ATHLETICS
Ballard Girls Soccer tryouts begin Feb. 22
Girls Soccer Tryouts are Feb. 22-23. For more specifics, please email Coach Sam Macca at snmaccarrone@seattleschools.org.

Follow on FB Ballard Beavers Girls Soccer or Instagram @BallardGirlSoccer
Beaver Football featured in SBLive WA preview
SBLive Washington recently featured the Beavers in its preview of the Top 50 high school football teams in the state ahead of the 2020-2021 season. Check out the article here!

Follow @ballardbeaverfootball on Instagram.
MetroLeagueWA Updates | Season 1 registration due
Based on the information in Gov. Inslee’s plan, the MetroLeagueWA adopted a two-season sports model for this year only. Seasons and/or sports may need to be adjusted based on Puget Sound Region's metrics.

SEASON 1 | Feb. 22 - April 17 | Athletic Registration Due NOW
Boys: Football
Girls: Soccer, Slowpitch Softball, Swim & Dive, Volleyball, Gymnastics
Coed: Cross Country, Golf 

SEASON 2 | April 19 - June 12 | Athletic Registration Due April 9
Boys: Baseball, Basketball, Soccer, Swim & Dive
Girls: Basketball, Fastpitch Softball
Coed: Tennis, Track, Wresting

NOTE: Up-to-date physicals must be good from and be current from the first day of tryouts/practices until the day after the State Playoffs.

Boys Lacrosse Team recruiting new players
BHS Boys Lacrosse, a club sport, 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.
OFFICE UPDATES
What's open and closed for Mid-Winter Break?
Reminder: There will be no school Feb. 15–19 for Presidents Day and Mid-Winter Break.
 
The BHS Main Office will be open for phone call or email correspondence from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 16 and Thursday, Feb. 18. Administrative Secretary Cindy Peterson will also be available via email (crpeterson@seattleschools.org) on Wednesday, Feb. 17 and Friday, Feb. 19 if you need assistance.

The Ballard Teen Health Center will be closed during Mid-Winter Break, but Clinic Coordinator Say Tuitele will be available for calls (206-390-3355) and email at Sailau.Tuitele@swedish.org.

The BHS Counseling Center, as well as the SPS Tech Resource Centers, will be closed during the break.

There will be no SPS meal service on Feb. 15. Limited meal service will be available Feb. 16-19 at select meal distribution sites, but there will be no bus stop meal service over break.

Have a great break, Beavers!
Helpful BHS quick links
SPS UPDATES
District news on BHS website
Check out not only the latest BHS news but the latest District Announcements on the BHS website!
SPS District IV Director appt update
On March 24, the Seattle School Board will appoint a school board director for District IV (4) representing Northwest and Central Seattle including Magnolia, Queen Anne, and southern neighborhoods in Ballard.
BHS parent Eric Souza is one of the six candidates.

SPS Skills Center Applications open
Applications for the Seattle Skills Center’s 2021-22 school year courses are now available online on the Skills Center website.

The Seattle Skills Center prepares Seattle Public Schools high school students for college, career, and life through advanced Career and Technical Education courses. Classes are available in a wide range of career pathways at several locations around the city. Courses are both offered for the school year and summer sessions.

The Seattle Skills Center programs are 1.5 credits per semester, full year programs (3.0 credits) and meet daily. More info here.

Here's a map/PDF of course offerings around the city, including the Seattle Maritime Academy in Ballard.
New SPS webpage explains in-person learning phases
The SPS recently launched a new webpage to make it easier for families, staff, and students to learn more about its proposed phased approach to bringing back prek-1 and students enrolled in Special Education Intensive Service Pathways to buildings starting March 1. 

Also, here's the SPS Return to In-Person FAQ.
COMMUNITY ARTS, CULTURE, ACTION
BHS PTSA offers these Community Activities for informational purposes & does not necessarily support activities or views presented therein.
SPL Resources for High Schoolers
Seattle Public Library has retooled itself as a robust online community resource. Check out its many offerings for high school students, including academic support, projects, learning guides, and mental health resources.
Teens in Public Service internship
TIPS Summer Internship application is open for students ages 15-19 who are interested in working for not-for-profit causes!

Teens In Public Service (TIPS) is a not-for-profit dedicated to developing future leaders committed to their communities. TIPS selects teenage leaders for paid community service internships and pairs them with charitable organizations over the summer.

Application
Deadline is March 5.
Information and links to apply are on the TIPS Website.
UW Spring evening enrichment courses
The University of Washington is excited to announce its spring evening enrichment courses (not for credit) for high school students. Classes starting in late March include:
 
>  Build an App: Android Development Fundamentals
> Digital Photography
> Screenwriting Workshop
> Natural Science Illustration Studio
> Sharpen Your Writing Skills
 
The registration deadline is March 15 and courses begin the week of March 22. For details visit website.
Project ALVA helps future Huskies reach STEM goals
The University of Washington GenOM Project ALVA Program is now accepting applications through Feb. 26.
 
The ALVA Program is an outreach program focused on supporting low-income, first generation, and students underrepresented in life science and other STEM majors in reaching their academic and career goals.
 
Students that participate in this summer program/internship opportunity have an experience that helps prepare them for the competitive programs of study at UW.
 
In addition to the summer program, students continue to work with program advisors throughout the year to tailor schedules for academic success.
 
If you are a graduating senior interested in science, and have applied to the University of Washington Seattle, this may be the program for you!

Click this Link to Apply!
 
For more information on the program please visit the website at
Seattle Architecture Foundation Youth Workshops
Seattle Architecture Foundation 2021 Youth Workshops are being offered via Zoom for youth 11-16, from February through April.

Hosted virtually by local architectural offices and supported by SAF staff and volunteer architects, participants learn as they plan, build, and present solutions to imaginative and thought-provoking design challenges.

Need-based scholarships offered for all SAF Youth Programs. For details about scholarships email Program Director Kim Owens at kim@seattlearchitecture.org.

Perry Virtual STEM experience
Women in high school and college who have an interest in science, medicine and/or engineering are now invited to register for a session of the Perry Virtual Experience.

The free, 2.5-hour interactive online experience is for high school and college-aged women who are interested in pursuing careers in orthopaedic surgery and engineering. Participants will hear from women leaders in these fields and dive into online simulations and biomechanics experiments. More info: https://perryinitiative.org/pve/
Vaccinate WA infographic
Become a member of BHS PTSA
Please join the BHS PTSA and become a partner in your student’s education. The PTSA is you, me and all of the parents/guardians, students and staff dedicated to the educational development and success of all students. The PTSA membership is open to anyone concerned about the education, health, and welfare of our youth and is a way to show your commitment to working with teachers and the school administration to build a better future for the next generation.

  • We help families stay informed and connected to the school community.
  • We plan school-wide celebrations, parent education and staff appreciation events.
  • We raise much needed grant money for academic, enrichment and extracurricular activities.

To learn more about your Ballard HS PTSA visit the PTSA Overview page.

Warm Regards,
PTSA Membership Chair
Lisa Vanderford-Anderson
BHS PTSA on social media
Check out the BHS PTSA Friends of Ballard Facebook group! You can also follow BHS PTSA on Instagram page @bhs.ptsa and Twitter!
LEGISLATIVE CORNER
WSPTA advocacy updates
Keep up with the bills and committee hearings related to WSPTA member-generated legislative priorities and long-term positions by utilizing the WSPTA Bill Status Report.
SHOP AND SUPPORT BHS PTSA
Contribute to PTSA while you shop
Thank you to BHS families who contribute to our PTSA while they shop at Fred Meyer. A digital account is needed to participate. 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!
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.