Honoring MLK Jr.: local events |
☮ Northwest African American Museum is offering Virtual King Day experience. View programming from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday. Schedule and YouTube link here.
☮ Washington State History Museum virtual MLK Day celebration activities include free online performances, poetry prompts and art activities from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, program here.
|
Final week of 1st Semester timeline |
The 1st Semester ends Jan. 27. Here are some important dates and informational links for the FINAL WEEK of 1st Semester
Jan. 27 | Amnesty Day (asynchronous schedule) -- Chance for students to complete work.
Jan. 29 | Amnesty Day (asynchronous schedule)
Report Cards will be available on the Source
Report Cards will be available to view on the Source after the end of the 1st Semester process has been completed.
|
Reflections entrants earn honors, head to state |
For more information and to see their interpretations of this year's theme, "I Matter Because," check out the BHS Reflections page.
|
Thanks to BHS Photography Teacher Gina O'Neill for coordinating this year's entries as well as the BHS Digital Film Teacher Steven Bradford.
Entries from top to bottom: "Stitching the Broken," by Mara Scanlan; "We are Wide Awake" by Sheridan Green; Film (below) "a letter to my younger self" by Sydney Smith
|
PTSA General Meeting 7 p.m. via Teams
BHS THC staff talk student wellness Feb. 11
|
Learn about BHS's Teen Health Center and supporting student mental health at the PTSA General Meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11 via Microsoft Teams.
THC staff will answer pre-selected parent questions and share helpful resources for these challenging times. Learn how the THC team is offering services during the building closure from Mental Health Counselor Chelsea Clark and Nurse Practitioner Karen Boudour.
|
Look for a survey via social media/BHS website, coming soon, to share your questions about student wellness during the pandemic.
The THC presentation follows a quick PTSA introduction and Principal Keven Wynkoop update. We'd love to have you stop by, meet and say hello. An important facet of PTSA is supporting our whole community and we look forward to seeing you, even if via this online format.
The General Meeting will be preceded by a 5:30 p.m. PTSA Board Meeting. More information on BHS PTSA Overview page. Teams meeting links will be posted as we get closer to the event. More info: Gloria Kruzner, bhs.ptsa.pres@gmail.com.
|
BHS free student online tutoring |
Jan. 20 Picture/ID Day at Rowland 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. |
Pick up your 19-20 Yearbooks at Curbside! |
If you have not picked up your pre-purchased 2019-2020 yearbook, stop by the next Curbside Pickup, Jan. 21, between 3-5 p.m. If you’re not sure if you purchased a yearbook, please call the Main Office at (206) 252-1000 to confirm.
To purchase a 19-20 yearbook email Karen Kazanjian at klkazanjian@seattleschools.org for a link to pay. Yearbooks may also be purchased on Jan. 21 at the Curbside Pickup. The cost is $55.
➥➥ Look for details coming soon on 2020-21 Yearbook sale dates.
|
PSAT & SAT School-Day Assessments Update |
School-Day SAT | At this time, the SPS School-Day SAT is still scheduled for 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.
|
Lots of library love, updates as we finish semester |
BHS Librarian TuesD Chambers recently shared a quick update with the community:
"As we end our first semester of remote learning the BHS library is finding ways to support your child academically and socially," she noted.
The BHS Library Program Support page on Schoology, for example, has a calendar filled with opportunities.
"We have everything from Eager Beaver Readers who read and rate books for the state book award, to PRIDE Book Club on Thursdays for LGBTQIA+ and allies, as well as Beaver Book Club on Fridays with Mr. Wynkoop. We have activities every day and many include community service hours."
Curbside Pickup and Book Return | 3-5 p.m. Jan. 21
|
There are so many ways to stay connected including Curbside Pickups. Put books on hold any time at bit.ly/BHSHolds. The next one is 3-5 p.m. Jan. 21, and there will be a Petting Zoo from 3-4 p.m.
"Please reach out to me if your student needs anything from the library. Our library exists beyond four walls and anything we can do to make this time better we will try," she said. "Take care of yourselves and know that your child is missed beyond measure. Our students make it all worthwhile."
Visit the BHS Library page to stay current on what's happening in the BHS Library!
|
Send in appreciation for others in BHS Community |
The BHS Library Leaders are responsible for the awesome @ballard_appreciation Instagram page. They are always looking for ways to amplify and share gratitude.
"We try to share the joy and appreciation," said Teacher-Librarian TuesD Chambers.
If you have anyone in the BHS Community you would like to honor, email ballard.appreciation@gmail.com as they would love to share it with the community.
|
Free tuition for Seattle Colleges
Apply for Seattle Promise by Feb. 1!
|
Don't miss out on two years of free tuition at Seattle Colleges. Apply by Feb. 1 for Seattle Promise! The scholarship is available to all SPS graduates regardless of GPA, income, ability, or country of birth.
More college help on BHS Counseling Center page
|
College Board offers series of virtual college fairs |
College Board is hosting its first-ever series of virtual college fairs called BigFuture Days.
Sophomores and Juniors, as well as parents/guardians, are 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.
Students can attend any event and more than once. Explore your college options in each region! Visit the BigFuture Day site for updates, current days and time zone information.
|
Earn Community Service hours thru BHS Library |
Service learning allows BHS students to apply academic, social and personal skills through activities that benefit the community. It's been challenging, however, to find COVID-safe opportunities of late.
Never fear, the BHS Library is here! Check out these online options and meeting times on the Service Learning page -- here's some quick highlights:
Eager Beaver Readers - Read, rate, and write reviews of books for the Washington State Evergreen Book Award.
Reading Buddies - Read to 1st grade students at Magnolia Elementary.
PRIDE Book Club - Read, rate and amplify LGBTQIA+ characters in literature. Students are invited to amplify great books and support inclusivity at BHS.
Beaver Book Club - Talk about great books with Mr. Wynkoop and Ms. Chambers. Community service hours are available to write reviews, create trivia, organize events, and amplify connection through great books.
|
Princeton Prize in Race Relations for 9-12 grades |
High school students in grades 9 - 12: Are you fighting for racial equity and better racial understanding within your schools or communities? The Princeton Prize in Race Relations is taking applications through March 1.
This annual $1,000 Prize honors students in grades 9-12 for doing work that positively impacts race relations in their local community. Submission information here.
|
Note from the Nurse
Emotional Burnout -- work to connect
|
I am tired. It is a phrase I am hearing repeatedly from people around me. I am tired. What it represents is emotional burnout. Burnout from having to deal with one devastating event on top of another without resolution from the one before. It feels never ending and the usual coping skills are not as effective.
- First, it is important to recognize how you are feeling.
- Next, reframe your thinking. Remind yourself of your purpose. For example, why are you wearing a mask in public? To protect others.
- Third, try to find humor and laughter. Laughter releases endorphins and reduces stress hormones. This helps you feel better. So, let loose on the corny jokes.
- And last, connect in any way possible with others. Be proactive, make the call to those who live alone. It is a win-win for everyone.
|
Collage Concert a Musical Smorgasbord | 7 p.m. Jan. 22
|
The Ballard High School music program has been busy recording and mixing a virtual Collage Concert that airs online 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 22.
“It will be a nonstop evening featuring an incredible range of performances from our music ensembles,“ says Courtney Rowley, director of choirs.
The concert will be a collection of videos recorded by students in three orchestras, six band ensembles, and four choirs. In preparation for the concert, students rehearsed in virtual ensembles using the Upbeat music app, funded by generous donations from BPA families and supporters.
|
62nd Annual (Virtual) BPA Spaghetti Dinner Feb. 6 |
Join BPA for the reimagined 2021 Virtual Spaghetti Dinner 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6. While this traditional and treasured community event has been reimagined this year, we will still have lots of pasta, laughs and fun.
Enjoy a fun 90-minute performance video produced by BPA graduate Gustavo Gutierrez - featuring a smattering of spaghetti dinner and concert performances from years past and interspersed with fun skits, trivia, and testimonials from BPA students, directors and beloved BHS staff!
|
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!
|
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. This format protects participants’ safety while providing student-athletes the best possible quality athletic experience. Seasons and/or sports may need to be adjusted based on Puget Sound Region's metrics. Infection rates need to drop before any of this happens, so stay safe!
SEASON 1 | February - April | Athletic Registration Due NOW
February Football
Feb. 22 - April 17
Girls: Soccer, Slowpitch Softball, Swim & Dive, Volleyball, Gymnastics
Coed: Cross Country, Golf
SEASON 2 | April - June | Athletic Registration Due April 9
April 19 - June 12
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. Physicals may be scheduled with the Ballard Teen Health Center as well.
|
|
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.
|
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.
Helpful quick links
|
SPS District 4 Director interest form due Jan. 29 |
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.
|
The District IV board seat has been vacated by Director Eden Mack. A new District IV Board Director will be appointed on March 24 at a Regular School Board Meeting.
The seven-person SPS Board of Directors governs the district and plays a critical role in the education of our students and stewardship of public investment.
When a board seat vacancy occurs outside of the regular election cycle, the current board appoints a candidate to finish that term.
To be eligible for this appointment, candidates must be a U.S. citizen and a registered voter of District IV.
Interested candidates must submit a letter of interest, work experience/resume, and photograph by Jan. 29. Interest form and directions here.
|
Return to in-person learning update |
COMMUNITY ARTS, CULTURE, ACTION |
The BHS PTSA offers these Community Activities for informational purposes & does not necessarily support activities or views presented therein. |
Seattle Special Education PTSA meeting Jan. 19 |
Seattle Special Education PTSA is having its monthly general meeting via Zoom at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19.
The guest speaker, Lee Collyer, will talk about success in reducing restraint and isolation in schools. He’s recognized as dramatically changing school culture on how to support students with behavioral challenges in California.
The group will also talk about the PTSA's work to promote more inclusionary practices in SPS and the PTSA's work on dyslexia issues. All are welcome!
|
Parent University Digital Safety talk |
Please join Bush School 5:30-6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 3 for Parent University: Digital Safety with Jo Langford for an overview of t/ween behavior in this digital age.
Jo Langford, M.A. is a dad, a Master’s-level therapist, author, and sex educator for tweens, teens and parents, in Seattle.
|
STEM-focused College Webinar |
Phinney Neighborhood Association-sponsored webinar | 7-8 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 4
Do you know a teen who wants to pursue STEM in college? Many students pursue STEM majors in college for the wrong reasons and are often unaware of the specific skills and experiences to cultivate in order to be competitive for college admission, internships, and jobs in these areas.
|
Join Dr. Mark Hofer for an introductory talk on the STEM college application and admissions process. This seminar is most helpful for parents of freshmen and sophomores, but families of juniors will find it useful, too.
|
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.
|
Winter weather preparedness |
The City of Seattle offers info to help the community prepare for potential winter hazards.
Click the links below to learn more about our Seattle-area winter hazards.
Click here for information about creating an emergency plan for yourself, your family, and your neighborhood.
|
AlertSeattle is the City of Seattle’s official emergency alert system. Residents, workers, and visitors are encouraged to sign up to receive free text, email, or phone call alerts when emergencies are happening in their area.
|
|
|
|
PTSA Nomination Committee |
We need a couple PTSA members to volunteer for the BHS PTSA nominating committee.
Members of the committee will help identify candidates for next year's PTSA Executive Board (President, VP, Treasurer and Secretary)
|
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
|
Friends of BHS on Facebook |
Parents, students, staff, neighbors, alumni -- it takes a village, let's build one here! Join the conversation, get involved -- It's Always Great to be a Beaver. Check out Friends of Ballard here!
|
You can also follow BHS PTSA on our Instagram page @bhs.ptsa! We also post on Twitter!
|
|
To better amplify its voice in Olympia during the WA State Legislative Session (which runs through April 25), the Washington State PTA 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
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.
Once you link your card, all you have to do is shop at Fred Meyer and swipe your Shopper’s Card.
|
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!
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
