Black Lives Matter at School Week | Feb. 1-5
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"Between the divisive rhetoric used on social media and by political figures, it is really important to me and to all of Ballard that we make sure that it is clear that Black Lives Matter at Ballard High School," Principal Keven Wynkoop said in his Jan. 27 family letter.
This emphasis will not only include lessons and activities in some classes, but celebrating the next installment of the year-long Black Lives Matter at School Year of Purpose.
"I encourage your students to consider attending this once the details are firmed up," Mr. Wynkoop said. "Too often, schools have been the source of individual and structural racism, when we should be the people and institutions pulling people up."
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BHS Diversity Empowerment Council formed |
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. We meet the third Thursday of every month from 7-8 p.m. via Teams.
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.
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(Note: Photo art above of BHS Diversity Mural, which spans the eastern beam just inside the north entry to our school. More info on the 2018-19 collaborative effort here.)
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First Semester grading/report card information |
While Second Semester begins this week, here is information on how students can earn a passing grade for First Semester work.
"All students that do not earn credit in their classes are required to receive a plan from their teacher(s) that shows them what to do to earn a passing grade in the class. Students will have until the end of the school year to complete this plan and earn this credit," Mr. Wynkoop said in his Jan. 27 letter.
Those students who do not receive a plan by Feb. 5 and are still marked as not earning credit should contact their counselor or assistant principal.
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
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BHS PTSA General Meeting | 7 p.m. Feb. 11
Ballard Teen Health's on-site wellness services
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During these challenging times, it’s critical to stay connected. Did you know that BHS has a wide variety of FREE medical and mental health services that are provided on campus?
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Mental Health Counselor Chelsea Clark, MSW, LICSW and Nurse Practitioner Karen Boudour, ARNP will discuss BTHC care options during the building closure and share helpful resources.
The presentation follows a quick PTSA introduction and Principal Keven Wynkoop update. We are looking for questions to be submitted ahead of time (by Feb. 10), so that our panelists can be prepared.
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Upload photo for the yearbook | Due Feb. 18
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BHS Students and Families! Yearbook has a service called HJ eShare that allows you to submit a portrait of yourself from the comfort of your own home! Photo deadline Feb. 18. Submission details on the Yearbook Photo Page.
Students and Families Things to Note
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If you already got your school photo taken at Rowland Studio you don't need to do anything they will send your photo to us!
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If you are in Grades 9-11 and you haven't already gotten your photo taken at Rowland Studio and would like your school photo in the Ballard HS Shingle Yearbook for 20-21 please upload your photo!
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If you are a Senior in the Class of 2021 who did not send a Senior Portrait already and would like to upload a photo for the yearbook this is for you!
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Donate Jars with Lids To a Greenhouse Project! |
They can be any size jar or bottle (mason jars, pickles, jams, spice jars etc.) but must have lids.
Drop off outside the south door entrance to the BHS Main Office weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. or at the next Library Curbside Pickup Drop off on Thursday, Feb. 11 from 3-5 p.m.
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History student projects examine voting rights |
Check out the amazing work of BHS students who created timely "Voting Rights" projects in their First Semester U.S. History classes.
Kudos to these creative students and their teachers Ms. Robin Dowdy, Mr. Shawn Lee, and Mr. Kyle Morean/Mr. Trevor Holmgren as well!
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NEW: AP tests to be offered remotely this year
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AP tests will be offered remotely. More details in February.
“CollegeBoard is committed to offering online testing and will release official details about online AP testing in early February.” More details on AP Information.
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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.
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.
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Second Semester kicks off with Beaver Reader fun |
The Ballard High School Library is offering a variety of online activities this week to kickstart the Second Semester!
Discover gorgeous graphics and compelling action in a comic book. (That's some masked members of the Comic Book Club pictured, picking up new titles at the January Curbside event.) Share some picture book joy with an elementary student. Find out if Ms. Chambers is "sus" in a dive into the online Among Us universe on Friday night. Here are the daily activities; all links are available on the Library Schoology page:
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Monday, Feb. 1 - Eager Beaver Readers, noon
Tuesday, Feb. 2 - Library Leaders, noon
Wednesday, Feb. 3 - Reading Buddies, 10 a.m.
Thursday, Feb. 4 - Pride Book Club, 12:45 p.m. (new time)
Friday, Feb. 5 - Ballard Comic Book Club, noon
Friday, Feb. 5 - Among Us Game, 7 p.m.
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Next Curbside Pickup Feb. 11
Send your BHS Valentines, Curbside style
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Want to share some BeaverReader love at Curbside Pickup? Share a Valentine! Here's how:
💟 Drop off cards 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays in bins outside BHS. Deadline: Feb. 9.
💟Remember to include first AND last names.
💟 Students will be alerted if they have a valentine to pickup Curbside!
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The next Curbside Pickup event is 3-5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11. Put books and games on hold at bit.ly/BHSHolds! If you are done with your 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!
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Lindi and Linda are BHS's best book coverers! |
Who do you turn to when you need a whole lotta paperback book donations cared for and covered? Assistant Librarian Lindi Wood, of course! Check out her epic technique here! |
Also, shout out to parent volunteer Linda, who brought 10 bags of books that she had covered to the last Curbside Pickup and left with six more bags to cover!
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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:
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Library Ambassador meets by appt to help staff and students learn how to use SPS & SPL Library resources; Hoopla, Libby, and databases.
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.
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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.
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BHS Student tutors help with online sessions |
Mr. Wynkoop shares update with senior families |
Mr. Wynkoop recently reached out with a letter to senior families about potential spring activities.
"I know how much your seniors have already lost this year, so I am committed to fighting for every opportunity that I can for them to be celebrated and (fingers crossed) to come together," he said.
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➟ The Ballard High School Class of 2021 Graduation Ceremony has been scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 16.
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➟ Class of 2021, don't forget to check out the Senior Resources page for timely news and information.
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Free tuition for Seattle Colleges
Apply for Seattle Promise by Feb. 1!
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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.
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College Visits & Events, a ticket to campus life! |
The BHS Counseling Center offers college visits this year online! Students can get information about admission processes, financial aid and campus life in a virtual setting, while speaking with a rep from their school of interest. |
Upcoming visits include:
1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 1 | AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps
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9 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3 | Montana State University
10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3 | Academy of Art University, San Francisco
1:10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 12 | Academy of Interactive Entertainment, Seattle
9 a.m, Wednesday, Feb. 24 | University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland
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2:05 p.m. Thursday, March 11 | Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
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College Board offers virtual fairs for 10/11th graders |
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.
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NACAC Virtual College Fairs offered through May 2 |
It's easy to drop in on live Zoom sessions offered by hundreds of colleges on a single day.
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College Bound Scholarship Conference March 6 |
The Seattle College Bound Scholarship Conference will be held via Microsoft Teams Saturday, March 6 from 12:30-4 p.m. The scholarship is an early commitment of state financial aid to eligible students who sign-up in middle school and fulfill the College Bound Pledge. More information & event link will be made available here.
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BTHC offers student health care services |
The Ballard Teen Health Center (BTHC), a collaboration between BHS and Swedish Medical Center, offers both remote and scheduled in-person visits to students for medical and mental health purposes. The Center is funded through the Families, Education, Preschool and Promise Plan levy.
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SPS offers Student Meals during remote learning |
SPS Nutrition Services offer free meal distribution to students/families from 11:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. weekdays at 40 meal sites around the city -- 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
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62nd Annual (Virtual) BPA Spaghetti Dinner Feb. 6 |
Join the BPA community on Saturday, Feb. 6 at 7 p.m. for the 62nd Annual Spaghetti Dinner. It'll be a most memorable virtual event that will feature amazing music and fun cameos by our talented students, zany skits performed by students and BHS staff alike, and creative hosting by Shawn Riley (BPA Theatre Director, pictured below).
The 75-minute performance video will go live on the BPA YouTube site on Feb. 6 at 7 p.m. After you purchase the performance ($10), BPA organizers will email you the link on Feb. 6 before the event start time. Be sure to check your spam folder.
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Along with your video ticket, make it a "meal and a show" by ordering a Pasta Meal Kit ($25) to prepare at home and enjoy while you watch the performance. 100% of the purchase price of your meal will go directly back to the BPA Program.
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MetroLeagueWA Updates | Season 1 registration due
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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 | 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. Physicals may be scheduled with the Ballard Teen Health Center as well.
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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.
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Breaking News!
Online 21-22 BHS Course Signup
coming!
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Student online course registration coming soon for the 2021-22 School Year: Stay tuned for more details!
Online Registration By Grade Level:
Grade 11 | Class of 2022 | Feb. 9-22
Grade 10 | Class of 2023 | Feb. 23-March 1
Grade 9 | Class of 2024 | March 2 - 8
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8th Grader interested in BHS? |
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!" More information on the 8th Grade Choices Event page.
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Want to know even more? Visit Stay Connected for all of our school community newsletters; refer to our PTSA Overview as well as take a look at our About Ballard page for some interesting and fun Ballard Beaver facts and history.
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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
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AAMA launching Listen and Learn Forum in Feb. |
The SPS Office of African American Male Achievement (AAMA) is launching its Listen and Learn forum in February to continue to listen to Black families to help reconstruct the educational system to celebrate the brilliance and excellence of Black boys and teens.
AAMA is committed to the long journey of dismantling a legacy of systemic racism. Black families are invited to participate and collectively envision what an educational environment looks like for Black boys and teens to thrive. Your voice will help build the office's intentional, long-term plan.
Among its Regional Forums is the one for Northwest Families on Feb. 9. For more information and other citywide forum dates check the AAMA news page.
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SPS Planning for Inclement Weather and Snow Days |
Planning for winter weather in 2020-21 is different this year. With remote learning, changes to school schedules because of winter weather will be unlikely.
In the event of an extreme weather-related power or an outage impacting large numbers of families and staff, the district will close and cancel all buildings, services, and remote learning. Learn more about how to stay informed.
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SPS/SEA return to in-person learning bargain update |
On Dec. 17, the School Board passed a resolution for a phased re-entry for in-person services for 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).
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Special Education Family Forums |
Special Education BIPOC families are invited to share their experiences during this pandemic period from 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 2 (meeting link here). SPS Special Education Department leadership and staff will provide info, listen to feedback, and answer questions.
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Learning hubs offered for SPS students |
The facilities offer a stable, productive environment by providing Wi-Fi access to SPS’s virtual learning portals, along with recreational, enrichment and mentoring programs and in-person assistance with connectivity and academics. Participants must wear mask and bring laptop or tablet. Breakfast and lunch are provided daily.
Hub sites are open 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and run until June 18. Register here.
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COMMUNITY ARTS, CULTURE, ACTION |
BHS PTSA offers these Community Activities for informational purposes & does not necessarily support activities or views presented therein. |
Aeronautical Science Pathway at Flight Museum |
SPL Resources for High Schoolers |
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?
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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.
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AmeriCorps
residential service opportunity
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What is AmeriCorps NCCC?
To learn more, come to the NCCC virtual informational meeting on Feb 1 at 1 p.m.
Meeting ID: 737 7418 3080
Passcode: 7dgnMd
questions!
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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.
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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.
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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
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Friends of BHS on Facebook |
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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.
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SHOP AND SUPPORT BHS PTSA |
Contribute to PTSA while you shop |
Once you link your card, all you have to do is shop at Fred Meyer and swipe your Shopper’s Card.
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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!
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The BHS PTSA offers Community Resources for informational purposes & does not necessarily support activities or views presented therein. |
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Learning/mental health support
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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.
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