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Last names A-L 2-3 p.m.; M-Z 3-4 p.m.
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Principal update: Students need community and connection, especially during remote learning |
Principal Keven Wynkoop sent an update to the BHS Community Oct. 19:
"With the combination of the weather getting worse, the holidays approaching and the current spike in COVID cases, it has become evident that we are not going to return to in-person school before the new semester begins at the end of January. If you are like me, this is sobering to realize that we have at least two times as much remote learning ahead of us, as we have behind us this Fall.
"With that realization, it is important that we are not looking to a physical return to school to act as the cure that is going to turn things around. If students are falling behind in class, we need families and educators to work together to develop strategies to get them back on track ...."
"(It) is really important that students are finding safe ways to be teenagers and to find personal connections," he said.
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VIRTUAL LEARNING - CONNECTION & COMMUNITY |
Explore your interests through BHS Clubs |
Clubs are a great way to be involved at BHS! Most clubs meet weekly during the Enrichment Period 12:30-1:05 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday or Friday.
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Want more BHS on Instagram?
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Class of 2024 Beaver pups ...
Don't miss Link Crew Club Rush!
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It is set up where you ONLY get five minutes in a presentation and then you will be told to switch to a new call for a different club of interest.
Freshmen win a prize! Details below!
Any 9th grader who takes pictures of themselves in at least three club presentations during the Virtual Club Rush can pick up a prize bag with candy and a BHS Water Bottle Sticker at Library Curbside Pick Up from 3-5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29 in the North Parking Lot. Look for the Halloween Pet Parade!
➢ Find the Link Crew Leaders and show them your pictures from your club presentations that show which clubs are pictured. The Clubs will each have a way to show which club they are during the presentation (i.e. holding up a sign that says “Key Club” for the picture).
If you have any questions, contact your Link Crew Leader or Mr. Wynkoop.
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VIRTUAL LEARNING - STUDY RESOURCES |
SPS students can connect through the Public Library’s platform at spl.org/VirtualTutoring to get instant access to Tutor.com’s 3,000 highly vetted expert tutors, who can help youth with school work, tutoring and academic coaching in a variety of subjects in a safe and secure online classroom.
One-on-one help is available in math, writing, science, history, foreign languages, college essay writing, Advanced Placement (AP) courses and more!
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BHS Free Online Tutoring, variety of subjects |
Did you know that BHS offers FREE virtual tutoring? Even though school is online this year tutoring, led by qualified student volunteers, is still going on.
To sign up for a session, go to http://calendly.com/bhs_tutoring and select between Math (any subject); Biology and Chemistry; Physics; Computer Science; and Spanish. Choose a time and then enter your email and name. That’s it! Make sure to check your email for the meeting link and we’ll see you there!
If your student needs any help please remind them that this service is available and we are working to improve it every day!
Contact Teacher-Librarian TuesD Chambers at
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Seattle Parks opens learning hubs for students |
These sites are equipped with Community Center and youth program staff who can help your student get engaged in learning. (The Northwest site is at Bitter Lake Community Center.)
The facilities offer a stable, productive environment by providing Wi-Fi access to Seattle Public School’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.
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BHS School Picture Days at Rowland Studio |
Sittings for the Yearbook photo & Student ID Cards are free of charge for Ballard HS students. You are not required to have photos taken now in the studio. This is an optional service.
The SPS District is not allowing any photos to be taken in-schools under current COVID guidelines, but they have said in-school photos on a traditional picture day may be an option later in the school year if COVID guidelines change. We still hope to have an all-school, in-school picture day if and when the COVID restrictions are relaxed. At that time, we plan to take everyone’s photo for the yearbook and ID cards.
If you choose to have your photo taken in the Studio, you will get your Student ID (free) as well as be able to use the in-studio photo for the Yearbook if you’d like. More info is available on the BHS Website as well as some additional options for Seniors.
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BHS Digital Filmmakers' movies at NFFTY |
Junior James Brammer's "One Minute to Midnight" and Class of 2020 Marley Rankin's "Everything Bagel" and "Portrait of My Reflection" are a few of the films that are available through the streaming festival.
NFFTY was co-founded by BHS Digital Filmmaking alumnus Jesse Harris ('04) and Kyle Seago ('07) in 2007. It has since become the largest youth film festival in the world.
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Say thanks through Ballard Appreciation page! |
Share your reasons why it's #AGTBB (# Always Great to Be a Beaver) by recognizing a BHS staff member, teacher, coach or anyone else from the community who rocks! The Ballard Appreciation Club will make an awesome Instagram shoutout to these honorees! |
How can I nominate someone I appreciate?
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Student vote rules at BHS Mock Election |
Make Your Voice Count: Don't forget to vote! |
Seniors, or anyone turning 18 by the Nov. 3 election can register online up to Oct. 26, or in person up to and including the day of the election by 8 p.m.
Students, ages 16 and 17, can pre-register to vote online! A ballot will automatically be sent in time for the next election after they turn 18.
Because of the record turnout expected this year, it is recommended to get your ballot turned around as quickly as possible and put in a secure King County Elections drop box.
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Freshman class elections coming! Apply by Nov. 1 |
Want to make a difference in your school? Want to represent the Freshman class? Run for student government!
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Recognize Beaver Spirit
Nominate Homecoming Court class reps
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This is not supposed to be a popularity contest! We are asking students to nominate two of your most spirited classmates, this is not gender-specific and we want to include everyone so be sure to put their name and their pronouns!
Do not vote for someone who isn't in your grade. ONLY VOTE ONE TIME.
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Sign up now! AP Exam Registration closes Nov. 2 |
BHS Students must register and pay for their AP Exams by Nov. 2. Students must be currently enrolled in an AP class at Ballard High School to register for the corresponding AP test.
The join codes were provided to students during the first couple weeks of school by each AP teacher, and may also be available on Schoology pages. Students may need to ask their teachers for the join codes if they don't have them. More information on the AP Exam Registration Page.
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Counseling Center offers helpful resources |
Sr. Yearbook Photos/Grad Ads due Nov. 13 |
More timely senior news and notes |
➢ New! We need Senior Shirt ideas and want your input! Comment a theme, design or idea you have to Instagram bhseniors2021 and send organizers a DM.
➢ New! Important Senior Timeline: Review this listing of important dates and info for seniors and their families. Running Start students please mark your calendars as well. The dates may change or be updated throughout the year, please visit the Senior page for the most current information.
➢ Get your Cap & Gown for Graduation! Visit and follow the steps on the National Achiever website. Order deadline is Jan. 31, but we recommend ordering before then.
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Helpful 'Applying to College' resources here |
Welcome to the Counseling Center's Applying to College resource section! Find answers to commonly asked questions about applying to college as well as upcoming events and opportunities. Check the Counseling Center Applying to College webpage regularly for new content and these popular helpful links:
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Counselor drop-in sessions
Ask college application questions on Oct. 28
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Seniors: Drop in anytime from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28 to ask a BHS counselor your college application questions. Meeting inks to join these meetings are posted on BHS Counselor Schoology pages.
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FAFSA and WASFA applications open |
FAFSA and WASFA applications opened on Oct. 1. Completing these free applications is the first step to accessing college financial aid and is required for most scholarships, grants, and loans. To help students and families complete these forms, SPS is offering virtual financial aid support events.
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Learn about tuition-free college thru Seattle Promise |
Learn how Seattle Public Schools 2021 graduates can apply for the Seattle Promise scholarship. Students and families are welcome to attend an upcoming Seattle Promise scholarship workshop.
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Sign Up For Virtual College Visits | Naviance |
BHS is hosting Virtual College Visits this year via Naviance. Log onto your Naviance account to sign up. You will need to access the link for the College Visit at the assigned time on the day of the visit. Log onto Naviance and the link will be available at the same place you registered online (under Colleges > Visits).
Email Counseling Secretary Carol Bristol for more information at: chbristol@seattleschools.org. Note: The Oct. 23 Western Washington University visit had some technical interruptions so it will be rescheduled.
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College virtual visits for this week
Monday, Oct. 26
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1:10-2 p.m. | Central Washington University
2:05-3 p.m. | Savannah College of Art and Design
Tuesday, Oct. 27
1:10-2 p.m. | Columbia College, Chicago
2:05-3 p.m. | Montana State University
Wednesday, Oct. 28
9-9:45 a.m. | University of Arizona
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9:45-10:30 a.m. | Washington State University
10:30-11:15 a.m. | Gonzaga University
Thursday, Oct. 29
1:10- 2 p.m. | Eckerd College, St. Petersburg, FL
2:05-3 p.m. | University of Victoria
Friday, Oct. 30
1:10-2:05 p.m. | DigiPen Institute of Technology
2:05-3 p.m. | Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
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Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship Award |
The Ballard Elks Lodge awards three local senior girls and three local senior boys $1,000 each to be used towards college tuition. Be sure select “Ballard Elks” during the application process. Applicants may also advance and be considered for State
and National Elks scholarships. Deadline is Nov. 15.
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Seattle U Sullivan Leadership Award |
Each year, Seattle University selects nine incoming freshmen to receive the Sullivan Leadership Award. This leadership and service award, which covers undergraduate tuition, housing and meals for four years of study, involves some additional steps with regard to the application:
- Students must apply by the Seattle University Early Action deadline of Nov. 15.
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The Sullivan Leadership Award application, which will be made available to students after they apply to Seattle U, along with two letters of recommendation, is due no later than Nov. 30.
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Boo-tiful Pet Parade highlights Oct. 29 book pickup
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Want to get a spooky book to curl up with over Halloween weekend? Or just want to see some cute costumed critters?
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Thank you to our costumed BHS pet inspirations featured here, top to bottom: Loki (pup of juniors Peter and Erin Golden); Pretzel Dog from the Nichols' Family; Counseling Center Secretary Carol Bristol's Augie Doggy; freshman Andrew Moore's Bat Cat Speedy; Blue, superdog of Matthew (12th) and Jonathan (9th) Fries; Darth (Kahlua) and Leia (Nova), pups of freshman Lorelai Trainor; and finally Monty, aka Sherlock, owned by senior Pippa Stoody. |
(Remember even if we're in the holiday spirit, we're still going to wear protective masks, have those parading pups leashed, and use social-distancing practices.)
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Thank you for returning your BHS Library books (and sharing your feedback on any fun reads) at any of the biweekly Curbside Pickup events. There's also return bins outside of the north school entrance and the Main Office entrance from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays.
Virtual BHS Library week at a glance
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Monday: Eager Beavers, 12:30 p.m.
Tuesday: Library Leaders, 12:30 p.m.
Wednesday: Picture Book Pilot: Reading Buddies, 10 a.m.
Thursday: Pride Book Club, 12:30 p.m.; Halloween Pet Parade/Library Curbside Pickup, 3-5 p.m. (Parade will be from 3-3:30 p.m.)
Friday: Black Panther Book Club, 12:30 p.m. | Beaver Readers, 12:30 p.m.
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Students and families: Have questions about online learning or need to share or get a great book recommendation? Sign up, stop by to talk about books, technology or community building -- make your Chattin' with Chambers appointments here!
Contact Teacher-Librarian TuesD Chambers at 206-252-1121 or
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SVNA Drive Thru Flu Shots at North Seattle College |
Flu shots are available through Seattle Visiting Nurse Association (SVNA) drive-thru at North Seattle College weekdays through Oct 30. All insurance is accepted, but uninsured children and adults can also get a free flu shot. Drive-through clinics can also accommodate those who walk up or ride a bike. Must pre-register and sign up for SVNA drive-thru here.
Need a flu shot closer to Ballard?
The flu shot is also now available by appointment at the BHS Teen Health Center for SPS students. There is no cost.
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Notes from the Nurse: Unplugging From Screens
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Do you find everyone in your house is on their own personal screen? Families should discuss and decide what is the appropriate amount of screen time, so everyone is on the same page. |
Sharing moments together, playing together, talking and laughing together, strengthens bonds. Plan a goofy movie night on the weekend. Make funny looking cookies in the kitchen with everyone. Bring back game night. Boards games bring out the competitive spirit! Take evening walks to watch the sunset and feel the crisp air. Remember to leave phones at home!
Notes from the Nurse are provided by BHS School Nurse Laurie Tirtanadi. For wellness news and updates, go to the School Nurse webpage.
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Order your BHS Duffel Bag now thru Nov. 16 |
The Athletic Booster Club's Duffel Bag pre-order sale is now open! Ballard Beavers, now is the time to order your full-size or mini duffel bag!
The online store is open NOW through Nov. 16. Each bag is custom-made by Jensen-Lee of sturdy canvas in BHS colors and personalized for you. These bags make excellent holiday gifts; the mini duffel is the perfect purse to show your Beaver Spirit!
Bags will be shipped to the Beaver Gear Team in mid-December in time for holiday distribution. The team will notify you by email when yours has arrived. Act now as this sale only happens twice a year!
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Optional open season practices |
If your student wants to join the practices, they can still sign up via FinalForms, but they won't be able to participate until they've been cleared by the BHS Athletic Department.
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BPA Boosters purchase Upbeat Software for remote musical collaboration |
Ballard Performing Arts Boosters is thrilled to announce that we have purchased Upbeat Music, a software program that allows for more collaborative playing time together.
Due to your generous donations over the years, and class fees, we were able to spend $5,000 ($15/music student) to purchase subscriptions for all music students and teachers. This collaborative app allows music students to engage better with remote learning, foster social connections, which has been a crucial missing piece during remote learning, and stay motivated to continue with their music studies.
The ability to make the purchase of this app available to all music students at Ballard High School is one example of the types of things the Ballard Performing Arts Booster Club supports.
Watch this video to better understand how it works:
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BHS Playmakers present Greater Tuna Nov. 5-7 |
The Ballard High School Playmakers will start the year with their first ever virtual production: the comedy Greater Tuna. Livestreamed Nov. 5, 6 and 7, the play is an affectionate comment on Southern life, small-town living, and the attitudes that go with it.
MAKE IT DINNER AND A SHOW! We’ve partnered with Tom Douglas Restaurants (Serious Take out in Ballard) who is putting together a fun “Greater Tuna” dinner box you can order in advance and enjoy the nights of the show.
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We did it, thanks!
What a great Direct Appeal!
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Thank you for helping us reach our goal with the PTSA Direct Appeal! We were able to raise $25,000 to support BHS academics — we are so grateful!
The funds will be used to purchase items such as digital teaching tools that allow real time engagement between teachers and students, printers and ink cartridges, whiteboards, and headphones.
Ballard Cares support effort coming soon
As a reminder, with so many in our community struggling, the Ballard Foundation/BHS PTSA/Ballard High School will partner for another round of the Ballard Cares fundraiser, kicking off in early November!
We encourage you to support that important fundraiser if you can.
Thank you again for your generosity.
~Your Ballard High School PTSA Board
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Next meeting Nov. 5
Join us online for a PTSA Board Meeting
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Come check out a BHS PTSA Board virtual meeting and learn about how we support our school.
Meeting schedule is as follows: 7 p.m. Thursdays Nov. 5, Dec. 3, Jan. 7, March 4, April 8 and May 6
Also Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. (when followed by the 7 p.m. Seasonal PTSA General Meetings): Feb. 11 and June 10
To receive a Teams meeting link to the Nov. 5 Board Meeting, email Vice President Gloria Kruzner at bhs.ptsa.vp@gmail.com.
Board Meetings are open to all, although only board and committee members may actively vote.
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Main Office staffed during closure |
The Main Office is staffed 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays by Cindy Peterson and Rayna Bauer who are only available via their linked emails or phone at 206-252-1000.
School forms and library book returns may be left from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the bin outside of the school's south entry doors, off of Northwest 65th Street.
Other helpful quick links:
➢ Sign up for PTSA, BPA and BHS athletics newsletters on the Stay Connected page!
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Students, stay connected with BHS via Remind! |
Students: Don't miss anything at BHS by signing up today for Remind!
Learn how to sign up on the Ballard High School website. (Because of limits on class sizes we request only students sign up for Remind.)
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SPS continues remote learning thru first semester |
Seattle Public Schools will remain remote with limited in-person instruction through Jan. 28, the first semester of school.
This approach is in response to an increase of COVID-19 cases in King County and after consultation with Seattle Education Association, Seattle Council PTSA, and the Principals’ Association of Seattle Schools.
There is also no guarantee that we will be able to increase in-person instruction next semester.
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SPS Tech Tip: Reboot Regularly!
When was the last time you restarted your SPS device? Restarting your computer once a day can help reduce tech issues and ensure you get the latest updates.
SPS device tech help here:
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Don't forget to turn in SPS family survey
On Oct. 19, Seattle Public Schools delivered a short survey to students in grades 3-12, families, and staff.
Please check your inbox and spam folders for the personalized link. The email has the subject line: "Request for Feedback: Seattle Public Schools Pulse Survey."
These surveys will be given again in January, and then the SPS annual school climate survey will be given in the spring. All survey results will be publicly available shortly after the survey window closes on Oct. 30.
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Apply now for free and reduced-price meals |
Families must re-apply for meal benefits each school year. Households that experience a change in income due to job loss or their circumstances are encouraged to apply. Apply online here.
All students who qualify for free or reduced price meals receive meals free of charge as well as additional benefits such as discounts or no costs for athletic fees, ASB fee, pre-college exams (PSAT/SAT/ACT), college application fees, AP tests, field Trips and Running Start books.
To receive these additional benefits, it is required that you check the boxes next to the benefit on the application.
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Student meals distribution sites |
SPS offers meal distribution for students, parents and guardians at schools and bus routes around the city.
Free meals are available from 11:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. weekdays. On Fridays, families can also pick up a bag of food for the weekend!
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Ballard Food Bank also offers a Weekend Food for Kids service. Check out the Food Bank web page here for more details.
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Superintendent's Parent Advisory Council |
SPS is seeking members for the Superintendent's Parent Advisory Council (PAC). The PAC's task is to build systemic capacity at each school to facilitate strong family engagement to support student learning.
This group will gather parent and guardian leaders who will help co-design systems that support school-based engagement.
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COMMUNITY ARTS, CULTURE, ACTION |
The BHS PTSA offers these Community Activities for informational purposes & does not necessarily support activities or views presented therein. |
SCPTSA Anti-Racism Meeting Series |
Please join the Seattle Council PTSA in this Anti-Racism Community Meeting Series running through Nov. 2.
A few of this week's offerings include:
BIPOC and Anti-Racist Youth Town Hall, hosted by the NAACP Youth Coalition from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 26. Students will have the opportunity to discuss their ideas for change.
Also, The Intersection of Race & Disability: A Conversation with Families of Color Receiving Special Education Services, 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28.
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Curbside pickups now at SPL Ballard/Greenwood branches |
SPL curbside pickup for books on hold at the Ballard and Greenwood Branches is now available on a walk-up basis.
When your holds are ready for pickup, visit any time during our curbside service hours to pick them up. You do not need to call ahead or use an app to schedule a pickup time.
Curbside pickup service hours vary by location:
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Parallel Bars - Hugo House writing program |
Are you a teen poet/rapper/songwriter who loves the sound of rhyme and the feeling of reciting lyrical flow? Come learn how to further exercise the music of language and build on the foundation of your rhyme skills.
From subtle cacophonies across the line, to the hard internal and end-rhyme bar structures found in lyrical hip hop, students in this workshop will learn techniques for utilizing sound in a variety of writing styles.
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Patricia Grodd Poetry Prize |
The Patricia Grodd Poetry Prize for Young Writers recognizes outstanding young poets and is open to high school sophomores and juniors throughout the world.
The winner receives a scholarship to the Kenyon Review Young Writers workshop. In addition, the winning poem and the poems of the two runners-up will be published in the Kenyon Review, a widely read literary magazine.
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Join the Penguin Advisory Council |
Youth ages 14-18 are invited to join the Penguin Advisory Council, to help shape the area theater's goals. Next meeting is 4-5:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8.
Register for Zoom link HERE!
The November meeting will be a chance to process the election together. Plus, look ahead to changes coming to Penguin in 2021, and talk about plays, workshops, mentors, and partnerships to explore. More info on Penguin programs here.
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Parent University Virtual Events |
Bush School is offering Parent University, a quarterly virtual parent education series. Each event will feature a relevant topic about raising our children, including citizenship, how to raise anti-racist children, mindfulness, and digital safety in the era of remote schooling.
The first presentation will be: Parenting and Civic Responsibility: What It Takes To Raise The Next Generation Of Civic Catalysts with Eric Liu, at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4.
Liu is author of "Become America: Civic Sermons on Love, Responsibility and Democracy." He will focus on ways we can raise our children to embrace the spirit of citizenship, restore faith in democracy, and celebrate our differences and the values we share as American citizens.
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BHS needs volunteers, even during building closure |
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Sign up for the BHS PTSA here! |
Become a member of the BHS PTSA here and help drive our mission of supporting our school through fundraising, volunteerism, grant support, holiday gifting to families in need and more!
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BHS PTSA social media links |
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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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Seattle Promise is offering workshops for students and families to complete the FAFSA/WASFA with step-by-step guidance online. You must register in advance at the Washington Student Achievement Council website.
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NACAC Virtual College Fair Nov. 8 |
More than 600 colleges and universities will offer Zoom sessions and meetings from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8. Students everywhere can log in, drop in, and ask questions. Free! Visit the NACAC website for more details.
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Jazzed Virtual College Summit |
The upcoming Seattle JazzED Virtual College Summit is a valuable and free resource for high-school students. They'll get to hear from 19 local and national schools with music programs, ranging from Juilliard to University of North Texas to CalArts to Belleuve College. Including how things at these schools are operating in light of COVID-19.
The Virtual College Summit is happening on Zoom on Sunday, November 1. Any high-school student can participate for FREE, no questions asked by entering the code WAIVER when registering.
Even if your students CAN'T make it to the event they should still sign up so they can still get access to the recording of the Audition Workshop with Willem de Koch and Riley Mulherkar AND all of the digital materials provided by JazzED (like the College Planning Guide) and the participating schools.
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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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