BHS High School Leader Update |
Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Noel Treat sent a Ballard High School Leader Update to the community via SchoolMessenger on April 27.
The full update, which details initial steps in the principal search, is also on the BHS website.
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Naramore Art Show | BHS Artists Shine
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The Naramore Art Show, a partnership between Seattle Public Schools and Seattle Art Museum, celebrates more than 200 artworks by SPS middle and high school students.
BHS student artists and photographers created amazing entries in the following categories: Ceramics, Drawing, Mixed Media, Painting and Photography. Some works are shown in the photo collage above (l-r): Adair E. "Two Siblings at the Piano"; Sara W. "Black Tree"; ceramic entries "Chipmunk" by Ivon S. and "Gloria" by Helen E-B.; Nora P. "Intertwined"; Mara S. "Waldron Sunsets"; and "Under Construction" by Rowan S.
And below (l-r) Eva D. "Japanese Lanterns"; Ruby D. “Tea Set”; Jillian P. "Jade Dragon"; Shannon S. "Sweet Pea"; and Annika H. "Castle in the Fog."
This year, Naramore will be a virtual museum through June 30. There will also be a celebration at 6 p.m. May 6 on SPS TV Channel 26, and Instagram postings for students, families, staff, and community to show all the ways we are creative in Seattle Public Schools. Share student art on Instagram! Use the hashtag #artistsofsps
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AP Exams start Monday. Students cannot arrive late: Students arriving after the start of the exam will forfeit their exam. No refunds or make-up exams will be offered.
Students cannot be dismissed early: Morning exams should end between 12-12:30 p.m. and students are expected to attend their afternoon classes. Afternoon exams should end between 4-4:30pm and students are expected to attend their morning classes.
The music and language exams will run longer due to the recording piece so plan accordingly. [MORE INFO]
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Smarter Balanced Math Assessment | May 17-19
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All Grade 10 students, and any Grade 11 students who have not yet met the Math graduation requirement, will be given the SBA Math Assessment in their math classes on May 17-19.
- Bring a SPS laptop and charger. There are no laptops to borrow for testing.
- The test should take between 2-3 class periods.
- Passing this assessment will count as meeting your Math graduation requirement.
If you do not have a Math class or have other questions, please email or visit Ms. Coacher in Portable 101 or email ljcoacher@seattleschools.org.
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April Students of the Month |
The Ballard Rotary honors and congratulates two Seniors of the Month for April. These Seniors have shown excellence in multiple areas. This includes academic achievement, extra curriculars, service work and other unique hobbies.
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Kate F. has been chosen for her dedication to her studies and representing Ballard Pride with her kindhearted nature around the community.
Kate’s AP calculus teacher says, “Kate is an outstanding student and person. She has impressed me with her dedication to math and helping others see the beauty of it not just in school but also in her other pursuits outside of it, for which I fully support her.”
Kate tells us that she is a member of BHS's Chamber Choir, specifically as section leader in advanced chorale, and participates in Psychology Club as well. Kate is also a tutor at Mathnasium.
Thank you for your dedication to our education of young ones in the Ballard community and your involvement within Ballard's clubs and music programs, Kate, you are a role model and very appreciated!
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Kai I. has been chosen for his passion in his education as well as the fun spirit he brings to each class to help others succeed.
Kai’s band teacher, Mr. Gillespie, talks highly of his achievements saying, “Kai is a talented musician playing trumpet in Jazz Ensemble and the Ballard Big Band, and has also been a member of Chamber Orchestra where he played the violin.“
Kai also participated in the musical theatre pit orchestra for Beauty and The Beast which was a huge time commitment and consisted of very difficult music. In addition, Kai and the Ballard Brass Quartet attended State Solo and Ensemble Festival in Ellensburg on April 29. ”Kai is a wonderful addition to the Ballard music community and a consummate musician and natural leader!”
Kai tells us that he is a part of Wind Ensemble, a section leader in Marching Band, and plays in Jazz Band and Varsity tennis. Thank you Kai for your commitment to Ballard Pride within our music programs and athletics, you truly are an inspiration!
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Run for ASB Office | Applications Due May 9
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Class of '22 News & Updates |
Learn Senior Checkout Info | Friday, May 6
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Counselors will be visiting Senior ELA classes on Friday, May 6 to go over:
- Naviance SPS Senior grad survey (a graduation requirement) and how to order final transcripts to be sent to colleges
- Reminder about completing PE waivers and Washington State History packets if still needed
- Passing required classes
- How Senior checkout will go, paying outstanding fines, etc.
Seniors should have their laptops to work with the counselors.
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Final Day to Verify Diploma Spelling | Wednesday, May 13
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Please check your name on the list of 2022 Seniors and email Ms. Peterson in the Main Office at crpeterson@seattleschools.org with any corrections or preferred changes.
The list of names will be posted on the glass wall across from the Main Office and on Schoology (both on the Library page and Ms. Lehni’s Program Support page). Submit your changes by May 13.
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NEW DATE May 13 Deadline for Above & Beyond SL Hours
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Although the graduation requirement for Service Learning hours has been waived for the Class of 2022, if you are working towards your Above & Beyond Award (240 hours), all Senior Service Learning Hours need to be turned in by Friday, May 13. |
Update Your Calendars With These Important Dates! |
Now | Place Cap & Gown Orders | It's not too late to order your cap & gown! Also, check with your Counselor if you need to borrow one.
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Class of 22 Graduation Details | June 15
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There will be a required Graduation Rehearsal at 10 a.m. June 15. Update: No Athletics or Senior Academic Awards Nights are planned for this year. Information will be included in the Graduation Program.
No tickets are required to attend this year's ceremony. Memorial Stadium will be open on both sides for friends and family to celebrate our graduates.
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Junior Parents Needed to Chaperone SPREE |
SPREE is an all-night event that the PTSA organizes for seniors that takes them to 2 secret locations on the night of graduation. We need chaperones to accompany the seniors throughout the night, supervising to ensure their safety and helping with a variety of activities.
That is where Junior parents come in. We ask Junior parents to be the ones to staff the event to allow Senior parents to do their own celebrations AND to learn about SPREE for your soon to be Seniors. Then next year, we will again find Junior parents to staff SPREE. Please reach out to one of the parent organizers, Monica Ganyard, at monicaganyard@yahoo.com for more information or you can just sign up here:
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Follow all the SPREE fun @bhsspree on Instagram! We want all Seniors to join us! Scholarships are available, talk to your counselor. [MORE INFO]
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A Year in Review at Ballard Library |
Wow, what a year so far! Webmaster Diane Taylor put together this cool "Year in Review" collage, capturing all the activity in the Ballard Library. More on the Library News Page on the school website.
Here's what else is going on this week:
Monday | Library Leaders at lunch
Wednesday | Comic Book Club at lunch
Thursday | Manga Club at lunch
Friday | Reading Buddies, 8:30 a.m. Pride Book Club meets at lunch Friday, May 6 to continue discussing "House by the Cerulean Sea" by TJ Klune.
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Service Learning Summer Fun |
Students can help their community through Service Learning volunteer roles. Information about the program and spring/summer opportunities are on the Ballard website. BHS only shares these postings and does not endorse any of these businesses or nonprofits.
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Counseling Center Offers Many Online Options |
There are a myriad of resources for BHS students and families to access. Counselor contact details and online scheduling tool; scholarship information; and applying to college resources are available on the Counseling Center webpage.
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BHS only shares postings and does not endorse any of these businesses.
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Buy Tickets for Midsummer Night's Dream
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The Ballard Playmakers invite you to indulge in spring reverie with the popular Shakespeare comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. May 12-14, and 19-21 in the school's Performing Arts Center.
Come enjoy this play about love, marriage, transformation, and the importance of accepting people for who they are! The cast features 22 BHS students and is directed by Shawn Riley.
Tickets
Tickets are on sale at https://showtix4u.com (search for Ballard) . Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for students and $15 for seniors. All patrons must wear masks. COVID safety guidelines are subject to change.
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Spring Concerts Coming to the PAC! |
Mark your calendars for several evenings of amazing music. There will be a special collaboration between the Wind Ensemble and Chamber Orchestra at 7 p.m. on Monday May 23 in the BHS PAC.
Other performances are May 26 (Choir), June 1 (Band) and June 2 (Orchestra) Spring Concerts. Shows are 7:30 p.m. (grades 9-10); and 8 p.m. (grades 11-12).
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Marching Band Back at Syttende Mai Parade |
The Marching Band is looking forward to a return to the Syttende Mai Parade 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 17 on Market Street.
It's been a long time since the band has been able to march in this uniquely Ballard event. Come cheer them along the parade route. Neighbors can also get a sneak peek, as the band will be practicing on local streets after school Wednesday, May 4 and during first period on Monday, May 16. Let's Go Beavers!
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Vocalists at State Solo and Ensemble Contest |
Congrats to the BHS Chamber Choir, the Tenor Bass Quartet, the Vocal Ensemble, duo Lili and Anne; and soloists Ezra H., Malcolm L., Sophie N., Alden P. and Izzy R. for participating in the State Solo and Ensemble Contest April 29-30 in Ellensburg.
Instrumental ensemble students also performed at State, we'll look for details for next week's newsletter. Thank you to the parents/guardians who made the trip to Ellensburg!
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Jam the Dam Promotion Continues |
"Jam the Dam" is back for a second week! Come support Ballard teams at their home games for one more week. If you go to four games, you get a free t-shirt. If you see an ASB Officer in the first 30 minutes, don't forget to get your card stamped.
This week's contests include:
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Boys Soccer against Nathan Hale 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 4
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Girls Lacrosse against Snohomish 8:30 p.m. Thursday, May 5
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Boys Lacrosse against Nathan Hale 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 6 (Photo by Ed Tanaka from @ballard_lacrosse/Instagram.)
Students can turn in cards with at least four stamps to the Main Office or S100 with their name, second period and t-shirt size. Full details and schedules for Ballard Athletics are on the [SPRING ATHLETICS PAGE].
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BUF Enjoyed Visit to Spring Reign Tourney |
Ballard Ultimate Frisbee (BUF) went to Spring Reign, the largest mixed youth ultimate tournament in the world, for two days of spirited fun April 23-24 at Skagit River Park in Burlington.
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Girls Hoops Summer Training | Welcome '26 Players!
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BHS Girls' Basketball Summer Season is open to incoming freshman from May 31 to July 21. This is a highly recommended opportunity for those interested in playing BHS girls' basketball next year. Includes practices and 2-3 weekend tournaments with current players and coaches. Please contact Head Coach Michelle Gallagher if you are interested, mcgallagher@seattleschools.org.
Also: Have a younger girls hoop enthusiast going into grades 4-8? Check out the team's Girls Basketball Camp, June 27-30. |
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Win BHS Swag at Our May 5 Meeting!
Support Your School, Join PTSA
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Parents, staff, students, community supporters ... we'd love for you to join the BHS PTSA! We are hoping to reach more than 200 members this spring! We want and need your voice on the PTSA!
We'd love to say hello and will have a special drawing at our 7 p.m. Thursday, May 5 Board Meeting and give some fun BHS spirit items, pictured, to one of our members!
Our monthly online Board Meetings are a great way to find out what's happening at Ballard and build a rapport with school administration, staff and other families.
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Ballard High School PTSA Needs YOU! |
Spring is here and that means it's time to look ahead at recruiting next year's PTSA Board.
Please reach out to Michelle Renn at join.bhs.ptsa@gmail.com if you are interested in learning more about any of these opportunities.
Executive Committee Openings: President, Vice President
Executive Board Openings: Volunteer Coordinator, Legislative Liaison Co-Chair
Building Leadership Team (BLT), Family & Community Engagement (FACE) Chair
Standing Committee Openings: PTSA Newsletter Co-Editor, Grants Committee Chair, Direct Appeal Fundraising Chair, SPREE Chair, Reflections Chair
Training offered for each role. Grab a friend, have fun and help support your students, positions can also be shared with another volunteer.
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Nominate Your Fave BHS Teacher for an Award! |
Do you know a BHS Teacher, Staff Member or Volunteer who goes out of their way to make an outstanding impact at Ballard?
Every year, the BHS PTSA gives out recognition awards at our year-end June General Meeting.
Email PTSA President Gloria Kruzner at bhs.ptsa.pres@gmail.com your nominees, along with a few details why you've chosen them.
We're accepting award nominations through Monday, May 23. Winners will be celebrated at our 7 p.m. June 9 General Meeting.
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22-23 Bell Time Change Online Meeting | May 3
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Seattle Public Schools is hosting an online event at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 3, to explain the 2022-23 district-wide bell time change proposal.
SPS is proposing to change school start times for all schools beginning in September 2022. (BHS would be in Tier 2 through the proposal, with start times at 8:30 a.m. and end at 3:20 p.m.)
Hear details about the SPS bell times proposal from district leaders and answers to frequently asked questions.
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Use Let's Talk to leave feedback on the proposal too.
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Teacher Appreciation Week Shout Out |
Take a moment to #ThankATeacher during Teacher Appreciation Week, May 2-6. Please tell us about your favorite SPS teacher, past or present. We will shout them out on the school district website and other media channels.
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Dr. Brent Jones Listening Sessions |
The Seattle Council PTSA is hosting a series of community engagements with Seattle Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Brent Jones.
Listening sessions are 5:30- 7:30 p.m. ASL and closed captioning will be available at each listening session. Interpretation is available as well. To register, please use the following links:
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SPS is offering several opportunities for students to continue developing their talents and joy of learning.
Summer Dates for Programs
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Special Education Extended School Year: July 6-28
- High School Credit Retrieval: June 27-August 26
- High School Summer Skills Center: July 7-August 3
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Sign up for WSPTACon2022
May 20-22
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WSPTA members are invited to attend the 109th annual WSPTA Convention and Conference, in-person or at the remote conference.
The in-person convention will be May 20-22 at the Lynnwood Convention Center. The remote conference is also May 20-22 through the Whova app.
BHS gets four delegates at this year's convention. Instead of PTA presidents submitting names in advance, convention attendees will indicate whether they are a delegate upon registration. [MORE INFO]
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Share Thoughts on WSPTA Legislative Priorities |
At the 2022 Legislative Assembly, WSPTA delegates will debate and vote on these submissions and whether to add them to our platform.
This year is especially important as we will be voting on a new Top 5 legislative issues to focus on over the next two years.
The submission process is now open. Please see complete instructions and deadlines for submitting at the bottom of the following pages:
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Victor Salvino
22nd Annual Golf Classic | Aug. 19 Newcastle
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Registration is now open for the Victor Salvino 22nd Annual Ballard High School Foundation Golf Classic, Aug. 19 at Newcastle Golf Course.
New name, new day of the week, new location, new golfers welcome too!
Come join in and support Ballard High
School Athletics, the Performing Arts Boosters, as well as Dance & Cheer.
When registering, please note in the
comments section if you would like to support a specific team or program.
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Calling Class of 1972 (1971 & 1973) Come Celebrate our 50th Class Reunion on Aug 26. Learn More.
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Equity News and Information |
Bridge to Finish, a United Way of King County program, works to help more students earn degrees and credentials that lead to a living wage job by providing Benefits Hubs at local community and technical college campuses.
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They are partnering with The Intentionalist to offer all new and renewing Change Makers and Emerging Leaders 365 donors gift vouchers to support local BIPOC businesses.
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Sonya Renee Taylor's The Body is Not an Apology (7:30 p.m. Monday, May 2) proposes revolutionary self-love as a social justice movement for global transformation. The world-shaking activist will be joined by Ijeoma Oluo, self-proclaimed "internet yeller" and author of So You Want to Talk About Race, for a radical conversation. (in person and online)
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Town Hall Seattle and Seattle’s Child present Dr. Ibram X. Kendi How to Raise an Antiracist
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The BHS PTSA offers Community Resources for informational purposes & does not necessarily support activities or views presented therein. |
College Financial Aid Workshop | 7 p.m. May 4
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College choice authority Teri Thompson, test prep expert Greg Smith, and local college aid consultant and radio host Albert Israel CFP (pictured), will be the speakers at a free virtual informational workshop addressing college financial aid, how that aid is assigned to individual families, how that aid can sometimes be increased, what role test prep plays in these times, and how to pick the right college for your child.
The free workshop is designed for parents of college bound high school students and will be at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 4 by Zoom. Advance registration is appreciated.
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TAG is an intensive program for high school–aged youth who are interested in leadership, are highly opinionated, want to learn about themselves and the world through art, and want to make SAM fun and engaging for teens.
The group also invites teens to its upcoming Teen Night Out, from 7-10 p.m. Wednesday, May 6 in the SAM Brotman Forum.
Planned for teens by teens, Teen Night Out is a not-to-be-missed free event featuring live music performances, workshops, and art-making activities led by some of Seattle’s most celebrated contemporary artists.
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Help One Love raise $400,000 to educate every young person in the Pacific Northwest on the signs of healthy and unhealthy relationships!
One Love Foundation is a national nonprofit organization with the goal of ending relationship abuse. They empower young people with the tools and resources they need to see the signs of healthy and unhealthy relationships and bring life-saving prevention education to their communities. (Details coming soon on their May 25 BHS PTSA-hosted online parent-ed event!)
Join Move for Love Seattle May 21 at Lumen Field for a timed 5K walk/run and a day of community and family fun!
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Celebrate Neighbor Day with Acts of Kindness |
Time for Seattle residents to celebrate Neighbor Day on Saturday, May 7 by indulging in random acts of kindness, reaching out to neighbors, making new friends, and expressing thanks to those who help make your neighborhood a great place to live.
Residents, businesses, and community groups are all encouraged to participate however they like. The main goal is simply to reach out and connect with your neighbors through generosity.
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College Essay Writing Workshop | May 17
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Join Bonnie Rochman, a local college essay coach and Roosevelt parent, for "Demystifying the College Essay Process," a free Zoom workshop to share tips and strategies for writing a compelling college essay.
Essays are an especially critical component of the application this year as many schools remain test optional. Learn how to brainstorm for topics, choose the right subject, craft an eye-catching opening paragraph and unlock the key to a unique and insightful essay.
This one-hour workshop and Q & A will take place at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 17. RSVP to CollegeEssay911@gmail.com and Bonnie will reply with the Zoom link. This session will also be recorded to share at a later date.
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Wise Camps Needs Teen Volunteers |
Wise Camps is a nonprofit STEM summer camp for kids pre-K through 8th grade and we are looking for 9th-11th grade volunteers in July and August.
As a camp volunteer, help kids engage in exciting activities and science experiments. You'll earn community service hours, receive training in leadership, and gain so much experience.
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Members Sought for Ballard Ave Landmark Board |
Mayor Bruce Harrell is seeking new members for the Ballard Avenue Landmark District Board.
Two members are needed to fill the architect and community historian positions and help review and make recommendations regarding proposed changes within the district. Applications are due Monday, May 30.
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UW Math Hour Olympiad | June 5
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The annual UW Math Hour Olympiad is an individual oral math Olympiad in the tradition of Russian math Olympiads, which date back to the 1930s. Open to students in grades 6-10.
Registration open until by May 15 (or until capacity).
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Student Neighborhood Film Project |
High school film makers: What makes you feel welcome? Northwest Film Forum is working with Seattle’s Department of Neighborhoods to help you share your story and building skills in filmmaking at the same time.
Right now, the City and Sound Transit are planning for new light rail to go from West Seattle through Downtown to Ballard. It will be the biggest construction project to ever go through Seattle. The hope is that each station feels welcoming — feels like a real place for everyone. You can use the power of storytelling to help make these places yours.
Program Schedule:
- May 12 – Knowing Your Power and Telling Your Story
- May 19 – Turning Ideas to Project Proposals
- May 26 – Write a Script From Your Proposal
- June 2 – Script Breakdown and Pre-Production
Following these workshops, the participants will work with Remove the Gap Production Apprentices to film each project. Participants will need to be available for filming days in June.
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Students, Apply for Role in Legislature |
Applications for the WA Legislative Youth Advisory Council (LYAC) close May 15!
This opportunity is for all Washington 8-10th graders who are passionate about advocating for youth in our legislature.
No prerequisites are required except a dedication to change.
Access the application here.
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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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