In observance of
Nov. 11 Veterans Day
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BHS PTSA DIRECT APPEAL
Let's keep supporting Ballard academics!
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Wow what a first week! We're well on our way to funding student academic success!
Your Direct Appeal tax-deductible donations help support academics at Ballard High School. We know that you get a lot of requests for money, but this may be the most important donation you make this year.
This is the only donation request that goes to materials, curriculum, technology, extra support, and enrichment opportunities. Our fundraiser goal is $90,000 and after one week we're almost 20 percent there!
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Corporate matching is an important part of a successful Direct Appeal, so ask your employer whether it will match your donation. Many companies match 100% of their employees’ donations.
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BHS Students: All the Ways to Stay in the Know |
There are many avenues to get your BHS information in addition to your Schoology Resources:
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BHS School Newsletters | Students, including those participating in Running Start, can subscribe to the PTSA Weekly Newsletter and the BPA (Performing Arts) Newsletter. Note: Use a personal email (not your @seattleschools.org) since the SPS email address only accepts email from other SPS emails. Also: if you later unsubscribe from one newsletter you unsubscribe to both. SIGN UP TODAY! If you have any questions email ballardhighnews@gmail.com
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College Application Drop In Sessions | Nov. 10
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Seniors: Come get help with your college applications Wednesday after school from 2:30-3:30 in the Counseling Center.
Bring your laptop for a work session or stop by to ask questions on Wednesday, Nov. 10. Schedule conflict? There will be two more sessions on Dec. 1 and 8.
Counselors will be available to help you with questions about common application, coalition, sending transcripts through Naviance, Seattle Promise Scholarship application, or other applying to college questions you have. Plan ahead -- Don’t wait until the last minute to get help!
Also don't forget to check out the Counseling Section News, Scholarship information and Applying to Colleges updates below in this week's PTSA Newsletter.
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Grade 12 | SAT Scores Available Online |
Grad Ad Details | Deadline Nov. 16
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For Senior Families, yearbook Grad Ads are an opportunity to submit digital photos and a personal message for graduating seniors.
Photo and message parameters are on the Grad Ads page. Note: Shingle editors will arrange the photos and messages themselves according to a set design. Payment on parents' Source/SchoolPay. Submission deadline: Nov. 16.
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PTSA donations help show library love |
Need Service Learning hours? Come help cover all the beautiful new titles from PTSA grant donations! Your Direct Appeal dollars at work! Thank you BHS families for giving generously!
Remember, all BHS Library and book club titles are available to checkout at bit.ly/ballardlibrary. This week's library meetings include:
❥ Library Leaders at lunch Mondays in the Makerspace Room.
❥ The Library has free, student-led math tutoring from 8-8:30 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
❥ Comic Book Club meets at lunch Wednesdays.
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❥ Reading Buddies read to Elementary Students at 8 a.m. Fridays in the Library. Service Learning Hours available. Bring headphones with a microphone.
❥ Pride Book Club meeting at lunch Friday, Nov. 12, is finishing up George M. Johnson's memoir-manifesto, All Boys Aren't Blue.
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Students: Book Counselor Appointment Online |
The Counseling Center webpage has a myriad of resources for students, including News, College Visits/Events, Scholarship Bulletins, Job/Internship Board, Service Learning Opportunities and more. It's also an easy place for students to Book an Appointment with their Counselor.
Appointment options include:
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Scholarship opportunities available online |
This week, includes the Elks Foundation Scholarship Programs | local $1,000 scholarships for three graduating senior girls and boys. Entrants do not need to be related to Elks members, select "Ballard Elks" during application process. Deadline Nov. 15. (Note: There is another new offering for Elks Club-related students on the page now too!)
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Talk to a college rep from your laptop at BHS!
Virtual College Visits with live reps
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Students: Want to know more about college options and ask live online representatives questions about their programming? Check out College Visits on your laptop! You may use the Commons Area to watch the virtual visits from a variety of schools all over the map. To sign up: Log onto Naviance and select “What’s New” to see the College List and select “More Info” to sign up for visits.
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Here's a list of next week's options, even more November options are shown on the College Visit page. |
Monday, Nov. 8
- 9:50 a.m. -- University of Nevada-Reno
- Noon -- Pacific Northwest College of Art (Portland)
- 1:35 p.m. -- California Institute of the Arts
Tuesday, Nov. 9
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10:55 a.m. -- Washington College (Chestertown, MD)
Wednesday, Nov. 10
- 8:45 a.m. -- Rhode Island School of Design
- 9:35 a.m. -- University of Portland
- 10:30 a.m. -- Goldsmiths University of London
Friday, Nov. 12
- Noon -- University of the Pacific (Stockton, CA)
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Seattle Promise help in-person or online |
UPDATE: BHS students can now meet in-person with Kelsey Peronto from the Seattle Promise program on Wednesdays and Fridays, starting Nov. 12, in the Counseling Center!
What is Seattle Promise? The Seattle Promise Scholarship provides up to two years tuition at Seattle Central College, North Seattle College, or South Seattle College. All Seattle Public School graduates from the class of 2022 are eligible. Apply now, applications are due Feb. 1!
There are also online application workshops! Join Seattle Promise representatives online to get FAFSA or WASFA questions answered, and learn more about completing your financial aid application.. Sign up here.
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BHS webpage tracks SPS health & safety protocol |
The district released a new version of the chart for families to follow that are close contacts to confirmed COVID-19 cases.
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COVID Vaccination Clinics for students 5 and older |
SPS is excited to partner with Public Health - Seattle & King County to host COVID-19 vaccination clinics for students 5 years and older, so students can be fully vaccinated and protected from the COVID-19 virus before the end of 2021.
The Pfizer vaccine is approved for individuals 5 years and older and will be administered onsite at 48 K-5, K-8, and middle schools by three partner medical providers.
There will also be 14 regional clinics held mostly on weekends that any eligible SPS students and their family members can attend to receive either the pediatric dose for 5- to 11-year-olds or the regular dose for 12 and up.
- First dose clinics will run Nov. 8-23
- Second dose clinics from Dec. 4-14
SPS has launched a COVID vaccination page to provide information about the regional and school day clinics, how to register, give parent/guardian consent, tips for preparing your child for the vaccination, and where to find additional information about the COVID-19 vaccine for children.
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Bravo for BPA Fall Livestream Concerts! |
The Earl Kelly Performing Arts Center was filled with the melodic sounds of the Ballard orchestras, fiddlers, bands and ensembles last week, with the Nov. 2 and Nov. 4 livestreamed concerts. |
You can still catch the beautiful performances, including the Oct. 28 Choir performance, linked below and on the Fall Concert page.
Great news! BPA just received word that winter concerts can be in person. Two people per family will be allowed to attend, seated 6 feet apart from other families. We plan to have two shows each evening to accommodate the number of families. Stay tuned for more information!
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Beauty and the Beast Auditions Nov. 30 |
AUDITIONS for BEAUTY AND THE BEAST will be at 3:45 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 30. Interested students need to pick up an audition packet in the Black Box Theatre (NE 224). Students will need to prepare a song and attend the dance audition to be considered for a role.
Questions? See Director Mr. Shawn Riley or Choir Director Ms. Courtney Rowley. Take a chance and try out. This will be Ballard’s first stage musical in two years! Let’s do this!
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Save date for Screens to Stage Wrap Party Nov. 17 |
Save the date for the BPA Screens to Stage campaign Wrap Party from 6-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 17. Families are invited to the all-ages celebration at Peddler Brewing Company, 1514 N.W. Leary Way
Featured groups: Ballard Brass | Vocal Jazz | Chamber Choir | Tenor Bass Ensemble | Orchestra String Quartet | and other TBA Theatre and Music Student performances
It will be a wonderful opportunity to support Ballard Performing Arts, meet some families and celebrate students being back together! Stay tuned for more details on the BPA website. Campaign details in the Oct. 26 BPA Newsletter.
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Winter Athletic Registration due Nov. 8
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Winter Sports registration must be completed on FinalForms by Monday, Nov. 8 for your athlete to be cleared in time to participate in tryouts and practices. Detailed instructions for Athletics Registration.
Here are the winter sports and coach contact details for more information:
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Boys Swim & Dive, Coach Kyle Morean, kimorean@seattleschools.org
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Gymnastics, Coach Stephanie Cummings, ballardgymnastics@gmail.com
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Girls Basketball, Coach Michelle Gallagher, mcgallagher@seattleschools.org
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Boys Basketball, Coach Mike Broom, mrbroom@seattleschools.org
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Boys Wrestling | Girls Wrestling, Coach Jared Daniels, jareddnls20@gmail.com
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Girls Basketball Tryouts Nov. 15-17 |
Girls Basketball Tryouts are 4-6 p.m. Nov. 15-17 for Varsity, JV, and hopefully Freshman teams.
Final Forms: If you have not received information about girls basketball through FinalForms, this would be a sign you are not registered or have not selected girls basketball as one of your sports. All paperwork/updates are due Nov. 8
Mandatory Meeting: The meeting will be held at 7:50 a.m. or at 8:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 8 in the Main Gym. If you cannot attend either, email Coach Michelle Gallagher at mcgallaher@seattleschools.org.
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Boys Basketball Tryouts Nov. 15-16 |
Boys Basketball: Tryouts for basketball will be held on Nov 15-16. Email Coach Mike Broom for more information at mrbroom@seattleschools.org if you have not been receiving basketball specific information. If anyone is interested in trying out, then complete these three steps:
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Complete all sports paperwork and upload updated physical at https://seattleschools-wa.finalforms.com.
- Email Coach Broom if you had a schedule conflict and missed the Nov. 3 informational meeting.
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All student athletes must fill out this form by Nov. 8.
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Email coach for gymnastics information |
Interested in joining the Ballard Gymnastics Team this winter? Email ballardgymnastics@gmail.com to get more info. No experience necessary!
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Ballard Ultimate Frisbee
Winter Co-Ed Season Registration Now Open
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The Ultimate Frisbee Mixed season (co-ed) is approaching! Students sign up for tryouts on the Ballard Ultimate site. Tryouts will be four days and will be 4-6 p.m. Nov. 15-18 at the BHS Turf Field.
If you already have an established DiscNW account, please use that email address to sign up. If you have any questions, please email BallardUltimate@gmail.com. New players are welcome. We plan on having two co-ed teams and a practice squad. The season runs from Nov. 15 to Feb. 26.
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Ballard Boys Lacrosse Fall Ball - Sign up! |
Interested in playing lacrosse this spring? The team has nine practices this fall, ideal for both new and returning players. Register here today! Nov. 8 is Dine Out for BHS Boys Lacrosse at Ballard Mod Pizza! Ordering on site: Mention the Group Raise event for Ballard Boys Lacrosse at checkout. For online/pick up ordering, use code: GR197798B.
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Exciting finish seals final season win at Memorial |
From Coach Ross Humphries via @BallardPrideFootball/Twitter: "Happy we sent our Seniors out with an exciting 22-20 win over our week 10 opponent! Our Seniors have embodied our core values from day one. Thank you Seniors for leading us through a short off-season and challenging schedule."
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BHS runners work hard at State Meet |
BHS Cross Country athletes Emme Rousseau, Jack Rousseau and Dexter Stevens participated in a tough State Championships field Saturday, Nov. 6 in Pasco.
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Did you remember to Fall Back? |
Daylight Savings is Sunday, Nov. 7. In preparation for school on Monday (Nov. 8), remember to turn your clocks back one hour. You will be gaining an hour of sleep, but it will also get dark earlier.
Make sure you are prepared to walk, run, and bike in the fall and winter darkness and show caution when walking/driving as it may be difficult to see pedestrians.
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Reflections entries onto SCPTSA |
Thanks to the student artist, photographers and poet who participated in this year's Reflections efforts.
It was fun to see the world through our students' eyes, paint brush and words and we'll keep tabs on your entries as they head for the SCPTSA evaluation process!
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Thanks to our friends at Lincoln High School PTSA for hosting this information talk, "From Ally to Antiracist," featuring the school's DEI co-chair Jonathan Kanter on Oct. 27.
Here's a link to the recording if you missed the event.
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Local spotlight on Indigenous Peoples Month |
As we recognize November as Indigenous Peoples Month: Did you know that the word Shilshole comes from the original people in the area that became Ballard?
The "Sheel-shol-absh" was one of the groups of people that make up the larger Duwamish Tribe. The word Shilshole means "threading the bead," which describes the winding narrow canoe trip between Puget Sound, Lake Union, and Lake Washington, prior to the Army Corps actions which drastically changed these landforms (creating the Ship Canal, the Locks, etc.).
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The Duwamish Tribe continues to fight for federal recognition. To get involved, support, and learn more about the original people of the Seattle area, check out the Duwamish Tribe website: Education — Duwamish Tribe.
Thank you to PTSA parent Shelley Bolser for sharing this!
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Make-up Photo Day IDs now ready |
Student ID cards from the first two make up photo days have arrived. Stop by the Main Office during lunch or after school to pick up your card. |
Reminder for parents
Building remains closed to visitors
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The school building is closed to visitors (including parents/guardians), other than approved vaccinated volunteers.
Please wait outside the building when picking up your student for appointments or when wanting to talk to the Main Office (206-252-1000). This is a District policy. Thank you for understanding.
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Need to report an absence or early dismissal? |
Native History is American History |
November is Native American Heritage Month, a time to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native people.
But Native American Heritage is more than a month. This is a time to educate our school community about tribes, raise awareness about their many contributions, and highlight how tribal citizens and Nations work to improve the lives of all people, both tribal and nontribal.
This month and every day, SPS honors the achievements and contributions of Native Americans, especially our students, families, staff, and community. Our district recognizes Native Nations have been stewards of these lands since time immemorial. They know how to care for and protect this land, and their current contributions to science, technology, sustainability, government, and our economy add great value to our communities now and into the future.
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School Board Approves Funding Measures for the Feb. 8 Election |
At their meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 3, the Seattle Public School Board approved resolutions to place education levies on the ballot for the February 2022 election. SPS will be asking voters to consider two funding measures: renewal of an Education Programs and Operations (EP&O) levy and renewal of the Building, Technology, and Academics/Athletics Capital Levy (BTA V).
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Kingmakers of Seattle Extended |
We are excited to offer a valuable opportunity to serve 7th-12th Grade African American boys and teens across the district through an extension of Kingmakers of Seattle, a program designed to place young Kings on an upward pathway to mastering their cultural identity.
Kingmakers of Seattle Extended (KOSE) is a virtual affinity group that will focus on the cultural, historical, social, and emotional needs of young Black boys and teens as it relates to their identity.
Kings will have a safe space to express, channel personal will, develop a positive sense of purpose in their roles in family and community, and develop important networks both in school and out of school to ensure academic achievement and develop life-long leadership skills.
2021-22 Session Date Choices:
Option 1: Nov. 29- March 17 | Tuesdays or Thursdays, 4-5 p.m.
Option 2: March 21-June 23 | Tuesdays or Thursdays, 4-5 p.m.
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Updated Password Needed for The Source
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For increased security, the number of characters required for your Source password is changing from 8 to 12, which will require you to change your password by Nov. 15. This change is only for parents and guardians; students will not need to change their password. |
Applications for the Seattle Relief Fund are Open Now
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The Seattle Relief Fund provides a one-time payment to Seattle residents who have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes households that were unable to access state unemployment, had no health insurance, didn’t receive federal stimulus payments, or experienced housing instability or mental health crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Low-income Seattle residents are eligible to apply, including families of Seattle Public Schools students and Seattle Promise scholars.
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Seattle Public Schools is hiring |
Seattle Public Schools is currently hiring teachers, special education instructional assistants, playground and lunch supervisors, custodians and more. Read all Seattle Public Schools’ job title descriptions with education, knowledge, and experience requirements on our website. |
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PTSA Board Meetings Open to All |
The BHS Community is welcome at our Board meetings, which are held online this year via Microsoft Teams.
In January we will host SPS representatives to discuss the February Levy vote. Meetings also include committee and principal updates, we'd love to have you join us!
Board Meetings are at 7 p.m. on the following Thursdays: Dec. 2, Jan. 6, March 3, April 7 and May 5. The Board also meets at 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 10 and June 9, prior to our PTSA General Meetings. More info here.
We have two remaining General Meetings:
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Winter, Program TBA, 7 p.m., Feb. 10. We are always looking for interesting speakers and topics of interest to our school community, feel free to send ideas to bhs.ptsa.pres@gmail.com.
- PTSA volunteer & educator awards event, 7 p.m., June 9.
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Support BHS PTSA while you shop |
Passive fundraising programs are easy ways to support BHS academics and PTSA initiatives while you do your back to school shopping! |
Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to BHS PTSA.
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Once your card is linked, all you have to do is swipe your Shopper's Card while paying for your purchases. More info: Community Rewards.
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2021-22 WSPTA Resolutions Defined |
More than 350 members, including BHS delegates Brian Duncan, Heidi Bennett, and Janette Ambauen, came together at the 43rd annual WSPTA Legislative Assembly to learn, listen, debate and vote on additions to our grassroots legislative platform.
Three new resolutions and two amended resolutions were approved this weekend.
The Resolutions webpage has been updated with the documents of the three new resolutions and two amended resolutions. They are identifiable as *new* or *amended* or *retired*.
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Sign up for Action Network |
WSPTA has a super easy way for members to advocate on important issues in a timely way directly with their legislators. The process takes as little as two minutes to send a detailed email to your legislator on issues important to the health, well-being and education of children in our state.
"How do I sign up?" you ask? It's easy! Go to this link to sign up and get future action alerts throughout the legislative session. Once you set it up with your address, the program will automatically send to your specific legislators and be set for each subsequent time. When you receive the action alert, the message will already be pre-loaded for you. You have the ability to edit the message, if you desire, to include a personal message or other relevant facts but it is not required.
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The BHS PTSA offers Community Resources for informational purposes & does not necessarily support activities or views presented therein. |
Mohan Ski program signups available |
Sign ups have begun for Mohan Skiing's 2021-22 Snowsports Season. (While independent of BHS and SPS, this is the ski bus that loads Fridays in the BHS parking lot.)
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JazzED College Summit & Audition Workshop |
Seattle JazzED’s annual College Summit and Audition Workshop is a one-day digital event for high school students wanting to discover musical opportunities in college on Sunday, Nov. 21.
With an even broader reach, student musicians from across the country will be able to learn from college representatives and ask the questions that matter most to them.
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Willem de Koch + Riley Mulherkar of The Westerlies, NYC based brass quartet, will lead an Audition Workshop.
- All registrants will get special access to the College Audition + Application Planning Guide, an 8-page PDF full of helpful tips and college timelines.
- Parents and guardians are welcome to attend any, or all, of this event.
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How Do You Prioritize Mental Health? |
It’s important to support the mental health of all children—before, during and after challenges arise — and to support parents' and caregivers' mental health too!
National PTA has developed the PTA Healthy Minds Program to empower families to make mental health an everyday priority. Check out the resources on this webpage.
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UW Offers Afterschool Enrichment Opportunity |
The University of Washington Youth and Teen Programs is excited to offer a variety of remote courses for middle and high school students who seek afterschool enrichment opportunities. Courses run over 10 weeks starting in January. Visit website for registration information and course details: www.youth-teen.uw.edu
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Penguin Artistic Cohort | Get paid to act
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Penguin seeks youth artist-leaders who want to deepen their theater skills through an equity lens by participating in the Penguin Artistic Cohort (PAC).
The 2022 PAC centers around 4 weekend retreats. Retreats focus on:
- Connection, belonging, and relationship building.
- Expanding your theatrical toolbox through an equity lens with guest artists
- Penguin season and strategic planning
Between retreats, PAC members have the opportunity to engage with Penguin Productions, work on special projects, and collaborate with Seattle Rep's Collective Playwriting cohort.
PAC members who attend 3 out of 4 Retreats are eligible for a $75 stipend or service learning hours. Additionally, an additional $50 will be available for up to 3 PAC members interested in taking on more responsibility, leading workshops, retreat planning and production of the spring event, and driving youth engagement and social media.
Applications are open to all youth ages 14-19. Previous experience not necessary. Space is limited. Reach out if you have any questions!
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Free Parks visits on Veterans Day | Nov. 11
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State and National Parks offer free visits by vehicle on Veterans Day.
State Parks:
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission offers two more free days in 2021, in which day-use visitors won’t need a Discover Pass to visit state parks by vehicle:
Veterans Day on Thursday, Nov. 11 and Autumn Free Day on Friday, Nov. 26
National Parks:
National Parks, including Olympia and Mount Rainier National Parks, are free to visit on Veterans Day as well!
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Join us for Amazon Web Services Girls’ Tech Day 2021 on Nov. 13, a fun-filled tech program where you can explore coding, robotics, cloud computing, problem solving, and more! This virtual event will take you on your very own space mission and you’ll experience an all-star lineup of speakers, hands-on learning sessions, and fun activities. Our mission is to inspire and motivate girls and young women, ages 8-24, to develop and pursue their interests in technology.
AWS Girls’ Tech Day 2021 activities:
- Learn about coding through interactive sessions
- Connect with our all-star lineup of women in tech and girls in STEAM
- Discover how algorithms, machine learning, and cloud computing power Amazon’s fulfillment process
- Get your questions answered by our AWS Recruiters
- Dance with DJ Les, play trivia games, and much more
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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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