The 2023-24 school year started Wednesday morning with Link Leader student mentors welcoming the incoming Class of 2027.

Principal Abby Hunt touched on the welcome event in her first Friday Family Message of the school year:

"It was so wonderful to see students return and to be able to welcome the class of 2027. Our student leaders, family volunteers, and educators all did an amazing job ensuring that our first few days were positive and welcoming. Thank you to everyone for contributing to a successful start."

"This year, we were particularly excited to bring back our LINK Leadership program, which has an intentional focus on building student leadership and fostering community and positive relationships for 9th grade students. We held an official LINK Crew event on our first day of school and will continue to have LINK specific events throughout the year to support 9th graders." Photos c/o Seattle Public Schools.

If your student needs support with their laptop or missed laptop distribution on Thursday or Friday, they can go to the Technology Room located at N110.

Throughout the year, the room is open for Tech Support on:

Mondays and Fridays: 8-8:50 and 11:45-12:45.

Wednesdays: 8-8:50, 12-1, and 2:25-3:30

SPS Technology Support Page

Time to Buy an ASB Activity Card

All students who participate on a Ballard athletic team or are in the Marching Band are required to purchase a BHS Activity Card (sticker) for $35. Parents/guardians may pay via SchoolPay on the Source. (Scholarships available, ask your Counselor.)

All BHS students are encouraged to purchase an ASB Card as paying the fee allows all BHS students to receive free admission to BHS home games and discounts for football games and school dances. More info.

Start of School Forms will be sent out to families via email this week. There will be hard copies available in the main office for those who need it. Deadline to fill out those forms and return them is Saturday, Sept. 30.

Puyallup State Fair one-day passes are available for students in the main office! One ticket per student. Come by the Main Office to pick up a ticket.

Curriculum Night will be 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 28, more details will be announced soon.

Thanks to Administrative Secretary Cal Hartmann for these updates! (cmhartmann@seattleschools.org, 206-252-1000). Updates are also available throughout the week on the School Bulletin

Meet More of the BHS Health & Wellness Team

In last week's newsletter, we introduced you to new School Nurse Beth Guynes.

You can reach her at eaguynes@seattleschools.org with any questions or concerns!

There's helpful information in her Nurse Welcome Letter and on the BHS Nurse Page too.

This week, we'd like to introduce Ballard's social worker, Mackenzie Fee!

Mackenzie splits her time between Ballard and Whitman Middle School.

She is at Ballard on Thursday, Friday and every other Wednesday. Her office, located in the Counseling Center, offers a welcoming and safe space. Students can utilize her throughout the day for any social or emotional support.

You can reach Mackenzie at mcfee@seattleschools.org or book an appointment online.

Breakfast of Champions Fundraiser Oct. 7

Please join fellow Beavers for a morning of fun and fundraising for BHS mental health programs!

The Ballard High School Foundation and Athletic Booster Club Breakfast of Champions is set for the end of Homecoming Week on Saturday, Oct. 7 in the Commons (lunchroom).

8:30 a.m. Meet & Greet Reception for VIP Table/VIP Ticket Holders

9:30 a.m. Pancake Breakfast and Program

The "Empowering Women Through Sports" themed program, emceed by BHS Parent and FOX13 News' Erin Mayovsky (right), will include:

• Presentation of inaugural Sue Stimac Verduin '78 Woman of Impact Award (Sue is pictured after getting her SPS Athletic Hall of Fame Award from Paul Silvi);
• Seattle U Athletic Director Shaney Fink (center);
• Student and alumni speakers;
• Athletes and coaches/administrators will be seated with guests to share more details about their experiences as BHS team members;
• And the Ballard Pep Band will be there to get the festivities started!

Event proceeds go to mental health programs for all BHS students. Ticket sales proceeds may be directed to your choice of athletic team, cheer, dance team or performing arts.

Interested in sponsorship? Email Dick Lee at rjlee@seattleschools.org.

The Online Duffle Bag Store is open Tuesday, Sept. 5 through Monday, Oct. 2! Beaver fans can order bags in two sizes – standard and tiny (6" x 10") – with straps. Personalization is available, too!

A portion of the sale from each bag goes to the BHS Athletic Booster Club (ABC) to support the athletes and coaches of our high school. When your order is ready, the Beaver Gear Team will let you know to pick it up in the school office! Questions? Email bhsabcgear@gmail.com

First Yearbook Purchase Window of the Year

Yearbooks can be purchased online via parents/guardians Source/School Pay account.

Yearbooks can also be purchased in the Activity Center at lunch and after school with cash, check or Debit/Credit Card.

Yearbook Sales Windows:

9/6/23 – 9/27/23 $60

1/2/24 – 1/23/24 $65

4/1/24 – 4/29/24 (excludes Spring Break 4/8/24 – 4/12/24) $70

More info.

PTSA Board Meets Sept. 14

We're having our first hybrid Zoom/offsite PTSA Board meeting of the school year at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14.

(Email President Karla Rava for meeting directions or Zoom link at bhs.ptsa.pres@gmail.com.)

This is a great opportunity to learn about all our committee work, from DEI to Family and Community Engagement, volunteer support to teacher grants, and why you should join the PTSA!

PTSA Membership sign-ups are now open, just click here.

Also, mark your calendars for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 17, our Fall General Meeting in the Ballard Library.

Meet our new Board, find out how you can be involved, and sign up as a member! Principal Abby Hunt will be there with a school update, and we'll vote on the final 2023-24 PTSA Budget too.

Learn more about What Does the PTSA Do?

Why Join the PTSA?

The Ballard High School PTSA supports students and teachers through:

1. Twice yearly teacher grants;
2. Advocacy efforts (voter forums, newsletter advocacy updates);
3. Parent-education meetings;
4. Volunteer support;
5. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee meetings, programs and outreach;
6. Staff appreciation events;
7. Family And Community Engagement (This includes the Bucky's Home for the Holidays gift card donations for BHS families who could use assistance; campus cleanup efforts; and partnership with the Ballard Food Bank's Weekend Food for Kids program);
8. Weekly newsletters and social media communications.
9. And with your membership, even more!

The more members we have, the more we can fulfill our mission. Your membership not only gives your voice a vote at our general meetings, but our total membership numbers also affect the number of seats we are allowed at the WSPTA Fall Legislative Assembly and the number of submissions available for our students to participate in the annual PTA Reflections Arts Program. Thank you for your support!

We Love Our Volunteers!

Thanks to the Parents/Guardians who assisted with library needs, laptop distribution and general needs during the start of school! Volunteering is a great way to support your student and school community.

• One-time (event) volunteers need to complete this form.
• Returning volunteers whose approval has expired need to visit this page to renew their registration.
• New volunteers & anyone working beyond a single event need to visit this page to complete the full new volunteer application (good for 2 years after approval).

Email PTSA Volunteer Coordinators Joy Das Gupta & Jen Wenrick for more info at volunteer.ballardhs@gmail.com.

Beavers Ready to Learn, Advocate at Legislative Assembly

Thanks to BHS parent Tim Danskin and daughter Genevieve who have volunteered to attend the Washington State PTSA Fall Legislative Assembly on Oct. 21-22, along with PTSA Advocacy Chair Stephanie King and PTSA President Karla Rava. We can't wait to hear the full report!

The Advocacy Committee is looking for a co-chair for the Advocacy Chair. Join us as we work to advocate for resources and support for our schools and children. If you are interested, please reach out to join.bhs.ptsa@gmail.com.

Join the Gala Fundraiser Committee

Ballard parents’ favorite fundraiser is back! Don’t miss the fun at Block 41 on Sunday, March 24 from 5 to 9:30 p.m.

This year’s Ballard High School PTSA Fundraising Gala will offer loads of great items for bidding, from restaurant gift cards to amazing trips away!

Sponsorship Opportunities: Do you have, or know of, a business that could support the PTSA Fundraising Gala as a sponsor? Sponsorship levels start at just $250 and include recognition leading up to and throughout the event. Email ballardgala@gmail.com for more information on sponsorships.

Volunteers are also needed! We continue to add to our team as the season progresses. Let us know if you would like to lend a hand by emailing ballardgala@gmail.com.

Thanks to PTSA Volunteer Coordinator Co-Chair Jen Wenrick and former librarian assistant Lindi Wood who, among other PTSA volunteers, helped with the kickoff to the school year covering books, checking out SPS laptops, assisting students, and making the opening days run smoothly.

Want to learn more about volunteering in the library?

Email Jen and co-chair Joy Das Gupta at volunteer.ballardhs@gmail.com.

Library photos c/o and follow @beaverreadersbhs. Find additional library resources online.

Reading Inspiration in BHS Library

Part of picking up an SPS laptop at the beginning of the school year is an accompanying visit to the BHS Library for a new title to delve into for fall reading. Judging from these smiling students and staff, many were successful! But what if Beaver Readers ever found themselves in a reading slump or wanted to try something new?

Never fear! Ms. Chambers is here to help! Stop by the library desk, or email Ms. Chambers your interests at tschambers@seattleschools.org for some reading inspiration!

Counseling Center Resources

There is a lot of helpful back to school information on the Counseling Center Dashboard, including applying for college resources, service learning options, scholarship offerings, job board opportunities and more. Note: Counselors will be out of the building Wednesday, Sept. 13 for professional development.

• Sonja Petersen (A-Deg)
• Maya McKenzie (Deh-Kar)
• Tom Kramer (Kas-Pes)
• Gail Olson Laing (Pet-Wat)
• Katie Huguenin (Wau-Z)

College Visits

Juniors & Seniors Sign up on Naviance for College Visits

The Counseling Center offers in-person College Visits, including the following dates. Log onto Naviance to sign up. Select “What’s New” to see the College Visit list and select “More Info” to sign up for visits. To access link, log onto Naviance at the same place you registered online, under Colleges > Visits. 

Tuesday, Sept. 19

• Grinnell College, 8:50 a.m.

Thursday, Sept. 21

• University of Washington (Seattle Campus), 8:50 a.m.

Friday, Sept. 22

• University of Utah, 12:45 p.m.
• University of Vermont, 1:45 p.m.

Monday, Sept. 25

• Seattle Pacific University, 8:50 a.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 26

• Carroll College, 8:50 a.m.
• Hawaii Pacific University, 9:50 a.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 27

• Hampshire College, 8:50 a.m.

Thursday, Sept. 28

• Fordham University, 8:50 a.m.

Friday, Sept. 29

• Binghamton University, 1:45 p.m.

More info. For questions, email Counseling Secretary Carol Bristol at chbristol@seattleschools.org.

The National Association for College Admission Counseling's National College Fair will be held at the Seattle Convention Center on the following dates: 

Friday, Oct. 6 – 9 a.m. to noon

Saturday, Oct. 7 – noon to 4 p.m.

The NACAC National College Fair will include:

Over 200 diverse colleges and universities offering a wide variety of educational options.  

Presentations on Financial Aid, the College Essay and more both days for students and parents 

College Advising Center that offers students and parents a variety of counseling services relating to college admission and financial aid.

Register here.

More info.

Service Learning Offers Lessons Beyond Classroom

Service Learning is giving time, without pay. One of the graduation requirements for SPS is 60 hours of Service Learning. The Counseling Center posts service-learning resources at school and online.

For questions, email Counseling Secretary Carol Bristol at chbristol@seattleschools.org.

The Alzheimer's Association is hosting its annual Seattle "Walk to End Alzheimer's" coming up on Sept. 30 at the Seattle Center. Volunteers are needed to set up pop up canopies, tables, chairs, and serve in various other roles. The event is taking place at the Seattle Center, is all outside, and usually has about 1,500 people show up. Signup here.

Service Learning:

Taproot Theatre Co.

On Sept. 22, Taproot Theatre Co. in Greenwood is opening the world premiere of Last Drive to Dodge by Andrew Lee Creech, and they're looking for volunteer ushers.



Ushering at Taproot involves a few light tasks like stuffing programs and helping guests to their seats – then you are invited to stay and watch the show for free! Email scottz@taproottheatre.org for more information.

Service Learning:

Sustainable Ballard

Here are some options from the area nonprofit, Sustainable Ballard.

View their current projects or assist at the Sustainable Ballard Festival at Loyal Heights Community Center on Saturday Sept. 30 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Learn more and sign up.

Message From New Theatre Director, Miller Shor

To the BPA families and friends, 

It is my pleasure to introduce myself as the new drama teacher at Ballard High School. I studied playwriting at Macalester College and the National Theatre Institute and completed a master’s in teaching at Seattle University this spring. I came to theatre education to uplift anti-racist work and center student identity, and I am so excited to bring this work to Ballard High School.

My training is based in the work of Augusto Boal’s Theatre of the Oppressed and of my mentor, Eliza Rasheed. My priority is building a space where students learn to listen, both to their community members and to themselves. I feel honored to be welcomed into the Ballard Performing Arts family and look forward to growing with this community.

~ Ms. Miller

mashor@seattleschools.org

Fall Play Auditions Sept. 14

Also from Ms. Miller:

Auditions for the Fall Play will be 4-6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 14. Students interested in auditioning should sign up for a five-minute time slot on the sign-up sheet, which will be placed on the wall outside the Black Box Theatre.

"The fall show will be a devised piece, written and performed by a student ensemble. We will take inspiration from playwright Jose Rivera, using his text 'Sonnets for an Old Century', to uplift and inspire our own voices.

"This is a unique opportunity to center the students of Ballard High School, to share our stories and values with the community. I hope all interested students will audition!"

Show dates are 7:30 pm on Thursday, Oct .19, Friday, Oct. 20, and Saturday, Oct 21.

Please reach out to Ms. Miller at mashor@seattleschools.org with any questions.

Fall Sports Updates

Follow all the fall teams' schedules on the Metro Athletics Ballard page. (Check often, as game times and locations can change) and get important news and information on the Ballard High School Athletics webpage.

Some volleyball, football and soccer games will be livestreamed on the NFHS Network, check the upcoming events here.

Slowpitch Team Needs Players!

Join a fall sport -- catch the slowpitch softball team spirit!

BHS girls slowpitch softball team is welcoming walk-on players. Lots, little, or no experience -- all are welcome -- we'll teach you everything you need to know!

Last year's team won the Metro League championship and had a great time doing it. Come on out for the sport and the camaraderie. Email Coach Dale Griffith ddgriffith@seattleschools.org or stop by his office this week to sign up.

Thanks Team Parent Liz Clyma for the update!

Cross Country Has Blast at Bellarmine Invite

Congratulations to Cassidy Armstrong on her first-place finish at the 2-mile Bellarmine Invite Saturday, part of an impressive effort for the entire Cross-Country squad that included third place on the podium for the girls' varsity team.

Senior Dexter Stevens lead the boys' varsity team in 14th place and there were also some great, top-10 finishes from Ballard's freshmen and JV runners.

Meet results. The team has their first Metro meet Wednesday, Sept. 13 at Lincoln Park (3:40 p.m. start girls, 4:10 p.m. start boys). Photo c/o and follow ballardhsxc.

Football Home Opener Friday

Football's home opener is 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 15 against Roosevelt at Memorial Stadium. Metro Athletics page.

SPS sports fans can buy football tickets online through the Hometown Ticketing.

Swim Hosts Roosevelt at Ballard Pool Sept. 15

After a successful 2022 campaign in which two team records were broken (200 Freestyle relay, 50 Freestyle), the Ballard Girls Swim & Dive team is off to a fast start in 2023!

Their first home meet is 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 15 against Roosevelt. Come root on the team!

Future Dual Meets (all at 4 p.m.):

Sept. 22 Nathan Hale (Away)

Sept. 29 Garfield (Away)

Oct. 6 Cleveland/Franklin (Home)

Oct. 13 Ingraham (Away)

Oct. 20 Bishop Blanchet (Home)

Metros will be Oct. 27-28 at Snohomish Aquatic Center

Follow the Ballard Girls swim team on Instagram: @bhsgirlsswimanddive. Thanks Team Parent Jay Yovanovich for the update!

Beaver Golfers Warm Up for Season at Golf Classic

The Golf team is teeing off its Metro season against Ingraham at 3:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 11 at Jackson Park.

Several team members participated in the Ballard High School Foundation Golf Classic fundraiser at Newcastle Aug. 18. Justene Li hit the longest drive for women on the China Creek Course and the boys' team of Joey Bunich, Brady Mialiovich, Skate Yoder and James Sand took third on the China Creek Course. Way to go Beaver golfers!

Here are the schedules for both the Boys' and Girls' Teams. Follow the team @ballard.golf.

Girls Soccer Nets Two Wins to Start Season

The 2-0 Girls Soccer team faces off against the Bishop Blanchet Bear at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 12 at Blanchet. Next they'll take on Holy Names at 3:45 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14 at Miller Playfield. Schedule.

Photo c/o and follow team @ballardgirlsoccer

Volleyball Readies for Week of Road Games

After a week of home games, Volleyball hits the road for the next three against Cleveland (Monday, Sept. 11), Chief Sealth (Wednesday, Sept. 13) and Nathan Hale (Monday, Sept. 18).

Welcome the team back to the Dam at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 20 as they host the Ingraham Rams.

Schedule. Photo c/o and follow the team @ballardvolleyball.

BUF Off to a Big Start!

From BUF Team Parent Genie Kim: "Ballard Ultimate Frisbee had 59 players come to tryouts for the fall boys season. This included 10 seniors and 22 freshmen. Everyone got a spot on the roster. We are excited to have our Fall season started! Go BUF! #pumpirongetbuf." For the latest on BUF, visit ballardultimate.org. Follow the team @bufballard

BHS Athletic Booster Club Meeting Sept. 11

So, your student is playing sports at Ballard! Are you looking for just the right low-key volunteer opportunity with a great group of people?

Please come to the Athletic Booster Club Meeting at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 11 at the Ballard Elks, 6411 Seaview Ave. N.W.

Even more information is available on our ABC Website and on the Ballard HS Athletics pages too!

If you’d like to talk to someone about specifics, please email our Community Outreach Chair, Beth Sylves at bhsabcmemberships@gmail.com. We would love to work with you!

September Athletic Booster Club Newsletter

The Athletic Booster Club's (ABC) fall update was sent Thursday. Here's a link to the September newsletter.

If you'd like to be added to the ABC newsletter mail list, you can opt in here.

Need Beaver Gear?

Now that school's back in session, it's time to stock up now on tees, hoodies, pajama pants, pom beanies and much more! All sales benefit Ballard Athletics programs. Order at www.ballardathletics.com/beavergear or visit the Beaver Gear table Sept. 28 at Curriculum Night.

Please Fill Out the DEI Committee Survey

Please take this very short survey and let us know what you would like the DEI Committee to focus on this year: Ballard HS DEI Survey - 9th Grade Parent/Guardian Information Night (surveymonkey.com)   

(this survey was created for the event to welcome the new families, but we would love everyone’s input – both new and established Ballard HS families!) 

Learn more about the DEI Committee!

Equity Corner items are compiled by the PTSA DEI Committee.

See an interesting event that celebrates Diversity, Equity, or Inclusion and you’d like to see it highlighted? Send it our way! DEIatBHS@gmail.com

Upcoming Events

September 18 5 p.m. RSVP. Open Discussion Event, presented in Collaboration with RARE (Roosevelt Alumni for Racial Equity) and Seattle Council PTSA: Learn what programs are in place in several Seattle Public Schools to address racial equity.

Now through September 20: applications due for Seattle Youth Employment Program (SYEP). “The Seattle Youth Employment Program (SYEP) supports young people (ages 16 to 24) from qualifying-income households and communities that experience racial, social, and economic disparities. The goal is to increase youth and young adults' ability to pursue careers that pay well and are meaningful to them.”

September 12 is Ethiopian New Year and marks the start of the year 2016 in the Ethiopian calendar. Melkam Addis Amet to all our friends that celebrate Ethiopian New Year!

September 15-17: Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year, begins at sunset on Sunday September 15 and ends at sunset on September 17. L’Shana Tova to all our Jewish friends! 

September 16 Ethiopian New Year Celebration (Seward Park, free) “Celebrate Ethiopian New Year and Family Day with us on September 16. Join us for Music, Food, Games, and a Family Fun Event!!!”

September 15 - October 15 is National Hispanic Heritage month, honoring the contribution of both Hispanic and Latinx Americans.

September 16-17 Sea Mar Fiestas Patrias (seattlecenter.com) “Sea Mar Fiestas Patrias commemorates the independence of Latin American countries, many of which celebrate their national independence day in the month of September. It is a festival to celebrate history, while taking pride in the new generations of Latinos who now call the United States home.” 

September 17 (Free tickets) El Grito – Town Hall Seattle “El Grito” is a spirited commemoration of Mexico’s independence and serves as a symbol of Mexican heritage and unity. It takes its name from the famous “Grito de Dolores” (Cry of Dolores), a call to arms that marked the beginning of Mexico’s struggle for independence from Spain in 1810.”

• 1 p.m. Pre-Show – Floreador (trick-roping performer) and Aztec Dancers CeAtl Tonalli in the Plaza 
• 2 p.m. Official “El Grito” Ceremony and Performance by the Ballard Civic Orchestra in the Great Hall featuring Bailadores de Bronce, Maria Reyna and Joaquin Garzon 
• 3 p.m. Post-Show in The Forum with Mariachi music featuring Mariachi Guadalajara 

In the News

How Indigenous techniques saved a B.C. community from wildfire (Seattle Times)

City of Seattle’s Food Equity Fund now accepting proposals for Capacity Building Grants - Front Porch