Online Fall Course Registration |
Time to sign up for next year's classes, Beaver Sophomores and Freshmen! |
Fall Course Registration Timeline
(Link on Student's Source Account)
Grade 10 (Class of 2024) Feb. 16-March 1
Grade 9 (Class of 2025) March 2-8
Counselors will be hosting drop-in help sessions to get your questions answered. Please check the Counselor’s Schoology page to access times and meeting links. Please attend a session before trying to set up an individual meeting.
Sophomores (Class of 2024) Course Selections MUST BE entered on the Source before midnight on Tuesday, March 1. Do not wait until the last minute.
Students should consult with their current teachers for questions regarding an area’s course sequence. Students with IEPs should work directly with their IEP case manager to select their courses.
Class schedules are built completely on which courses and alternatives are successfully submitted online. If that critical step is not completed within the posted class registration window, it could result in not getting courses that were wanted.
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Running Start Information Sessions |
BHS Sophomores & Juniors: If you are interested in signing up for Running Start next year, it is important that you attend one of the Running Start Information sessions.
Running Start Information Sessions will be offered at lunch on Wednesday, March 9, March 16 or April 6 in Classroom SW205. [MORE INFO]
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Ballard Auction Items Needed |
Some great items have been donated for both the silent and live auctions, but fabulous donors are needed right up until our procurement deadline of March 24. Please get involved and make a donation today.
How can you help with auction items?
- Request a gift card for the silent auction from a favorite local business.
- Purchase a gift card from your favorite restaurant to donate.
- Offer an hour (or three) of your true talent: gardening, organizing, decorating, DIY, tarot card reading, cooking, music, and more.
- Are you an artist? Potter? Woodworker? A handmade treasure is a priceless item!
- Have a vacation get-away? Donate a two-night stay.
- Tickets to a game-day you can’t use? Donate them!
- Enjoy cooking? Provide a meal a month.
We are so excited to see you on April 3 for our Sunday Barbecue. Come experience the spacious and atmospheric venue offered by Block41, enjoy outdoor games, great music, a superb meal from FOODZ catering and of course bid on amazing items in the silent and live auctions. Grab your tickets now!
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Final Call for WSPTA Programs | March 1
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Washington State PTA has a number of programs specifically for students, all with a submission deadline of March 1.
WSPTA Essay Contest - explores the important and varied influencers in the lives and education of children. Open to all grades.
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Get your literature and art in print! |
Ink, Ballard High School’s literature and arts journal, is accepting student submissions of drawings, paintings, poetry, short stories, photography, art, sculptures, pottery and collages. Some works will need to be a photograph of the piece (sculpture, pottery etc.) so it's suitable for publication.
The annual Ink Journal is printed in early May; please submit before April 1!
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February Rotary Senior of Month |
Lillian P.: Lillian has been chosen as a Ballard Rotary Senior Student of the Month because of her Ballard spirit, whether it's in the classroom, on the field, in the stands or in the weight room, Lillian makes her leadership and inclusiveness present.
Her calculus teacher writes that "Lillian is a outgoing student with lots of determination, and she's going to do great things in life." Lillian is a part of Ballard High's Model UN, girls lacrosse, National Honors Society, the Biotechnology Academy, and Ballard weightlifting. For Model UN she is the co-president and this year they attended the Pacific Model United Nations conference in Seattle, and they have plans to attend more this spring.
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Outside of her school activities, Lillian has been a part of Girl Scouts for the last 13 years. Through Girl Scouts she has had many opportunities to volunteer at the Ballard Food Bank and serve her community. She also works at the Magnolia Garden Center and often tutors in her neighborhood. Congratulations Lillian! |
SPREE Tickets Go on Sale March 2 |
What is Senior SPREE? Senior SPREE is an all-night grad party and a BHS tradition, sponsored by the BHS PTSA! Immediately following the June 15 graduation ceremony, students hop onto chartered buses. Throughout the night, grads will travel to two exciting event venues and be treated to a variety of activities, food, friends and fun.
We keep exact details a secret -- we want our seniors to be surprised! The Senior SPREE committee, comprised of BHS parents, has been hard at work to create an amazing and memorable night for this year’s Senior Class. Give your student the gift of one final night as the Class of 2022 where great memories will be created!
Ticket sales start on Wednesday, March 2 online and in-person at a SPREE ticket sales table from 2:20-3:30 p.m. Visit the table, located near the staff parking lot's bike racks. Volunteers will be there to answer your SPREE questions and help you sign up for Senior SPREE! Early bird ticket prices are $175 through March 28. We want every senior to attend, regardless of financial ability. Scholarships are available -- see your school counselor. [MORE INFO]
For behind the scenes SPREE fun, follow @BHSspree on Instagram!
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Follow Your Heart Into a Great Book |
We encourage you to "Follow Your Heart into a Great Book" and join our reading campaign for mid-winter break.
We are encouraging everyone to read over break and snap a photo of themselves reading a book and making the sign of a heart. Send it to Ms. Chambers at tschambers@seattleschools.org
We want to cover our walls with the love of great books and share that love with one another. Prizes will be given, and your photos will be shared. Remember reading gives life more life, Follow Your Heart into a Great Book
Follow @beaverreadersbhs on Instagram and view the Library Page on the school website. Also, for the love of all readers, please remember to return your checked out materials!
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All the help via the Counseling Center online |
BHS Counselors work with students to help them develop strategies for success in academics, social skills, and in considering their post-high school plans and career options.
Counselor contact details, scholarship information, applying to college resources, summer internships, job and volunteer opportunities are available on the Counseling Center webpage. You can also schedule a student appointment online too!
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Online College Visits After Break |
Monday, Feb. 28 | Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising-Los Angeles, 10:55 a.m.
Wednesday, March 2 | Savannah College of Art & Design, 8:45 a.m.
Monday, March 7 | Temple University Japan, 9 a.m.
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Ballard High School Foundation
Apply Now for Golden Beaver Scholarships
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The Ballard High School Foundation offers a variety of scholarships to BHS graduating seniors. Applications are available in the Counseling Center or can be downloaded. Email your application to Carol Bristol at chbristol@seattleschools.org. Deadline is March 11.
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The Ballard 19 Scholarship | This scholarship is to remember the 19 men from BHS who died serving in Vietnam. A $1000 award to any graduating senior at BHS for college or accredited trade school who meet the criteria listed on the application.
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The Daniel Chavez Scholarship | This scholarship is in honor of fallen marine, Daniel Chavez who graduated from BHS in 2003. Seniors that are a relative of Daniel Chavez or have a parent, grandparent, or sibling in the armed forces should apply.
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The Golden Beaver Scholarships | The Golden Beavers Scholarships are one-time grants awarded to students pursuing further academic or technical education. Awards can range from $500 to $5,000.
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New! The Jonathan Shoop Scholarship | This scholarship is to remember Jonathan Shoop, a BHS 2006 graduate who was slain as a Bothell Police Officer. Looking for students with a very strong ability to play a musical instrument with special consideration for playing the trumpet.
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College Bound Scholarship Conference |
The SPS College Bound Scholarship Conference is coming up on Saturday, March 5, from 12:30-4 p.m.
It will be held virtually this year on Microsoft Teams. This conference is for College Bound Scholarship students in grades 9-12. Workshops for students and families will provide information on college and career planning.
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Beauty & the Beast opens March 17!
Playmakers' Spring Musical Back on Stage
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Mark your calendars for the Spring Musical, Beauty and the Beast, which runs March 17-20 and 24-27. You can buy tickets at www.showtix4u.com: $20 general; $15 for senior citizens; $10 for students.
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Orchestra Students Perform at Wintergrass Feb. 27 |
Congratulations to Chamber Orchestra performers, who participated in a collaborative concert with Seattle Pacific University’s Orchestra at the Washington Music Educators Association state conference in Yakima on Saturday.
Concert and Symphonic Orchestra students will be participating in the Wintergrass Youth Orchestra, a collaborative performance at the Wintergrass Festival at the Bellevue Hyatt Hotel.
The concert is at 3:20 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 27. [BUY TICKETS] (for in-person or paid livesteam viewing) Tip: Scroll down to "Sunday Only Youth". (Families and guests get a special $30 rate, good for ALL Sunday performances.)
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Ballard Boys Battled at Districts |
Ballard boys made an incredible game-ending run but fell to #3 ranked Rainier Beach 48-47 Tuesday.
"The team kept fighting," said Coach Mike Broom.
Their season ended Friday in a District loss to Eastside Catholic at Bellevue College. Great season, Beavers!
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Gymnasts Heading for State! |
Ballard hosted the Sea-King WIAA District 2 Saturday evening.
Congrats to our Gymnasts who got 2nd place at the Meet, with a season-high score, and are heading to the State Championships Friday at Sammamish High School! The team will compete at 12:40 p.m.
Sophomore Naomi Kildal was 2nd on beam and 10th all around. Senior Lilly Clarke was 4th on vault and beam, 6th on floor, 2nd on bars, and 3rd all around. Sophomore Linden Fatland was 5th on vault. Freshman Caitlyn Adkins was 9th on bars. Celebratory photo from @ballardgymnastics/Instagram
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View Brawling Beavers Matches Online |
Congratulations to Brawling Beavers who competed at the state Mat Classic XXXIII in the Tacoma Dome: Cassidy (135lb) from the Girls Team and Brendan (132lb) and Cooper (170lb) from the Boys Team.
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BHS Swim & Dive Competes at State |
Congratulations to Ballard swimmers and divers for participating in the State Swim & Diving Championships Feb. 17-19 at the King County Aquatics Center.
To kick off the three-day event, Caleb Pook took third place and Oliver Stacey took fourth in Thursday's Diving Competition.
Thomas Bioren finished his high school swimming career by swimming personal best times in both the 500 and 200 Free and got 9th and 12th respectively on Saturday. Junior Kyle Chew placed 16th in the 100 Fly.
In the 400 x 100 Free Relay, Thomas, Kyle, Kian Vae'ena, and Charlie Parker placed 17th, while dropping 3 seconds from their District time! Congratulations Beavers, who finished 15th out of 32 teams!
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Spring Sports Start Feb. 28 |
Can't wait to cheer on the courts, pitch, track and ballfields too! [ METRO LEAGUE] |
Spring Club Sports: Girls & Boys Lacrosse, Girls BUF |
Club Sports are open for registration for another week [MORE INFO]:
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Spring Sports on Social Media |
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The next PTSA Board Meeting is at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 3 via Teams.
All are welcome to attend PTSA Board and PTSA General meetings, which will remain online until further notice.
Mark your calendars for this spring's PTSA Board Meetings as well: 7 p.m. April 7 and May 5; and 5:30 p.m. June 9.
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Support BHS PTSA while shopping! |
Support BHS academics while you do your shopping! |
Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to BHS PTSA. Check out the AmazonSmile information page to learn about using AmazonSmile and select “Ballard High School PTSA, Seattle, WA.” Thank you!
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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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Teen Health Center Closed During Break |
All Seattle Public Schools are closed Feb. 21-25 for Mid-Winter Break.
The Ballard Teen Health Center will also be closed during break, but Clinic Coordinator Say Tuitele can be contacted via email (Sailau.Tuitele@swedish.org) during the closure to schedule future appointments.
Note: As we approach school breaks, it is a good time to remind everyone about the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) travel guidance.
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Student COVID Testing Resources |
Ballard High School offers rapid COVID testing. Ms. Lee, our Health & Safety Support person, will perform the testing. Students testing will need to bring a signed Parent Consent Form.
Please test only if you are symptomatic or were exposed to a COVID positive person at least 5 days prior.
Testing Schedule (upon return from Mid-Winter Break):
1st-4th Period | Both Rapid Antigen and PCR Tests are available in the Nursing Office (located inside the Teen Health Center)
5th-6th Period | Rapid Antigen Tests are available in the Library (ask for Ms. Lee at the main desk)
Rapid Antigen Test | Administered when students have a concern of exposure but no symptoms. Results are received in 10 Minutes.
PCR Test | Administered when Covid symptoms are present. Students with symptoms are sent home after taking the PCR Test. Results take 2-4 days.
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Masks Disbursed on Campus |
BHS has been distributing Federal Government-supplied masks to students over the past few weeks.
BHS Nurse Laurie Tirtanadi has tips on school-supplied mask use: "N95s and KN95s can be worn up to 5 days as long as they don’t lose their shape or become soiled. If they do, they would need to be replaced. Also, at the end of the day they would need to be placed in a clean, safe place to air out overnight. It can be on a hook or an out of the way countertop or a paper bag."
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Mid-Winter Break Office Hours |
Monday – Closed for Presidents Day Holiday
Tuesday – Closed
Wednesday through Friday – staffed 8 a.m. to noon
Even during staffed Mid-Winter Break office hours, the school building remains closed to visitors. Please wait outside the building and call the Main Office, 206-252-1000.
SPS Laptop issues? The student tech support line will be closed on Monday, Feb. 21. The tech support line will reopen with limited hours, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Feb. 22-25. For tech help or questions, call 206-252-0100 or email laptops@seattleschools.org
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Incoming Student Info & Video |
Have a friend or neighbor interested in learning more about Ballard High School?
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Feb. 17 Update: Seattle Public Schools is aware of the governor’s plan to lift the state mask mandate on March 21.
The district will continue until further notice with our current policy requiring mask use by all students, staff, visitors and others while they are indoors and outdoors at all SPS buildings.
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Nominate a School Counselor of Year |
The School Counselor of the Year program honors the best of the best in Seattle Public Schools – counselors who are providing excellent service for their elementary, middle, or high school community!
The deadline for nominations is Tuesday, Feb. 28.
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Special Education Forum | District Leadership Needs
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Members of the School Board will be holding a forum from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 22 for families of students receiving special education services.
This is an opportunity to share thoughts regarding the leadership needs of the district.
Comments will be limited to the topic of the Superintendent Search.
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DEI Book Club Meets March 8 |
Please join the BHS Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee for its First BHS DEI Book Club at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 8. We'll be discussing The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas.
Please email DEIatBHS@gmail.com for event link. You're also welcome to join the DEI Committee for our regular meeting, starting at 5:30 p.m. Participants can choose to read the book (available at the Seattle Public Library and Ballard High School Library) or watch the movie (available at the Seattle Public Library or streaming on Hulu)
If you need a copy of the book, a scholarship is available by emailing your request to DEIatBHS@gmail.com.
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Celebrating Black History Month
The History You Weren't Taught in School
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⫸ As part of the $2 million commitment at MasterClass to make content that inspires and educates on social justice and against systemic racism, for the first-time ever an entire class will be available to stream for free.
The three-part class, Black History, Black Freedom and Black Love, will be freely available on MasterClass.com during Black History Month. MasterClass has also teamed up with Amazon to make the class available to stream for free on IMDb TV and available for all U.S. Prime Members on Prime Video.
⫸ Seattle’s African-American Writers Alliance Annual Anniversary Group Reading at Elliott Bay Books on the last Saturday (usually) of February. This month, from 4-6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 26, it's the 30th Anniversary Meeting, done virtually. [MORE INFO]
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⫸ Charleston County Public Library (CCPL) and the International African American Museum (IAAM) are working together to connect the Charleston County community with the stories and culture of the Gullah Geechee people. Thanks to this partnership, Gullah storytellers are bringing their tales to CCPL’s Dial-a-Story service, providing free on-demand access to recorded stories by phone.
⫸ Sign up for 28 Days of Black History: daily emails to learn more about this aspect of American history during the month of February (all previous posts can be viewed there too).
Equity Corner compiled by DEI Committee Member Kristin Anderson
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Weekly Advocacy Discussion |
SCPTSA Legislative & Advocacy Chair Samantha Fogg will host a weekly series to help support advocates during the remaining 2022 Washington State Legislative Assembly at 2 p.m. Saturdays, Feb. 26 and March 5. Interpreters in Spanish, Somali and Cantonese provided.
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Third Down on the 23rd Yard Line |
Last Tuesday, Feb. 15, was the 37th day of the 60-day session and a major cutoff for bills to have passed out of the chamber in which they started.
- Feb. 28 will be the last day for bills to pass out of opposite chamber committees.
- March 4 will be the last day for bills to pass off the floor of the opposite chamber.
The schedule will continue to compress as the Legislature advances towards the goal line of March 10 and sine die.
The best way to stay informed about the legislative session and all things advocacy related is to sign up for the Focus on Advocacy Newsletter by contacting support@wastatepta.org. Check out the WSPTA Blog for weekly legislative session reports and bill trackers, as well as posts highlighting our advocacy efforts. And make sure you’re signed up for WSPTA Action Alerts - we only use them when we need to muster the power of our membership to push for passage of legislation critical to our top legislative priorities.
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Help PTA Improve Family-School Partnerships | Student Input Wanted
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On Feb. 28, 5-6 p.m., students are invited to join the National PTA Center for Family Engagement, Seattle Council PTSA, and the Washington NAACP Youth Council for a virtual listening session to share student experiences with and perspectives on family-school partnerships.
How do you and your family engage with your school? What are the most important components of creating a welcoming school environment?
National PTA will also use this feedback to inform a revised set of National Standards for family-school partnerships nationwide. This listening session is open to all students throughout Washington state.
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The BHS PTSA offers Community Resources for informational purposes & does not necessarily support activities or views presented therein. |
Time to register for UW Youth and Teen Programs Spring Writers Workshop, which runs Tuesday and Thursday evenings April 5 through May 26.
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Fred Hutch Internship Program | Deadline 3/31
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Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center's Summer High School Internship Program (SHIP) is a competitive, eight-week, full-time paid internship for rising 12th graders. The program is specifically designed for students from backgrounds underrepresented in biomedical science.
The program runs from Monday, June 27 through Friday, Aug. 19, 2022. Students must be able to commit to this entire period in order to participate.
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Teens Needed as Girls Rock Math Counselors |
Looking for a fun, fulfilling way to earn service hours? If you're a female-identifying student who enjoys art and math, then consider filling out an application to become a Girls Rock Math camp counselor.
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Free College Admission Info Presentation at PNA |
Do you know a teen preparing for college? Come to this free, in-person presentation 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 24 at the Phinney Neighborhood Association, Room 3.
Dr. Mark Hofer helps students and families prepare for and navigate the college application and admission process with a goal to find colleges and universities that will best serve their academic, social, financial, and personal needs.
He guides students and their families to identify the best colleges for them while maintaining a focus on graduating with as little debt as possible. Join Dr. Hofer at this free introductory talk for parents and college-bound high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors. No RSVP necessary.
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Washington World Fellows Leadership Program |
For Sophomores: The WA World Fellowship is a 2.5-year global leadership program that aims to equip Washington’s young leaders through academic preparation, leadership development, civic engagement, and international travel. Open to 15 new students each year, the fellowship is administered at no cost to its participants.
The purpose of the program is to provide students who may lack access to similar opportunities with training that will enhance their high school academics, support their trajectory into college, and encourage them to become leaders in their communities and beyond. Applications due March 14. [MORE INFO]
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Screenagers: The Next Chapter |
Join PNW Parent Education for a special event as the group partners with Screenagers to bring you Screenagers Next Chapter: Uncovering Skills For Stress Resilience at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 2.
This FREE event will include a showing of the documentary Screenagers Next Chapter (69 minutes) followed by a moderated Q&A with Ali Tabb, Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
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Pedalheads Spring Break Camp Hiring |
Pedalheads is hiring teens, 16 and older, for its Spring Break Bike Camp April 11-15 at the Ballard Elks Club.
- Gain leadership experience and growth opportunities
- Work daytime hours outdoors with no weekend work
- Inspire kids to believe in themselves. There is no feeling like it!
Apply here. This Spring Break Camp is a great introduction for working in the group's summer program too. Summer applicants can apply here.
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World Citizen Essay Contest |
The 2022 World Citizen Essay Contest is open to all WA State students in grades 3-12. This contest is sponsored by the UW Center for Global Studies. Essays due March 20.
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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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