STUDENT LIFE (BEAVER WEEK TAKEOVER edition!)
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Have a Great Beaver Spirit Week! |
The Ballard ASB has a fun week of Beaver Week dress-up days and activities from May 31 to June 3, culminating in Friday's Beaver Day/Spirit Assembly! |
Monday | Ferris Bueller's Day Off (Memorial Day, no school)
Tuesday | Zoom Day (Business on top, casual on the bottom)
Wednesday | Decades ('25 2000's; '24, 1990s; '23, 1980s; '22, 1970s)
Thursday | Sun's Out ... (Summer-Inspired Looks)
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Friday | Class Colors ... with a twist! (Wear your current class color over next year's for the big reveal at the Moving Up Assembly! Seniors wear your college swag underneath.)
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Taking Care of BHS After National Tragedies |
In the wake of two tragic mass casualty shootings across the nation in the past few weeks, Dr. Williams shared a letter highlighting the building's response to the emotional and mental toll on our students and staff, as well as safety considerations.
Ballard High School Psychologist Nicole Garrie and Ballard Teen Health Center Mental Health Counselor Chelsea Clark also provided multiple resources for talking to children about violence, including this infographic from the National Association of School Psychologists.
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Celebrate the Best of BHS! June 9 PTSA Awards
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It's that time of year again, when we thank our educators and volunteers who have demonstrated exceptional creativity and resourcefulness at our Spring General Meeting/PTSA Awards at 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 9 via Zoom.
It's always fun to celebrate the winners of the Outstanding Educator, Golden Acorn and Outstanding Advocate Awards! Thanks to those who submitted 48 amazing nominees for the BHS PTSA recognition awards.
Hear all about the great ways the BHS PTSA has contributed to our school this year as well. The meeting will also include the presentation of the Executive Board slate for the 2022-23 school year. You must be a member to vote on next year's Board.
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Help Shape Next Year's PTSA Board |
Please consider joining next year's PTSA Board to help us realize our mission "to promote and support the social, emotional, and academic well-being of all students."
No former board experience is needed, just a passion for championing our school community. Plus transition and training are available for each role. Positions can be shared, so grab a friend and help empower our students and teachers/staff.
Executive Committee Openings: President, Vice President
Executive Board Openings: Volunteer Coordinator, Legislative Liaison Co-Chair (teaming with existing chair), Family & Community Engagement (FACE) Chair
Standing Committee Openings: Direct Appeal Fundraising Chair, SPREE Chair, Social Media Chair, Reflections Chair
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BIPOC Celebration Series | Finale June 1
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Learn about Diverse Voices in Film, the final session in BHS's BIPOC Celebration Series, during the fifth period on Wednesday, June 1 in the Library.
The discussion will include three local filmmakers who will share their work, their stories, and how race has impacted them as artists and professionals. One of the producers is the son of our very own Soodjai. Don't miss your chance to see some local talent and hear how they became so successful.
Students can use the QR code to sign up or email Ms. Dowdy at rmdowdy@seattleschools.org. Only students who are registered are allowed at the event. Sessions are limited to 25 participants. [MORE INFO]
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Thanks for 35 Years of SPS Service, Young! |
On Thursday, Ballard High School celebrated Young Wong's 35 years of service to Seattle Public Schools.
"Young, you are an amazing Lead Custodial Engineer, and we’re fortunate to have you here at Ballard High School!" said Dr. Joseph Williams.
This is Young's second shoutout of the year, as he was recognized by SPS in November for his hard work and training more than 100 custodians over the course of a year, ensuring they were successful in their roles. Thank you, Young!
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Filmmakers in Run for Student Emmys June 4 |
Ballard High School's Digital Filmmakers earned four Student Emmy nominations from the Northwest Region of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences! The student production awards will be streamed on the NATAS NW website Saturday, June 4.
BHS Nominees:
Ballard Band News Feature | News Report: Light News Category | Hazel H. ‘25, Producer; Lena C. ‘25, Producer; and Mateo M. ‘25, Producer
Oceans Away | Music Video, Editor and Photography Categories | Matthew W. ‘23, Producer/Editor; Siena G. ‘22, Producer/Cinematographer; Remy H-R. ‘23, Producer/Cinematographer
Afraid Of The Moon | Editor Category | Matthew T. ‘22, Editor; Evelyn N.-S. ‘22, Editor
REMEMBER: You'll be able to catch the amazing work of our talented student filmmakers at the return of the Ballard Film Festival, 6:30 p.m. Saturday, June 10 in the PAC. [MORE INFO]
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Applications due June 3 for Maui Trip |
Applications for the February 2023 Maui Trip are due Friday, June 3. Join the Ohana! This interdisciplinary program incorporates culture, climate, marine biodiversity, geology and more. Contact Mr. Noam Gundle for more questions or an application at njgundle@seattleschools.org.
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BHS Unified Attends Leadership Summit |
Ballard Unified was in the house for the first-ever Seattle Public Schools (SPS) Special Olympics Unified Leadership Summit May 4. At the Summit, students and educators from 10 SPS schools gathered to learn how to build an inclusive school community.
Unified Co-Advisors Robyn Maddess and Cindy Nitz (Ballard's Speech Language Pathologist) attended the summit with Unified Basketball Coach Rachel Schmidt and students Franny S. and Niko T.
"It was a wonderful experience. We got to meet other students and staff from around the district to discuss inclusion and how we can integrate Unified and the Unified mission into our programs and school," Ms. Maddess said.
Ms. Nitz said, “I learned about ways that other schools around the country are sharing the message of 'unity' and 'inclusion'. I have a better understanding of the great work being done by Unified programs around the state. It was an uplifting and affirming experience.“
The students got to collaborate with other students, have dinner and dessert, and meet a red-footed tortoise. "It was so fun," Niko said. "I had a good time and meeting a lot of new people.”
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Apply For 22-23 Yearbook/Newspaper Staff |
The Shingle Yearbook and Talisman Newspaper editors are currently actively recruiting students for both the yearbook and newspaper for the next year school 22-23. Interested students please complete the applications online. [MORE INFO]
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History Classes Participate in Capitol Classroom |
Two BHS history class periods, taught by Mr. Feise and Mr. Lee, participated in Capitol Classroom this school year.
Through Capitol Classroom, students and teachers work with lobbyist volunteers to choose legislation to support, oppose, or amend. Then, through TVW (WA public affairs network's) video conferences, students communicate with their lobbyists during the session and track their legislation.
Here are BHS-supported bills that were tracked through the 2022 Legislative Session. Learn more about the curriculum on the attached Facebook video link, where you'll hear Mr. Feise enthusing about his in-person classroom about 8 seconds in!
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Junior Parents:
We Need Chaperones for Senior SPREE!
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Junior Parents/Guardians, we need your help for SPREE! We ask Junior parents to chaperone our post-Graduation Senior Party so Senior parents can rest and relax after a full, emotional day of celebrations.
"I know that staying up all night sounds difficult, but you could split the shift with someone, and I know that it ends up being a lot of fun," wrote Dr. Joseph Williams in his letter appealing to Junior parents/guardians. "Then next year, we will again find Junior parents to staff SPREE while you celebrate."
We still need 15 chaperones to accompany the Seniors throughout the night, supervising to ensure their safety and helping with a variety of activities. (Thanks to the five intrepid souls who stepped forward since our last callout!) And, it just happens to be a blast, so bring a friend!
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Help Needed with SPS Laptop Return |
Thank you to those who have stepped forward to assist with technology check-in. Teacher-Librarian Ms. TuesD Chambers only needs 6 more parent/guardian volunteers to help with student laptop return. Sign up for short, easy two-hour shifts on June 16-17.
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Deadline this Friday, June 3
Order Your BHS Graduate Yard Sign!
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Class of 2022 Families, you can now order a yard sign celebrating your Ballard Graduating Senior!
Suggested purchase amount: $5/sign (or pay a little more to help a student in need). One sign per student please. If you are in need of two, please contact parent organizer Darlene Henderson at d.henderson@F5.com. The limited surplus for additional orders will be distributed first-come, first-served.
Deadline to order through the Parent Source SchoolPay, or through the link below, is Friday, June 3. At-school pickup details will be available soon.
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SPREE Paperwork Due to Main Office
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We are looking forward to Senior SPREE is the biggest, all-night grad party of the year.
Students will leave Memorial Stadium on chartered buses following the graduation ceremony and return to the BHS parking lot the next morning at 5:30 a.m.
To get our buses rolling efficiently to our first amazing destination, please turn in your paperwork to the Main Office ASAP. [ FORMS HERE] |
Important Senior Updates | Class Photo May 31
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Now | In the Main Office, grab a Ballard Teen Health Center goodie bag ("We wish you all the best!" ~ BTHC staff). Also, pick up any remaining pre-ordered Graduation items there too.
NEW! May 31 | ALL Seniors! Class of 2022 Group Photo during 2nd Period on the field
June 2 | Senior Chipotle Dinner in the BHS Commons | 5-7 p.m. Cost: $5, pay on Parent Source SchoolPay. Seniors will be recognized for academic and athletic achievements at the student dinner. Pre-Ordered Yearbook distribution (if yearbook shipment has arrived). Bring ID.
June 3 | Beaver Day | Pre-Ordered Yearbook distribution (if yearbook shipment has arrived). Bring ID.
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Sunny with a Chance of Sprinkles!
Summer Reading Program Coming Soon
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I scream, you scream, we ALL scream for Summer Beaver Reader Programs and Ice Cream - !
Have you heard the scoop? The BHS Library is challenging all '22-23 students to dive into some reading fun this summer. Those who meet the challenge, by finishing 10 titles and tracking 'em for Ms. Chambers, will earn a sweet frozen treat!
Don't worry, you'll be able to check out books this summer during special BHS Library services from 1-3 p.m. Thursdays, July 28 and Aug. 18!
Need more ideas of what to read over Summer Break? Here's the sprinkles and cherry on top, as Ms. Chambers has just released her Summer Beaver Reader List!
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Military Recruiting Day June 1 |
Ballard High School will host an informational Military Recruiting Day program Wednesday, June 1 in Mr. Brent Martin's 1st and 6th period Career Connected classes. There is limited seating for 15 additional students in each class period. Interested students should contact brmartin@seattleschools.org to reserve a seat.
Recruiters will also be available to answer questions from 10-11 a.m. in the Counseling Center; and there will be information tables, including all the U.S. Armed Forces [Army, Navy, WA Army National Guard (patch shown), Air Force and Space Force], from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. near the school entrances.
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Seattle Central College
Dental Hygienist Recruiting Event June 6
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Seattle Central's Tracy Cook will be at Ballard High School from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, June 6 to talk with students about the school's Dental Assisting/Hygiene programs and career track.
Ms. Cook will also have a display near the Main Office from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will be meeting with students from 1-2 p.m. in the Counseling Center. Contact her to schedule your time at Tracy.Cook@Seattlecolleges.edu.
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Counseling Center Online Resources |
Job Board – Listing of student employment opportunities, including:
Note: BHS only shares job and Service Learning postings and does not endorse any of these businesses.
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Spring Concerts Coming to the PAC! |
An appreciative audience enjoyed Monday's Wind Ensemble/Chamber Orchestra collaboration as well as the Spring Choir Concert last Thursday.
At 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 1 the Band will perform, followed by the Orchestra on Thursday, June 2. Seating will be back to normal -- that is, seating is first-come first-serve, unless you have reserved seating. Doors typically open around 7 p.m.
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Duke's Greenlake Dine-Out Supports BPA June 7 |
Duke’s Seafood on Greenlake and the Ballard High School Foundation are teaming up to support Ballard Performing Arts on Tuesday, June 7!
Duke's will be donating a whopping 50% of the increase in sales from this dine-out, over their usual Tuesday night average. Come out to celebrate the end of the school year with this final dine-out of the year and support the Ballard Performing Arts! Fans of Manny's Pale Ale can enjoy a beer knowing that 100% of every beer sold that night will be donated to our program, thanks to Georgetown Brewing Company.
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Summer Practice Participants Too!
Signup Now For 2022-23 School Athletics
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If you have not already registered your student athlete by completing the online FinalForms, they must be filled out by:
- May 31 – Football and Summer Basketball
- Aug. 15 – Volleyball, Girls Swim/Dive, Girls Soccer, Cross Country, Golf, and Slowpitch Softball
The online registration process must be complete in order for athletes to be cleared in time to participate in Summer practices and camps. Additionally, registration is now open for ALL sports for the 2022-2023 School Year.
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Junior Tennis Ace, Track, Softball at State |
Spring Season post-season updates, and more accolades for BHS athletes! Congrats Beavers on all your hard work!
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Tennis: Congratulations to Junior Silas H. who took sixth place in the 3A State Championship June 27-28 in Richland.
His State Tournament road included wins against competitors from Yelm (6-3, 6-2); Kennewick (6-1, 6-0) and Edmonds-Woodway (score not available); before falling to Lake Washington's Brett P. (and ultimate state champion 6-2, 6-2) and a Lakeside player (6-3, 6-2).
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Track competed at the State Meet May 26-28 at Mount Tahoma High School in Tacoma.
"The coaches are proud of the students stepping up and having some of their best performances at the state meet despite pressure and quality competitors, and having fun in the process!" said Coach Neal Howard.
Congratulations to the following athletes who took part at State:
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- Caleb P.: 110 meter hurdles (5th), 300 meter hurdles (4th), pole vault (2nd, 14-03.00 PR)
- Peter G: Discus (foul)
- Brendan D.: pole vault (11th)
- Thomas D.: pole vault (18th)
- Tova G.: 100 meter hurdles (16th, prelim.)
- Madeleine K.: Pole Vault (7th)
- Makenna M. 100 meter hurdles (20th, prelim.)
- Hazel E.: High Jump (13th)
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Congrats to Softball for its amazing season and its epic run all the way to the State Tournament in Lacey!
The Beavers finished their 2021-22 regular season with a 17-5 record overall; winning 14 of the last 16 games. At Districts, they clinched their first State appearance since 2015.
While the postseason ended after two successive losses Friday afternoon to Bonney Lake and Monroe, the team showed Beaver Pride with camaraderie and spirit! More @ballardbeaversoftball.
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One more kudos for Girls Lacrosse Senior Midfielder Sam S., who was named to the All-State Team by the Washington State Girls Lacrosse Association conference-winning coaches. |
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. Includes practices and weekend tournaments. Contact Coach Michelle Gallagher if you are interested, mcgallagher@seattleschools.org. |
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The Ballard High School PTSA joins the National PTA in calling upon Congress and the Administration to immediately address the many factors that contribute to the rampant gun violence in the United States.
This includes:
✓ Funding research on the causes and effects of gun violence on youth and communities, as well as evidence-based strategies to reduce gun violence.
✓ Establishing education programs to teach students, parents and community members about gun safety and violence prevention.
✓ Requiring a waiting period and a comprehensive background check for all individuals prior to purchasing a firearm.
✓ Restricting internet gun sales, including kits that can be used to make and modify guns.
✓ Banning access to military-style semi-automatic assault weapons.
In addition, the local nonprofit
Thank you for joining us in action.
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One Love Discusses Healthy Relationships |
Thanks to our partners at Seattle Council PTSA and One Love for co-hosting an important parent-education presentation and Q&A Wednesday.
At the meeting, One Love facilitators shared important resources and strategies for broaching relationship topics with our teens.
Here are some helpful resources shared at the meeting:
(We will also let you know when the meeting recording is available.)
One Love Foundation is a national leader in relationship health education. We were introduced to their work through their recent BHS teacher training.
Their nonprofit work, which includes their office in Seattle, is funded by community donations.
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School building visitors are required to sign in at the Main Office and provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test in the past 72 hours.
Office staff can answer questions, of course, without a building visit via phone at 206-252-1000. Current office and building updates are also available on the School Bulletin.
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Please Report COVID-19 Cases |
COVID-19 cases have increased in King County.
Before returning to school on May 31, SPS recommends that students take an at-home test.
Keep your student home if they have any COVID-19 symptoms and report to our school any confirmed cases.
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Have a younger student or neighbor coming to Ballard for the first time next year? |
The page has been updated with the 9th grade orientation date (9 a.m. to noon, Monday, Aug. 29), Performing Arts meeting dates and auditions; Athletics registration and Dance Tryout info too!
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Ethnic Studies Survey Due May 31 |
Seattle Public Schools has a new way for our students to access courses in Ethnic Studies, Black Studies, American Indian Studies, LBGTQIA+ Studies, and some World Languages in the 2022-23 school year.
SPS will offer virtual common morning class periods that will allow students to take courses in these areas no matter where they are in the district.
Students who are interested in taking one of these virtual courses in the 2022-23 school year should complete the interest survey by Tuesday, May 31. Here's the latest list of Course Descriptions.
Expressing interest in these courses does not guarantee students will be able to enroll in the class.
Important note: If you have already registered or are interested in morning Skills Center classes or morning Running Start offerings, you will need to choose between those options and these district-wide online courses.
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SPS Pride Flag Raising June 3 |
Join SPS leaders, families, staff and students as we raise the rainbow and the transgender pride flags at 3 p.m. Wednesday, June 1 at the John Stanford SPS Central Office building (2445 3rd Ave. S.)
Hear from student and staff speakers, and there will be mini flags, coffee and donuts to share. The “Our Students, Their Stories” exhibit will also be on display on the third floor.
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Golden Beaver Scholarship Awards |
The Ballard High School Foundation Golden Beaver Scholarship Awards Luncheon is back!
Celebrate our student scholarship winners at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, June 7 at Ristorante Picolinos ($30, family-style).
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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.
Please note: 100% of your sponsorship, or golf fees can be dedicated to your BHS program of choice. When registering, please note in the
comments section if you would like to support a specific team or program. Early Bird pricing closes on June 30.
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Updating Section 504 of Rehabilitation Act | Comments Sought
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The Office for Civil Rights in the Department of Education intends to update Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and is accepting comments.
The Office of the Education Ombuds and Seattle Council PTSA will be holding virtual drop-in hours via Zoom to hear from you on changes you feel are necessary for improving access in K-12 education for disabled students:
June 1: 6-8 p.m.
June 6: 5:30-7:30 p.m. (youth & young adult)
June 11: 10 a.m. to noon
June 12: 4-6 p.m. (youth & young adult)
June 13: 2-4 p.m.
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Seattle Special Education PTSA Meeting June 7 |
How would you describe the 2021-22 school year? At the Seattle Special Education PTSA's 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 7 meeting (register here), the group will take a look back at the year.
Also, they will also vote on the Nominating Committee's list of names for the 2022/2023 Executive Board. (Positions can be held by more than one person.)
President
Cherylynne Crowther
Vice President
Erika Cebreros, Debbie Carlsen, and Jana Parker
Secretary
Christie Robertson and Melissa Spiker
Treasurer
Jay Chohan and Catherine Muth
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UW Summer Youth & Teen Programs |
There's still time to register for UW Youth & Teen Summer Programs! These high school enrichment classes are open for enrollment:
- Esports, Gaming & Broadcasting (Seattle)
- Screenwriting Workshop (Seattle)
- Coding in Java I (Bellevue)
- Coding in Python (Online)
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The BHS PTSA offers Community Resources for informational purposes & does not necessarily support activities or views presented therein. |
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In collaboration with Equity In Education & Partners In Change; and in celebration of National Asian Pacific Islander American History & Heritage Month and to kick-off LGBTQ Pride Month - Pride ASIA proudly presents
Pride ASIA Fest 2022 from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 29 at
Hing Hay Park, 423 Maynard Ave.
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Rainier Avenue Radio was founded by Tony Benton in 2017 as a 24/7 community-based internet radio station and digital media hub, dedicated to amplifying the diverse voices of Seattle and its surrounding communities.
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The Cultural Space Agency is a mission-driven cultural real estate development company, imagined and designed by a diverse group of BIPOC cultural community members, and chartered by the City of Seattle in 2021.
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The Equity Corner is complied by DEI Committee Chairs Shelley Bolser and Naida Boyer.
The DEI Committee has its final meeting of the school year at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 14 on Teams.
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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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