BHS excels at WA History Day State Contest |
Beaver Historians cleaned up at last weekend’s Washington History Day State Contest! BHS, under the tutelage of teachers Shawn Lee and Robin Dowdy, won the Outstanding School (Senior Division) Award!
|
The following BHS students qualified as state finalists: |
-
Hope Onstad, 4th place Individual Exhibit, The Art of Photography Revolutionize by Group F64
-
Ella Joseph, 5th place Individual Exhibit, Elizabeth Friedman: The Unsung Hero of WWII
-
Allie Dowdy, 6th place Individual Exhibit, Virginia Hall: Misunderstanding of Women's Potential Post WWII
-
Mia Saunders and Isa Wick, 4th place Group Exhibit, Keith Haring: Art and Activism during the AIDS Crisis
-
Charlie Thee and Julian Peterson, 5th place Group Documentary, Fear of a Black Planet: A Lesson in Fighting the Power”
We are very proud of these students and all that they have achieved this year. If you see them in the hallways congratulate them. More information on the contest webpage.
|
Nominees due by May 17
Time to nominate your outstanding BHS educator, volunteer and advocate!
|
The BHS PTSA is accepting nominations for:
-
a BHS Educator who has provided outstanding educational opportunities for students beyond the scope of their job;
-
a BHS Volunteer who can be recognized for going above and beyond;
-
and nominations for an BHS Advocate, who has demonstrated commitment to creating strong policies at BHS.
Parents, students, teachers too ... let's hear who has inspired you!
Email PTSA President Gloria Kruzner your 2020-21 nominees by Monday, May 17, along with a few details why you've chosen them, at bhs.ptsa.pres@gmail.com.
|
Mark your calendars for the June 10 PTSA Awards! |
Outstanding Educator, Golden Acorn and Outstanding Advocate Awards winners will be announced and celebrated at our 7 p.m. June 10 BHS PTSA Awards General Meeting on Microsoft Teams. |
Remote/In-Person Instruction Helpful Links |
Grab & Go meals offered at BHS |
Grab & Go breakfast and lunch meals are available during in-person learning days. Meals may be picked up at the entrance by the gym doors only.
The food is available and free for all students, and while students are not able to eat in the classroom, they may save it and snack on it during the day by stepping into the hall during class for a short time.
|
AP Digital Exams updates | June 1-4, 7-11
|
SPS Notice for Parents of Students taking AP Exams: Students who are signed up and wish to take an AP Exam will take the test during the CollegeBoard’s Window 3 (June 1-4, 7-11); and to ensure the health and safety of all students and staff, all exams will be administered digitally at home.
|
For the AP Exams that ONLY have the option for In-Person testing (World Languages & AP Music Theory), SPS will offer these exams to students at their high school.
|
SBA and WCAS postponed until Fall 2021 |
The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) has determined that Smarter Balanced Assessments (SBA) and the Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS) will not be administered to students this spring. Instead, the state summative assessment window for the 2020-21 school year will be this fall.
|
Important May calendar dates for Seniors! |
Important dates coming up for the Class of 2021:
-
Monday, May 17: Cap & Gown distribution for Cohorts A & C, 3:50-5 p.m. (pickup days suggested to keep groups smaller)
- Thursday, May 20: Cap & Gown distribution for Cohorts B & C, 3:50-5 p.m.
- Friday, May 21: Above and Beyond Service Learning Due
-
Tuesday, May 25: Academic Awards, Scholarship & Diploma Name survey (new, details below!)
|
Deadline May 25!
Sr Academic Awards & Scholarship Info Survey
|
The Class of 2021 BHS Senior Academic Awards & Scholarship Information Survey is due on May 25. For details on what can be included in this program, check out the Survey webpage.
Please complete the survey no later than Tuesday, May 25 so you might be listed in the Senior Academic Awards Night program.
In addition on the survey please enter your name EXACTLY the way that you want it printed on your diploma.
More details to follow regarding a Senior Academic Awards event.
|
NEW! Senior Graduation Signs update
|
At its May Board Meeting, the Ballard PTSA has agreed to fund Senior Graduation Signs for the Class of 2021!
More details coming soon!
|
Gently used red caps & gowns still needed |
The Counseling Department is in need of gently used, RED graduation caps & gowns. We are running very low, and need more to get us through graduation this year. If you have extras at home, please consider donating them to the Counseling Department at BHS.
Please email Counseling Secretary Carol Bristol at chbristol@seattleschools.org or drop off at the Bins located outside the Main Office. We would be grateful! (Photo c/o Steve Schimmelman.)
|
Senior SPREE 2021 | Buy tickets now!
|
The SPREE Committee is busy planning the Seniors' Graduation Night Party for June 16.
Senior SPREE is an all-night party hosted and chaperoned by BHS PTSA parents and staff, in collaboration with the professional graduation party company, Grad Nights. Tickets are $180, check with your Counselor if you are interested in a scholarship.
|
Junior parents: Help make SPREE a Success!
|
It's a Ballard High School tradition for Junior parents/guardians to chaperone at SPREE and "pay it forward" so senior parents can rest easy, knowing their newly graduated Beavers are having a safe and fun evening.
It's also a fun way for the Class of 2022 parents to preview what the party will be like for their teens next June!
- We need 10 volunteers to help check in Seniors on Wednesday, June 16 from ~9:45-10:45 pm. in the BHS parking lot.
- We need 20 chaperones on Wednesday, June 16 from 10 p.m. until Thursday, June 17 at 6 a.m. If enough people volunteer we can break the night into two shifts.
We can't do it with you! Past chaperones have enjoyed this event and thought the time went by fast, so please consider volunteering. (Other grade level parents are welcome to volunteer too, by the way!)
|
Curbside at the Library fun | May 13 after school!
|
Check out the next edition of Curbside at the Library from 4-6 p.m. Thursday. May 13! Place holds on books, games and resources at bit.ly/BHSHolds.
The library is open to support Beaver Readers during Fourth Quarter and the return to in-person learning. Cohorts A and B can schedule time to be in the library with their classes. Book deliveries are made at least twice a week to classes via the awesome new library cart.
Check out all the different ways to get books on the Library News page. Remember to return your titles promptly in the outdoor bins so other students can have a turn with popular titles too.
|
Except Friday Comic Book Club!
Library online groups now Wednesdays
|
There are a variety of online library groups for Beaver Reader fun on Wednesdays! Please check the Schoology calendar for meeting links.
Online library groups schedule:
Reading Buddies - 9:10 a.m.
Eager Beaver Readers - 10:30 a.m.
Library Leaders - 11:30 a.m.
PRIDE/Beaver Book Club - 12:15 p.m. (alternate Wednesdays)
Ballard Comic Book Club - 1 p.m.
|
Counseling Center offers virtual/in-person visits |
Students can use the Bookings link online (see Counselor Schoology pages) to schedule any appointment with their Counselor.
Appointments will continue to be offered virtual, however, students who are doing in-person school can see their Counselor in person. They will only be able to do this on the days they are assigned to be in the building.
Check out the Counseling Center news page for information on booking appointments, virtual jobs/internships board, online college visit details, scholarship offerings and more!
|
Go from Cali to Maine via online College Visits! |
Wednesday, May 12 | 10:30 a.m. San Diego State University | 12:30 p.m. Bates College, Lewiston ME
|
Service Learning opportunities thru BHS |
➢ Athletics Opportunity from Athletic Director Eric Ensign: “I am looking for any students interested in earning volunteer service hours for helping out, so please pass along the message. What a fun way to help support athletics and earn hours while getting to watch our athletes compete at the same time! “ Send an email to Mr. Ensign at erensign@seattleschools.org
➢ Performing Arts Opportunity from BPA Boosters:
Students are needed to:
- Update BPA Alumni News archive page on website.
- Video help with senior videos.
|
Nurse Notes: The Wonderful World of "Aha" Moments |
Ever had someone ask you a question and the answer was on the tip of your tongue? You can almost remember it but just can’t. Then you wake up at 3 am knowing the exact answer! You just had an “aha” moment. “Aha” moments are flashes of insight, they are moments of sudden realization, inspiration, recognition, or comprehension. People experience “aha” moments as fun since they seem to come out of nowhere. In fact, your unconscious brain has been working to come up with the answer the whole time! The next time you are working on a problem and you can’t seem to get close to an answer. Set it aside. Your brain will continue to work on it without you even being aware.
|
National School Nurses Day | May 12
|
BHS Nurse Laurie Tirtanadi, RN, MS, ARNP and Ballard Teen Health Center Nurse Practitioner Karen Boudour, ARNP, have been a steadying presence this school year, taking time to meet with students both in a remote and in-person capacity, inform the community about wellness issues, and participating in our PTSA Winter General Meeting student mental health discussion.
We wish them both a Happy National School Nurses Day on Wednesday, May 12!
|
Opening weekend!
Spring Awakening | BPA Musical Spring Production
|
The winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Spring Awakening explores the journey from adolescence to adulthood with a poignancy and passion that is illuminating and unforgettable. Catch a second run of shows following a successful opening weekend!
Show continues May 13-15 | 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are $25. Parental Guidance Advisory for explicit language and content. Order at www.showtix4u.com and you will be sent a link to watch it on the evening you select. More information.
|
Make it Dinner and a Show |
Alison’s Coastal Kitchen Takeout has put together a spring-themed, takeout dinner box ($55 for two) to enjoy with the show.
|
BPA performs well at solo/ensemble festival |
Congratulations to the 22 Ballard Music students who participated in this year’s Elliott Bay Region Solo and Ensemble Festival. These students prepared video presentations at home that were adjudicated by clinicians from around the State.
All Ballard students received ratings of either I (Superior) or II (Excellent), and 12 students either won their category or received 1st or 2nd alternate! We are incredibly proud of the hard work and perseverance of all of the students who participated.
-
Cello – Julia Shpigelman, Winner
-
Violin – Natalie Anderson, 2nd Alternate
-
Trumpet – James Shepard, 1st Alternate
-
Soprano – Izzy Rampersad, Winner, Lydia Van Kley, 1st Alternate and Keira Wong, 1st Alternate
-
Mezzo Soprano – Sabrina Paskoff, Winner, Elsa Wirth, 1st Alternate and Ella Papineau, 2nd Alternate
-
Alto – Lili Reigart, Winner, Anne Tinker, 1st Alternate and Gabby Bandy, 2nd Alternate
|
Enjoy brunch & live BPA music at Serious Takeout |
Two BPA acts will be performing from 10:30 to noon Sundays, May 9 and May 16 outside of Serious Takeout, 5118 14th Ave. N.W.
The string ensemble 5 ½ Cats will perform on Mother's Day, while Jazz 1 artists will jam May 16 at the outdoor, socially distanced venue. Listen for a few minutes while you grab and go, or sit and enjoy the show at one of their outside tables. More information in this week's BPA Newsletter. |
BHS summer practices require registration |
New! Summer Registration begins on June 7 on FinalForms. Please register in order to be ready for any summer practices or tryouts that may begin for football, dance and cheerleading.
|
Season 2 sports continues |
If you have an athlete participating in a sport for Season 2, please click here to watch a video which includes some important information about some of the changes that have been made for this season.
|
|
The BHS PTSA provided Coffee Cart service on Friday morning to conclude Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week. In addition to morning treats, the teachers also each received a $5 voucher toward fresh produce at Top Banana. |
Thanks to our vendors Tripod Coffee, Mighty-O Donuts, Top Banana, Trader Joe's, Catering by Phyllis and Clayton Commercial Arts. Thanks to Staff Appreciation Coordinator Phyllis Rosen for organizing the event. |
Contact staff in Main Office w/ ?'s |
Have questions about remote or in-person learning? While parents/guardians cannot come into the building, the office staff is available to answer questions via email and telephone.
|
Student-to-student conversation about in-person/remote learning |
Have something to share about your learning experience this past year or ideas about how to improve your school experience (both in-person and remote)?
Join a group of high school students leading an effort to lift up student voices and promote system-wide change.
Join a student-to-student conversation on May 11 (4:30-6 p.m.), or May 12 (2:15-3:45 p.m.) and we will bring your thoughts, ideas, and feedback to school and district leaders. All participants will earn service learning hours!
|
Superintendent Jones sworn in |
Gannon Appointed SPS Deputy Superintendent |
Interim Superintendent Brent Jones has appointed Rob Gannon as the deputy superintendent for Seattle Public Schools. Gannon began on Monday, May 3.
Gannon served previously as the general manager of King County Metro and was accountable for all facets of the agency’s performance, leading the senior staff, and management of more than 5,000 employees.
“"His visionary leadership and ability to galvanize staff toward common goals will be critical as we prepare schools for students and staff this coming fall," said Dr. Jones.
|
COVID-19 Vaccination Opportunities |
Seattle Public Schools wants to ensure that all students, staff, and families have access to the COVID-19 vaccine.
The City of Seattle and King County Public Health provide up-to-date resources for learning about the COVID-19 vaccines and making appointments to get vaccinated.
The SPS COVID-19 Vaccine page will be updated with opportunities that are at or near Seattle Public Schools locations or vaccination clinics that are geared toward students.
|
SPS updates also on BHS website |
The BHS PTSA offers Community Resources for informational purposes & does not necessarily support activities or views presented therein. |
Check out Penguin Productions' summer play |
Hello! My name is Stellan Rude I'm a Penguin Advisory Council member, BHS senior, and an actor for a theater program called Penguin Productions.
For more information and questions email sbestock@gmail.com. Check it out if you like theater! We have kids who assistant direct, assist with stage management, set design and act!
Penguin Productions is a free program which encourages donations and welcomes all students of all ability levels for ages 14-18.
|
UW Summer registration is open |
UW Summer Youth Programs is excited to announce a variety of remote enrichment courses
for high school students who want to keep learning over summer break.
- Algorithmic Thinking: Programming Logic Fundamentals
- Architectural Studies
- Coding in Java / Coding in Python
- Esports, Gaming and Broadcasting
- Make It! Innovation Design Lab
Visit website for registration information and course details!
|
Jazzed Virtual Summer Playbook |
In JazzED's virtual summer camp, PLAYBOOK, you’ll learn a new jazz standard or melody each week. You’ll get tips and tricks to better memorize songs and pointers on performing more expressive solos. You’ll learn to practice with a backing track. Each week the JazzED teacher will explain the history of the song and walk you through the most important recordings of it.
Summer Playbook is open to all instruments (including voice) and all ages. You can pick the class level that's right for you.
Sliding scale tuition codes available to any family.
|
SCPTSA seeks Board nominees |
Seattle Council PTSA is seeking board members for the position of President, Co-Vice Presidents, Treasurer, and Secretary for the 2021-2022 year.
Seattle Council PTSA serves Seattle Parent Teacher Associations as a conduit for support, advocacy and partnership with Seattle Public Schools to meet the needs of children and their families.
SCPTSA Board members should be passionate about equity, inclusive school environments, and supporting our local units.
To nominate a local PTA leader, please complete the nomination form. Nominations will be accepted through May 20. Elections will be held at the June 14 General Membership Meeting.
|
|
|
|
Big comeback win for the Beaver Softball team Tuesday, May 4.
The team had a six run rally in the 7th inning to win 11-6 over Seattle Prep.
|
The girls and boys wrestling teams had their first duals Tuesday, May 4 at Garfield High School. The following wrestlers won their matches against wrestlers from Franklin/EC and Chief Sealth.
The following BHS wrestlers had wins:
Boys: Ian Bone, Brendan Day, Hugo Swangstu (2x) and Cooper Vaughn
Girls: Cassidy Sylves (2x) and Cayden Vinge
"Everyone of our wrestlers were amazing after not having wrestled another team in 15 months or so. I am so proud of our wrestlers and you should be too," noted Coach Jared Daniels.
|
The Varsity Tennis teams split against Ingraham Tuesday, with the boys winning 3-2 while the Rams topped the girls team 5-0. |
|
The BHS Girls Lacrosse Varsity (below) and JV (above) teams played their first games this week against Seattle Prep! Although it was a wet night, the girls had a great time out on the field, with some of the JV girls scoring their first high school goals of their careers!
|
Boys Soccer has picked up right where we left off, with all three teams playing their first games in two years! In addition to all three head coaches returning, we've also added new coach Julia Kumai to the ranks!
Seniors Kiernan Smith, Krisna Lafrance and Grant Luce are the Varsity captains this year and we expect strong seasons from every player.
Boys soccer has always been a strong sport for BHS and we look forward to playing a great season!
|
Varsity Baseball lost in a one-run squeaker to West Seattle 6-5 Thursday, May 6, while JV topped the West Seattle JV squad 16-9. |
|
In its opener, the Varsity Girls Basketball team topped Nathan Hale 40-23.
|
Ballard’s Track & Field season is in full swing with a strong athlete turnout numbering over 120!
The first meet of the season took place on May 6 against Bishop Blanchet, Ingraham & Lincoln hosted at Ingraham High School.
|
Boys Varsity Basketball won Friday, May 7 against Lakeside 53-35.
Here is the livestream link so fans can watch from this week's schedule from home:
Monday: JVC plays vs Lakeside at 5:45 p.m.; while JV plays vs Lakeside at 7:15 p.m.
Friday: Varsity plays vs Roosevelt at 7:30 p.m.
|
DiscNW is sponsoring a spring HS practice league and summer HS team leagues for rising 9th graders thru graduating 12th graders.
If you are interested in joining Ballard Ultimate Frisbee and participating in these events, send an email to ballardultimate@gmail.com.
|
|
|
|
Get Connected to WSPTA through its virtual convention! |
The deadline to attend the 108th Annual WSPTA Convention has been extended to Thursday, May 13.
WSPTA members, with paid membership for 2020-2021, can attend this year’s WSPTA Convention from May 18-23. The cost to participate is $70. This includes access to all professional development webinars, materials, prerecorded videos, keynote speakers, and general sessions. Register here.
|
WSPTA advocacy submission process is now open! |
|
Contribute to BHS PTSA while you shop at Fred Meyer stores |
Once your card is linked, all you have to do is swipe your Shopper's Card while paying for your Fred Meyer purchases.
|
AmazonSmile purchases benefit PTSA |
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!
|
|
|
|
The BHS PTSA offers Community Resources for informational purposes & does not necessarily support activities or views presented therein. |
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
