PTSA Winter General Meeting: Teen Mental Health Feb. 15

Attention ALL BHS PTSA Families! 

Please join us at our Winter PTSA General Meeting at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 15 in the BHS Library. Our FACE Committee has a great program planned and we hope you can make it! We have invited Licensed Therapists Charlie Delavan and Caleb Visser to learn about teen brain development and skills for self regulation.

Charlie Delavan MS, MA, LMFT: Charlie received her Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. She particularly enjoys working with families around issues such as anxiety and depression, identity development, self-awareness and personal growth, and social skills. 

Caleb Visser MA, LMHC, MACP: Caleb received his Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology. His focus is with adolescents and teens, is heavily influenced by the work of Dr. Daniel Siegel and feels that the teenage years present a special window of opportunity for learning greater insight and empathy, as well as skills for self regulation.

Full bios and more info.

BHS PTSA Gala Dinner: March Madness Awaits!

Calling all Ballard High School Parents and Guardians! Are you ready to show your school spirit and make this Gala a slam dunk for our school? Our annual PTSA Fundraising Gala, this year with a March Madness theme, is set for 5-9:30 p.m. Sunday, March 24 at Block 41.

Tickets can be purchased for $95 at Ballard Gala and you still can also sponsor a teacher and pay for their ticket too!

The Gala Committee is still looking for donations! Do you have a vacation rental? Know of a fun business willing to donate? Have a skill to share – pottery, art, baking? Please get in touch with ballardprocurement@gmail.com or make a donation directly at Ballard Gala. More info.

PTSA Newsletter Email Update!

Our email provider Constant Contact will begin rolling out new requirements in February 2024 and our "from" address may change. If you STOP receiving your newsletter, please check your spam email folder. We will continue to post a direct link to the weekly PTSA newsletter on the school website and on the Friends of Ballard Facebook group. Any questions please reach out to our PTSA Communication team.

More info.

Help Edit the BHS PTSA Newsletter!

The current PTSA newsletter editor will be graduating in June. If you are interested in learning more about this engaging and exciting role, please reach out to Gloria Kruzner at ballardhighnews@gmail.com.

This would be a great opportunity for co-chairs to split the duties too!

ADVOCACY NOTES

2024 Legislative Session: Week 3

The Legislative Session continues into Week 3. WSPTA Legislative Consultant Marie Sullivan has tracked bills of interest with her latest Bill Status Report, highlighting those that share the same legislative priorities established by the WSPTA.

Interested in learning more? The WSPTA has organized Action Alerts to keep you posted on the legislative session. More info.

SCPTSA Advocacy Events

The Seattle Council PTSA Newsletter also includes upcoming advocacy opportunities and events.

This includes the SCPTSA Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee: School to Prison Pipeline Open Discussion at 5:30-7 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 29 via Zoom. Event co-hosted with RARE. Request a meeting link.

And SCPTSA Family & Community Engagement Committee: Money Talks with Dr. Kurt Buttleman (SPS Assistant Superintendent of Finance) 7-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 1 via Zoom. (Request translation/submit a question.) Read the SCPTSA news

Winter Ball Feb. 10 SAM

Dance Tickets on Sale

Mark your calendars for the ASB "Aurora Borealis" Winter Ball semi-formal event from 7:30-10:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10 at the Seattle Art Museum.

Winter Ball clothing exchange from 2:30-4 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 31.

More info, dance forms.

BHS CLUBS

Fishing, Podcast Clubs Join Line Up of Interest Groups

There are two new clubs available for students! Fishing Club meets every other Thursday during lunch in the Commons or SW225 to share knowledge about fishing and make it more open to new fishers.

The Yapping Club meets during lunch in the library on Fridays to give a platform to students who want a voice on a podcast and to share information.

Full details on the clubs and organizations page.

Order Cap & Gown Soon to Have for Graduation

Did You Miss the Cap & Gown Deadline? Seniors Act Quickly!

There is still time to place your order, but you need to act quickly to get them on time for graduation! Learn More. Remember cap and gowns are available to borrow (no stole scarf or tassel) from the Counseling Center.

College Application Help Jan. 31

Come get help with your college admission applications! Drop-in help is available in the BHS Counseling Center from 2:30 -3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 31. Bring your laptop and/or your questions! Learn More.

Follow Class of 2024 updates!

Senior Timeline

Golden Beaver Scholarships

Class of 2024 Facebook group

FAFSA & WASFA Application Updates

So Many Ways to Access Books and More!

Beaver Readers, did you know you can access library materials any time of day through the online catalog at bit.ly/BHSHolds?

You also have access to free ebooks, audio books and graphic novels? You can use Libby (instruction video here) or Hoopla (instruction video here).

Sign up for Hoopla or Libby using barcode: 990000 followed by your 7-digit student ID # and PIN: your 4-digit birthdate (not including the year) in MMDD number format. Enjoy your books and share your faves with Ms. Chambers and Ms. Bowman!

Library PTSA Volunteer Gratitude

From @beaverreadersbhs: Huge thank you to fantastic PTSA volunteers like Lisa (pictured) and Amy who come every week to help out in the library and even bring in fantastic donations!

You can sign up to volunteer too!

BHS Library Webpage

Library Catalog | PTSA Library

Spotlight Internship

Teens in Public Service at BHS Feb. 13

Teens in Public Service (TIPS) is a nonprofit dedicated to developing young leaders committed to their communities. TIPS hires teen leaders for paid community service internships and pairs them with nonprofit organizations over the summer.

There will be a TIPS Information Table outside the Main Office during lunch on Tuesday, Feb. 13 for students to learn more. TIPS applications due March 4.

TIPS also has a new partnership with the Washington Neurodiversity Project for students with IEP or 504 plans or documented ADD, ASD or ADHD diagnosis.

TIPS FAQs flyer and more info.

Spotlight Internship

Learn About Seattle Youth Employment Program at BHS Feb. 5

Seattle Youth Employment Program (SYEP) representatives will be at Ballard's Career Connect classes (periods 3-6) on Monday, Feb. 5 to talk about the paid summer internship program. SYEP interns earn high school credit along with their paycheck.

Students can email Career Connect teacher Mr. Brent Martin at brmartin@seattleschools.org for more information on attending a presentation during one of the class periods, or visit the SYEP website for more details on the program.

More info.

Seattle Promise Scholarship Deadline Feb. 16

The Seattle Promise Application deadline is Tuesday, Feb. 16. The scholarship provides up to two years of free tuition towards a graduating SPS senior’s first degree at Seattle Colleges.

If you have questions or would like support with applying, reach out to Seattle Promise Outreach Specialist Trinity Covington who is in the Counseling Center from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesdays.

You can also email questions to Trinity at trinity.covington@seattlecolleges.edu or text her at 206-661-1290.

University-Ballard Lions Club Scholarships

The University-Ballard Lions Foundation scholarships are open to all Ballard High School seniors who have been accepted to an accredited school of higher 

education. Students from diverse communities are encouraged to apply. Applicants with sight and/or hearing impairments and financial need are also encouraged to apply. Short essay required.

Applications should be mailed by April 15.

WSPTA Scholarship & Student Essay

The Washington State PTA is offering a scholarship program for all schools with an active PTA/PTSA. Ballard seniors can apply using the Ballard PTSA Local Unit No. 6.15.460

WSPTA also has Essay Contest for all students to share their creativity. This statewide essay contest explores the important and varied influencers in the lives and education of children – from the student's perspective.

WSPTA Scholarship & Contest Application Deadline is Feb. 15.

Bellevue College Discovery Day Feb. 10

From the Counseling Center's College Visits and Events page:

Bellevue College is hosting its Discovery Day on February 10th  from 10 am to 2 pm!  

Bellevue College is hosting its Discovery Day open house event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb 10. The day will include academic programs and student support offices information tables, campus tours, free snacks, and Bellevue College swag!

Information sessions will include an admissions overview, running start, and CTE dual credit for students who wish to know more about getting started. Registration and more info.

Service Learning Spotlight

View Ridge Elementary

View Ridge Elementary PTA is looking for high school and college age volunteers to assist at its fundraising auction the evening of Friday, Feb. 2. Jobs include data entry, coat check, set up, clean up, registration and games.

Email VREauction@gmail.com for more details or to sign up.

Service Learning Spotlight

Bitter Lake Community Center Pancake Breakfast

Volunteers are needed to help at the Bitter Lake Community Center Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser. Help setup before the event 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10 and to help serve food and drinks at the breakfast from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 11. For more info or to sign up, contact De'Quan at DeQuan.Flight-Roberson@seattle.gov

Apply Today for Golden Beaver Scholarships

Seniors: As seen in the hallways! Apply today for the Ballard High School Foundation Golden Beaver Scholarships!

Hughbanks Family Scholarships ($5,000 for two years) are awarded to students pursuing further academic or trade education in Washington state and will prioritize students with situational or financial need.

Golden Beaver Scholarships (ranging from $500 to $5,000) are awarded to students pursuing further academic or trade education (unlike the Hughbanks Scholarships, not limited to schools in Washington).

Application deadline: Sunday, March 24. Full details.

Early Bird Discount Thru Jan. 31

5th Annual Running of the Beavers March 23

Get ready to lace up your sneakers and join the Ballard High School Foundation's 5th Annual Running of the Beavers 5K Walk/Run at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, March 23 at Golden Gardens. Direct your registration proceeds to your favorite BHS team and/or Performing Arts.

The grade level with the greatest participation gets $500 for their class account. Save money, early bird discount for adult participants through Jan. 31! Student flat rate: $20. BHS staff discount code available through Main Office. See you on the course this spring!

24th Annual Victor Salvino Golf Classic

Golfers of all ages and skill levels are invited to sign up for the 24th Annual Victor Salvino Ballard High School Foundation Golf Classic Aug. 16 at Newcastle Golf Club benefiting BHS Athletics, Cheer, Dance Team and Performing Arts!

Choose from the challenging Coal Creek Course or the scenic China Creek Course! Either way, it's a fun round to support BHS students! Pre-event barbecue and putting contest at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. start.

More info.

Golf Classic Registration

Night at the Movies

65th Annual Spaghetti Dinner | Saturday, Feb. 3

The 65th Annual Spaghetti Dinner: Night at the Movies is coming up 5:30-8:30 Saturday, Feb. 3 in the Commons.

You won’t want to miss performances of music from The Jungle Book, Footloose, The Muppets, La La Land, and many more. View the full performance schedule! 

All Ballard Performing Arts groups will provide us with live entertainment throughout the evening, including a sneak peek at the Spring Musical The Addams Family. Please join us for a magical night of food, community, and performances at our biggest event of the year. Thank you so much for your support of performing arts programs at Ballard High.

Want to help support this fundraiser as a volunteer? Service learning hours available for student volunteers too. Sign up here! Full info and schedule

Register Online for Spring Sports by Feb. 13

Register for Spring Sports online through Feb. 13. Ballard's spring sports include: baseball, fastpitch softball, boys soccer, tennis and track.

Club sports are boys and girls lacrosse, and girls ultimate frisbee.

Register online via FinalForms. If you still need to pay ASB, you can do so on SchoolPay via the Source.

Questions? Call Bethany Nielcen in the Main Office at 206-252-1000.

Did You Know?

You can get a FREE sports physical in the Ballard Teen Health Center, located at Ballard High School.

For appointments call

(206) 390-3355 or (206) 781-6400 or email: Sailau.Tuitele@swedish.org

Athletic Booster Club Updates

Trivia Night Sold Out! Thanks to all who signed up for the Athletic Booster Club's fundraising Trivia Night Jan. 31 at the Ballard Elks. If you missed out, ABC is planning another event in the spring! Donations are always welcome too, to further Athletic Booster Club's mission of supporting and promoting BHS Athletics.

Duffle Bag Sale Ends Wednesday

BHS duffle bags are on sale through Wednesday, Jan. 31. This is the last opportunity to order for this school year. The Beaver Gear Team let you know when to pick up your order in the school office, with delivery estimated in 8-10 weeks following the order deadline. Order a BHS duffle.

Questions? Email bhsabcgear@gmail.com. Full details.

Wrestling Action Thrills!

Some awesome Brawlin' Beavers updates! The Girls team went to Lakes High School Jan. 20 where Jackie and Michelle both made it to the finals and took 2nd in their brackets!

Some of the Boys made their way to North Creek where Charlie B., Harper P. and Liam P. took home 3rd place finishes. At 138 pounds the finals was an all Ballard matchup! Garrett M. and Jona S. faced off with one another. Garrett came out on top this time to take home the gold!

The rest of your grapplers made their way through the snow to the Lynden Invitational. Owen M. finished 3rd and Hayden W. 4th. We had three finalists: Simon M. took 2nd, Lazlo D.-R. pinned his way through the tournament for his 1st place finish and Miles P. pinned his opponent in the finals. Also with that pin he clinched a 3rd place finish for the team and another team trophy!

On Wednesday, Senior Night was a total success where Boys Wrestling came out on top of both duals against Cleveland and O'Dea. Photo of Coach Jared Daniels celebrating by Ed Tanaka. Follow the teams at ballard_boys_wrestling and ballard_girls_wrestling.

Gymnasts Top of Team Podium at Hale Meet

Gymnastics crushed it again Friday winning their meet at Nathan Hale against the Raiders, West Seattle and Lincoln. Mirabel, Ruby, Ella, Dylan, Caitlyn, Alex, Justene, Naomi, Vivi and Linden finished in the top 10!

Vault: Alex 1st

Bars: Naomi 1st

Beam: Vivi 1st

Floor: Naomi 1st

All Around: Naomi 1st

Photo c/o and follow @ballardgymnastics.

Boys Basketball Senior Night Jan. 30

Boys Basketball ended the week 15-4 with a 65-58 win over Franklin Friday night.

The team also beat Lincoln 59-50 Tuesday. Gavin M. led the way with 19 points and 13 rebounds! Nolan L. added 15 points and 11 rebounds!

Fans are invited to three special events this Tuesday, Jan. 30. It's the last JV and Varsity home games versus Ingraham and Senior Night! This is a very special evening honoring the senior members of the Varsity team for their dedication, commitment and contribution to Ballard Basketball.

5 p.m. - Tipoff JV v. Ingraham

6:45 p.m. - Senior Night Celebration begins

7:30 p.m. - Tipoff Varsity v. Ingraham

Photo c/o and follow @ballardbball

Women in Sports Night Success, Senior Night Next

Thanks to everyone who supported Girls Basketball and Women and Girls in Sports Night Friday at the team's 64-57 victory against Chief Sealth.

"Game was a little closer than what we would have liked but found a way to get the job done. For the second game in a row Vivian led the way for us!" noted Coach Jennifer Anderson on the team's Instagram page.

At their Wednesday victory against Nathan Hale, every single varsity player who got into the game scored!

The team closes the regular season with a special Senior Night on Wednesday, Jan. 31 with the tip off against Lincoln at 7:30 p.m. Come fill the Dam and help honor this year's senior class! Photo c/o and follow @ballard_girls.basketball.

Swim Avenges Blanchet Loss

Update from Boys Swim & Dive Coach Kyle Morean:

"Congratulations to Ballard Boys Swim & Dive! On Friday (Jan. 19) we successfully defeated the Bishop Blanchet Bruins 99-81 – and avenged last season’s only loss. It was a nail-biter back and forth and tied through event 8. It took the remarkable performances from seniors Nathan W., Kian V., Jesse H., Toby N. and Evan S. to secure the victory in the final 4 events.

"More than 20 Ballard swimmers and 1 diver have now qualified by time to compete in at least the first round of the post-season!

"And most notably – a very special congratulations to Senior Captain Kian V. who swam a 55.60 in the 100 Backstroke and bettered a 21-year-old Ballard High School record! If you see Kian congratulate him on this remarkable achievement and his second Ballard record in as many seasons.

"Beavers have our final meet of the regular season this Friday at Evans Pool against Roosevelt."

Photo c/o and follow @bhsboys.swim

Bowling Rolls into Metros

Congratulations to the Bowling team who competed in the Metro Playoff Saturday at West Seattle Bowl. Results were not available.

Photo c/o and follow @ballardgirlsbowling.

Flag Football Feb. 3 at Memorial

Flag Football finishes the regular season Saturday, Feb. 3 at Memorial Stadium. The team faces Blanchet at 1 p.m. and Rainier Beach at 2 p.m.

Follow the team @bhs_girlsflagfootball.

Dance Team Takes 2nd in Hip Hop at Competition

Congratulations to the Dance Team! They took home the 2nd Place trophy in the Hip Hop category at their competition at Highline High School Jan. 20. Great job, Dance Team!

Photo c/o and follow @ballardhsdanceteam

BUF Wins on Seniors Saturday Celebration

BUF Mixed Varsity celebrated their seniors with a 13-0 victory over University Prep at BHS Saturday. The team has one more game in its regular season against Westside Ultimate at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 3 at Delridge Playfield.

Registration for girls ultimate frisbee (spring season) starts soon. Fill out the interest form or check out the team webpage for more info. Follow the program @bufballard.

Girls Lacrosse Registration Open

Girls Lacrosse registration is open! Come out and have fun with us this spring and become part of the fastest growing sport in the Pacific Northwest ! Season runs Feb. 27 through May 5. Lacrosse is a no-cut sport – everyone is welcome and no prior experience is necessary. More info and registration.

Boys Lacrosse Registration Open

Registration is OPEN for Boys Lacrosse! Practice begins Feb. 26 with games through May, plus tournaments. Conditioning is now. It is a no-cut sport with Varsity & JV teams. Scholarships are available. The Dam will be rocking with lots of lacrosse excitement!

Follow along @ballard_lacrosse, email info@ballardboyslacrosse.com with questions and for scholarship info. Spread the word, recruit your friends, join the fun this season! Sign up here.

DEI Committee Meeting Feb. 6

The Ballard PTSA DEI Committee meets the first Tuesday of each month. The next DEI Committee meeting is 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 6 at the Fish Ladder Lounge, 4910 Leary Way N.W. We’d love to see you! Please reach out with any questions to: DEIatBHS@gmail.com.

Upcoming Events

February is Black History Month! Some ways to celebrate:



• Support Local Black-Owned Businesses via the Intentionalist, where you’ll find excellent local businesses such as the Fish Ladder Lounge for a tasty meal with friends, Daily Ritual Market for lifestyle and wellness needs, and Rock Steady Hair for your next amazing haircut. Black-owned Small Businesses - Intentionalist  

• Sign up for 28 days of Black History in February: daily emails to learn more about this aspect of American history during the month of February (all previous posts can be viewed here too): https://www.28daysofblackhistory.com/

Feb. 1-29 (Black History Month Museum in Columbia City, free) Call To Conscience.

Check out many excellent exhibits recognizing Black history in the Seattle region. More info here: RainierAvenueRadio.World Seattle community radio

February 3-4 (Seattle Center, Free) Tết in Seattle – Vietnamese Lunar New Year "Tết, short for Tết Nguyên Đán, which translates to “Festival of the First Day of the Year,” is a Vietnamese holiday that celebrates just that. It’s one of the most important holidays, as it not only welcomes the arrival of a much-needed spring but serves as hope for this year to be the best it can be."

• We’re leaving the Year of the Cat and entering the Year of the Dragon. 
• Admission to the family-friendly Seattle Center event is free. 
• Expect lion dances, art exhibits, singers, and local food vendors. 
• There will also be an annual health fair offering free blood pressure and diabetes sceenings.



Tet: Vietnamese Lunar New Year 2024 @ Seattle Center (seattletimes.com)

Monday, Feb. 5 (Jazz Alley, $105) “Dimitriou's Jazz Alley presents the Clarence Acox Celebration: An Arts for the Arts Gala brought to you by the Onyx Fine Arts Collective.

Proceeds from this event will supplement the funding of the Local Student Music programs endorsed by Clarence Acox, including JazzEd, Garfield Jazz Foundation and the Jazz Scholars. In addition, in recognition of his direct and meaningful contribution to this quintessential African American art form, a portion of the proceeds will be allocated to the commissioning and installation of a statue of Clarence Acox.”

First Annual Clarence Acox Gala - A Legacy Fund Raiser - Dimitriou's Jazz Alley - Seattle - Monday, Feb. 5

Thursday, Feb. 8 (Town Hall, Free) An Evening With Tina Campt: Black Feminist Visual Culture

“Dr. Tina Campt is a black feminist theorist of visual culture and contemporary art and lead convener of the Practicing Refusal Collective and the Sojourner Project. She began her career as a historian of modern Germany, earning a Ph.D. in history from Cornell University.

"She is one of the founding scholars of Black European Studies, and her early work theorized gender, racial, and diasporic formation in black communities in Europe and southern Africa, with an emphasis on the role of vernacular photography in historical interpretation.”

An Evening with Tina Campt – Town Hall Seattle

In the News

‘Showing the world what’s possible’: St Paul makes history with first all-female city council

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