RSVP for Friday Potluck!

BHS Multicultural Week April 22-26

As shared in Principal Abby Hunt's Friday message: "Next week, April 22-26, we will be celebrating Multicultural Week at Ballard HS. With this, I want to extend a warm invitation to the Multicultural Festival Potluck, which will take place on Friday, April 26, from 6-8 p.m. I truly hope you can make it to this event.

"To support this event, the Multicultural Student Union (MSU) is asking for volunteers to sign up to bring a dish, perform a piece from your culture, host a game, and talk about your culture. Further, the MSU is inviting all to attend and help celebrate!"

AP Exam Volunteers Needed Starting May 6

The BHS staff need extra volunteer support during AP Exams (May 6-10 and 13-17).

This includes AP student exam check-in, room set up, and handing out exams. These essential tasks only take a small window of your day, but are so helpful for staff and students involved with the exam process.

Please review the available hour-long timeslots and sign up to help out on the Signup Genius.

Please note that parents/guardians cannot volunteer for a subject in which their student is testing, per College Board policy.

More info. Questions? Reach out to PTSA Volunteer Coordinators Joy Das Gupta or Jen Wenrick at volunteer.ballardhs@gmail.com

Nominate a PTSA Volunteer, Educator & Outstanding Advocate

Calling everyone in the BHS Community! Do you know a PTSA volunteer, advocate, student advocate and/or educator who makes an outstanding impact at Ballard High School?

Every year, the BHS PTSA recognizes excellence through our year-end awards, handed out at our June 13 General Meeting.

These awards include:

• Golden Acorn Award: Above and beyond PTSA volunteer dedication and service;
• Outstanding Educator Award: Educator who provides educational learning environment that is fun and beneficial;
• Outstanding Advocate: Demonstrated continued and dedicated service to all;
• Outstanding Student Advocate: NEW! recognizes student PTSA members who have made significant contributions through leadership and service in their school and community.

Email your nominations and a brief description of why you've selected that person(s) to PTSA President Karla Rava at bhs.ptsa.pres@gmail.com. Nominations are due Tuesday, April 30. Meet our past award recipients and learn more.

SPREE Chaperones Needed to Help Grad Night Party

Junior and Sophomore Parents & Guardians - We Need Your Help!

SPREE is an all-night party for our seniors hosted by the Ballard High School PTSA and chaperoned by PTSA volunteers.

Seniors will have a chance to celebrate with their classmates as they are taken to two secret locations on the night of graduation for games, dancing, food and all sorts of fun.

This night is only possible with the help of volunteers -- which is why we need you! We're looking for 20 parent volunteers to staff the event, and since those seniors probably don't want their own parents hanging around, we're appealing to you to help make this BHS tradition happen.

Please join our list of SPREE chaperone heroes and help ensure a fun and safe evening for the Class of 2024 graduates!

Welcome BHS PTSA Treasurer Victoria Van

At the April PTSA Board meeting, Victoria Van was voted in as PTSA Treasurer.

Victoria, along with her family, recently became a part of our community, with her daughter embarking on her journey as a freshman at BHS.

"As a recent Seattle transplant, Ballard High School was a leading factor in us choosing our neighborhood in our new city. Doing our research from afar, seeing all the activities the school does for its students, staff, and educators we felt confident and excited to send our daughter to BHS," she said.

She also shared why she decided to volunteer with the PTSA.

"I joined the PTSA with the hope to connect with the other like-minded members of our school," Victoria said. "I volunteered because I wanted to show my commitment to our school and to ultimately contribute to making our school great. I can’t wait to see what we all do together."

Welcome Victoria! Her contact email is bhs.ptsa.treas@gmail.com. 

Volunteers Needed for Ballard HS PTSA

As June gets closer, the PTSA looks ahead to next school year. Several volunteers are graduating out in 2024 and we're looking for new Board and committee members to join the Ballard PTSA!

If you have a short window or longer time commitment available, we'd love to have you join our committed volunteer crew!

Thanks to PTSA volunteers Kim Flin, Kelly Mazzola and Nancy Wesche for stepping forward to serve on the BHS PTSA Nominating Committee, tasked with identifying candidates for the PTSA Executive Committee and sharing Board volunteer openings with the BHS community.

If you are interested in learning more about joining the Board, email Kim, Kelly and Nancy at join.bhs.ptsa@gmail.com

SBA ELA Testing Starts This Week

Grades 10 & 11 WA State Assessment Testing

Smarter Balanced Assessments (SBA) and the WA Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS) are required for federal accountability and also provide a common measure of student progress at the school, district and state levels.

SBA ELA April 22-26: All Grade 10 students will take the SBA ELA in LA class and must have a SPS Laptop. Note: Gr 11/12 students who need to pass the SBA ELA will have the opportunity to take it April 29 & 30.

SBA MATH May 21-24: All Grade 10 students will take the SBA Math in Algebra 2 or Geometry class and must have a SPS Laptop. Note: Gr 11/12 students who need to pass the SBA Math will have the opportunity to take the test May 28 & 29.

WCAS May 20-21: All Grade 11 students will take the WCAS in the Auxiliary Gym (Periods 1-6 by last name) and must have a SPS Laptop. 

For more information check out these helpful resources:

Sign up by April 30 to be next year's Link Leaders!

Link Crew leader applications are due Tuesday, April 30 for interested 10th-11th grade students!

Link Crew leaders welcome freshmen and make them feel comfortable throughout the first year of their high school experience. Getting a diverse group of leaders is vital to creating a group that will engage all students.

The application is available on QR codes around school, or look for an email from ASB & Activity Coordinator/ELA teacher Ms. Lehni on Schoology.

Have questions? Reach out to:

• Ms. Lehni, lllehni@seattleschools.org
• Mr. Holmgren, social studies teacher, tgholmgren@seattleschools.org
• Assistant Principal Mr. Fort; dafort@seattleschools.org
• Mr. Subido, special education/humanities teacher, jesubido@seattleschools.org

Full details.

Digital Filmmakers Receive Six Student Emmy Nominations

Ballard's Digital Film program has secured six nominations for the NATAS NW Regional Student Emmy Awards! The nominations from this chapter highlight excellence in student-produced film/television from schools across Washington, Idaho, Montana, and Alaska. 

There are two nominations for programming:

• "Seattle Music" - Producers Zach McDowell Rauyinar ’26, Sally Solvang ’26, and Arwyn Anderson ’26;
• "Ticket to Yesterday" - Directors: McCall Hunter ’24 and Lucas Salm-Rojo ’24.

And there are four nominations in craft categories:

• "Leave No Trace" - Editing Meilee Riddle ’24, Lake Neill ’26, and Hazel Hartman ’25;
• "Balancing - Theresa Choi" - Photography Lucas Salm-Rojo ’24;
• "Ticket to Yesterday" - Photography Lucas Salm-Rojo ’24; and
• "Truth Wanting and Forgiveness" - Writing Roan Tierney ’24 and Jackson Bohr ’24

Congratulations to all our nominees for their incredible achievements! More info.

BHS Artists Share Talents in Naramore Art Show at SAM

The Naramore Art Show, a partnership between Seattle Public School and the Seattle Art Museum, features more than 200 works of art by Seattle Public School middle and high school students, including creations from more than 25 Ballard Beavers!

The student art exhibit, located in Seattle Art Museum's first floor Community Gallery, is available for viewing from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., now through May 12.

There will be a celebratory reception for the artists and their families at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 3.

Congratulations to the student artists and their teachers, Ms. O'Neill (Photography), Mr. Cachopo (Art & Ceramics), and Mr. Harkleroad (Drawing & Painting).

We've included some examples of Ballard students' photography and drawing entries.

There will be a celebratory reception for the artists and their families at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 3. The Seattle Art Museum Teen Night follows. View all the BHS entries and learn more on the BHS website.

Gown Pickup, Forms Due, RSVP for Senior Dinner

Seniors: More "to dos" on the Senior News page, including these action items:

Friday, April 26:

• Next opportunity to pickup pre-ordered caps and gowns during lunch in the Commons.
• Last day to check your name on the senior names list that is posted in the lobby outside the Main Office.

Wednesday, May 1:

• Deadline for PE Waiver Forms and Service Learning Forms.

Senior Dinner! Wednesday, June 5:

• RSVP ASAP for the Senior Dinner at the Ballard Elks

Check in with your Counselor during lunch drop-in time if you'd like to borrow a cap and gown set, or have question about graduation requirements.

SPREE Senior Grad Party Tickets on Sale

Buy your tickets today for SPREE, the all-night grad party, sponsored by the PTSA, and a BHS tradition!

Ballard's graduation is earlier this year, at 5 p.m. Friday, June 14 at Memorial Stadium.

Following a quick break to change and have a bite to eat, SPREE celebrants will hop onto chartered buses at Ballard High School.

Grads will travel to two different exciting event venues and be treated to multiple activities, meals, and fun.

Scholarships are available, we want everyone to attend who's interested in joining the fun! Ask your counselor for information on how to get a scholarship. Full details.

Senior Prom Tickets on Sale Monday, April 29

The Ballard ASB has announced the theme for this year's Senior Prom, "Night Under the Lights."

The dance will be 8-11 p.m. Saturday, June 1 at the Columbia Tower.

Dress code: Formal

Theme: Yellows and Purples

Tickets will go on sale Monday, April 29 in the Activity Center.

More info, participation forms. Graphic c/o and follow @ballardhighasb.

'Iron Widow' Voted Top YA Book for 2023-24

Thanks to Beaver Readers who voted for the Evergreen Teen Book Awards, honoring the school year's best young adult books.

This year's winner is "Iron Widow" by Xiran Jay Zhao.

The 2024-25 Evergreen Teen Book Award list is already posted if you want to get started on your thoughts for next school year's best title! More info.

Parents & Pooches Sought for Reading With Rover

In case you didn't hear, a little album dropped over the weekend. In anticipation, and to celebrate, the Library MakerSpace was filled last week with Taylor Swift music, coloring sheets and friendship bracelet supplies.

Learn more about all the fun in the Library Maker Space. Stop by during lunch to join in the fun, and if you want to celebrate with a little crafty sparkle! Photo still c/o @beaverreadersbhs.

Counseling Center Snacks Still Needed

Our awesome BHS Counselors like to have snacks on hand for students they work with, and they’re currently running low on supplies.

They would be incredibly grateful if you’d be willing to donate granola bars and other snack supplies from their Amazon Wishlist.

More info.

PNACAC Spring College Fair April 27 at Seattle U

From the College Visits and Events page:

The Pacific Northwest Association for College Admission Counseling (PNACAC) invites area students to attend the 2024 Spring College Fair from 9 a.m. to noon at Seattle University!

More than 100 colleges from across the country will be in attendance. View the full list of colleges and learn more about the fair by visiting the PNACAC Fair website. Registration is for students only. There will be plenty of materials to collect from the many college representatives in attendance.

Spotlight Scholarship

Edmund F. Maxwell Foundation

The Maxwell Scholarship was established to assist high school seniors from Western Washington in obtaining a higher education.

For freshmen starting college next year, scholarships will be $5,000 per year.

This award has the potential to be renewed for up to an additional three years of undergraduate education based on financial need and reasonable progress toward graduation. A simple renewal application is required each year.

Application deadline: May 10.

Full details.

Scholarships Bulletin

Multiple Spring Offerings

The Scholarships Bulletin feature multiple opportunities:

Seattle Association of Educational Office Professionals (SAEOP) Scholarship: One $1,000 scholarship and two $500 scholarships. Deadline extended to April 26.

UW Labor Studies: Silme Domingo and Gene Viernes Scholarship; Frank Jenkins Jr. Fellowship; and Kennedy Drayton Scholarship. Deadline: May 6. (Note: Labor activist Silme Domingo was a Ballard graduate. Learn more about Ballard's second floor foyer mural, which includes Domingo.)

Angel Wings Foundation: to recognize and honor Thai-American students. Deadline: June 14.

BHS Jazz Performs with Seattle Repertory Jazz April 22 PAC

Join Ballard’s Jazz Bands for a FREE jazz concert at 7:30 p.m. Monday, April 22 in the PAC. The BHS Jazz Bands will perform the set they have been preparing for the April 25-28 Reno Jazz Fest. Then, the Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra will perform Oliver Nelson’s "The Blues and the Abstract Truth." Please spread the word and let’s fill the house!

Auditions Friday, April 26

Performers Sought to Join One Acts as Interlude Entertainers

Auditions after school April 26: Do you sing? Dance? Do standup comedy? If you have a talent you would like to showcase, consider trying out to be an entre-act at the spring one acts!

We are looking for brief interludes to perform between the plays. So, if you have a band, an improv troupe, or want to show the school your talent, come audition for the one acts! Audition signups are posted inside the Black Box Theatre.

Any questions can be emailed to Ms. Miller at mashor@seattleschools.org. We look forward to seeing you there!

Caffè Appassionato Coffee Sales Benefit BPA

Order your favorite coffees from Caffè Appassionato and support Ballard Performing Arts. For each bag sold, the BPA student you name will earn $6 toward program fees, camps and trips.

Proceeds with no student name will go into the BPA general fund. Funds raised can even be transferred to a younger sibling when a student graduates.

There are four blends to choose from (in both drip ground and whole bean):

• Arietta Blend - A medium roast with a mellow and smooth flavor.
• Tempest Blend - A bold and strong French roast.
• Espresso Blend - A bright and smooth Italian roast.
• Decaffeinated - A French roast that is smooth with a caramel finish.

Orders can be placed online at the Schoolpay page between April 24 - May 15. Students will deliver coffee orders when ready in early June. Thank you for supporting the performing arts!

Full Details

Mattress Sale Fundraiser May 5 at BHS Gym

Stop by the the BHS Gym on Sunday, May 5, and support Ballard Performing Arts by purchasing a new mattress! Shop name brands like Simmons, Beautyrest, and Englander with HUGE savings off retail. There will be more than 30 styles on display. All sizes and firmness levels will be available too.

Event profits will go directly to the Ballard Performing Arts (BPA) Boosters!

More info.

Athletics Spring Season Continues

In case you missed it, here's a link to the April 20 Athletic Booster Club (ABC) Newsletter, featuring: 

• ABC donations in action, recent grants include helping travel expenses for BHS gymnasts competing at national meet;
• Meet new Tennis Head Coach Angel Le;
• Spring Sports updates;
• Save the date for ABC Trivia Night May 29 at Ballard Elks;
• Registration info for Aug. 16 Victor Salvino Ballard High School Foundation Golf Classic at Newcastle (also learn how your team can benefit when you participate);
• Dance Team Audition April 23-26 details and much more!

Spring Athletics updates are also on the BHS website. | Sign up for the ABC Newsletter.

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

The next DEI Committee meeting

is May 7 from 6-8 p.m. at the Fish Ladder Lounge (4910 Leary Way N.W.) 

We’d love to see you there! Please reach out if you're interested or have any questions: DEIatBHS@gmail.com. 

The Ballard PTSA DEI Committee meets the first Tuesday of each month.

Upcoming Events

THIS FRIDAY! April 26: Ballard High School Multicultural Union student club's first Multicultural Night (Ballard High School, 6-8 p.m., Free)

"Please join us at the Multicultural Union student club’s first festival in the Ballard HS Commons from 6-8 p.m.

Sign up to bring a dish, perform a piece from your culture, or come host a game and talk about your culture! RSVP not required but encouraged to help with the students planning!”

The Multicultural Student Union is also looking for volunteers to help with the event.

Multicultural Festival Potluck RSVP Encouraged, Sign Up, Join Us! April 26 - Ballard High School (seattleschools.org) 

Happy Passover! To all our Jewish friends celebrating Passover, beginning at sunset on April 22.

How to Wish "Happy Passover" in Hebrew (and Yiddish) - Passover Greetings - Passover (chabad.org)

April 25-28 Seattle Black Film Festival (Virtual and In-person, ticketed event)

“Films. Premieres. Parties. Talkbacks. The 21st annual Seattle Black Film Festival is only just beginning! Running this year at two locations, the historic Langston Hughes Performing Art Institute and Washington Hall in the Central District.”

Seattle Black Film Festival - LANGSTON Seattle

April 25-28 NFFTY film festival (various theaters, ticketed event)

“NFFTY is the world’s largest, most influential film festival for emerging filmmakers 24 years old and younger.

We celebrate and elevate work by women, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and other young persons from traditionally marginalized communities who are building a more equitable and inclusive film industry.”

April 30 deadline: Community members can create or select projects for funding through Project: Park CommUNITY Fund (seattleparksandrec.com)

“The Park CommUNITY Fund will advance park equity in Seattle through a community-led funding process by:

• Expanding inclusive access to clean and safe parks that foster healthy people, thriving environments, and vibrant communities. 
• Closing gaps in access to quality parks and park facilities that disproportionately affect frontline communities. 
• Centering efforts in partnership and transparency with communities to build ongoing trust, relationships, and investment.”

May 4 Comedian Ophira Eisenberg (Mercer Island, ticketed event) The Stroum Jewish Community Center is offering a discount code PTA24 for $2 off tickets to stand-up Comedian Ophira Eisenberg on May 4 as part of her “Bad Mom/Average Dad” US tour.  

Now through July 21 (National Nordic Museum, ticketed event): Nordic Utopia? African Americans in the 20th Century

“During the 20th century, African Americans visited, performed, studied, and lived in the Nordic countries for a variety of reasons: a sense of adventure, love, seeking educational and occupational opportunities, freedom to explore their sexuality, freedom from Jim Crow segregation back home, among many other reasons. Drawing from paintings, photographs, textiles, film, music, and dance, this exhibition captures their journeys as their sense of who they were was transformed through their Nordic encounters."

Nordic Utopia? African Americans in the 20th Century | National Nordic Museum

In the News

Congress adds 17 waterfront acres in Tacoma to Puyallup Reservation | The Seattle Times

NOFO: Native communities to benefit from $811 million digital inclusion funding (tribalbusinessnews.com)

Where to Turn for Help: The South End Guide to Crisis and Advocacy Groups | South Seattle Emerald