Help Thank BHS Educators, Drop Off a Donation May 5

From Principal Hunt's Friday Message: "I want to highlight that it will be Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week! Formally, Tuesday is National Teacher Appreciation Day. We are fortunate at Ballard to have such an amazing team of educators, and I hope you will join me in recognizing them."

The PTSA Staff Appreciation Team is putting together a week's worth of gratitude for the Ballard staff. Thanks to those families who have already signed up to share with the celebration! You can still donate items for appreciation today, Sunday, May 5 at our volunteer's porch. Check out the wish list and get full drop-off details:

SPS Celebrates Most Spirited Educators

Seattle Public Schools is celebrating students and staff whose accomplishments go beyond the classroom as part of Teacher Appreciation Week.

SPS teachers, assistant principals, librarians, instructional assistants, and more received Most Spirited Teacher nominations from the community.

Ballard student Ru Trice-Loggers nominated science teacher

Aaron Chamberlin:

"He always has funny chemistry memes up on the board every day, is serious about our education, and makes sure all students understand the content we are learning, even if it requires answering a ton of questions -- which I think exemplifies the Ballard High School spirit."

~ Ru Trice-Loggers, student

Thanks Mr. Chamberlin! More Shout Outs.

Volunteers Still Needed for Short, One-Hour Shifts

AP Testing at Ballard High School May 6-17

AP Exams are May 6-10 and 13-17 at BHS for students who pre-registered in the fall. Refer to the important information on the AP Exam Overview page and view the attached AP Exam Flyer.

Parent and Guardian Volunteers are still needed May 6-17 to help with exam check-in, room set up, and handing out exams. Please sign up to help out. Thank you!

Attn. Sophomore & Junior Parents/Guardians!

Urgent Need for SPREE Grad Party Chaperones

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 volunteers. Seniors will have a chance to celebrate as they are taken to two secret locations on June 14 after 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. Please join our list of SPREE chaperone heroes and help ensure a fun and safe evening for the Class of 2024 graduates!

Let’s Grow Together

BHS Plant Sale May 10-11

Help support the Ballard Greenhouse Program at the Ballard High Plant Sale, May 10-11 at BHS Greenhouse on 15th Avenue Northwest.

The school community sale is 3:45 to 5:30 p.m. Friday, May 10.

The public sale is 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, May 11.

Sale includes Heirloom tomatoes varieties, unique vegetable varieties (all vegetable starts are organic), houseplants, student-made hand balm and lip balm, succulent terrariums, plant-based jewelry, and many other items.



Questions? Email Ms. Carlson at ikcarlson@seattleschools.org

Ballard Film Festival Friday, May 31 in PAC

It’s that time of year! The Ballard Film Festival is happening at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 31 in the Earl Kelly Performing Arts Center (PAC).

Get ready for a night of incredible films, food, photos, and much more. Wear your old Hollywood glamour! Hope to see you there!

Online Tickets are $7 on SchoolPay through May 24.

Day of Ticket Prices: Students $10, Adults $15. Watch for Movie Trailer posted soon! More info.

BHS Student Art Show Opening Reception May 11

Catch some amazing student creativity at the Ballard ArtWalk Student Art Show on Saturday, May 11 and Saturday, June 8. There will be special opening day receptions from 3-9 p.m. both days. The students' work, including pieces from Drawing and Painting, Ceramics and Photography classes, will be displayed at BallardWorks (2856 N.W. Market St.) for a month. Congratulations to the student artists and their teachers Ms. O'Neill (photography), Mr. Harkleroad (art), and Mr. Cachopo (ceramics).

Info and Map

DECA Students Excel at International Conference

Congratulations to DECA students Violet Petersen and Kate Herndon who just returned from the DECA International Career Development Conference in Anaheim.

Violet and Kate competed in a 100-question Marketing Exam, 10-Page Promotional Plan Paper, and a 15-minute presentation to beat out 160 competitors and earn Top 10 in the World in the Integrated Marketing Campaign-Service Event.

Congratulations, Violet and Kate! We are very proud of you!

Maui 2025 Trip Applications Due June 3

From the Daily School Announcements:

Ever want to snorkel in active reef? Climb a 10,000 foot hot spot volcano? Ballard is going back to Maui in February 2025! Applications available now from Oceanography teacher Mr. Noam Gundle for this unique educational experience. Scholarships and service hours available. Applications due June 3. Mahalo! Questions? Email Mr. Gundle njgundle@seattleschools.org.

Let's Go 2024! Senior Timeline Picks up in May!

The Senior News page timeline is picking up between now and the Class of 24's June 14 graduation!

May

• Due Now: Service Learning Documentation & for Above and Beyond Due
• Due Now: If Applicable, PE Waivers Due (see Counselor if questions)
• Due Now: RSVP for the June 5 Senior Dinner (tickets will be sold closer to the date.)
• May 6-10 and 13-17: AP Exams
• May: Prom Tickets On Sale
• May: Senior SPREE Ticket Sales (scholarships available)

June

• June: Complete Naviance Required Steps
• June 1: Prom at the Columbia Tower
• June 3-7: Beaver Week!
• June 5: Senior Dinner at Ballard Elks from 5-8 p.m.
• June 10: Senior Finals (Periods 1/3/5)
• June 11: Senior Finals (Periods 2/4/6)
• June 12: Extra time for testing and modification
• June 13: Check-Out with Counselors, Laptop Check-In (more details to follow)
• June 14: Mandatory Graduation Rehearsal 9 a.m. in the PAC
• June 14: Graduation Ceremony at Memorial Stadium 5-6:30 p.m. (No tickets needed.)
• June 14: SPREE Senior Party

SPREE Senior Grad Party Tickets on Sale

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

Following the 5 p.m. graduation ceremony on June 14 and 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.

Prom Tickets on Sale

Tickets for Senior Prom, "Night Under the Lights," are now on sale in the Activity Center. The dance will be 8-11 p.m. Saturday, June 1 at the Columbia Tower.

Dress Code: Formal

Theme Colors: Green, Purple and Gold

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

Library Book and Interest Clubs for all Beaver Readers

Comic Book Club celebrated World Comic Day Wednesday. Join the fun Wednesdays during lunch in Mr. Lee's room, S108! They are watching "3 Body Problem" (Netflix) and are diving into "Once & Future" as their next read.

Other clubs that meet at lunch include:

• Library Leaders meet on Mondays. Service Learning hours available.
• That Dam Book Club meets every other Tuesday (next on May 14). Students meet in the Makerspace and can read whatever they want and talk about it.
• 3D Printing Club and Architecture Club meet Wednesdays in the Library.
• Garment Club meet Thursdays in Ms. Carlson’s room using Library Makerspace sewing machines.
• Pride Book Club meets every other Friday.

Stay engaged with all that's going on through the Ballard High School Library page and @beaverreadersbhs.

Counseling Center Closed During AP Testing May 6-17

Attention all students: The Counseling Center will be closed for AP testing for two weeks starting Monday, May 6 through Friday, May 17. If you have scheduled an appointment with your counselor, or have an urgent need, you can enter through the next door, SE225.

Counseling TAs will need to check in at the Main Office where attendance will be taken.

Spotlight Scholarship

Kellen "Bobo" Jones '08 Memorial Grant Due May 19

Each year, $500 grants are awarded to two senior student athletes through the Kellen "Bobo" Jones '08 Memorial Grant.

The successful applicants will exhibit the characteristics and attributes that made Kellen Jones '08 a successful athlete, teammate and Ballard Beaver. This grant may be used for any post high school vocational training, college or license program.

Applications due by Sunday, May 19. Full details.

Spotlight Scholarship

Southeast Chapter Blacks in Government

The Southeast Chapter of Blacks in Government (BIG) are offering two awards of $1,000 for a male and female high school graduate.

The focus of the program is to assist African American students in their educational endeavors.

Applications due Friday, May 31.

More details and application.

Summer Service Learning

Outdoors for All

Outdoors for All Summer Camps provide outdoor recreation activities for youth and adults with disabilities.

Volunteers will support staff and counselors with group management, activity delivery, and support campers to ensure safety, fun, and learning. The group will be on the move, enjoying activities that may include rock climbing, cycling, hiking, trips to the zoo, and visits to local parks.

Outdoors for All offers youth and adult camps at Magnuson Park and Lake Sammamish State Park from June 24 – August 30. Volunteers must be 14+. Learn more and sign up.

Summer Service Learning

Camp Woodrich

Earn service hours while having fun!

Come volunteer at Camp Woodrich (8023 Green Lake Dr. N.) and give a child with special needs a summer camp experience they'll never forget. You will be buddied up 1:1 with either a child with special needs or their sibling so each child will get undivided attention each day of camp. There will be arts & crafts, games, swim time, a talent show, and more!

Camps are: July 11-13 and/or August 22-24 (Thursdays 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)

Contact Ali (ali@campwoodrich.com) for questions, or sign up at campwoodrich.com/volunteer

Summer Service Learning

Kong Academy

Kong Academy summer camps run between June 24 to the end of August. Volunteers can enroll as few as 1 week of camp or as many as 8 weeks. Shifts are from around 8am until 3:30pm.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Line management when transitioning between locations
• Playing games with the campers and helping them when they get stuck
• Escorting students to bathroom breaks

Volunteers will go through an extensive training program about the social and emotional development of children, teaching strategies, game content, and more. Interested? Email Brandon Eaton, Summer Camp Director at brandon@Kongacademy.org

Congrats Choirs for State Solo and Ensemble Wins!

On April 25-26, the Vocal Jazz, Chamber Choir, and Tenor Bass Ensemble, soloists Corinne Iacobucci, Katherine Wenrick, Amelia Wignall, Sophie Nash, Eli Graham, and Ezra Hage, and duet Wren Wooten and Amelia Wignall competed at the WIAA/WMEA (Washington Music Educators Association) State Solo and Ensemble Competition.

Ballard vocalists received “superior” (I) and “excellent” (II) scores and soloists Sophie Nash (2nd place Alto) and Ezra Hage (3rd place Bass) placed in the top three in the state in their solo categories.

Chamber Choir made history as the first soprano/mezzo/alto group from Ballard High School to place in the state competition, earning second in the large groups category out of 22 groups from all over Washington. Chamber Choir members include:

Corinne Iacobucci, Madeleine Koenig, Miriam Mathan, Ella McLaughlin, Sophie Nash, Izzy Rampersad, Josie Rough, Maddie Singer, Charlie Van Kley, Katherine Wenrick, Amelia Wignall

and Wren Wooten.

Student Directed One Acts Coming to PAC May 9-11

Ballard High School Thespians present the Spring One Acts at 7:30 p.m. May 9-11 in the Performing Arts Center. The following student produced plays will be staged, along with interludes of music and dance:

• "The Bobiad", written by Nicolas and Anthony Markle
• "Lights Camera Cut", written by Sam Ruzumna
• "Dinner with a Side of Murder", written by Zirahuen Herrejon-Crutcher
• "Surf’s Down", written by Ollie Cain
• "A Very Frosty Christmas Eve", written by Kyle Brown
• "The Dreadful Story of Helmetless Henry", written by Silas Horn

More info.

Caffè Appassionato Coffee Sales Benefit BPA

Order your favorite Caffè Appassionato coffees through May 15 and support Ballard Performing Arts performers. For each $14 bag sold, the BPA student you name will earn $6 toward program fees, camps and trips.

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 at Schoolpay. Students will deliver coffee orders in early June. Full details.

Mattress Sale Fundraiser May 5 at BHS Gym

Support Ballard Performing Arts by purchasing a new mattress at the Mattress Fundraiser from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 5 in the Gym!

Shop name brand mattresses 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.

Fiddlers Perform May 15 at Ballard Homestead

Abbey Arts presents the Ballard Fiddlers, songwriter/producer Shelby Natasha, and Bellingham folk group Ladies Loe live at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 15 at Ballard Homestead (6541 Jones Ave. N.W.)! The show is all ages and any funds raised from ticket sales (after expenses) will go to support Ballard Performing Arts programs. Read about the event and buy tickets ($15/each) here.

New Date!

Orchestra Concerto Concert June 10

Chamber Orchestra soloists, accompanied by members of Chamber and Symphonic Orchestras, will be performing Concertos by Vivaldi, Mendelssohn, Elgar, Accolay, and Sarasate at 7:30 p.m. Monday, June 10 in the Performing Arts Center. More events on BPA Calendar.

Buy Tickets for ABC Trivia Night May 29 at the Elks

Have a blast at Trivia Night Wednesday, May 29 at Ballard Elks. Build your team of six, students welcome too, for $120. Your registration fee is a donation to the Athletic Booster Club (ABC) to further our mission to support and promote quality athletics at Ballard High School. Donations are fully tax-deductible. Get a chance to match wits with the Coaches Team! Doors open at 6 p.m., first trivia round is at 7 p.m.

Volunteers are needed and service-learning opportunities will be available too. If you want to help or have questions, email Beth Sylves at bhsabcmemberships@gmail.com. More info.

Athletics Spring Post Season Revs Up!

Congratulations to Beaver seniors as Ballard teams look to the post season, while celebrating their graduating athletes! Here are some updates from this week's action:

Softball

Softball secured a No. 2 seed, heading into the Metro League tournament with their 17-13 Senior Night win against Lincoln Thursday.

Their first Metro Playoff Game is 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 8 at the Chief Sealth Auxiliary Field. Opponent TBD.

The team has Metro League Championship aspirations and plans of returning to the 3A State Tournament for the third consecutive season. 

Seniors Trinity Miller, Liz Bell, Signe Rediger, and Addy Wynkoop have an overall record of 60-22 going into the postseason.

Baseball

Baseball beat Nathan Hale 10-1 at Steve Cox Memorial Park in the first round of the Metro Tournament Saturday.

Next, they'll face Eastside Catholic at 7 p.m. Monday, May 6, also at Steve Cox Memorial Park, 1321 S.W. 102nd St. Purchase tickets and cheer on Beaver Baseball!

The team also celebrated Senior Night Thursday, tipping their caps to: Isaac Earl, Chase Edwards, Chase Herman, Bob Parsons, Julian Pyo

Adam Tripp and Adam Underhill.

Boys Lacrosse

Boys Lacrosse repeated as the 3A Metro Public Champions by defeating Bainbridge 14-7 Friday night.

This victory capped off Senior Night celebrations on Ballard Field, honoring seniors Luke Berard (Captain, Defense), Tom Delaney (Defense), Carter Garrison (Captain, Midfield), and Henry Perkins (Midfield). Congratulations to them all!

The victory secures the team a first-round bye and the right to host the second-round state playoff game at Ballard. Be on the lookout for more details soon, so you can come cheer the Beavers at the Dam!

Soccer

Soccer has won two games in their Metro Tournament bracket, beating Nathan Hale 2-0 Wednesday and O'Dea 2-1 Friday.

The O'Dea game ended in a 2-1 shootout thriller, with goalie Hadden Muench securing the win with a heroic save. It was the Beaver's third time to face and beat the Irish this season.

The team celebrated its seniors Friday, April 26, well done to: Luc Bergeron, Micah Cholly, Cole Frech, Finn Lepper, Liam Lowie, Felix Mako, Connor Osborn, Jack Rollins and Carson Ruegamer.

The Beavers next face Roosevelt in the Metro Tournament semifinals at 5:30 p.m. Monday at Memorial Stadium. Buy tickets here to root on the Beavers!

Athletics Updates Continue

Here are some more spring athletics updates and team senior shoutouts!

Track

Track finished first at their final Metro Conference Meet Thursday at Ingraham against the Rams, Franklin, Holy Names/O'Dea, and Lincoln.

Many exciting PRs in the meet results!

Next the team heads to the Metro Championship Meet, May 9 and 11, at SWAC. Here's the schedule of events for both days.

Go Beavers and congratulations to Track Seniors: Vivian Baker, Matilda Barber, Chloe Bargfrede, Charles Broadus, Rowan Busam, Adele Cheyne, Maisy Clunies-Ross, Harvey Czark, Kathryn Dutton, Nathan Erb, Elijah Graham, Charlie Jones, Rose Kibelstis, Sadie Kibelstis, Naomi Kildal, Madeleine Koenig, Julian Kuroiwa, Sydney Marion, Makenna Meyer, Andrew Moore, Rishab Nagarkar, Tobias Nagata, Kathryn Nash, Colin Newton, David Palmieri, Violet Peterson, Logan Plesko, Serena Pook, Etienne Redpath, Emme Rousseau, Thomas Ruiz, Finnegan Shane, Anna Simpson, Thomas Stacey, Marcos Staudenraus, Dexter Stevens, Kateri Stinebrickner, Isak Synnestvedt, Krystian Tamondong, Johannes Thiessen, Samuel Tinker, and Nathan Williams.

Girls Lacrosse

Girls Lacrosse hosted their Senior Night with a win over Kennedy Catholic at the Dam Tuesday.

Congratulations to graduating seniors Lily Huber (Captain), Mia Mayachar, Ellie Milesi (Captain), Cici Perrino, Hadley Redmond, Josie Self, Carmella Terrones, and Kaiya Vandenberg.

Tennis

Tennis celebrated Senior Night Thursday, April 25 at their final home match.

Congratulations to seniors Amara Fontes, Emilie Opdahl, Cami Martinez, Jackson Jobe, John O'Neil, Josh Skov, Kian Graham, and Sienna Lee for their spirit and leadership on and off the courts.

Ultimate Frisbee

BUF Mixed Varsity placed 5th at the Spring Reign tournament. Thanks to all those that came out to support BUF Mixed Varsity last weekend. The team played 6 super competitive games over two soggy days at Skagit River Park in Mount Vernon.

Up next, the BUF Gx team enters the playoffs with a game on May 7.

BUF is always looking for new players so fill out our new player interest form on the team's website and follow the team on @bufballard!

Congratulations to seniors Simone Ford, Danny Pottharst, Etienne Redpath, Elsa Semroc, Dexter Stevens, Isak Synnestvedt, Krystian Tamondong and Nathan Williams (pictured below) on a great year of BUF!

Updates are also on the BHS website.

'Bring a Friend' Open Gym May 8 & 13

Ballard Cheer Tryouts May 14-17

Cheer Tryouts are coming up 4:30-6:30 p.m. May 14-17 in the BHS Main Gym.

Want to see if cheer is for you, or looking to get in some practice before tryouts? There will be a "Bring a Friend" Open Gym from 4:30-6 p.m. May 8 and 13 in the BHS Commons. (Remember to fill out interest form.)

Photo c/o and follow @ballardcheer. Email questions: Ballardhs.cheerleading@gmail.com

DEI Committee Meeting 6 p.m. Tuesday May 7

The next DEI Committee meeting

is this Tuesday, 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. More info.

Save the Date

Restorative Practice Workshop with RJOY May 22

May 22: Save the date for an exciting interactive Restorative Practice workshop! This workshop will be held in the early evening at Ballard High School and led by RJOY (Restorative Justice for Oakland Youth), a national leader in this topic. Watch for more details coming soon…

Everyone is welcome to attend! The workshop is hosted by the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee for Ballard’s PTSA and by Ballard High School.

Want to learn more about Restorative Practice? Roosevelt Alumni for Racial Equity (RARE) has some excellent information and ongoing activities here: Restorative Practice Committee – Roosevelt Alumni for Racial Equity (RARE) (rhs4racialequity.org)

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

Upcoming Events

From @ballardhighasb: This Sunday is May 5. May 5 has been commemorated as the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG). Across the nation, we are called upon to wear red to acknowledge thousands of young women and girls who go missing each year without so much as a search party.

According to the National Crime Information Center, 5,712 American Indian and Alaska Native women and girls were reported missing in 2016 alone, but only 116 of those cases were logged with the Department of Justice.

According to the National Institute of Justice, 84 percent of Native women experience violence in their lifetimes, and 56 percent experience sexual violence. Of those victims who experienced intimate partner violence – an astounding 97 percent were victimized by non-Native perpetrators.

The fact that Native women are being murdered at a rate ten times higher than other ethnicities and a majority of these murders and violent acts are committed by non-Native people on Native-owned land makes the injustice that much more frustrating and points to the continued impact of US imperialism and colonization. 

May 5: Happy Easter (English), Melkam Fasika (Ethiopia - Amharic), Zee Velyodnem (Ukranian), Kalo Pasha (Greek), and greetings in many more languages ... to all our Orthodox Christian friends celebrating Easter!

Many countries and cultures celebrate Easter on this date: https://www.officeholidays.com/holidays/orthodox-easter-day

Donate online now through May 31 to the Southeast Seattle Education Coalition (givelively.org)

“The SE Seattle Schools Fundraising Alliance (SESSFA) is a group of 17 public school PTAs and PTOs that believe in the power of sharing resources and strengthening relationships across our SE Seattle education community and beyond.

Since 2021, SESSFA has raised more than $1,000,000 for participating schools with the generous support of donors in our neighborhood and throughout our city. These funds are distributed equitably through a model that prioritizes populations furthest from educational justice.” 

Due to redlining and other types of structural racism in our country, families in south Seattle neighborhoods are generally not as wealthy as many families in north end neighborhoods like Ballard. This makes fundraising hard in south end schools. 

Donating to this fund is one way to improve equity for students at Seattle schools. 

Read more about it here: Southeast Seattle Schools’ Fundraiser Works to Maintain Momentum in Its Fourth Year | South Seattle Emerald

Register now for August 8-11 QTPI Camp - UTOPIA Washington

“This retreat is open to all faʻafafine, faʻatane, leitī, māhū wahine, māhū kāne, vakasalewalewa, palopa, akavaʻine, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, intersex, asexual, gender nonconforming, and gender diverse Pacific Islanders.”

In the News

Nine practices from Native American culture that could help the environment | The Seattle Times

Tee Dennard (crosscut.com) “After landing on the stage unexpectedly, this Seattle actor/director’s 50-year career played a major role in the city’s Black theater scene.” 

Seattle: Shaped by Asian American artists | May 1–7, 2024 | Real Change (realchangenews.org)

WA seeks to fix discrimination from racially restrictive property deeds