BHS PTSA Fundraising Gala | April 2 Block 41

It’s time to grab your tickets for the biggest BASH of the year, the Ballard High School PTSA Fundraising Gala, April 2 at Block 41. This year’s Fundraising Gala will offer loads of great items for bidding, from restaurant gift cards to amazing trips away! Everyone will enjoy games in the courtyard and "breakfast for supper" provided by FOODZ. Funds raised through the BHS Fundraising Gala support teacher grants for academic materials not covered by district funding.

For a limited time, tickets are $75 per person. Prices increase to $90 per person on Feb. 17. One drink ticket is included with each ticket purchase. Add a Teacher Ticket to your cart for just $50. (Let us know if your ticket is for a specific teacher, or for the teacher community at large.)

[MORE INFO] Tickets are limited, so get yours today!

Congratulations to the Ballard Gymnastics Team that won their second Metro Championship title in a row Friday at West Seattle High School! More details about the team's Metro Championship victory in the Athletics section below!

Come watch as the Beavers host Districts at 5:45 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 18. Volunteers are needed to help at Districts (parent/guardian as well as students, no gymnastics experience needed), email Coach Stephanie Gundel at ballardgymnastics@gmail.com if you're interested. Student volunteers can get Service Learning hours. Photo c/o @ballardgymnastics.

From the BHS Associated Student Body: “We would love all students to come join us in the PAC for our first forum of the year (at lunch Monday, Feb. 13)."

Thanks to the ASB leaders; staff; and parent volunteers (organized by PTSA Volunteer Coordinator Tanya King) for hosting a beautiful Winter Ball on Friday at the Seattle Art Museum!

The attendees were not only able to dress up and dance the night away but also were able to view SAM's amazing collection.

Photo c/o parent Jeanette Chen/Friends of Ballard Facebook Group.

Follow updates and more info on the Talisman webpage.

Clubs are a great way to get involved. Ballard HS has more than 75 clubs available for students this year! Students … find a club that matches your interests and get involved. If you can’t find a club that fits your interests, start your own club!

View club list by day of the week too! If you have any questions, reach out to Addy Wynkoop, Student Clubs Coordinator at 1acwynkoop@seattleschools.org. [MORE INFO]

Senior SPREE is your all-night grad party and a BHS tradition, sponsored by the BHS PTSA! Immediately following the June 23 Graduation Ceremony, students hop onto chartered buses. Throughout the night, grads will travel to two exciting event venues and be treated to a variety of activities, food, friends, fun and a final Class of '23 memory. Look for more details on ticket sales coming soon! [MORE DETAILS]

Seniors: Did you see Friday's mailing from the PTSA detailing the Golden Beaver Scholarships and other helpful links? Don't worry, we've got it here too! Also, don't forget to look for Class of 2023 Updates on the Senior Resource Page!

The Feb. 17 Seattle Promise application deadline is quickly approaching. Stop by the Counseling Center to get help completing your Seattle College Application, your Seattle Promise Scholarship application, or your FAFSA/WASFA. You can also reach out to our Seattle Promise Outreach Specialist, Nancy Le at Nancy.Le2@Seattlecolleges.edu with questions. [MORE INFO]

The Golden Beavers Scholarships are one-time grants awarded to students pursuing further academic or technical education. Awards can range from $500 to $5,000. [APPLICATION]

This scholarship is to remember the nineteen men from Ballard High School who died serving in Vietnam. A $1,000 award to any BHS graduating Senior for college or accredited trade school who meet the criteria listed on the application. [APPLICATION]

This scholarship is in honor of fallen Marine Daniel Chavez who graduated from Ballard High School in 2003. Seniors who are a relative of Daniel Chavez or have a parent, grandparent, or sibling in the armed forces should apply. [APPLICATION]

[MORE INFO]

Looking for scholarships? Check the BHS Counseling Scholarship page as well as Naviance often! Here are some available options:

Robert J. Handy/WSSR Foundation/Gene Forrester Memorial Scholarships The Washington State School Retirees' Association (WSSRA) invites Seniors to apply for the Robert J. Handy and WSSR Foundation scholarships, given to students who plan to pursue a career in education. In addition, Gene Forrester Memorial Scholarships will be awarded to students who will major in Agricultural Education at Washington State University. Application Deadline March 1. [FULL DETAILS]

Sheng-Yen Lu Foundation Lotus Scholarship assists recent immigrant students who plan to continue their education after high school. The scholarship provides as much as $11,000 in tuition (and a new computer) to selected high school students who have immigrated to the United States after Jan. 1, 2019. Application Deadline is March 24. [MORE INFO]

The Rotary Club of the University District will award $5,000 scholarships to graduating students from Seattle high schools seeking to attend a college/university or vocational school. Recipients will be selected on the basis of scholastic achievement, financial need, community service, and leadership. Application deadline April 7. [APPLICATION]

The Southeast Chapter Blacks in Government was established to advocate, educate, and empower Blacks in Federal, State, and local government; and provide outreach to the community it serves through educational, employment, and networking opportunities. This includes a Scholarship Program for African American youth. Application deadline April 1.

BHS Sophomores & Juniors Running Start Info Sessions in March: The school counselors will hold Running Start info sessions – The first four Thursdays in March: 2, 9, 16, 23, during the first half of lunch 11:50 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. for current 10th and 11th graders who are interested in learning more about the Running Start Program for the 2023-24 school year. Interested students just need to attend one session. 

Service Learning | Emergency Preparedness

Project Goal: Rejuvenate the Safety Grab-n-Go Bucket for every classroom, staff office, and/or workspace.

Tasks: Collect buckets, inventory contents, clean and relabel buckets, replenish missing or deteriorated contents, and; return rejuvenated buckets to classrooms.

When: After school on Monday and/or Tuesday until the project is completed.

Where: Counseling Center

Contact: Kim Nickerson, Registrar/BHS Building Safety Team Member.

Questions? Stop by her office in the Counselor Hallway

or email her: kdnickerson@seattleschools.org. [MORE INFO]

More information on any of the following opportunities can be found on the Service Learning page.

Girls On The Run (GOTR) is looking for girls, ages 16-18, to apply for its Junior Coach program! This program will provide leadership opportunities, mentorship experience and service hour credits.

Thanks to GOTR's partnership with the Seattle Department of Education & Early Learning (DEEL), any Junior Coach who lives within the city limits and identifies as a Black girl, Black young woman, and/or Black queer and transgender youth will be eligible to receive a stipend for up to $1,000. These qualifying participants will receive transportation reimbursement as well. Additionally, any Junior Coach who is a graduating Senior can apply for GOTR's Higher Education Scholarship. Learn more and apply by March 2

Loyal Heights Community Center is looking for student volunteers for their Pancake Breakfast 8-11 a.m. Sunday, March 5 at 2101 N.W. 77th St.

Students can sign up for college visits at the Counseling Center online through Naviance. Full details here.

Questions? Contact Carol Bristol, Ballard HS Counseling Secretary at chbristol@seattleschools.org.

Students, take a deep dive into a job or internship! Here are new listings on the Counseling Center's Job & Internship Board!

Teens In Public Service (TIPS) interns spend 6-8 weeks working with a wide array of projects with some of the most driven and inspiring nonprofit organizations in the Puget Sound area. TIPS also provides interns with opportunities to work with their larger class at a job-readiness orientation, a leadership and professional development training day, a day of service, and a celebration of service. Applications due March 3. [MORE INFO] | [FAQs]

Learn more about TIPS at an upcoming information session, 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15 on Zoom.

Also, Seattle Parks and Recreation Department Temporary Lifeguards (Ages 16+)

In addition the Seattle Schools’ Teacher Librarians have identified these titles in support of Black Lives Matter. Explore the titles here.

More resources on Library Webpage. Follow @beaverreadersbhs.

This week's Library programming includes book clubs, 3-D printing and Makerspace creativity, and homework support too:

Monday: Library Leaders in the Book Club Room or craft with UW intern Nina in the Makerspace at lunch | tutoring after school;

Tuesday: Tutoring after school;

Wednesday: Tutoring before school | Comic Book Club in Mr. Lee's Classroom or 3-D Printing Club at lunch (pictured) | Craft with Nina in the Makerspace after school;

Thursday: Horror Book Club at lunch | tutoring after school;

Friday: Reading Buddies (read picture books to 1st Grade Students) 8 a.m. | Pride Book Club or craft with Nina in the Makerspace at lunch

Saturday's 64th Annual Spaghetti Dinner not only showcased "the sauce" (aka longtime volunteer Peg Radford's classic meat sauce that has drawn legions of fans) but also the talent of Ballard's young performers. From @ballardperformingarts, here's the Wind Ensemble performing “Little Talks” by Monsters and Men, with guest vocalists Milo and Carlotta.

Thank you to everyone who attended, as well as the performers, directors and volunteers for your efforts to make the evening a rousing success! [MORE INFO]

Vocal Jazz – Mixed Vocal Ensemble Large (video above)

[FULL DETAILS/LIST OF PLACING STUDENTS]

Tickets are now on sale for the Spring Musical, The Secret Garden, which runs March 16-18 and 24-26. This enchanting classic, based on Frances Hodgson Burnett’s 1911 novel, is reimagined in brilliant musical style by composer Lucy Simon and Marsha Norman.

Buy your tickets today! [MORE INFO]

The Gymnastics team capped off an undefeated season and won the Metro League Championship for the second year in a row Friday!

Individually, Naomi K. won the beam title and Alex B. won the floor title. Naomi was also 3rd on vault and bars, and 2nd on floor and in the all around. Alex was 2nd on bars and 3rd all around. Brooke A. was 3rd on beam, 4th on floor, tied for 5th on bars, was 6th on vault, and 4th all around. Caitlyn A. tied for 5th on bars. Justene L. was 5th on beam. Dylan K. was 5th on vault.

Come catch the team for the last time at home as they compete in the state-qualifying District Meet next Saturday at 5:45 p.m.! Photo c/o @metroleague.athletics.

Spring Sports start Feb. 27: Baseball, Fastpitch Softball, Boys Soccer, Tennis, and Track. Coach information available here to learn more! [SIGN UP DETAILS]

All are welcome (and all ages) to a Season Kick off for BHS Fastpitch on Monday, March 6 at Ridgewood Bottle and Tap (316 N. 67th St.). This will be a fundraiser with a swag store and raffle prizes. Ticket sales will be held from 6-7 p.m. and raffle from 7-8 p.m., must be present to receive winnings. Ridgewood has pledged $1 back to BHS Softball per pint all day (noon to 11 p.m.) Big shout out to BHS's Ms. Robyn Maddess for partnering with the team on this event.

Rep Fastpitch Too! Also, if you want to purchase a Fastpitch T shirt ($20), email Coach Dale Griffith, or stop by his office at school! [MORE INFO]

Boys Wrestling Regionals was success! Congratulations to qualifiers (pictured): 113 Ben 5th; 126 Simón 5th; and 145 Miles 3rd. Alternates are: 126 Tommy 7th; 138 Hayden 6th; 160 James 6th; and 195 Lazlo 6th. Photo c/o and follow the Brawlin' Beavers @ballard_boys_wrestling.

Congratulations to Girls Basketball who faced Seattle Prep in post-season competition Saturday. While they lost the loser-out game 55-46, their four-game playoff week included two impressive wins over Ingraham and Lincoln. Fun photo from Senior Night celebration c/o and follow @ballardhs_gbb

Boys Basketball ended an amazing run at Tuesday's Metro District Qualifier against Lakeside at the Dam. Congrats Beavers and first-year Coach Lorenzo Durant III on a season of growth! Photo c/o @lorenzodurant12 and follow the team @ballardbball.

Boys Swim & Dive had 10 swimmers advance on to the District competition at Mary Wayte Pool on Mercer Island Friday and Saturday: Kian V., Kyle C., Finn K., Evan M., Leonard P., Matteo M., Tristan O., James L., Nathan W., Jack E., Jesse H. and Branson G. Photo c/o and follow @bhsboys.swim

Ballard Ultimate Frisbee Mixed Varsity Team topped Turbulence Ultimate 13-4 Saturday at Loyal Heights Playfield. (Varsity schedule; JV Schedule)

Photo c/o and follow @bufballard.

Ballard Unified had a District Tournament yesterday at Kamiak High School. Such an amazing group of teens and special thanks to Coaches Rachel and Kiana!

Photo and update c/o @ballard_unified.

Led by Senior Captains Wyatt T., Avery M., Michelle Angel C. and Alexandra B., the Dance Team competed at Kentridge Saturday, all in preparation for the team's District competition in early March. Photo c/o and follow @ballardhsdanceteam.

Visit Winter Sports for updates and links to full team schedules!

PTSA UPDATES

Thanks again to all who joined us at our Feb. 2 Winter General Meeting parent-education event. Programming like this requires a vibrant PTSA, and we need your help!

We are looking for volunteers with a passion for our community to get involved! Whether it's one-time event support, a deeper dive onto the Board, or something in between, we want to head into the 2023-24 school year with crucial positions filled.

Here's how you can help! In order to identify the Executive Committee for the 2023-24 school year, a Nominating Committee is formed. PTSA members are sought to serve on the committee. The group's job is to identify candidates for next year's Executive Committee (President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer).

For more information, or if you are interested in serving on next year's PTSA Board or in a special committee position, please contact Gloria Kruzner at bhs.ptsa.pres@gmail.com. Training and mentorship provided, positions can be shared. [MORE INFO]

Want to learn more? Please join us at our next PTSA Board Meeting is 7 p.m. Thursday, March 2 via Teams.

We hope you will join us for Principal Abby Hunt's update, committee reports and a short presentation on SSEPTSA Special Education Guide.

Learn more on What Does the Ballard PTSA Do?

We are so grateful for our Counseling staff! Meet them on the Counseling Center Dashboard!

Thank you also to our Staff Appreciation Team of Lisa Vanderford-Anderson and Michelle Peters!

OFFICE UPDATES

8th Grade Choices Night Feb. 15

The Main Office is requesting tissue donations. Thanks for considering!

BHS FOUNDATION

Ballard High School Foundation's 4th Annual Running of the Beavers is 9 a.m. Saturday, March 25 at Golden Gardens! The 5K Fun Run and Walk benefits Ballard Athletics, Cheer, Dance, Band, and ASB.

 Also, if you're unable to participate, but would like to make a donation, 100 percent of your donation goes to the team or program of your choice! Win-win!

New this year is a class competition for Beaver students! The grade level with the most participants earns $250 for their class.

[FULL DETAILS] | [STAFF SIGNUP INFO]

SPS UPDATE

[FULL UPDATE]

EQUITY CORNER

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 

Feb. 12 is the last day of this film festival (virtual): Nordic Museum’s annual Sámi Film Festival to feature female indigenous filmmakers – My Ballard  

Feb. 15 (Free; virtual and in-person – for High School Students) Black History Month Research and Writing Workshops Tickets, 3 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15 | Eventbrite  

Now through Feb 28 (paid entry; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays; in person) https://calltoconscience.world  

Continue to celebrate Black History Month by supporting locally Black owned businesses, including these amazing bars and restaurants: Black-Owned Restaurants in Seattle: A Diner's Guide | Seattle Met

Indigenous-led art collective yəhaw̓ buys land in Rainier Beach | Crosscut 

[MORE INFO]

ADVOCACY UPDATES

WSPTA Focus Day is Feb. 20 and in-person.

You can sign up for one of the Capitol tours (limited spaces on the tours) and order a boxed lunch (for an additional charge) when you register for Focus Day. Boxed lunches can be ordered with your ticket until 9 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 16.

Note: Remember to schedule Focus Day meetings with your legislators! It is important to reach out to legislators asap, and here's a helpful scheduling resource.

Preventing and Reducing Gun Violence and Suicide

TAKE ACTION HERE.

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Washington State Teacher of the Year nominations are now open! Nominate today using the Educator of the Year Nomination Form. The deadline is March 1!

[MORE INFO]

Spring registration deadline is Feb. 28. [MORE INFO]

Loyal Heights Community Center is located at 2101 N.W. 77th St., offering programming for teens. Here's what's on the docket for February.

See contest page for guidelines. Projects due March 31.

In case of an earthquake, drop, cover, and hold on. This guide from the state Emergency Management Division describes what to do when the shaking starts no matter where you are.

In WA State, individuals can order free naloxone online and have it delivered directly to their home. Naloxone is a medication that can save lives by reversing the effects of an opioid overdose. 

[MORE INFO]