Nominate a PTSA Volunteer, Educator & Outstanding Advocate

Calling everyone in the BHS Community! Do you know a PTSA volunteer, 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 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; and/or
• Outstanding Advocate: Demonstrated continued and dedicated service to all.

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. We want to hear from students, staff, parents/guardians too! Nominations due Tuesday, April 30.

Honorees will be celebrated at our Spring General Meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 13 in the Library. Each honoree receives a pin and certificate. A donation is also made to the WSPTA scholarship program in their name. Meet our past award recipients and learn more.

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

Link Crew leader applications are now open for 10th-11th grade students! Link Crew is a national program that trains junior and senior class members to be Link Leaders.

Those 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.

Current 10th or 11th graders who want to help 9th graders next year can apply by Tuesday, April 30. Last year's Link Leaders can reapply, the application is just a little different. 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.

Grades 10 & 11 State Required Assessment Testing Windows

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 about Assessments/Testing Schedule and SPS Laptop instructions check out these helpful resources:

Safe & Welcoming Environment Activities 4/15-19

Multicultural Week 4/22-26

Upcoming Enrichment Opportunities at BHS

As shared in Principal Abby Hunt's Friday message,

"As we return on Monday, April 15, I am excited to share that our school community will be engaging in daily activities focused on supporting a safe and welcoming environment at Ballard HS. With this, we will have daily lessons on student rights and responsibilities as well as how to be an upstander as opposed to a bystander should one observe harm being caused to another.

"I am incredibly proud and appreciative of the student and staff leadership that has helped put this work together and I am hopeful that together we can continue to work toward making Ballard a place where every student has a sense of belonging and feels known, seen, welcome, and heard."

She also shared that the following week, April 22-26, the school will be celebrating Multicultural Week. "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. 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, or host a game, and talk about your culture. Further, the MSU is inviting all to attend and help celebrate!" Principal Hunt said.

Families are asked asked to please RSVP! Full details.

Apply for Appointed ASB Positions

Students interested in applying for an appointed ASB position should complete an application packet, linked below.

Appointed positions are:

Advising Arts Director, Athletics Liaison, Clubs Coordinator, Community Outreach Advocate, Digital Marketing Manager, Link Crew Commissioner, Racial Justice Advocate, Student Senate Representative, and Video Producer

Packets are due Monday, April 22.

Questions? Reach out to ASB VP Taiya Fletcher (SPS student email only) at 1tafletcher1@seattleschools.org or Advisor Ms. Laura Lehni, lllehni@seattleschools.org.

Learn more. Follow @ballardhighasb.

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.

Weekends at SAM Thru May 12

BHS Artists Included in SPS Naramore Student Art Show

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 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. (on weekends only) through May 12. Look for more details soon on a celebratory reception for Naramore artists at SAM on May 3!

We've included some examples of Ballard HS entries. Check back for more Beaver artisan ceramics, drawings, mixed media, photography and sculptures.

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

More info.

Seattle School Board District 2, 4 Appointments

The Seattle School Board has appointed new directors to fill District 2 and District 4 director vacancies. The District 2 and District 4 director positions were vacated through resignations effective Feb. 2.  

Sarah Clark was selected for the District 2 seat, which covers Ballard, Magnolia, Phinney Ridge and Green Lake.

Joe Mizrahi was chosen for District 4, which includes Fremont, Queen Anne, South Lake Union and parts of downtown.

Full details.

Senior Announcements

New additions to our Senior Announcements are on the Senior News page, including these action items:

Monday, April 15:

• Want to speak at, perform for or host the graduation festivities? Turn in the interest form by April 15!
• Auditions will be April 18-19 during lunch in the PAC.

NEW Friday, April 26:

• Next opportunity to pickup pre-ordered caps and gowns during lunch in the Commons.
• Check in with your Counselor if you'd like to borrow a cap and gown set.

Senior Dinner! Wednesday, June 5:

• RSVP ASAP!
• Senior Dinner at the Ballard Elks 5-8 p.m.
• Students only, tickets will be sold closer to the date.

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! Full details.

BHS Counselors Reminder: Get Your Forms in By May 1!

Time to turn in any PE waiver forms and Service Learning forms; and take your PE competency test if you need to. Deadline is May 1 so Counselors can process the forms and you can stay on track for graduation. See your Counselor after break, for lunchtime drop-in time, if you have any questions.

Tutor.com Assists With Multiple Subjects

Students have access to a feature with Seattle Public Libraries called Tutor.com that will read students’ papers, help with math questions, and tutor on multiple subjects.

Students can log in to Tutor.com with a Library card or Library Link Number and PIN.

• Your Library Link number is 990000 (four zeroes) followed by your 7-digit Student ID number to create a 13-digit number.
• Your PIN is the MMDD of your birthday, 2 digits for the month and 2 digits for the day. If your birthday is November 7, your PIN is 1107.

Online tutors can help with any school subject, including: math, writing, science, history, AP classes, college essay writing, job applications, cover letters and resumes. Learn more.

Parents & Pooches Sought for Reading With Rover

The Ballard HS Library is looking to add a new program to increase literacy, and offer Beaver Readers a fun chance to read while hanging out with some sweet pups.

The Reading With Rover program has been established at other Seattle Public Schools, and Ms. Chambers is hoping to start one at Ballard too. (Read more about the program at Wedgwood Elementary.) Dog owners, with their pooches, would need to go through the Reading With Rover training session, and human volunteers would also, of course, need to be certified Seattle Public Schools volunteers.

If you're interested in learning more, here's an informational brochure, or email Ms. Chambers at tschambers@seattleschools.org. 

Photo c/o Seattle Public Schools. Follow @beaverreadersbhs. More library updates on the BHS website!

Counseling Center Snacks Needed

Our awesome BHS Counselors like to have snacks on hand for students they work with, for when they visit the Counseling Center and come in hungry. And they’re currently running a little 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.

College Visits and Events Page | Dive Into Future Possibilities

Even though the Counseling Center is closed during Spring Break, students can still explore the College Visits and Events page to learn about schools of interest and opportunities to meet with school recruiters at BHS.

Also here's an April 10 online event for those interested in cyber security! Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is hosting a 45-minute interactive webinar for prospective students at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 10. This information session will focus on the Prescott campus' Cyber Intelligence and Security program. More info and signup.

Spotlight Service Learning

Phinney Neighborhood Association

Phinney Neighborhood Association (PNA) has great opportunities coming up for Service Learning hours!

Spring Cleaning at the Phinney Center on Saturday, April 20 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Phinney Center, 6532 Phinney Ave. N. Spring clean gardens and grounds: weeding, pruning, spreading mulch, etc. Sign up.

PNA Spring Fundraiser at the Phinney Center | Share your crafty skills getting ready for the PNA Spring Fundraiser! Help is needed 7-9 p.m. Thursdays, April 18 and 25. Projects include lots of cutting out decorations, making table centerpieces, and other crafts. Set up and clean up assistance needed for fundraiser event day too. Learn more & sign up.

Spring Cleaning with the PNA Village from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 11 at seniors’ homes in NW Seattle. Help with weeding, pruning, spreading mulch, etc. Learn more. Sign up by May 8.

Spotlight Service Learning

Ballard Sedentary Sousa Band Seek Members

The Ballard Sedentary Sousa Band needs you! Seattle’s own non-marching march band plays the greatest hits of band music, rousing classics by John Philip Sousa, Henry Fillmore and more. They are looking to beef up their double reeds, flutes/piccolos, saxes, and horns. Other instruments welcome, too.

The band is active March through December. Practices are from 7:30-9 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at the Wallingford Good Shepherd Center.

Upcoming performances include 11 a.m. Sunday, May 26 at the Folklife Festival (Seattle Center); 2 p.m. at the Ballard Locks on Saturday, Sept. 28, and even more fun area events.

Practices and performances count toward your Service Hours.

For more information, contact BHS band parent and volunteer Julia Gibson at jgibson@nwlink.com.

Caffe Appassionato Coffee Sales Coming Soon!

Order your favorite coffees from Caffe Appassionato between April 24 and May 15 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. The link will be available on April 24 so stay tuned!

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) Booster Club! Learn more about the fundraiser at the BPA Booster Meeting at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 16 in BHS Library. More info.

Help Support BHS Baseball By Buying Tickets for April 26 Mariners Game

For the 12th year, Beavers Baseball is participating in the High School Baseball Classic. If the team sells 1,000 tickets to a Mariners game, a future Beavers squad gets to play a game at T-Mobile Park. In addition, the team uses this as a fundraising opportunity.

This year, the team is selling tickets to the Friday, April 26 Mariners game vs. the Arizona Diamondbacks. First pitch is at 6:40 p.m. Tickets cost $20, join other Beaver fans in sections 327-332, Rows 18-25 (upper level, right behind home plate)

Purchase digital games tickets through Baseball Head Coach Doug Montgomery (Venmo @dmonty13, Paypal dmonty13@hotmail.com or via check written to Athletic Booster Club). Deadline for ticket sales is Friday, April 19. Questions? Email Coach Montgomery at BallardBeaversBaseball@gmail.com.

Beavers Play 6 p.m. Saturday, April 20 at T Mobile

As part of the High School Baseball Classic, Beavers Baseball will play Auburn High School at 6 p.m. Saturday, April 20 at T-Mobile. This game is free to attend, so catch Ballard under the big lights!

In other Baseball news, the team enjoyed home cooking last week with three wins at Whitman Middle School Field, topping Ingraham 6-0 Monday; Lincoln 2-1 Wednesday; and Lakeside 4-2 Friday.

The Beavers host O'Dea 4 p.m. Monday, April 8, back at Whitman, before they travel to Meadowbrook to face Nathan Hale at 4 p.m. Wednesday, April 10.

Send team updates to ballardhighnews@gmail.com.

Athletics Spring Season Continues

The undefeated Girls Lacrosse team beat Shoreline 19-8 Thursday at home. After break, they'll have two on the road: 7 p.m. Monday, April 15 at Squalicum High School; and

5:30 p.m. Thursday, April 18 at Overlake High School

Softball is also back at it after break, hosting Eastside Catholic at 4 p.m. on Monday, April 15 at Lower Woodland. Next, they're heading to Meadowbrook Playfield to face Nathan Hale at 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 16. Finally, they'll host Ingraham at 4 p.m. Thursday, April 18, back at Lower Woodland.

Boys Soccer beat Chief Sealth 2-0 Tuesday, while dropping a 5-1 game to Garfield Friday. They look to avenge the loss against the Bulldogs at 4:30 p.m. Monday, April 15 at BHS. They have two more the week after break, hosting Roosevelt at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 19 and visiting Lakeside at 4 p.m. Friday, April 19.

Updates also on the BHS website.

More Team Updates!

Track competed Saturday at the Birger Invitational in Bellingham. The girls came in first and boys came in second! Meet results. After break, the team competes against Sealth, Roosevelt and West Seattle on Thursday, April 18 at SWAC, with the first event starting at 2:45 p.m.

Tennis boys team and girls team have three matches after Spring Break. The first match is at 4 p.m. Monday, April 15 vs. Sealth at SWAC. Next at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 17, the boys face O'Dea, while the girls face Holy Names at Lower Woodland Courts. On Friday, April 19, the teams take on Ingraham at NWAC.

Following break, Boys Lacrosse visits Roosevelt at 7:15 p.m. on Tuesday, April 16 and Snohomish at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 18 (game at Monroe High School).

Gx Ultimate Frisbee faces Banklin 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 16 at Van Asselt Playfield and host Garfield 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 17 at BHS.

Register Today for the BHS Foundation Victor Salvino Golf Classic!

Sign up for the Victor Salvino 24th Annual Ballard High School Foundation Golf Classic, Friday, Aug. 16 at Newcastle Golf Course. Shotgun start at 1:30 p.m. Pre-event barbecue and putting contest too.

Learn more and register. Direct your registration proceeds to your favorite athletic team, Ballard Performing Arts, Cheer or Dance Team! See you at the Golf Classic!

Pre-Ordered Duffel Bags Order Update

Thank you all for your patience with the duffle bag delivery. The bags were delayed from original ship date and will likely arrive over Spring Break. Beaver Gear reps hope to distribute duffel bags at lunchtime on Monday, April 15. Regardless, once they arrive, they will be in the office for pickup in case lunch time pickup doesn’t work. More info.

Email bhsabcgear@gmail.com any questions.

DEI Committee will be paused during Spring Break. Our next newsletter posts will appear on April 21. We wish you all a happy and healthy Spring Break!

Upcoming Events

Sign up now for the Ballard High School Multicultural Union student club’s first Multicultural Night

(April 26, Ballard High School, 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) 

Eid Mubarak! To all our Muslim friends marking Eid al-Fitr, the end of the month of Ramadan, beginning sundown April 9.

Eid al-Fitr: When & Why is it Celebrated? (2024) (edarabia.com)

April 12-13 Sami Film Festival (Nordic Museum, Free)



“Join the National Nordic Museum and University of Washington’s Department of Scandinavian Studies for a special celebration of Sámi art and culture in Seattle, presented by the Beaivváš Sámi National Theatre!”

JUOIGGAS! Sámi National Theater | National Nordic Museum

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 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.” 

In the News

New Law Requires More Inclusive School Curricula in Washington - The Stranger

A Legacy of Hope: Celebrating the Life of Matt Chan | South Seattle Emerald

Pollinator Path Exhibit Highlights Indigenous Knowledge | South Seattle Emerald Fun fact! Headwater People also worked on the design highlighting Indigenous history at Ballard Pagliacci’s (across from the Ballard Locks).

OPINION | ‘Practical Audacity’: On Writing About Black Women and the Future of Human Rights | South Seattle Emerald 

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