We look forward to welcoming all students back to school on Wednesday, Sept. 6.

SPS reports that students may view their schedules on the Source on Tuesday, Sept. 5. (See Counseling Center News, below, for helpful tips.)

For incoming 9th graders (students new-to-Ballard), we are holding an adjusted schedule to provide a 1/2 day orientation.

All Students: Please refer to the Special First Day of School Bell Schedule (not an early release) for when to arrive on campus.

More info.

First Day Special Bell Schedule

Welcome 9th Graders & New Students to BHS:

• 8:50 a.m. – 12:10 p.m. 9th Graders and students new to BHS meet in the Gym.
• Incoming Students will be partnered with their LINK leaders.
• 9th Graders and students new to BHS will be given their class schedules and locker combinations.
• Ballard HS Orientation begins with 9th Graders and students new to BHS.

All Students:

• 12:15 p.m. – 12:50 p.m. Lunch for ALL Students

• 12:55 p.m. – 3:40 p.m. All students in Grades 9 – 12 will rotate through their 1st – 6th period classes.



• Period 1: 12:55 – 1:20
• Period 2: 1:25 – 1:50
• Period 3: 1:55 – 2:15
• Period 4: 2:20 – 2:40
• Period 5: 2:45 – 3:10
• Period 6: 3:15 – 3:40

Full Bell Schedule Info

BHS will have student Photo Days and laptop distribution on Sept. 7-8.

School pictures are used for the yearbook and Student ID cards (Activity Card if ASB fee paid). ID cards should be available a week or two after Photo Days. Running Start students can come anytime during the school day Sept. 7 or 8 for their pictures.

SPS Laptops will also be distributed at this time.

Learn more about Photo Days and Laptop Distribution

Time to Buy an ASB Activity Card

All students who tryout/participate on a Ballard athletic team or are in the BPA Marching Band are required to purchase a BHS Activity Card (sticker) for $35.

We encourage all BHS students to purchase an ASB Card as paying the fee allows all BHS students to receive free admission to BHS home games (discounted for football games).

Students who pay the activity fee will also get a discount on school dances. Parents/guardians may pay via SchoolPay on the Source.

(Troubleshooting tips are also available on the BHS Website if you are having challenges with SchoolPay).

More information on ASB cards.

The Main Office is located on the first floor, with access from the south main entrance of the building.

The Office is open 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.

Welcome to new Administrative Secretary Cal Hartmann!

You can reach Cal at cmhartmann@seattleschools.org or via the Main Office number, 206-252-1000.

Welcome School Nurse Beth Guynes!

Hello!

My name is Beth Guynes and I am the new full-time school nurse at Ballard High School. I have been a nurse since 1998. My nursing background is in Public Health Field Nursing and Community Health Nursing.

I’m passionate about health teaching and about connecting families and students to available resources. I’m committed to providing health care that supports classroom attendance, inclusion, and a safe learning environment for everyone.

Please feel free to reach out to me (eaguynes@seattleschools.org) with any questions or concerns!

Nurse Welcome Letter | BHS Nurse Page

The Online Duffle Bag Store is open Tuesday, Sept. 5 through Monday, Oct. 2! Beaver fans can order bags in two sizes – standard and tiny (6" x 10") – with straps. Personalization is available, too!

A portion of the sale from each bag goes to the BHS Athletic Booster Club (ABC) to support the athletes and coaches of our high school. When your order is ready, the Beaver Gear Team will let you know to pick it up in the school office! Questions? Email bhsabcgear@gmail.com

First Yearbook Purchase Window of the Year

Yearbooks can be purchased online via parents/guardians Source/School Pay account.

Yearbooks will also be sold, starting Wednesday, Sept. 6 in the Activity Center at lunch and after school with cash, check or Debit/Credit Card.

Yearbook Sales Windows:

9/6/23 – 9/27/23 $60

1/2/24 – 1/23/24 $65

4/1/24 – 4/29/24 (excludes Spring Break 4/8/24 – 4/12/24) $70

More info.

Transportation News & Updates

ORCA Card Information: The district is no longer managing ORCA cards for students.

Students will need to request a new ORCA card but can use their student IDs when boarding buses in the meantime.

Student Parking: There is no student parking on our campus. The front parking lot, off NW 65th Street, is for administration and visitors (two-hour limit) only.

The Ballard HS Staff Parking Lot, on the north end of campus off NW 67th Street, is for BHS Staff and Ballard Pool visitors only.

Traffic Alert: Be prepared for Seattle Department of Transportation roadwork on the Ballard Bridge and 15th Ave. West/Northwest corridor later this fall.

Paving and safety enhancements will begin by the end of the year.

Please visit the Transportation page for updates on all of these topics.

Welcome incoming 9th grade families! It was wonderful meeting so many of you at the new family information night and I hope you found it helpful.

As a parent of an incoming 9th grader, I'm also excited for this next big step. Between Principal Abby Hunt, the counselors, teachers, and all the support staff, we are really positioned for success at Ballard High. 

If you have any questions about the PTSA, please don't hesitate to reach out. Our Mission is to, “Create an inclusive, supportive community that cultivates a tradition of excellence for all students."

What better time for YOU to get involved than on Day 1?

PTSA Membership sign-ups are now open, just click here.

~ Karla Rava, BHS PTSA President, bhs.ptsa.pres@gmail.com

PTSA Welcome Back Treats Greet Staff Tuesday

The Ballard PTSA welcomed our teaching staff back into the building last Tuesday with a delicious coffee and pastry spread, followed by lunch prepared by Ripe Catering.

Thank you to our Staff Appreciation Coordinators Lisa Vanderford-Anderson and Lisa Willis for organizing the event.

PTSA Board Meets Sept. 14

Mark your calendars for our first hybrid Zoom/offsite Board meeting of the school year at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14.

(Email President Karla Rava for meeting directions or Zoom link at bhs.ptsa.pres@gmail.com.)

This is a great opportunity to learn about all our committee work, from DEI to Family and Community Engagement, volunteer support to teacher grants, and why you should join the PTSA!

Also, mark your calendars for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 17, our Fall General Meeting in the Ballard Library.

Meet our new Board, find out how you can be involved, and sign up as a member! Principal Abby Hunt will be there with a school update, and we'll vote on the final 2023-24 PTSA Budget too.

Learn more about What Does the PTSA Do?

PTSA Advocacy Update

Student, Parent Rep Sought for WSPTA Legislative Assembly

The Washington State PTSA Fall Legislative Assembly is scheduled for Oct. 21-22 and is fully remote this year! Ballard High School PTSA has four seats for this event and is looking for two additional volunteers to attend.

We’d love to see a student and parent attend alongside the PTSA President and Advocacy Chair. Join us to learn more about statewide PTSA initiatives and action steps for school advocacy. Please reach out to Karla Rava if you are interested: bhs.ptsa.pres@gmail.com.

The Advocacy Committee is looking for a co-chair for the Advocacy Chair. Join us as we work to advocate for resources and support for our schools and children. If you are interested, please reach out to join.bhs.ptsa@gmail.com. 

Join Our Volunteer Team

Thanks to the Parents/Guardians who have answered the call and signed up to assist with volunteer needs this week!

Volunteering is a great way to support your student and school community. Every contribution is appreciated, no matter how much or little.

• One-time (event) volunteers need to complete this form. (As long as the event doesn’t have them working one-on-one with students, or in any unsupervised capacity.)
• Returning volunteers whose approval has expired need to visit this page to renew their registration.
• New volunteers & anyone working beyond a single event need to visit this page to complete the full new volunteer application (good for 2 years after approval).

Interested in learning more? Email PTSA Volunteer Coordinators Joy Das Gupta & Jen Wenrick at volunteer.ballardhs@gmail.com.

Save the Date for PTSA Gala March 24 at Block 41

Ballard parents’ favorite fundraiser is back! Don’t miss the fun at Block 41 on Sunday, March 24 from 5 to 9:30 p.m.

This year’s Ballard High School PTSA Fundraising Gala will offer loads of great items for bidding, from restaurant gift cards to amazing trips away!

Sponsorship Opportunities: Do you have, or know of, a business that could support the PTSA Fundraising Gala as a sponsor? Sponsorship levels start at just $250 and include recognition leading up to and throughout the event.

Email ballardgala@gmail.com for more information on sponsorships.

Volunteers are also needed! We continue to add to our team as the season progresses. Let us know if you would like to lend a hand by emailing ballardgala@gmail.com.

Thanks to Teacher-Librarian TuesD Chambers who brought the Beaver Reader energy to the 9th Grade Parent Night last week!

Place book holds at bit.ly/BHSHolds and explore everything our amazing library has to offer on the Ballard High School website.

Photo c/o and follow @BeaverReadersbhs on Instagram.

Check Out These Reads

Here is Ms. Chambers' Summer Reading List too if you need some end of summer suggestions!

From Spring '23 Assistant Librarian Alana Gaulin ...

Alana here! I'm writing to say that I have accepted a Teen Librarian position at KCLS and won't be at Ballard HS. This was not an easy choice but made with careful consideration toward my family and future career prospects. I truly loved my time as a Beaver and every single one of y'all made me want to stay! Continue fighting against the Dewey Decimal and working toward a better world. I do hope to come visit and supply some awesome jokes!

Book Rec: A Twisty Edge of Seat Adventure

For students looking to start the year with a bang, "From Dust, A Flame" by Rebecca Podos, starts with Hannah waking up to mutations and an eventual quest to find her estranged family while tracing her Jewish roots back to the Golem of Prague. There are twists and turns, romance, and secrets believed long buried. A great read to start the year and a favorite of Mr. Furman's. (BHS's awesome Access teacher and PRIDE Book Club advisor.)

Counseling Center Resources

Welcome to the 2023-24 school year at Ballard High School!

For general information check out our Counseling Center Dashboard. There is a lot of information there that could possibly answer your questions. See below for an updated list of the newly updated Counselors Student List by Last Name (photographed left to right):

• Sonja Petersen (A-Deg)
• Maya McKenzie (Deh-Kar)
• Tom Kramer (Kas-Pes)
• Gail Olson Laing (Pet-Wat)
• Katie Huguenin (Wau-Z)

Class Schedules on the Source

This year we will only be printing Official Schedules for Grade 9 on the first day of school. Grades 10-12 may access their schedules via The Source.

It would be helpful for students to check now and confirm that they know their sign in information.

For students new to SPS who don’t have student logins to the Source or the Student Portal yet, parents can set up their Source account in the meantime to view their student’s schedule.

More info.

Viewing Student Class Schedules 

Per Seattle Public Schools timeline, students will be able to access Clever, the Student Portal, starting Sept. 6.

Parents/Guardians will be able to access The Source and Schoology starting Sept. 5. This will be the earliest opportunity for students to see their schedules.

On the first day of school, Sept. 6, Class Schedules will be printed and distributed Grade 9 students only.

Students in Grades 10-12 should access their Class Schedule on the Source.

For students new to Seattle Public Schools that don’t have student logins to the Source or the Student Portal yet, parents can set up their Source account in the meantime to view their student’s schedule. Follow these step-by-step source instructions on the district website.

Class Schedule Changes Priority

Very few class schedule changes can be accommodated/will be made.

Changes will be prioritized for:

• Seniors who are missing a class required for graduation;
• Students in the wrong level of a class (ex: Spanish 2A instead of Spanish 1A), and
• Students who have a hole in their schedule (nothing scheduled for a certain class period).

We will not be making changes for electives or to request a different teacher. If there is an ERROR on your posted class schedule, please email your counselor directly.

Do not call the front office to inquire about a schedule change. More info.

Welcome to Our New Registrar!

We'd like to welcome Ballard's new Registrar, Erin Hayes!(emhayes@seattleschools.org)

Service Learning Requirement

Service Learning is giving time, without pay. One of the graduation requirements for SPS is 60 hours of Service Learning.

Summer hours that students complete that meet the service-learning requirement can be counted toward the 60-hour graduation requirement, except for incoming freshmen who can claim only 15 service-learning hours in the summer before they start at Ballard HS.

Service Learning:

Taproot Theatre Company

On Sept. 22, Taproot Theatre Co. in Greenwood is opening the world premiere of Last Drive to Dodge by Andrew Lee Creech, and they're looking for volunteer ushers.



Ushering at Taproot involves a few light tasks like stuffing programs and helping guests to their seats – then you are invited to stay and watch the show for free!

Email scottz@taproottheatre.org for more information.

The Counseling Center offers in-person College Visits, including the following dates. Students should sign up for these visits online via Naviance.

Thursday, Sept. 26

• Carroll College, 8:50 a.m.

Friday, Sept. 27

• Hampshire College, 8:50 a.m.

Monday, Oct. 2

• Princeton University, 8:50 a.m.
• Brandeis University, 2:45 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 3

• Chapman University, 8:50 a.m. Occidental College, 9:50 a.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 4

• University of Colorado Boulder, 1 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 5

• California Lutheran University, 8:50 a.m.
• University of San Diego, 10:50 a.m.
• University of California-Irvine, 12:45 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 12

• Sarah Lawrence College, 2:45 p.m.

Monday, Oct. 16

• University of Portland, 8:50 a.m.

Monday, Oct. 23

• The Oberlin Conservatory of Music, 10:50 a.m.
• Mount Holyoke College, 2:45 p.m.

More info. For questions, email Counseling Secretary Carol Bristol at chbristol@seattleschools.org

Fall Sports Kick Off

Follow all the fall teams' schedules on the Metro Athletics Ballard page. (Check often, as times and locations can change) and get important news and information on the Ballard High School Athletics webpage.

Soccer Nets Winning Opener

Girls Soccer kicked off its non-conference league opener against Mountlake Terrace at home Saturday, netting a 3-0 win. The JV and JVC teams scrimmaged before the varsity game too. Photo of the three squads c/o and follow @ballardgirlsoccer.

Beaver Football 1-0

Congratulations to the Beaver Football team who beat Ingraham on the road in a high scoring first game 43-41 Friday in front of a spirited Beaver Brigade!

The home opener is 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 15 against Roosevelt at Memorial Stadium.

Follow the team, schedule and game highlights on Max Preps.

Swim Dives into Season Sept. 8

Girls Swim & Dive will splash into their fall campaign against Lincoln at 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 8 at Queen Anne Pool. Go Beavers!

First home meet is 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 15 against Roosevelt. Come root on the team!

3 Days of Home Volleyball

Come cheer on the Volleyball team as they host three matches at their homecourt at the Beaver Dam this week!

• 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 5 vs. Kamiak
• 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept 6 vs. Rainier Beach and
• 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9 vs. Edmonds-Woodway

Future Athletics Action

Cross Country has their first meet 3:40 p.m. start girls, 4:10 p.m. start boys Wednesday, Sept. 13 at Lincoln Park.

Golf tees off their season 3:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 11 at Jackson Park against Ingraham.

Slowpitch kicks off the season 4 p.m. Monday, Sept. 18 against Cleveland at Georgetown Field.

Fall Athletics Info.

BHS Athletic Booster Club Meeting Sept. 11

The Athletic Booster Club (ABC) is a volunteer group of parents working together to support, promote, and advocate for all BHS athletes with the BHS Athletic Director and Coaches. Our focus is on programs that benefit all Ballard HS athletes.

• So, your student is playing sports at Ballard! Are you looking for just the right low-key volunteer opportunity with a great group of people?

• Are you interested in fostering school-wide athletic community and reducing barriers to play for all BHS athletes? Do you like to help parents connect with coaches and each other? We have a spot for you!

• Think you can pitch in to support your student’s team or Ballard Athletics in general?

If it's yes to any of these, please come to the ABC Meeting at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 11 at the Ballard Elks, 6411 Seaview Ave. N.W.

Even more information is available on our ABC Website and on the Ballard HS Athletics pages too! If you’d like to talk to someone about specifics, please email our Community Outreach Chair, Beth Sylves at bhsabcmemberships@gmail.com. We would love to work with you!

Breakfast of Champions Coming Oct. 7

Mark your calendars and buy your tickets today for the Ballard High School Foundation and Athletic Booster Club's fundraising Breakfast of Champions event at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 7 in the BHS Commons!

A special keynote speaker will focus on how sports participation has inspired and fueled their success off the field. Proceeds from the pancake breakfast will support mental health programs for all students.

The "Empowering Women Through Sports" themed event will celebrate 50+ years of Title IX, and honor our first Woman of Impact, BHS alum Sue Stimac Verduin '78.

Sue is a member of the Seattle Public Schools Athletic Hall of Fame (receiving the honor from KING-5's Paul Silvi) and the Seattle University Hall of Fame. She was a varsity letter athlete in tennis and basketball at Ballard, and the first female Beaver athlete to have her jersey retired. Sue is also Seattle University's first female basketball player to earn All-American Honors.

Ticket sales can be directed to your choice of Ballard Athletics sports team, Performing Arts, Cheer, or Dance Team.

Join Ballard Performing Arts at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 12 in the BHS Library for a special welcome to all new and returning Ballard Performing Arts family members.

Learn about the Ballard Performing Arts Booster Club and get some tips and tricks on how to support your child(ren) and how to stay informed and engaged this school year.

BPA Gear Fundraiser

Want to show your BPA pride around town? Grab a t-shirt or sweatshirt to wear to football games and parades this fall. Or just show up with Beaver pride at gigs throughout the year. Either way, this is the only place to get BPA branded gear this fall.

Place your order by Friday, Sept. 8 to get it before the first home football game. Order here.

Please Fill Out the DEI Committee Survey

Welcome back Beavers, and a special welcome to new students and families!

The PTSA's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee strives to:

• Create a safe space for students and families in our BHS to discuss experiences and resources.
• Provide and promote activities and enrichment experiences that elevate students and school families in our community, focusing on the information and skills necessary to improve equity.
• Facilitate direct access to school administration, allowing better communication between families and school administration.
• Advocate for and amplify diverse voices in the school community.

The following survey will help the PTSA's DEI Committee provide events and educational opportunities of interest. Thanks in advance and we hope to see you at a DEI Committee event in the future!

Learn more about the DEI Committee!

Equity Corner items are compiled by the PTSA DEI Committee.

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

Upcoming Events

Sept. 9 from 1-8 p.m. - Xopantla Tianquiztli Festival at Pier 62 in Seattle, WA - Saturday, September 9 - EverOut Seattle

“You’re all invited to learn, celebrate, and experience the beauty and richness of traditional Mexican arts and culture through a public market highlighting artists and local vendors from the region. As you admire the performers, you can shop, savor street-style Mexican food, sip and enjoy tequila-inspired concoctions, and be moved by what happens throughout the day.” 

September 9 Red Carpet Fashion Show – Evening of Elegance (redcarpetwa.com)

“These events allow local designers and vendors of hand-crafted items (highlighting designers from historically marginalized communities) to receive additional exposure to diverse local community members. The events also provide a safe environment to gather, amplify culture, and generally have a good time with local and national entertainers.”

September 10 Live Aloha (seattlecenter.com)

“Seattle Center Festál presents Live Aloha Hawaiian Cultural Festival in partnership with the Live Aloha Hawaiian Cultural Festival Committee. The festival shares cultural roots and contemporary influences of Hawaii through music, hula, ono food, marketplace, workshops, and more.”

In the News

Beyond Land Acknowledgement: Indigenous Advisory Council Hopes to Create Tangible Change in Seattle | South Seattle Emerald 

This Seattle Black oral history program gathers community stories before they’re lost (Seattle Times)

Local archaeology class unearths important piece of Japanese American history in North Seattle (Northwest Asian Weekly)