Welcome Back to School Beavers!
August 29, 2021
B H S C A L E N D A R


8:30 a.m. start new students | 10:45 a.m. start returning students

Sept. 6 | Labor Day, no school


Sept. 9 | PTSA Online Board Meeting, 7 p.m.

Sept. 17 | Makeup Picture Day
Sept. 23 | Online Curriculum Night, TBD

Sept. 27-Oct. 2 | Homecoming Week

Oct. 7 | PTSA Online Board Meeting, 5:30 p.m.


Oct. 8 | State In-Service Day, no school
ALL SCHOOL NEWS
See you Wednesday, Beavers!
#AG2BB! | Welcome to 2021-22 School Year! | Check out BHS!
From Principal Keven Wynkoop's August Family Letter:

"The first day of school is Wednesday, Sept. 1. I am excited about the district’s dual focus for the year of 180 Days of Excellence and a Culture of Care. There have been times when we have emphasized one of these ideals at the expense of the other and it is only when we have the right balance that we will both accelerate and nurture our students the way they need and deserve ..."
And welcome to the Class of 2025!
Also, pictured above, from @the_head_beaver: "9th grade orientation was so much fun! The Link Leaders were so adaptable moving outside and I saw lots of 9’s having fun."
First Day of School | Sept. 1 Special Bell Schedule
The first day of school we have a different schedule that invites students new to the building to go through their schedule in the morning before everyone else joins and the schedule is repeated.

Freshman, transfers and any student that was remote last year and wants help finding classes follows this schedule:
  • 8:30-9 – Pick up your Official Class Schedule & ORCA Card in the Commons
  • 9:05-9:15 – 1st Period Class
  • 9:20-9:30 – 2nd Period Class
  • 9:35-9:45 – 3rd Period Class
  • 9:50-10 – 4th Period Class
  • 10:05-10:15 – 5th Period Class
  • 10:20-10:30 – 6th Period Class
  • 10:35-11:05 – New Student Assembly in the Main Gym
  • 11:05-11:15 – Break

All Students (including those earlier in the day) follow this schedule:
  • 10:45-11:15 – Returning students pick up your Official Class Schedule & ORCA Card in the Commons
  • 11:20-11:50 – 1st Period Class
  • 11:55-12:25 – 2nd Period Class
  • 12:30-1:10 – Lunch
  • 1:15-1:45 – 3rd Period Class
  • 1:50-2:20 – 4th Period Class
  • 2:20-2:30 – Extended Passing Period
  • 2:30-3 – 5th Period Class
  • 3:05-3:35 – 6th Period Class
Picture Days & Laptop Distribution Sept. 2-3
School pictures are used for the yearbook and student ID cards so all students will get their picture taken. Students will be notified on the first day of school what day is their Picture/Laptop Distribution Day. Students will come home with a card with all the details for ordering picture packages. This year you do not need to pre-order/pre-pay for pictures.
 
Running Start students can get their pictures taken anytime on 9/2 & 9/3 and there will be a picture makeup day for all on Sept 17.
 
Please visit the School Website Featured News for complete details.
Ballard High School Yearbook Sales | The Shingle
Yearbook sales dates are established in accordance with state tax policies. "The Shingle" Yearbooks are sold during break, lunch, and after school in the Activity Center and online through the Source/SchoolPay. No yearbook sales between April 30 and Beaver Day, June 3. Pre-Sold yearbooks will be distributed on Beaver Day, June 3. Yearbook sales resume June 6 following Beaver Day until books are sold out.

  • 9/7/21-9/28/21 $50 with Activity Card (plus $35 if ASB card needs to be purchased)
  • 1/3/22-1/23/22 $55 with Activity Card (plus $35 if ASB card needs to be purchased)
  • 4/4/22-4/29/22 $55 with Activity Card (plus $35 if ASB card needs to be purchased) (Excludes Spring Break – 4/11– 4/15)

ASB Activity Card purchase details
All students who tryout/participate in a Ballard athletic team or perform in a music group must purchase a BHS Associated Student Body (ASB) Activity Card for $35. The card allows students to receive free admission to BHS home games (discounted for Football games). They will also get a discount on the price of a yearbook.

Parents/guardians may pay via SchoolPay on the Source. Activity Cards are sold daily during break, lunch, and after school in the Activity Center. Please bring exact cash or a check payable to BHS in the amount of $35. Your student ID card becomes an ASB card when you have the ASB sticker attached to your card. More info.
Transportation | How to pick up an ORCA Card
All SPS high school students will receive an ORCA card. The district will send a transportation form/one day bus pass to be used for the first day of school. Be sure your student brings the signed transportation form to school on the first day to be exchanged for their ORCA card.

Visit the BHS ORCA Card & Shuttle Bus Info page for more information. For transportation questions please call the SPS Transportation department at (206) 252-0900.
One lunch, free lunch this year
Ballard High School will be offering one lunch service this school year. Students will be allowed to spread out at common spaces around campus and there will be a large outdoor tent for use in inclement weather as well.

The school moved to one lunch to allow students to be everywhere in the building without having to limit certain spaces.

During the 2021-22 school year, breakfast and lunch will be provided at no cost for all students at all SPS schools. Students can also, of course, opt to brown bag it from home too.
Electronic Start of School Forms
Required Start of School Forms will be done electronically again this year and need to be completed either online with the fillable forms or downloaded and returned to Ballard HS.

We are providing the forms/information online via the district Start of Schools page and a Ballard HS Start of School email will be sent to families. Paper copies of all forms will available outside the Main Office. Watch for updates coming later this week from Ballard HS on how to complete the process
Website redesign has fun new features
The Ballard HS School Website has been redesigned! Check out ballardhs.seattleschools.org on your desktop or on your phone for the mobile-friendly design.

The new website includes helpful features including:
 
  • A new I want to… button at the top of the page with quick links;
  • Resources section with links to BHS specific pages;
  • A Popular Student & Family Logins with helpful links to the Source, Schoology, Clever, Tech Support and more.
  • Website theme art ("The Great Ta'manimas") from Squaxin Island Tribal Artist Andrea Wilbur Sigo. More info here.
  • Please note: You may see some “404 error – Page not Found” messages as we continue to update PDFs and links. If you need help locating info, email webmaster Diane Taylor at [email protected].
LIVE 6:45 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 29! Ballard HS Foundation's
Celebrating All Things Ballard Online Auction!
The Ballard High School Foundation’s Dinner Of Champions “Celebrating All Things Ballard” online auction culminates in a Virtual Auction Event at 6:45 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 29, providing support for BHS Athletics, Performing Arts, Cheer and Dance.

The event will feature a preview of the new mural at Ballard High School Field, funded by generous donations last year. Wait until you see what we have accomplished! Streamed straight to you in your living room, our annual host --the inimitable Stephen Kilbreath -- will once again be host, auctioneer, and interviewer for a great night of fun and support.
Fund a Need | BPA Music Lessons for ALL
This year's Fund a Need will benefit Ballard Performing Arts, ensuring that all music program students have access to private instruction. More info.
LIBRARY
New titles shelved and ready for BeaverReaders!
THANKS to the BeaverReaders and parents who showed up at Aug. 19 work party to get the library ready for the year! We had students, staff and parents help with processing and shelving beautiful new titles!

With laptop distribution on Sept. 2-3, students can start checking out books, games, and puzzles! Go to Schoology to see what events we have ahead from pictures on the 2nd and 3rd, to community service hours before and after school, and the start of clubs like Ballard Comic Book Club on Wednesdays and soon to be decided Beaver Book Club.

Stop by if you are interested in helping the library and making new friends. There are new clubs being formed as we speak- join us and to learn more follow us on Instagram at @beaverreadersbhs.
COUNSELING CENTER
Class schedule change process
Preliminary student schedules are now available on the Source. Students pick up their official class schedule on the First Day of School, Sept. 1, following the Special Bell Schedule for that day.

If there is an ERROR on your class schedule please email your counselor directly. Do not call the Main Office to inquire about a schedule change. Counselors are not available for 1-on-1 appointments right now, but will reply to your email as soon as they are able.
 
Requests will be processed in this order:
  • Class missing that is needed for senior graduation,
  • Wrong level of class,
  • Required class omitted,
  • Schedule changes will not be made for electives OR to request a different teacher.

Students are assigned to counselors by the first letter of their last name: Sonja Petersen A-Ci | Sarah Bowman Cj-Han | Tom Kramer Hao-Mci | Gail Olson Laing Mcj-Sch | and Leti Bravo Sci-Z.
 
Please refer to the Student Class Schedule Featured News page for more specific details and information.

More information on the Counseling Center webpage. Follow and meet the @bhsschoolcounselors (above) on their Instagram page!
BALLARD PERFORMING ARTS
Uniform Fittings | Sign up here; volunteers needed too
All band and orchestra students need to be fitted for uniforms. For complete details visit the Ballard Performing Arts website: https://www.ballardperformingarts.org/

Volunteers are NEEDED to help with uniform fittings. Please check the SignUp Genius to participate. Seniors and Section Leaders are invited to sign up to assist and earn volunteer hours.
ATHLETICS
BHS Girls Golf | Not too late!
golf5.jpg
The Girls Golf Team is still looking for players, it is not too late to sign up! Complete your paperwork on FinalForms. Contact Head Coach Scott Cachopo at [email protected] with any questions or once school starts stop by his room.
Slow Pitch Softball Update
Slow Pitch Softball team update from Coach Dale Griffith: "Families, as we await an increase in student registration for Slow Pitch Softball; we will continue our Strength & Conditioning program this coming Tuesday and Thursday at 9 a.m. in the Weight Room (located between the tennis courts and football field)! Thanks and Go Beavers!"

Interested? Contact Coach Griffith at [email protected].
BHS PTSA CONNECTIONS
Thank you parent volunteers!
All slots are filled for our back to school volunteer needs! We are reminded once again how fantastic our Ballard High School community is. Thank you to those who signed up!

If you didn’t get a chance to sign up and would still like to be considered for future opportunities, please email our volunteer coordinator Sarah Visser at [email protected]

More information on the Volunteer Needs page too.
Staff training appreciation
The Ballard PTSA was excited to share coffee and treats with our teachers and staff back in the building last week.

Thanks and welcome to our new PTSA Staff Appreciation Coordinators Lisa Vanderford-Anderson and Michelle Peters!
BHS PTSA is on Facebook!
Follow us on Friends of Ballard High School for all school updates including a link to the PTSA Newsletter too!

Follow us on BHS Class of 2022 Parents Page if you have a Senior this year and want the latest updates and checklists!
And Instagram too!
Also keep track of PTSA initiatives and school activities on our Instagram page @bhs.ptsa
Want to add another email address?
The PTSA Newsletter comes out weekly on Sunday mornings during the school year with important BHS news and information.

Please contact the PTSA Newsletter Editor if you'd like to add a secondary email address to the newsletter mail list.

We can also send Newsletters to students but only using a personal email address and not their Seattle schools email address.

Please include the student's grade level so we add the new email to the correct mail list group. Email to [email protected]
OFFICE NOTES
Need to reach staff in the Main Office?
While the building is still closed for parent visitors, the Main Office is staffed weekdays.

You can contact the Main Office at 206-252-1000.

Alternatively, you can email your questions to BHS Administrative Secretary Cindy Peterson at [email protected].

Sports questions can be sent to Athletics Secretary Bethany Nielcen at [email protected]
Free & Reduced Price Meals
Application could lower some fees
Students approved for free and reduced price meals may be eligible to receive reduced fees for the following programs:


Please visit the district School Meal Fee Assistance page for application and more information.
SPS UPDATES
Stay connected to SPS
Virtual SPS Town Hall
Join district leaders for a virtual town hall to get the latest updates on fall planning and to ask questions:


The event will be hosted on Teams Live and streamed to Facebook, YouTube, and SPSTV.

You can watch a recording of this week’s Virtual Town Hall on Health and Safety Protocols.
Health and Safety Protocols
SPS continues to follow the guidance of public health experts on what effective strategies work in our buildings. These include staff vaccinationsmasking, COVID testing, physical distancing, cleaning/disinfecting, hand washing, strong ventilation, and contact tracing in partnership with Public Health King County & Seattle. We are pleased to announce that we are also adding COVID-19 testing for students and staff with COVID-like symptoms or a known exposure.
SPS Let's Talk offers outlet to answer questions
Let’s Talk! (or the "Contact Us" feature at the bottom of SPS webpages) is great for Community-initiated two-way communication with central office or school staff via phone call, text message, email, or online form.

Mark your calendars for this year's online BHS PTSA meeting dates!
The BHS PTSA looks forward to sharing dynamic programs for our schoolwide General Meetings this school year!

Make sure to put our General Meetings on your calendar, all at 7 p.m. via Microsoft Teams

  • Fall, Program TBA, Thursday, Oct. 7

  • Winter, Program TBA, Thursday, Feb. 10.

  • PTSA volunteer & educator awards event, Thursday, June 9.

Please also note the following Board Meeting dates on your calendars! These meetings include committee updates and we'd love to have you join us!

Board Meeting dates:
7 p.m. Thursdays via Teams: Sept. 9 | Nov. 4 | Dec. 2 | Jan. 6 | March 3 | April 7 | May 5

5:30 p.m. Thursdays via Teams, (before our 7 p.m. PTSA General Meetings): Oct. 7 | Feb. 10 | June 9

More PTSA Updates Coming!
We can't wait to share some of our fall initiatives in the coming weeks! Look for details in our next newsletters on:

Membership Signup | New BHS PTSA Website | PTSA Board Welcome/Introductions!

You can always reach out to the PTSA team at [email protected]!
Support BHS PTSA while you shop
Passive fundraising programs are easy ways to support BHS academics and PTSA initiatives while you do your back to school shopping!
Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to BHS PTSA. Check out the AmazonSmile information page to learn about using AmazonSmile and select “Ballard High School PTSA, Seattle, WA.” Thank you!
To participate at Fred Meyer stores, link your Shoppers Card card to the BHS PTSA (code MJ933). Once your card is linked, all you have to do is swipe your Shopper's Card while paying for your purchases. More info: Community Rewards.
LEGISLATIVE CORNER
Summer-End Legislative Update
BHS PTSA Legislative Liaison Brian Duncan's Summer-End Update includes the National PTA's Virtual Town Hall opportunity below!
First Lady Dr. Jill Biden will be joining our "Back to Class" virtual town hall LIVE on Wednesday, Sept. 1 at 10 a.m. (Seattle time) on the National PTA Facebook page.
Dr. Biden joins an all-star lineup of experts, including the director of the CDCSecretary Miguel Cardona, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics and more, all moderated by NBC NewsKate Snow to give the information and resources you need to have a successful and safe school year.
Watch on the National PTA Facebook page via Facebook.com/ParentTeacherAssociation/
Community Resources
What are Community Resources?

The BHS PTSA offers Community Resources for informational purposes & does not necessarily support activities or views presented therein.

To provide a Community Resource item, email [email protected].
TeenTix opens arts & cultural events around town
TeenTix art partners are opening up again! This means all teens (13-19 years old) can sign up for a FREE TeenTix pass to access their favorite museums, plays, concerts, and more for just $5.

Through TeenTix's handy events calendar, teens can find in-person and online art events of all genres at any of its 70+ partner organizations. Plus, its E-Newsletter provides weekly updates. Relevant ticket and bus info included to make these events as accessible as possible. 
 
To learn more and sign up for a TeenTix pass today, SEE HERE 
Teen actors sought for Penguin Productions play
Register now for Penguin Productions' Fall Play, Metamorphoses by Mary Zimmerman
 
Tony Award-winning Mary Zimmerman’s smash hit Metamorphoses is a play of such grace and beauty that the memory of it lingers long after the lights have gone down. Experience magic and enchantment, bawdy humor and deep sincerity, told in a provocative mix of both contemporary and classic styles.

Ages: 14-19
Rehearsal: Oct. 11-Dec. 3
Performances: Dec. 5-6

Call for STG Volunteers
Seattle Theatre Group is pleased to announce an open call for volunteers for the 2021-2022 season and beyond. We also have opportunities to earn community service hours for high school students.

To begin the application process and inquire further about the benefits of the STG Volunteer program, email [email protected].

UW Fall Youth & Teen Programs
Fall Registration is Open! UW Youth and Teen Programs is excited to announce a variety of evening remote courses
for high school students who seek out-of-school (not for credit) enrichment opportunities. 
 
Coding in Java
Coding in Python
Intensive Screenwriting Workshop
Natural Science Illustration Studio
Writing for College Readiness
 
Visit our website for registration information and course details!
Team Read coaches needed
Team Read is currently accepting reading coach applications for the 2021-22 school year in Seattle.

Students in grades 9-12 are eligible to receive hourly pay or service learning hours
.
The deadline for Seattle applications is Sept. 15. More info.
Young Writers Cohort
Applications are now open for Hugo House's Young Writers Cohort! 

The Young Writers Cohort is a year-long writing program for high school students who are devoted to improving their craft while also building community with fellow young writers. 

This year, Hugo House offers three Cohorts: Prose, Poetry, and Online. While all Cohorts will start the year online, the hope is that the Prose and Poetry Cohorts can transition to meeting in-person, while the purpose of the Online Cohort is to allow access for students who cannot meet in-person.

Learn more and apply. Applications due Sept. 6.
Teen Link 'Where to Turn for Teens'
Where to Turn for Teens (WTTFTs) is a resource guide created by Teen Link especially for youth in King, Pierce, and Snohomish County, covering important topics like:

  • Alcohol & Drugs
  • Dating & Domestic Violence
  • Eating Disorders
  • LGBTQIA+
  • Homelessness & Running Away
  • Suicide

The goal of WTTFTs is to make sure teens are aware of the many youth-friendly resources that exist and empower youth to seek help with the support of others.

Teen Link is a program of Crisis Connections that serves youth in Washington State.
Do You Have an Announcement for the BHS PTSA Newsletter?
Submit content (appropriate and relevant to Ballard High School or Community) by 5 p.m. Thursday (1 or 2 weeks before your event ) to the BHS Newsletter Editor email at [email protected]. Please submit posts no more than 100 words and include relevant URLs, contact info and a small graphic (if available). Editor has full discretion over what is published. The BHS PTSA provides Community News for purely informational purposes and does not necessarily support the activities or views presented therein.