October 3, 2021
BHS CALENDAR

Oct. 5 | Photo Retake Day


Oct. 7 | PTSA Online Fall General Meeting | Contact Tracing at BHS, 7 p.m. (Board Mtg at 5:30 p.m.)

Oct. 8 In-Service Day, no school

AND Home Football vs. Seattle Prep, 7:45 p.m., Memorial (Band Sr Night)
Oct. 9 | Goodwill Truck at BHS, BPA benefit, 9-noon

AND HPV/COVID/FLU Vaccine Clinic @ BHS, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Oct. 12 | BPA Boosters Meeting, 6 p.m.


Oct. 14 | Football Senior Night; 6:30 p.m., O'Dea @ Memorial Stadium (& band)

Nov. 11 | Veterans Day, no school

Nov. 16 | Grad Ads Due


Nov. 30 | Beauty & Beast auditions start, 3:45 p.m.

Dec. 2 | PTSA Board Meeting, 7 p.m.

Dec. 17 | One Hour Early Dismissal for Winter Break (Dec. 20-Jan. 2)

ALL SCHOOL NEWS
PTSA Oct. 7 General Meeting
How Does BHS Contact Tracing Work?
The Ballard High School PTSA looks forward to seeing you at our 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 7 General Meeting via Teams!

We will be introducing our 2021-22 Board, sharing some of our upcoming initiatives, and voting on our 2021-22 Budget and Standing Rules. (Please review the linked documents.)

OCT. 7 FALL GENERAL MEETING LINK | 7 P.M. ON TEAMS

Also, we'll have an important program on our building response to COVID cases as they happen. Families may feel anxious about how contact tracing and quarantine protocols will affect their student.

While SPS has information posted and updated on its Contact Tracing and Quarantine Protocols webpage, our special guest, School Nurse Laurie Tirtanadi, RN, MS, ARNP, will detail how this looks in the BHS building.

Share your COVID health and safety questions with Nurse Tirtanadi on button linked here:
Join us for A Conversation with Jesse Hagopian
Join us for "A Conversation with Jesse Hagopian" Oct. 6 at 7 p.m via Zoom.
Presented by the Lincoln High School PTSA's DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) Committee, as part of its yearlong speaker series to listen, learn and cultivate a school community where all students of all backgrounds and identities feel welcome, safe, supported and successful.

This amazing opportunity to support these goals is co-hosted by the Ballard High School, Roosevelt High School, Hamilton Middle School, McClure Middle School and Whitman Middle School PTSAs.

Jesse Hagopian is an award-winning educator and a leading voice on issues of educational equity, standardized testing, the Black Lives Matter at School movement, and social justice unionism. He is an editor for Rethinking Schools magazine, a co-editor of the books Black Lives Matter at School and Teaching for Black Lives, a public speaker, organizer, and Ethnic Studies teacher at Seattle’s Garfield High School.

Please take a moment to register for this free and informative ZOOM event that is open to all. Texting TableTalks to 41444 helps organizers know approximately how many guests will attend the meeting. (Also, note that some emails from the TableTalks platform may end up in your email server's promotions/spam folder.) Or you can also just join the talk via Zoom at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 6. More information here.
BHS tradition continues, complete with Disney Magic
Homecoming Week back in the Dam!
BHS Homecoming spirit was back in the building last week, touched by the magic of this year's theme, Disney.

ASB leaders worked hard to create a week that was memorable, featuring Dress-up Days, Club Rush, hallway decorating (pictures from @the_head_beaver) and the Buff Puff volleyball game (won by the seniors this year.)

The week culminated with the BEAVAPALOOZA! Homecoming Football Game. Fans brightened the Memorial Stadium stands with neon colors, festival fun and glitter. The Marching Band wowed with its halftime Guardians of the Galaxy theme performance!
Curriculum Night videos still available to watch
Virtual Curriculum Night Videos are available to watch through the month of October on the teachers' Schoology pages.

Start on the Curriculum Overview news page to find videos about the school (like Ms. Chambers' Library Tour, above), and then follow the instructions to teacher Schoology pages for their videos. Enjoy!

Other School-Wide Welcome Videos:
Photo Retakes Oct. 5 in Activity Center
Smile! Photo Retake Day will be on Oct. 5. Students may go to the Activity Center during lunch or during the passing time between 2nd-3rd and 3rd-4th periods to have their pictures taken.

Students who haven’t ordered a print picture package, but want a retake for a better ID and yearbook picture, need to bring $5 with them on retake day which will be collected when they check in for their retake (cash or check - just in case anyone asks).

More info on the Photo Retake Day page.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
FREE HPV, COVID-19 & FLU VACCINATIONS
Outdoor Vaccination Event at BHS Oct. 9
In partnership with the American Cancer Society, Swedish is hosting a FREE outdoor vaccination event for HPV, COVID-19 and Flu vaccinations 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 9 at Ballard High School.

ELIGIBILITY: HPV: 9 -19 years old; COVID-19: 12 & older; Flu: 6 months & older 

All vaccines are administered at no cost. Seattle Public School students, faculty, families and community members are welcome. More information here or on the linked graphic.
SVNA Fall Flu Shot Clinic goes thru Oct. 21
Seattle Visiting Nurse Association (SVNA) will be offering flu shot clinics through Oct. 21. All SPS students, families and staff are welcome to attend. Flu shots will be free for those with insurance, including Apple Health. Appointments will be required.

Six of these regional clinics will also offer COVID-19 vaccines for students, staff and families who are 12 and older. COVID-19 clinics are in partnership with Safeway/Albertsons Pharmacy and Public Health Seattle King County.
ASSESSMENTS
Assessments all for grade levels on Oct. 13
Assessments for all BHS students will occur on Wednesday, Oct. 13. More information on all tests below, SAT details are below in the SENIORS section.

Please visit the Ballard Assessments Overview page for more resources and information.
School Day PSAT for all Sophomores & Juniors
college_student_study.jpg
All Ballard Sophomores and Juniors will be automatically enrolled in the Wednesday, Oct. 13 PSAT. Room assignments and testing schedule will be posted in the next couple of weeks. There will be no classes on Oct. 13 and students will be dismissed after testing.

Students should have received a PSAT student guide in their LA class. Extras are available in the Counseling Office, or online copy linked here.

Visit the Free Practice for the PSAT/NMSQT at CollegeBoard. The PSAT/NMSQT is the route of entry into the National Merit Scholarship Program.

More information on the PSAT information page.
Freshman Assessments Oct. 13
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During their Wednesday, Oct. 13 Fall Assessment, 9th grade students will take the Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA) in Math, English Language Arts (ELA) and Science (WCAS) for their 20-21 school year grade. State assessments provide a common measure of student progress at the school, district and state levels. 

Room assignments and testing schedule will be posted soon. There will be no classes on Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021. Students will be dismissed after testing. Extra time will be available after lunch from 1:35–2:20 p.m. if needed. More information on the Freshman Assessments page.

Very Important SPS Laptop Requirements!
  • Students must bring a SPS laptop in order to take the assessments. They cannot test on a personal laptop.
  • Students must go to the BHS library now if they do not have a SPS laptop. SPS laptops will not be available for students on the assessments day
  • Student must bring their SPS laptops charged AND bring their chargers
  • Students will need to bring headphones that work with the SPS laptops for the SBA ELA test.  A limited quantity may be available.
  • Students that come without a SPS laptop will not be able to take the assessments.
Help testing students by donating snacks
BHS Families: We would like to provide some snacks for the upcoming full day of assessments on Oct. 13. If you are able, we would appreciate you donating a Costco-sized box of granola bars or fruit snacks to keep our scholars functioning at their best.

Please send the donations to the Main Office with your student or bring it to school and call 206-252-1000 and the office staff will come out and grab it from you. Thank you!
Important! Payment window closes Nov. 5!
AP Exams Pre-Registration details here
AP Exams will be given over May 2-13 at Ballard HS. Students must register and pay for their AP Exams by Nov. 5 on SchoolPay via the Parent Source Account.


  • Students who complete the FRL application by Oct. 15, but do not qualify may receive a 50% financial scholarship towards AP exam fees (until the scholarship funds run out). Please contact Ms. Kazanjian before Nov. 2.

Students must be currently enrolled in an AP class at BHS to register for the corresponding AP test. Registrations that are not paid by Nov. 5 will be cancelled and exams will not be ordered.

Visit the BHS AP Exams Information page for more details and updates. Please direct questions to Mr. Broom at [email protected].
SENIORS
Class of 2022 Graduation Date details
The Ballard High School Graduation has been scheduled for 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 15 at Memorial Stadium.

Also, make sure to check out the Senior Class page on the BHS website and follow the BHS Class of 22 Parents Facebook page.
JOIN SPREE COMMITTEE
Let's plan to celebrate our '22 Grads!
Will your kid be a senior at Ballard High School this year? Would you like to help organize a great event for your graduating student and all the other seniors, and help keep them safe on graduation night? We need your help! Be a member of the SPREE 2022 Committee!

The SPREE is the fantastic and super fun party that seniors go to after graduation. It’s a great way to have an all-out celebration for the seniors while ensuring they are in a safe environment. In order to have the SPREE, though, a SPREE committee needs to be assembled to organize the event. If you are interested in helping please contact Becky Moore at [email protected].
Senior SATs scheduled for Oct. 13
All Ballard Seniors will be automatically enrolled in the Oct. 13 School Day SAT. BHS will have more specific instructions posted for students and families soon!
BHS Counselors want to encourage all 12th graders to take the SAT as it is an opportunity to meet the Graduation Pathway requirement. The Graduation Pathway requirement can be met a few different ways, including taking and earning a cut score on the SBA, SAT or ACT. Or also, by taking and passing a college-level English and college-level math course. Since 12th graders didn’t have the opportunity the past two years to try one of the test options this is important for them to take advantage of the opportunity.

Here's an SAT Student Guide. Also, visit the Free SAT Practice at CollegeBoard and the district SAT pages. In addition view CollegeBoard SAT, for helpful tips and resources.

Senior Yearbook Pictures | 10/29 submission deadline
CLASS OF 2022 – Senior yearbook pictures are due by Oct. 29. You may be contacted by Rowland Studios to have your senior portrait taken; however, you may use any photographer.

Your senior yearbook portrait needs to meet the requirements on the Senior Portraits & Grad Ads page.
Send your congratulations with a Grad Ad
Grad Ads are an opportunity for families to submit digital photos and a personal message for graduating seniors.

Photo and message parameters are on the Senior Portraits & Grad Ads page. Payment and submission deadline: Nov. 16.
LIBRARY
This week in the BHS Library ~ Four Day edition!
Ms. Chambers and Ms. Elam are still in a playful mood after a spirited Homecoming Week, as evidenced by their Beaver floats repurposed as epic reading loungers! More BHS library hijinks on the @BeaverReadersbhs Instagram page.

The Library is packing in the fun during this short, four-day week! Here's what's on tap:

  • Want to help shape programming at the BHS Library? Check out Library Leaders at 1 p.m. on Monday.
  • The Comic Book Club meets at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, reading Ms. Marvel 2, Spiderman and Deadpool.

Head to Schoology to check out the library meeting schedule! You can always check out book club titles and explore all library titles at Bit.ly/ballardlibrary.
Student Math Tutors Offering Morning Help
Math Tutors will be available in the BHS Library. Stop by on: Monday and Wednesday (also on Fridays, beginning Oct. 15), from 8-8:30 a.m. More details to follow!
CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS
So many ways to engage at Club Rush
Thanks for checking out Club Rush! If you couldn't make it or if one caught your eye but you can't remember the meeting date, check out the Clubs and Organizations page!

Clubs offer a great opportunity for students to socialize with their peers and explore interests. We currently have 45+ clubs starting, listed in the box below!

Reach out to [email protected] or the Ballard HS Activity Coordinator Laura Lehni with any questions at [email protected].
COUNSELING CENTER
Counseling Center Overview has helpful resources
The Counseling Center Overview offers helpful information for students and families. Looking for College Visits & Events, Applying to College Resources including Scholarships or Jobs & Internships? Refer to links on this frequently updated page.

Also, remember to check out the Counseling Center News Page for breaking news and new opportunities.
College Admissions & Options Presentation to Seniors
The BHS Counselors presented to all seniors an overview of the College Admissions & Options Resources in their Language Arts classes at the end of September.
 
Please review the attached PowerPoint for important and helpful information for Senior Families. In addition look over these flyers as well.
 
 
This information is also posted on the BHS Counselors Schoology page and the Applying to College page on the school website.
BHS Financial Aid Info Night | Oct. 26 at 7 pm | Teams
Please join the BHS Counselors and special guests for an online Financial Aid Night. While all BHS families are welcome to attend, this presentation will be most relevant for current junior and senior families.
Join the Meeting (linked here) starting at 6:45 p.m. Event starts at 7 p.m.

Agenda
  • 7 p.m. Welcome from BHS Counselors
  • Kelsey Peronto (pictured) our Seattle Promise Outreach Specialist will talk about the Seattle Promise Scholarship
  • David Aramaki is a financial professional and a member of the Pacific Northwest Association for College Admissions Counseling. He speaks to area high schools and local media about college financing.
  • Q & A from 8-8:15 p.m.
 
Please visit our BHS Counselors Applying to College page for helpful information for Ballard families.
Scholarship Bulletins/Naviance share options
Review the published October & November SPS Scholarship Bulletin | This bulletin shows scholarships with a due date in October or November. A full comprehensive scholarship list, with due dates beyond November, can be found on Naviance.
 
In addition, please view other posted scholarship opportunities as they become available on the school website Scholarship page.
Juniors & Seniors Sign Up for Virtual College Visits
Log onto Naviance and select “What’s New” to see the College list and select “More Info” to sign up for visits. Email Counseling Secretary Carol Bristol, [email protected] if you have any questions at all.

Students you may use the Commons Area as a space to access the virtual visits on their laptop with appropriate social distancing.

Refer to the College Visit page for the more helpful information.
Upcoming College Visits:
  • Oct. 4 at 9 a.m. -- Northwestern University (Evanston, IL)
  • Oct. 5 at 9 a.m. -- California Lutheran University
  • Oct. 5 at noon -- Loyola University of Maryland
  • Oct. 5 at 1:35 p.m. -- Knox College (Galesburg, IL)
  • Oct. 5 at 2:40 p.m. -- Swiss Education Group (alliance of hospitality management schools based in Switzerland)

  • Oct. 6 at 8:45 a.m. -- George Washington University (Washington D.C.)
  • Oct. 6 at 9:35 a.m. -- Linfield University (McMinnville, OR)
  • Oct. 6 at 10:30 a.m. -- Whitworth University
  • Oct. 6 at 11:20 a.m. -- Pacific Northwest College of Art
  • Oct. 6 at 12:45 p.m. -- Sarah Lawrence College (Bronxville, NY)
  • Oct. 6 at 1:35 p.m. -- Gonzaga University (Applying to Gonzaga University? Contact BHS Counselor Ms. Sarah Bowman at [email protected] for an application fee waiver!)

  • Oct. 7 at 9 a.m. -- Louisiana State University
  • Oct. 7 at 9:50 a.m. -- Scripps College (Claremont, CA)
  • Oct. 7 at noon -- Boston Conservatory at Berklee
  • Oct. 7 at 1:35 p.m. -- Boston University
  • Oct. 7 at 2:40 p.m. -- Hult Intl. Business School (Cambridge, MA)
WSU Regents Scholarship
Seniors who are interested in going to WSU and have a 3.6 or higher cumulative GPA should talk to their school counselor before Friday, Oct. 8 about the possibility of being nominated for the Regents Scholarship Program. Nominees who complete the student application process will receive a Regents Scholars award, which provides $4,000 per academic year for four years to WSU.

Those students will then compete for the Distinguished Regents Scholars Award, which covers full tuition and fees for four years, approximately $42,000. For more information: https://admission.wsu.edu/scholarships/scholarship-awards/regents/.
Apply Now for 2022-23 Financial Aid 
Students can apply for financial aid for the 2022-23 school year. With all the uncertainty caused by COVID, education beyond high school is more important than ever. Applying for financial aid gives you more options for the future. 
In Washington, there are two ways to apply for financial aid:
 
  • Most people should complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). The FAFSA is used by U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens to apply for both state and federal financial aid. 
  • The WASFA (Washington Application for State Financial Aid) is an application for state financial aid only. The WASFA is for people who are undocumented or who do not qualify for federal aid because of their immigration status, and can be used in limited circumstances by others who cannot or choose not to file a FAFSA.

Applying for financial aid is a crucial first step toward college or job training. Many families assume they won’t qualify, but there’s more help available than ever before. This year, a family of four making up to $102,000 can qualify for financial aid in Washington. The only way to know for sure if you’re eligible is to apply. Learn more, get support, and apply for financial aid at wsac.wa.gov/apply
BALLARD PERFORMING ARTS
The Band is Back! Homecoming Edition
So great to see the Ballard High School Marching Band back at Memorial Stadium for the Oct. 1 Homecoming Game!

On Oct. 8 at the 7:45 p.m. Seattle Prep game, it's Senior Night for Band Members! Seniors will get a photo with their family and Director Jay Gillespie on the Memorial Stadium field!

The band will play in the stands at the final Oct. 14 home game against O'Dea at 6:30 p.m.

The Marching band will also participate in the Veteran's Day parade in Auburn on November 6, one of the largest Veteran's Day parades in the country. More details soon.
Choir Camp a Singing Success!
Choir Director Ms. Courtney Rowley and the Choir Reps did a great job organizing the Choir Camp last weekend, at Camp Burton on Vashon Island.

More than 100 Choir students met up at school on Friday night for group bonding activities and planning for the school year. Advanced Chorale and Concert Choir headed to Camp Burton on Saturday.

The best part of the day was the singing, hanging out with friends, and walking on the beach. Thank you to the chaperones who volunteered and hope everyone had a wonderful experience!
Ballard Fiddlers Start on Oct. 5
​Starting Tuesday, Oct. 5, the Fiddlers will meet weekly on Tuesdays in the main band/orchestra rehearsal room from 6:30-8 p.m. with new instructors Amanda Fitch and Shelley Weiss.  

All string instrument students from all BHS orchestras are welcome! More information on the BPA Website.
Fill the Goodwill Trailers for BPA on Oct. 9
The Goodwill trailers will be parked in the north parking lot on Saturday, Oct. 9 from 9 a.m. to noon (or until the trailers fill). We will accept clothing, toys, shoes, books, accessories, electronics, cell phones, small furniture (3’x3’ only), and more. BPA receives $600/trailer so please donate your unwanted items (exceptions are baby furniture, broken items and trash). BPA will also be collecting Ballard Market receipts.
ATHLETICS
Winter sports around the corner
BHS Gymnastics
Interested in joining the Ballard Gymnastics Team this winter? Email [email protected] to get more info. No experience necessary!

BHS Girls Basketball
Fall workouts, open to ALL interested. Tryouts for the season begin November 15! Open gyms: Monday & Wednesday mornings 6:30-8 a.m.

Strength & Conditioning: Fridays 7-8 a.m. with Coach Matthiesen ([email protected]).

Please reach out to Coach Michelle Gallagher ([email protected]) if you have any questions. 

BHS Girls Wrestling
Hey Ladies! The GIRLS wrestling team, Yes Girls team, not coed team, the girls wrestling team will be having a preseason meeting this Wednesday, Oct. 6, right after school in room N214. Washington is home to some of the best lady grapplers in the USA right now, what’s stopping you from joining that group? Come to the meeting and let Coach Jared Daniels answer any questions you may have! More information, [email protected]
Ballard Football hosts two more home games
What a great crowd for the Homecoming Game! The Beavers are back at Memorial Stadium to face the Seattle Prep Panthers at 7:45 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 8. Next week, the team hosts O'Dea on Oct. 14.

Football games are also streamed on the BHS Athletics YouTube Channel and via live Metro broadcast on Rainier Avenue Radio. If planning to join the Beaver Brigade in person, fans must wear masks.

Follow the team on Instagram @ballardbeaverfootball.
Girls Soccer shutouts round out September
The Ballard Varsity Girls Soccer Team recorded three shutouts to end the month, including Sept. 23 against Blanchet 1-0; Sept. 28 against Franklin 4-0; and Sept. 30 against Nathan Hale 3-0.

Come cheer on the team 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 7 on the home pitch. Follow the team and photo courtesy of @ballardgirlsoccer.
Cross Country visits Chambers
The Ballard Cross Country Team visited the scenic shores of Chambers Creek Regional Park Saturday for the John Payne/Curtis XC Invitational.

The Girls Varsity team took 10th place out 30 teams, while the Boys Varsity finished 24th out of 43 teams.

On Wednesday, Oct. 13, the team returns to Magnuson Park for a meet against Nathan Hale, Garfield, Roosevelt (boys), Franklin and Ingraham. Follow BHS XC on its Athletic.net page.
BHS Volleyball
The Ballard Varsity Volleyball Team topped Rainier Beach 3-1 Monday before losing to Chief Sealth by a set 3-2 Wednesday. Follow the team @bhsbeaversvolleyball!

BHS Golf
Ballard Golf goes up against Bishop Blanchet 3:30 p.m. at Jackson Park. Monday, Oct. 4 and hosts Nathan Hale 3:30 p.m. Wed. Oct. 6 at Jefferson Park.

BHS Slowpitch Softball
Ballard Softball would like to do its part in raising awareness about the impact of breast cancer this October, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The team has added helmet decals and will wear pink socks for home games. Check out this week's schedule here.

BHS Girls Swim & Dive
Ballard Girls Swim & Dive hosts Roosevelt 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 8 at Rainier Beach Pool. Follow the team @ballardgirlsswimanddive.

More information on the BHS Website: Fall Athletics Info | BHS Athletics Overview
PTSA CONNECTIONS
Custodian Appreciation Day!
Thank you BHS Custodians
Custodian Appreciation Day fell on Oct. 2 this year, but we still wanted to thank our awesome custodial staff for keeping our school building clean and sanitized.

On Monday, the Staff Appreciation committee will provide cards and a treat to the daytime custodial staff:
  • Young Wong
  • Robert Ervin

as well as the Night Time staff:
  • Saeed Hussein
  • Omar Kadir
  • Alshe Lowe
  • Jathe red White
  • Elijah Lopes
  • Michael Hallock
  • Somneuk (Sammie) Lopez

Thank you again to our BHS custodial team for all you do!
Thank you staff! Homecoming edition
Thank you BHS parents who helped us celebrate our winning staff on Oct. 1, the culmination of Homecoming Week, with a spread of beverages, savory and sweet snacks.

Thank you also to the Staff Appreciation team of Michelle Peters and Lisa Vanderford-Anderson for coordinating this fun football-theme spread.
Thank you fans!
PTSA BHS blankets offered as Hoco Swag
The PTSA donated cozy red blankets to the loud and loyal Beaver Brigade after the 2021 Homecoming Game.

Thank you to the Head Beaver for transporting the boxes, as well as Athletic Booster Club and PTSA volunteers for helping hand out blankets to students who attended the game!

If you would like to be considered for future BHS PTSA volunteer opportunities, please check out the Volunteer Opportunities page or email PTSA Volunteer Coordinator Sarah Visser at [email protected]
Meet BHS PTSA Vice President Michelle Renn
In the coming weeks, meet our BHS PTSA team, this week it's our Vice President.
Hi there, I’m Michelle Renn, parent of twin juniors (go class of 2023!) I joined the PTSA when my kids were freshman and served as Secretary for the past two years. This year, I am honored to be supporting the PTSA as Vice President. 

I have loved being involved with the schools my kids attended beginning way back in kindergarten. I was the Live Auction Chair at Coe Elementary for several years and enjoy getting to know the administration, staff and fellow parents. I feel more connected to the BHS community, and in turn my kids, after our monthly meetings. We are always happy to welcome new members and look forward to seeing you (virtually for now) at an upcoming meeting.

Contact Michelle at [email protected]
Let's keep building our Ballard PTSA!
Thank you to those of you who have signed up for the Ballard High School PTSA and are joining our effort to build and support our school community, expressed interest as volunteers and donated to more than $1,900 to our Fall Teacher Fund. (Click the link if you'd like to participate as well!)

We encourage all members of our Ballard Beaver community -- teachers, parents and students – to become members of the BHS PTSA.

Now what can you do to help our initiatives? Check out our programs on the PTSA Get Involved page.

Simply becoming a member supports every student in the school and is a way to contribute.
Reflections | Explore the Arts and Express Yourself
The Reflections program provides opportunities for recognition and access to the arts, which helps boost student confidence and success.

The 2021–2022 Reflections theme is I Will Change the World By…

Students submit their completed works of art in one or all of the available arts categories: Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography, Visual Arts.

Now's a great time to start or perfect your creative inspiration, as the Friday, Oct. 22 submission deadline will be here before you know it! More details coming soon on how to submit work.


If you have any questions, reach out to PTSA Reflections Coordinator Misha Zadeh Graham at [email protected]
Get PTSA News on multiple emails
The PTSA Newsletter comes out weekly on Sunday mornings during the school year with important BHS news and information.

Look for details in our next newsletters on:

  • Meeting highlights
  • New BHS PTSA Website
  • Continuing our PTSA Board Welcome

Also, check out our Newsletter Archive!

Please contact the PTSA Newsletter Editor if you'd like to add a secondary email address to the newsletter mail list. Please include your student's grade level so we add the new email to the correct mail list group.

We can also send Newsletters to students but only using a personal email addresses and not their Seattle schools email addresses. Again, please include the grade level to get on the correct mail list.

Email information to the editor at [email protected].
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
Thank you for supporting Hernandez Family
Thank you to those who have been able to participate in the GoFundMe fundraiser for the family ...

The Hernandez family lost their mother, Tatyana Taboada, unexpectedly on Sept. 24. Her four children, Brianna, Amy, Jamie, and Jazzy, need support more than ever to begin a process of healing. (Amy and Jamie are Ballard High School students.)
 
“Taty”, as family and friends call her, was a hardworking single parent who was doing her best to make a better life for her kids. Taty not only supported her four young daughters, but also supported her own mother.
 
The Hernandez Family needs support covering funeral fees, groceries, paying bills and any other expenses that may arise.

To donate and for more information, check out the family's GoFundMe campaign, https://gofund.me/a65f3081.
OFFICE NOTES
Main Office notes
Updates! Students, your ASB Cards can now be picked up from the Main Office!

Also, families can still turn in their Emergency Forms to Cindy Peterson via email at [email protected].

Office Hours and contact info
While the building remains closed to visitors (including parents/guardians) the Main Office is staffed from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays. You can contact the Main Office at (206) 252-1000 for assistance.

Email questions to BHS Administrative Secretary Cindy Peterson at [email protected].

Sports questions can be sent to Athletics Secretary Bethany Nielcen at [email protected].
BHS Attendance Information | Early Dismissal Pass
Students need to be excused in advance for Early Dismissals. Please send a note by the morning of the day of the Early Dismissal to [email protected].

Note: Ballard HS does not excuse students by phone.

Notes/emails need to have:  
  • The student’s First and Last Names 
  • Reason for Early Dismissal 
  • Date and Time student needs to leave
  • Will student be returning to school? 
  • Your Name and Relationship to Student.

Students need an "Early Dismissal Pass" to leave school during a class period. Students can pick up their pass in The Attendance Office. Students with "Early Dismissal Passes" can leave class at the time on their pass.
If the student will be returning to school after their appointment they need to check back in at The Attendance Office.

Please plan in advance with your student where you will meet them if you are picking them up. It can take time and may be hard to locate a student during class.

Parents/Guardians are asked to wait outside the building when picking up your student for appointments this year.

There are no visitors permitted inside school buildings, other than approved volunteers who have been vaccinated. This is a District policy this year.

More information on the Attendance page.
SPS UPDATES
Stay connected to SPS
Updated Password Needed for The Source
For increased security, the number of characters required for your Source password is changing from 8 to 12, which will require you to change your password by Nov. 15.

This change is only for parents and guardians; students will not need to change their password.

If you do not reset your password the first time you log in after the deadline, you will receive a prompt to create a new password.
Levies Planning Community Meetings 
Did you miss the virtual community meetings about planning for the next levies? The meeting recordings and the presentation are now available on the School Levies webpage.

The levies will be on the ballot in February 2022. Updates and information will continue to be posted. There is also a link to the Let’s Talk questions and comments form for the levies.

View the District Calendar for details, as well as more upcoming events and school year dates.
Apply for the Clean Energy Task Force 
SPS is forming the Superintendent's Clean Energy Task Force to help SPS chart a path to transition the district away from fossil fuel use for operations by 2040, and to transition to 100% carbon-free renewable energy while improving student health and supporting more sustainable and equitable communities.

This task force is currently accepting applications. Please complete the application by Friday, Oct. 8.

The Task Force is anticipated to meet monthly for 90-minute sessions using remote meeting tools. Meetings will commence in early November 2021 and continue through January 2023.

Keep Your SPS Student Home When They're Sick
SPS is committed to keeping its school communities safe. You can help by keeping your student home and getting them tested for COVID-19 when they have one or more COVID-like symptoms for any duration.

Following updated guidance from Public Health – Seattle & King County, students with COVID symptoms should stay home until:

  • They receive a negative COVID-19 test AND 
  • 24 hours after fever has resolved (without fever-reducing medication) AND 
  • Other symptoms have improved.  
  • OR if an alternative diagnosis has been provided by a health care provider, please follow the provider’s directions and isolate, per the condition diagnosed (whichever isolation is longer).  

If your student tests positive for COVID-19, keep your student home and contact your school.

More information on the COVID-19 Symptoms page.
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, BHS Contact Tracing Steps, Thursday, Oct. 7
  • Winter, Program TBA, Thursday, Feb. 10.
  • PTSA volunteer & educator awards event, Thursday, June 9.

Please also note Board Meeting dates on your calendars! Meetings include committee and principal updates, we'd love to have you join us!

Board Meeting dates:
7 p.m. Nov. 4 | Dec. 2 | Jan. 6 | March 3 | April 7 | May 5
5:30 p.m. (before the 7 p.m. PTSA General Meetings): Oct. 7 | Feb. 10 | June 9

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
Attend WSPTA Online Legislative Assembly as a BHS Delegate
The 43rd Annual Legislative Assembly will take place in a virtual format on Oct. 23-24.

The purpose of legislative assembly is to determine the legislative priorities of WSPTA, to educate and mobilize advocates, and to advance WSPTA’s legislative program. Full details here.

Please email BHS PTSA President Gloria Kruzner at [email protected] if you are interested in attending the assembly as a Ballard High School delegate. Deadline to express interest is Wednesday, Oct. 6. Adult and/or student delegates must have an active BHS PTSA membership. Cost to attend the online assembly: $40/adult, $10/student but subsidies are available.
Help shape WSPTA resolutions
Resolutions guide our advocacy work from the local to the state level. They may be amended and updated, or retired, and are usually broader in scope than legislative issues.  Members are encouraged to submit new resolutions or to amend existing resolutions for consideration at the 2022 convention in May. Details are available on the website.
 
The procedure requires the following steps:
  1. Submit your draft resolution title and rough proposal via email to [email protected] by Nov. 1, for preliminary review.
  2. Complete the online resolution proposal form by Nov. 15.
  3. Receive, from WSPTA, a unique SharePoint folder link to upload your final proposal within two days of submitting the online form.

Upload your final proposal no later than Nov. 19, using the unique SharePoint folder link. 
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].
National Youth Filmmaker Summit | Oct. 4 - Nov. 6
At the first National Youth Filmmaker Summit, NFFTY alumni return to the youth filmmaker community to share career advice and tips with the next generation in a variety of panels, roundtables, and workshops.


The Summit takes place over five weeks, and is divided into three tracks -- Create, Advance, and Launch -- each focused on a different part of the filmmaking process. You can attend each session a la carte, attend all sessions in a track, or do the whole thing.

Reflections Theme Search
National PTA is seeking a theme for the 2023-2024 Reflections program year. The student who submits the winning entry will receive $100 and their theme will be presented at the annual National PTA Convention in June 2022.

Please review the past themes listed on the websiteRepeat themes will not be considered.

Use the form link in the Theme Search dropdown to submit theme ideas. Entries are due Nov. 1.
Virtual Tutoring thru Seattle Public Library
K-12 students in Seattle can get free virtual tutoring from Tutor.com with a library card or Library link number.

Live English and Spanish tutors are available from 2-10 p.m. daily. Vietnamese tutors are available from 4-7 p.m. 
 
Tutors can help with any school subject, including:
·     Math
·     Writing
·     Science
·     History
·     AP Classes
·     College Essay Writing
·     Job Applications, Cover Letters and Resumes

More details on the SPL Virtual Tutoring page.
Learn widely used world languages and get credit
OneWorld Now language and leadership programming for offers after school and online instruction in Mandarin Chinese, Arabic, Korean or Russian.

These languages were chosen because they are less commonly taught in U.S. schools but are widely used world languages that will be beneficial for future global leaders. Students earn up to one high school credit per year for these classes.
 
Registration Deadline is Oct. 3 (Classes begin the week of Oct. 18.) Tuition is priced on a sliding scale, based on family size and income. More information and registration here.
Parent University | Eli Lebowitz
Dr. Eli R. Lebowitz will kickoff Bush School's Virtual Parent University on Tuesday, Oct. 26 at 5 p.m. Professor Lebowitz is the author of, Breaking free of Child Anxiety and OCD and the Program Director for Anxiety Disorders at the Yale Child Study Center.

This talk will provide parents with
practical tools for helping their child overcome anxiety. Dr. Lebowitz will introduce parents to SPACE, a parent-based treatment for childhood and adolescent anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

All virtual Parent University events are free, but please be sure to register in advance.
Juniors: Learn about space travel careers through Flight Museum's WAS
Washington Aerospace Scholars (WAS) is an online distance learning course and summer experience specifically designed for high school juniors interested in pursuing science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) pathways through the exploration of space and space travel.

More information on the Flight Museum webpage.
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.