Help boost academics through Direct Appeal |
It’s that time of year … the PTSA Direct Appeal! The Direct Appeal is the one time of year the PTSA asks for donations to support academics at Ballard High School. The Ballard community has always generously supported the Direct Appeal — we are so grateful — but this time we are doing something different.
This year, with so many in our community struggling, the Ballard Foundation will be doing another round of the Ballard Cares fundraiser in a few weeks. We encourage you to support that important fundraiser if you can.
BUT, the PTSA remains committed to supporting BHS teachers as they teach our kids in this unique environment. To that end, we hope to raise $15,000 before Oct. 25 to assist BHS staff as they create engaging and effective learning opportunities for BHS students.
The funds will be used to purchase items such as digital teaching tools that allow real time engagement between teachers and students, printers and ink cartridges, whiteboards, and headphones.
|
PTSA/SCPTSA Legislative event! 5 p.m. Monday
36th District Position 2 Virtual Forum
|
Hear directly from 36th District (Belltown, Queen Anne, Magnolia, Ballard/Fremont/Crown Hill/NW Seattle) State Representative candidates Sarah Reyneveld and Liz Berry as they take your questions, and respond to educational justice themed questions from Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) youth from the NAACP-Youth Council of Greater Seattle. Ballots drop on Wednesday, Oct 14; This event may help you make your decision on this contest if you are still undecided!
We thank both the candidates for joining us this busy election season as well as the SCPTSA for helping produce this informative evening. More info, BHS PTSA Legislative Liaison: Brian Duncan, [email protected].
|
Teacher Q & A highlights PTSA Fall General Meeting |
Thank you to teachers Laura McGinty, Marie Lassley, Eileen Yardley, Gordon Macdougall, Robin Dowdy, Scott Gross, Anntara Lozen, Counselor Sonja Petersen and Principal/moderator Keven Wynkoop for fielding online learning questions at the Oct. 8 BHS PTSA General Meeting on Teams!
The staff members discussed the brave new world they and our students face through this altered educational landscape and how they as educators collaborate and use their creativity to support learning.
Teachers spoke to asynchronous learning (great for small groups and catching up on school work ... but super busy for teachers!), the value of being able to see their students -- even if it's only via video during the building closure -- the virtual role of a BHS Counselor, and the importance of involvement through clubs and outside open-season sports.
Thank you to the families who joined us and shared spirited comments via Teams chat, bringing up pertinent points for how online learning is going in their own homes; as well as thanking teachers for their efforts and fortitude. It felt like community even if only via screen.
We'd love it if you could join the great initiatives the BHS PTSA has planned for this school year. For more information, check out the PTSA Overview on the Ballard High School website.
Helpful links related to discussion:
|
Informative BHS Financial Aid Presentation Oct. 13 |
Families can start to join the meeting at 6:45 p.m. and will be able to watch the event in Microsoft Teams.
|
Clubs help make connections during remote learning |
Clubs are a great way to sustain and create new connections during Remote Learning. Most clubs meet weekly during the Enrichment Period 12:30-1:05 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday or Friday.
|
Grades 10-12 Yearbook Pickup |
Students in grades 10-12 who have pre-purchased a 2019-20 BHS yearbook may pick it up Nov. 24-25. Pick up schedule: 2-3 p.m. – Last Names A-L
3-4 p.m. – Last Names M-Z
|
AP Exam Registration Has Started | Closes Nov. 2
|
AP Exam Registration has started. BHS Students must register and pay for their exams by Nov. 2. Students must be currently enrolled in an AP class at Ballard High School to register for the corresponding AP test.
The join codes were provided to students during the first couple weeks of school by each AP teacher, and may also be available on Schoology pages. Students may need to ask their teachers for the join codes if they don't have them. More information on the AP Exam Registration Page.
|
SPS School Day PSAT | Rescheduled to Jan. 26
|
Counseling Center offers myriad of helpful resources |
Also learn more about your BHS Counselors on their Instagram page:
|
All the info you'll need for applying to college! |
Welcome to the Counseling Center's Applying to College resource section! Here you'll find the answers to commonly asked questions about applying to college as well as upcoming events and opportunities. Check the Counseling Center Applying to College webpage regularly, as new content is being added daily.
|
College visits & events -- view campus life! |
BHS college visits are available online! Students can get information about admission processes, financial aid and campus life while speaking with a rep from their school of interest. More info on the College Visits and Events webpage.
|
Event: Virtual College Fair Oct. 19-23
Students of all ages can sign up now for the Fall 2020 Virtual College Fair (Oct 19-23). It's free but you must register in advance. There will be colleges/universities from all over Washington state, but also from across the US and internationally.
College virtual visits for this week
Tuesday, Oct. 13
1:10-2 p.m. | University of Redlands, Redlands CA
2:05-3 p.m. | Colorado State University - Fort Collins
|
Wednesday, Oct. 14
9-9:45 a.m. | California Lutheran University
9:45-10:30 a.m. | University of Oregon
10:30-11:15 a.m. | Seattle Pacific University
Thursday, Oct. 15
1:10-2 p.m. | San Diego State University
2:05-3 p.m. | University of Denver
Friday, Oct. 16
1:10-2 p.m. | Lewis & Clark College, Portland
2:05-3 p.m. | Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago IL
|
October Scholarship Bulletin listings |
WSU Regents Scholar Awards (for seniors with 3.6 GPA or higher) | Deadline for school nominations Oct. 14; student applications Nov. 4
|
Ballard HS Cap & Gown Orders + Senior Products
Time has come to begin the process of getting your Cap & Gown for Graduation! Visit and follow the steps on the National Achiever website. Order deadline is Jan. 31, but we recommend ordering before then.
|
Senior photos, Grad Ads due Nov. 13
Senior yearbook photos are due by Friday, Nov. 13. Digital photos should be sent to: [email protected]. You may use any photographer you choose, as long as the portrait meets requirements listed below.
|
College Application Support Sessions |
Every Wednesday in October from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Drop in anytime during this hour to ask a BHS counselor your college application questions. Links to join these meetings will be posted on BHS Counselor Schoology pages each week. Also check out the Applying to College BHS resource page.
|
Library Curbside Pickup plus books and gaming fun! |
Need a new read? Check out the next BHS Library Curbside Pickup from 3-5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15 in the north parking lot. Put Books on Hold at bit.ly/BHSHolds
What else is going one through the BHS Library? Besides the diverse book clubs available, there are many more fun groups you can join this school year!
Eager Beaver Readers, we see you out there! Some of you are voracious readers and just want to TALK ABOUT BOOKS! We got you, we have new books we would love to put in your hands, and we need help picking favorite books for the state as part of the Evergreen Book Awards! Join us by emailing Ms. TuesD Chambers.
Library Leaders is a group of students excited about finding community-building events that YOU want to do! We meet weekly on Tuesdays at 12:30 p.m. and everyone is invited.
|
Never be bored with a board game! Board Game Club is uniting in the library. Place holds on games through the BHS Library and compare notes with Mr. Wynkoop. Details for meeting times will be coming out soon but beat Mr. Wynkoop at his own game!
Visit the BHS Library page to stay current on what's happening in the BHS Library, including the numerous books clubs, or check out the running online gallery of all the fun there too! Follow the BHS Library on Twitter @BeaverReaders or on Instagram @beaverreadersbhs. |
Note from the BHS School Nurse
BHS Parents/Guardians: I have information for families regarding COVID-19 resources, as well expanded health services, flu shots and current immunizations. Please do not hesitate to email or call (206-252-1007). I am available Monday through Friday.
~ Laurie Tirtanadi, RN, MS, ARNP
|
Flu shots now offered by appointment
Ballard Teen Health Center available to help students with medical, mental health services
|
The flu shot is now available by appointment at the BHS Teen Health Center for SPS students. There is no cost.
|
Note from Eddie Medina | BTHC
BHS Parents/Guardians: I am a Prevention/Intervention specialist and offer individual counseling as well as support groups for SPS students affected by substances either through their own use, or the use of family/friends. I accept any forms of referral: a concerned teacher, administrator, counselor, parent, friend, or self. I will be at BTHC on Fridays. I look forward to hearing from you.
|
Optional open season practices |
If your student has decided they want to participate in the practices, they can still sign up via FinalForms (our school's new online athletics registration system), but they won't be able to join the sessions until they've been cleared by the BHS Athletic Department. For more information on the practice sessions, contact coaches of teams participating. (Emails linked by teams above.)
|
BHS Athletics quick links |
Welcome!
New Long-Term Band Sub Mr. Jay Gillespie
|
Please welcome Jay Gillespie, the new long-term sub for Ballard High School. The directors are very excited about Jay who is highly recommended from the University of Washington.
Jay graduated in June and even student-taught during this spring, adding online teaching experience. Jay is very excited to join the team, provide some leadership, and get started. Learn more about Mr. Gillespie by visiting the Band Program page.
|
|
New staff welcome
Meet Dr. Joseph Williams III
|
In coming weeks, the PTSA will be sharing a quick intro to our new staff members. This week, we begin with our new Assistant Principal, Dr. Joseph Williams III, Ed.D. |
Dear BHS Community: My name is Dr. Joseph Williams III and I am a new assistant principal (letters G-N) at Ballard High School!
To share a little about myself, I have 20+ years of K-12 experience, including 10 years as a special education teacher and 13 years as an assistant principal and principal. I have earned multiple university degrees, including my doctorate degree in educational administration and my MBA degree. I have a teaching and administrator certificate in the following states: Washington, Missouri, Georgia.
I believe that all students can be successful in school. I am also passionate that students should be proud of who they are and where they come from.
My wife, Ana Rosa, is originally from Colombia, South America. We have one son (age 10) and one daughter (age 7). My family is bilingual in English and Spanish.
I am grateful to partner with staff, students, and families to realize the vision of continuing excellence at Ballard High School. I look forward to our collaboration in providing a safe and nurturing school environment for all our students.
Once again, I am very grateful to have the opportunity to join this amazing BHS school community!
|
Schoology Calendar and Updates | working toward a consistent view of assignments
|
"ALL assignments need to be added (by the teachers) to the Schoology Calendar. This means that your student and you can always find the work to be completed in one place."
Also: "There should be a weekly pinned announcement that shows the work for the week. This will likely come to you as an Update, but it should also be readily available at the top of the (Schoology) Updates page each week.
"We know that each student has 5-6 different teachers, so creating consistency in Schoology is really important for their success. If your student’s teachers are not following these expectations, please reach out to them first. If that doesn’t address your concerns, please let me or your Assistant Principal know, so that we can help out."
|
Main Office staffed during closure |
The Main Office is staffed 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays by Cindy Peterson and Rayna Bauer who are only available via their linked emails or phone at 206-252-1000.
School forms and library book returns may be left from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the bin outside of the school's south entry doors, off of Northwest 65th Street.
Other helpful quick links:
➢ There are many resources to stay connected with Ballard High School news and events. Sign up for PTSA, BPA and BHS athletics newsletters on the Stay Connected page!
|
Students, stay connected with BHS via Remind! |
Students: Don't miss anything at BHS by signing up today for Remind!
Learn how to sign up on the Ballard High School website. (Because of limits on class sizes we request only students sign up for Remind.)
|
District computer weekly upkeep |
SPS computers still should be restarted every weekend: Please restart the device, reconnect to Wi-Fi, and login. Leave it on for at least an hour to make sure new software updates have been completed.
|
Want to help? SPS is recruiting volunteers to help at its Tech Centers. Sign up here.
|
Time to reapply for meal benefits |
Families are strongly encouraged to complete the Free and Reduced-Price Meal Application and receive additional benefits and discounts. |
While the U.S. Department of Agriculture has extended its flexible free school meals program through December, allowing SPS to provide free meals at 40 meal sites and eight bus routes through the end of 2020, families must still re-apply for meal benefits each year. More info.
|
Student meals distribution sites |
SPS offers meal distribution for students, parents and guardians at schools and bus routes around the city.
Free meals are available from 11:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. weekdays. On Fridays, families can also pick up a bag of food for the weekend!
|
Ballard Food Bank also offers a Weekend Food for Kids service. Check out the Food Bank web page here for more details.
|
Students: Want to register to vote? |
Students, ages 16 and 17, can pre-register to vote online! A ballot will automatically be sent in time for the next election after they turn 18.
Seniors, or anyone turning 18 by the next election (Nov. 3) can register online up to 8 days before the election, or in person up to and including the day of the election by 8 p.m.
|
|
|
|
PTSA Grants Committee update
As summer progressed and details of this year's start of school arrangement took shape, the BHS PTSA responded by launching a first-ever summer round of teacher and staff grant funding.
Realizing the distance learning environment may require online subscriptions, printer, ink, etc., the Grants Committee welcomed a broader range of requests than usual and encouraged ways to support and enhance digital learning needs on the educator side of the screen. The summer round closed after awarding approximately $6,200 across 17 applications.
Awards included:
➢ Multiple grants for printers/scanners/ink/webcams/connectors - World Languages, Math, Counseling, Science, ELA, Music, and CTA/Maritime departments.
➢ Wide selection of LGBTQ+ titles for the new Pride Book Club - Library.
➢ Subscriptions to digital tools such as Mentimeter and Padlet - World Language and Social Studies departments
(Soon to be expanded by BHS campus wide license for 99 users; PTSA will help fund this year’s subscription).
➢ Grant for a guest instructor to prepare and deliver collaborative singing and performances for students - World Languages department.
Copies of "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson - core ELA, 12 classes.
Science kits - AP Environmental Science students.
Thank you for supporting your PTSA with and these teacher grant awards. We couldn't do it without you!
|
BHS PTSA social media links |
|
PTSA Legislative Update
WSPTA Legislative Assembly Oct. 24-25
|
Tell us your interests, we'll find you a fun role as a BHS volunteer! |
Sign up for the BHS PTSA here |
Become a member of the BHS PTSA here and help drive our mission of supporting our school through fundraising, volunteerism, grant support, holiday gifting to families in need and more!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BHS PTSA offers these resources for informational purposes & does not necessarily support activities or views presented therein.
|
|
|
|
Seattle Promise is offering workshops for students and families to complete the FAFSA/WASFA with step-by-step guidance online. You must register in advance at the Washington Student Achievement Council website.
|
NACAC Virtual College Fairs |
|
Penguin Productions' virtual Romeo & Juliet |
|
Save the Date: Sunday, Oct. 18, for one awesome day. 100% dedicated to girls who are dedicated to music.
Celebrity Teaching Artists: Lakecia Benjamin, Grace Kelly & more!
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
