PTSA Fall General Meeting | 7 p.m. Oct. 8
Teachers answer your online learning questions
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Hey Ballard Families, we'd love to welcome you to our Teams Live PTSA Meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8! With a month of "synchronous" and "asynchronous" school under our belts, there may be questions about remote learning and how we as parents can best support our students. In response to this need, we will host a panel of BHS teachers available to answer parents' preselected questions.
The evening's format will include a short PTSA business meeting beforehand, then Principal Keven Wynkoop will welcome the audience and teacher panel.
We are looking for questions to be submitted ahead of time, so that the teachers can be prepared. Since these will not necessarily be your students' teachers please keep questions generic and not targeted to a specific class.
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Typically we kick off the school year with our meeting in the colorful comfort of our school library. This year, however -- just like our teachers and students -- we are adapting for a changed virtual school experience. We look forward to when we can one day be safely on campus once again.
Board Meeting precedes at 5:30 p.m.
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Curriculum Night videos | Available through October
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While you may not have gotten many steps on your activity tracker at last week's asynchronous Curriculum Night (like past events in our vast school building), you will be able to revisit the occasion and watch your student's teacher videos throughout the month, as the class introductions are posted on Schoology.
Make sure you are watching with your student, or at least logged in through their Schoology account, to have the best results with the teacher presentations. For more information about viewing the teacher presentations as well as helpful BHS administrative/ASB/library videos from the evening, go to the Virtual Curriculum Night page. |
Flu shot offered by appt. at Teen Health Center |
The flu shot is now available by appointment at the BHS Teen Health Center for SPS students. There is no cost.
Contact Clinic Coordinator Say Tuitele at [email protected] or call/text 206-390-3355 to schedule.
Flu shots are also available through Seattle Visiting Nurse Association (SVNA) drive-thru at North Seattle College weekdays through Oct 9. Must pre-register and sign up for SVNA drive-thru here.
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Start of school forms deadline extended to Oct. 8 |
Please complete the Start of School Forms by 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8. Forms and submission details are listed on the BHS website. Refer to the Start of School Checklist as an overview to the required forms that need to be completed.
For more info or paper copy of forms, contact Administrative Secretary Cindy Peterson at 206-252-1000 or [email protected].
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Last day for ORCA Card Pick-Up, Oct. 5 |
Student ORCA Cards must be picked up by 2 p.m. on Monday, Oct 5. Pick up times are 8-9 a.m. or 1-2 p.m. at the north entrance to the school off N.W. 67th St. Please call the office at 206-252-1000 if you have any questions.
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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.
Students, please look at the active clubs; new club options; as well as how to form your own club on the BHS Clubs and Organizations webpage.
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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
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Learn about assessments offered during high school |
The BHS Assessments and Testing Overview has helpful dates and detailed information about the different kinds of testing that happen for students over the course of their four years at Ballard as well as additional testing opportunities.
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AP Exam Registration Has Started | Closes Nov. 2
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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. More information on the AP Exam Registration Page.
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SPS School Day PSAT | Rescheduled to Jan. 26
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Counseling Center offers myriad of helpful resources |
New! Now you can schedule and manage appointments using the Counseling Center's online booking page. (Make sure to use a correct email address that you check regularly.)
Also learn more about your BHS Counselors on their new Instagram page:
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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 corresponding Counseling Center Applying to College webpage regularly, as new content is being added daily.
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College Visits & Events, a ticket to campus life! |
BHS college visits are now available online! Students can get information about admission processes, financial aid and campus life in a virtual setting, while speaking with a rep from their school of interest.
Upcoming colleges for this week include:
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Monday, Oct. 5
1:10-2 p.m | Allegheny College, Meadville PA
2:05-3 p.m. | Whitworth University, Spokane
Tuesday, Oct. 6
1:10-2 p.m. | Oregon State University
2:05-3 p.m. | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott AZ
Wed, Oct 7
9-9:45 a.m. | Arizona State University
9:45-10:30 a.m. | Grinnell College, Grinnell, IA
10:30-11:15 a.m. | Willamette University, Salem OR
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Virtual College Fair on Oct. 19-23
There will be colleges/universities from all over Washington state, but also from across the US, and internationally.
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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
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October Service Learning opportunities |
One of Seattle Public Schools' graduation requirements is 60 hours of Service Learning. Service learning is giving time, without pay, to a nonprofit or government agency.
Service learning allows students to make a difference and address community needs. As part of service learning, students are asked to reflect and report on their experiences. Due to the pandemic, students are finding ways to serve as volunteers virtually, like the "Get Out the Vote" opportunity below.
These organizations are aimed at increasing voter turnout. You can complete tasks on your computer from home. Note: For "Get Out the Vote" opportunities ONLY, it is acceptable for a parent/guardian to sign off on volunteer hours.
2021 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards
Are you making a difference through volunteering? Apply for a scholarship and national recognition! The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards honor students for making contributions through volunteer service. Deadline: Nov. 10, more details on the Prudential website.
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Senior news and resources online |
Senior photos, Grad Ads due 11/13
Senior yearbook photos are due by Friday, Nov. 13. Digital photos should be sent to: [email protected].
You may be contacted by Rowland Photo Studio to have your portrait taken as they have been in partnership with BHS for many years. However, you may use any photographer you choose, as long as the portrait meets the requirements listed on the button link below.
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College Application Support Sessions |
Every Wednesday in October from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. BHS counselors will host a drop-in session to answer questions about college applications.
In these sessions they will be answering general questions about applying to college. 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.
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Library Book Clubs: Read, respond, be heard |
Beaver Book Club has launched, and we are starting with the book, Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson. We meet every other week on Fridays at 12:30 p.m. We have lots of copies of the book for students and they can be placed on hold at bit.ly/BHSHolds. Please join Ms. Chambers and Mr. Wynkoop and bring a friend!
Black Panther Book Club meets every week on Fridays at 12:30 p.m. and we are currently reading the 12-issue run written by Ta-Nehisi Coates. Students can find the books on Hoopla with their SPL Library Link account. Mr. Lee and Ms. Chambers look forward to everyone attending! Wakanda Forever!
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Pride Book Club is set in motion! All LGBTQ students and allies are invited to join. We meet every other week on Thursday at 12:30 p.m.. Our first Pride book is Generations by Flavia Biondi and available on Hoopla with your SPL Library Link account.
The Picture Book Pilot has started picking out books for their reading buddies at Magnolia Elementary. We are thrilled to be paired up with Ms. Meck's class and look forward to reading with them.
We meet every week on Wednesday to talk about picture books and plan for our time with our buddies. Join us as we continue to add reading buddies from around the district!
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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.)
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BHS Athletics quick links |
Welcome!
New Long-Term Band Sub Mr. Jay Gillespie
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Please welcome Jay Gillespie, the new long-term sub for Ballard High School who will start later this week or next. 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.
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Thanks Principal Wynkoop! |
October is National Principal's Month, and while we couldn't jam the Dam to shout it loud and proud, we wanted to extend our thanks to the Head Beaver!
The Ballard PTSA is indebted to Keven Wynkoop for his leadership, both in and out of the BHS building! #AG2BB!
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Support BHS through our PTSA |
➢ 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!
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What legislative issues are important to you? |
Your voice matters!
Please take a few minutes and complete the BHS PTSA Legislative Assembly e-survey.
We need your input when the BHS delegates vote at the upcoming Washington State PTA Legislative Assembly.
The BHS PTSA is seeking one more delegate voice to represent us at the virtual WPTA Virtual Legislative Assembly.
Check out the write-up below in the PTSA Legislative for information!
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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!
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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.)
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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.
NEW! Tech tip: Team chat pop-ups and sound notifications can be adjusted or turned off. For info on how to adjust chat notifications, visit SPS's frequently asked tech questions page.
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Want to help? SPS is recruiting volunteers to help at its Tech Centers. Sign up here.
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Time to reapply for meal benefits |
Families are strongly encouraged to complete the Free and Reduced-Price Meal Application.
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.
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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!
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Ballard Food Bank also offers a Weekend Food for Kids service. Check out the Food Bank web page here for more details.
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Deadline to report student health issues is Oct. 8
Please report any health issue your child has that could impact safety and learning at school to the school nurse.
To report an issue, you can contact the nurse directly by phone or email, fill out the online student verification form on The Source extended to Oct. 8, or fill out the Annual Student Health Update paper form.
Examples include: Seizures, diabetes, asthma, life-threatening allergic reaction, cancer treatment, and anemia.
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Telehealth,
in-person therapy available
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Did you know that your student can receive confidential mental-health therapy and substance-use disorder treatment services from the Teen Health Center (THC)?
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Eddie Medina, BS, CDPT, AAC is available for limited in-person office appointments on Fridays (with social distancing and added safety measures) at the THC, as well as Telehealth and phone-call sessions Mondays through Thursdays.
More info: Eddie Medina
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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 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.
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Tell us your interests, we'll find you a fun role as a BHS volunteer! |
BHS PTSA social media links |
Ballard High School PTSA is on Instagram! Follow us @bhs.ptsa!
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PTSA Legislative Update
WSPTA Legislative Assembly Oct. 24-25
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Only members designated as BHS delegates will be able to debate and vote at the general sessions. If you have opinions, and want to make them count, become a BHS delegate; democracy in action! The cost to participate is $25. Student participation is $10.
Registration will close on Oct. 8. If you are interested in representing BHS as a delegate, contact PTSA Legislative Liaison Brian Duncan or PTSA Vice President Gloria Kruzner for more information.
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BHS PTSA offers Community Resources for informational purposes & does not necessarily support activities or views presented therein. |
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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.
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SHAPING leadership conference |
NACAC Virtual College Fairs |
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The Art of Skepticism in a Data-Driven World |
Pacific Science Center Livestream 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6. Join UW’s Carl Bergstrom, Professor of Biology, and Jevin West, Associate Professor at the Information School and Director of the Center for an Informed Public, as they provide a set of tools to cut through the most intimidating data. Click image for more info. |
Youth Transportation Open House
Learn how public transportation is
changing for students due to COVID-19. Join the Seattle Department of Transportation to find what resources are available at its virtual Open House at 4: 30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6. Registration link.
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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!
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Hugo House Writing Workshops |
Penguin Productions' virtual Romeo & Juliet |
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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.
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