View Virtual BHS Curriculum Night! Thursday, Oct. 1
Ballard Parents and Guardians: Get to know your student’s teachers at our upcoming Virtual Curriculum Night. Curriculum Night is always valuable, but it is often kind of chaotic moving quickly through their schedule and then trying to figure out where their next class is.
Instead of trying to replicate this chaos virtually, our Curriculum Night will be asynchronous this year. This means that by Thursday, October 1, all teachers will post at least two short videos introducing themselves and their class on their Schoology pages. Then you can go in and watch the videos you want to see when you have time to view them.
There will also be a couple of general videos that will be emailed out to you on Oct. 1 to welcome you to Curriculum Night and give instructions on how to find the videos in Schoology.
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Important ORCA Card Pick-Up Info
Attention students: ORCA Cards must be picked up by 2 p.m. on Monday, Oct 5. Note: All unclaimed cards will be returned to the District on Tuesday, Oct. 6
ORCA Card Pick Up Times and Days ONLY: 8-9 a.m. and 1-2 p.m. (at the north entrance to the school off N.W. 67th St.) Monday, Sept. 28; Tuesday, Sept. 29; Wednesday Sept. 30; Thursday, Oct. 1; Friday, Oct 2; and Monday, Oct 5.
More info on the ORCA Card program here. Please call the Main Office at 206-252-1000 if you have any questions.
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Complete Start of School Forms by 9/30 |
Please review and complete the Start of School Forms. All forms are available to download and can be returned in a number of ways. If you need paper copies of any of the forms mailed to your home please call the Main Office at 206-252-1000 or email [email protected].
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Welcome to Clubs at Ballard 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; but there are some exceptions.
Students, please look at the active clubs already registered and meeting; 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. More info on the school website.
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SPS School Day PSAT | Rescheduled to Jan. 26
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Visit the Seattle Public Schools PSAT page for the most up-to-date information. The PSAT is offered to all sophomores and juniors free of charge. This year it has been rescheduled until Jan. 26.
Note: This date could change to ensure that Seattle Public Schools meets all established health policies and protocols.
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Counseling Center news for all grade levels |
Check it out Oct. 13!
All BHS Families are welcome to attend the Counseling Center's Virtual Financial Aid Night presentation on Tuesday, 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.
Agenda: 7-7:20 p.m. | Kelsey Peronto, Outreach Specialist for Seattle Colleges -- will talk about the Seattle Promise Scholarship | Garrett Remsen, Financial Aid Specialist -- will talk about importance of FAFSA and what EFC is.
7:20-8 p.m. | David Aramaki, Financial Planner who specializes in higher education -- will talk about paying for college
8-8:15 p.m. | Q & A
If you have any questions, please contact BHS Counselor Gail Olson Laing at [email protected].
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BHS Virtual College Visits: Explore school options from around the world |
BHS college visits have gone virtual! Join us for live, interactive visits with college reps from around the world -- London to local schools!
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!
To sign up:
- Log into your Naviance account
- Check the list of schools on "What's New" and click "more info" to sign up.
- You will get a link prior to the meeting start time.
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Virtual College Fair Oct. 19-23
Students in all grades! 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.
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NEW! Check out Scholarship Bulletin listings
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Service Learning opportunities |
Calling all Changemakers! Apply now for the 2021 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards
Are you a student making a difference through volunteering? Apply today for national recognition, a scholarship and an invitation to the program's national recognition events!
The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards honors students in grades 5-12 for making meaningful contributions to their communities through volunteer service. Deadline is Nov. 10. Visit the Prudential website for more details.
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Class of 2021: Shoutout to seniors! |
Be on the lookout for an important Senior mailing that will be coming out soon with more news and updates. Best wishes Class of 2021!
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Senior Pictures & Grad Ads
Class of 2021 – Senior Yearbook Photos are due
Seniors, you may be contacted by Rowland Photo Studio to have your portrait taken as they have been in partnership with Ballard High School for many years. However, you may use any photographer you choose as long as the senior portrait meets the requirements listed on the button link below.
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* Stay tuned for details on school photos for students in grades 9-11. We are currently working on a plan for this. Thank you! |
Applying to College information webpage
Hey Class of 2021, the BHS Counseling Center Applying to College webpage contains the answers to commonly asked questions about applying to four-year and two-year colleges. Check back regularly, as new content is being added daily, including the following linked Senior resources!
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Class of 2021, don't miss!
Post-high school talk for seniors | Sept. 30
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BHS counselors will be sharing important information with Seniors about the final year of high school and preparing for the future on Wednesday, Sept. 30.
This presentation will include details about graduation requirements, post-high school options (four-year, two-year, military, gap year, apprenticeships, etc.); college application nuts and bolts; and financial aid. There will be information applicable to EVERY Senior, regardless of post-high school plans.
Presentations will be at 9 a.m., 11:15 a.m. and 1:55 p.m. ALL Seniors should plan to attend one of the presentations. (They will all be the same.) Links to join the meetings will be posted on BHS Counselor Schoology pages prior to the event.
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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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Curbside Library pickup coming Oct. 1! |
#BeaverReaders, Don’t forget our next Library Curbside Pickup from 3-5 p.m. on Thursdsay, Oct. 1.
You can put books on hold ahead of time at bit.ly/BHSHolds or come and browse a limited selection. The amazing library tag team of TuesD Chambers and Lindi Wood are excited to see you (masks and all) AND check out your fave reads!
Remember, there's a bin is outside the Main Office every Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for returns. We want to keep those books coming back so other BeaverReaders can share those most popular titles!
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Help shape school library as BHS Library Leader! |
The possibilities are endless! Email Ms. Chambers if you want to become a BHS Library Leader! Help shape the glorious direction of our school library. Visit the BHS Library page to stay current on what's happening in the BHS Library.
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Sign up now for BHS open season practices |
Ballard High School now uses FinalForms, so families can complete and sign athletics forms online. FinalForms also saves data from season-to-season and year-to-year, meaning that you will never need to enter the same information twice! You may login any time to update information, including emergency medical contacts and information.
If your BHS athlete has decided they want to participate in the optional open season practices, they can still sign up via FinalForms, but they won't be able to join the sessions until they've been cleared by the Athletic Department.
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Optional open season practices
To understand the current phase safety guidelines for these practice sessions, contact coaches of teams participating. (Emails linked by teams above.) Also here's the Seattle Public Schools' Return to Play Safely Plan for your information. ( Please note that all safety efforts at this time are under Phase 2 in the linked SPS plan.)
Still want to participate but missed deadline?
If your BHS athlete has decided they want to participate in the optional open season practices, they can still sign up via FinalForms, but they won't be able to join the sessions until they've been cleared by the BHS Athletic Department. Check out the Athletics Overview for more information.
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Interested in BHS Boys Hoops? |
The first potential competitive season will be the traditional Winter Sports (Basketball, Swim, and Wrestling) and is set to begin on Dec. 28. There is also an open season from Sept. 28 until Nov. 28 where basketball specific workouts and/or practices may be offered.
Please email Coach Mike Broom ([email protected]) if you are interested in playing basketball this season so you can receive important announcements and updates regarding workouts, open season, tryouts, etc.
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Back To School Beaver Gear Bundle Sale ends Sept. 30!
Stay cozy in the virtual classroom this fall with the BHS Athletic Booster Club special Back to School Beaver Gear Bundle – a Ballard hoodie, tee, pair of pajama pants, and one of our new logo face masks, all for just $75 (regularly $90).
Because we no longer have regular access to our Beaver Gear Locker in the building during virtual learning, we appreciate your patience fulfilling your order requests. When your order is complete, you will be contacted by a member of the Beaver Gear team to make arrangements to receive your gear.
Wondering about BHS duffel bags? Order period opens late October!
While you’re at www.ballardathletics.com, please consider clicking over to Membership and joining us this year. When sports open back up, we will be focusing on providing safe access to play to as many student athletes as possible, and your financial support makes it happen. Thank you!
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Watch for details on play Greater Tuna!
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With its Fall Play, the Theatre Department will be making BHS history! Under the direction of Shawn Riley, our talented students will be staging the comedic satire Greater Tuna in a virtual performance.
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PTSA Fall General Meeting | Oct. 8
BHS teachers answer your questions
The BHS Community is warmly invited to our 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8 Virtual PTSA Meeting via Teams.
With a month of school under our belts, there may be questions about how we as parents can best support our students. Many of these questions may have been addressed by our staff at the Virtual Curriculum Night, but there may be lingering concerns.
In response to this need, we will have a panel of BHS teachers available to answer questions about remote learning at our Oct. 8 General Meeting.
We are looking for questions to be submitted ahead of time, so that the teachers can be prepared. Here's the link to share your questions with our teaching panel.
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Since these will not necessarily be your student's teachers, questions should not be specific to a particular class or student.
Teams meeting link information will be in next week's newsletter. For more information, email Gloria Kruzner at [email protected].
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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!
➢ Become a BHS PTSA legislative delegate and share your voice at the WSPTA Legislative Assembly! More information below!
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Main Office staffed during closure |
While the BHS building is closed, 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.
Start of school hard copy forms (if necessary) 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.
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QUICK LINK!
Remote learning attendance procedures
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NEW! Introducing the School Bulletin
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Check out the Ballard High School's new School Bulletin webpage. This daily update shares news and events for students and parents at a quick glance! And, as always, keep track of all things BHS on the school website.
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Stay connected with BHS via Remind! |
Because of limits on class sizes we request only students sign up for Remind. Thank you!
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District computer weekly upkeep |
SPS computers should be restarted every weekend:
Please restart the device, reconnect to wifi, and login.
Leave the computer on for at least an hour to make sure new software updates have been completed.
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Student meals distribution sites |
SPS offers student meal distribution at schools and bus routes around the city. Check out the neighborhood locations on the Student Meals information page.
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.
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Flu shot drive thru clinic |
This fall, SPS health services are offering “drive-through” flu clinics via the Seattle Visiting Nurse Association (SVNA) at specific outdoor sites. SPS students, staff and families (ages four and older) can get a flu shot at the “drive-through” flu clinics at 16 school locations in September and October.
SVNA accepts insurance and cash. Children who are uninsured may qualify for a no-cost flu vaccination.
To utilize SVNA's drive-thru flu shot service, parents must sign up for an appointment time and complete the SVNA form -- both of which can be done on the SPS Flu Clinic webpage
Local drive-thru sites include:
Monday, Sept. 28 - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 1 - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 29 - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Flu shots by appt. at Teen Health Center
Alternatively to the drive-thru clinic, students may schedule a Flu Shot appointment with the BHS Teen Health Center if that is more convenient.
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Did you know that your student can get health care at the Teen Health Center? Students: did you know that you can come to the Teen Health Center to receive confidential mental health therapy? Some medical services are also available to all SPS Students.
Nurse practitioner Karen Boudour, ARNP is available for all SPS Students in clinic or in-person visits and Telehealth. Chelsea Clark, MSW and Soriah Mitchell (MSW candidate) provide in-person intake sessions in clinic and ongoing Telehealth sessions.
To schedule with Karen, Chelsea or Soriah, please call or text clinic coordinator Say Tuitele at 206-390-3355. You may also reach Say at [email protected].
Eddie Medina, BS, CDPT, AAC will be available for all SPS Students in clinic for in-person visits and Telehealth. Please contact Eddie directly at [email protected] or call/text: 206-488-2795.
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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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SPS Volunteer applications online process now open |
BHS PTSA social media links |
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PTSA Legislative Update
WSPTA Legislative Assembly Oct. 24-25
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The cost to participate is $25. Student participation is $10. This includes access to caucusing and classes, but not to actual voting on legislative platform (WSPTA advocacy positions on timely topics such as state funding of public schools, immunization policies, sex education, gun violence prevention laws, curriculum reform, special education policies, standardized testing, etc).
Only members designated as BHS delegates (by BHS PTSA VP Gloria Kruzner) will be able to actively debate, and vote at the general sessions on Oct. 24-25. If you have opinions, and want to make them count, become a BHS delegate; democracy in action!
Well ahead of the Assembly, legislative caucusing (issue education/discussion and amendment negotiation and markup ahead of voting) will span Sept. 29-Oct. 25. Visit the Schedule of Events page for details.
Registration is now open and will close on Oct. 8. If you are interested in representing BHS as a delegate, contact PTSA Legislative Liaison Brian Duncan for more information. BHS has four voting delegate slots available.
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BHS PTSA provides Community Resources for informational purposes and does not necessarily support the activities or views presented therein. |
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7th Annual Students Think S.T.E.A.M. Expo |
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SCPTSA Virtual Poetry Workshop 9/29 |
Black College Expo Seattle |
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WSU SHAPING leadership conference |
Teens: Help shape local Penguin Theater |
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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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