Busy back to school time!
B H S C A L E N D A R
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Welcome, Ballard High School Community!
Welcome Ballard Families to the 2020-21 school year:
On behalf of the Ballard High School PTSA Board, we look forward to working with you to bolster and lift our students and staff, especially during this atypical start to the school year.
We will seek ways to:
- Continue our grant efforts to support academics, be it online or in the classroom.
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Find ways to responsibly volunteer at events like last week's materials pickup. (Thanks to our initial group of masked volunteers!)
- Host seasonal informational PTSA General Meetings of interest to our community.
- Honor the flexibility and creativity of our students and amazing Beaver staff.
- Communicate via web pages, social media and weekly PTSA newsletter the latest information from the school building.
~ Gloria Kruzner, VP | Carolyn Stalter, Treasurer | Michelle Renn, Secretary
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Welcome Back, Ballard Beavers!
He noted: "After all of the preparation, we have finally reached the first day of school. I had been fairly grumpy about the idea of digital school, as most of us went into education to work alongside our students, but I find myself feeling the annual excitement that comes with the first day. It is a day filled with hope, joy, anxiety and most of all a chance to start over. This will be my 22nd first day of school in education and it is easily one of my favorite days of every year!"
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'Strong Start' Bell Schedule through Sept. 11
This week, BHS students will continue with "Strong Start" days. Sept. 8-11 will have online school from 9-11 a.m. that will be focused on making sure that all students are connected to vital technology, that school and family communication is established, relationships are formed, social/emotional foundations are set and more. All links will be on Schoology for the respective classes.
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Restart your SPS laptop for update
In order to correct the connectivity issues, you will need to help your student restart their district-provided device this weekend.
Please follow these steps
- Plug your device into power
- Turn it on
- Connect to the internet
- Restart it and have your student log in
- Leave it on for an hour or two to receive new software updates before logging off
Do this once over the weekend and also start it up as early as possible before school on Tuesday, Sept. 8.
Other helpful e-learning links
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Online SPS Student Verification Form due by Sept. 30
Welcome BHS Families! We will be posting a Start of School Check List as well as links to required forms that need to be completed as well as information from our PTSA, Performing Arts, Athletic Boosters and more that will be helpful for families for the 2020-21 School Year. We wanted to bring special attention this week to the SPS Online Student Verification Form.
The Online Student Verification Form is now available to update via the Source through Sept. 30 ONLY. Parents and guardians: Please update this important online emergency and medical information form for your student as soon as possible.
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Stay connected with what's going on at Ballard HS!
STUDENTS DON'T MISS ANYTHING BY SIGNING UP TODAY!
To Sign Up: Choose a code with your graduation year, and text it to 81010.
Select the code ending with ‘a’ if your family last name begins with A-K and the code ending with ‘b’ if last name begins with L-Z. Include the @ symbol in the text.
Seniors: @ballard21a or @ballard21b
Juniors: @ballard22a or @ballard22b
Sophomores: @ballard23a or @ballard23b
Freshmen: @ballard24a or @ballard24b
BHS Library: @BHS98117
Because of limits on class sizes we request only students sign up for Remind. Thank you!
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Materials Pickup makeup days 12-4 p.m. Sept. 8-9
Thank you to all who helped make last week's materials distribution process run so smoothly.
Did your students(s) miss the book/laptop pickup for their grade last week? No worries! We have two makeup days: from noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 8 and 9 in the north parking lot off of Northwest 67th Street.
If parents or students are unable to pick up their books and materials in person, please complete the following form and we will arrange delivery on Thursday or Friday, September 10 or 11.
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BHS School Nurse
Welcome to BHS Nurse Laurie Tirtanadi, RN, MS, ARNP and check out her BHS Nurse page often for updates.
New! Flu Shot Drive Through Clinic
Since schools are remote this fall, SPS health services has decided to have “drive-through” flu clinics via the Seattle Visiting Nurse Association (SVNA) at specific outdoor sites. SPS students and their families can get a flu shot at the “drive-through” flu clinics at 16 school locations in Sept and Oct. SVNA accepts insurance and cash for adults and children. Children who are uninsured may qualify for a no-cost flu vaccination. NOTE: Sign up is available NOW on the district Flu Clinic page.
Alternatively, students and any SPS siblings may schedule a separate Flu Shot appointment with the BHS Teen Health Center for their flu shots if that is more convenient. Contact the Clinic Coordinator Say Tuitele at [email protected] or the BHS School Nurse at [email protected] to schedule the appointment. Protection from influenza with the flu vaccine is important. Plan for your flu shot!
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BHS Teen Health Center
New! Welcome to the School Year 2020-21 we are so excited to start seeing our patients again! BHS Parents, 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 will be available for all SPS Students in clinic or in-person visits and Telehealth.
Chelsea Clark, MSW and Soriah Mitchell (MSW candidate) will be providing in-person intake sessions in clinic and ongoing Telehealth sessions.
To schedule with Karen, Chelsea or Soriah, please call or text our 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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School meal site locations
Ballard High School is no longer a distribution site for student meals during the SPS building closures. SPS has added bus routes and new sites, however, to its updated Student Meals information page.
As of Sept. 4, meals are being distributed at the following area schools (among more, full list here): Adams Elementary (Ballard), Catherine Blaine K-8 (Magnolia), B.F. Day Elementary (Fremont), Broadview-Thomson PK-8, John Hay Elementary (Queen Anne), North Beach Elementary, Viewlands Elementary (near Holman Road), and Whittier Elementary (Ballard).
School meal sites provide sack breakfasts and lunches prepared by the District's central kitchen at school sites for all SPS students Monday through Friday, 11:15 a.m.-1:15 p.m. Monday through Friday FareStart is providing reheatable prepared meals available for all families to pick up at these school sites. On Fridays you can also pick up a bag of food for the weekend! This is available to all students and their families. There are no income restrictions and no cost. Just show up and pick up your meal.
Note: On Sept. 7, Labor Day, all school meal sites and bus routes will be closed. The Ballard Food Bank also offers a Weekend Food for Kids service. The Ballard High School PTSA FACE Committee is proud to collaborate with the Food Bank on this effort. Check out the Ballard Food Bank web page here for more details.
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Apply now for free and reduced-price meals
Families must re-apply for meal benefits each school year. Households that experience a change in income due to job loss or their circumstances are encouraged to apply. Apply online here.
All students who qualify for free or reduced price meals receive meals free of charge as well as additional benefits such as discounts or no costs for athletic fees, ASB fee, pre-college exams (PSAT/SAT/ACT), college application fees, AP tests, field Trips and Running Start books. To receive these additional benefits, it is required that you check the boxes next to the benefit on the application.
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Time to get some fall library reads!
Hey Beaver Readers, go to bit.ly/BHSHolds if you need a back to school read! No proba llama! Curbside pickup will be 3-5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17 in the north parking lot !
And if you finished your summer BHS Library takeout books and want to return them, there's a bin outside the Main Office (south school entrance) on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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Counselors help with more than academics
The BHS Counselors work with students to help them develop strategies for success in academics, social skills, and in considering their post-high school plans and career options. Counselors encourage students to become aware of their individual strengths, develop methods for dealing with difficulties, setting goals, and to make good choices. Counselors also help students deal with social and emotional issues.
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SPS & BHS Scholarship Bulletins and Notices
Review the Seattle Public Schools Scholarship Bulletin opportunities as well as the posted Ballard High School (BHS) Scholarship information on the Ballard High School website.
NEW! Washington State University Regents Scholars Award
BHS Seniors who are interested in going to WSU and have a 3.6 or higher cumulative GPA should talk to their counselor about the possibility of being nominated for the Regents Scholars Award.
All eligible nominees who complete the application process, will receive a Regents Scholars award, which provides $4,000 per academic year for four years. Those students will then compete for the Distinguished Regents Scholars Award, which covers full tuition and fees for four years, approximately $42,000. Visit the WSU website for more details.
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Naviance opt out through Sept. 25
Parents, guardians and students who are 18 years or older may document their decision to use or not use Naviance in the Source, now through Sept. 25. More info here.
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Thank you Mr. James!
Mr. James has touched the community in so many ways and poured his boundless energy into so many areas -- The Concert, Symphonic, and Wind Ensemble bands; Jazz 1 & 2; Pit Orchestra for the Musicals; Spirit Week rallies; Marching Band and Pep Band support for Athletics; Music lessons and much, much more. We wish him the very best in his future endeavors.
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Welcome interim band teacher, Mr. White
As a school and an organization, we are committed to finding a passionate and dynamic music educator to lead the Ballard Bands. In the interim, we have found an experienced music sub to help lead the program. We are pleased to welcome Mr. Walter White as our substitute.
Mr. White has been a music sub in the District since 2003, and has subbed for many secondary band programs in Seattle. He will be working in conjunction with our other BPA Directors and Coaches to ensure as smooth a transition as possible for the start of the school year. Reach him at [email protected]
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Ballard Performing Arts program updates
BPA families: Mark your calendars for the BPA Board and Parent Meeting (6 p.m. Board meeting, 7 p.m. Parent Meeting) Sept. 15 via Zoom. (Link to be posted soon.)
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School Instrument Pickup
Do you need an instrument for the school year? Please email the directors, and include your first and last name, grade, and the class that you are enrolled in.
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Donate at BHS to Goodwill Truck 9/20
Donate your unwanted items to Goodwill and raise money for Ballard Performing Arts from 9 a.m. to noon Sunday, Sept. 20 in the North Lot of Ballard High School (off of Northwest 67th Street).
They will accept small furniture (no large furniture please), electronics, used cell phones, clothes, shoes, toys, kitchen items, etc. (Bring your Ballard Market receipts -- Ballard Market supports Ballard Performing Arts with a percentage of purchases)
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Interested in 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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Stay cozy & support Ballard Athletics!
Welcome back, Ballard Beavers! 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).
Wondering about BHS duffle 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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PTSA volunteers needed
Join the fun! Sign up to be on our Volunteer Needs List with Sarah Visser at [email protected] for short opportunities that come up to help the PTSA support our school.
We have a couple quick volunteer needs to fill:
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Material distribution assistance is needed for Sept. 8-9 makeup days.
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Delivery service is also needed for those who are unable to pick up their materials, Sept. 10-11.
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Library volunteers are needed to help with covering books and organizing all the epic reads. Thank you to volunteer Linda for getting all the books covered and ready for last week's student pickup.
Please email Sarah at [email protected] if you are interested. Thanks for your consideration and stay tuned for more opportunities in this new school year.
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PTSA Board Zoom Meeting Sept. 10 |
There will be a BHS PTSA Board Zoom Meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10.
All are welcome to attend, but you will need to email Vice President Gloria Kruzner for login information. Also, if you have a question or concern to be addressed, please email [email protected] to have it added to the agenda. Thank you!
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PTSA meeting schedule
All meetings are on Thursdays.
Board meeting 7 p.m. Sept. 10
Fall General Meeting: 5:30 p.m. Board meeting, 7 p.m. General Meeting Oct. 8
Board meetings 7 p.m. Nov. 5 | Dec. 3 | Jan. 7
Winter General Meeting: 5:30 p.m. Board, 7 p.m. General Meeting Feb. 11
Board meetings 7 p.m. March 4| April 8 | May 6
Spring General Meeting: 5:30 p.m. Board meeting, 7 p.m. General Meeting June 10
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PTSA shout out: Thanks FACE volunteers! |
Please make sure your communication preferences are up to date to get the latest planning updates from Ballard High School and the Seattle School District.
BHS Families: Do you have a recent Ballard graduate?
It's helpful to correlate your newsletter email with a younger sibling grade level if you want to keep receiving the weekly PTSA newsletter this school year.
Some families are surprised come fall when they have "graduated" off the mail list. Send your younger student's graduation class information to [email protected] and we'll make sure it's a seamless transition come fall.
Please also contact the editor if you'd like to add a secondary and/or student email address to the newsletter mail list. Thank you!
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North Beach Elementary offers meals
North Beach Elementary (9018 24th Ave. N.W.) is a meal distribution site for Seattle Public Schools.
Every Monday through Friday from 11:15 – 1:15 you can pick up a tasty meal prepared by our central kitchen. On Fridays you can also pick up a bag of food for the weekend! This is available to all students and their families. There are no income restrictions and no cost. Just show up and pick up your meal!
Because of social distancing guidelines, families and students may not stay at school to eat.
If you have questions about the program, please call Winnie Lee, North Beach Lunchroom coordinator at 206-252-0900, or the North Beach office at 206-252-1510.
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UW Online Evening Enrichment courses |
The University of Washington is offering online evening enrichment courses for high school students this fall. Topics range from “Writing for College Readiness” and “Sharpen Your Writing Skills,” to “Architectural Studies” and “Coding in Java.” For details on these evening classes visit the program website. The registration deadline is Sept. 28 and courses begin Oct. 6.
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ALLI Teen Leadership group |
The Arts Liberation and Leadership Institute (ALLI) is a paid 10-week teen leadership intensive where 25 youth are trained in artistry, social justice and organizing.
Youth leaders develop as cultural workers in chosen arts pathways – Visual Arts, Digital Storytelling, and Music.
This cohort of youth hones their arts and organizing skills, while deepening their understandings of race and social justice issues. They collaborate, build community and create art that challenges oppression and envisions a more just world.
Applications open until Monday Sept. 14. We will notify teens of their acceptance into ALLI by Tuesday, Sept. 22.
ALLI 2020 takes place online via Zoom. Tuesdays and Wednesday afternoons Oct. 6-Dec. 9, exact time TBD but around 3-5:30 p.m. Final ALLI showcase Saturday, Dec. 12.
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Safe Crossings Program Teen Grief Group |
The Safe Crossings Program is offering a Teen Traumatic Loss Grief Group for 13-18 year olds in King County who have experienced the death of a significant person(s) in their life due to suicide, murder, substance use, or accident. This no-cost virtual group will be hosted every Thursday night, 7-8 p.m., from Sept. 17 through Nov. 5.
Experiencing a death of a significant person can be traumatic, isolating, and painful.
The Teen Traumatic Loss Grief Group is an opportunity for teens to:
- meet other teens who have experienced something similar
- share their story
- receive support
- increase understanding of traumatic grief and what helps
- participate in creative, expressive activities
- develop coping strategies
- continue to build a sense of connection to the person(s) who died
To participate teens and/or caregivers can contact our program directly at (206) 310-2615, or reach out to counselor Amy Thompson ([email protected]) or Makenzie Muilenburg ([email protected]).
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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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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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