Message From the President

Dear Ballard High Families,

This past year as PTSA President has been a truly rewarding experience. I'm inspired by the dedication of the volunteers I've worked alongside and proud of the support we have been able to provide. I'm looking forward to another term in the Fall and expanding our efforts for more community engagement. I invite you to take a look at our current open roles and hope you will consider joining us. 

If you have any questions about the PTSA, please don't hesitate to reach out. Our Mission is to, “Create an inclusive, supportive community that cultivates a tradition of excellence for all students."

Have a great summer!

Karla Rava, BHS PTSA President, bhs.ptsa.pres@gmail.com

Mark Your Calendars!

2024-2025 PTSA Meeting Schedule

It may be summer, but we're already planning exciting ways to get involved for next school year and we'd love you to join us at one of our meetings, starting next fall! So make sure to mark your calendars!

2024-25 PTSA Meeting Schedule:

• Sept. 12: Board Meeting, 6 p.m.
• Oct 10: Board Meeting from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. 
• BHS PTSA General Meeting, 7 p.m.
• Nov. 14: Board Meeting, 6 p.m.
• Dec 12: Board Meeting, 6 p.m.
• Jan. 9, 2025: Board Meeting, 6 p.m.
• Feb. 13: Board Meeting from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
• BHS PTSA General Meeting, 7 p.m.
• Mar. 13: Board Meeting, 6 p.m.
• April 10: Board Meeting, 6 p.m.
• May 8: Board Meeting from 6 p.m.
• June 12: Board Meeting from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. 
• BHS PTSA General Meeting Awards & Voting New Board, 7 p.m.

Learn more about the PTSA.

Share Your Input for Our July 14 PTSA Retreat

The 2024-25 incoming PTSA Board Members will be holding a retreat on July 14 to plan for the upcoming year.

If you have feedback or suggestions on how they can best serve our students and educators, please submit your comments to Kim Flin, PTSA Vice President, by July 11 at bhs.ptsa.vp@gmail.com

Volunteer for the 2024-25 PTSA Board

Are you interested in getting involved with the Ballard High School PTSA? We have some fun and impactful ways for you to join the Board:

• Secretary
• Staff Appreciation team members
• Membership team
• Advocacy Chair(s)
• Gala/Bash Chair and Committee
• Social Media Chair
• Reflections Art Program Chair

Chair person roles can be shared, so grab a friend and divide and conquer the duties! More info.

Happy Summer Break!

From Principal Abby Hunt's final Friday message of the school year:

"It’s hard to believe the year has come to an end. I am so proud of our students and staff for all that they have done this year, and I am incredibly grateful for all of your engagement and support.

"If you are a family returning next fall, know that I will send a communication out next week to inform you of summer building and program information and then again in August with start of school information.  

"For now, though, I sincerely wish you and your family a wonderful summer break. And if you are around later this month, please join Seattle Public Schools at the Seattle Pride Parade!"

Seattle Public Schools has marched in the Seattle Pride Parade for over 25 years with students, staff, and families. This year, we are proud to be part of an intergenerational group of Grand Marshals, spearheaded by LGBTQ+ athletes Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe! All are welcome to join. Find us at the front of the parade staging area, prior to 11 a.m. on Sunday, June 30, along 4th Avenue downtown. Look for the big yellow school bus! We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

New Beaver Info Online

Class of 2025 Families: Explore the Prospective/Incoming Families page as well as the rest of our school website for information about Ballard HS. You can also search the BHS website by topic!

Library Open Hours: Visit the Ballard High School Library for special open hours! Meet Librarian TuesD Chambers and explore the library from 10 a.m. to noon on Friday, July 26 and Friday, Aug. 9. Stop by for donuts, books, crafts, and seeing the library and school! More info and library resources.

Athletics Registration: Did you know you can already sign up for fall, winter and spring athletic seasons online via FinalForms? Also, some teams have summer practices that have already started or are starting soon. Reach out to the coaches for full details! Important reminder: Fall athletics registration is due August 20. More info.

Get Involved: For ways to become an active Beaver supporter, refer to our Get Involved page too!

Spread the Word! If you want to share the PTSA newsletter with other Class of 2025 families to opt in for the mail list, copy and share this signup link.

Note: While this the final newsletter of the 2023-24 school year, look for an update in July!

Summer Office Hours, Laptop Return Info

Summer Office Hours: The Main Office will be open June 24-August 26, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The office phone number is 206-252-1000. The office will be closed for cleaning, however, July 31 through August 2. Counselors are not available during the summer.

Final report cards will be posted to the Source on July 15. BHS will not be mailing report cards.

SPS Laptop Return: Families who need to return their SPS laptops may do so at the Main Office, or at the BHS Library Summer Beaver Reader hours from 9 a.m. to noon July 26 and Aug. 9.

More info.

Summer AP Lit, LA, Drawing & Photography Assignments

Ms. Storey has shared her junior year APLA and senior year APLit assignments. Happy summer reading!

Are you registered for AP Drawing for next year? Here are Mr. Harkleroad's class syllabus and summer assignments.

Ms. O'Neill is also sharing her AP Photography summer assignments for her students.

More info.

Thanks Mr. Feise and Ms. Lalonde!

Seattle Public Schools recently celebrated the remarkable achievements of more than 100 extraordinary individuals from across the district who have reached the pinnacle of their professional journeys: retirement.

These esteemed educators, administrators, school support staff, and district employees who retired worked a collective tenure of more than 2,600 years. This included Ballard's longtime Beaver greats Gregory Feise (26 years) and Marcia Lalonde (17 years).

To commemorate their time with SPS, the district hosted a retirement ceremony June 11 in the John Stanford Center. These remarkable individuals have shaped the lives of countless students. More info. Thank you Mr. Feise and Ms. Lalonde!

Aug. 16 at Newcastle

Support BHS, Sign up for 24th Annual Victor Salvino Golf Classic

Golfers of all ages and skill levels are invited to sign up for the 24th Annual Victor Salvino Ballard High School Foundation Golf Classic Aug. 16 at Newcastle Golf Club benefiting BHS Athletics, Cheer, Dance Team and Performing Arts!

Pre-event barbecue and putting contest at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. tee off. Most affordable, early Beavers pricing goes through June 30.

Students and parents/guardians from athletic teams, band, cheer and dance can also earn funds for their program by identifying event sponsors and registering golfers to participate in the Golf Classic.

When registering, please note in the comments section if you would like to support a specific team or program. More info.

Celebrating All Things Ballard Auction Coming in August

The Ballard High School Foundation's Celebrating All Things Ballard Auction is back this summer. This Foundation fundraiser, which has historically been run as a lead up to and around the Aug. 16 Golf Classic Tournament, benefits Ballard athletic teams, Performing Arts, Cheer and Dance Teams.

On July 5, bidders can preview items for the online auction and buy tickets for the 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 15 Salmon Barbecue Dinner/In-Person Auction event at Pacific Fishermen Shipyard, featuring Stephen Kilbreath.

Online bidding runs Aug. 2-18. In addition to raising monies for Ballard Athletics, BPA, Cheer and Dance, there will be a special raise the paddle at the in-person event for Ballard Strength and Conditioning. Look for more info coming soon on how you can register to participate.

Questions or want to donate an item? Email Dick Lee at rjlee@seattleschools.org. Learn more about the Ballard High School Foundation.

Senior Families, Don't Unsubscribe!

Senior Families: Please do not unsubscribe from the PTSA Newsletter so we can keep you updated on Ballard HS Alumni news. You will no longer receive the Weekly PTSA Newsletter beyond June (if your family is graduating out of BHS), but you will be moved to our Class of 2024 Alumni list.

More Ballard HS Graduation Info!

Remember to Recycle Your Cap & Gown

Please remember to recycle your cap and gown for future Beavers to use in the Main Office during summer office hours.

More Ballard HS Graduation Info!

Diplomas & Transcripts

Transcripts for all graduates will be sent to the college they indicated through Naviance as soon as they are available, most likely sometime after July 3 and well before July 15.

Diploma hard copies and final transcripts can be picked up in the Main Office starting on July 17. The office staff will hold diplomas for one year.

• Need ID to pick up.
• If a student is unable to pick up a diploma, only a parent or guardian listed in PowerSchool can pick up their diploma for them.

Questions: Call the Main Office at 206-252-1000. More info.

Congratulations Kellen Jones Scholarship Recipients

Each year, the Athletic Booster Club awards two $500 grants to two senior student athletes, in memory of Kellen "Bobo" Jones '08.

This year's recipients were Ryan Bohanan, who will be attending Pacific Lutheran University; and Addy Wynkoop, who will be attending Fordham University. The recipients exhibit the characteristics and attributes that made Kellen Jones a successful athlete, teammate, and Ballard Beaver. (Ryan is pictured with, l-r, Dave and Kelly Jones, Coach Malik Prince, Coach Ross Humphries, Coach Steve Queen, Ed Tanaka and Coach Dale Griffith. Addy is pictured with Kelly Jones and Coach Dale Griffith.)

Athletics helped Kellen build his confidence, develop leadership skills, understand the value of the team (family), learn from the experience of others and to build honor.

Waltmire Receives Flight Training Scholarship

From the SPS Shout Outs page:

The Museum of Flight awarded more than $150,000 in scholarships to four Seattle Public Schools seniors for post-secondary education and flight training during a ceremony held at the Museum on May 9. The scholarships are awarded each year to students who have participated in The Museum of Flight’s education programs.

Congratulations to recent Ballard graduate Ryder Waltmire, who received a $14,000 flight training scholarship. Waltmire will attend the University of North Dakota and major in Commercial Aviation – Fixed Wing and Airport Management.

Other scholarship recipients were Garfield graduate Thien Thang; Center School’s Sam MacCarthy-Grant, and Roosevelt High School’s Ian Tarrago.

10 a.m. to noon

BHS Library Open July 26 & Aug. 9

The Ballard Library will be open for Summer Beaver Reader hours from 10 a.m. to noon on Friday, July 26 and Friday, Aug. 9. Stop by for donuts, books, crafts, and seeing the library and school!

Also Ms. Chambers has curated a variety of amazing titles for all interests on her Summer Beaver Reader List.

Questions? Email Ms. Chambers at tschambers@seattleschools.org. More Library news, resources and events.

Counseling Center Closed for Summer Break

Friendly reminder that the Counseling Center will be closed this summer.

There is a wealth of information and resources, including summer service learning opportunities, on the Counseling Center Dashboard.

SAT/PSAT Offered at BHS in Fall

The school-day SAT & PSAT will be offered at BHS in the fall. All Seniors will be registered to take the SAT and all Juniors will be registered to take the PSAT at no cost to families.

Follow updates on the BHS Assessments page.

Summer Service Learning

Magnolia Summerfest August 2-4

Magnolia Summerfest is a 3-day festival that focuses on volunteerism, fun family activities, music, food, and giving back to local needs.

The weekend features the Magnolia Seafair parade; free kids' crafts and games; food trucks & tents; beer and wine garden; live music; outdoor movie night; bounce houses and much more!

Volunteers run the event! Sign up and join the fun!

Summer Service Learning

Phinneywood Summer Arts Festival June 23

Volunteers are needed for the Phinneywood Summer Arts Festival on Sunday, June 23 at Phinney Center: 6532 Phinney Ave N. Shifts available from 7 a.m. through 7 p.m. (Event is from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

Learn more and sign up.

Summer Service Learning

Loyal Heights Community Center

Loyal Heights Community Center is looking for teen volunteers to fill its Summer Program Assistant positions (June 24 - August 30, 1-5 p.m.). Duties consist of serving snacks, assisting with daily planned activities, clean up and field trips. This is an ideal position for someone interested in a career in childcare.

Contact Loyal Heights Community Center at (206) 684-4052 or email ronald.brown@seattle.gov for info.

Summer Service Learning

Ballard Community Center

Ballard Community Center seeks students interested in volunteering.

Want to learn more? Email the center's Recreation Leader Hanan Gumale at Hanan.Gumale@seattle.gov

BPA Students Honored with Year-end Awards

Theatre Department Awards

Best Thespian: Corinne Iacobucci

Best Character: Rose Champion

Best Playmaker: Ollie Cain

Best Actor: Ezra Hage

Best Actress: Natalie McManus

Best Technician: Daxson Dee

BHS Drama Service Award: Max Moses

BHS Outstanding Senior: Lachlan Ransier

Theatre Department Scholar: Julia Alverez

Theatre Block Award: Max Moses

Music Department Awards

Music Department Scholar - Lydia Blair

Music Block Award – Isak Synnestvedt

Orchestra

Most Improved – Gwynn Howisey

Freshmen of the Year – Dylan Osborne and Jojo Foster

Orchestra Dedication – Meilee Riddle

Conductor’s Award – Mariam Ermoian

National Orchestra Award – Justene Li

Band

John Philip Sousa Band Award 

Lydia Blair

Rose Kibelstis

Sadie Kibelstis

BHS Band Award of Excellence  

Hayden Wagar

Nick Palmer

Esme Ford

Drum Major Award 

Hazel Hartman

Krystian Tamondong

Etienne Redpath

Patrick Doyle Dedication Award 

Mia Chang

Sydney Craig

Outstanding Freshman Award 

Finn Pasterzcyk

Most Improved Student Award 

John O’Neil

Choir

Outstanding Choral Award 

Amelia Wignall

Sophie Nash

Vocal Music Award of Excellence 

Madeleine Koenig

Izzy Rampersad

Most Improved 

Miles Harrison

Honoring Jill and Mike Hansen, 20-Year BPA Super Supporters

After 20 generous years, Jill and Mike Hansen are retiring from their supportive roles with the Ballard Performing Arts Booster Club. Jill and Mike have volunteered and served in too many ways to list them all, but we want to highlight a few. 

Jill and Mike began supporting BPA when their oldest, Shaun, joined the BHS band in 2004, and continued well after their youngest, Hollie, graduated in 2017. When their children played in the band, they were the volunteers who jumped in and helped with every fundraiser, managed the band uniforms, chaperoned numerous trips, and were the band's top fans. They were awarded the BPA Golden Note award and the PTSA Golden Acorn award in 2017.

Jill and Mike have truly been the heart of the BPA programs and thanks to the many families who contributed, the BPA Boosters were able to express their deep gratitude to them through gift cards, a specially designed plaque, flowers, a cake, and a book filled with your notes of appreciation.

Read more about their involvement.

BHS Athletic Registration 2024-25

Students must be registered in FinalForms to participate in summer practices. Also, August 20 is the due date for Fall Sports registration.

• Fall Sports: Football, XC (Girls, Boys), Golf (Girls, Boys), Girls Soccer, Girls Slowpitch Softball, Girls Swim & Dive, and Girls Volleyball
• Fall Club Sport: Boys Ultimate Frisbee (BUF signup)

Reminder: Get your physicals scheduled. Ballard's Teen Health Center is open until the end of June and offers free sports physicals.

You can also register online now via FinalForms for ALL seasons. You can pay the ASB fee on SchoolPay via the Source when the school year begins.

Questions? Bethany Nielcen at 206-252-1000. More info.

Ballard HS Basketball Camp Offered for Players in 5th-9th Grades

The Ballard HS Basketball Program is hosting a summer camp for students going into 5th-9th grades on July 8-12 (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.) in the Gym.

The program is run by BHS Boys and Girls Basketball players and coaches. Participants will get a t-shirt, prizes and a lot of fun.

Bring lunch and water bottle, snacks will be available for purchase.

Questions? Email Boys Head Coach Lorenzo Durant III at lldurant@seattleschools.org or Girls Head Coach Jennifer Anderson at jlanderson@seattleschools.org

This will be the last DEI committee post for the school year. We hope you all have a peaceful and joyful summer 💕 

Please reach out if you have suggestions, questions, or would like to join us on the DEI Committee: DEIatBHS@gmail.com  

Here are some of the many Seattle events celebrating diversity, equity, and inclusion this summer:

June 28 - Trans Pride Seattle 2024 (Volunteer Park Amphitheater, Free)

“Celebrate trans joy with an evening of performances, community speakers, a resource fair, and "chill vibes."

The Gender Justice League works to strengthen and connect the two-spirit, trans, and gender diverse (2STGD) community and its allies, a goal highlighted by this all-ages, free, and accessible event (masks are required in an effort to make it safe for immunocompromised community members). In a country that's increasingly passing laws restricting the rights of trans folx, it's more important than ever to be visible as we come together and celebrate trans lives.”

Trans Pride Seattle 2024 at Volunteer Park Amphitheater in Seattle, WA - Friday, June 28 - EverOut Seattle

June 29 – Indigiqueer Festival (Pier 62, Free)

“Enjoy blue corn waffles and beverages flavored with traditional foods while watching some of the best drag, music, and dance artist in the Pacific Northwest, participate in a print-making activity, visit the care tent for plant medicines, and shop the Indigiqueer art market!”

Join us at the Indigiqueer Festival on June 29th from 3-8:30 pm for an evening of Indigiqueer joy and healing surrounded by the Salish Sea… | Instagram

June 29-30 - 18th Annual Pridefest (Capitol Hill and Seattle Center, Free)



“PrideFest Capitol Hill is back! Spanning 6 blocks of Broadway and Cal Anderson Park, featuring local businesses, beer gardens, family and youth programming, three stages, and the most fun you’ll have on Capitol Hill all year long!”

Seattle PrideFest

June 30 – Seattle Pride Parade (Downtown, Free)

“In our 50th year of celebration, the Seattle Pride Parade is our opportunity to commemorate the past, celebrate new wins for equality, and get encouragement for the work yet to come. And quite frankly – it’s a hell of a lot of fun.”

seattlepridemonth | Seattle Pride

July 2 - Soul on the Water at Pier 62 Africatown Community Land Trust and 4Culture are hosting an afternoon of live music performances, family activities, and shopping with Black-owned small businesses (FREE):

AFRICATOWN SOUL ON THE WATER - Africatown Community Land Trust (africatownlandtrust.org)

Now through July 14 GUMA’ GELA’: PART LAND, PART SEA, ALL ANCESTRY (Wing Luke Museum, Paid Tickets):

“Featuring the work of the Guma' Gela', a queer CHamoru art collective made up of members from the Marianas and in the diaspora.”

Guma' Gela': Part Land, Part Sea, All Ancestry Exhibit — Wing Luke Museum 

July 16 – Reunion on Union Community Dinner & Block Party (24th & Union)

“You’re invited to commune with Africatown on July 16th from 4 pm-8 pm, on 24th Avenue and Union. This event is a celebration of the African American Heritage in the Central District!”

RE:UNION ON UNION - Africatown Community Land Trust (africatownlandtrust.org)

July 28 - Bon Odori (Nikkei Manor, Free)

“Our Bon Odori Summer Fest returns - Save the date! Join us for taiko drums, dancing, and other live music performances!”

https://www.facebook.com/share/3mDjPhyUmVrq5ehu/?mibextid=9l3rBW  

Now through August 1: Seattle Pride Youth Voices Writing Award Contest

“In honor of Seattle Pride’s 50th Anniversary and to celebrate LGBTQIA+ history, Seattle Pride is inviting youth, ages 13-18, to submit their poetry and prose to the Youth Voices Award contest. Share your perspective, honor our past, and make the future better for all LGBTQIA+ youth with your writing! Submit your work by August 1, 2024 for a chance to win prizes and be featured in Seattle Pride Magazine.”

https://seattlepride.org/news/youth-writing-contest 

August 23-25 - Save the date for Pacific Northwest Black Pride Weekend

“The theme is a testament to our principles of being unapologetically Black in our positioning, where we are committed to collectively and courageously working for freedom and justice for all Black LGBTQIA+ people.”

Save the Date: 2024 Pacific Northwest Black Pride Weekend — Pacific Northwest Black Pride (nwblackpride.org)

August 25 – Save the date for Festival Centro Americano (South Seattle location TBD, Free)

“Celebrating the contribution of the Central American Community of Seattle.”

Follow their Facebook page for updates: Festival Centro Americano

Now through September 30: Application for BIPOC Deaf Arts Grant

“The Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) Deaf Arts Grant is an annual program established in 2021 which provides financial support for emerging and established artists to further advance their careers.”

Overview: BIPOC Deaf Arts Grant - Deaf Spotlight