Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Just a reminder that there will be no school on Monday, Jan. 15 in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

From Principal Abby Hunt's Friday letter:

"This has been an eventful week. With it, I want to express how grateful and proud I am of the students in Ballard’s Black Student Union (BSU). As I noted last week, BSU prepared daily lessons for the school community to engage in as we spent the week celebrating and honoring the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Then this afternoon we came together as a school community for our annual MLK Assembly, which was led by BSU. I hope that with the weekend you and your student(s) are able to engage in opportunities taking place throughout the city to continue to live out King’s vision of community and justice."

Area MLK Events

The PTSA Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee has gathered information on area events celebrating Dr. King's legacy.

• January 14 Youth Event for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Day: “come witness youth performances, food, workshops, and more, in the name of accomplishing MLK’s dream!” Young Leaders Event — Sea MLK Jr Coalition (seattlemlkcoalition.org)

• January 15 Looking for a way to volunteer your time to honor Dr. King’s legacy? Here are some ideas: Celebrating Dr. King’s Legacy | United Way of King County (uwkc.org)  

• January 15 Remember and celebrate Dr. King with a rally, march, and other events: Sea MLK Jr Coalition (seattlemlkcoalition.org)

• January 15 “Calling all PTA Families in Seattle Public Schools — Let’s March! We invite you to the 41st annual MLK Jr March. Meet at noon at the playground on Cherry St. East of 23rd. Look for the yellow balloons! Coordinated by Thornton Creek and John Rogers PTA’s.” Learn more and RSVP here: MLKflier2024_PTAFamilies.jpeg (dropbox.com)  

• January 15 King Day at the NW African American Museum “Join NAAM for our annual King Day celebration honoring the life, legacy and sacrifice of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Enjoy a day at NAAM full of music, movies, motivational speakers, and activities for the entire family.” NAAM — King Day 2024 (naamnw.org)

• And King Day Hygiene Drive: “NAAM honors Dr. King's legacy by hosting our annual Hygiene Supply Drive during our King Day Celebration! Help support your community by helping those in need access essential supplies. Review our complete hygiene supply list and bring what you can to our Hygiene Supply Drive on King Day.” For more information contact Cali Slair PhD cslair@naamnw.org

DEI Committee Happy Hour Wednesday, Jan. 17

The DEI Committee is also planning a Happy Hour 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 17 at the Fish Ladder Lounge (4910 Leary Way NW). We invite everyone to join us for some snacks and beverages, compliments of the DEI Committee. Come find out about future DEI Committee events, share your thoughts, learn how to get involved, or just say hi! Find out more about the DEI Committee goals and more DEI activities. More Equity Corner items below!

Grades 9-11 Registration

Online registration for students in grades 9-11 runs through Tuesday, Jan. 23.

Students, please follow the steps and instructions in your Course Registration packets, Schoology or view on the Course Registration webpage.

Consult with your current teachers if you have questions regarding a specific subject area’s course sequence.

The counseling team is available Jan. 16-23 for 15 minute scheduled appointments via online booking or students can drop in during lunch (no appointment needed).

Full details.

1st Semester Finals: Special Bell Schedules Jan. 25-26

BHS finals may be offered over the course of the following window. Students should check with their teacher and Schoology for their final date/time. Finals may be given during the following days and time frames:

Thursday, Jan. 25 Special Bell Schedule Class Periods 1, 3, 5

Friday, Jan. 26 Special Bell Schedule Class Periods 2, 4, 6

Monday, Jan. 29 Regular Bell Schedule

Tuesday, Jan. 30 Regular Bell Schedule

Wednesday, Jan. 31 Regular Bell Schedule

Learn more.

Money for Academics

Thanks for Helping Us Hit Our Direct Appeal Goal!

A tremendous thank you for your donations to this year's Direct Appeal, our annual PTSA fundraiser devoted specifically to BHS academics.

We have tallied $70,000 in donations to help promote learning success. We are grateful for your support and can't wait to share how PTSA grants inspire learning.

Extend your gift even further: Don’t forget to check with your employer to see if they will double your donation. More info.

Special thanks to Direct Appeal Chair Kristin Anderson for coordinating this year's fundraiser.

PTSA Winter General Meeting: Teen Mental Health Speakers Feb. 15

Mark your calendars for the PTSA's Winter General Meeting, coming up next month in the library!

Please join us at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15 to hear our guest speakers share their experience focused on teen mental health.

We have invited Licensed Therapists Charlie Delavan and Caleb Visser to learn about teen brain development and skills for self regulation.

More info.

Reflections Art Program

Congratulations to the following students who submitted works for the Ballard PTSA Reflections program, sharing entries inspired by this year's theme, "I Am Hopeful Because ..."

Art: Lake Neill (top) and Juniper Stoddard (bottom)

Dance: James Madden

Music Composition: Max Germann, Josiah Hoy-Tisdale, and (Ingraham student) Ben Jaynes

Photography: Lucas Salm-Rojo

Next, these entries will be judged by the SCPTSA program chairs to determine possible advancement onto the state WSPTA and national PTA programs. More info.

Save $15, Buy Tickets by Jan. 27!

PTSA Ballard Gala Tickets on Sale Jan. 21

Hey Ballard High School Parents and Guardians!

Are you ready for an evening of fun and fundraising? Our annual PTSA Fundraising Gala Dinner is back again! This year, join the madness in March at Belltown's Block 41 on March 24 from 5 to 9:30 p.m.

Tickets go on sale January 21 at Ballard Gala. Act fast to save your spot! Tickets are $80 for one week only and will go to $95 on January 28.  

The Gala Committee is still looking for donations – have a vacation rental? Know of a fun business willing to donate? Have some skill to share – pottery, art, baking? Please get in touch with ballardprocurement@gmail.com or make a donation directly at Ballard Gala.

Winter Ball Feb. 10 SAM

Tickets Go on Sale Tuesday, Jan. 16

Mark your calendars for the fun ASB Winter Ball event from 7:30-10:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10 at the Seattle Art Museum. This year's theme is: Aurora Borealis."

Tickets will be on sale for the ASB Winter Ball starting Tuesday, Jan. 16 during lunch in the Activity Center and online. More info, dance forms.

Purchase the BHS Shingle Yearbook Thru Jan. 23

Did you forget to purchase a yearbook in the fall? There is a new Shingle yearbook sales window that runs through Jan. 23. Cost: $65.

Payment Options:

• Cash, Check (Ballard High School), Debit, Credit Card
• Pay online via parents Source/SchoolPay
• Yearbooks will be sold in the Activity Center (AC) at lunch and after school.

Details, including how to check if you've already purchased a yearbook are available on the Yearbook Sales page.

Golden Beaver Scholarships Applications Now Open

Announcing new scholarship opportunities! Every spring, the Ballard High School Foundation offers a variety of Golden Beaver Scholarships to deserving BHS graduating seniors.

New! Hughbanks Family Scholarships: This year, the Golden Beaver Scholarship Committee is excited to announce even more life-changing scholarships through a recent substantial donation from the estate of Ballard High School Foundation Co-Founder C. David Hughbanks '54.

Hughbanks Family Scholarships are awarded to students pursuing further academic or trade education in Washington state and will prioritize students with situational or financial need. Awards are $5,000 for two years.

Golden Beaver Scholarships:

Golden Beavers Scholarships are awarded to students pursuing further academic or trade education. Awards are for one year and can range from $500 to $5,000.

The Scholarship Committee is looking to award students who have an array of interests, backgrounds, academic achievements, and post-high school educational goals, so make sure to apply to be considered!

Learn more and apply today! Deadline March 24. 

FAFSA and WASFA Launch

The 2024–25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form is available periodically. Complete the form to apply for financial aid to help pay for attendance at college.

The Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA) is also available. Simpler, more generous 2024-25 financial aid applications now available — but process will be slower. Learn more on the Wa Student Achievement Council site.

Follow updates and information. Financial aid deadlines for WA schools.

Class of 2024 News & Updates

Follow Class of 2024 updates!

Senior Timeline

Class of 2024 Facebook group

NEW! Helpful Financial Aid & Scholarship Info from SPS too!

January Senior of the Month: Semai H.

Ballard Rotary Honors two outstanding BHS seniors each month as part of its Students of the Month program. 

From Semai: I’m president of Black Student Union and Multicultural Student Union. It means so much to me that not only can I be a member of these unions, but that I can take a lead in diversifying our school. It’s meaningful to me that I get a space in which I can bring my culture while also learning about others’ cultures. I’ve also learned how to me more outspoken in advocating for my wants and needs at school. FULL BIO

Semai was also honored recently by Seattle Public Schools, see below!

January Senior of the Month: Finn V.

From Finn: I am the president of Garment Club, which has been something that I have been very passionate about recently. I love sewing so being able to share that with other students, whether it be with students who already have experience sewing or students that have never touched a sewing machine, it still just feels great to be able to share that.

I’m also a LINK leader at Ballard which I feel is important to welcome in the incoming freshman and make them feel a part of the school. FULL BIO

Senior Honored with AAMA We Show Up Award

Congratulations to senior Semai H. (center front) who was recently honored by Seattle Public Schools! SPS's Office of African American Male Achievement (AAMA) ended 2023 with a recognition event for students who “show up.”

The We Show Up Awards ceremony honored 12 Black students who continually pour their energy into their academics, their school, the community, and their future. Each student was recognized for their work in Kingmakers, their school’s Black Student Union, WHOLE Mentoring or AAMA’s Family Support work. Full details.

Catch even more good news from around the District in this week's School Beat!

Senior Earns Flight Museum Pathfinder Award

Also from School Beat: For over 40 years The Museum of Flight’s annual Pathfinder Awards have honored Northwest visionaries that have made significant contributions to the development of the aerospace industry.

BHS senior Ryder W. (right) was one of four key student members honored at the awards banquet.

Pathfinder Awards co-chair Steve Taylor described the student interns and their contributions to the program as “amazing.” 

The Museum internship is open to high school students if they are enrolled in one of the Museum education programs. Ryder participates in the Museum’s Aeronautical Science Pathway program.

Cookbook Club Cooking Up and More Library Book Clubs!

Beaver Readers: Ms. Chambers and Ms. Bowman are getting a Cookbook Club together, this week focusing on the cuisine of José Andrés. Interested in learning a new skill or continuing a love of cookery? Stop by the checkout desk for more info on meeting times!

More Library Clubs, meeting during lunch unless noted:

• Library Leaders meet on Mondays. Service hours available.
• That Dam Book Club meets every other Tuesday. Students meet in the Makerspace and can read whatever they want and talk about it.
• Comic Book Club meets on Wednesdays in Mr. Lee’s classroom.
• 3D Printing Club and Architecture Club meet Wednesdays in the Library.
• Garment Club meet Thursdays in Ms. Carlson’s room using Library Makerspace sewing machines.
• Reading Buddies meet at 8:10 a.m. Fridays to read picture books online to first grade students at Magnolia Elementary.
• Pride Book Club meets every other Friday.

BHS Library Webpage | Library Catalog | Library Volunteer Sign Up

Have a Counseling Question? Check the Helpful Online Dashboard!

The Counseling Center Dashboard offers a variety of resources for graduating seniors and grade level checklists for all students.

This includes the service learning opportunities, job/internship board, applying to college tips, financial aid information and links, and much, much more.

Seattle Promise Scholarship Deadline Feb. 16

Seattle Promise scholarship provides up to two years of free tuition towards a graduating SPS senior’s first degree at Seattle Colleges, including North Seattle College, Seattle Central College, or South Seattle College.

Applications are due Friday, Feb. 16. Learn more about and how to apply for Seattle Promise.

Need help? Ballard's Seattle Promise representative Trinity Covington is in the Counseling Center for drop-in support from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays. You can also email trinity.covington@seattlecolleges.edu or text 206-661-1290.

Student Essay Competitions

The following essay competitions are open to high school students in multiple grade levels.

Washington State PTA offers four $2,500 scholarships to graduating seniors with an active PTA. (You'll need Ballard High School PTSA's ID #615460 for the application.)

In addition to its scholarship program, Washington State PTA offers an Essay Contest for students to share their creativity. This statewide essay contest explores the important and varied influencers in the lives and education of children – from the student's perspective.

WSPTA Scholarship & Contest Application Deadline is Feb. 15.

Ninth Circuit Essay and Video Contest | 2024 marks the 70th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1954 landmark decision in Brown v. Board of Education. Students are invited to submit an essay and/or video reflecting on the legacy of this decision for cash prizes. Deadline March 8. Full details

Stim Bullitt Civic Courage Scholarship – The Seattle Public Library Foundation (supportspl.org) | This competition is designed to engage students by writing an essay about an individual or group of individuals in Washington who have demonstrated civic courage on an issue of importance to the community at great personal, political, or professional risk. Deadline March 15.

Post-Graduation Internship

City Year Recruiting Student Success Coaches

City Year is an educational nonprofit organization that partners with schools to help prepare students with the skills and mindsets to thrive in academics and life. Casey Linden, the new Community Partnerships Manager at City Year Seattle/King County, is recruiting young people ages 17-25 to serve as student success coaches in Seattle Public Schools.

These tutors and mentors serve full time for 10 months as AmeriCorps members to help students expand upon their sense of identity, and build upon their social, emotional and academic skills to achieve their goals.

For more information, contact Casey at casey.linden@cityyear.org or online at http://www.cityyear.org/seattle. The next application deadline is Feb. 2.

Service Learning Spotlight: Ballard Athletic Booster Club

Student volunteers needed for the Athletic Booster Club's Trivia Night, for a variety of shifts from 5-9:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 31 at the Ballard Elks, 6411 Seaview Ave. N.W. Tasks include popcorn sales, room set up and cleanup, trivia sheet collection. Contact Kelly Jones at 206-214-8774 if interested!

Service Learning Spotlight:

Arboretum Summer Camp

Junior Naturalist volunteers are sought to help for two weeks with the Arboretum Summer Camp. Students can earn up to 70 service hours, and will receive a letter of recommendation upon successful program completion. More info, application.

Sign up for Ballard Choir!

Are you interested in joining Ballard’s incredible choir program for the 2024-25 school year? Choir placements for next year’s choirs will happen in the spring, but if you are interested, sign up now when you fill out your schedule request form! No experience necessary; a love of music is all you need. Find out more by watching this video. We’d love to welcome you into the choir community!

Email Ms. Rowley at chrowley@seattleschoools.org or ask a current choir student if you have any additional questions.

More Music Class Options

Are you interested in what makes music work, and would love to delve more deeply into theory and composition? Consider AP Music Theory! Do you want to learn piano or guitar? We offer classes in both! Sign up on your schedule request form, or stop by the Music Office (NE 221 inside of the band room) to learn more.

Save the Date for the 65th Annual Spaghetti Dinner | Saturday, Feb. 3

The 65th Annual Spaghetti Dinner: Night at the Movies is coming up 5:30-8:30 Saturday, Feb. 3 in the Commons.

All Ballard Performing Arts groups will provide us with live entertainment throughout the evening, including a sneak peek at the Spring Musical The Addams Family. Please join us for a magical night of food, community, and performances at our biggest event of the year.

Thank you so much for your support of performing arts programs at Ballard High.

5th Annual Running of the Beavers March 23

Get ready to lace up your sneakers and join the 5th Annual Running of the Beavers 5K Walk/Run to benefit the Ballard High School Foundation at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, March 23 at Golden Gardens. Enjoy stunning views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains on this fast, flat course.

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!

Choose from the challenging Coal Creek Course or the scenic China Creek Course! Pre-event barbecue and putting contest at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. start.

Golf Classic Registration

ABC Trivia Night

Jan. 31 Ballard Elks

Register today for the Athletic Booster Club Trivia Night Wednesday, Jan. 31 at the Ballard Elks Club (6411 Seaview Ave. N.W.).

Join BHS parents, staff, coaches and students for a fun evening testing team trivia skills! Register your team of six players by Jan. 30 below ($20/person). Email BallardBeaverTrivia@gmail.com if you want to be placed with other players to make up a team. Last year was a hit, so register your team now to reserve a table!

Your registration fee is a tax-deductible donation to the Athletic Booster Club to further their mission to support and promote quality athletics at Ballard High School. Doors open at 6 p.m.; trivia starts at 7 p.m. Full details.

BHS Duffle Sale Thru Jan. 31

The Athletic Booster Club's popular custom-order BHS duffle bags (standard and purse size) are on sale through Jan. 31.

Bags include shoulder straps, and can be personalized for an additional fee. This is the last opportunity to order for this school year.

The Beaver Gear Team let you know when to pick up your order in the school office, with delivery estimated in 8-10 weeks following the order deadline.

Questions? Email the Beaver Gear Team at bhsabcgear@gmail.com

Full details.

ABC Winter Athletics News

Winter Sports Updates are available in this week's Athletic Booster Club January newsletter. Team schedules and info are also available on the Ballard High School website.

Looking for Ways to Support BHS Hoops?

Both the Girls and Boys Basketball programs have fun promotions coming up:

Mark your calendars for a Varsity Double Header Wednesday, Jan. 17. (Girls tipoff against Cleveland at 5:45 p.m., Boys Varsity tipoff against Chief Sealth at 7:30 p.m.). The band will perform and bring food drive donations.

Dine Out in Support of Ballard Hoops 4-9 p.m. Monday, Jan. 22 at Duke's Seafood (Greenlake location, proceeds split between both girls and boys teams)

The Ballard PTSA DEI Committee meets the first Tuesday of each month. The next DEI Committee meeting is 6:30-8:30 p.m. Feb. 6 on MS Teams. 

We’d love to see you! Please reach out for the Teams meeting link or if you have questions: DEIatBHS@gmail.com.

Upcoming Events

January 29 5:30-7 p.m. - School to Prison Pipeline Open Discussion

  

“Join guest speakers Principal Sharonda Williams, Interagency School; LaMaria Pope and Johnny Walker Jr., Program Managers at Choose 180; Molly Mitchell, Director of Student Support Programs at Seattle Central College; and Dana Brown, Private Attorney in Seattle specializing in juvenile defense. Moderated by SPS Kingmaker Trevon, UW Student and Kingmaker Alumni.” hosted by Seattle Council PTSA Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee together with RARE. Meeting Registration - Zoom

In the News

Yakama Nation’s new public safety campus gives justice room to grow | Crosscut

At a time when Seattle drugstores are closing, an independent expands | The Seattle Times

See an interesting event that celebrates Diversity, Equity, or Inclusion and you’d like to see it highlighted here? Please send it our way! DEIatBHS@gmail.com.