PTSA DEI Committee & Ballard High School

Restorative Practice Workshop with RJOY May 22

Join the Ballard PTSA DEI Committee and Ballard High School for a very special event: Restorative Practice Workshop with national leaders RJOY (Restorative Justice for Oakland Youth) from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 22. Refreshments and snacks will be available from 5-6 p.m.

Let's work together to build and strengthen our community! RSVP is encouraged, to help us with planning. Learn more about RJOY and restorative practices here: What is Restorative Justice? – RJOY (rjoyoakland.org)

Questions? Reach out at DEIatBHS@gmail.com. More info.

Thanks to BHS student Carina Mazzola for the poster graphic.

Fiddle Showcase May 15 at Ballard Homestead

Ballard High School Fiddlers will open for Ladies Loe and Shelby Natasha at Ballard Homestead’s Folk Strings Showcase, presented by Abbey Arts at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 15 at Ballard Homestead, 6541 Jones Ave. N.W.

Ladies Loe features folk chellists Erin Esses and Clea Taylor. Shelby Natasha is the ethereal, guzheng-playing, Chinese folk/indie pop singer you didn’t know your life was missing.

Tickets are $15. Net profits will go to support Ballard Performing Arts.

More info.

Cheer on the BHS Band at Syttende Mai Parade

Show your Ballard pride and cheer on the Marching Band at Syttende Mai, the annual parade and community celebration that celebrates Norwegian Constitution Day and Ballard’s Nordic heritage on Friday, May 17. The parade starts at 6 p.m. but make sure to find a viewing spot early!

More info and parade route.

Photo c/o Bruce Johnson/Rowland Studios.

Buy Tickets for ABC Trivia Night May 29 at the Elks

Have a blast at Trivia Night Wednesday, May 29 at Ballard Elks. Build your team of six, students welcome too, for $120. Your registration fee is a donation to the Athletic Booster Club (ABC) to further our mission to support and promote quality athletics at Ballard High School. Donations are fully tax-deductible. Get a chance to match wits with the Coaches Team! Doors open at 6 p.m., first trivia round is at 7 p.m.

Volunteers are needed and service-learning opportunities will be available too. If you want to help or have questions, email Beth Sylves at bhsabcmemberships@gmail.com. More info.

Ballard Film Festival Friday, May 31 in PAC

It’s that time of year! The Ballard Film Festival is happening at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 31 in the Earl Kelly Performing Arts Center (PAC).

Get ready for a night of incredible films, food, photos, and much more. Wear your old Hollywood glamour! Hope to see you there!

Online Tickets are $7 on SchoolPay through May 24.

Day of Ticket Prices: Students $10, Adults $15. Watch for Movie Trailer posted soon! More info.

Enjoy Student Art Show at BallardWorks

Here are some upcoming opportunities to view amazing Beaver art and photography! Congratulations to the student artists and their teachers Ms. O'Neill (photography), Mr. Harkleroad (art), and Mr. Cachopo (ceramics).

BallardWorks Exhibit & June 8 ArtWalk:

Ballard student art and photography are on display at BallardWorks (2856 N.W. Market St.). The works will be shared as part of the Ballard ArtWalk at a special studio reception from 3-9 p.m. on Saturday, June 8.

Art displayed includes pieces from Drawing and Painting, Ceramics and Photography classes.

June 8 ArtWalk Map | More info.

Naramore/SAM Art Show Wraps Today, May 12

While the Naramore Art Show wraps today at the Seattle Art Museum, you can still view Ballard artists' and photographers' work via the online gallery through the end of the school year.

More info.

Reserve Seats for BPA Spring Concerts

Ballard Performing Arts' Spring Concert Series is coming up! All shows are at 7:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center.

Choir: Thursday, May 30

Band: Tuesday, June 4

Orchestra: Thursday, June 6

While all concerts are free to attend, optional reserved seating is available as a donation to BPA! Save yourself some time and support BPA by reserving your seats now!

Schedule Update for 2024-25 School Year

BHS Families: Please remember to read Principal Hunt's Friday Message, featuring information about many of the community events featured below, and important details about next year's bell schedule. Thank you!

Staff Appreciation Team Restocks & Shines Staff Lounge

As part of Staff Appreciation Week, our PTSA team and volunteers spiffed up the staff lounge and stocked it with new plates, glasses, mugs, supplies and utensils. They also added a new microwave and air fryer! There are now magazines, games and puzzles for staff to enjoy and the kitchen and lounge area are stocked with cookies, crackers, snacks, granola bars, and a lot of candy. There is also sparkling water in the refrigerator. The work stations now have all kinds of office supplies too. We hope everyone loves the refreshed lounge!

Thanks to everyone who contributed items, and PTSA Staff Appreciation Chairs Lisa Vanderford Anderson and Lisa Willis for coordinating and facilitating, and volunteers Martha Obenhauer, Michelle Peters, Sydney Willis and Kelly Mazzola for helping make the magic happen! More info.

Attn. Sophomore & Junior Parents/Guardians!

Urgent Need for SPREE Grad Party Chaperones

Junior and Sophomore Parents & Guardians - We Need Your Help!

SPREE is an all-night party for our seniors hosted by the Ballard High School PTSA and chaperoned by volunteers. Seniors will have a chance to celebrate as they are taken to two secret locations on June 14 after graduation for games, dancing, food and all sorts of fun.

This night is only possible with the help of volunteers -- which is why we need you! We're looking for 20 parent volunteers to staff the event. Please join our list of SPREE chaperone heroes and help ensure a fun and safe evening for the Class of 2024 graduates!

Volunteers Still Needed for Short, One-Hour Shifts

AP Testing at Ballard High School May 13-17

AP Exams are May 13-17 at BHS for students who pre-registered in the fall. Refer to the important information on the AP Exam Overview page and view the attached AP Exam Flyer.

Parent and Guardian Volunteers are still needed May 6-17 to help with exam check-in, room set up, and handing out exams. Please sign up to help out. Thank you!

Volunteers Needed for Laptop Turn-in

The end of the school year is a busy time! Please help us check in student computers and chargers in June. Volunteers may also be asked to help with end-of-year library tasks. Thank you! Volunteers must be SPS approved.

DECA Students Excel at International Conference

Congratulations to DECA students Violet Petersen and Kate Herndon who just returned from the DECA International Career Development Conference in Anaheim.

Violet and Kate competed in a 100-question Marketing Exam, 10-Page Promotional Plan Paper, and a 15-minute presentation to beat out 160 competitors and earn Top 10 in the World in the Integrated Marketing Campaign-Service Event.

Congratulations, Violet and Kate! We are very proud of you!

Maui 2025 Trip Applications Due June 3

From the Daily School Announcements:

Ever want to snorkel in active reef? Climb a 10,000 foot hot spot volcano? Ballard is going back to Maui in February 2025! Applications available now from Oceanography teacher Mr. Noam Gundle for this unique educational experience. Scholarships and service hours available. Applications due June 3. Mahalo!

Questions? Email Mr. Gundle njgundle@seattleschools.org.

Let's Go 2024! Senior Timeline Picks up in May!

The Senior News page timeline is picking up between now and the Class of 24's June 14 graduation!

May

• Due Now: Service Learning Documentation & for Above and Beyond Due
• Due Now: If Applicable, PE Waivers Due (see Counselor if questions)
• Due Now: RSVP for the June 5 Senior Dinner (tickets will be sold closer to the date.)
• May 13-17: AP Exams
• May: Prom Tickets On Sale
• May: Senior SPREE Ticket Sales (scholarships available)

June

• June: Complete Naviance Required Steps
• June 1: Prom at the Columbia Tower
• June 3-7: Beaver Week!
• June 5: Senior Dinner at Ballard Elks from 5-8 p.m.
• June 10: Senior Finals (Periods 1/3/5)
• June 11: Senior Finals (Periods 2/4/6)
• June 12: Extra time for testing and modification
• June 13: Check-Out with Counselors, Laptop Check-In (more details to follow)
• June 14: Mandatory Graduation Rehearsal 9 a.m. in the PAC
• June 14: Graduation Ceremony at Memorial Stadium 5-6:30 p.m. (No tickets needed.)
• June 14: SPREE Senior Party

SPREE Senior Grad Party Tickets on Sale

Buy your tickets today for SPREE, the PTSA's all-night grad party, and a BHS tradition!

Following the 5 p.m. graduation ceremony on June 14 and a quick break to change and have a bite to eat, SPREE celebrants will hop onto chartered buses at Ballard High School.

Grads will travel to two different exciting event venues and be treated to multiple activities, meals, and fun.

Scholarships are available, we want everyone to attend who's interested in joining the fun! Ask your counselor for information on how to get a scholarship. Full details.

Prom Tickets on Sale

Tickets for Senior Prom, "Night Under the Lights," are now on sale in the Activity Center. The dance will be 8-11 p.m. Saturday, June 1 at the Columbia Tower.

Dress Code: Formal

Theme Colors: Green, Purple and Gold

More info, participation forms. Graphic c/o and follow @ballardhighasb.

AP Book Titles Sought for Beaver Readers

Parents/guardians: The Ballard Library is looking to assist AP students with the following titles as they prepare for next year's reading. Perhaps you have an extra copy on hand? Please share any gently used titles as able!

• "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann
• "Lies My Teacher Told Me" by James Loewen
• "The Power of Trees" by Peter Wohlleben
• "The Age of Grief" by Jane Smiley
• "Breathing Lessons" by Anne Tyler
• "Dinner at Homesick Restaurant" by Anne Tyler
• "Native Son" by Richard Wright
• "Native Speaker" by Change-Rae Lee
• "Risk Pool" by Richard Russo
• "The Sound and The Fury" by William Faulkner

Students can drop off titles at the checkout desk! Questions? Email Ms. Chambers at tschambers@seattleschools.org. More Library news and events.

Counseling Center Closed During AP Testing May 13-17

Attention all students: The Counseling Center will be closed for AP testing Monday, May 13 through Friday, May 17. If you have scheduled an appointment with your counselor, or have an urgent need, you can enter through the next door, SE225.

Counseling TAs will need to check in at the Main Office where attendance will be taken.

Many Counseling Center resources are available on the Counseling Center Dashboard.

Spotlight Scholarship

Kellen "Bobo" Jones '08 Memorial Grant Due May 19

Each year, $500 grants are awarded to two senior student athletes through the Kellen "Bobo" Jones '08 Memorial Grant.

The successful applicants will exhibit the characteristics and attributes that made Kellen Jones '08 a successful athlete, teammate and Ballard Beaver. This grant may be used for any post high school vocational training, college or license program.

Applications due by Sunday, May 19. Full details.

Spotlight Scholarship

Port of Seattle Chapter Blacks in Government

The Port of Seattle Chapter of Blacks In Government is offering two $2,000 scholarships that will be awarded during a scholarship celebration ceremony on June 17.

One award is the Evelyn Findley Outstanding Academic Achievement Award and the other is the Lilyian Casswell-Isley Outstanding Community Service Award.

Applications must be received by June 3. More info.

Shoreline College Running Start Info Night May 15

Shoreline Community College is hosting a Running Start Information Night from 6-7:15 p.m. Wednesday, May 15, in the Main Dining Room of the PUB Building.

More info and RSVP.

Summer Service Learning

Norwegian Ladies Chorus Fundraiser June 23

The Norwegian Ladies Chorus of Seattle is seeking volunteers to bus tables and help with cleanup at their fundraiser event, 5-9 p.m. Sunday, June 23 at Leif Erickson Lodge Sons of Norway, 2245 N.W. 57th St. To sign up, contact Nancy Hiraoka at nan.gran@comcast.net

Summer Job Spotlight

Arena Sports Lil' Kickers

Arena Sports is hiring Lil' Kickers and Skills Institute coaches for the summer session at Soundview Playfields on Sunday Mornings. Coach weekly classes for kids ages 18 months to 12 years old and become superheroes in the eyes of your players.

Lil' Kickers/Skills Institute Coaches are team players who are reliable, creative, passionate, and willing to go the extra mile for the children in their classes.

No prior coaching experience necessary (training provided).

Food Handler's permit required.

More info.

Spring Service Learning

Samos Mujeres Latinas

Samos Mujeres Latinas is looking for student volunteers to assist with setup and cleanup for their 10th Annual Latin Women's Symposium May 17-18 at James Baldwin Elementary School, 11725 1st Ave. N.E. Four-hour shifts are available late afternoon Friday and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday.

More info.

Summer Service Learning

Ballard SeafoodFest

The Ballard Alliance is looking for volunteers to help at Ballard SeafoodFest on July 12-14! Teens are eligible for these roles: Info Booth, Kids Area, Salmon BBQ, Set Up (Chalk Booth), Vendor Set Up and Teardown. Each shift comes with a complementary Alder-smoked salmon BBQ dinner.

More info and sign up.

Spring Service Learning

Northwest Folklife Festival

Northwest Folklife Festival is looking for teen volunteers to assist with the event May 24-27.

As a volunteer, students may have the opportunity to assist with a variety of tasks, including:

• Greeting and assisting festival attendees
• Providing information about festival activities, performances, and cultural exhibits
• Assisting with stage management and performance coordination
• Supporting vendors and exhibitors
• Helping with setup, cleanup, and logistics

Volunteer Application

Caffè Appassionato Coffee Sales Ending May 15

Last few days! Order your favorite Caffè Appassionato coffees through May 15 and support Ballard Performing Arts performers. For each $14 bag sold, the BPA student you name will earn $6 toward program fees, camps and trips.

There are four blends to choose from:

• Arietta Blend - medium roast
• Tempest Blend - bold roast
• Espresso Blend
• Decaffeinated

Orders can be placed at Schoolpay. Students will deliver coffee orders in early June. Full details.

Orchestra Concerto Concert June 10

Chamber Orchestra soloists, accompanied by members of Chamber and Symphonic Orchestras, will be performing Concertos by Vivaldi, Mendelssohn, Elgar, Accolay, and Sarasate at 7:30 p.m. Monday, June 10 in the Performing Arts Center.

More events on BPA Calendar.

Softball Team Wins Metro Championship

Congratulations to the Metro League Champion Softball Team! The Ballard Beavers completed a three-game sweep at Metros with a culminating victory against Roosevelt 14-7 Friday at the SWAC!

The team's District Game 1 is versus Liberty (Renton) at 4 p.m. Tuesday, May 14 at Juanita High School. The game's winner goes to State!

Baseball Takes Second at Metro Championships

Ballard Baseball took second place in the Metro Championships Saturday after losing to West Seattle Saturday 7-1. Both teams from the Metro Championship game are moving on to compete at State!

The State Tournament bracket will be posted on the BHS Spring Athletics page when available. Go Beavers!

Soccer Team Takes Second, Heads for State Tourney

After beating Roosevelt 4-3 Monday, Soccer lost in a penalty kick showdown 2-1 against Seattle Prep Friday to take second in the Metro Championship game. Both the Beavers and the Panthers are headed to the State Tournament.

Girls Team Takes Second!

Track & Field Excels at Metro Championships

Track competed at the Metro Championship Meet, May 9 and 11, at SWAC. Here are the results! The Girls Team took second, congratulations! Next are Districts May 16 and May 18 at Renton Memorial Stadium. Here's the Meet Schedule.

Boys Lacrosse Hosts State Playoff Game May 18

Boys Lacrosse will host a second-round state playoff game at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, May 18 versus the winner of the Peninsula/Mt. Spokane game.

The team also shared a fun Senior Night photo by Ed Tanaka, congrats to Luke Berard (Captain, Defense), Tom Delaney (Defense), Carter Garrison (Captain, Midfield), and Henry Perkins (Midfield)!

Post-season brackets and ticket information will also be added to the BHS website.

'Bring a Friend' Open Gym May 13

Ballard Cheer Tryouts May 14-17

Cheer Tryouts are coming up 4:30-6:30 p.m. May 14-17 in the BHS Main Gym.

Want to see if cheer is for you, or looking to get in some practice before tryouts? There will be a "Bring a Friend" Open Gym from 4:30-6 p.m. May 13 in the BHS Commons. (Remember to fill out interest form.)

Photo c/o and follow @ballardcheer. Email questions: Ballardhs.cheerleading@gmail.com

DEI Committee Meeting 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 4

The last DEI Committee meeting of the school year is Tuesday, June 4 from 6-8 p.m. at the Fish Ladder Lounge (4910 Leary Way N.W.) 

We’d love to see you there! Please reach out if you're interested or have any questions: DEIatBHS@gmail.com. 

The Ballard PTSA DEI Committee meets the first Tuesday of each month. More info.

Restorative Practice Workshop with RJOY May 22

May 22 from 6-8 p.m.: Join the Ballard PTSA DEI Committee and Ballard High School for a very special event: Restorative Practice Workshop with national leaders RJOY (Restorative Justice for Oakland Youth).

Location: Ballard High School Library

Refreshments and snacks will be available from 5-6 p.m.

Everyone is welcome to attend - Let's work together to build and strengthen our community!

RSVP encouraged to help us with the planning.

Learn more about RJOY and Restorative Practice. Roosevelt Alumni for Racial Equity (RARE) also has some excellent information and ongoing activities here: Restorative Practice Committee – Roosevelt Alumni for Racial Equity (RARE) (rhs4racialequity.org)

Upcoming Events

Donate online now through May 31 to the Southeast Seattle Education Coalition (givelively.org)

“The SE Seattle Schools Fundraising Alliance (SESSFA) is a group of 17 public school PTAs and PTOs that believe in the power of sharing resources and strengthening relationships across our SE Seattle education community and beyond.

Since 2021, SESSFA has raised more than $1,000,000 for participating schools with the generous support of donors in our neighborhood and throughout our city. These funds are distributed equitably through a model that prioritizes populations furthest from educational justice.”

May 16 is Global Accessibility Awareness Day. "The purpose of GAAD is to get everyone talking, thinking and learning about digital access and inclusion, and the more than one billions people with disabilities and impairments." Home - GAAD (accessibility day)

May 25 (Redmond, Free) United Festival

“A fun, family friendly event in honor of Asian American and Native Hawaiian/PI Heritage Month! Enjoy shopping, delicious food, and amazing performances by local artists and dancers. There will be FREE Henna for festival attendees! Performances include Mak Fai Kung Fu, Rhythms of India, Ann Gong, and a cultural fashion show."

UNITED Festival | The Emotional Abuse Discussion (teamtead.org) with more info here: United Festival Tickets, Sat, May 25, 2024 at 12:00 PM | Eventbrite

Now through July 21 (National Nordic Museum, ticketed event): Nordic Utopia? African Americans in the 20th Century

Nordic Utopia? African Americans in the 20th Century | National Nordic Museum

In the News

Quinault Nation's move to higher ground - ICT News

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