Ballard High School Welcome Letter
From BHS Principal Abby Hunt
Dear Ballard High School Families,
It is with great joy that I welcome you to the 2026-2027 school year! We are excited for our Ballard HS educators to return later this month for professional development work prior to the start of school, and then we are eager to welcome back students on September 2.
This summer letter is intended to provide you with key dates and information to ensure that you and your student are prepared for the start of the year. Having two kids of my own—both of whom are students in SPS—I know how helpful it is to have the information and answers to your questions as we get ready for the year.
On a personal note, this marks my 5th year at Ballard HS. My youngest child was in diapers when I started at Ballard HS and now she is entering 1st grade! It’s amazing how time flies. Whether your student is just joining Ballard HS or returning for their final year, know that it is my honor to serve your student and this incredible school community. Further, I thank you for all that you each do as partners as we share a collective commitment and goal of ensuring that every student receives an excellent education while being a part of an inclusive and supportive school community.
If you are the parent or guardian of an incoming 9th grade or new-to-Ballard student, please note key information below for our first day LINK Crew orientation. We will run a special schedule on Sept. 2nd to ensure that your student is welcomed into the Ballard HS community with a focus on care and connection.
In addition to welcoming students back to the building, I am hopeful that we will see all families at one or both of our upcoming family events. For 9th grade parents and guardians, we will have an evening event on August 27 to ensure you have the information you need to help support your student’s experience at BHS. And then for all families, we are excited to see you at our Curriculum Night on Thursday, October 8th.
As the year begins, you can expect to receive a weekly communication from me every Friday. And if you haven’t already signed up to receive the PTSA newsletter, I encourage you to do so (see link below). We are so fortunate at BHS to have such a supportive and involved PTSA! Additionally, I cannot emphasize enough how helpful our website is as a source of information: Ballard High School.
I am so grateful that you are a part of the Ballard community, and I hope to see you at one of our school events soon.
Go Beavers!
Abby Hunt (she/her)
Principal
Ballard High School
Volunteers Needed! First Week of School | Ballard HS adults are needed to help BHS Staff during the first week of school: September 2, 3, and 4. Every volunteer contribution is greatly appreciated and is a valuable support to our school community. If you would like to volunteer in the first week of school, or to support our PTSA as they host a lunch for staff in late August, please more details about PTSA and volunteering and sign! For these Start of School needs, new families may volunteer without completing the SPS volunteer application. (Note: future roles will require SPS clearance, and you will receive an email with instructions when that applies.) Please email volunteer@ballardhighptsa.org with any questions.
Start of School Paperwork Packets | SPS required forms are available online on the Ballard HS website, with several language options. In addition, paper copies of Start of School forms will be in the Main Office starting the first week of school. Start of School packets also include SchooLinks High School & Beyond Planning information, BHS Nurse & Teen Health Center details, and informational materials about Schoology and the Source.
Student Fall Class Schedules: Students may view their schedules on the Source the day before school starts.
Planned Absence the First Week of School? Email ballardhs.attendance@seattleschools.org and our registrar Erin Hayes at emhayes@seattleschools.org if your student is not able to attend the first 8 days of school. Students who do not attend on those days and have not informed us of their late arrival will be dropped from Ballard HS as “no shows” – which means the student’s courses will be dropped and you will have to re-enroll in Seattle Public Schools online or at the JSCEE district enrollment office.
Not Attending Ballard HS in the Fall? Complete these steps. Step One: Email registrar Erin Hayes at emhayes@seattleschools.org. Include the parent/guardian's name, student’s full name and date of birth, your phone number, and the name of the school your student will attend instead of BHS. Step Two: To withdraw your student from the SPS District, please complete the Not Attending Next Year form.
Welcome New BHS Families! PTSA Newsletter | Did you know you need to sign up for the Ballard HS PTSA Newsletter? Learn about upcoming events for new students and families, check due dates for Ballard Athletics paperwork, and find out about our BHS PTSA and how you can get involved! Sign Up/Opt In For the PTSA Newsletter | Class of 2030
School Picture Days: September 3 & 4 | Rowland Studio will be on campus on September 3rd and 4th for school pictures. Students will receive an info sheet with photo ordering instructions when they get their picture taken. Student ID cards will be distributed at school a few weeks after picture day. If your student is unable to attend picture day on September 3rd or 4th, a make-up picture date will be announced.
Class of 2027 Senior Yearbook Photos | Senior Portraits have typically been due in October. If you do not submit a senior photo to the yearbook staff, they will use your Student ID photo instead. Stay tuned for senior portrait due date and submission information.
Service-Learning Hours: Service learning (SL) is giving time without pay. SL allows students to learn academic, social, and personal skills through real hands-on activities. Summer hours that students complete that meet the SL requirements can be counted toward the 60-hour graduation requirement, except for incoming 9th graders who can only claim 15 SL hours in the summer. Forms are available on the BHS website.
Transportation | ORCA Cards: Youth under 19 years of age may ride public transportation for free. Students will need to request an ORCA card if they don’t already have one. Find instructions for ordering cards.
Free & Reduced Meal Program | More Than Breakfast and Lunch: Forms for this program are available in the BHS Main Office or online through SPS Culinary Services. If your student qualifies, there may be additional benefits such as discounts for Athletic fees, Activity fee, Pre-college exams (PSAT/SAT), College Application Fees, AP Tests, Field Trips, and Running Start books. Complete the application online or return a hard copy to the Ballard HS lunchroom when the school year starts.
Bell Schedules: View all Bell Schedules on the BHS website. Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri the Start Time is 8:50am and the End Time is 3:40pm. Every Wednesday (except Sept. 2) is a 75-minute Early Release with a Start Time at 8:50am and an End Time at 2:25pm.
First Day of School | Special Bell Schedule | Wed, Sept. 2, 2026 | Orientation for 9th graders and new to BHS students starts at 8:50am in the Main Gym (doors open at 8:30am). All other students (grades 10-12) will arrive at 12:10pm for lunch, then all students will rotate through all six periods in the afternoon. 9th graders and new to BHS students will receive their schedules during orientation. All other students (all grades) can view their schedules on the Source.
9th Graders & New Students to BHS
8:50 a.m. – 9th Graders and new to BHS students arrive to the Gym
8:50 a.m.–12:05 p.m. – Welcome Assembly & Orientation: 9th Graders and new to BHS students
Incoming Students will be partnered with their LINK leaders
9th Graders and new to BHS students will be given their class schedule and locker combination
All Students Grades 9 – 12
12:10 p.m. – 12:40 p.m. Lunch for ALL Students
12:45 p.m. – 3:40 p.m. All students in Grades 9–12 will rotate through their 1st–6th period classes
Period 1: 12:45 – 1:10
Period 2: 1:15 – 1:40
Period 3: 1:45 – 2:10
Period 4: 2:15 – 2:40
Period 5: 2:45 – 3:10
Period 6: 3:15 – 3:40