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The Ballard Talisman It's time to celebrate the centennial This school year marks the 100th anniversary of the opening of
Ballard High School. The first class, graduating June 23, 1902,
had four members: Anna Olson, Eve Chambers, Mary Tyle and Victoria
Bourgeois. One hundred years and some 20,000 graduates later, Ballard
High School will graduate more than 250 students in the Class of
2002. To help commemorate this momentous occasion, the Ballard High
School Foundation is working with the school and other community
leaders to put together a Centennial Celebration next May. In addition,
faculty and administration hope to incorporate Ballard history,
traditions and culture in the school curriculum. Planning for the
celebration has only recently begun. Ballard High School got its
start in the fall of 1901, when the Ballard School District added
grades eleven and twelve to the already existing Central School,
creating the first four-year high school in the Ballard area. The
very small school, soon to be known as Ballard High School, was
located at 5308 Tallman Ave. There were three people on the faculty,
including the principal, Harry F. Giles. By 1905, enrollment had
grown to 80 students. Ballard became part of the city of Seattle
in 1907 and the high school became part of the Seattle Public School
System. Ballard High School moved to its present location during
Christmas vacation 1915. The school could accommodate 1,000 students.
Three hundred of them were transferred from Lincoln. The building
was remodeled three times, once in 1925, then again in 1941 and
for the last time in 1959. At that time, the student body had grown
to over 2,000 members. That structure was demolished the summer
1997 to make room for the current facility. The school was housed
in the old Lincoln High School building during the 1997-98 and 1998-99
school years. September 1999, Ballard High School returned to 1418
NW 65th St. to occupy a brand new building with the ability to accommodate
evolving technology and more than 1,500 students. It has been 100
years since Ballard High School opened its doors for the first time.
Eleven principals, hundreds of faculty and many, many students later,
Ballard has grown into the first choice of students selecting a
high school in the Seattle Public School District. Join us this
spring in celebrating Ballard High School and its 100th birthday.
If you would like to play a part in planning this event, call the
Foundation at (206) 521-3208. Preserve BHS's history The Foundation's History Committee often uses file copies of school
Talisman. Many of them, particularly the earlier years, are in very
fragile condition and in danger of disintegrating. The Committee
hopes to microfilm and put them on a CD ROM, which will not only
preserve this historical information but also make it more accessible.
The cost of this project will be $20,000. If this is something you
would like to support, please use the pledge form on p. 7 and check
the Talisman. If you have questions, call Dorothy Trenor at (206)
782-7302. Foundation support creating
positive change at BHS The Ballard High School Foundation is significantly changing Ballard
High School for the better! Proof of this change is best exemplified
by the renewed spirit and academic performance of the students at
Ballard High School, which is continuing its march to becoming an
extraordinary high school. Recently released results from the Washington
Assessment of Student Learning (WASL) tests make this clear. In
three of the four areas tested, Ballard students showed significant
improvement. The percentage of students meeting the standard in
listening increased from 74.5% in 2000 to 84.1% in 2001. In writing,
the percentage went from 35.4% to 54.7%; mathematics increased from
33.9% to 43.5%. Only reading saw a slight decrease from 59.2% to
58.8%. Obviously, we have much more to do before we can celebrate
complete success! However, I believe a positive direction has been
established here at Ballard High School and the Foundation has been
instrumental in creating that positive movement. I'd like to give
you a brief overview of the "state of the school" and
also tell you about a few of the Foundation initiatives that have
made a notable difference at Ballard High School. Ballard High School
is the most "in demand" public high school in Seattle.
With a student body of over 1600 students and a combined wait list
of nearly 300 families, Ballard High School has exceeded its projected
capacity. We are utilizing every possible instructional space in
the building to provide for this rapid growth in our student body.
Nearly half of our staff at Ballard High School has been here for
less than three years, me included! We have a great mix of teaching
experience on our staff. Ballard High School is perceived as an
attractive professional setting for teachers and other educational
support staff. This professional attractiveness has greatly enhanced
our ability to attract and retain great teachers. This, of course,
benefits Ballard students in many ways. In the hiring process, I
have heard candidates repeatedly refer to the Ballard High School
Foundation as one of the attractions of Ballard High School. The
Foundation can take a great deal of pride in this well-deserved
reputation. My effectiveness as Principal of Ballard High School
is greatly enhanced by the support system provided by the Ballard
High School Foundation. So, as you can see, we are a school challenged
by growth, full of vitality and moving ahead in a positive direction!
A few examples of Foundation-supported projects that have greatly
enhanced the overall program here at Ballard High School: The Foundation
is supporting start up staffing for the newly expanded Maritime
Academy. The Maritime Academy will connect Ballard High School students
with the working waterfront of Ballard, the Port of Seattle and
beyond. This Academy has three fabulous teachers working together
to create an engaging and challenging curriculum that is coordinated
and aligned with the maritime theme. Our students are very excited
about this program. Thanks to the Foundation, this program is off
to a great start! The Foundation is helping the school purchase
equipment for its new media literacy program and the video studio
that is the setting for this exciting program. We have a great new
teacher for this program. Foundation support for this program has
been a key to getting it headed in a positive direction. Our students
are very excited about this new program! Our new MIDI lab is visible
proof of Foundation support for an expanded music program at Ballard
High School. This lab will provide our young composers with the
tools to learn about music in new and exciting ways. Student excitement
about this new program at Ballard High School was so pronounced
that we doubled the available class sections before we even started
the school year! The word is out; music is in at Ballard High School!
Finally, the Foundation supported the complete refinishing of the
main gymnasium floor. PE teachers and coaches were consulted about
the lines they wanted to have placed on the gym floor. The Foundation
commissioned a new "fighting beaver" design for center
court and Gifford Industries refinished the floor over the summer.
The Foundation has created one of the premier gymnasiums in Seattle
with this project. Add the Foundation-sponsored banners on the walls
and you have a marvelous multi-purpose facility for our young people
and the community to use. Foundation support is creating positive
change at the school. Student academic achievement is improving
steadily. Ballard High School has become a leading school of choice
in the District. I salute the Foundation for its steadfast and persistent
efforts to transform Ballard High School into an extraordinary,
community-based school. Everything is possible, even given the challenging
times we find ourselves living in, because of this support. Thank
you! Fast Times at Ballard High A number of schools have piloted programs trying to bring every
student a laptop. With the price of a fully loaded laptop generally
exceeding $2,000, Ballard High tried something else last year. Students
in a number of test classes were provided with Handspring Visor
Deluxe handheld computers and educational software to use at school
and at home. Twenty-five of the school's 1500 students, along with
10 teachers, took part in the test program, using the Visors to
take notes in class, track homework assignments, create outlines
and write reports, share information, and record their grades. They
could also read novels and news, use an electronic dictionary and
thesaurus, and study for tests. "The Ballard High program is
an excellent example of how educators and organizations like PDA
Verticals are integrating handheld computers into rich opportunities
for students and teachers alike," stated Susan Yost, Education
Markets Manager for Handspring. "Handspring is excited about
supporting dynamic classrooms that are embracing technology."
Dr. David Engle, Ballard High Principal, anticipates that students
using the devices will develop stronger organizational skills, improve
academic achievement, and gain valuable proficiency with technology.
"I am committed to making technology available to all students,"
said Engle. "We need to introduce technology into education
early and integrate it into the daily lives of students." The
pilot project is intended to generate data for a grant at the district
level, then statewide. Dr. Engle envisions having kiosks on campus
for students to upload completed assignments, download new homework,
and retrieve current information from a variety of sources. The
infrastructure could then be replaced with wireless networks that
take advantage of wireless Springboard modules available for the
Visor. Terry Bergeson, Superintendent of Public Instruction, recently
stated that efforts like this "...are tremendous on a number
of important levels. Students who become proficient with technology
have a substantial advantage upon entering the working world."
The project was made possible by the joint efforts of PDA Verticals
and Handspring Inc., which donated half of the devices, as well
as education-related Palm OS developers, and The Ballard High School
Foundation. Can we count on you? The Ballard High School Foundation needs your help! Yes, a generous
financial contribution to our Campaign 2001, this year's fund drive,
will be welcomed. However, we have other needs too. For example,
you can actively participate in our work and become a member of
our Board. You can also make a planned gift to the new Foundation
Endowment. As never before, the Foundation needs motivated volunteers
for its Board of Directors and committees. Our committees do much
of the Foundation's work. We always need new members, new ideas
and new energy. Board member responsibilities are limited and reasonable:
we ask that our Board members attend most Board meetings, actively
participate on at least one Board committee, and make an annual
financial contribution to the Foundation within the reasonable limits
of their financial means. One of the reasons I am active in the
Foundation is because I believe in public education. I know you
do too. I also want to make Ballard the best school it can be. Recognizing
the practical limits of what the Seattle School District will do
for BHS, the Foundation supplements the basic work and funds of
the School District. One of the most rewarding aspects of being
involved in the Foundation is that you can actually see the direct
result of your work. While giving money to United Way or other charitable
groups is something many of us do, it is rare that we are able to
see the actual consequence of those contributions. Our work for
Ballard is quite different. If you contribute money to the Endowment
or help to purchase a microscope, a computer, band or athletic uniforms,
art or music supplies, you can actually see the tangible results
of your contribution. The rewards for our work and financial contributions
are direct and immediate. The Ballard High School Foundation is
greatly indebted to its alumni and friends who have given so generously
to the Foundation and, therefore, to Ballard High School. As many
of you know, we have recently established a Ballard High School
Foundation Endowment, under the umbrella of the Seattle Foundation,
a longtime and well-regarded local institution. There, our endowment
funds are deposited and managed. It is hoped that over time the
value of the Endowment will exceed $1,000,000 and the interest generated
by the fund can be used to benefit the school. Right now, the Endowment
balance is less than $20,000. It is the Foundation's hope that the
school's friends and alumni will make gifts and pledges to the Endowment.
Your gifts can be made in a variety of forms including gifts of
cash, securities or real estate. Gifts of securities can include
shares of stock, shares of mutual funds, and bonds. Gifts of real
estate may be accepted in many forms including real property, residential,
commercial and industrial properties, undeveloped land and ownership
interests in these kinds of properties such as limited partnerships.
In-kind gifts may consist of art, antiques, or other objects of
value which will be considered for acceptance by the Foundation.
Another way of funding the Endowment is through estate planning.
Many of us have already provided for the Endowment in our wills
or other estate planning devices. It is fairly easy to make a provision
in your estate plan for the Foundation. Gifts to the Foundation
and its Endowment are tax deductible. There are many ways you can
help Ballard High School and the Foundation. Please consider the
above suggestions in your own commitment to education and Ballard's
present and future students! Feel free to contact me at hallc@foster.com
or leave a message on our Foundation phone, (206) 521-3208. I will
be happy to discuss these issues with you. Another gift of art for Ballard High "We aren't art collectors," says Earl Bevin, class of
1950, "but we (he and his wife Lou Ann) enjoy buying art, particularly
from artists we come to know personally." Earl and Lou Ann
have just given three pieces of art to Ballard High School by Ballard
graduate and Vashon Island artist Art Hansen, class of 1947. Two
of the works are pen and ink drawings on paper. The first is titled
"Tree, Barn with Old Car," the second, "Greta Behind
Raspberry Canes." The third piece, "Woodsman in the Forest,"
is an oil painting and was in need of restoration. Completed in
May, it now hangs near the library. There were several connections
between Earl and Art Hansen. Earl's older brother Bob played on
Ballard basketball team with Art, so Earl became acquainted with
Art in high school. Later as a stockbroker with Dean Witter in the
60s and early 70s, one of Earl's clients was Howard Hansen, Art's
father. Earl inquired periodically about Art and his career as an
artist. In the early 70's, Earl and Lou Ann decided they wanted
to look at Art's work and found he was not represented by a Seattle
gallery. His work was more recognized and sold in New York. Howard
suggested they visit Art's studio to view his work firsthand. Earl
and Lou Ann remember the day they went to Art's Vashon studio. They
were impressed with the farmhouse and its sparse furnishings. Art's
studio was a bright white room above the garage with lots of windows
and was very neat and tidy. Art showed them a few of his pieces
and talked a little about each of them. He then gave them the opportunity
to look through all of his art. "Some on easels, many stacked
against the walls, about 30-40 pieces," recalls Lou Ann. They
were especially drawn to those that had a Northwest theme or feel
to them like the "Woodsman in the Forest." They selected
three and have enjoyed living with them all these years. "Why
give art to Ballard?" I asked Earl and Lou Ann. They have become
impressed with the Ballard High School Foundation and its goals.
A good friend of Earl's, Dick Mitchell, class of 1950, had talked
several times to him about making a donation of art to the school.
"Dick can be quite persuasive," states Earl. In addition,
Earl feels a tie to the school and equally to the Ballard community.
As he explains, "the tie is not a string but more like a rope
that continues to connect me to Ballard." All of Earl's growing
up years were spent in four square miles, so he has great memories
of Ballard. He was senior class president and is involved with their
class reunions every five years. Earl also read about Vic Salvino's
gifts and his dedication and involvement with the Foundation over
the last two years. "Vic has set a high standard," says
Earl. The Art Hansen works have generated the interest of Ballard
students. "Woodsman in the Forest" is a favorite of Eleanor
Burnett, class of 2004. "The painting is calm and quiet, which
reminds me of camping and being worry-free in the wilderness."
Elizabeth Luckett, also class of 2004, likes "Tree, Barn with
Old Car." "It reminds me of the barn I used to work in.
I like it because it doesn't have anything to do with school."
The Hansen pieces bring the total number of art pieces to 35 with
an estimated value of $90,000. In late May, the Art Committee held
a reception for the artists and donors. A newly printed brochure
was presented. Art committee member Matthew Kangas, art critic and
class of 1967, led an art tour. Many were impressed to see an important
collection of such high caliber in a public high school. If you
would like a brochure on the art or would like to contribute to
the next purchase of art, contact Alice Rooney at (206) 284-1913.
It's been a busy year for the Ballard High School Foundation!
With the support of a long list of businesses and individuals, the
Foundation has so far raised over $200,000 this year in a variety
of ways:
Listed below are all of the disbursements for the 2000 BASH.
Mark your calendars!! The next Ballard Beaver Bash has been moved from its traditional fall timeline to spring. The 2001-02 Bash is set for Friday, March 29, 2002, at the Nile Club. Debi Preston and Patti Brandon will co-chair "AbracaBASH". Expect a magical evening. Last fall's 2000 Ballard BASH was a resounding success thanks to the efforts and generosity of many parents, alums, teachers, businesses and Foundation members. For the very first time ever, the evening's gala set a milestone by raising over $100,000 for the school. Of this amount over $80,000 was distributed to the teacher program requests (see detailed list above). The Jenny Lee Scholarship Fund in memory of Dick Lee's '61 mother, generated over $7,000 in donations. Another BASH first, the funded item, generated $7,300 toward the purchase of Writer's Inc. books for the Language Arts Department. This text is considered a cornerstone in helping to develop critical writing skills for students. The 2001-02 BASH Committee is hoping to surpass last year's goal by raising $125,000 for this event. With everyone's help this will surely be a reality. So save the date, get your donations ready, and come see what they've got up their sleeves! Questions or donations, please give Debi, (206) 361-1610, or Patti, (206) 784-3450, a call. Make the difference! Become a Millennium Club Member in support of the new Ballard High School. Our Mission To support the students, faculty, and administration of Ballard High School and enrich the school's programs and activities so that Ballard High School will be a world-class learning center for the benefit of the Seattle Community. Founded in 1997.
Donors to the Ballard High School Fondation November 1, 2000 to September 1, 2001 Beaver Benefactors: $10,000 and over Earl '50 & Lou Ann Bivens Ken Alhadeff/Majestic Millennium Club: $1,000 Friends of BHS: up to $999 Ace Galvanizing
Reunions: If you'd like your reunion listed in future issues of this newsletter,
send the information to the Ballard High School Foundation, PO Box
17626, Seattle, WA 98107.
While the new school building is very beautiful and has lots of advantages over the old building, there is not a lot of red and black in the new school design. Earlier this year, the Ballard High School Foundation decided to do something about it. Over the summer, the Foundation contracted with Gifford Industries and had the main gymnasium basketball and volleyball court completely refinished with red and black lines and a 12-foot fierce "fighting" Beaver in center court. Coaches and PE teachers were consulted about the lines they wanted placed on the floor and the result is one of the premier gymnasiums in the city - and lots more red and black. In addition, thanks to a major donation from Super Graphics, Metro League banners were installed in the gym to welcome our foes and red and black "spirit" banners, designed by the 2000 BHS senior class, were mounted in the school's Spirit Hall. The gymnasium is where the action is at Ballard High. It is the only facility that can hold all of the students. All assemblies, pep assemblies and sporting contests are held in the gym. This is Beaver Spirit! The next project for the gym is researching, designing and installing BHS championship athletic banners from throughout the years. Foundation members would love to accomplish this task in time for the Centennial Celebration next spring. Volunteers are needed to head this project, find funding and work with it until completion. If you'd like to participate or donate, please use the pledge form on page 7 and mark your donation for "School Spirit". This is an opportunity to give back some of your Beaver spirit.
Maritime Academy classroom is on the waterfront By Ann Bowden With the start of school this fall, 30 BHS students are spending
part of their class time on a tugboat. The 34-foot tug, which once
ferried logs in British Columbia, will serve as a classroom for
the Ballard Maritime Academy, a new four year maritime-transportation
curriculum at Ballard High School, sponsored by the Youth Maritime
Training Association and operated by the Seattle School District.
The Academy opened with 30 students and is projected to eventually
have 200 students. The Academy's four-year curriculum includes science,
English and history courses with a maritime theme. Students will
also be encouraged to take foreign languages, upper level math and
other electives. The tugboat classroom, in good repair but a little
worn, will eventually be used for scientific experiments but first
will be used for hands-on instruction in boat maintenance and repair.
Academy Director John Foster hopes the work will prepare them for
the boats they will build for their senior projects. While the Academy
may be new this fall, Ballard's maritime program has been evolving
over the past three years. Known as the Ballard Maritime Institute,
the program began as a semester-long survey course. Two grants last
school year, helped supplement the curriculum and led to the development
of the new Academy. The Ballard High School Foundation has been
a primary supporter of YMTA's efforts to establish this Maritime
Academy. Over the past three years, the Foundation has provided
over $36,000 to fund teacher salaries in this program. Donations
to the Foundation can be earmarked for the Maritime Academy. Arni
Thompson '59, a new member of the Ballard High School Foundation
Board of Directors, will serve on the Ballard Maritime Academy Committee.
Arni is a member of the YMTA and will provide liaison between the
classroom and YMTA. Arni is executive director of the Crab Alaska
Coalition. |
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