• Dec 1 – Q & A Session for BHS Students from 3-4 in the PAC. District email sent to families.

Nov 24, 2021 | Via School Messenger by the Seattle Public School district.

Dear Ballard High School Community,

In recent months, courageous students at Ballard High School have been sharing their experiences with sexual harassment, including sexual assault.  Their voices join others from across our district and throughout Washington and the nation.

SPS upholds the value of student speech and encourages students to speak out. We believe that student success is dependent on being safe, seen, heard, and supported.  Above all, Seattle Public Schools is committed to ensuring a safe, civil, and equitable environment for every student.

In response to a request from Ballard High School student groups, SPS will host an informational session on the district’s policies and procedures regarding reports alleging sexual harassment.

This special Q&A session is being offered for Ballard High School students after school on Wednesday, December 1, 2021, from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center.  

The information session will be facilitated by staff from the SPS Title IX Office and will include opportunities for students to ask questions. In addition to Title IX Office staff who have experience in conducting trauma-informed investigations, adult professionals trained in trauma-informed care will participate as well.  Social distancing protocols will be followed during this in-person, student information session.

A similar virtual informational opportunity is being developed for all SPS students, parents, and families later in December. More details will be forthcoming soon. 

We encourage students who have been sexually assaulted to report the crime to the Seattle Police Department and to a trusted SPS staff member.  We also encourage students to bring forward reports or concerns to the district’s Title IX Office, which implements the federal civil rights law prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sex/gender and provides oversight for the district’s response to reports alleging sexual harassment or sexual assault toward students.

All reports alleging sexual harassment, including sexual assault, are taken seriously.  We address the issues according to our established procedures and protocols, shared here for quick reference: Policy 3208 and Superintendent Procedure 3208SP.

More information on how to get help and other questions is available on the Title IX page on the SPS website.

Sexual harassment and sexual assault are very real issues in our school communities.  We cannot push them aside, and we must listen seriously to those who come forward.  We are committed to building a stronger school community and creating a safe, welcoming, and equitable environments for our students to thrive.

Sincerely,

Rob Gannon
Deputy Superintendent
Seattle Public Schools