“Make Your Mark!”

Celebrating International Dot Day

Submitted by Nancy Elleby and Kasey Smith

Inspired by the story The Dot, written by Peter H. Reynolds, the second graders at Ballard West, all dressed in dots, listened to this special story, and celebrated their creativity and courage on International Dot Day, learning to “make their mark”. The Dot is a story of a teacher who challenges a doubting student to trust in her abilities to “make her mark”. Because the little girl began by putting a dot on her paper, confidence, and belief in herself was discovered.

Reading this story helped the second graders reinforce learning about developing a growth versus a fixed mindset. As teachers, we want our students to know that all their efforts matter. We want them to believe in the power of yet! “I can’t do it…yet!” We want to help our students develop a growth mindset. We help students learn that through dedication, hard work, and perseverance, mistakes made are opportunities to improve and grow.

When a student feels something is “too hard”, they “can’t do it”, or they’re “not good” at something, we help students believe that if they try, they can begin to learn and grow. On Dot Day, second graders created their own personal dot creation and displayed them in their classrooms as a reminder to believe in themselves. They also thought about how they hope to make a difference in the world by writing about gifts they believe they have and hope to share with the world.

The Ballard West second grade teachers are so excited and eager to help encourage and guide their second-grade students this year. They believe in their students and look forward to helping their students discover all the goodness that lies within them!

Students taking AP courses are encouraged to take the AP exam in May. The cost of each exam is paid by our school district. All students who intend to take an AP exam in May need to register for the test by November 5. If your student would like to register for an AP exam, they will need to complete this form by November 5, 2021.

AP Registration

Students who want to take an AP test but do not submit this form by the deadline, will need to pay a late-order fee of $40. Students who sign up for an exam and later decide they do not want to take the exam will be charged a cancellation fee of $40.

If you have any questions about AP testing, please email Lisa Doland at ldoland@ballard.k12.ia.us.

The Ballard 2021-2022 activity season will see a few changes for the upcoming year. Admission prices for high school events will be $6.00 for K-12 students and adults. Admission prices for middle school events will be $4.00 for K-12 students and adults. These prices were adopted by the Raccoon River Conference and approved by the Board of Education.

DIGITAL TICKETING

New this year, patrons will be able to purchase tickets online for individual home events or any road Raccoon River Conference event. To purchase tickets online, please CLICK here. Cash sales are still available at the gate.

ACTIVITY PASSES

Ballard activity passes are back for the 2021-22 season. Passes provide a cost savings for those who wish to attend multiple events throughout the year. Activity passes must be purchased online and passes will be sent to you directly through email.

Student Passes - $60.00 ( CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE)

Adult Passes - $100.00 ( CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE)

RESOURCES

Quick Start Guide
Buying Tickets and Checking in Tutorial