Follow us on Facebook and
Instagram for the latest info!
Amboy Middle School
EXPERIENCE AMBOY
Our first Experience Amboy event was a success! We learned a lot and are excited to make the next one even better. Check out some highlights below.
5TH GRADE FOCUS
MATH
For math, we will continue working with fractions and decimals. SOAR math students continue to work on individual fact families. Your students should know which multiplication/division fact they are currently working on. Please have students continue practicing their math facts at home. Happy December!
HISTORY
For history, we are continuing with the colonization of the Americas. During December, we will specifically get into the first English settlements of North America including Jamestown, Plymouth, and the creation of our first colonies.
READING/ELA
Students will finally get to finish reading the novel Thunder Rolling in the Mountains. We have learned about the beliefs and values that guide Chief Joseph and Sound of Running Feet throughout the story. Students will be using everything they have learned so far to write a multi-paragraph comparison/contrast essay about these two main characters.
6TH GRADE STATUS
It's hard to believe that it's already December! Here are some of the things that we'll be working on in December.
SCIENCE
We are just finishing up our Metabolism unit and starting our unit exploring genetic traits.
HISTORY
In history we are finishing our unit on the characteristics of ancient Greek civilization. After Greece, we will be exploring ancient Rome.
MATH
In math we're working on adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing fractions. Please encourage your student to be at school as much as possible. It is tough to miss a day of instruction!
ELA
In ELA, students will continue to work on identifying the theme and supporting the theme using evidence from the novel, "The Giver". Just before Winter Break, students will have the opportunity to read the novel "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever".
REMINDERS
Make sure Chromebooks are here and charged daily.
Term 1 missing assignments still need to be completed.
Students are expected to read 15-20 minutes each day and practice multiplication facts for 1-2 minutes.
7TH GRADE SCOOP
Please remind your student to bring their Chromebook to school fully charged every day. Also, no wireless earbuds are allowed in the 7th grade classrooms.
MATH
The Math classes have finished up Unit 3 Circles. We will be starting Unit 4 Proportional Relationships and Percents next. The Advanced class finished their chapter on Algebraic Equations. Next they will be working in the same workbooks as the Math classes.
ELA
Students will finish their Unit 2 Essay on common adolescent experiences in November. The next part of the year we will shift gears and have novel study and a research unit. It's been great watching the students grow in their writing and helping them in that process.
SCIENCE
In science students created some amazing plate motion slideshows - I'm impressed! Our next unit is "Phase Changes" and I'm excited that there will be more labs for them to experience in this unit. The imploding can is one of my favorites as I love having the kids reason through the science inside the implosion!
HISTORY
We will be studying Washington territory and statehood. Road to statehood of how land was developed and cities were formed. Snack donations would be appreciated for students who do not have snacks.
8TH GRADE UPDATE
ELA
Continuing with Unit 2 on Conveying Courage, which looks at how poets and speechwriters convey a message of courage through their poems or speeches.
HISTORY
Students will learn about our first attempt at government with the Articles of Confederation then why they made the decision to create a new Constitution (government plan) for the new United States of America.
SCIENCE
Students will gain an understanding of how magnetic forces cause motion and the relationship of magnetic force to kinetic and potential energy. They will then apply this knowledge to analyzing three designs for a magnetic roller coaster launcher.
MATH
We are working on showing proportional relationships through equations, tables and graphs. Later in the month we will be exploring equations.
ALGEBRA
The next topic in Algebra will be Systems of Linear Equations and Inequalities by graphing, substitution, and elimination.
HOMEWORK
There is no homework policy but students are expected to complete assignments at home if not completed in the time allotted at school or have been absent from school.
MS. GATZ'S GALLERY
THE CATCH FROM THE EAGLE'S NEST
A HUGE THANK YOU TO OUR PTO for our soup lunch during conference week. Much appreciated!
In case you missed it, thank you for the donation of protein bars that I received last month. It is very much appreciated. In the past, most of the snacks I gave out in the Eagle's Nest were donated by WinCo. Most of the rest, I bought myself. WinCo no longer donates unless it is a fundraiser. If your family has the ability to donate any food items to the Eagle's Nest, it would be greatly appreciated. We welcome any healthy snacks such as granola bars, pretzels, cereal, granola, trail mix, tortilla chips, and crackers. Please consider donating a food item to the Eagle's Nest the next time you are shopping.
November's character trait was perseverance. December's character trait will be gratitude. Please ask your student how they can show gratitude in their daily lives.
DISTRICT NEWS
DID YOU RECEIVE OUR ANNUAL REPORT?
Our 2024 Report to Our Community should have arrived in your mailbox if you live within the district. You can also view it in a digital format. The report includes information on enrollment, demographics, educational progress, budget and recent curriculum adoptions. You'll also find important information about how local levy funding affects every school in our district. Be sure to give it a read!
SNOW ROUTES AVAILABLE AND WINTER WEATHER GUIDE
Snow routes for 2024-25 are now posted on the district website. Be sure and take a moment to check out our handy winter weather guide for information on late starts or school closures due to weather-related impacts. Please note, the district is divided into "north" and "south" schools. This year, Battle Ground Virtual Academy is considered a south school.
In case of a school closure or late start, we may begin contacting families as early as 5:30 a.m. We will attempt to contact you at the telephone number and email address that are listed in your Skyward (Family Access) account. We would encourage you to take a minute and log into Skyward to verify your contact information is up to date. You can also reach out to your school office for assistance.
SEE THE LIBRARY BOOKS THAT YOUR CHILD HAS CHECKED OUT
School libraries are important sources of information for young readers. Parents and guardians are welcome to see what's available in their child's school library and review the books their child has checked out. Find out how. If there are books you do not wish your child to read, please contact the teacher-librarian at your child's school. The teacher librarian will note these restrictions in your child's account.
INTERNET SAFETY
BGPS uses GoGuardian to keep students safe online on their school-issued devices. Parents/guardians can use the GoGuardian Parent app to help monitor activity when their child is using their school-issued device at home outside of school hours. This application has features like web filtering and parental controls such as pausing internet access and setting up online hours. Learn more and find other resources for going online.
CHICKENPOX
Battle Ground Public Schools continues to experience chickenpox cases at several buildings, including two outbreaks. When an outbreak happens, Clark County Public Health may direct students who do not have documented immunization to stay home for 21 days to reduce the chance of the disease spreading further. A student may be able to return to school sooner with documented proof of immunity. If you have questions about your child's chickenpox immunization status, please reach out to our school nurse.
ATTENDANCE MATTERS
Regular attendance and punctuality are essential to student learning and success. The skills that students learn in primary school will help them be successful in middle and high school. A student's attendance often can predict whether they are likely to graduate high school on time. In addition, your child learns valuable social skills at school and has the opportunity to develop meaningful relationships with students and staff. Please let us know how we can support your child and family in maintaining attendance. Learn more.
SCHOOL MENUS
Battle Ground Public Schools is partnering with Chartwells to provide breakfast and lunch at school. Menus are still available via Nutrislice and meal expenses can still be paid through InTouch Receipting, just like last year. Printable menus are also available on the district and school websites.
ASPIRE HIGHLY CAPABLE PROGRAM REFERRAL WINDOW OPEN THROUGH DECEMBER 6
We are excited to announce that the Aspire Highly Capable Program is now accepting referrals for testing! Aspire is our highly capable/gifted education program designed to support students who demonstrate advanced academic abilities or potential. Get the details on the process and timeline.
REPORT, DON'T REPOST
If you see or hear of a possible threat, please report it to law enforcement directly and/or to school staff. This is the best and most helpful action because it begins an investigation and helps to limit the potential for misinformation to spread.
Reposting or sharing a threat on social media in an attempt to warn others spreads the threat farther from its original source and may cause unnecessary alarm and fear.
You can report bullying, intimidation, harassment, threats and safety concerns using our anonymous reporting system. Emergencies should always be reported to 911.
CARE SOLACE: YOUR LINK TO MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT
Battle Ground Public Schools has partnered with Care Solace to support the well-being of students and their immediate family members. Care Solace is a complimentary and confidential care coordination service that can help any student and/or their immediate family members quickly find mental health or substance use treatment options matched to their needs, regardless of insurance or circumstance. If you would like to use Care Solace to help you find a provider:
Call 888-515-0595 (available 24/7/365 in any language).
Visit www.caresolace.com/battlegroundps and either search on your own or select "Book appointment" for assistance by video chat, email or phone.
EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION AWARD
Do you know an amazing staff member? The new Employee Recognition Awards will highlight staff members who reflect the district's strategic plan goals. Three nominees will be selected each month and recognized at a board meeting. Everyone is welcome to submit a nomination.
SAFETY STUDY HALL
Visit the Safety Study Hall website, a place for schools, students, and families to learn about safety topics.
LOOKING FOR SOMETHING TO DO?
Be sure to check out our Community Events page for fun ideas of things to do throughout the local community. Nonprofit organizations looking to share their own upcoming events are welcome to submit a flyer to be included. Flyers are posted on the community events webpage and printed at relevant schools on their community bulletin boards. The BGPS community flyer checklist provides information about what is required for flyer submission.
MATH NATION
Free for students, Math Nation provides resources that can help with sixth through eighth grade math, Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, and ACT/SAT prep. Students can use Math Nation to watch instructional videos, complete workbooks, receive virtual tutoring and more. To get started, log in through Clever and look for the Accelerate Learning app. Questions? Email terri@mathnation.com.
TENTH ANNUAL BGPS INDUSTRY FAIR SET FOR FEBRUARY 20
Save the date! The tenth annual Battle Ground Public Schools Industry Fair will be held at Battle Ground High School on Thursday, February 20, from 5-7 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. Come meet with local employers to learn about apprenticeship opportunities and employment in fields such as health care, education, manufacturing, technology, construction and many more. There will also be a resume workshop in the high school's career center from 3-6 p.m.
If you are an employer interested in attending this free event expected to draw hundreds of students, families and community members, fill out this form or contact BGHS career guidance counselor Kevin Doyle at doyle.kevin@battlegroundps.org or 360-885-6598.
Russian, Ukrainian and Spanish translation and interpretation services
Услуги по устному и письменному переводу на русский и украинский языки 360-885-5433
Servicios de Traducción e Interpretación en Español 360-885-5431
The Battle Ground Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Information about the district's nondiscrimination and sex-based discrimination policies and grievance procedures are located on the district's website at https://www.battlegroundps.org/notice-of-nondiscrimination/. The following employees have been designated to receive and respond to questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:
Title IX Coordinator: Tom Adams, Director of Student Services, Battle Ground Public Schools, PO Box 200, Battle Ground, WA 98604, adams.tom@battlegroundps.org, 360.885.5415 and/or U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR). Title IX inquiries may also be referred to the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR) https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/index.html
Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator/Section 504/ADA Coordinator: Michelle Reinhardt, Executive Director of Human Resources, Battle Ground Public Schools, PO Box 200, Battle Ground, WA 98604, reinhardt.michelle@battlegroundps.org 360.885.5481