Follow us on Facebook and
Instagram for the latest info!
Amboy Middle School
JANUARY IMPORTANT DATES
8th, 15th, and 22nd - 1-hour late start
20th - M.L.K. Day (no school)
23rd and 24th - Early Release 11:15
29th - In-service day (no school for students)
REPLACEMENT LEVY TO APPEAR ON FEBRUARY 11 BALLOT
Battle Ground Public Schools' board of directors has placed a replacement education and operations levy on the special election ballot for February 11, 2025. This local levy makes up approximately 13% of the district's budget and fills the gap between funding received from the state and the actual cost of educating students. The replacement levy would fund things like student safety, instructional/support staff, class sizes, curriculum adoption, nursing and mental health support, special education, busing, sports, the arts and more. It would provide funding that impacts students in every BGPS school.
Voters approved the expiring education and operations levy in 2021 at an estimated rate of $1.99 per $1,000 of assessed property value. The actual rate in the first year was $1.97. The estimated rate for this replacement levy would be $1.95 per $1,000 of assessed value each year. More information about the replacement levy is available on the district website.
Learn about the levy and ask questions
You are invited to attend a special presentation for our school. Get details on the replacement education and operations levy. The levy would provide funding for programs and services that affect students at our school, as well as students at every BGPS school.
Date: Thursday, January 16
Time: 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Location: Yacolt Primary School
All presentations are open to the public. Childcare and light refreshments will be provided. Please bring your ID if you need to access childcare.
In the event of a weather-related school closure, the presentation will be canceled. However, anyone may attend a different presentation at another school or find information on the district website. We hope to see you there!
If you require ASL interpretation services, please email communication@battlegroundps.org at least five days before the presentation.
Si necesita servicios de interpretación en español, envíe un correo electrónico a spanish.support@battlegroundps.org al menos cinco días antes de la presentación.
Если вам требуются услуги устного перевода на русский или украинский язык, отправьте электронное письмо по адресу russian.support@battlegroundps.org не позднее, чем за пять дней до презентации.
BGEF GRANT
The Battle Ground Education Foundation granted $500 to each school for the 2024-25 school year. Amboy Middle School put the money toward our PBIS program that rewards students for positive behaviors. Pictured are a few of the items that will be available in our end-of-the year drawing.
Thank you, BGEF, for your support!
5TH GRADE FOCUS
SOCIAL STUDIES
In 5th grade social studies, we will be continuing with the creation of the 13 original colonies in America. Specifically we study the groups of people, economics, geography, and the Pre-Revolutionary War struggles with England. By mid-late January we will be switching back to science, starting with the spheres of the Earth.
MATH
Happy New Year! For 5th grade math, we'll continue to work on adding and subtracting fractions, and then on to multiplying and dividing whole numbers and decimals. It's a good time of the year to remind everyone how important it is to be at school every day. Good attendance is key for current and future success!
READING
In January we will be shifting gears to start learning about word play in our reading and writing. We start the new year with the classic Abbott and Costello's "Who's on First?". We will be learning about many types of figurative language and the importance of expression. We will then move on to Norton Juster's The Phantom Tollbooth. This book follows a bored young boy named Milo through the Kingdom of Wisdom seeking two exiled princesses named Rhyme and Reason. As Milo learns valuable lessons, he discovers a love of learning in a story full of puns and wordplay.
6TH GRADE STATUS
We hope everyone had an enjoyable and relaxing break. As we are wrapping up 1st semester, try to do the following:
Complete any unfinished work and turn it in as soon as possible
Complete and turn in any required redos (60% and below)
Complete and turn in any optional redos (below 70%)
Signing up for Homework Help to get more time/assistance in finishing work or extra help in areas where there are struggles
Being in class and ready to learn every day
Ask for help or clarification when needed
It is very important that students have their Chromebooks at school AND charged every day. If your child is having a hard time meeting that expectation, feel free to contact his/her teacher for suggestions.
We'll be taking iReady Winter Diagnostic after winter break. Students will need headphones/earbuds every day. Wireless headphones/earbuds are not allowed during testing.
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 workbook as the Math classes.
ELA
In ELA students are reading about both the risks and rewards of social media. Towards the end of January they will create a presentation answering our two research questions: "Is social media more risky or more rewarding for teens?" and "How can we promote teens making better decisions online?".
SCIENCE
In January we will continue with the "Phase Change" unit. We will get to do a lab with dry ice - this will be my first time with dry ice, too! If you have some soda cans that you can rinse and send to school for the imploding can lab, that would be fantastic. Thank you everyone for your support at home in helping keep kids on only assignment/school related websites. Happy New Year!
HISTORY
We will be finishing up immigration to Washington and starting the reform era. Snack donations would be appreciated for students who do not have snacks.
8TH GRADE UPDATE
ELA
Unit 2 on Conveying Courage, which looks at how poets and speechwriters convey a message of courage through their poems or speeches, then begin their culminating task creating and presenting their slideshow.
HISTORY
After finishing up the Bill of Rights, we will explore the first four presidents.
SCIENCE
Students will figure out why there is a higher rate of skin cancer in Australia than in other parts of the world. Students will gain a deeper understanding of how light interacts with materials and how these interactions affect our world.
MATH
The 8th grade will be diving deep into multi-step equations and systems of equations.
ALGEBRA
Students are finishing systems of Linear Equations. The next topic will be Exponents and Exponential Functions.
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.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
This is a great time to put more supplies like pencils and/or erasers in your student's backpack! Also, please remind them that school is preparing them for work so to be on their best behavior and ready to learn. Thank you! Please know you, as a parent/guardian, are welcome any time to join your child throughout their school day. Just let us know.
MS. GATZ'S GALLERY
THE CATCH FROM THE EAGLE'S NEST
A huge thank you for another snack donation of pretzels, pretzel sticks, and granola bars. I'm sorry I did not catch a name to send you a thank you email.
December's character trait was gratitude. January's character trait is community. Please ask your student what community means and what being part of a community means to them.
DISTRICT NEWS
GET THE FACTS ABOUT THE FEBRUARY 11 REPLACEMENT LEVY
Here are ten quick facts about Proposition 8, the replacement educational programs and operations levy on the February 11 ballot:
If approved by voters, the proposed levy would replace the expiring education and operations levy, which ends in December 2025.
The replacement education and operations levy would begin January 2026 and continue through December 2029.
The levy would provide funding for programs and services that affect students in every BGPS school.
The levy would pay for things that the state doesn't fully fund. These include student safety, busing, special education, curriculum, mental health support, nursing/health services, sports, the arts and more.
The costs of supporting students and operating schools are increasing.
This levy is separate and different from the capital levy approved in February 2024. The capital levy will cover building repairs; technology updates; and spaces for construction trades, culinary, and health science classes.
The levy provides 13% of the district's total budget. Without levy funding, the district would need to make cuts to programs and services. For example, class sizes could increase, bus routes could be consolidated and middle school sports would likely be eliminated.
The levy would collect $166.28 million over four years. By law, the district can't collect more than the amount that voters approve, even if property values increase.
The estimated rate is $1.95 per $1,000 of assessed property value. For the owner of a $621,000 property, the proposed levy would cost an estimated $101 per month in the first year.
The levy will appear on the ballot on February 11, 2025. Remember to vote! Every registered voter who lives within the district is eligible.
More information about the replacement levy is available on the district website.
LEARN ABOUT THE LEVY AND ASK QUESTIONS
You are invited to attend a special presentation for our school. Get details on the replacement education and operations levy. The levy would provide funding for programs and services that affect students at our school, as well as students at every BGPS school.
Date: Thursday, January 16
Time: 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Location: Yacolt Primary School
All presentations are open to the public. Childcare and light refreshments will be provided. Please bring your ID if you need to access childcare.
In the event of a weather-related school closure, the presentation will be canceled. However, anyone may attend a different presentation at another school or find information on the district website. We hope to see you there!
If you require ASL interpretation services, please email communication@battlegroundps.org at least five days before the presentation.
SNOW ROUTES AND WINTER WEATHER GUIDE
Snow routes for the 2024-25 school year are available on the district website. Please also take a moment to ensure your contact information is up to date through Skyward Family Access. On weather-impacted days, the district will begin communicating with families as early as 5:30 a.m. Download our handy weather guide for more information and a list of which schools are in the north and south parts of the district.
JOIN THE INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS COMMITTEE!
This committee ensures that new teaching and learning materials were selected following the proper process and evaluates library books that are being reconsidered. The deadline to apply is January 26, 2025. Apply now.
ATTEND CASEE SCIENCE NIGHT ON THURSDAY, JANUARY 16
What, exactly, is CASEE? Come learn about the district's half-day science-based program for high school students. The Center for Agriculture, Science and Environmental Education is holding their annual Science Night open house on Thursday, January 16, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Visit with teachers and current students, view ongoing experiments and tour the 80-acre outdoor learning campus in Brush Prairie (11104 NE 149th St). Students in grades 8-11, along with their parents/guardians, are welcome to attend. Please RSVP in advance. We hope to see you there!
DUAL CREDIT INFORMATION NIGHT IS THURSDAY, JANUARY 23
Battle Ground Public Schools is hosting a virtual presentation via Google Meet to provide information about dual credit for all students and families, eighth through 11th grades, on Thursday, January 23, from 4-5 p.m. Dual credit provides students with the potential to earn high school and college credit at the same time. Information will include Running Start at Clark College, Cascadia Tech Academy (Skills Center), career and technical education dual credit, work-based learning, College in the High School and Advanced Placement classes. If you have any questions, contact Work-Based Learning Coordinator Kris Neal via email at neal.kris@battlegroundps.org.
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.
AI IN THE CLASSROOM
Artificial intelligence is a growing part of our everyday lives, and there are a lot of questions about its use in classrooms. Battle Ground Public Schools uses MagicSchool for teachers and MagicStudent on the student side. MagicStudent does not collect student data and includes important safeguards to provide a safe environment to build AI literacy skills and accessibility tools to develop independence and improve learning. Visit the district website for more resources about going online safely.
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.
SAFETY PROTOCOLS
Battle Ground Public Schools has joined other Southwest Washington schools and districts in using the Standard Response Protocol for emergencies. Depending on the situation, a school will be placed in a hold, secure, lockdown, evacuation, or shelter. See what these terms mean. This common language helps schools, first responders and the community communicate clearly and effectively to reduce misunderstandings in emergency situations.
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.
RUSSIAN, UKRANIAN 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
EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION AWARDS
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.
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.
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