Battle Ground Public Schools

BGPS Bulletin

August 2025

IN THIS ISSUE:

👋Meet your new district leaders
⭐Additional administrative changes and new educators
🎒Welcoming students, families and staff to a new school year
🤝August school board meeting updates
🏆Work-based learning coordinator wins prestigious award
🤗Battle Ground Education Foundation annual fundraising gala
🚌Thank you for helping stuff the bus
🗣️You're invited: Citizens Advisory Committee
💻Student information system update
📝Standardized testing opportunities
🏗️Construction to begin soon on new home for Battle Ground Virtual Academy
🎨Thank you, Battle Ground Art Alliance
🏫Jobs in BGPS
📣BGPS in the news

dotted line

Meet your new district leaders

Over the summer, Shelly Whitten became the district's new superintendent and Lynnell Tsugawa-Murray took on the role of assistant superintendent. In this video, hear from Shelly and Lynnell about their careers in education and their vision for the future of Battle Ground schools.

dotted line
Anna Leeper and Nadya Bush
Battle Ground's newest educators, with the superintendent and two directors

Additional administrative changes and new educators

Speaking of administrative changes, Anna Leeper, top photo left, is the new director of special services. She replaces Jennifer Goodwin, who left the district for another opportunity. Nadya Bush, right, is joining the district as the director of programs and compliance, which replaces the position formerly held by Lynnell Tsugawa-Murray.

See administrative changes announced earlier in the summer.

We also said hello to a small group of new educators (lower photo) who were hired to fill positions left vacant by retirements or resignations. Please join us in welcoming these new educators to Battle Ground schools!

dotted line
Administrators collaborate on back to school planning

Administrators prepare for the upcoming school year. We're grateful to the businesses who supported this work, including Fairway Coffee, which donated coffee and gift cards.

MULTILINGUAL PARENT & FAMILY ENGAGEMENT EVENT

On Aug. 18, families attended a special event to learn about the district's multilingual program.

Amboy Principal Nick Krause and Assistant Principal Lori Walker

Back-to-school nights, like the one at Amboy Middle School, were attended by thousands of students and families, who met their teachers and explored their school.

Welcoming students, families and staff to a new school year

Long before the first day of school, staff members were hard at work to prepare for a new school year by brushing up on safety, teaching practices, curricula, Professional Learning Communities and much more. We appreciate our staff members' dedication to a successful school year!

The week before school began was also filled with back-to-school events, when students, parents and guardians reconnected with staff and celebrated the start of another school year. Then on Aug. 26, the 2025-26 school year officially began with lots of smiles and high fives. We hope everyone is having a great first week!

dotted line
A collage photo of Battle Ground school board members

August school board meeting updates

BGPS’ board of directors held one work session/special meeting and two regular meetings in August. See videos and notes:

  • Aug. 11, 2025, work session/special meeting and regular meeting

  • Aug. 25, 2025, regular meeting

Board approves 2025-26 budget, new cellphone policy

  • Budget approval: The budget reflects the district’s commitment to student learning and the financial realities of operating without local levy support. This includes significant use of the district’s fund balance, one measure of financial stability, to sustain operations. Learn more about where the money comes from and where it goes.

  • Cellphones: A new policy and procedure will govern when and how cellphones are used in schools. Based on feedback from staff, students, parents, guardians and community members, the revised policy and procedure will limit cellphone use during class time. The revisions also will standardize current practices and consequences for students not following the rules. Get the details.

Upcoming meetings
Regular meetings will be held on Sept. 8 and Sept. 22. Get meeting information. You are invited to attend in-person at the Lewisville campus (406 NW 5th Ave., Battle Ground) or watch the meeting online.

dotted line
BGPS Highlights

Work-based learning coordinator wins state award

Congratulations to Debbie Smith, a work-based learning and community outreach coordinator at Summit View High School. Smith has earned the statewide Counseling and Career Development Professional Award from the Washington Association for Career and Technical Education. This award highlights counseling and career professionals who demonstrate excellence in supporting students from junior high through postsecondary education and beyond. Each year, Smith and her colleagues help hundreds of students earn credit after the students find jobs with local employers. The work-based learning coordinators also assist employers in understanding the requirements for workers who are minors. Read more.

Debbie Smith
dotted line
A room with people seated at round tables. Many have their hands raised, bidding on an auction item

Battle Ground Education Foundation annual fundraising gala

The Battle Ground Education Foundation’s annual gala is just around the corner! Mark your calendar for Saturday, Oct. 4, at the Battle Ground Event Center and purchase your tickets soon! BGeF's dinner and live auction are anchored by an outstanding program centering student performances and stories from teachers and community leaders. Join BGeF for an unforgettable night on behalf of BGPS students and schools!

dotted line
A staff member receives donated supplies from a shopper

Thank you for stuffing the bus with school supplies!

We are so grateful to everyone who volunteered to collect school supplies on Aug. 16 and/or donated items or money. Because of our community's generosity, the Battle Ground Education Foundation was able to fill two school buses with school supplies and toiletries for students in need right here in our community. This community effort will help students and their families have a successful school year. We appreciate the foundation, donors and volunteers who made this possible!

dotted line
You're invited: Citizens Advisory Committee, Sept. 11, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in BGHS media center.

You're invited: Citizens Advisory Committee

Consider joining our Citizens Advisory Committee to share your perspectives on the district with leaders and learn about initiatives and programs. The first meeting of the school year is coming up soon! All parents, guardians and community members are welcome, no RSVP or application required. Light refreshments will be available.

📅Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025
⌚5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
📍Battle Ground High School media center, 300 W Main St., Battle Ground, WA 98604

We hope to see you there!

dotted line
Screenshot of the interface of the new Skyward

Student information system updated

Over the summer, we completed an update of Skyward Family Access, our student information system. The new version has an easier to use interface and navigation and will allow parents and guardians to see assignments, attendance, grades and more. The updated Skyward Family Access also has a new URL and mobile app.

We appreciate the hard work of our staff who have spent more than a year supporting this transition!

dotted line
testing

Standardized testing opportunities

Eighth grade and high school students have opportunities to take standardized tests for graduation, college, the military and scholarships. Happening in October:

  • SAT

  • World language testing

  • PSAT 8/9

  • PSAT/NMSQT

Learn about the opportunities and how to sign up.

dotted line
Future home of Battle Ground Virtual Academy. Paid for with impact fees. Learn more at bgva.battlegroundps.org/building

Construction to begin soon on new home for Virtual Academy

Construction on a new home for Battle Ground Virtual Academy will soon begin on the Prairie High School campus. Due to enrollment growth, BGVA will be moving into a new, permanent location on the lot across the street from Winco. Construction is paid for with impact fees. Learn more about the project.

dotted line
Members of the Battle Ground Art Alliance unload a car packed with donated supplies
Art Alliance members pose with their donated supplies

Thank you, Battle Ground Art Alliance!

Recently, River HomeLink students and teachers received generous gifts of art supplies from the Battle Ground Art Alliance. The donations were collected in memory of the late Diane Springer, a former teacher in the district, artist and longtime BGAA board member who fostered local opportunities for fellow artists of all ages.

"Diane’s passion for art and commitment to nurturing young talent inspired the creation of the Diane Springer Art Supply Drive," said Connie Ford, the alliance's co-vice president. "Diane’s dream of fostering community engagement and supporting emerging artists continues through this meaningful project." 

With the new materials, students will have greater opportunities to explore their artistic abilities, express themselves and develop their skills in meaningful ways, including through the school's Explore Art & Cultures program. The Battle Ground Art Alliance's generosity will help to nurture the next generation of artists, thinkers and creators.

The drive is generously funded by practicing artists around Clark County, including Battle Ground Art Alliance members, the Society of Washington Artists, Art Chats and Art Shares. Members of the Battle Ground Art Alliance school committee include Janine Littrell, Richard Britschgi, Dwayne Valencia, Jules Koch and Ford. 

River HomeLink and Battle Ground Public Schools are grateful for the alliance's commitment to supporting arts education and fostering creativity.

dotted line
A graphic reading "what's going on?"

We want to hear from you!

Something fun happening in your building or classroom? Is there a student, teacher or volunteer doing something remarkable? Let us know about it! Battle Ground Public Schools' communications department is here to share your story and the stories happening all around you. Please reach out and let us know if you think there's a story worth sharing.

Email: communication@battlegroundps.org
Phone: 360-885-5470

dotted line
Graphic that reads "BGPS Job Openings"

Battle Ground Public Schools is currently hiring. Visit the jobs page for details.

Bus drivers
BGPS' transportation provider, First Student, is in need of part-time bus drivers. Get more details on First Student driving careers, including sign-on bonuses starting at $1,500 ($3,500 for experienced drivers).

Right At School
The district's before and after-school care provider, Right At School, is looking for program managers and educators. Learn more or email your resume to michael.speer@rightatschool.com.

dotted line
graphic reading "BGPS In the News"

The Reflector

  • Battle Ground Schools set to cut $14 million in staff, programs after voters reject levy

The Columbian

  • Evergreen schools’ superintendent is the first woman in the role, and she’s not alone in Clark County districts

  • Battle Ground school board OKs 2025-26 budget with $14M in cuts

dotted line

Notice of nondiscrimination, accessibility and privacy statements