Battle Ground Public Schools
IN THIS ISSUE:
Know the facts about the replacement levy
Student enjoyment of high school drama programs goes beyond the spotlight
Dec. 9 board meeting recap
December a time for giving all across the district
BG Cast Episode 40: Parent-teacher associations and organizations
Last weekend for Battle Ground H.S. and River HomeLink fall drama productions
Businesses invited to 10th annual BGPS Industry Fair
Social media highlight
Jobs
BGPS in the news
Over the next several editions of this newsletter, we’ll be counting down the top 10 facts about the upcoming replacement education and operations levy for Battle Ground Public Schools.
Fact #10: The levy will appear on the ballot on Feb. 11, 2025. Remember to vote! Every registered voter who lives within the district is eligible.
Fact #9: 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 (2026).
Head over to the district website for more information about the levy and a calculator to estimate the taxes for your property.
During the month of January, BGPS will hold public presentations to provide information on the replacement levy and answer questions from the community. You can view a list of scheduled presentations on the district website.
Childcare and light refreshments will be provided at each presentation. Parents/guardians should bring an ID in order to access childcare.
In the event of a weather-related school closure, the presentation will be canceled. However, anyone may attend a different presentation.
For ASL interpretation, please contact communication@battlegroundps.org at least five days prior to the presentation you plan to attend.
For families requiring Russian or Spanish interpretation, we will have an event at the Lewisville campus on Thursday, Jan. 23, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Long before the curtain rises and the spotlight goes on at the start of a high school drama production, many hours of work have gone on behind the scenes. Students are often involved in set design, costume creation, sound and lighting, green room management, concessions and much more.
Many of the students working crew on a production have also acted on stage. For some, it’s a change of pace, or a chance to enjoy spending time with their friends without having to memorize lines.
“I felt like it was a great way to get to know both sides of a production,” said Ruby Yankus, a freshman at BGHS.
Battle Ground Public Schools has a rich history of drama and theater productions, with several schools mounting shows each year that are paid for in part through funding from the district’s education and operations levy.
“I wish I would have joined during my freshman year,” said Zachary French, a BGHS senior. “These are really cool people. Honestly, I love them.”
Battle Ground High School
Battle Ground High School’s drama department presents "Clue: On Stage" for their fall production. Final shows are Dec. 12 and 13 at 7 p.m.
River HomeLink
You have three more opportunities to catch River HomeLink Theatre’s production of "Shrek the Musical Jr." at 7 p.m. on Dec. 13 and 14, with a 3 p.m. matinee on the 14th. Get your tickets and more details online.
BGPS’ board of directors held a work session and regular meeting on Monday, Dec. 9. Summaries and the recording are available on the district website. During the regular meeting, the board elected its new officers. Mary Snitily, director of District 1, was named the board president. Jackie Maddux, director of District 5, was appointed the vice president. Terry Tate, director of District 4, is the new Washington State School Directors' Association legislative representative.
The board's next meeting will be Monday, Jan. 13, at 6 p.m. You are invited to attend in-person at the Lewisville campus (406 NW 5th Ave., Battle Ground) or watch the meeting online.
2023-24 year-end financial report
At the Dec. 9 board meeting, Chief Financial Officer Michelle Scott presented the 2023-24 year-end financial report.
If you've been in one of our schools recently, you've probably noticed the donation boxes and giving trees. The holiday season is traditionally a time when our buildings collect donations of nonperishable food items, hygiene products, coats, socks, blankets and gifts for families in need. Be sure and watch for communication from your child's school(s) to see what opportunities are available and, as always, thank you for your generous support.
Episode 40: PTOs and PTAs + Spotlight on River HomeLink
In this episode we hear from a couple of volunteers from parent-teacher associations and organizations in the district. You'll hear from Erica Bedrossian (Pleasant Valley PTA) and Mia Kaski (Tukes Valley PTO). You'll learn what they do and how you can get involved!
We also talk with River HomeLink Principal Matt Kessler and Assistant Principal Susan Smith about an award that River Homelink just received.
Episode 41: Project AWARE + Spotlight on Open Doors program
In this episode, learn how the district is using a federal grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to support students.
Plus, Karen Guenther shares how the Open Doors program provides students with a pathway toward earning their GED.
BG Cast is hosted by David Lindner, a local pastor and choir director at Battle Ground High School, along with superintendent Denny Waters. Subscribe and listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon Music.
The 10th annual Battle Ground Public Schools Industry Fair will be held on Thursday, Feb. 20, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Battle Ground High School.
Businesses located in and around Clark County are invited to reserve a table at this event. Last year’s Industry Fair was attended by nearly 90 local employers and more than 700 attendees. Event organizers encourage participation by businesses from all industries, including health care, manufacturing, technology, construction, finance, hospitality, retail, apprenticeships, transportation and more.
Businesses interested in having a free table should sign up by Friday, Feb. 14. Contact Career Guidance Specialist Kevin Doyle at 360-885-6598 or doyle.kevin@battlegroundps.org with questions.
Winter sports are ramping up across the district. Battle Ground Public Schools is fortunate to feature live broadcasts of many games via the BGTV 27 YouTube channel and TV Etc. on Comcast channels 327, 328 and 329.
Last month, Prairie High School automotive shop instructor Mike McAllister took his students to the school's soccer field and set off two vehicle airbags. Aside from just being a lot of fun (seriously, check out this video), the demonstration was an opportunity to talk about vehicle safety, such as keeping your feet off of the dash and not decorating your steering wheel with beads or items that could be turned into shrapnel in the event of an airbag deployment.
Be sure to check out BGPS on Facebook and Instagram for more cool stories like this!
Battle Ground Public Schools’ Family and Community Resource Center helps meet the needs of families facing challenges. No judgment, only support.
The FCRC works with the Battle Ground Education Foundation to help maintain quality education for all students in Battle Ground schools.
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: 360-885-5337
Battle Ground Public Schools is currently hiring for a number of positions. Visit the jobs page for details and to apply.
School nurse (districtwide)
Agriculture teacher (Prairie High School)
Resource room teacher (Yacolt Primary and TBD)
Registered behavior technician (districtwide)
Career and Technical Education - lab technician (Prairie High School)
Special program classroom assistants/paraeducators (various schools)
Classified and certificated substitute positions
Crossing guards and lunch/recess supervision (various campuses)
Custodian - swing shift (Prairie High School)
Sports/coaching positions:
Head coach
Volleyball (Battle Ground High School)
Girls soccer (Pleasant Valley Middle)
Boys basketball (Laurin Middle School)
Speech & Debate (BGHS)
Varsity assistant coach:
Baseball (BGHS)
Boys soccer (BGHS)
Assistant coach:
Baseball x2 (BGHS)
Wrestling (BGHS)
Track (BGHS)
Dance team (BGHS)
Boys basketball (Laurin and Tukes Valley middle schools)
Referee/support staff (Community Education)
Find more information and apply online.
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.
