Battle Ground Public Schools

BGPS Bulletin

Dec. 5, 2024

IN THIS ISSUE:

  • Replacement levy headed to the Feb. 11 ballot

  • Public meetings for levy information

  • Nov. 25 board meeting recap

  • November employee recognition

  • Fall all-league selections include a lot of Falcons and Tigers

  • Catch winter sports on BGTV 27 and Comcast

  • BGHS Drama presents 'Clue: On Stage'

  • River HomeLink Theatre program featuring 'Shrek, Jr.' for fall production

  • Jobs

  • BGPS in the news

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Replacement levy to appear on Feb. 11 special election ballot

Battle Ground Public Schools’ board of directors has placed a replacement education and operations levy on the special election ballot for Feb. 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. See more information about the replacement levy.

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How can I learn more about this levy?

Attend one of several upcoming public presentations to learn more about the replacement levy, ask questions and meet with district leadership. 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.

DATE

Monday, Jan. 6
Tuesday, Jan. 7
Wednesday, Jan. 8
Tuesday, Jan. 14
Tuesday, Jan. 14
Tuesday, Jan. 14
Thursday, Jan. 16
Thursday, Jan. 16
Tuesday, Jan. 21

TIME

5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

LOCATION

River HomeLink
Tukes Valley Primary
Prairie High School
Laurin Middle School
Daybreak campus
Pleasant Valley campus
Yacolt Primary School
Chief Umtuch Middle School
Battle Ground High School

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.

Graphic reading School Board Update
Collage of images of the Battle Ground school board

BGPS’ board of directors held an executive session and regular meeting on Monday, Nov. 25. The executive session ended at 5:45 p.m. with no action taken. Summaries and the recording are available on the district website.

The board's next meeting will be Monday, Dec. 9, with a work session starting at 4 p.m. and a regular meeting 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.

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BGPS Highlights

November employee recognition

Pictured from left: Irene Michaelson, Deputy Superintendent Shelly Whitten, Karen Guenther, Cinda Trigueros, Superintendent Denny Waters and Glen Cook. Not pictured: Carmen Yadon.

Congratulations to our November Employee Recognition Award recipients:

  • Glenn Cook - teacher, River HomeLink

  • Cinda Trigueros - teacher, Captain Strong Primary

  • Karen Guenther - teacher, Summit View High School

  • Carmon Yadon - teacher, Tukes Valley Middle School

  • Irene Michaelson - secretary, Glenwood Heights Primary School

Visit the district website to learn more about each of November's honorees. The Employee Recognition Awards highlight staff members who embody the district’s values and commitment to student learning. Nominations are open to every staff member in Battle Ground Public Schools.

Do you know another deserving staff member? Submit a nomination!

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Fall all-league teams include plenty of Falcons and Tigers

Graphic reading 2024 fall all-league teams

Congratulations to the many student-athletes and coaches on being named all-league team selections by a vote of league coaches:

BATTLE GROUND HIGH SCHOOL

Football
First team:
OFFENSE - Emet Ordway
DEFENSE - Lukas Champine, George Tkachenko, Thomas Avery, Bryland Fick
Second team:
OFFENSE - Owen Mereen, Matthew Witthauer
DEFENSE - Dom Rivas

Girls soccer
First team: Isabella Brenes
Second team: McKenzie Enright, Marissa Loveall

Boys cross-country
Coach of the year: Kevin Donovan, Battle Ground
First team: Lord King Nana-Badu-Weah, Trae Copper, Devontae Kephart, Vance Copper
Second team: Soren Matson

Girls cross-country
First team: Sophia Rogers
Second team: Sierra Klein

Boys golf
Second team: Tommy Snitily, Rylind Simpson

Boys tennis
Second team: Kaden Arn (singles)

PRAIRIE HIGH SCHOOL

Football
First team:
OFFENSE - Tommie Vick, Gavin Bower
DEFENSE - Nicholas "Spud" Merritt, Taylor Gause
Second team:
OFFENSE - Deven Vigue, Preston Hill, Alex Blakeslee, Christopher Simpson
DEFENSE - Tommie Vick

Girls soccer
First team: Elsa Bice, Jules Staley, Ava Dhanens
Second team: Avery Hoskins, Mya Toguchi

Volleyball
Player of the year: Claire Neuman, Prairie High School
First team: Gracie Jacoby, Alivia Snyder, Avery Eterno
Second team: Marissa Raley, Emilee Natiola

Boys cross-country
Coach of the year: Cody Barton, Prairie High School
First team: Dekota Houfek, Tavin Timperley, Ethan McKell, Tommy Wise, Shackleton Hoyt
Second team: Colton Sautter

Girls cross-country
Coach of the year: Nick Spencer, Prairie High School
First team: Zoe Jensen, Jadyn Conn, Chloe Copes
Second team: Delia Austin

Boys tennis
Player of the year: Micah Nelson
First team: Micah Nelson (singles)
Second team: Nathan Bernardino/Aaron Bennion (doubles), Liam Laughter/Desmond Sedaker (doubles)

Swimming
First team: Peyton Atkins (100 free)
Second team: Zoe Phed (50 free), Peyton Atkins (100 breast)

Boys golf
Second team: Alex Vockler, Michael Rovig

Slowpitch softball
Second team: Lauren Bisson, Kylie Moore

View the full list on The Columbian's prep sports page.

Catch winter sports broadcasts on BGTV 27 and Comcast

Student operating a video camera at District Stadium

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 27, 28/328 and 29.

Check out the full schedule on the district website.

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High school drama productions provide double the fun for families this week

Battle Ground High School

Starting Dec. 5, get caught up in the mystery as Battle Ground High School’s drama department presents "Clue: On Stage" for their fall production. Drama director Stephan “Cash” Henry calls it a “fun, silly, suspenseful piece of theater that is great for all ages.” Learn more about the production, see show dates and find out how to buy tickets.

Poster for Clue: On Stage

River HomeLink

River HomeLink Theatre’s production of "Shrek the Musical Jr." is coming to Prairie High School starting Dec. 6. Follow along as Shrek and Donkey set out on a quest to rescue Princess Fiona. Shrek the Musical Jr. is an adventure the whole family will enjoy. Get the details on this production and find out where to purchase tickets.

poster for Shrek the Musical Jr.
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Need help? Reach out to the Family and Community Resource Center

Group photo of the Family and Community Resource Center employees

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.

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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: 360-885-5337

A graphic reading "what's going on?"
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Graphic that reads "BGPS Job Openings"

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 (location 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 (Laurin Middle School and Yacolt Primary)
Sports/coaching positions:

  • Head coach

    • Speech & Debate (Battle Ground High School)

  • Varsity assistant coach:

    • Baseball (BGHS)

    • Boys soccer (BGHS)

  • Assistant coach:

    • Baseball x2 (BGHS)

    • Wrestling (BGHS)

    • Track (BGHS)

    • Dance team (BGHS)

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.

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graphic reading "BGPS In the News"

The Reflector

  • Tiger grad donates roughly 500 items to district resource center, BGHS thrift store

  • Battle Ground boys basketball brings home James Ensley to lead squad

  • 3A GSHL all-league results volleyball in; Prairie has six girls named to roster

  • Winter sports season kicks off for area schools

The Columbian

  • Battle Ground proposes a replacement operations levy on February ballot

  • Thrift store at Battle Ground High School a hit with students and staff

  • Girls basketball roundup: Prairie finishes strong to beat rival Battle Ground

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