Battle Ground Public Schools
IN THIS ISSUE:
Patriot Store helps keep Pleasant Valley students on their best behavior
Feb. 10 board meeting recap
Chief Umtuch Future City team building success
Prairie High School drama presents 'The Prom' for winter production
Don't miss the 10th annual BGPS Industry Fair!
Enroll in kindergarten and Transition to Kindergarten
District Alternative Learning Experience programs open for enrollment
Need help? Reach out to the Family and Community Resource Center
Job openings
BGPS in the news
Every other Friday, students at Pleasant Valley Middle School pour out of their classrooms during recess, sprinting across the playground to a portable on the south side of the campus. There, they wait in line for a chance to spend their "Patriot bucks" at the small makeshift store.
The Patriot Store is part of the school's effort to incentivize good behavior by "paying" students when they help others, clean up litter or just offer a kind word.
"The Patriot Store is fun, but it also helps to keep kids on task," said Aubree Wright, a fifth grader. "It's also a good way to learn how to handle your money," added fellow fifth grader Ryanne Lewis Heck, who said she often saves her bucks for larger items.
This is the second year of the Patriot Store, and Assistant Principal Erin Thompson said it has made a noticeable improvement with the students when it comes to meeting behavioral expectations.
Check out a video of the store in action on the district's Instagram account.
BGPS’ board of directors held a work session at 4:30 p.m. and a regular meeting at 6 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 10. Summaries and the recording are available on the district website. The board will next meet on Monday, Feb. 24, for 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.
During the student voice portion of the Feb. 10 meeting, Battle Ground High School senior Elizabeth McAleer performed two poems (viewable starting at the 18-minute mark of the board meeting video). McAleer won BGHS' schoolwide Poetry Out Loud competition, then took home the top prize at regionals in Olympia. Check it out, and be sure to cheer her on at the state competition in Tacoma next month.
In an imagined future where rising ocean levels have dramatically reduced habitable land, humanity faces the challenge of building self-sustaining communities. Such was the scenario and challenge laid out in this year’s Future City Competition, where students worked together to address pressing global issues.
Under the guidance of teacher Yvonne Flattum, teacher/volunteer Lori John and a mentor from the University of Washington, a team of ambitious students from Chief Umtuch Middle School took on the challenge of imagining and building a model of a floating city.
This is the third year that Chief Umtuch competed in the Future City Competition, and Chief’s team is one of just a handful from a public school. Visit the district website to see how the team did!
When a small town school's upcoming prom lands in the news, four down-on-their-luck Broadway producers smell an opportunity...to put themselves back in the spotlight. Behind this nonstop rollercoaster of razzle-dazzle, high kicks and unexpected alliances lies a message of love, acceptance and learning to be yourself.
Since it first debuted on Broadway in 2018, "The Prom" has earned seven Tony Award nominations and numerous other awards.
"We can’t wait to share this celebration with you," said Prairie Drama’s director, Claire Verity. “Join us as we ‘build a prom for everyone!’”
Showtimes:
Friday, Feb. 28 - 7 p.m.
Saturday, March 1 - 1 p.m.* and 7 p.m.
Friday, March 7 - 7 p.m.
Saturday, March 8 - 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
*Sign language interpreters available
Tickets can be purchased online in advance, or at the door. Admission is $7 for students, $15 for adults and $13 for honored citizens.
'The Prom' is presented by permission of Theatrical Rights Worldwide. Book and lyrics by Chad Beguelin, book by Bob Martin and music by Matthew Sklar.
Attend the Battle Ground Public Schools Industry Fair to learn about apprenticeships and jobs in health care, education, manufacturing, technology, construction, finance, hospitality, retail, transportation and many more industries.
Many employers are hiring--bring your resume! No resume? Attend the resume workshop to get help creating one.
This free event is open to jobseekers of all ages and the public. Everyone is welcome. Childcare will be available, along with gently used professional clothing for purchase.
Enroll now for kindergarten next fall
Any child who will be 5 years old by Aug. 31, 2025, is eligible to enroll in kindergarten this fall. Enroll now to make sure your child can attend kindergarten orientation in the spring.
Transitional Kindergarten
Battle Ground Public Schools also offers Transitional Kindergarten for children who will turn 4 years old by Aug. 31 and meet certain eligibility requirements. Visit our Transitional Kindergarten webpage to learn more about the program. Applications will be accepted starting in early February.
Battle Ground Public Schools’ specialized and alternative learning experience programs are accepting enrollment applications for the 2025-26 school year. The district offers specialized and alternative programs for students in kindergarten through high school. Learn more about these educational options.
Battle Ground Public Schools’ Family and Community Resource Center helps meet the needs of families facing challenges. No judgment, only support.
As a donation based program, the FCRC relies on our community to help fill the shelves and those shelves are emptying fast. Right now, they have a severe need for the following items:
Laundry detergent (liquid or pods)
Dish soap
Body wash
Shampoo and Conditioner (2 in 1 or separate)
Women's deodorant
Toilet paper
Socks
Underwear
Leggings (all sizes/ages)
Sweatpants (all sizes/ages)
Whether you donate yourself or help run a donation drive, donations can be dropped off at the FCRC during operating hours. For questions please call 360-885-5434.
Address: 406 NW 5th Ave. Battle Ground, WA 98604.
Hours: M-Th 8:30-4:00 | Fridays 8:30-2:30
The FCRC works with the Battle Ground Education Foundation to help maintain quality education for all students in Battle Ground schools.
Thank you for supporting your community!
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.
Art teacher (Battle Ground Virtual Academy)
Health/fitness teacher (Laurin Middle School)
Administrative assistant to HR (CASEE A)
Registered behavior technician (districtwide)
Testing coordinator assistant (Daybreak Primary)
Special program classroom assistants/paraeducators (various schools)
Classified and certificated substitute positions
Crossing guards and lunch/recess supervision (various campuses)
Various coaching and sports positions (see site for a full list and locations)
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.
