Battle Ground Public Schools
IN THIS ISSUE:
Veterans Day in Battle Ground Public Schools (VIDEO)
New futsal court installed at Tukes Valley Middle School
Nov. 12 board meeting recap
Prairie High School Drama presents 'Mary Poppins'
CAM students send care packages to victims of Hurricane Helene
Donation drives underway
Watch for BGPS annual report in the mail
Social media highlights from around the district
Battle Ground Public Schools is proud to have a long tradition of honoring those who have served in our nation's military. Thousands of students throughout the district created art, held assemblies and parades or participated in services throughout the area. At Battle Ground High School, veterans of various wars visited with students in the library. Prairie High School's Veterans Day assembly consisted of a color guard presentation, rifle twirling and much more. Students at Maple Grove Primary lined the hallways with signs, cheering on veterans connected to the school. Other schools packed assemblies with families and service members, honoring them with flags, flower, music and more.
Thank you to all of those who have served or currently serve in our nation's armed forces. Please enjoy this short video featuring some of the sights from around the district.
Students enjoying recess or after-school activities at Tukes Valley Middle School now have a new option, thanks to the school's Parent-Teacher Organization and a nonprofit aligned with the Portland Timbers Major League Soccer club. Dominic Ramirez, an eighth grade teacher at Tukes, first learned about Operation Pitch Invasion's efforts to bring futsal courts to local schools while coaching youth soccer. After OPI finished their first Clark County project at Harney Elementary School, Ramirez reached back out to see if they would consider doing the same thing at Tukes.
Thanks to the fundraising efforts of the PTO, as well as support from district facilities staff, the court was completed early this school year.
"One of the things I love about futsal is that it is faster-paced and builds a heightened skill with ball control and passing," Ramirez said. "Grass can become quite soggy during the winter, but futsal solves that problem because it is played on the blacktop."
Soccer has become increasingly popular at the district's six middle schools since organized sports were reintroduced a few years ago. Ramirez hopes the futsal court will continue to grow student interest in the sport and give them opportunities to practice throughout the year. "As a former PE supervisor and soccer coach, I have seen tremendous growth, bonding and camaraderie among students," Ramirez said. "I have seen them form bonds and friendships that extend into better success both inside and outside the classroom."
BGPS’ board of directors held a regular meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 12. Summaries and the recordings are available on the district website.
The board's next meeting will be Monday, Nov. 25, starting 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.
One of the most popular Disney movies of all time comes to life on the stage at Prairie High School in November as the school's drama program presents 'Mary Poppins!'
Come along with England's favorite flying nanny in this Tony Award-winning musical romp that's fun for the whole family!
Shows will be Nov. 15-16 and 22-23 at 7 p.m., with 1 p.m. matinee showings on Saturdays. (The 1 p.m. showing on Nov. 23 will feature sign language interpretation.)
Purchase tickets online in advance. The cost is $7 for students, $15 for adults and $12 for honored citizens.
We hope to see you there for this supercalifragilisticexpialidocious experience!
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, students in Andie Noye's fourth grade class at CAM Academy started looking for ways to help out. Noye connected with another fourth grade teacher, Courtney Jackson, who said many of her students in Martinez, Georgia, still lacked power. Others couldn't even play outside due to hazards like downed trees and power lines caused by the storm. So Noye's class began collecting board games, books, arts and craft, candy, stuffed animals and even homemade bracelets. The care packages recently arrived, and Mrs. Jackson says her students (pictured) had a blast reading the letters, playing the games and passing out the other gifts.
"Despite natural tragedies, like hurricanes, there's always a way to show we care," Noye said, "even when you are across the country."
Way to go, Panthers!
Recent Battle Ground High School graduate Abby Hertner stepped up with a big donation of clothing for the school's Thrift Shop, as well as our Family and Community Resource Center. Hertner is currently attending WSU Vancouver, pursuing a business degree while working as an assistant manager at Maurices. There, she talked the store manager into donating discontinued items, rather than shipping them back to headquarters. An estimated 500 items of clothing, jewelry, hats, scarves and shoes will now go to help families in need throughout the district. What a cool way to give back!
Find more stories like this by following Battle Ground Public Schools on Facebook and Instagram!
From left: Battle Ground High School Principal Heather Ichimura, FCRC Specialist Chelsea Ward, Abby Hertner and FCRC Advocate Chris Chappell-Ward
September through December are busy months for donation drives and fundraisers throughout the district. Some schools are collecting canned food and hygiene products for local food banks. Others will be holding giving trees, gift exchanges, sock drives or much more. Please keep an eye on communication from your child's school for information, and thank you for helping others throughout our community during this holiday season.
Speech and debate season is underway, and the Battle Ground High School Tigers are picking up right where they left off. Recently they brought home more hardware from the SID/FOX Invitational at Sprague High School in Salem, Oregon.
Senior captain Elizabeth McAleer (inset) took home third place in Radio Commentary, while fellow captain Mackenzie Heffner claimed Top Speaker Award in Public Forum Debate. Sophomore Alexis Maupin was also a finalist in Radio Commentary, while junior Sadie Kirsch and sophomore Rubyee MacPherson compiled a 3-1 record in Parliamentary Debate.
Way to go, team!
Battle Ground Public Schools' 2024 Report to our Community is in the mail and should arrive in mailboxes soon. Inside, you'll find details about the district's demographics, test scores, budget, student safety and much more. Thank you for reading!
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.
Lead student system coordinator (CASEE C)
School nurse (districtwide)
Structured learning center teacher (Tukes Valley Middle)
Resource room teacher (location TBD)
Testing coordinator assistant (Tukes Valley Primary)
Secretary (transportation/boundaries)
Registered behavior technician (districtwide)
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:
Special Olympics, Basketball (Battle Ground High School)
Speech & debate (BGHS)
Varsity assistant coach:
Baseball (BGHS)
Boys basketball (BGHS)
Girls basketball (BGHS)
Boys soccer (BGHS)
Assistant coach:
Baseball x2 (BGHS)
Wrestling (BGHS)
Track (BGHS)
Boys wrestling (Prairie High School)
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.
