Battle Ground Public Schools
IN THIS ISSUE:
Early releases this week; no late start on Wednesday
Parent-teacher conferences
What the levy pays for at high schools
Bingo and Books at Chief Umtuch Middle School
Right At School spring break camps
World language testing
FCRC spring outerwear giveaway
Care Solace: Link to mental health support
District news
In case you missed it
Calendar
Community events
Most schools will start at their regular Monday/Tuesday/Thursday/Friday time on Wednesday, March 19. Most schools also will release three hours early on Wednesday and Thursday, March 19 and 20, to allow teachers to meet with parents and guardians of students determined to need additional support. These schedule changes do not apply to Summit View High School, River HomeLink, Battle Ground Virtual Academy or CAM Academy.
Parents can request a conference with any of their child's teachers if they would like to discuss their child’s progress. Friday, March 21, will be a regular school day.
Battle Ground Public Schools is running a replacement education and operations levy on April 22. Local levy funding makes up the difference between state funding and the real-world cost to educate students. For instance, at Battle Ground and Prairie high schools the levy funds:
Special education
Technology support
Custodial services
Multilingual support
Mental health support
Curriculum
Teachers
Safety
Class sizes
Busing
The arts
Sports
Maintenance/grounds
Health/nursing and more
The replacement levy would allow the district to continue current service levels beyond 2025, when the existing education and operations levy expires. Please take the time to look over our levy information page, and consider attending one of two upcoming public forums to learn more about the levy and ask questions of district leadership. The first of those meetings will be on Tuesday, April 8, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Lewisville campus (406 NW 5th Ave. Battle Ground, WA). Childcare and light refreshments will be provided.
Come join us to learn about the reading materials and instruction your child receives at school. At this fun event, kids will play a variety of games, play bingo, and earn book prizes. Grown-ups can speak with BGPS teachers to learn more about how their child is learning to read and grow in literacy. Pizza dinner will be provided. RSVP by March 17.
Date: March 25, 2025
Time: 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Location: Chief Umtuch Middle School gym, 700 NW 9th St. Battle Ground, WA 98604
Right At School, the district’s before/after school care partner organization, is offering spring break camps for children in grades K-6. Camps will be open daily, March 31-April 4, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Glenwood Heights Primary School. The cost is $50 per day, per child (discounts may be available for siblings). Learn more and start the registration process by visiting the Right At School website.
If you are in need of a coat, hoodie, zip-up jacket or other items, the FCRC is holding two outerwear giveaways later this month. Come by the FCRC office at the Lewisville campus (406 NW 5th Ave., Battle Ground) between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 25, or Thursday, March 27. Many sizes are available. Items are on a first come, first served basis. Check out this flyer for additional details.
Battle Ground Public Schools offers students the opportunity to earn world language high school credits through remote world language testing. Students who test proficient can earn up to 4 world language credits on their high school transcript. Students who earn credits and meet their high school English language arts district and state graduation requirements are eligible to earn the Seal of Biliteracy with their high school diploma. Credits earned and Seal of Biliteracy awards will be assigned prior to graduation in June.
Applications are open through Friday, April 25, on the district website. The test will be held on Saturday, May 3, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the media center at Battle Ground High School.
Come along with Peter, Wendy, Tinkerbell and the Lost Boys as they outsmart the dastardly Captain Hook during River HomeLink Theatre's upcoming production of "Peter Pan." Journey to the exciting world of Neverland for a tale about friendship, family and the bittersweet innocence of growing up. Under the direction of Sandy Sparks, this tale comes alive with original costumes, snappy songs and plenty of amazing choreography.
Shows are at Prairie High School (11311 NE 119th St.):
Fridays, March 21 and 28 - 7 p.m.
Saturdays, March 22 and 29 - 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Tickets are $5 for children ages 3-10 and senior citizens, or $10 for general admission. They are available online in advance or at the door on show days.
Battle Ground Public Schools works with Care Solace to support the well-being of students and their immediate family members. Care Solace is a complimentary and confidential care coordination service that can help any student and/or their immediate family members quickly find mental health or substance use treatment options matched to their needs, regardless of insurance or circumstance. Learn more about Care Solace.
Students at Tukes Valley Primary recently created over 720 custom coffee cup sleeves with positive and uplifting messages.
During Kindness Week in February, students at Tukes Valley Primary worked hard to create more than 720 customized coffee cup sleeves with positive and uplifting messages. The project was spearheaded by school counselor Justine Cohen, who brought the idea, dubbed “sleeves of kindness,” from her former school in Montana. “I loved the idea so much, I know I wanted to do it once I was at the right school,” Cohen said, “and Tukes just embraced the project with open arms!”
Each day in art class, students spent time either duplicating other designs or creating their own. “It was fun to see how seriously they took it, but even more fun to see all of their creativity,” said Cohen.
“My hope is that our students learn that one small act of kindness can start a chain reaction with a lasting impact,” said Cohen. “Battle Ground is this wonderful, supportive community that shows up for each other, and sharing kindness and encouragement is our small way of saying thank you.”
Check out a fun video of students creating the sleeves of kindness on the district’s Instagram account.
The BGPS Bulletin is full of great stories about what’s happening in and around the Battle Ground Public Schools. If you’re not already signed up, be sure to subscribe so you can stay up to date and in the know.
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.
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. The interest form is available now.
March school breakfast and lunch menus are available. Meals can be paid for through InTouch Receipting.
If you see or hear of a possible threat, please report it to law enforcement directly and/or to school staff. This is the best and most helpful action because it begins an investigation and helps to limit the potential for misinformation to spread. You can report bullying, intimidation, harassment, threats and safety concerns using our anonymous reporting system. Emergencies should always be reported to 911.
Wednesday, March 19: Regular Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri start time. Three-hour early release for most schools.
Thursday, March 20: Three-hour early release for most schools
Monday, March 24: School board regular meeting, 6 p.m. at the Lewisville campus and streaming online.
Battle Ground Community Education - QuickStart BBall and Flag Football | Martial Arts with Isaiah | Zumba classes (ages 18 and up)
Tigerland Preschool open house - Tuesday, March 18, 12:30-1:30 p.m. at Captain Strong Primary (Room 20)
Ceramics Showdown at Battle Ground High School - March 22, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
FCRC Spring Outerwear giveaway - March 25 and 27, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lewisville campus
Girls who Code: Every other Wednesday until 3:45 p.m.
