Hello Dragon Families,

It's hard to believe that we're already half way through the school year. Student report cards for first semester went live in Skyward yesterday. We will be having our first semester awards assembly to recognize our honor roll students, students who have shown growth on their fall to winter iReady assessment, perfect attendance, and our Dragons of the Month. Students with a grade point average of 3.0-4.0 will be recognized. Our awards assemblies will be on Friday, February 21st with our 5th & 6th grade student assembly from 1:00-1:45 PM and our 7th & 8th grade student assembly from 1:50 PM-2:40 PM. Families are welcome to attend. Please park in the Daybreak Primary parking lot or behind campus as our DBM parking lot will be closed for bus traffic only. We will open the rear campus gates to allow families to enter that direction towards the undercover area and into the gym.

Just a calendar update to remind you that we will have school on Friday, March 13 since we didn't have school due to the wide spread power outage on Dec 17. 

We would appreciate donations for our Dragon Store. Our next Dragon Store will be on Friday, Feb. 28th. If you’d like to donate items feel free to drop them off at the main DBM office at any time. Here’s a few ideas of items students enjoy : Izze sodas, small bags of snacks, individually wrapped candy or cookies, stickers, key chains, fidgets, etc. or you can use our Dragon Store Wishlist and have your items shipped directly to the school.

Our character trait for the month of February is honesty. You can support our monthly character theme by talking with your student(s) at home about our character traits, completing the monthly character dare, and talking about academic appropriate language. We give a lot of reminders to students that name calling and swearing at school are not appropriate or academic language. We appreciate your partnership with this endeavor to build strong character for each and every student at DBM.

Go Dragons,

Lesli Collum (Principal)

Angela Sauser (Assistant Principal)

Get cleared now to volunteer this year at DBM

Go the the district website at: https://www.battlegroundps.org/volunteer/ to fill out the volunteer application. Then visit the DBM office and present your valid Washington driver's license. Once you've completed both of these steps it take about 5-7 business days to complete the background check before you can volunteer.

We would appreciate parent feedback on how the Chartwells meal program is doing. We would appreciate it if you could complete this survey: School Meals Report Card Survey

5th grade students of the month for Perseverance: Moses Mwathi, Ben LaTour, Maelana Weant, & Lillian McCarty.

6th grade students of the month for Perseverance: Shawn Romero, CJ Lombard, Mila Sasse, & Jozey Banuelos.

7th grade students of the month for Perseverance: Ryder Ellis, Avery Walker, Lucy Mills, and (not pictured) Porter Clinton.

8th grade students of the month for Perseverance: Charlissa Pernsteiner, Riley Leigh, Olivia Bryand, & Thaddeus Cornea.

Season 3 for Middle School Sports is in full swing! We're so excited to have a full girls soccer team and four boys basketball teams represent Daybreak! Go Dragons!

Our final sports season for the 24-25 school year will be TRACK which runs from April 9-May 21. Registration will open in March.

Information and registration links for each middle school are on the district website. Students must have completed a sports physical prior to participating in their first practice. The physical is valid for 24 months.

If you have any questions about sports, please contact Angela Sauser, assistant principal at Daybreak.

Consent to share

Students wishing to take advantage of no-fee sports or other activities must have a new meal benefit application and consent to share form (русский) (Español) on file before registering for fall sports, even if you had a previous approved application on file. The consent to share can also be completed as part of the annual student update through Skyward.

Sharing Space Well

Hello Daybreak Families!  During this time of year we find ourselves in the thick of it all and a little worn down by…everything.  Little things our friends or teachers do that were tolerable in September and October now can seem unbearably annoying.  This seems to happen every school year.  We are experiencing little daylight, it’s cold and wet, and we feel so done only to realize we are smack in the middle.  As far as we have come this year, we have that far yet to go before the finish line. It’s like the perpetual Wednesday of the school year, and we are a special kind of tired.  Students and staff (and likely parents) can sense it in one another.

So what can be done?  We could use your help reminding students how important it is to mind our manners, to communicate with others when their behavior is bothering us (using words), and when someone asks us to STOP, we should STOP.  It is so tempting to entertain ourselves by bothering others, but in an assigned shared space like the school community, we cannot allow that.  It is a quick way to lose friends, create drama, and disrupt the learning process.  We don’t want that for our students and appreciate your support in holding high expectations for their behaviors toward one another.  

• One-hour late starts: Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26

• Presidents Day (no school): Monday, Feb. 17

Daybreak Middle School Student Handbook 2024-2025

Справочник для учащихся 2024-2025

MANUAL DE ESTUDIANTES 2024-2025

Getting to & from campus

Students may arrive on campus as early as 7:45 AM when breakfast opens in the Cafeteria. Students who walk or ride a scooter or bike may enter and exit campus from the back gates on 21st Place or 22nd Ave, or from the front sidewalks off of 20th Ave in front of DBP or off of 239th St. Students must walk their bike or carry their scooter/wheelies/skates once they arrive on campus (including being in front of DBP). Parents who are dropping off or picking up students before or after school must use the Daybreak Primary parking lot. The Daybreak Middle parking lot is for staff parking and buses only. Daybreak is a combined closed campus during DBM and DBP school hours. Students must leave campus immediately after dismissal at 2:40 PM unless they are participating in a supervised activity like sports. DBM students may come back to campus at 3:40 PM to pick up their Primary siblings but can't wait on campus.

Riding bikes & scooters to school

All students are expected to walk their scooter or bike on campus for safety reasons. This includes coming onto campus in the morning or leaving campus after school. Students are all aware of the expectation to walk their bike or scooter as it's in the Student Handbook, the morning announcements, and numerous reminders have been given by staff. If students are not following this expectation they may not be allowed to ride their bike or scooter to school. Please discuss this expectation with your student and remind them the importance of being a good citizen.

Attendance

The first bell rings at 8:00 AM and the tardy bell rings at 8:10 AM. Any students arriving after 8:10 AM will need to check in at the office and get a pass to go to class. Wednesday late start days the first bell is at 9:00 AM and the tardy bells rings at 9:10 AM. It's vital that students are on time and ready to begin their school day by 8:10 AM each day.

If your student is absent or tardy there are three options to excuse an absence: 1. Log into Skyward, look under attendance tab, and click on the absence request link. 2. Parents can call our absence line by calling 360-885-6942. 3. Parents may also email dbmoffice@battlegroundps.org to excuse an absence.

Pre-arranged absence forms may be picked up in the office if parents are scheduling an absence. We ask that families avoid vacations or lengthy absences during the school year whenever possible.

Late Start Wednesdays

Students may not arrive on campus until 8:45 AM on late start Wednesdays unless they attend the Right at School Program. On Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday we have campus supervision beginning at 7:45 AM and on late start Wednesdays our campus supervision begins at 8:45 AM.

Our staff are aware of the benefits of cell phones as a useful tool, as well as, the distraction they can be to learning and the easy access they present to cyberbullying. With that in mind, we are trying a new cell phone management system at DBM this year allowing for Green, Yellow, and Red cellphone zones. The attached fliers explain the DBM Cell Phone Zones for families and students. Please talk with your student about managing their phone appropriately at school. Students should not be texting, videoing, or calling from their phones while at school. Students can come to the office to call parents if needed. If you need to contact your child please call the office at 360-885-6900 and we will relay a message to them for you. While we are all in the habit of sending a quick text, we ask that parents call the office instead of texting their student. Receiving a text in the middle of class distracts students from their learning.

Energy Drinks and Caffeinated Drinks

Students are not allowed to have Energy drinks (Monsters, Rockstar's, etc.), Mountain Dew, or Coffee drinks on campus. If you get your student a Starbucks or Dutch Bros drink please have them consume them before they arrive on campus.

Remember to vote by Feb. 11!

Battle Ground Public Schools is asking voters to consider a replacement education and operations levy on the Feb. 11 ballot. Local levy funding helps to cover things the state doesn’t fully pay for, such as student safety, transportation, special education, updated curriculum, mental health and nursing supports, sports, arts and much more. Levy funding currently provides around 13% of the district’s overall budget.

Visit our website to learn more about the replacement levy, create a personalized cost estimate for your property and to view a video presentation. If you are eligible to vote but are not yet registered, you can still do so in person at the Clark County Elections office in Vancouver until 8 p.m. on election night. 

Snow routes and winter weather guide

Snow routes for the 2024-25 school year are available on the district website. Please also take a moment to ensure your contact information is up to date through Skyward (Family Access). On weather-impacted days, the district will begin communicating with families as early as 5:30 a.m. Download our handy weather guide for more information and a list of which schools are in the north and south parts of the district.

Survey results on cellphone use, start times and school libraries

Last fall, Battle Ground Public Schools conducted a ThoughtExchange to gather ideas about student use of cellphones during school, school start times, school libraries and more. More than 2,200 people responded, including parents/guardians, students, staff members and community members. Thank you to everyone who participated! Your input helps guide decisions on these topics. Visit the district website to view the full survey results and read the key findings.

February school lunch menus

February school breakfast and lunch menus are  available via Nutrislice and the district website. Meal expenses can be paid through InTouch Receipting. 

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. 

Eighth and ninth graders invited to take PSAT

Students in grades 8 and 9 are invited to take the new PSAT 8/9 on April 26. This optional test is designed to help as you start your high school journey. It will help you understand where you are and where you want to go, as well as assisting with preparing for future assessment tests. With your scores, you'll get customized guidance to help you explore careers that match your interests and skills and information to help you search for colleges.Registration ends Friday, April 18.Visit the district’s standardized testing page to learn more.

Enrollment is open for many of the district’s alternative learning experience programs

Battle Ground Public Schools’ specialized and alternative learning experience programs are accepting enrollment applications for the 2024-25 school year. The district offers specialized and alternative programs for students in kindergarten through high school. Please see each program’s enrollment page for details on availability.

• Character and Academics for the Marketplace (CAM) Academy - A grades 3-12 school focusing on English language arts, history, science, math and instruction in computer technology.

• Center for Agriculture, Science and Environmental Education (CASEE) - A half-day program focused on science, technology, engineering and math on an 80-acre learning campus in Brush Prairie.

• Summit View High School - An individualized learning environment for students from ages 14-21 focusing on reaching graduation.

• Open Doors GED - A program through Summit View High School for students ages 16-21 who are behind in credits and want to earn their GED.

• River HomeLink - An accredited public school providing parent-partnered educational options and support for students.

• Battle Ground Virtual Academy - BGVA provides a high-quality online learning experience where students are assigned a teacher with whom they and their parents meet regularly. Parents and guardians also play an active role in their child's online education. 

Tenth annual BGPS Industry Fair set for Feb. 20

Save the date! The 10th annual Battle Ground Public Schools Industry Fair will be held at Battle Ground High School on Thursday, Feb. 20, from 5-7 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. Come meet with local employers to learn about apprenticeship opportunities and employment in fields such as health care, education, manufacturing, technology, construction and many more. There will also be a resume workshop in the high school’s career center from 3-5 p.m. 

If you are an employer interested in attending this free event expected to draw hundreds of students, families and community members, fill out this form or contact BGHS career guidance counselor Kevin Doyle at doyle.kevin@battlegroundps.org or 360-885-6598.

Early Childhood Assistance program coming to Captain Strong Primary

Families of children ages 3-5 looking for preschool options are encouraged to check out the program at Captain Strong Primary. This program offers qualifying families a free preschool option. Students receive academic and social-emotional education through play-based activities with meals and snacks provided. Get more information and apply (en Español).

Basics of digital citizenship

Do you know how to be a good digital citizen? With students completing more work online, it is increasingly important that they understand how to recognize the rights, responsibilities and opportunities of living, learning and working in an interconnected digital world. Parents and guardians can learn more on the district’s parent resources webpage, including managing technology at home, resources for digital citizenship and setting up parental controls. 

Report, don’t repost

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.

Reposting or sharing a threat on social media in an attempt to warn others spreads the threat farther from its original source and may cause unnecessary alarm and fear.

You can report bullying, intimidation, harassment, threats and safety concerns using our anonymous reporting system. Emergencies should always be reported to 911.

Report incidents anonymously with SafeSchools
Please report bullying, intimidation, harassment, threats and safety concerns using our anonymous reporting system. Reporters can remain anonymous. Emergencies should always be reported to 911. Learn more about emergency procedures and safety protocols.

Safety protocols

Battle Ground Public Schools has joined other Southwest Washington schools and districts in using the Standard Response Protocol for emergencies. Depending on the situation, a school will be placed in a hold, secure, lockdown, evacuation or shelter. See what these terms mean. This common language helps schools, first responders and the community communicate clearly and effectively to reduce misunderstandings in emergency situations. 

The importance of regular attendance

Thank you for working to maintain your child’s attendance. Regular attendance and punctuality are essential to student learning and success. The skills that students learn in primary school will help them be successful in middle and high school. A student’s attendance often can predict whether they are likely to graduate high school on time. Read more.

Care Solace: Your link to mental health support

Battle Ground Public Schools has partnered 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. If you would like to use Care Solace to help you find a provider:

• Call 888-515-0595 (available 24/7/365 in any language).

• Visit www.caresolace.com/battlegroundps and either search on your own or select “Book appointment” for assistance by video chat, email or phone.

Russian, Ukrainian and Spanish translation and interpretation services

Услуги по устному и письменному переводу на русский и украинский языки 360-885-5433

Servicios de Traducción e Interpretación en Español 360-885-5431

Employee Recognition Award

Do you know an amazing staff member? The new Employee Recognition Awards will highlight staff members who reflect the district’s strategic plan goals. Three nominees will be selected each month and recognized at a board meeting. Everyone is welcome to submit a nomination.

The Battle Ground Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Information about the district’s nondiscrimination and sex-based discrimination policies and grievance procedures are located on the district’s website at https://www.battlegroundps.org/notice-of-nondiscrimination/. The following employees have been designated to receive and respond to questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:

Title IX Coordinator: Tom Adams, Director of Student Services, Battle Ground Public Schools, PO Box 200, Battle Ground, WA 98604, adams.tom@battlegroundps.org, 360.885.5415

and/or U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR).   Title IX inquiries may also be referred to the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR) https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/index.html 

Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator/Section 504/ADA Coordinator: Michelle Reinhardt, Executive Director of Human Resources, Battle Ground Public Schools, PO Box 200, Battle Ground, WA 98604, reinhardt.michelle@battlegroundps.org. 360.885.5481