PHS February 2026

Family Newsletter

1/31/26

Be Sure To Like Our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/prairiehs

Watt's Up

Welcome to the 2nd half of the school year! 

In an effort to finish the year strong we would like to remind you of a few things:

1.  Please take advantage of Falcon Support on Tuesday and Thursday.  This time is available to meet with teachers or get caught up on missing work.  If you are passing all your classes, you can attend clubs or activity spaces on Thursday. 

2.  Please remember that we need to have phones off and away during class time.  

3.  Please remember to charge your chromebooks nightly and bring them to school.  

4.  Please remember to carry your school ID at all times.  This is important when checking into locations during Falcon Support. 

Take advantage of Falcon Support on Tuesday and Thursday.  This time is available to meet with teachers or get caught up on missing work.

— Stephanie Watts

PHS Principal

Did you know that students can earn high school and college credit at the same time? Find out how by watching this presentation before your child chooses their classes for next school year.

You’ll learn about Running Start at Clark College, Cascadia Tech Academy (Skills Center), career and technical education, work-based learning, College in the High School and Advanced Placement classes. Please contact your child's counselor with questions about dual credit classes.

Students in grades 10-12 who are interested in taking the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) can register now for testing on Saturday, March 14.

Many colleges and universities use SAT scores to make admissions decisions. Find out more details and register.

February is a time when we naturally reflect on kindness, connection, and how we treat one another. In my role as the School Resource Officer (SRO), I often see firsthand how the words we choose, whether spoken in person, shared online, or sent in a moment of frustration, can have a lasting impact.

This month’s focus is a reminder that words matter. They can build trust, de-escalate conflict, and strengthen relationships, or they can escalate situations and cause harm when used carelessly. Helping students understand the impact of their words is an important part of maintaining a safe, respectful school environment.

Families play a key role in reinforcing this message. Encouraging students to pause before responding, think about how their words may be received, and seek help when communication breaks down can prevent small issues from becoming larger ones.

Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting a positive and connected school community.

If approved, Proposition 10 on your ballot would pay for school safety, special education, extracurricular activities, smaller class sizes, curricula and more programs and positions not fully covered through state funding. The replacement levy would provide funding for classes that give students the tools for today’s economy and prepare them for their future careers. Learn more at battlegroundps.org.

Due to recent postal changes, the Clark County elections office recommends mailing ballots by Feb. 3 or dropping them in a ballot box starting Feb. 4 to ensure that the vote is received in time to be counted. 

District priorities, rising enrollment, increases in operating expenses, test scores and more: See accurate information about the district's budget and the levy request. 

Levy ballots have been mailed and are due by Tuesday, Feb. 10. Due to recent postal changes, the Clark County elections office recommends mailing ballots by Feb. 3 or dropping them in a ballot box starting Feb. 4 to ensure that the vote is received in time to be counted. 

Although no measles cases have been identified in BGPS schools as of Jan. 29, we want to prepare families for the possibility of cases spreading to our district. Due to the contagious nature of the disease, a measles case in school could result in students and staff having to stay home from school for at least 21 days if they have not provided documentation of measles immunity.

Clark County Public Health may direct school districts to take this action to prevent transmission and reduce the risk of exposure to measles. Find out what documentation will be required for students if there is a case and how you can check on your child’s records. 

Your child’s report card and individualized education program progress report (if applicable) will be available to view in Skyward in early February. Get instructions for viewing these items in your child's portfolio. Accessing the portfolio in a web browser rather than the Skyward mobile app is recommended for the best viewing experience.

Paper report cards will not be mailed to every family by default as in past years but will still be available if requested. Transitional Kindergarten and kindergarten reports will be sent home in backpacks. Some alternative learning schools will share grades/progress updates via different systems.

As a result of all BGPS schools being closed on Dec. 17, 2025, BGPS will use the first snow makeup day on the 2025-26 calendar.

Schools will now be open on Friday, March 13, and students should attend school that day.

Please note that any additional weather-related closures will require more changes to the calendar.

As we kick off the second half of the school year, our goal is to keep our halls safe and our classrooms focused on learning. We’ve streamlined our campus expectations to help every student stay on track:

♦Tech-Free Learning:

To minimize distractions, cell phones and headphones must be put away during class.

→The Policy: If phone use becomes a recurring issue, students will transition to a daily "check-in/check-out" plan, leaving their device in the office during school hours.

♦Attendance & "The Fresh Start":

Every student begins this semester with zero tardies.

→5 Tardies: Disciplinary action begins.

→15 Tardies: Students will lose off-campus lunch privileges and must work to earn them back.

→Hallways: The MINGA digital pass is now mandatory for any student leaving class. Our security team will be conducting regular sweeps to ensure students are in their assigned locations.

♦Safety & Campus Access:

→ID Policy: Students must have their school ID on them at all times.

→Off-Campus Lunch: To keep the exit lines moving quickly, please remind your student to have their ID ready for the security officer.

→Facility Care: We take pride in our school. Damage to restrooms will result in repair costs. For safety, only one student is permitted per restroom stall at a time.

♦Falcon Support and Flex Time:

Flex time is a great way to get extra help!

→Students must sign up for a specific spot or remain in their 2nd-period class.

→"No-shows" will result in a disciplinary referral.

♦Who are your "Big 3"?:

We believe every student should feel connected. With nearly 120 staff members on campus, there is always someone here to help! 

We challenge you to ask your student who their "Big 3" are—the three adults on campus they feel safest talking to.

https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:0a38983a-3e87-4c7f-85e5-05eba3fb4f1a

(I apologize, but I can't figure out how to rotate this presentation correctly and save it - but, all you have to do is open it and then click the "rotate" button at the bottom right to see it properly.)

Testing Information

Spring testing season officially kicks off in February with WIDA assessments! 

Testing Schedule:

WIDA: February 2-13

ELA SBA: March 2-6

WCAS: April 14-15

Math SBA: April 20-24

AP Testing: May 4-15

8th Grade Visits/Future Falcon Night

Our 8th-Grade tours are scheduled for March 10 and 12. During these tours, students from our feeder schools will visit PHS and have the opportunity to meet staff and students, and to explore their new school. 

Also, on March 10, we are hosting our Future Falcon Night. All incoming 8th-grade students and their families are invited to come and learn about the exciting opportunities available to them!

Be sure to check out our Community Events page for fun ideas of things to do throughout the local community.

Opportunities include mentoring, tutoring, learning activities, sports and more.

The Yearbook will accept baby photos and messages for all seniors from Monday, January 5, 2026 through Friday, February 6, 2026. Cost is $35.00. A 50 word maximum is placed on all messages, and the Yearbook reserves the right to edit for content and size.

It is suggested that originals NOT be submitted as there is no guarantee of return.

Please take the photo, message, and fee to the ASB office between the listed dates. 

Note: Photo and message may be sent electronically, but the photo file must not exceed 12MB total size.

Photo and message will not be placed unless fee has been paid by 3:00 PM on Friday, February 6.

The 11th annual Battle Ground Public Schools Industry Fair will be held at Battle Ground High School on Thursday, Feb. 19, 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 a variety of fields. Workers of all ages are welcome! There also will be a resume workshop in the high school’s career center from 4-6 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 to reserve a table or contact BGHS Career Guidance Specialist Kevin Doyle at doyle.kevin@battlegroundps.org or 360-885-6598.

As partners in your child's education, we're reaching out to share some critical insights into a growing challenge that goes beyond typical teenage behavior. Many of us have noticed that our students seem increasingly distracted, exhausted, and unable to engage deeply in their schoolwork. While it's easy to label this as laziness or a lack of willpower, a growing body of scientific research points to a deeper, biological cause.

Many Students are caught in a cycle of dopamine addiction and metabolic dysfunction that is physiologically robbing them of their capacity to learn. This isn't a character flaw—it's a biological crisis.

The Two-Part Problem Hijacking Your Child's Brain

. The Dopamine Trap: The "Slot Machine" in Their Pocket

Dr. Anna Lembke, a psychiatrist at Stanford University and author of Dopamine Nation, explains that our brains are wired to maintain a balance between pleasure and pain. When a student scrolls through short-form video apps like TikTok or Instagram, their brain gets a powerful, unpredictable hit of dopamine—the "pleasure chemical."

This constant stimulation is like playing a slot machine. It forces the brain to downregulate its own dopamine receptors to protect itself. As a result, when your child puts their phone down, they enter a "dopamine deficit state." The real world, including the classroom, feels dull and even physically uncomfortable. What we perceive as "boredom" is often the physiological pain of a brain in withdrawal, making it nearly impossible to focus on low stimulation activities like reading a textbook or listening to a lecture.

. The Metabolic Crash: Fueling the Brain Fog

Compounding the issue is a crisis in nutrition. Dr. Chris Palmer, a Harvard psychiatrist, has shown that mental health is fundamentally linked to metabolic health. The brain is the most energy-hungry organ in the body, and it relies on stable fuel.

When students consume high-sugar, processed foods and caffeinated, chemical-laden drinks, their bodies experience a massive glucose spike followed by a severe crash. This "glucose rollercoaster" directly impacts the brain, causing the brain fog, irritability, and cognitive shutdown we often see in the middle of the school day. Their brains are literally running out of the energy needed for learning and emotional regulation.

What Can We Do? Reclaiming Your Child's Brain

We cannot discipline our way out of a biological problem. The solution lies in addressing the root causes. Here are three actionable steps you can take at home to help your child's brain heal and restore its natural capacity to learn:

. Implement a "Digital Fast."Encourage structured time away from screens, especially short-form video apps. This is not a punishment, but a necessary reset for their dopamine receptors. Start with a "phone-free" hour before bed and during homework time. This allows their brain to become sensitive to natural, everyday rewards again.

. Prioritize Brain-Fueling Nutrition.Focus on whole, unprocessed foods. Swap sugary drinks and snacks for water, fruits, nuts, and protein-rich options. A stable blood sugar level is critical for sustained focus. Even small changes, like ensuring they have a protein-rich breakfast, can make a significant difference in their ability to concentrate through the morning.

. Educate and Empathize.Talk to your child about this. Explain that their feelings of anxiety, distraction, and exhaustion are real and have a biological basis. Framing it this way removes shame and opens the door to working together on solutions. They are often just as frustrated by their inability to focus as we are.

An Evidence-based timeline suggests improvements can be felt in as little as 7 days. It will take an additional 2-4 weeks for dopamine receptors to begin to heal and up-regulate. Sustaining these habits for 2-3 months will result in engagement in school and learning, emotional resiience, renewed zest for activities they used to enjoy. By working together to stabilize our students' biology, we can restore their innate ability to learn, thrive, and engage with the world around them.

References:
[1] Lembke, Anna. Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence. Dutton, 2021.
[2] Palmer, Chris M. Brain Energy: A Revolutionary Breakthrough in Understanding Mental Health--and Improving Treatment
for Depression, Anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and More. BenBella Books, 2022.References
[3] EatingWell. "What Happens to Your Body When You Cut Out Sugar." Dec 4, 2025
[4] Surfpoint Recovery. "Dopamine Detox Timeline Explained: Key Phases and Duration." May 24, 2025
[5] Linda Graham, MFT. "A Four-Week Plan to Reset Your Child's Brain." July 25, 2016

February Schedule Reminders

*Waiver day; no student attendance: Feb. 4

*Election Day: Tuesday, Feb. 10

*One-hour late starts: Feb. 11, 18 and 25

*Presidents Day; no school: Feb. 16

Winter Weather Procedures

Are you prepared for snow or inclement weather that could delay or cancel school? Visit the district website for weather procedures, recently updated snow routes and how you would be notified.

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

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

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.

Battle Ground Public Schools’ specialized and alternative learning programs are accepting applications for the 2026-27 school year. Programs are available for students in kindergarten through high school. Please see each program’s website for details.

Character and Academics for the Marketplace (CAM) Academy: For students in grades 3-12; this school focuses on English language arts, history, science, math and computer technology.

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

Summit View High School: An individualized, self-paced learning environment for students ages 14-21.

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 that partners closely with parents to educate and support students.

Battle Ground Virtual Academy: 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. Battle Ground Virtual Academy can accept students from all over the state of Washington.

Our 31st Annual Auction ticket sales are NOW LIVE!  Please see the QR code below, for access to our website with early bird pricing!  Prices go up 2/14/26! Snag your tickets now so you don't miss out! 

https://prairiehighschoolbooster.schoolauction.net/pnw2026/homepages/show

Interested in joining boosters? Want to find out more information? Want to be part of the Auction?  Join us at any of our meetings to learn more and get involved! 

Hope to see you there! 

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/Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator: Lynnell Tsugawa-Murray, Assistant Superintendent, Battle Ground Public Schools, PO Box 200, Battle Ground, WA 98604, EMAIL  PHONE: 360-885-5340

Section 504/ADA Coordinator: Michelle Reinhardt, Executive Director of Human Resources, Battle Ground Public Schools, PO Box 200, Battle Ground, WA 98604, EMAIL  PHONE: 360-885-5481