It's a great day to be a Falcon!

3/1/26

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As most of you have heard, the levy did not pass this past month and there is a lot of concern and worry around what programs and people will be cut. I wanted to make you aware of the District listening sessions that will be taking place this month.

Wednesday, March 4th at Battle Ground High School from 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Wednesday, March 11th at Prairie High School from 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

These sessions are an opportunity to hear more about next steps and to share your feedback. We know this is an emotional time for many in our community, and your voice matters in this process.

Senior Families:
As we head into the final stretch of the school year, graduation events will be here before we know it. Please be sure to regularly check the Senior section of our school website for important dates, timelines, and event details related to graduation. We will continue to update that page as information becomes available.

English SBAC Testing Is Coming

On March 2-6, all sophomores will be taking the Washington State Smarter Balanced Assessment in English/Language Arts.  

These assessments are vital for many reasons. First, they fulfill a graduation pathway for students as part of their graduation requirements. Second, passing them can recover an elective credit for passing the SBA in math/ELA and the WCAS (science). Finally, if a student is credit deficient, students who are 11th or 12th graders can earn ELA, math, or science credits if they pass the necessary assessment with a high enough cut score. 

Additionally, PHS is now offering an "SBAC Incentive," not unlike we do with Advanced Placement eams. If sophomores pass the ELA SBAC with a 2 (above the cutoff), 3, or 4, they will receive a one-letter grade bump for semester two. 

Additionally, the SBAC is important because it is intended to help us see where our students are academically and how we can continue to improve our service. We need the most accurate, reliable data we can obtain, and we cannot get that information without everyone doing their best on the exams. 

Students should be well rested, hydrated, and fully charged on their designated test days! 

One-hour late starts: March 4, 11, 25 

Snow makeup day March 13; schools will be in session

Note: The makeup day does not apply to students at CAM Academy, the Futures program or special education preschools. Students in those schools and programs will not attend on March 13; however, staff at those schools and programs should still report to work.

Three-hour early releases March 18-19 (except alternative learning environments). Regular start on Wednesday, March 18.

No school Friday, March 27, unless it needs to be used as a snow makeup day.

In last month’s newsletter, we introduced the biological crisis hijacking our students’ brains: the one-two punch of the Dopamine Trap from their devices and the Metabolic Crash from their diets. The response was overwhelming. Many of you recognized your own child in the description of the “tired and distracted” teen and asked a critical question: “What do we do now?”

Awareness is the first step, but action is where the rebellion truly begins. This month, we’re moving from theory to practice with a 30-day action plan. The goal is to provide your child’s brain with the two things it needs most: dopamine detox and metabolic stability. The changes you’ll see won’t happen overnight, but they will happen. Here is the evidence-based timeline for what you can expect as you implement these strategies at home. 

The Recovery Timeline: What to Expect When You Unplug and Refuel

This isn’t about willpower; it’s about healing. When you reduce the digital noise and upgrade their nutrition, your child’s brain and body will begin a powerful recalibration process. Here’s the roadmap:

Days 1–7: The Reset (The Hardest Week)

• What’s Happening: The brain is in withdrawal from the constant dopamine hits, and the body is adjusting to stable blood sugar. This is the toughest phase.

• What You’ll See: Irritability, complaints of boredom, and resistance are normal. Your teen might feel worse before they feel better. However, you should also notice improved sleep quality and a reduction in “brain fog” by the end of the week as their blood sugar stabilizes.

• Your Role: Hold the line with empathy. Acknowledge their discomfort (“I know this is hard, and it’s not forever”) while maintaining the new boundaries.

Weeks 2–4: The Recalibration (The Fog Lifts)

• What’s Happening: This is the magic window. Dopamine receptors are beginning to up-regulate, meaning the brain is becoming sensitive to natural, everyday rewards again.

• What You’ll See: A noticeable improvement in mood stability and a decrease in anxiety. They may start re-engaging in old hobbies, making more eye contact, and finding it easier to transition away from screens. The classroom will start to feel less “painful” and more engaging.

• Your Role: Celebrate the small wins. Notice and praise their improved focus or positive attitude. Reinforce the connection: “Have you noticed how much easier it is to get your homework done since we started our digital fast?”

Month 1–3+: The Mastery (The New Normal)

• What’s Happening: Long-term adherence leads to structural changes in the brain’s prefrontal cortex (the focus and planning center) and peak metabolic efficiency.

• What You’ll See: Sustained energy, high cognitive capacity, and emotional resilience. They are no longer just surviving the day; they are thriving. They can handle stress better, engage in deep work, and find genuine joy in their accomplishments.

• Your Role: Transition from enforcer to collaborator. Work with your teen to set their own healthy limits, empowering them to take ownership of their own biological well-being.

Due to the contagious nature of the disease, a single 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. 

As a result of the closure on Dec. 17, 2025, BGPS schools will use the first snow makeup day on the calendar. Most schools will now be open on Friday, March 13, 2026, and students should attend.

The makeup day does not apply to students at CAM Academy, the Futures program or special education preschools. Students in those schools and programs will not attend on March 13; however, staff at those schools and programs should still report to work.

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

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.

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.

The district’s board of directors recently approved next year’s academic calendar. Key dates include:

First day of school: Sept. 1, 2026

Thanksgiving break: Nov. 25-27

Winter break: Dec. 21-Jan. 1, 2027

Spring break: April 5-9

Last day of school: June 15 (unless there are weather-related closures that must be made up at the end of the school year)

Late starts and waiver/inservice days may be added at a later date.

Standardized Testing Opportunities

In April, students will have a chance to take the ASVAB and/or world language test. ASVAB scores are used to determine if someone is qualified to enlist in the military and to assign someone to an appropriate job in the military. Scores above 31 also will fulfill graduation pathway requirements. Register online by April 18 for the test on April 25.

World language tests give students a chance to earn up to four credits and possibly the State Seal of Biliteracy on their diploma. Register online by April 10 for the test on April 25.

Following the failure of its proposed replacement educational programs and operations levy, Battle Ground Public Schools will hold two listening sessions to collect community input on budget cuts that will need to be made for the 2026-27 school year.

Session #1: March 4 | 5:30–7:30 p.m. | Battle Ground High School

Session #2: March 11 | 5:30–7:30 p.m. | Prairie High School

Both sessions are open to the public. Child care will be available.

In addition to these sessions, people will be able to provide their input via two online tools.

Budget simulation tool: Adjust costs to balance the budget for next school year

ThoughtExchange survey: Participants can provide their ideas and feedback on the budget, as well as rate ideas shared by others

These tools will be available March 4-18 on the district website. Please watch for more information.

Do you know an amazing staff member? The Employee Recognition Award highlights staff members who reflect the district’s strategic plan goals. Three to five nominees are selected and recognized at board meetings. Everyone is welcome to submit a nomination.

Join us at the upcoming College and Career Fair on Monday, March 9, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Battle Ground High School to learn about apprenticeship programs, trade schools, military branches and colleges. Free and open to the public. We hope you can join us!

We partner with Care Solace to provide students and their immediate family members with access to a network of mental health providers and services, including housing and food programs. Care Solace can connect you with providers accepting all forms of medical insurance and an option for those without insurance. To get started:

Call 888-515-0595 at any time. Multilingual support is available.

Search anonymously for care providers.

Contact a school psychologist or counselor and they will submit a referral on your behalf.

Wondering how you can manage your child’s screen time, privacy settings and access to content online? Find tips and resources for navigating the ever-changing technology landscape and/or see more helpful information about digital learning.

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.

URGENT- CURRENT RUNNING START STUDENTS

Spring Quarter Enrollment Verification Forms should be submitted prior to Friday, March 13th.  Tuition charges for Spring classes will be applied to Clark accounts starting on Monday, March 16th. Spring Quarter EVF’s MUST be submitted to the PHS Counseling Office no later than Thursday, April 2nd.    PHS Counseling Office will be closed for our Spring Break the first week of Clark’s spring quarter.  EVF’s will not be processed during Spring Break. 

Current and Future Running Start Students

Forecasting forms for PHS classes are due by Friday, March 13th.  

Running Start students who do not complete a PHS Forecasting Form will not be placed into any PHS classes for the 2026-27 school year.  We can not guarantee availability of classes for students who do not forecast by March 13th.  

Summer Running Start

Students can access up to 10 credits Summer Quarter through the RS program.  Students who are considering participating in summer quarter should make sure they are enrolled at the college with a start date of summer 2026 or earlier.  

Watch the April Newsletter for information regarding Summer EVF’s.

Possible Changes to Running Start Funding- Fall 2026

The Washington state legislature is currently considering reductions in Running Start funding proposed to  begin Fall 2026.  Read the text of the proposed SB6260 and HB2676.

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