Hello Prairie Families,

Here are a few important updates as we move into the fall:

• 6-Week Grading Mark – We are approaching the first grading milestone of the year. This is a great time to check in with your students about their progress and reach out to teachers if you have any questions.

• Falcon Support & Minga – Students are now using a program called Minga to register with teachers during Falcon Support. This tool helps students connect with the teachers and resources they need most.

• Homecoming – Homecoming week is right around the corner! Festivities will kick off on October 9th (Football Game vs. Kelso and the Dance on the 10th), and we look forward to celebrating together as a school community.

• Conferences - Conferences are starting on October 29th - please stay tuned for invites from teachers.  

Thank you for your continued support and partnership. It’s been a great start to the year, and we’re excited for all that’s ahead!

PHS student Breydon Cluer has been named a Commended Student in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program!

About 34,000 Commended Students are being recognized in the nation for their exceptional academic promise. Commended students placed among the top 50,000 students who entered the 2026 competition by taking the 2024 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).

"Those being named Commended Students have demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success," commented a spokesperson for the National Merit Scholarship Program. "These students represent a valuable national resource; recognizing their accomplishments, as well as the key role their schools play in their academic development, is vital to the advancement of educational excellence in our nation. We hope that this recognition will help broaden their educational opportunities and encourage them as they continue their pursuit of academic success."

Congratulations, Breydon! We are very proud of you!

We honor our Prairie Pride Winners each week!

Students earn Prairie Pride tickets when they are caught doing the right thing by living up to our PRIDE expectations (Preparation, Respect, Integrity, Determination, Excellence) throughout the day, and then they turn in those tickets to the main office to be entered into our weekly drawing!

We are proud of our Falcons!

Dear Parents:

As your student embarks on their final year of high school, we want to emphasize the critical importance of consistent school attendance. Senior year is a pivotal time, not just for academic achievement, but also for developing essential life skills and preparing for future endeavors. Research consistently shows a strong correlation between regular attendance and student success, both in high school and beyond [1, 2, 3].

Missing school, even occasionally, can have a significant impact. It can lead to missed instruction, difficulty keeping up with coursework, and a disconnect from the school community. For seniors, this can be particularly detrimental as they navigate college applications, scholarship opportunities, and prepare for graduation. Colleges often consider attendance records, and poor attendance can limit opportunities for higher education and future employment [4, 11].

We understand that challenges can arise, and we are here to support you and your student. Open communication with the school is key if attendance issues emerge. Together, we can ensure your student has the best possible chance to succeed during this important year.

Talking Points for Parents:

•Reinforce the Value: Discuss with your student how consistent attendance builds good habits for college and career. Emphasize that every day in school offers valuable learning experiences and opportunities.

•Monitor Progress: Stay informed about your student's attendance and academic performance. Early intervention can prevent small issues from becoming larger problems.

•Communicate with the School: If your student needs to be absent, inform the school promptly. If there are ongoing challenges affecting attendance, please reach out to us so we can work together to find solutions.

•Prioritize Health: Encourage healthy habits, including adequate sleep and nutrition, to minimize illness-related absences.

Talking Points for Students:

•Every Day Counts: Understand that missing even a few days can mean falling behind in critical subjects and missing important announcements regarding graduation, college, and scholarships.

•Build Your Future: Consistent attendance demonstrates responsibility and commitment, qualities highly valued by colleges and future employers.

•Stay Connected: Being present in class allows you to engage with teachers and peers, ask questions, and participate in discussions that deepen your understanding.

•Seek Support: If you're struggling with a class or feeling overwhelmed, talk to a teacher, counselor, or another trusted adult at school. We are here to help you succeed.

Let's work together to make senior year a successful and memorable one for all our students!

School Counselors,

Annie Carmicheal & Alice Norton

Dear Parents and Students of the Class of 2028:

Welcome to your sophomore year! My name is Marla Caesar, and I look forward to serving as your school counselor this year. It’s an exciting time full of growth, opportunities, and important decisions as you continue your journey through high school.

As your counselor, my role is to support students academically, socially, and emotionally. I am also here to help students explore interests, set goals, plan courses, and prepare for their future, including college, career, or other paths. I encourage students and parents alike to reach out. You can schedule an appointment by clicking here, scanning the QR code located inside the counseling center or classrooms, or by asking our counseling secretary for help.

This is a year to build strong study habits, explore career options, and prepare for post-secondary opportunities. I offer individual meetings, small groups, and classroom lessons designed to empower students to make informed decisions.

I look forward to partnering with you and your families to make this year successful!

Sincerely,

Marla Caesar, M.Ed, NBCT

10th Grade School Counselor

Suicide Prevention Awareness 

It’s important to raise awareness, spread hope, and encourage action to support one of the most urgent youth issues. 

Talking with your teen:
Teens may hide their feelings for various reasons. Let your child know you will listen without judgment, believe them, and that they are not alone.

If your child is concerned about someone else:

• Listen and encourage them to seek help.

• Contact the friend’s parents and school staff.

• Call 911 if there is immediate danger.

• Reassure your child that they did the right thing.

When teens face difficult situations, they often confide in their friends. It’s important to know when to get help from a trusted adult. Students at Prairie are taught to recognize signs that someone may be considering suicide, and learn to use the A.C.T. technique to respond to any safety concern.

At PHS, we A.C.T.! 

1. Acknowledge the concern.

2. Care: Let the person know you care

3. Tell a trusted adult.

Remember, help is always available:  Talk to your pediatrician, school counselor, or call 911 in emergencies. Care Solace can help connect people to services. You can find more information by signing up to attend a Youth Mental Health First Aid Course: An in-depth, 8-hour training about identifying, understanding, and responding to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among youth. Sign up at this link.

Our community can work together to support our youth and help them stay safe.

Our first senior meeting about graduation will be held during club time on Wednesday, October 15.

Students who are unable to attend can view the presentation slides on the PHS website after the meeting.

This session will cover important dates in the graduation process and distribute packets for ordering announcements, caps, and gowns.

This month, I want to highlight the importance of the motto "If you see something, say something."

Recently, we’ve had students step up with the courage to speak out when something didn’t seem right. Because of their actions, potential issues were prevented, and our school community is safer for it.

Going forward, I’ll be recognizing students who demonstrate this kind of courage—those who stand up, do the right thing, and speak up when it matters. As a small token of appreciation, these students will receive a donut keychain, symbolizing their bravery and their commitment to keeping our school safe.

Thank you for continuing to encourage your students to look out for one another. Together, we’re building a culture where safety, trust, and responsibility come first.

The safety of our students, families, and staff is our top priority. We need everyone’s help to ensure our parking lot and bus zones remain safe during drop-off and pick-up times.

Morning Drop-Off
We have noticed parents dropping students off in the bus lane at the main intersection. This creates dangerous situations as students exit directly onto the road and causes traffic to back up into the WinCo intersection. Please remember that the area marked “Buses Only – No Parent Drop-Off” must remain clear. For everyone’s safety, please use the designated drop-off areas only.

After School Dismissal
We are also seeing students crossing at unsafe points near the bus exit rather than using the crosswalk by the gym. Many are distracted by headphones or phones, which increases the risk of an accident. Our security team reminds students daily to use the crosswalk, but we ask families to reinforce this message at home.

In addition, cars entering and exiting the 900 lot must follow the posted 10 MPH speed limit and stop when staff are using stop signs to direct traffic. Unfortunately, some drivers have been speeding or trying to beat the buses, causing buses to brake suddenly. This puts everyone at risk.

We ask for your partnership in following these expectations. With your help, we can keep Prairie’s parking lots safe for every student.

Go Falcons!

Battle Ground students already benefit from internet filtering technology that blocks inappropriate web content on all school-owned devices. Now, we are going one step further and granting every Battle Ground parent/guardian a free Qustodio parental app account.

Qustodio will give you important insights into your child’s online activity on their school-issued device and provide you with features for managing their online activity at home. Learn more and activate your free account.

Each spring, students across Washington take the Smarter Balanced Assessments (SBA) in English Language Arts and Math. In addition to fulfilling a graduation pathway, doing their best on these tests provides other real benefits for students themselves.

1. College Placement Advantages

High SBA scores can be used by many colleges in Washington to show readiness for credit-bearing English and math courses. That means students may be able to skip additional placement tests or remedial classes, saving both time and money when they start college.

2. A Personal Benchmark of Readiness for Post-Secondary Success

The SBA offers students a clear measure of how well they’ve mastered the skills they’ll need for the future—whether that’s college, technical training, or the workforce. Doing their best gives them (and you) a more accurate picture of strengths and areas to focus on.

3. Recognition of Growth

The SBA doesn’t just measure one year’s learning—it tracks growth over time. When students put in effort, they can see the progress they’ve made since middle school and celebrate their improvement.

4. Confidence for What’s Next--Career and College

Performing well can boost a student’s confidence as they move into advanced classes, college applications, or career training. It’s a chance to demonstrate perseverance and academic skill on a statewide stage.

How Families Can Help:
Encourage your student to treat the SBA like an opportunity, not just another test. A good night’s rest, a healthy breakfast, and positive encouragement can help them show what they know. While the SBA may not decide graduation, it does provide valuable advantages and insight that belong to each student.

Dear Falcon Families, 

Are you interested in supporting our Falcon Sports Programs? Our meeting dates and times are listed below. We will have zoom links available if you can't attend in person! Reach out to President.PhsFalconBoosters@gmail.com to get involved or with any questions!

Our 31st Annual Auction planning is already underway for April 25th, 2026! 

Want to become a sponsor, donate or get involved with our Auction!? Email us at Phsboosters.auction@gmail.com! 

We are looking for volunteers! Volunteers play an important role in creating positive and supportive learning environments for students. Activities include:

• Answering phones

• Helping check-in students who arrive late

• Helping at recess and/or in the cafeteria

• Helping in classrooms

• Greeting students in he morning as they are dropped off or enter the school

• Helping with student pickup in the afternoon

Learn more and get started.

October is Substance Use and Misuse Prevention Month.  BGSD Prevention/Intervention Specialists encourage parents to talk early and talk often with their students.  “Talk. They Hear You.”® ― Helps parents and caregivers, educators, and community members get informed, be prepared, and take action to prevent underage substance use. Please reach out to Prairie's Prevention/Intervention Specialists (Sharice Lee and Kari Koller-Oberg) to learn more.

 lee.sharice@battlegroundps.org  and koller-oberg.kari@battlegroundps.org

The Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Tier 1 team at PHS makes decisions about whole-school policies for student behaviors and expectations.

Because this impacts all students, it is important to have parent/guardian voice on the team to share that perspective and insight in decision-making. Parents/guardians - if this is something you may be interested in helping with, please complete the below form to help the Tier 1 Team select the next parent reps. 

We will follow up with details shortly after we receive your information. Unfortunately, not all families will be invited due to space.

If you have more specific questions, please email odro.annie@battlegroundps.org 

The link to the form can be found here.

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