Welcome Letter From Principal Woehr

It was amazing to see all our students back on campus this week! We had an exciting and busy start to our school year, and students got a lot of information about school expectations, about upcoming events, and about what to expect in their classes this year. That can be information overload, so our goal is to keep you - their families - informed about what is happening and what is coming up, so you can support your child in being successful as a PHS student.

One of the easiest ways to start strong is to ask to see the course syllabi for each class your student is taking this year. Get signed up to view the Google Classrooms if the syllabi have a Parent Code to access it. Talking with your child about their classes is the most effective way to ensure they are staying on track with their learning, and you can have a leg up by checking out the Google Classrooms that teachers are using to instruct, share information, and assess learning.

We appreciate your feedback and input - if ever you have a question or a suggestion to offer, don’t hesitate to email it to info.phs@battlegroundps.org

View Mrs. Woehr's parent email HERE.

Get Involved!

As we begin another exciting year, it's important to remind students to be involved! Research is very clear that students who are involved in their school beyond the classroom are more successful overall. It doesn't matter where your interests lie--we've got you covered!

For sports information go here: https://phs.battlegroundps.org/athletics/

For our list of clubs and advisors, go here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/14ZXdGUpv8rNMDOnoHoKdcXcdQrhsnW6vyJ9mCmi22ww/edit

First Day of School!

The first day of school is next Tuesday, 8/27/24, and will be a modified schedule. All freshmen and other new PHS students will begin at the normal start time, 7:55, and have a two-hour orientation. All other students will arrive at 9:45, with school beginning at 9:55.

During the first two hours of school on 8/27/24, all new students will attend a brief assembly to meet key students and staff, and also receive a hard copy of their schedules. You will have time to meet mentors and explore the school so you are prepared to have a successful high school experience!

All other students who ride the bus are welcome to be here and remain in the commons! Once you get to school, you must remain on campus!

We can't wait to see you next week!

Beginning on the first day of school, Prairie High School is implementing a cell phone policy of “Bell to Bell, No Cell.” Research is clear that cell phones impede learning, and we wish to have a policy that is simple, concise, and easy to follow. We believe students can be responsible and follow a policy that will benefit their education.

Therefore, the rules for cell phone use at Prairie are simple. During class time, campus-wide, cell phones are not to be used. The expectation is that once students enter the classroom on time, their phones are off/silenced and away. When students use the restroom during class time, they are not to take their phones with them.

Students may use cell phones during passing periods, at lunch, and before and after school. Students may be granted permission to use phones for specific academic purposes at teacher discretion.

If a parent or family member needs to reach their student during class time, they can call the main office at 360-885-5000 and have a message delivered. In case of emergency, students may use their phones with permission of a staff member.

We are asking parents/guardians to support this endeavor by 1) Reinforcing this expectation at home; 2) Minimizing communication with students during class time; and 3) Being patient in response time from students during the school day. We are stronger together!

This policy is not intended to be punitive. Students will not receive additional disciplinary consequences for cell phone use; rather, cell phone use will simply be treated as any other offense that is disruptive to the learning environment.

Additionally, students with specific IEP or 504 accommodations will continue to be served as required.

Join the committee selecting materials to teach stress management and problem solving to high schoolers

Calling all parents, guardians, staff and community members! Support students’ well-being by joining a committee selecting materials to teach stress management and problem solving to high schoolers. This committee will help guide how high school students are taught skills related to emotions and responding to challenges that they may face. Show me the meeting dates and let me apply (deadline is Sept. 4.).

For more information, please call 360-885-5440 or email Assistant Director Erick Suksdorf at projectaware@battlegroundps.org.

Thank you for considering these ways to help students succeed!

Únase al comité que selecciona materiales para enseñar a manejar el estrés y resolver problemas a los alumnos de de la preparatoria

¡Llamamiento a todos los padres, tutores, personal escolar y miembros de la comunidad! Apoye el bienestar de los estudiantes uniéndose a un comité que selecciona materiales para enseñar a los estudiantes de preparatoria a controlar el estrés y a resolver problemas. Este comité ayudará a orientar la forma en que se enseñan a los estudiantes de la preparatoria las habilidades relacionadas con las emociones y la respuesta a los retos a los que pueden enfrentarse.

Muéstreme las fechas de las reuniones y permítame poner mi aplicación (la fecha límite es el 4 de septiembre).

Para más información, llame al 360-885-5440 o envíe un correo electrónico al Subdirector Erick Suksdorf a projectaware@battlegroundps.org.

¡Gracias por considerar estas formas de ayudar a los estudiantes a tener éxito!

Присоединитесь к комитету по выбору материалов для обучения старшеклассников управлению стрессом и решению проблем.

Обращаемся ко всем родителям, опекунам, сотрудникам и членам сообщества! Для того чтобы поддержать благополучие учеников, присоединяйтесь к комитету по выбору материалов для обучения старшеклассников управлению стрессом и решению проблем. Этот комитет поможет определить, как обучать старшеклассников навыкам, связанным с эмоциями и реагированием на проблемы, с которыми они могут столкнуться. Сообщите мне даты встреч и дайте мне возможность подать заявку (крайний срок -4 сентября).

Для получения дополнительной информации звоните по телефону 360-885-5440 или свяжитесь с заместителем директора Эриком Сюксдорфом по электронной почте projectaware@battlegroundps.org.

Спасибо, что рассмотрели эти способы помощи ученикам добиться успеха!

Picture Day September 6: Bell Studios will be sending home picture packets next week!

Complete the Annual Student Update!

All families are required to complete the annual student update every year before school begins (Tuesday, Aug. 27). This ensures the district has correct contact information for families.

To complete the student update, please log in to Skyward (Family Access) and click “2024-25 annual student update” (do not select new student online enrollment) on the navigation bar in the left column of the webpage. See instructions. If you do not have a login, please call your school office

If you would like to receive text messages, be sure to enter your cell number when you complete the update. You will see three fields for phone numbers. In the second phone field, choose "cell" from the dropdown menu, and enter your cellphone number.

If your transportation needs have changed, please make sure to opt in or out of busing during the annual student update.

Reminders:

Busing/transportation: Bus routes will be published on the district website one week before school begins.
School supplies: Get school supplies. Contact your child’s school or the Family and Community Resource Center if your family needs assistance. Free backpacks with basic school supplies will be available at each school upon request. There are no income requirements to receive a free backpack.
Health and safety:
- Please keep your child home if they have symptoms of illness. See our health and attendance brochure.
- Confirm that your child meets Washington state immunization requirements or has an approved exemption by the first day of school. Learn more about vaccination requirements for public schools in Washington state.
Technology checkout:

Sixth-12th graders who need a Chromebook should go to their school media center. Starting this year, the fee that families can pay to cover the cost of damage/theft will change from being a one-time fee to an annual fee. The change will affect only sixth graders in 2024-25, CAM Academy grades 3-6 and River HomeLink grades K-6. Learn more.
Monitor Chromebook use with the Go Guardian parent app.

Middle school sports: Schedules, seasons and requirements can be found on the district website. Registration opens three weeks before the start of each season. Please note, students in grades 6-12 attending one of the district’s alternative learning experience schools may participate in sports at their neighborhood school.

Get involved: BGPS is looking for members of its Citizens Advisory Committee. Find out how to apply.

First day of school (most students): Tuesday, Aug. 27
Non student attendance day: Friday, Aug. 30
Labor day (no school): Monday, Sept. 3
First one-hour late start: Wednesday, Sept. 4

Follow Us!

Facebook -https://www.facebook.com/prairiehs
PHS Instagram - coming soon!
PHS Athletics X - @Prairie_AD
PHS Athletics Instagram - @prairie_athletics
PHS ASB Instagram - @prairiehs_asb

2024-2025 School Calendar

The 2024-25 academic calendar (Русский) (Español) is available online. Here are some key dates to keep in mind:

First day of school: Tuesday, Aug. 27, for grades 1-12
First full day of kindergarten: Tuesday, Sept. 3
Thanksgiving break: Nov. 27-29
Winter break: Dec. 23, 2024, through Jan. 3, 2025
Spring break: Monday, March 31, through Friday, April 4
In-service dates (no student attendance): Oct. 11, Oct. 30, Jan. 29

Last day of school: Tuesday, June 10 (assuming no added days for weather-related closures)

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.

Report Incidents Anonymously with Safe Schools:

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.

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.

Bell Schedules:

Please find a link to our bell schedules HERE.

Senior News

As appropriate, we will highlight specific things seniors need to know! Click HERE for information about senior portrait specifications and senior baby photos/messages for the yearbook!

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

Prairie High School Family News