Battle Ground Public Schools

BGPS celebrates its Education Support Professionals

March 17, 2022

March 14-18 is Education Support Professionals Week, a time to recognize the more than 600 men and women who make sure students get to and from school safely, keep them healthy and safe while at school, maintain buildings and grounds, keep facilities clean and orderly, assist in classrooms, and provide a number of other specialized services. Also called classified employees, education support professionals are those who fill non-certificated positions in our schools.

“We are so fortunate to have these amazing professionals supporting the education of our students,” said Deputy Superintendent Shelly Whitten. “Their work may sometimes go unnoticed, but they are absolutely vital to our goal of helping all students be successful.”

Students in Battle Ground Public Schools start and end their day with the help of our Crossing Guards and Bus Monitors. Security, Grounds, and Facilities personnel keep buildings safe, warm and dry. Students are greeted and made to feel welcome by Office and Clerical Support staff. Paraeducators support student learning with materials delivered by Warehouse and Delivery staff. Health Services employees ensure students are healthy and well. Students take their breaks under the watchful eyes of Recess Supervisors, then return to class using computers and networks supported by Information Technology Services staff. Custodial staff make sure buildings are kept clean during the day and then sanitized and made orderly after school.

In Washington State, classified employees provide more than 60 percent of all instructional hours to special education students, English Language Learners and opportunity gap students. Classified employees also help to conduct research and provide classroom support.

“Education Support Professionals are instrumental in fulfilling the state’s responsibility to educate all students,” said Governor Jay Inslee in a proclamation issued this week. “By supporting the learning environment, they serve as crucial partners with teachers, parents, administrators and school boards.”

Thank you to our amazing Education Support Professionals for your ongoing effort to support the education of students in Battle Ground Public Schools. We appreciate you!