Battle Ground Public Schools

This week’s News to Know

April 15, 2024

One-hour late start on Wednesday, April 17
Schools will begin an hour late on Wednesday, April 17, to allow time for teachers to work together to implement best practices of high-quality instruction. Students will be released at normal times.

Mandatory state testing in English language arts is scheduled to take place at Battle Ground and Prairie high schools on Tuesday, April 16, and Thursday, April 18. Students from those schools who are scheduled to test have been notified. They should arrive at the regular Tuesday/Thursday start time and report to the testing location. 

Prairie and Battle Ground high schools only will have a 2.5-hour late start on Tuesday, April 16, and Thursday, April 18, for students who are not scheduled to test. These students may either arrive at school 2.5 hours later than the regular Tuesday start time or arrive on time and be supervised by staff until school begins.

Special education parent advisory group
Parents/guardians of students who receive special education services or are on 504 plans are invited to join a new parent advisory group. The group will hold an information night on Wednesday, April 17. This is a great opportunity to share your insights and ideas on how to enhance educational experiences for students with special needs. No RSVP is required.

Review proposed materials
New teaching and learning materials may be used next school year to teach high school chemistry, environmental science and earth and space. You can now review the proposed materials and provide your input.

April 8 board meeting recap
BGPS’ board of directors held a regular meeting on Monday, April 8. See a summary and recording of the meeting. 

Drive-in movie night
Update: The drive-in movie has been postponed until Friday, May 3, same time and place.
Battle Ground families from all schools are invited to attend a free drive-in screening of the movie “Soul” on Friday, April 26. The event is hosted by students at Chief Umtuch Middle School who are part of a youth leadership/drug prevention group called the DREAM Team. The movie will take place in the parking lot at Lewisville Campus & CAM Academy (406 NW 5th Ave., Battle Ground). Space is limited, and pre-registration is required to reserve a spot. Gates will open at 7:30 p.m. and the movie will begin at dusk. Learn more.

Teacher Appreciation Week: Shout out your child’s favorite teacher(s)!
May 6-10 is Teacher Appreciation Week! We’re asking for your help to recognize the many fantastic educators in Battle Ground Public Schools. Please take a moment to fill out this form by Tuesday, April 30. Shout out your child’s favorite teacher (or one of your own!), upload a photo (optional) and we’ll include some of the comments and photos in a special feature during Teacher Appreciation Week.

BGPS faces budget shortfall; no layoffs anticipated
The end of pandemic relief funding and a significant reduction in federal Title program funds will require Battle Ground Public Schools to lower costs by $8.5 million for the 2024-25 school year. BGPS does not anticipate a reduction in force and expects that class sizes will remain about the same as they are currently. Learn more.

Apprenticeship Signing Day
If your high schooler plans to become an apprentice or enter an apprenticeship program after graduation, Battle Ground Public Schools wants to celebrate their achievement. Please fill out this form by May 10 so we can honor them. 

New crosswalk coming to SR 503 near Prairie High School
Early next year, students, families and staff members will begin to see another option take shape for crossing SR 503/NE 117th Avenue. A new pedestrian crosswalk near Prairie will give people a safe way to cross closer to the school. Learn more about the project and get updates.

Want to take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery?
On Saturday, April 27, students in grades 10-12 will have an opportunity to take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, or ASVAB. The deadline to register is April 26.

March/April nutrition newsletter
Get nutritional information and other news in this edition of the district’s nutrition newsletter.

DISTRICT NEWS

Prairie High School honored as Unified Champion School
At an assembly on March 29, Prairie High School unveiled their Special Olympics Unified Champion School banner, highlighting the school’s strong commitment to inclusion in athletics and other activities for all students with and without disabilities.

“Getting to work and bond with a team of students from all social backgrounds, experiences, perspectives and voices has been wildly rewarding across two years of both basketball and soccer,” said Aubrey Grier, a Prairie sophomore and Unified club president.

Learn more about the honor and how Prairie is working hard to provide an inclusive environment for all students. 

Are you receiving our weekly newsletter?
The BGPS Bulletin is full of great stories about what’s happening in and around the Battle Ground Public Schools. If you’re not already signed up, be sure to subscribe so you can stay up to date and in the know.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Hotspots and bus Wi-Fi to end
Hotspots for home use and Wi-Fi on school buses will be discontinued this summer. We regret this inconvenience. If you have a district-issued hotspot, please return it by June 17. 

Action requested: Family preferred language
Beginning in fall 2024, the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction will require school districts to report a family’s preferred language for communication, in addition to the language that they speak at home. Whether your family’s language is English or a language other than English, please make a selection in Skyward Family Access following these steps.

Report incidents anonymously with SafeSchools
Please report bullying, intimidation, harassment, threats and safety concerns using our anonymous reporting system. Emergencies should always be reported to 911. Learn more about emergency procedures and safety protocols.

UPCOMING CALENDAR

• Wednesday, April 17: One-hour late start
• Monday, April 22: School board meeting, 6 p.m. at the Lewisville campus and streaming online.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

• After-school sports for students, chair exercise class for adults and parenting classes through Battle Ground Community Education
• BGCE After School flag football: April 17 – May 29
• Battle Ground Parks and Rec Park Appreciation Day: April 20, 9 a.m. to noon
• Hoop.Camp at Discovery Middle School: Saturday, April 20
• CASEE NW native tree and shrub sale: April 27-28
• Tigerland Preschool (ages 3-5): Enrollment open now
• View the full community calendar

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