This week’s News to Know
Feb. 20, 2024
One-hour late start on Wednesday, Feb. 21
Schools will begin an hour late on Wednesday, Feb. 21, to allow time for teachers to work together to implement best practices of high-quality instruction. Students will be released at normal times.
Capital levy update
A three-year capital levy to fund repairs and upgrades throughout Battle Ground Public Schools is on track for approval. As of now, Proposition 7 has garnered just over 52% support, leading by more than 730 votes. Certification of the final results will be done on Friday, Feb. 23.
“I’m grateful for the support from staff, families and community members,” said Superintendent Denny Waters. “The capital levy will fund repairs and/or updates at every school in the district and go a long way toward keeping students safe, warm and dry.”
The district’s board of directors approved the first-ever capital levy after considering community feedback prioritizing maintaining existing buildings, in addition to improving security and upgrading several skilled trades programs at the high schools. The capital levy will provide the district with funding to address some of the issues while retaining the lowest overall tax rate of any district in Clark County.
Calling next year’s kindergartners!
That’s right, it’s time to enroll next year’s kindergartners! Any child who will be 5 years old by Aug. 31, 2024, is eligible to enter kindergarten in the fall. Parents will need proof of their child’s birth date (such as a birth certificate) and a signed and completed Washington state certificate of immunization status form or a completed certificate of exemption form. The state of Washington now requires that immunization records be medically verified. Now is a great time to enroll in order to make sure your child can attend kindergarten orientation in the spring.
Transitional Kindergarten
Battle Ground Public Schools also offers Transitional Kindergarten for children who will turn 4 years old by Aug. 31 and meet certain eligibility requirements. The program is offered at Captain Strong, Daybreak, Glenwood Heights, Tukes Valley, Maple Grove and Yacolt primary schools, with plans underway to expand at the Pleasant Valley campus. Visit our Transitional Kindergarten webpage to learn more about the program and fill out an online eligibility form by June 12. Families will be notified by June 30 of their eligibility status.
Report cards coming home this week
Please watch for your child’s report card to come home soon. Depending on your child’s grade level, their report card will be:
- Primary students: Sent home in backpacks on or after Feb. 16
- Middle school students: Mailed home by Feb. 22
- High school students: Mailed home by Feb. 22
Please allow two to three business days after the mailing date for your report card to arrive.
Questions about curriculum?
We value partnerships with parents and guardians, and believe in working together to provide a quality education for each student. If you have questions about teaching or learning materials, please contact your child’s school. We are happy to share information regarding what your child is learning. Thank you for your collaboration.
Start planning for 2024-25 with the High School Course Guide
It’s time for students in grades 8-11 to start looking ahead to next year. Forecasting is the process of using Skyward to sign up for the high school classes that a student wants to take next year. To help you prepare, we are making the 2024-25 High School Course Guide available to families. The guide lists all the courses available at Battle Ground’s high schools, as well as graduation requirements, specialized programs and dual credit opportunities. A course plan worksheet is also available to help you sketch out a four-year plan.
Want to take the SAT?
This March, students in grades 11-12 have an opportunity to take the Scholastic Aptitude Test, or SAT. The deadline to register is Feb. 23, 2024. Testing will take place Saturday, March 9, at Battle Ground High School. Get more information about registration.
Industry Fair participant survey
If you attended the Industry Fair at Battle Ground High School on Feb. 15, please take a moment to give us feedback. You could win a $50 gift card! We appreciate your input.
DISTRICT NEWS
Prairie drama students present ‘Mean Girls: High School Version’
Cady Heron may have grown up on the African savanna, but nothing prepared her for the wild and vicious ways of her strange new home: suburban Illinois.
Adapted from Tina Fey’s hit 2004 film, the Mean Girls musical has been nominated for a staggering 12 Tony Awards. Now, Prairie High School’s drama program brings the high school version of the show to life starting Feb. 23, with six opportunities to come enjoy the music and fun.
“I’m so proud of this show and this company! We can’t wait to welcome you into the world of Mean Girls,” said Director Claire Verity.
Shows start Friday, Feb. 23. Visit the district website for additional information and to purchase tickets in advance.
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
2024-25 school calendar
The 2024-25 academic calendar is now available for next school year. Here are some of the key dates:
- First day of school: Tuesday, Aug. 27
- Kindergarten Smart Start begins: 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
- Last day of school: Tuesday, June 10 (assuming no added days for weather-related closures)
NOTE: Additional in-service dates may be added following approval from the state superintendent’s office. Russian and Spanish-language versions will be released soon.
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, Feb. 21: One-hour late start
- Monday, Feb. 25: School board meeting, 6 p.m. at the Lewisville campus and streaming online
COMMUNITY EVENTS
- Fourth graders: Apply for a free federal park pass
- Tap and Ballet classes with Miss Jeanna: Lessons start Feb. 26
- Pop Warner spring flag football: Practices start March 25
- Cheerleading skills clinic with Coach Megan: Saturday, March 9 and 23
- View the full community calendar
11104 N.E. 149th Street,
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 200 
360-885-5300