This week’s News to Know
March 11, 2024
Snow makeup day March 15
Friday, March 15, will be used as a snow makeup day, meaning all students will attend a full day of school. Important dates such as snow makeup days, late-start Wednesdays and graduation dates are available on the district’s academic calendar.
One-hour late start on Wednesday, March 13
Schools will begin an hour late on Wednesday, March 13, to allow time for teachers to work together to implement best practices of high-quality instruction. Students will be released at normal times.
Learn about post-high school opportunities at our College and Career Fair
Students and families from all schools and districts are invited to attend Battle Ground Public Schools’ College and Career Fair. This free event is a great opportunity to explore a variety of post-high school options, including two- and four-year colleges and universities, apprenticeship programs, trade schools and the military.
Date: Thursday, March 21, 2024
Time: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Location: Battle Ground High School (300 West Main St., Battle Ground, WA)
There will also be a free financial aid workshop from 3-6 p.m. with interpreters available for Russian and Spanish speakers.
No registration is required to attend.
Registration open for Right At School’s spring break camp
Right At School, the district’s before/after school care partner organization, is offering Spring Break camps for primary school-age children. Camps will be open daily, April 1-5, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Captain Strong Primary School. The cost is $50 per day, per child (discounts may be available for siblings). Learn more and start the registration process by visiting the Right At School website.
Battle Ground Public Schools receives clean financial audit
After an extensive review of Battle Ground Public Schools’ finances earlier this year, the Washington State Auditor’s Office issued clean audit reports for the district.
As part of an accountability audit of activities from Sept. 1, 2021, through Aug. 31, 2023, auditors evaluated areas including payroll, local levy funds, procurement, compliance with public works projects and open public meetings. Auditors determined that BGPS complied with district policies, applicable state laws and regulations, and appropriately safeguarded public resources.
The state auditor also issued clean audits for the district’s financial statements for its general, capital projects, Associated Student Body and debt service funds, as well as for the district’s federal grant compliance for Sept. 1, 2022, through Aug. 31, 2023.
Read more on the district website.
Enroll now for kindergarten next fall
Any child who will be 5 years old by Aug. 31, 2024, is eligible to enroll in kindergarten this fall. Enroll now 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. Visit our Transitional Kindergarten webpage to learn more about the program and fill out an online eligibility form by Wednesday, June 12. Families will be notified by the end of June regarding their eligibility status.
Enrollment is open for district’s alternative learning experience programs
Battle Ground Public Schools’ specialized and alternative learning experience programs are accepting enrollment applications for the 2024-25 school year. The district offers specialized and alternative programs for students in kindergarten through high school. Visit the district website to learn more about these educational options.
High school open houses for current eighth graders
Battle Ground and Prairie high schools will be hosting next year’s ninth grade students and their parents/guardians at open houses in March. Watch for further details from your child’s middle school.
Prairie High School Future Falcon Night:
Tuesday, March 12, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Battle Ground High School Future Tiger Night:
Thursday, March 14, 6-7 p.m.
DISTRICT NEWS
BGHS relaunches school newspaper
For the first time in nearly 17 years, Battle Ground High School has a student newspaper. The Tiger Times was relaunched by language arts teacher Ryan Karraker. “I actually worked at The Columbian,” Karraker jokes, “not as a reporter but as a glorified paperboy.”
Karraker did spend several years working for The VanCougar, a campus newspaper for Washington State University. He then taught journalism for six years at Amboy Middle School before coming over to BGHS. “One of our assignments each week is to read the newspaper and pull out essential information,” Karraker said. “Just by doing that, hopefully they’re —subconsciously at least— learning about how journalism works.”
In this first year of the paper, the class has around 18 students. None have previous experience writing news content, but junior Maddy Alexander said she’s enjoying the learning process. “I really enjoy the interviewing aspect,” said Alexander. “Some of the conversations you have with people, to me it’s really interesting.”
Read more on the district website.
River HomeLink drama presents ‘High School Musical Jr.’
River HomeLink’s drama students are excited to present Disney’s “High School Musical Jr.” at Prairie High School, starting Friday, March 15. The cast includes 28 students led by director Sandy Sparks.
Shows will be at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 15 and 22, and at 3 and 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 16 and 23. Tickets are $10 for adults or $5 for children under 10 and senior citizens. They can be purchased at the River Homelink ASB office, at the door (via QR code) or online prior to show date.
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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Special education survey for parents/guardians
Parents/guardians with a child eligible for special education services will soon receive a survey in the mail. This is part of the Washington Integrated System of Monitoring. This survey is intended to measure perception of the district’s efforts to partner with parents/guardians of special education students and ensure we meet our requirements for special education programs under state and federal law.
Surveys were mailed the week of March 4. Participation is voluntary and responses will be kept confidential. If you have questions about the survey process, please contact Jennifer Story, OSPI program improvement coordinator, at 360-725-6075.
New digital school menus
Sodexo, the district’s food services provider, is excited to announce that they are transitioning their menu system to Nutrislice. This switch will provide an enhanced user experience, better navigation, filters for dietary and allergen restrictions, language options and much more. Check out the Nutrislice menus.
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.
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
- Monday, March 11: School board work session and regular meeting, 4:30 and 6 p.m. at the Lewisville campus and streaming online.
- Wednesday, March 13: One-hour late start
- Friday, March 15: Snow makeup day (full day of school for students)
COMMUNITY EVENTS
- Right At School Spring Break camps: April 1-5, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- River HomeLink presents ‘High School Musical Jr.’: March 15-16 and 22-23
- Ceramics Showdown at Battle Ground High School: Saturday, March 16, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Pop Warner spring flag football: Practices start March 25
- Cheerleading skills clinic with Coach Megan: Saturday, 23
- View the full community calendar
11104 N.E. 149th Street,
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 200 
360-885-5300