Battle Ground Public Schools

This week’s News to Know

May 6, 2024

One-hour late start on Wednesday, May 8

Schools will begin an hour late on Wednesday, May 8, to allow time for teachers to work together to implement best practices of high-quality instruction. Students will be released at normal times.

2024-25 school calendar revised

Next year’s calendar has again been updated. The November in-service day has been moved to Oct. 30 and fall conferences moved to the first full week in November. See the updated calendar.

Teacher Appreciation Week

May 6-10 is National Teacher Appreciation Week. We have created some printable resources that you and your child(ren) can use to express your appreciation for their teachers. And follow us on Facebook and Instagram for a series of posts highlighting your comments about some of the many amazing educators throughout Battle Ground Public Schools. Thank you, teachers!

School Nurse Appreciation Day

This week also is an opportunity to thank the incredible medical professionals who work as school nurses in our buildings. Wednesday, May 8, is School Nurse Appreciation Day. School nurses keep students safe by stocking and administering necessary medications, tracking students’ medical needs and responding in the event of an emergency. Be sure to tell them thank you this week for making sure our students are safe and well cared for.

Communication survey

We want to hear about your communication preferences. Please take a few minutes to complete this brief survey. Everyone is welcome to share their thoughts. The results will help us improve our communication in the future. Thank you for your input!

Kindergarten orientation schedule

If your child will be attending kindergarten in the fall, consider attending an upcoming orientation at their new building the week of May 20. This is a great opportunity to tour the buildings, meet with teachers and administrators, ask questions, get help with enrollment and much more. Enrollment is not required to attend an orientation. View the full schedule and get more information on kindergarten enrollment on the district website.

Care Solace mental health and substance use resources

Battle Ground Public Schools is partnering with Care Solace to provide access to their network of mental health providers and services, year-round, with no upfront cost. Care Solace can connect you with providers accepting all forms of medical insurance and a sliding scale option for those without insurance.

You can access Care Solace services in three ways:

1. Call 888-515-0595 at any time. (Multilingual support is available 24/7/365).
2. Search anonymously to get matched with care providers at caresolace.com/battlegroundps
3. Contact your school psychologist or counselor and they will submit a referral on your behalf.

Please note, Care Solace is not an emergency response service. If you or someone you know may be having a mental health crisis or a life-threatening emergency, please call 911 or the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, 988.

Department of Health vaccination clinic May 19

Washington’s Department of Health is holding a vaccination clinic in cooperation with Youth and family link of Longview on Sunday, May 19, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 38702 NW Pacific Highway in Woodland. 

Walk-ins are welcome, but you are asked to register in advance if possible to ensure rapid service.

Visit the Battle Ground Public Schools website for more details on vaccination requirements and exemptions.

District plant sales

Prairie High School’s plant sale will be 3-6 p.m. on May 8-10 and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 11. Battle Ground High School’s annual plant sale will be Saturday, May 18, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. More details are available on the district website.

World Language Testing

If you are interested in earning World Language high school credits, there is one final opportunity this school year. Testing will be done Saturday, May 18 at Battle Ground High School. The deadline to register is Friday, May 10. Registration is open to all students in grades 10-12. World Language testing offers high school students the opportunity to earn up to four credits in order to meet their English Language Arts district and state graduation requirements and be eligible to earn the Seal of Biliteracy with their high school diploma.

BGHS drama presents “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”

Battle Ground High School’s drama program is excited to present William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, with shows starting Thursday, May 9. 

“Audiences will be enthralled with the look, feel and wonderful character work the actors are bringing to life,” said director Stephan “Cash” Henry.

Shows will be in The Lair at Battle Ground High School (300 W. Main St.). Tickets are $7 per person ($5 with an ASB card), purchasable at the door or in advance online. Showtimes are 7 p.m. on May 9-10 and 16-18, with a 1 p.m. matinee on Saturday, May 11.

Learn more on the district website.

Registration open for high school online summer classes

Battle Ground Public Schools is offering online summer school classes for high school students looking to earn original credit or for those needing to recover credit for failed courses. Classes will be offered in a variety of subjects. Current eighth grade students also may recover the Washington state history requirement.

Students should speak with their school guidance counselor to figure out which courses they need to recover and obtain assistance with filling out the correct form.

Students may begin working on courses as soon as they receive a confirmation email and instructions. The deadline to complete credit recovery or original credit coursework is Friday, Aug. 16.

Summer camp registration is open

Right at School will offer summer camps for kids ages 5-12. Camps will be offered June 24 through Aug. 9, Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. There will be different themes for each week including water fun, extreme engineering, believe it or not, silly summer Olympics and much more. Registration is now open.

DISTRICT NEWS

Fourth Grade Career Fair a hit with students

Students from primary schools around the district took a trip to Battle Ground High School earlier this week for a sneak preview of some of the opportunities that await them after middle school. Now in its third year, the Fourth Grade Career Fair highlights many of the high school Career and Technical Education programs, such as the Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, Health Occupation Students of America, audio/video, computer science, culinary arts, welding, plumbing, firefighting, law enforcement, agriculture, science and much more. Students get a hands-on demonstration, usually from high schoolers, and a chance to ask questions and go home with some treats.

“I am thankful that my staff not only sees how their programs help the high school students with their future, but are also passionate about sharing all of that with younger students as well,” said Cindy Arnold, director of CTE programs for the district.

Thank you to all of the local employers, including Tapani Inc., iQ Credit Union, Fire District 3 and many more who attended. Looking forward to seeing you all next year!

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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

End-of-year schedule, and last day of school

Due to weather-related closures in January, the last day of school for students in south schools will be Friday, June 14. The last day of school for students in most north schools will be Monday, June 17. Get the details.

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. 

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, May 8: One-hour late start
• Monday, May 13: School board meeting, 4:45 work session and 6 p.m. regular meeting at the Lewisville campus and streaming online.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

• ‘Swing into Spring’ Prairie Band Booster event: Friday, May 10, 7 p.m.
• Tigerland Preschool (ages 3-5): Enrollment open now
• View the full community calendar

STAY CONNECTED

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