This week’s News to Know
Nov. 13, 2023
No school on Wednesday, Nov. 15
Wednesday, Nov. 15, is a district inservice day. Students will not attend school, and school offices will be closed. Please visit the district website for additional information on the school calendar.
No school Nov. 22-24 for Thanksgiving holiday
All Battle Ground schools will be closed Wednesday, Nov. 22, through Friday, Nov. 24, in observance of the Thanksgiving Day holiday. Schools will reopen at regular times the week of Nov. 27.
2023-24 snow routes available online
Snow route information for the 2023-24 school year is now available on the district website. Please also take a moment to familiarize yourself with our winter weather guide (Español) (русский) and note whether your child’s school is in the north or south part of the district.
Later this week, you will receive additional weather-related information and a test call and text (if your phone number is designated as a cell number in Skyward). Please take a moment to ensure your contact information is updated in Skyward (Family Access). On weather-impacted days, calls may begin going out as early as 5:30 a.m.
If you do not receive a message, you can call our information line at 360-885-5343 to check if there is a change in the school schedule. Additional weather information will be available on the district website and Facebook.
Did you receive the annual report?
Our 2023 Report to Our Community should have arrived in your mailbox if you live within the district. You can also view it in a digital format. The report includes information on enrollment, demographics, educational progress, budget and recent curriculum adoptions. There is also a report highlighting some of the challenges facing aging buildings in the district, especially among the district’s southern schools.
Dedication of new CAM Academy
Join us for the dedication of the new CAM Academy building on Monday, Nov. 27, and tour the brand-new building. The event is from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., with a ceremony/remarks at 5 p.m. in the commons. CAM is located at 406 NW 5th Ave., Battle Ground. Everyone is welcome!
Employee Recognition Award
Do you know an amazing staff member? The new Employee Recognition Awards will highlight staff members who reflect the district’s strategic plan goals. Three nominees will be selected each month and recognized at a board meeting. Everyone is welcome to submit a nomination.
Highly capable/gifted student referrals
Students who perform or show potential for performing at significantly advanced academic levels as defined by state criteria may be tested for Battle Ground Public Schools’ highly capable/gifted student program. The Aspire program is accepting testing referrals through Dec. 1, 2023. Any student currently in kindergarten through 11th grade may be referred. A completed referral form with a parent or guardian signature is required for testing. Referral packets are available now.
Testing will take place in January and February during the school day at the student’s school. Parents and guardians will be notified of their child’s testing date after submitting a referral. Students who are identified for the Aspire program will begin to receive services in the 2024-2025 school year. For more information about the Aspire program, please email aspire@battlegroundps.org.
Report incidents anonymously with SafeSchools
Please report bullying, intimidation, harassment, threats and safety concerns using our anonymous reporting system. Reporters can remain anonymous. Emergencies should always be reported to 911. Learn more about emergency procedures and safety protocols.
DISTRICT NEWS
River HomeLink Drama presents fall production of “Aladdin Jr.”
For the first time in many years, River HomeLink’s drama program will have two full weekends to present their upcoming production of Disney’s “Aladdin Jr.”
“Most people don’t realize the limited turnaround time that my students have to make a show run smoothly,” said drama director Sandy Sparks. “I am always so proud of them because you would never know they hadn’t rehearsed on stage until that week.”
Shows will be at Prairie High School (11311 NE 119th St., Vancouver, WA 98662) on Friday, Dec. 1 and 8, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 2 and 9, at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults or $5 for children 10 and under, available at the door or purchase in advance at River HomeLink.
“Aladdin Jr.” is presented through special arrangement with Music Theater International of New York.
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
New payment option
There’s a new way to add funds to a student’s meals account, pay class and sports fees, buy yearbooks and more! Using this one-stop shopping option, parents and guardians can pay for each of their children in one transaction. Follow the instructions labeled “1st Time Parents” to access one account for the entire family. Meal payments will be reflected in Skyward every hour between 7:05 a.m. and 1:05 p.m.
E-Funds also remains an option for adding funds to a student’s meal account.
Nutrition services newsletter and menus
Did you know that Sodexo, the district’s nutrition services provider, has a monthly newsletter? Check out the latest edition! Get information about upcoming menu changes, nutritional information, staff shoutouts and more.
Please be aware that a technical issue is currently preventing Sodexo from updating school lunch menus on their website. View menus for the month of November.
UPCOMING CALENDAR
- Monday, Nov. 13: School board regular meeting, 6 p.m. at the Lewisville campus and streaming online
- Wednesday, Nov. 15: District inservice day (no school for students)
- Thanksgiving holiday: No school Nov. 22-24
COMMUNITY EVENTS
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- Pleasant Valley PTA Winter Bazaar and Festival, Saturday, Nov. 18, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Prairie High School Bands’ Yuletide Bazaar, Saturday, Nov. 25, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- View the full community calendar
11104 N.E. 149th Street,
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 200 
360-885-5300