This week’s News to Know
Oct. 16, 2023
One-hour late start on Wednesday, Oct. 18
Wednesday, Oct. 18, is a one-hour late start to allow time for teachers to work together to implement best practices of high-quality instruction. Students will be released at usual times.
Parent-teacher conferences Oct. 30 through Nov. 3
Fall parent-teacher conferences will be held the week of Monday, Oct. 30, through Friday, Nov. 3. There will be no late start on Wednesday, Nov. 1, for all schools (start times will be on the regular M/T/Th/F schedule). Conferences are generally for K-8 and high school students with a grade below 70% in any given class. Parents and guardians may also request a conference in advance. High schools will communicate if they have drop-in periods for meeting with teachers.
Three-hour early release schedule:
Primary schools – Monday through Friday
Middle schools – Tuesday through Friday
High schools – Thursday and Friday (NOTE: CAM Academy will release students at 11:10 a.m.)
Financial aid application changes for 2023-24
For seniors looking to apply for state or federal financial aid, please be aware of the following changes for this year: To allow time for updates and improvements, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid has been delayed by the Department of Education until mid-to-late December. This will also impact the timing of the Washington Application for State Financial Aid.
In the meantime, students and parents/guardians should create an FSA ID prior to the anticipated December rollout date. There will be a FSA ID workshop for students and parents on Oct. 30 from 3-5 p.m. in the Prairie High School College and Career Center. The student and a parent or guardian must have an FSA ID in order to complete the FAFSA.
Learn about post-high school opportunities at our College and Career Fair
Students and families are invited to attend Battle Ground Public Schools’ College and Career Fair from 5-7 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 30, at Prairie High School. Get more information on this free event.
Immunization compliance deadline
If you recently received an email or letter regarding your child’s immunization status, please contact their school as soon as possible. To continue attending school after Oct. 27, students must have all of the legally required immunizations or an approved exemption from the immunization requirements.
School bus safety week
October 16-20 is national School Bus Safety Week. According to the National Coalition for Safer Roads, nearly two-thirds of all accidents on or around school buses happen during the month of October as days get shorter and the weather turns wetter. The National Association for Pupil Transportation has helpful safety tips on their website.
Great ShakeOut earthquake drill Oct. 19
The Great ShakeOut earthquake drill will take place at 10:19 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 19, at all Battle Ground school buildings. The international annual safety exercise helps to educate students on what to do in the event of an earthquake. More information, including resources for families, is available at the Great ShakeOut website.
Oct. 9 school board meeting
BGPS’ board of directors conducted a regular board meeting on Monday, Oct. 9. A summary and video are available on the district website. The board will hold its next regular meeting on Monday, Oct. 23, at 6 p.m. at the Lewisville campus and streaming online.
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 Oct. 11-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.
Register to vote before the Nov. 7 general election
Nov. 7 is a general and special election. Ballots will be mailed on Oct. 20 and should reach mailboxes by Oct. 26. Learn more about this election and see what’s on the ballot.
Need to register to vote or update an existing registration? You have until Oct. 30 to do so online and until Nov. 7 to do so in person at the Clark County Elections Office. Learn about the process.
DISTRICT NEWS
Have you met Battle Ground Virtual Academy yet?
Starting with the 2023-24 school year, the Battle Ground Public Schools family has grown by one. Battle Ground Virtual Academy brings the former River Online program out from under the River HomeLink umbrella, launching a new online K-12 school that allows students to learn at their own pace while offering support from professional educators.
“It’s a joy to see a student who has had difficulty with a traditional school-based education come here to BGVA,” said Assistant Principal Matt Stanfill, the lead administrator on site at BGVA. “We take those barriers down and we get to see these kids grow and thrive. It is truly amazing.”
Visit the district website to learn more about BGVA.
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
Sign up for middle school volleyball and soccer
Students wishing to participate in girls volleyball and boys soccer can sign up through Family ID. Both seasons will start practices on Monday, Oct. 23. Information and registration links for each middle school are on the district website. Students must have completed a sports physical prior to participating in their first practice. Physical clearance is good for 24 months. If you require assistance with registration, contact FamilyID via email at support@familyid.com or by calling 781-205-2800, ext. 1.
Nutrition services newsletter and menus
Did you know that Sodexo, the district’s nutrition services provider, has a monthly newsletter? Check it out! 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. Menus for the month of October can be found here.
Want to take the SAT?
This December, students in grades 11-12 have an opportunity to take the Scholastic Aptitude Test, or SAT. The deadline to register is Nov. 2. Get the details.
UPCOMING CALENDAR
- Wednesday, Oct. 18: One-hour late start
- Monday, Oct. 23: School board regular meeting, 6 p.m. at the Lewisville campus and streaming online
- Oct. 30 – Nov. 3: Parent-teacher conferences. Three-hour early release Monday through Friday for primary students, Tuesday through Friday for middle schools and Thursday and Friday for high schools (NO late start on Wednesday, Nov. 1, for all schools).
COMMUNITY EVENTS
- Battle Ground Community Ed. K-6 basketball: Registration open through Oct. 31
- Try Lacrosse Day: Sunday, Oct. 29, 10 a.m. to noon at McKenzie Stadium
- View the full community calendar
11104 N.E. 149th Street,
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 200 
360-885-5300