This week’s News to Know
Oct. 2, 2023
One-hour late start on Wednesday, Oct. 4
Wednesday, Oct. 4, 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.
Supporting all students
Battle Ground Public Schools serves students whose families are from all over the world. Over the past year, we have seen a significant increase in the number of students whose primary language is not English. Many are from parts of the world experiencing ongoing conflicts that cause anxiety, fear and uncertainty. It is important to remain mindful that each person has unique circumstances that affect their daily experiences at school and home. Read more.
Student online safety
Keeping students safe online is a priority in Battle Ground Public Schools. Recent events have reinforced the need to use caution when interacting online. These include national reports of online groups targeting children and teens. While we are not aware of BGPS students being targeted by these groups, it is important for staff, students and parents/guardians to work together to keep our young people safe. Learn more.
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.
Free and reduced-price meals benefit expiration
Free and reduced-price meal benefits expire Oct. 11 for students who have not renewed their application from last year. While meals are now free for all primary school students, families must apply for meal benefits each year to continue receiving lunch and breakfast at a reduced rate (grades 5-12), or maintain access to free or reduced activity fees with completion of a consent to share form. Only one application is required for each family, and the information is always confidential.
You can reapply for meal benefits by:
- Completing the meal application online through Skyward
- Picking up a meal benefits application at your child’s school and returning it.
- Print an application (available in English |Español | русский) and return it to your child’s school or the district office located in Building A of the CASEE campus at 11104 NE 149th St. in Brush Prairie.
Right At School for upcoming in-service days
Right At School is providing a full day camp for students in the district on Friday, Oct. 13. Camp will be held at Captain Strong Primary (register) but is open to anyone living in the district. Day camps will also be available on in-service days coming up Wednesday, Nov. 15, and Wednesday, Feb. 7.
World language testing registration is open through Oct. 3rd
Battle Ground Public Schools offers students the opportunity to earn world language high school credits through remote world language testing. Students who test proficiently can earn up to four world language credits on their high school transcript. Students who earn credits and meet their high school English language arts district and state graduation requirements are eligible to earn the Seal of Biliteracy with their high school diploma. Credits earned and Seal of Biliteracy awards will be assigned prior to graduation in June. Battle Ground Public Schools partners with Avant Assessment and LTI for world language testing. Applications are open now on the district website, along with a schedule of upcoming testing dates.
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.
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.
Sign up for middle school volleyball and soccer
Students wishing to participate in girls volleyball and boys soccer can sign up through Family ID starting Monday, Oct. 2. 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.
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.
Help support the Battle Ground Education Foundation
The Battle Ground Education Foundation provides support for thousands of children throughout Battle Ground Public Schools each year. One great way to be a part of BGeF’s work is by participating in Destination Graduation, which includes a virtual auction Oct. 5-8, as well as a live dinner and auction on Oct. 7. More information is available on the BGeF website.
Provide your input: New district logo
It’s time to retire the dancing fairy that has long graced our logo! We are conducting a survey to gather insights that will help guide the new design. Take a look at the history of our logos and help us by answering a few questions by Friday, Oct. 6.
DISTRICT NEWS
Hispanic Heritage Month brings students together at Prairie High School
National Hispanic Heritage Month runs Sept. 15 through Oct. 15. At Prairie High School, students in the Latino Student Union set up a display in the commons recognizing Latino leaders throughout U.S. history.
“We call it the Latino Student Union because we’re teaching people about our culture,” said junior Katie Cruz, “but we really want it to be a learning experience for everyone.” Read more on the district website.
Pair of CAM Academy students are National Merit Scholarship semifinalists
CAM Academy seniors Hana Feldheger and John Ong have been selected as semifinalists for the prestigious National Merit Scholarship. Only around 16,000 semifinalists are selected each year out of more than 1.3 million entries from more than 21,000 high schools across the United States. Learn more about the scholarship and what the selection means for John and Hana on the district website.
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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
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.
UPCOMING CALENDAR
- Wednesday, Oct. 4: One-hour late start
- Monday, Oct. 9: Board of directors regular meeting (6 p.m. at the Lewisville campus and streaming online)
- Friday, Oct. 13: State in-service day (nonattendance day for students)
COMMUNITY EVENTS
- BGHS Winter Cheer competition (parent meeting Wednesday, Oct. 4, 7 p.m.)
- View the full community calendar
11104 N.E. 149th Street,
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 200 
360-885-5300