Battle Ground Public Schools

This week’s News to Know

Oct. 23, 2023

One-hour late start on Wednesday, Oct. 25

Wednesday, Oct. 25, 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.

Multilingual parent/family engagement event

Families whose children receive multilingual services are invited to attend this event to learn about educational programs and resources. Multilingual program teachers and paraeducators will be in attendance, and food and childcare will be available.

When: Monday, Oct. 30, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Lewisville campus, 406 NW 5th Ave., Battle Ground, WA

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. Starting Friday, Oct. 27, students must have all of the legally required immunizations or an approved exemption from the immunization requirements in order to continue attending school. 

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.

Ask BGPS

Got a question about Battle Ground Public Schools? Maybe you’re curious about a new curriculum, or want to know about safety procedures. Let us know what you’re interested in by submitting your question(s). Your question may be selected for answering on our Facebook page.

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

Ballots for the Nov. 7 general and special election are in the mail and should arrive in your mailbox no later than Thursday, Oct. 26. Learn more about this election and see what’s on the ballot.

For eligible voters who have not yet registered or need to update their registration, you can do so online at ClarkVotes.org until Monday, Oct. 30. After that date, registration can be done in person at the Clark County Elections office until 8 p.m. on election night. Learn about the process.

DISTRICT NEWS

Family and Community Resource Center moving to Lewisville campus

Since 2016, the Family and Community Resource Center has been a vital part of Battle Ground Public Schools’ efforts to support students and families in need. Having outgrown their small office space on the CASEE campus, the FCRC will soon be moving to a more spacious location at the Lewisville campus west of Battle Ground High School.

“We have a lot of stuff. The program is really growing, so it will be so good to have a bigger space,” said Chelsea Ward, FCRC specialist for the district’s north schools.

In the seven years since the FCRC opened, over 6,200 students and families have been helped with things like temporary housing support, school supplies, transportation, fuel costs, tutoring, clothing, hygiene products and much more. The Lewisville campus is located at 406 NW 5th Ave., Battle Ground, WA 98604. Visit the district website to learn more about the FCRC and how the new location will align with the work they do with other support systems in the district.

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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

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. 

Nutrition services newsletter and menus

Did you know that Sodexo, the district’s nutrition services provider, has a monthly newsletter? Check out the October edition right here! 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

• Monday, Oct. 23: School board special and regular meeting, 4:30 and 6 p.m. at the Lewisville campus and streaming online
• Wednesday, Oct. 25: One-hour late start
• 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

STAY CONNECTED

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