This week’s News to Know
Sept. 18, 2023
One-hour late start on Wednesday, Sept. 20
Wednesday, Sept. 20, 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.
The importance of regular attendance
Thank you for working to maintain your child’s attendance. Regular attendance and punctuality are essential to student learning and success. The skills that students learn in primary school will help them be successful in middle and high school. A student’s attendance often can predict whether they are likely to graduate high school on time.
Did you know?
Missing school means missing out on valuable learning experiences that may not be able to be made up. A student can suffer academically if they miss 10 percent of school days in a year, or 18 days. That can be just one day every two weeks.
The state also defines missing 10% or more of school days per year as chronic absenteeism. The effects of chronic absenteeism include:
- Kindergarten and first graders becoming at risk of not being able to read by the third grade.
- Increased likelihood of leaving school before graduation
- Continued chronic absenteeism
Battle Ground Public Schools is required by state law to file a court petition when a student has seven days of unexcused absences in the same month, or before the 15th day of unexcused absences during the school year. This petition may be filed against the student, parent or both.
How we can support
Students, parents, teachers and administrators must work together to ensure the continuity of learning. Please let us know how we can support your child and your family.
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. The fair is an opportunity to explore a variety of post-high school options, including two- and four-year colleges and universities, apprenticeship programs, trade schools and the military.
Date: Monday, Oct. 30
Time: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Location: Prairie High School commons, 11311 NE 119th St., Vancouver, WA 98662
(This event is free and open to the public.)
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.
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. The annual event includes a virtual auction Thursday, Oct. 5, through Sunday, Oct. 8, as well as a live dinner and auction on Saturday, Oct. 7, at the Battle Ground Community Center. More information on sponsoring the event, donating a basket or gift certificate or purchasing tickets to the dinner is available on the BGeF website.
Sept. 11 board meeting recap
BGPS’ board of directors conducted a regular board meeting on Monday, Sept. 11.
The meeting began at 6 p.m. and included:
- Votes to approve the following:
Video of the full Sept. 11 meeting can be found on the district website. The board will hold its next regular meeting on Monday, Sept. 25, at 6 p.m. at the Lewisville campus and streaming online.
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.
DISTRICT NEWS
CASEE program invites you to celebrate their 30th anniversary
Join us on Saturday, Sept. 30, from 1-4 p.m. on the CASEE campus at 11104 NE 149th St., Brush Prairie, WA 98606. (See a schedule of events.) Meet CASEE founders Mark Watrin and Tim Hicks, as well as former students. Tour the campus and view projects by current students. And yes, there will be cake.
Since 1993, the Center for Agriculture, Science and Environmental Education has offered high school students in Battle Ground Public Schools a unique opportunity to study environmental sciences on an 80-acre outdoor learning lab. Students spend a half day on the campus, where they study biology, wildlife, food science and other topics, as well as English. Then they return to their neighborhood high school for a half day to round out their studies. Learn more about the history of CASEE.
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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Battle Ground Virtual Academy’s new logo and website
Battle Ground Virtual Academy now has a new look and feel! After months of planning and gathering input, the school settled on a new look and names for its three grade bands: Trekkers for K-5, Adventurers for grades 6-8 and the Mountaineers for grades 9-12. The new logo, designed by Communications Specialist Jenna Buescher-Hill, reflects the school’s Pacific Northwest roots, as well as the school’s identity as a digital learning program that serves K-12 students both virtually and onsite. BGVA’s mobile-friendly website has information about courses, events, enrollment, resources and much more. Check it out now!
Primary school student Chromebook return
Students in kindergarten through fifth grades who checked out a Chromebook for summer extended learning opportunities should return it to their school office as soon as possible. Students in grades 2-5 have access to a personal Chromebook while at school. Kindergarten and first grade students have one cart of Chromebooks available for every two classrooms.
UPCOMING CALENDAR
- Wednesday, Sept. 20: One-hour late start
- Monday, Sept. 25: Board of directors regular meeting (6 p.m. at the Lewisville campus and streaming online)
COMMUNITY EVENTS
- Rocksolid Teen Center open house, Wednesday, Sept. 20, 5:30-7 p.m.
- North County Community Music Fest: Saturday, Sept. 30, at 7 p.m.
- Call for calendar artwork and poetry submissions (deadline Oct. 14)
- Battle Ground Community Education fall basketball and soccer (grades K-4)
STAY CONNECTED
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11104 N.E. 149th Street,
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 200 
360-885-5300