This week’s News to Know
Sept. 23, 2023
One-hour late start on Wednesday, Sept. 27
Wednesday, Sept. 27, 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.
Bus route updates and FirstView app
First Student, the district’s bus transportation provider, continues to make adjustments to routes as they work to balance the number of students on each bus and increase route efficiency. To stay up to date on the latest changes, please take a moment to review your child’s route on the bus information webpage. If you have questions, call your school or First Student at 360-841-7099, ext. 103 or 104.
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. Families must apply for meal benefits each year to continue receiving lunch and breakfast at a reduced rate, 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.
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.
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.
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, 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.
DISTRICT NEWS
Tentative agreement on new contract
On Sept. 21, Battle Ground Public Schools and Battle Ground Education Association reached a tentative agreement on a new contract for teachers, counselors and more education professionals in the district. Read more.
Signs of hope emerge at Tukes Valley
Looking around Tukes Valley Middle School, you might notice some signs. Literal ones. With messages including “Your Life Matters” and “Comparison is the thief of joy,” the signs are designed to bring hope to students, staff and visitors.
The campaign is the work of a new Tukes club led by teacher Blake Bowers that recently expanded from Chief Umtuch Middle School. The DREAM Team is the youth extension of the Prevent Together: Battle Ground Prevention Alliance. These youth leaders are focused on empowering their peers to live drug-free lives and engaging in honest conversations about drugs, alcohol and coping with stress or depression. Learn more.
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
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.
UPCOMING CALENDAR
- Monday, Sept. 25: Board of directors regular meeting (6 p.m. at the Lewisville campus and streaming online)
- Wednesday, Sept. 27: One-hour late start
COMMUNITY EVENTS
- Center for Agriculture, Science and Environmental Education 30th anniversary: Sept. 30, 1-4 p.m.
-
- North County Community Music Fest: Sept. 30, at 7 p.m.
- BG Tiger mini cheer camp: Oct. 2, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
- Call for calendar artwork and poetry submissions (deadline Oct. 14)
11104 N.E. 149th Street,
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 200 
360-885-5300