Battle Ground Public Schools
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News Releases
Prairie High School receives national recognition for commitment to students with disabilities - 03/15/24

For its sustained efforts to bring together students with and without disabilities, Prairie High School has been named a National Banner Unified Champion School by Special Olympics. Schools with this designation have demonstrated a commitment to inclusion by meeting 10 standards of excellence developed by a national panel of leaders from Special Olympics and the education community. Approximately 800 schools across the country have been designated National Banner Unified Champion Schools. Prairie is one of just two schools in Southwest Washington to hold the designation currently.

At the end of this month, Prairie will hold a school-wide celebration. Media are invited to a special presentation of the banner during a school assembly featuring members of the school’s Unified Sports and Club.

When: Friday, March 29, 2024

Time: Arrive at 1:15 p.m. The assembly begins at 1:35 p.m., and the banner celebration will take place at the start of the event.

Location: Prairie High School, 11311 NE 119th St., Vancouver, WA 98662. The assembly will take place in the main gym. All visitors must check into the front office upon arrival and receive a visitor’s pass.

Please confirm your participation by emailing communication@battlegroundps.org.

To promote an inclusive environment, Prairie offers Unified basketball and soccer, where students with and without disabilities train and compete as teammates. Unified sports are recognized along with other sports during school events and activities and in school communication. Unified athletes compete in district, regional and state tournaments, and are celebrated for their accomplishments.

The school also has a Unified club that participates in events along with Prairie's Associated Student Body leaders. Last year club members created more than 600 kindness cards and handed them out during the school year to staff, students and volunteers. The club also promotes inclusion during the school’s Inspire Week, an event designed to uplift others.

“We’ve worked hard for this recognition,” said Donna Eskelson-Smith, the school’s Unified Sports coordinator. “The banner shows how much Prairie High School values inclusion.”

3.21_BGPS_College_and_Career_Fair.jpg
3.21_BGPS_College_and_Career_Fair.jpg
Learn about post-high school opportunities at Battle Ground Public Schools' College and Career Fair (Photo) - 03/12/24

Students and families from all schools and districts are invited to attend Battle Ground Public Schools’ upcoming College and Career Fair. This free event is a great 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: Thursday, March 21, 2024
Time: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Location: Battle Ground High School (300 West Main St., Battle Ground, WA)
 

There will also be a free financial aid workshop from 3-6 p.m. with interpreters available for Russian and Spanish speakers.
 

No registration is required to attend.

High_School_Musical_Poster_Final_2.png
High_School_Musical_Poster_Final_2.png
River HomeLink drama program presents "High School Musical Jr." (Photo) - 03/07/24

River HomeLink’s drama students are excited to present Disney’s “High School Musical Jr.” at Prairie High School, starting Friday, March 15. This 60-minute musical is based on the 2006 Disney Channel original movie and the subsequent national Broadway show. The cast includes 28 students led by director Sandy Sparks. 

“The performers and tech students have worked so hard to bring you a fun-filled show for the whole family,” Sparks said. “Come on out and cheer, toss a basketball and break from the status quo as you watch an amazing live performance.”

“High School Musical Jr.” is an upbeat throwback to the ins and outs of high school drama. A nostalgic romp for young and old alike. This musical includes favorite “High School Musical” songs such as “Get’cha Head in the Game,” “Stick to the Status Quo” and “We’re All in This Together.” With its inspiring message of friendship, self-discovery and teamwork, you’ll be singing and cheering along all the way through.

Shows will be at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 15 and 22, and at 3 and 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 16 and 23. Tickets are $10 for adults or $5 for children under 10 and senior citizens. They can be purchased at the River Homelink ASB office, at the door (via QR code) or online prior to show date.

Disney’s “High School Musical Jr.” is presented through a special arrangement and all materials are provided by Music Theatre International.

Battle Ground Public Schools receives clean financial audit - 03/06/24

After an extensive review of Battle Ground Public Schools’ finances earlier this year, the Washington State Auditor’s Office issued clean audit reports for the district. 

As part of an accountability audit of activities from Sept. 1, 2021, through Aug. 31, 2023, auditors evaluated areas including payroll, local levy funds, procurement, compliance with public works projects and open public meetings. Auditors determined that BGPS complied with district policies, applicable state laws and regulations, and appropriately safeguarded public resources. 

The state auditor also issued clean audits for the district’s financial statements for its general, capital projects, Associated Student Body and debt service funds, as well as for the district’s federal grant compliance for Sept. 1, 2022, through Aug. 31, 2023.

View the accountability report and financial statements/federal grant compliance report on the state auditor’s website.

The state auditor's office evaluates school districts’ finances each year as part of its efforts to track public money. 

In addition to participating in annual state audits, Battle Ground Public Schools has an audit committee that provides timely accountability. The committee includes board members, the district's chief financial officer and staff members from the district's business office. On a monthly basis, the committee reviews expenditures including payroll, timesheets and vendor invoices. Audit committee findings are presented at regular board meetings, which are open to the public.

“Battle Ground Public Schools is committed to using public resources responsibly and transparently,” said Superintendent Denny Waters. “These audit findings speak to our efforts to manage taxpayer dollars and are essential to fulfilling our strategic plan.”

Kindergarten teacher Diana Knauss works with her students at Captain Strong Primary
Kindergarten teacher Diana Knauss works with her students at Captain Strong Primary
Battle Ground Public Schools kindergarten enrollment is now available (Photo) - 03/05/24

It's time to enroll next year’s kindergartners! Online enrollment is available for children who will attend Battle Ground Public Schools next year. Any child who will be 5 years old by Aug. 31, 2024, is eligible to enter kindergarten in the fall. 

Parents/guardians will need proof of their child's birth date (such as a birth certificate) and a signed and completed Washington state certificate of immunization status form or certificate of exemption. Please note that the state of Washington requires that immunization records be medically verified. Families can find out which school their child will attend by using the Clark County Property Information Center or by calling the district boundaries office at 360-885-6577.

Parents/guardians are encouraged to enroll their child as soon as possible to allow their child to participate in key events leading up to the start of kindergarten, including kindergarten orientation and Jump Start.

Alternative kindergarten options

Battle Ground Public Schools’ K-12 alternative learning experiences also offer early learning opportunities

Battle Ground Virtual Academy is an online learning option that uses a web-based curriculum with interactive activities, videos and workbooks. All curriculum is provided and lessons are delivered online. Students receive 30 hours of learning activities per week, as well as one classroom experience per week, either in person or virtually.

River HomeLink offers two half-day in-person kindergarten classes along with three days of at-home instruction. All curriculum materials are provided. Parents are asked to volunteer as a classroom assistant two days per week. 

River also offers PrimeLink, where families can receive weekly advice and assistance on planning, implementing and reporting on their child’s home-based instruction. Parents also have the option of selecting their own at-home curriculum from a list of approved options and taking advantage of a one-time consultation to assist with setting up the at-home learning environment. Students in all ALE programs still have the option of taking elective classes at their neighborhood school.

Kindergarten orientation schedules

Enrolled students and their families will be invited to attend a kindergarten orientation in the spring where they can get to know their school and learn more about the kindergarten program. Your child’s future school will contact you with specific dates, times and locations after enrollment is complete. 

Jump Start

Jump Start is a four-day program that helps kindergarten students get acclimated to school. This year’s Jump Start dates are Aug. 12 through Aug. 15. Jump Start space is limited and determined on a first-come, first-serve basis. Families must complete kindergarten enrollment to be eligible for Jump Start participation. 

2024-25 school calendar and start of school

School will begin on Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2024; however, kindergartners will have a staggered start. This allows small groups of students to get acclimated to the school environment on the first couple of days of school before beginning to attend school full time. Parents will receive a letter before the start of school about their child's start date. Sept. 3, 2024, will be the first full day of school for kindergartners. See the 2024-25 school year calendar

Before and after-school care

The district has partnered with Right At School to provide before- and after-school care at its primary schools from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day that school is in session.

Transitional Kindergarten

Battle Ground Public Schools also offers Transitional Kindergarten for children who will be 4 years old by the end of August. Visit our Transitional Kindergarten webpage to learn more about the program and fill out an online eligibility form by June 12. Families will be notified by the end of June regarding their eligibility status.

Starting this year, Transitional Kindergarten will be offered on all seven primary school campuses in the district.

Preschool options

Battle Ground Public Schools also offers preschool options for early learners. Prairie High School, Battle Ground High School and the BGPS Community Education Department offer tuition-based preschool programs for ages 3-5. Battle Ground Public Schools also offers early intervention programs and services for children ages 3-5 who are identified for special education services. Learn more and compare options.

 

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More than 1,000 Battle Ground students to be trained in CPR - 03/04/24

This March, students at Chief Umtuch and Tukes Valley middle schools will learn lifesaving skills by being trained in hands-only CPR. Between the two schools, there are two opportunities for photos and/or video:

  • Chief Umtuch Middle School, 700 NW 9th St., Battle Ground, March 8, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
  • Tukes Valley Middle School, 20601 NE 167th Ave., Battle Ground: March 18, from 8:10 a.m. to 10:06 a.m.

Please confirm your participation by emailing communication@battlegroundps.org.

The training is a partnership among Fire District 3; the schools’ Associated Student Bodies; parent-teacher organizations; staff; Cascadia Tech; and both schools’ DREAM Teams, the youth extension of the Prevent Together: Battle Ground Prevention Alliance.

Students are also participating in the American Heart Association’s Kids Heart Challenge this month. During the challenge, students will participate in the training and learn about the warning signs of a stroke, healthy heart practices and the dangers of vaping/tobacco.

See last year’s CPR training at Chief Umtuch Middle School.