BGPS Bulletin -

March 1, 2024, edition of the BGPS Bulletin

High school students took time in February to recognize Black History Month. At Battle Ground High School, displays around the building honored Black pioneers in American history, honoring their contributions to the fields of science, literature, politics and much more. They also heard from Tyler Monk, a Portland-based inspirational speaker who shared his own personal success story.

“You have to accept responsibility for your actions and your attitude,” Monk told the students. “You need to respond in a way to create a positive change in your circumstances."

Prairie High School's Black Student Union took the lead on an assembly Feb. 29, honoring both Black History Month and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (a planned MLK Day assembly was postponed by weather in January).

The students said this event, along with the school’s end-of-year multicultural assembly, represent an opportunity to embrace and share their own history and culture. “We want others to not just see the color of our skin, but to see the person inside,” said Elijah Aponte, a freshman who helped coordinate the assembly.

As of Feb. 23, the three-year capital levy has been officially certified as passing with 52.13% support. We want to thank our community for supporting students and staff through funding for maintenance of aging facilities, expanded access to high-demand skilled trades programs, improved security and critical technical updates.

Congratulations to our February Employee Recognition Award recipients.

• Erika Bolliger, teacher, Maple Grove Primary
• Mariah Dawson, paraeducator, Daybreak Primary
• Margarita Johnson, teacher and administrative intern, Laurin Middle School
• Jodi Riley, teacher, Battle Ground High School
• Tiffany Vidovic, teacher, Captain Strong Primary

Visit the district website to learn about each recipient.

The Employee Recognition Awards highlight staff members who embody the district’s values and commitment to student learning. Nominations are open to every staff member in Battle Ground Public Schools. The selection criteria include commitment to the district’s mission, contribution to a safe environment, support for high-quality instruction and collaborative behavior demonstrating trust and respect. Congratulations to the February Employee Recognition Award recipients!

The 2024 Southwest Washington Regional High School Art Show is now live over on the ESD 112 website. This annual event features amazing artwork by high school students from around Southwest Washington, including Battle Ground Public Schools. The full art show will be held at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, March 20.

BGPS’ board of directors held a regular meeting on Monday, Feb. 26. A summary and video are available on the district website.

The board will hold a work session and regular meeting on Monday, March 11, at 4:30 and 6 p.m. at the Lewisville campus and streaming online.

Congratulations to our student-athletes and coaches on being named to the 2024 Winter All-League teams. You can view the full list on The Columbian's prep sports blog and in an upcoming print edition.

(NOTE: The 4A and 3A Greater St. Helens League have decided that this school year, all-league teams will consist of just first teams)

4A Greater St. Helens League:
Boys basketball:

Trey Spencer, Battle Ground

Girls wrestling (3A/4A):

Coach of the Year: Caily Mendez, Prairie

Isabel Brown, 100, Battle Ground

Brooke Rausch, 145, Battle Ground

Faith Tarrant, 235, Prairie

Boys swimming:

Coach of the Year: Sayle Lindsey, Battle Ground

Gymnastics:

Assistant Coach of the Year: Lindsey McCormick, Battle Ground

Girls bowling:

Emma Johnson, Battle Ground

3A Greater St. Helens League:

Boys basketball:

Carson Morningstar, Prairie

Josh Crane, Prairie

Girls basketball:

Claire Smith, Prairie

Boys wrestling:

Christian Dealy, 165, Prairie

Mason Frei, 175, Prairie

Christopher Simpson, 285, Prairie

Boys swimming:

Athlete of the Year: Vladyslav Danylyuk, 100 fly, Prairie

Troy Delp, 500 free, Prairie

Michael Oshkader, 100 back, Prairie

Gymnastics:

Ky Nemeth, beam, Prairie

Girls bowling:

Co-bowler of the Year: Bella Hewes, Prairie

Kasumi Crouse, Prairie

Jennifer Cabusao, Prairie

Congratulations, athletes and coaches!

This weekend is your last chance to catch Prairie High School's rousing rendition of "Mean Girls: High School Version." You can pre-purchase tickets at the link below.

SHOWTIMES:

• Friday, March 1 - 7 p.m.
  
• Saturday, March 2 - 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Parental note: Show contains content that may not be appropriate for children under the age of 13.

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.”

Showtimes:

• Friday, March 15, 7 p.m.
• Saturday, March 16, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
• Friday, March 22, 7 p.m.
• Saturday, March 23, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.

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 or online prior to the show date.

Did you know that career and technical education classes represent approximately 30% of all high school classes offered in the district? Learn more in this episode of the BG Cast featuring Career and Technical Education Director Cindy Arnold. Plus, Career Guidance Specialist Kevin Doyle discusses how the annual Industry Fair benefits students, parents, guardians and the community. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or Amazon Music.

Something fun happening in your building or classroom? Is there a student or teacher doing something remarkable? Let us know about it! Battle Ground Public Schools' communications department is here to share your story and the stories happening all around you. Please reach out and let us know if you think there's a story worth sharing.

Email: communication@battlegroundps.org

Phone: 360-885-5337

Battle Ground Public Schools is currently hiring for a number of positions. We are particularly in need of classroom assistants for various positions (paraeducators). Visit the jobs page for details and to apply.

School nurse (Battle Ground High School)

Licensed practical nurse (districtwide)

School psychologist intern (districtwide)

Testing coordinator assistant (Battle Ground Virtual Academy)

Registered behavior technician (districtwide)

Maintenance - HVAC (districtwide)

Special program classroom assistants/paraeducators (various schools)

Classified and certificated substitute positions

Sports/coaching positions:

• Head coach: Co-ed track (Amboy and Chief Umtuch middle schools)
• Assistant coaches: Prairie High School football
• Assistant coaches: Battle Ground High School Unified basketball
• Assistant coach: Unified soccer (BGHS/PHS)
• Assistant coach: BGHS baseball
• Assistant coach: Co-ed track (various middle schools)

Find more information and apply online.

Bus drivers
BGPS' transportation provider, First Student, is in need of part-time bus drivers. For more details on First Student driving careers, including sign-on bonuses starting at $1,500 ($3,500 for experienced drivers), visit https://bit.ly/3mHrkav.

Sodexo (food services)
Help feed students in Battle Ground Public Schools! Learn about job opportunities with the district's nutrition services provider.

Right At School
The district's before and after-school care provider, Right At School, is looking for program managers and educators. Learn more at https://www.rightatschool.com/careers or email your resume to mari.howe@rightatschool.com.

• One-hour late start: Wednesday, March 6
  
• School board meeting: Monday, March 11, 4:30 p.m. work session and 6 p.m. regular meeting. At the Lewisville campus and streaming online.

Full district calendar

The Reflector

• Prairie student serves as state House page in Olympia
  
• Area high schools work toward filling skilled labor openings
  
• Students help rid invasive plants from BG’s Central Park
  

The Columbian

• Rep. McClintock sponsors high school student from Battle Ground as page

Copyright © 2024 Battle Ground Public Schools. All rights reserved.

Battle Ground Public Schools provides equal opportunity in programs and employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin/language, creed/religion, sex, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a service animal by a person with a disability, age, marital status, honorably discharged veteran or military status, HIV/Hepatitis C status. The district provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Contact the following regarding questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Tom Adams, Director of Student Services, adams.tom@battlegroundps.org, Title IX Compliance Officer, 360.885.5415; Michelle Reinhardt, Executive Director of Human Resources, reinhardt.michelle@battlegroundps.org, Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator/Section 504/ADA Coordinator, 360.885.5481; or a letter may be submitted to the designated coordinator at the Battle Ground Public Schools, PO Box 200, Battle Ground, WA 98604.

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