Principal's Message
🏔️BGVA News for the Week 🏔️
January 24th, 2025
Hello BGVA families,
This week was a finals taking marathon. BGVA students did a great job completing semester work and taking the final tests. Now we begin to focus on the second semester and all that it brings.
Monday January 27th is the start of the second semester. This will be a day when all of your courses will begin to be populated and turned on for students to start the second semester work. Keep a close eye on your emails and notifications throughout the day for your classes.
As with any transition into a new semester there may need to be adjustments made to course selection, transcript reviews, advisor and teacher consultation to ensure each student's courses are accurate and on track to graduate.
If something seems to be amiss or does not seem correct, please reach out directly to your advisor or teachers so we can assist with any issues that may arise.
Attention all BGVA Students - Chromebook Power Washing
ALL BGVA students must bring their Chromebooks in person to the River Homelink campus. A Digital “Power Washing” MUST be completed before State testing in April. If a BGVA student does not have their Chromebook Power washed, it may affect their ability to access and engage with their online courses and services.
Please contact our technology specialist on the River Homelink campus, Julie Mehr at mehr.julie@battlegroundps.org or by phone at 360-334-8291
Seniors - This message is for our 24/25 seniors. There is detailed information at
the bottom of this newsletter with specific information and tasks every senior needs
to complete.
While graduation may seem to be a distant date on the calendar; we are already planning for this special event. Caps, gowns and invitations need to be ordered. School work needs to be completed and finals need to be taken. Our diligent advisors and school counselor are very willing to help you navigate the important deadlines in the coming months.
Replacement Levy - for learning
Battle Ground Public Schools is running a replacement levy February 11th. More information regarding the levy can be found at this link.
In a nutshell, the replacement levy makes up the financial gap from the state and the actual cost of running the school district. It is our hope that you will take the time to vote on February 11th.
Parking at Maple Grove, River HomeLink and Battle Ground Virtual Academy
Please remember to park only in designated spots in our parking lot. The bus lane is not a designated parking area, and accessible parking spots are reserved for people with a valid disabled parking permit. It’s important to note that the Battle Ground Police Department can issue a citation for vehicles that are improperly parked in accessible spots without permits.
The west exit gate by the Battle Ground Cinema has had the crash bar removed and can no longer be used as an exit. Students and families will need to enter and exit via the campus front gates by the flagpole.
We continue to evaluate our options for a long-term solution to parking. Thank you for your patience and cooperation.
BGVA is now a South School! With the possibility of inclement weather, moving forward; this means we will follow the BGSD South school schedule when there are snow days or changes in the regular school days.
In the event of a weather-related school closure, the presentation will be canceled. However, anyone may attend a different presentation at another school or find information on the district website.
Accessing BGVA: If you need access to BGVA please feel free to call the office at 360-334-5250 and we will gladly meet you at the front gates by the flagpole.
It is very important for students and families to check emails frequently. This is our main form of communication and we do not want you to miss any important details your family may need.
Important items for you to consider:
Weekly student/Teacher contact: According to State policy, weekly student/Teacher contact is required. This can include direct emails or communicating within the course platforms. Please make sure you are responding to emails and class prompts weekly to ensure we are all in compliance with Alternative Learning Education (ALE) requirements.
Chromebooks: BGVA students can get Chromebooks and Tech support by contacting Julie Mehr either by email mehr.julie@battlegroundps.org or by phone at 360-334-8291.
Advisory Contact: At BGVA, we have an extra layer of support for our students in the form of staff advisors. Be sure to do your monthly check-ins to ensure you are getting everything you need to be successful here at BGVA
Good Happenings at BGVA
K-5
Trekkers, grades 3, 4 and 5: BG DISTRICT MATH CHALLENGE, Saturday, March 22, 9:00am - 1:00pm. 5th graders are invited to participate! Please let me know if you would like more information about joining a Math Challenge team. We need four students total and I would practice with them both in person and through Google Meet. Here is the Math Challenge website, in case you want to look it over before committing. https://sites.google.com/a/battlegroundps.org/sw-wa-math-challenge/home UPDATE: So far, we have two interested fifth graders! Anyone else? Here's the newsletter link for more information: https://secure.smore.com/n/jv5htr Have a great week! Rachel Karlsen
6-8
Adventurers - A reminder that semester 2 courses start on Monday, January 27th. Second semester courses will be fully available on Tuesday January 28th. Guidance on appropriate school activities to do on Monday, January 27th have been given by the advisors.
High School
Hey Mountaineers - You did a great job completing the first semester. It is now time to shift our focus to the second semester as seniors prepare for graduation and other grade bands promote up to the next grade and your graduation.
Go forth, the second semester is waiting for you!
We will continue working together to “Foster the Joy of Learning”.
Mr. Stanfill
BGVA - Principal
BGPS Levy Information
Attend a public presentation on the levy
During the month of January, BGPS is holding public presentations to provide information on the replacement levy and answer questions from the community. You can view a list of scheduled presentations on the district website.
Childcare and light refreshments will be provided at each presentation. Parents/guardians should bring an ID in order to access childcare.
In the event of a weather-related school closure, the presentation will be canceled. However, anyone may attend a different presentation.
For ASL interpretation, please contact communication@battlegroundps.org at least five days prior to the presentation you plan to attend.
For families requiring Russian or Spanish interpretation, we will have an event at the Lewisville campus on Thursday, Jan. 23, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. This presentation will be offered in Russian and Spanish only.
Head over to the district website for lots more information about the levy.
📚 BGVA COUNSELING TEAM
Click to see the full BGVA Counselor Newsletter
Quick Links:
Order Graduation Cap & Gown & Tassel Before February 1st to Avoid Late Charges
SENIORS Did you apply for the College Bound Scholarship in grades 7, 8, or 9th Grade?
Junior - High School & Beyond Plan Google Classroom now open! Plans Due before February 14th for review/revisions.
Senior High School & Beyond Plans Due NOW!
Sophomores & Juniors Interested In:
Cascadia Technical Academy: Online Applications Registration closes Jan. 29th, 2025.
Clark College Running Start: 2025 Virtual Running Start Information Night (see full BGVA Counselor newsletter for more information.)
Testing Dates Quick Links:
ASVAB Testing Feb. 5 BGHS Registration 9:00 AM
ASVAB Testing Feb. 5 CAM Registration 11:30 AM
ASVAB Testing Feb 19 RHL Registration 8:30 AM
ASVAB Testing Apr. 25 BGPS at BGHS Registration 8:00AM (Sign up by Apr. 18, 2025)
Graduation date is June 11th at 7:00pm at Prarie High School.
Jostens is ready for your senior order. BGVA at Jostens link for ordering.
Tech Q & A
Attention all BGVA Students - Chromebook Power Washing
ALL BGVA students must bring their Chromebooks in person to the River Homelink campus. A Digital “Power Washing” MUST be completed before State testing in April. If a BGVA student does not have their Chromebook Power washed, it may affect their ability to access and engage with their online courses and services.
Please contact our technology specialist on the River Homelink campus, Julie Mehr at mehr.julie@battlegroundps.org or by phone at 360-334-8291
Platform Links to your courses:
account # is bg119
National Civics Bee: The National Civics Bee encourages young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. In the first round of the contest, local sixth, seventh and eighth-grade students will participate in an essay competition. Judges will then select 20 finalists to participate in a local competition. Learn more.
- Does your fourth grader like to cook? Sign them up for the Discovery Kitchen Cook-off, happening March 20 at Battle Ground High school! Students interested in participating must submit a recipe to enter by Friday, Feb. 21. A total of 10 students will be selected by a panel of judges to take part in the competition. All ingredients will be provided by Chartwells, the district’s food services provider. Information and entry forms should have been provided to your fourth grader, or you can download one from the district website.
Join us for the 10th annual Industry Fair: The 10th annual Battle Ground Public Schools Industry Fair will be held at Battle Ground High School on Thursday, Feb. 20, from 5-7 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. If you are an employer interested in attending this free event expected to draw hundreds of students, families and community members, fill out this form or contact BGHS career guidance counselor Kevin Doyle at doyle.kevin@battlegroundps.org or 360-885-6598.
Dual credit information night is Thursday, Jan. 23: Battle Ground Public School is hosting a virtual presentation via Google Meet to provide information about dual credit for all students and families, eighth through 11th grades, on Thursday, Jan. 23, from 4-5 p.m. The presentation will be recorded for anyone who is unable to attend. Dual credit provides students with the potential to earn high school and college credit at the same time. Information will include Running Start at Clark College, Cascadia Tech Academy (Skills Center), career and technical education dual credit, work-based learning, College in the High School and Advanced Placement classes. If you have any questions, contact Work-Based Learning Coordinator Kris Neal via email at neal.kris@battlegroundps.org.
📢 WHO TO CONTACT
BGVA Office 1-360-334-8250
- Principal Matt Stanfill stanfill.matt@battlegroundps.org
- Registrar / Head Secretary is Dawn Hunt hunt.dawn@battlegroundps.org
- Online Learning Specialist is Kelly Farah farah.kelly@battlegroundps.org
- Online Learning Specialist is Kim Lohnes lohnes.kimberley@battlegroundps.org
- If your looking for additional support our online Support Para's Mercedes Mehr and Kathleen Klein are available by email or in the Digital Learning Lab.
- Please visit the new Battle Ground Virtual Academy Website. We are constantly updating and adding new information all the time.
Linked here is the weather-related school information from BGPS
BGVA Nurses Office Information
Please stop by the health room at RHL and Meet Erin McFarlin, our new LPN who comes with a wealth of experience!
Her current hours are 7:30am-4pm Monday through Friday.
Ph# 334-8253 (health room)
Need CPR? Here are some options:
Vancouver Fire Department Station 5 (one of our parents is an EMT and teacher here)!
American Heart Association (AHA)
Address: 7110 NE 63rd St, Vancouver, WA 98661
Phone: (360) 487-7212
Portland:
https://www.cascadetraining.com/courses/sso/classdetails.cfm?cid=167834
Cascade Training Solutions--Phone: 1-877-277-6778
Various Portland locations
Wendy Gahan, BSN, RN
School Nurse
Ph# 360-334-8240 RN / Fax (360) 334-8223
office hours: Mom/Tues & Thurs/Fri--off Wed
The Battle Ground Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Information about the district’s nondiscrimination and sex-based discrimination policies and grievance procedures are located on the district’s website at https://www.battlegroundps.org/notice-of-nondiscrimination/. The following employees have been designated to receive and respond to questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:
Title IX Coordinator: Tom Adams, Director of Student Services, Battle Ground Public Schools, PO Box 200, Battle Ground, WA 98604, adams.tom@battlegroundps.org, 360.885.5415
and/or U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR). Title IX inquiries may also be referred to the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR) https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/index.html
Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator/Section 504/ADA Coordinator: Michelle Reinhardt, Executive Director of Human Resources, Battle Ground Public Schools, PO Box 200, Battle Ground, WA 98604, reinhardt.michelle@battlegroundps.org. 360.885.5481