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Principal's Message

Principal's Message

🏔️BGVA News for the Week 🏔️

January 17th, 2025


Hello BGVA families,


Monday, January 20th is Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This National Holiday is a poignant reminder, as a nation, to acknowledge and reflect on past mistakes while committing ourselves to the positive ideals of our republic. Dr. King Jr’s life work has shone a light on our past yet so eloquently persuades us to have hope and embrace the difficult work that still needs to be done.


In his most famous of speeches, “I have a dream”. It never gets old to re-read or listen to this powerful speech. Dr. King still reminds us today, to recommit to the ideals of our republic; to embrace each other for our character, the true value and worth of each person who enters our lives. I would encourage each of you to read or listen to Dr. King’s very inspiring speech.


There are a few very important items to cover with you as we near the end of first semester.

  1. Finals Information - Proctored finals are currently in progress.

    1. We encourage all of our students to complete their courses and take their final exams as soon as possible. We want you to be successful. Delaying school work and final exams can lead to unnecessary stress.

    2. Take the time to connect with your teachers and advisors if you are needing any support.

    3. All finals must be taken by January 24th.

    4. First semester ends January 24th.

  2. Start of second semester

    1. Second semester begins January 27th. If students complete courses and take finals before January 27th, new courses can be assigned and will allow for students to start second semester course work.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


  • Accessing BGVA: If you are wanting to access a BGVA teacher, classroom or lab, please call the BGVA office at 360-334-8250 or email your teacher/advisor so we can let you into the campus. BGVA is accessed by the flagpole in the main parking lot of River Homelink and Maple Grove Primary schools.


  • 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: Thank you for keeping up the good effort as we finish the first semester of school! Here is the link to my Wednesday newsletter for this week. Please notice the times to pick up materials and workbooks for the second semester. Have a great week! Mrs. Karlsen

Sarah Harrier’s K-2 Weekly Newsletter


6-8

Middle School will NOT have Directed Studies on January 21 or 23. Students are required to make weekly contact and should look for a message from their advisor about this.


Middle School Parent Connection Flier is attached.


High School

Hey Mountaineers - The end of first semester is fast approaching, It is time to be diligent and work in your classes for the allotted time needed to complete them. Also, be diligent in checking your email daily. This is not the time to procrastinate; this is the time to be proactive!

HS Mountaineers Newsletter


Good luck with your finals! 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

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:

Accelerate Ed

APEX

Edgenuity

Edmentum

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

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.

mcfarlin.erin@battlegroundps.

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

gahan.wendy@battlegroundps.org

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

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