November 2024
November 2024 - Monthly Newsletter
Para traducir este boletín al español, haga clic en el ícono de traducción en la parte superior de la pantalla.
Чтобы перевести этот информационный бюллетень на испанский язык, используйте значок перевода в верхней части экрана.
Hello Wolverine Parents and Families,
Wolverine families;
“Simple Gifts” is a Shaker song that was written and composed by Elder Joseph Brackett, in 1848. The song became word-famous when composer Aaron Copland featured it as a part of the score of Martha Graham’s ballet, Appalachia Spring. Since then, the song has been recorded by various singers (from balladeers to pop stars), performed by university marching bands, and even featured in television commercials. In all its forms, it is a favorite.
The lyrics are especially poignant as we enter our season of giving.
‘Tis the gift to be loved and that love to return,
‘Tis the gift to be taught and richer gift to learn,
And when we expect of others what we try to live each day
Then we’ll all live together and we’ll all learn to say…
As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving this is an appropriate opportunity for me to convey my thanks to all members of our Wolverine school community, for the “simple gifts” of your commitment, support and partnership.
Thank you, parents, for the gift of grace. For recognizing that in all life’s jobs, the “human factor” exists. When we make mistakes, despite our best efforts, your understanding and continued trust are important to us. Thank you also for the gift of partnership. Your time and commitment before and after school hours, at school conferences and various school events is appreciated.
Thank you, students, for the gift of kindness, respect, and perseverance you demonstrate regularly. Your hard work, generous spirit, and consideration for others bring sunshine to our days.
Thank you, staff, for your gifts of compassion and focused work and instruction. You create and foster a warm and rich environment that promotes learning and risk-taking. It is an honor to work with you.
I am thankful for you, Wolverine families. Wishing you all many simple gifts of the season.
Tamarah Grigg, Principal & Justin Pierce, Assistant Principal.
Chief Info
Important Dates
- Nov. 5-8: 3hr early release Middle School parent-teacher conferences
- Nov. 8: Veterans Day Assembly @ 10:35 doors open at 10:10am
- Nov. 11: Veterans Day NO SCHOOL
- Nov. 13, 20: One-hour late starts
- Nov. 27-29: Thanksgiving break NO SCOOL
2024-25 school calendar
The 2024-25 academic calendar (Русский) (Español) is online. Here are some key dates:
Thanksgiving break: Nov. 27-29
Winter break: Dec. 23, 2024, through Jan. 3, 2025
Spring break: Monday, March 31, through Friday, April 4
In-service dates (no student attendance): Oct. 11, Oct. 30, Jan. 29
Last day of school: Tuesday, June 10 (assuming no added days for weather-related closures)
Bus Passes
Students can drop off a parent note for a student to ride a bus not their own in the office before school or during student lunches. Students can pick up their buss pass in the office at the end of the day. Parents can also email bus passes to info.cms@battlegroundps.org Bus passes will not be written for students after school.
Report your students Absences
When your student will be or is absent please let us know by emailing info.cms@battlegroundps.org. Be sure to include the reason so we can log the absence correctly. You can also enter the absence through Skyward.
PTO news
6th grade Outdoor School Fundraising
----------->>>>>>
6th Grade Outdoor School Fundraising kick off! Our goal is to raise $13,000 which will fund: camp t-shirts for all students/staff/volunteers, 2 learning session on the low ropes course, a Forrest Ecology field study, a Salmon Ecology Field Study, and access to Archery as an optional activity. Use the QR code if you would like to donate now!
----------->>>>>>
6th graders have kicked off their Read-A-Thon Fundraiser for Outdoor School! Students are collecting pledges now through November 22nd and will be reading the week of November 18th - November 22nd. Donations will be turned in the week of Thanksgiving. All funds raised go to enhancing their Outdoor School Experience. Their big goal is $13,000! Happy Reading 6th Grade!
__________________________________________
Check out the new trees along Hwy 503! Purchased from a May 2024 grant, these will hopefully just be the beginning of replacing the trees removed from construction work done on the highway.
Spritwear will be ready for pick up during the first week of November, stay tuned for details.
Next General Meeting: Thursday November, 21st @6:30 in the Library
Join our direct mailing list by filling out this google form.
6th grade Outdoor School
March 25-28, 2025 @ Cispus Learning Center
This years 6th grade Outdoor School is several months away and we are beginning to gear up for the trip. The 6th grade teachers are hard at work planning, the application window for High School Student Counselors is open, and we held our parent information meeting on October 23rd. If you were unable to attend here is a video with pictures from last years trip. More information will be shared out to 6th grade families after winter break.
For now save the dates of March 25-28, Tue-Fri before Spring Break, so that your child can attend Outdoor School. If you are interested in attending as a parent volunteer please reach out to Mrs. Coine.
Chief Sports Update
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR MS SPORTS
November/December Sports Events:
Girls Volleyball: all games @ 4:15 or 5:15 CLICK HERER FOR THE CMS Volleyball SCHEDULE
Boys Soccer: all games at 4:15 or 5:30 CLICK HERE FOR THE CMS Boys Soccer SCHEDULE
Season 3
Girls soccer January 13, 2025 - February 26, 2025
Boys basketball January 27, 2025 - March 12, 2025
Activity fee
Students who participate in middle school sports pay a one-time $40 fee per sport that cover some program costs such as transportation between games and officials. Find out if your family qualifies for waived activity fees.
All fines and current fees must be paid before the first contest in order for the student to be able to participate. If fees are a burden to your family, please contact your school’s main office.
Sports physicals
Students who participate in sports must have a sports physical before practices begin (physical clearance is good for 24 months). Sports physicals must be completed prior to the start of practices.
WIAA sports physical form (PDF)
Consent to share
Students wishing to take advantage of no-fee sports or other activities must have a new meal benefit application and consent to share form (русский) (Español) on file before registering for fall sports, even if you had a previous approved application on file. The consent to share can also be completed as part of the annual student update through Skyward.
Schoolwide Expectation Reminders
Cell Phones & Electronics - OFF & AWAY - ALL DAY
All electronic devices (phones, earbuds, etc.) must be powered off and put in backpacks while students are at school. If you need to reach your student during the day for emergency or transportation reasons, please call the main office. 1st offense is a warning. 2nd offense the phone is turned into the office for the day and the student can pick it up after school (minor referral). 3rd offense the phone is turned into the office and a parent must pick up the phone (major referral).
Hats/Hoods off & Gum free
Students should remove hats and hoods when entering the building. Gum should be thrown in a garbage can before entering the building for the day.
Student Online Safety
Keeping students safe online is a priority in Battle Ground Public Schools. Recent events have reinforced the need to use caution when interacting online. These include national reports of online groups targeting children and teens. While we are not aware of BGPS students being targeted by these groups, it is important for staff, students and parents/guardians to work together to keep our young people safe.
How you can help students be safe
Please periodically review these tips with your child:
Students should keep their passwords confidential. They should not share passwords or allow others to use their Chromebook after they sign in.
Use school email addresses for only school-related communication and activities.
Be cautious when accepting friend requests; communicating with other people online; and sharing photos, videos, and identifying information on social media and other sites. Review privacy settings to limit who can see this information.
Monitor what your child is doing online and discuss risks associated with sharing personal content.
Use GoGuardian Parent to see how your child is using their device. Get information on GoGuardian Parent.
How BGPS keeps students safe
BGPS supports the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act and insists that websites the district uses adhere to this law.
The district provides active supervision and filtering of content on all devices in accordance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act.
The district restricts access to apps that have the potential for abuse or pose cybersecurity risks.
Student data privacy agreements protect student information in conjunction with the Washington Student Data Privacy Alliance.
Students learn about digital citizenship and appropriate online behavior, including interacting with other individuals on social networking websites and in chat rooms, and cyberbullying awareness and response.
BGPS District Information
Aspire Highly Capable Program referral window open
We are excited to announce that the Aspire Highly Capable Program is now accepting referrals for testing! Aspire is our highly capable/gifted education program designed to support students who demonstrate advanced academic abilities or potential. Get the details on the process and timeline.
Register to vote in the Nov. 5 general election
Ballots for the Nov. 5 general and special election were mailed Oct. 17. If you are registered to vote and haven’t received your ballot by Thursday, Oct. 24, you may need to contact the Clark County Elections Department to request a new one. Online voter registration is available at VoteWa.org through Monday, Oct. 28. After that date, you can still register and vote in person at the Clark County Elections office (1408 Franklin St, Vancouver, WA 98660) until 8 p.m. on election night. For more information and to view a list of ballot dropbox locations, visit ClarkVotes.org.
Chickenpox cases
In recent weeks, Battle Ground Public Schools has experienced chickenpox cases at several buildings. When this happens, Clark County Public Health may direct students who do not have documented immunization to stay home for 21 days to reduce the chance of the disease spreading further. A student may be able to return to school sooner with documented proof of immunity. If you have questions about your child’s chickenpox immunization status, please reach out to their school nurse.
Immunization requirements
Washington’s Department of Public Health requires that students who do not have all of their legally required immunizations or an approved exemption on file must be excluded from classes starting Friday, Nov. 15. Letters for families who are currently out of compliance were mailed on Friday, Oct. 25. Visit the Washington Department of Health website for more information on what vaccines are required to attend school in the state of Washington, or how to obtain an approved certificate of exemption.
Report, don’t repost
If you see or hear of a possible threat, please report it to law enforcement directly and/or to school staff. This is the best and most helpful action because it begins an investigation and helps to limit the potential for misinformation to spread.
Reposting or sharing a threat on social media in an attempt to warn others spreads the threat farther from its original source and may cause unnecessary alarm and fear.
You can report bullying, intimidation, harassment, threats and safety concerns using our anonymous reporting system. Emergencies should always be reported to 911.
Get prepared for winter weather
November is officially the start of winter weather season in southwest Washington. That means there is always the chance that snow or hazardous road conditions could delay or cancel school. Here are some tips on how you can be prepared:
Download and/or print our weather guide informational flyer (русский) (Español).
Confirm whether your child’s school(s) are in the north or south part of the district.
Make sure your primary phone number and email address are correct in Skyward - Family Access.
Download the Battle Ground Public Schools app on the Apple App Store or Google Play and allow push notifications.
Follow Battle Ground Public Schools on Facebook or Instagram.
On weather-impacted days, calls may begin going out as early as 5:30 a.m. You can also call our information line at 360-885-5343 to check after 5:30 a.m.
Visit the district website for additional information on weather-related impacts, snow route information and much more.
Athletic events at District Stadium
To provide a safe, enjoyable environment for students and families during athletic events at District Stadium, all primary and middle students must be accompanied by an adult age 18 or older who will be responsible for the student(s) for the duration of the event. The adult cannot be a high school student. Primary and middle school students will not be allowed to enter if they are not accompanied by an adult. In addition, only clear bags are allowed into District Stadium. Read more.
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. Read more.
New websites and mobile app
Battle Ground Public Schools has launched new websites, along with a brand new mobile app! You can find the mobile app on the Apple App Store and Google Play. It will allow you to set notifications for individual schools, quickly view updates, get alerts on weather-impacted days and much more.
School menus
Starting this year, Battle Ground Public Schools is partnering with Chartwells to provide breakfast and lunch at school. Menus are still available via Nutrislice and meal expenses can still be paid through InTouch Receipting, just like last year. Printable menus are also available on the district and school websites.
Consent to share
Students wishing to take advantage of no-fee sports or other activities must have a new meal benefit application and consent to share form (русский) (Español) on file before registering for fall sports, even if you had a previous approved application on file. The consent to share can also be completed as part of the annual student update through Skyward.
Care Solace: Your link to mental health support
Battle Ground Public Schools has partnered with Care Solace to support the well-being of students and their immediate family members. Care Solace is a complimentary and confidential care coordination service that can help any student and/or their immediate family members quickly find mental health or substance use treatment options matched to their needs, regardless of insurance or circumstance. If you would like to use Care Solace to help you find a provider:
Call 888-515-0595 (available 24/7/365 in any language).
Visit www.caresolace.com/battlegroundps and either search on your own or select “Book appointment” for assistance by video chat, email or phone.
Employee Recognition Award
Do you know an amazing staff member? The new Employee Recognition Awards will highlight staff members who reflect the district’s strategic plan goals. Three nominees will be selected each month and recognized at a board meeting. Everyone is welcome to submit a nomination.
New safety protocols
This year, Battle Ground Public Schools joins most Southwest Washington schools and districts in using the Standard Response Protocol for emergencies. Depending on the situation, a school will be placed in a hold, secure, lockdown, evacuation or shelter. See what these terms mean. This common language helps schools, first responders and the community communicate clearly and effectively to reduce misunderstandings in emergency situations.
Russian, Ukrainian and Spanish translation and interpretation services
Услуги по устному и письменному переводу на русский и украинский языки 360-885-5433
Servicios de Traducción e Interpretación en Español 360-885-5431
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.
Busing and First Student ParentView app
Bus routes posted and FirstView mobile app
Bus routes are now available online. For questions about school district bus service, call your school or First Student at 360-841-7099, ext. 103 or 104. Please be aware that the first several weeks of school can often see changes to routes as First Student makes adjustments. Any changes impacting riders will be communicated by your child’s school.
Due to road construction in many areas of the district, some buses may need to take a detour and/or may be delayed. For the most up-to-date route information, late alerts, notifications when your student is close to home, etc., we strongly recommend installing the FirstView mobile app, available through the Apple App Store and Google Play. PLEASE NOTE: The district code has changed this year. To use the app, enter the four-digit code LMWV. Get instructions for installing the app.
Health and safety resources
See health and safety resources from the Washington state Dept. of Health.
Student Hours (Monday – Friday)
8:10 a.m.– 2:40 p.m. – Student Hours
9:10 a.m. – 2:40 p.m. – Wednesday Late Start
10:10 a.m. – 2:40 p.m. – 2hr Late Start
Student drop off begins at 7:45am (or 8:45am on Wednesdays). Please do not drop students off before this time. Click here for Full Bell Schedules
MISSION STATEMENT
We believe in a safe learning community where all members are valued, respected, and encouraged to reach their maximum potential.
VISION STATEMENT
Creating Excitement for Learning
(360)885-6350 - info.cms@battlegroundps.org
Principal - Tamarah Grigg
Assistant Principal - Justin Pierce
We serve students in fifth through eighth grades in Battle Ground, Washington! Our mission is to prepare children to succeed in the next step of their lives.
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