Tiger News

Good Evening, Tiger Families!

We send out a newsletter every Sunday. The goal is to summarize the previous week and give families a heads-up on activities/events coming the following week. We focus on:

• Celebrations-- Students, staff, community, sports, activities, clubs, etc. If you have something you feel like we could highlight please share with us!
• ASB-- Sporting events, plays, band, choir, ROTC, and many other events that our community can attend.
• Communication-- There may be times our schedule changes (state testing, conferences, etc.) we will let you know in the newsletter, and if there is something going on outside of our regular routine.
• Community Involvement-- Do you have a question? Suggestion? Comment? Concern? Please communicate with us. If it is something that many people are asking, we will add it to our newsletter. Use this email to contact us: info.bghs@battlegroundps.org.

Typically, our newsletters are full of videos, pictures, and links. This one is a little wordy, so we apologize for that.

August 18th, 2024

Battle Ground Tigers (and families), we are so excited for the year ahead! My name is Heather Ichimura, and I am the proud new principal of BGHS. I’m fortunate to know many of you as I served as principal at Tukes Valley Middle School for the last four years. Prior, I have worked as an assistant principal and teacher at BGHS, and dean of students and AP in Virginia. This is my 20th year in education, and I am THRILLED to be back!

We have been working hard to get ready for the school year and hope this letter finds you well-rested and excited to return to BGHS. What follows are a few items you need to know as you prepare for the start of school on Tuesday, August 27th.

We will continue our efforts in the 2024-25 school in creating meaningful relationships and learning experiences, and maintaining rigorous expectations for each student. We will be implementing a new cell phone policy, and revamping our response to student discipline. It’s my belief that all students are capable of meeting behavioral expectations, and it’s our responsibility to respond fairly, compassionately, and consistently when kids misstep. You will find we are tightening in a few critical areas: course attendance (tardies and skipping), Tiger Time, and campus safety. We are also focusing our efforts on positive recognition in all areas, academics, athletics, and citizenship.

Each Sunday, an email is sent to all students, staff, parents, and families with an active email address in Skyward. These newsletters contain activities, events, celebrations, and updates happening at BGHS. Please check regularly as this is one of our primary tools for communication. Also, be sure to follow our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/BGHSUTC. In addition, we regularly update the calendar on the BGHS website with all activities, events, athletics and school holidays. Please subscribe!

Student schedules will be live in Skyward on Thursday, August 22nd at 8am. This is a change, there is a delay due to student enrollment and resulting class shifts, and all BGPS schools are coordinating to release at that time. Students and the primary parent listed in Skyward need to view and acknowledge receipt of our BGHS Student Handbook, and the “Annual Student Update” before you can view your schedule. We recommend you download the document for reference later in the year. Schedule changes will only be granted for students who are missing graduation requirements, those who are incorrectly placed in a class, or for those who are missing a class during the day. No schedule changes will be granted to change teachers, lunches, or electives. Additionally, schedules may have shifted from students’ initial forecasting due to staffing and enrollment changes in the past few months. While we understand that not everyone will be completely satisfied with their schedules, we simply do not have room to make many changes unless they are absolutely necessary.

Walk-in appointments are available for seniors only with schedule issues (missing a class, wrong grad requirement, duplicate classes listed, etc.). Seniors can visit the counseling office on Thursday, August 22nd, from 12pm-2pm. All other grades can resolve issues the first day of school, during the class the conflict exists.

To access Skyward, visit the BGPS webpage at www.battlegroundps.org/ and click on the Skyward icon on the top right. Log in using your Family Access user ID and password. If you do not have an account or need assistance, please contact our counseling office at 360-885-6556. Parents, please note you may also use your Family Access account to request absences be excused. Look for a tutorial in our first Sunday Email. Should your student ever need to ride a different bus home, the best way to give permission is to email BGHS Bus Notes at bghs.busnotes@battlegroundps.org. You can download FirstView, the First Student bus tracking app, using the code LMWV.

On Tuesday, August 27th, Freshman and New Students will join us for orientation while all other students will begin school at 9:55 (we will run a 2 hour late start schedule). 10th-12th graders who cannot find a ride in late and need transportation can take their regularly scheduled bus into school and will wait in our Lair for classes to begin. After freshmen and new students convene in the main gym, our newest Tigers will have the opportunity to meet peer mentors, tour the campus, pick up and walk their class schedules so they know where to find their classes, and meet their teachers.

Students in need of a parking permit may purchase one for $5; this needs to be completed each year. You must bring a completed parking contract, your driver’s license, proof of insurance, and cash or check and have no other outstanding fines or fees to the ASB office. Permits will be handed out only AFTER all paperwork is returned and complete. Permits will be issued by lot, and students can only park in the lot they select when they purchase their permit.

Other logistical items for your information:

• School hours are from 7:55 to 2:25. The bell schedule can be found here.

• Students may clear for fall sports and activities (football, dance, cheer, boys swim, girls soccer, boys golf, cross country, slow pitch softball, volleyball, boys tennis, Unified bowling) now. All clearance can be completed at https://wa-battleground.intouchreceipting.com/ Visit the BGHS sports site for more information: https://bghstigers.com/.

• We have made a shift in how we wrap around students for support and are assigning administrator/counselor/security teams to be points of contact for entire families, based on last name. While Mr. McKenzie, Dean of Students, will be a primary contact for discipline, we will “loop” with families in teams throughout the duration of your time at BGHS, as follows:

• A-Danf: Counselor: Mr. Pace/Administrator: Ms. Ichimura/Security: Ms. Teresa
• Dang-Dunn: Counselor: Mr. Kimber/Administrator: Ms. Ichimura/Security: Ms. Teresa
• Dvo-Fre: Counselor: Mr. Kimber/Administrator: Ms. Ichimura/Security: Mr. Matt
• Fri-Hend Counselor: Mr. Kimber/Administrator: Ms. Main/Security: Mr. Matt
• Hene-Johns Counselor: Mrs. Groves/Administrator: Ms. Main/Security: Mr. Matt
• Johnst-Lei Counselor: Mrs. Groves/Administrator: Ms. Main/Security: Mr. JJ
• Lej-Mille Counselor: Mr. Santilli/Administrator: Mr. Person/Security: Mr. JJ
• Milli-Op Counselor: Mr. Santilli/Administrator: Mr. Person/Security: Ms. Tracy
• Or-Roth Counselor: Mrs. Luiz/Administrator: Mr. Person/Security: Ms. Tracy
• Rots-Sie Counselor: Mrs. Luiz/Administrator: Ms. Wilson/Security: Ms. Tracy
• Sif-Spa Counselor: Mrs. Luiz/Administrator: Ms. Wilson/Security: Mr. Jayson
• Spe-Z Counselor: Mr. Williams/Administrator: Ms. Wilson/Security: Mr. Jayson

We are very eager to see our students! This is going to be a great year, filled with learning, fun, and pride in being Tigers. We are honored to have the opportunity to work with our students and families and take pride in the customer service we can provide. See you soon, BGHS! (This letter is in your email, to access hyperlinks.)

Go Tigers!

Heather Ichimura, Principal

Connect with us!

360.885.6550

www.bghs/battlegroundps.org

https://www.facebook.com/BGHSUTC/

August schedule reminders

• First day of school (most students): Tuesday, Aug. 27

• Non student attendance day: Friday, Aug. 30

• Labor day (no school): Monday, Sept. 3

• First one-hour late start: Wednesday, Sept. 4

At BGHS, we believe that 1) cell phone use in the classroom is a distraction to learning, 2) students have the right to carry their devices, AND 3) students are capable and can be responsible for keeping them “off and away” during instructional hours. We have formed these three beliefs into the BGHS Cell Phone Policy, which will take effect at the start of this school year. We will train students on the first day of school, and encourage families to review and discuss at home.

• Phones will be “off and away” during class periods: campus-wide and bell to bell. This includes common spaces, hallways, and bathrooms.

• Students may use their phones during passing periods, lunches, and before and after school. Students may be granted permission to use phones for academic purposes at teacher discretion.*

• If a parent/family member needs to reach their student during class time, they can call the main office (360-885-6550) and have a message delivered. Otherwise, the student can respond during passing time. In cases of emergency, students may use their phones with the permission of a staff member.

• Every time a staff member sees a student using their phone during class time, the student will be sent to the office to turn it in for the day. The phone will be placed in a manilla envelope and secured in a cabinet, and students will be able to retrieve their phone when they leave school for the day.

• No disciplinary action will be issued as long as the student complies with the directive to turn their phone in to the office. Students who fail to comply will be issued a referral, families will be notified, and the phone will be turned in for the duration of the following day. Students must comply to remain in “good standing,” which is required for campus privileges (attending games, plays, dances, going off campus for lunch (juniors and seniors only), etc.

If you would like to walk your school schedule before school starts the campus is open on Friday August 23rd from 7:15 - 3:15. Click here for a copy of the school map.

• First Day of School: Tuesday, Aug. 27, for grades 9-12

• No Late Start on August 28th

• Non Student Day, August 30th

• 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)

All families are required to complete the annual student update every year before school begins (Tuesday, Aug. 27). This ensures the district has the correct contact information for families.

To complete the student update, please log in to Skyward (Family Access) and click “2024-25 annual student update” (do not select new student online enrollment) on the navigation bar in the left column of the webpage. See instructions. If you do not have a login, please call your school office

• If you would like to receive text messages, be sure to enter your cell number when you complete the update. You will see three fields for phone numbers. In the second phone field, choose "cell" from the dropdown menu, and enter your cellphone number.

• If your transportation needs have changed, please make sure to opt in or out of busing during the annual student update.

Student Meal Changes

Starting this year, Battle Ground Public Schools will be partnering with Chartwells to provide meals at school. Menus will continue to be available via Nutrislice (new link coming soon), with payments handled through InTouch Receipting. You will be able to see and pay all charges in one place. Use your Skyward / FamilyID information to log in. See meal prices for 2024-25.

All students in the district’s seven primary schools (kindergarten through fourth grade) will receive breakfast and lunch at no cost to them. All students at CAM Academy will also receive free meals. Students at other schools may qualify to receive meals at no cost for families. Please check the family income requirements and fill out an application during the annual student update process or via the district website. Please note that even if your child has qualified for free meals in the past, you will still need to reapply.

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.

• Get school supplies. Contact your child’s school or the Family and Community Resource Center if your family needs assistance. Free backpacks with basic school supplies will be available at each school upon request. There are no income requirements to receive a free backpack.

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.

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.

  
  

• Ms. Ichimura, Principal

• Ms. Main, Assistant Principal

• Mr. Person, Assistant Principal/Athletic Director

• Ms. Wilson, Assistant Principal

• Mr. McKenzie, Dean of Students

Email: info.bghs@battlegroundps.org
Website: https://bghs.battlegroundps.org/
Location: 300 West Main Street, Battle Ground, WA, 98604
Phone: 360-885-6550
Follow Us on Facebook and Instagram (BGHS ASB)

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, Battle Ground Public Schools, PO Box 200, Battle Ground, WA 98604, 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)

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. 360.885.5481