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Feb. 17, 2022 edition of the BGPS Bulletin: Highlighting the great things happening in Battle Ground Public Schools
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BGPS' Citizens Advisory Committee finds strength in differences

Five meetings in, the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) is finding its stride. The group of 36 parents, community members, faith-based leaders and senior citizens was selected from a pool of nearly 100 applicants last August. The committee is part of a broader commitment by Superintendent Denny Waters’ towards “working better together.”

“The idea is that we as a district will focus on communication and collaboration with our stakeholders in an effort to cultivate trust,” Waters said.

Despite the wide range of views and opinions within the CAC, members said the process has been surprisingly collaborative and productive. “Everyone seems to be willing to share their own opinion but respect those of others,” said David Lindner, a Vancouver pastor and father of a BGHS student. “I think that's created an atmosphere where we can actually get to the best ideas as opposed to fighting for our own.”

The group is currently working to help shape an update to the district's Strategic Plan. “It’s still a lot of broad concepts, but I’m really excited,” Waters said. Learn more about the work of the Citizens Advisory Committee on the district website.

Battle Ground schools celebrate Kindness Week

Thursday, Feb. 17 is Random Act of Kindness Day. Students throughout the district have spent the week finding ways to show kindness and encourage others to do the same. At Captain Strong Primary, a giant Kindness Tree sprouted on a wall near the cafeteria late last week. This week, it bloomed with paper hearts and leaves covered with student's ideas for being kind. "Help a teacher!" read one. "Smile at a stranger," said another. "Without kindness, the world would be a very sad place," one 4th grader said after putting his heart on the tree encouraging students to step in if they see someone being bullied.

At Amboy Middle School, students created posters and notes to encourage others and emphasize being kind as "the new cool." Prairie High School students celebrated their second Inspire Week of the school year by handing out donuts to staff members, greeting students at Pleasant Valley school, leaving encouraging messages in hallways and bathroom mirrors, and delivering gifts to bus drivers, among other activities. 

"I love the students grasping the concept of 'paying it forward,'" said Captain Strong counselor Chris Linquist. "I believe these are wonderful experiences for them to have, and hope that the insights they gain will follow them into the rest of their lives."

BGPS’ Board of Directors conducted a regular board meeting on Feb. 14. Highlights are in this week's BG Board, Briefly. Archived video of board meetings is available on the district website. The next regular board meeting will be held on Feb. 28 at 6:00 p.m

Students celebrate 100th day of school

Last week, students across the district celebrated completing the 100th day of school. Students dressed up as "old," decorated their classrooms, brought in 100 items for show-and-tell, and even put on a fashion show to display their homemade t-shirts decorated with 100 favorite things. Check out some samples of the fun on the BGPS Facebook page. We love the creativity of our teachers on display in helping students find ways to celebrate becoming "100 Days Smarter!"

Battle Ground, Prairie athletes headed to state

Last weekend was a big one for both Battle Ground and Prairie high schools! The Prairie Falcons gymnastics team are district champs for the first time in school history. The Falcons boys’ swim team took home a share of the district title, breaking 9 of 11 school records in the process. Four Prairie wrestlers finished first in their respective weight classes, with 14 total qualifying for the upcoming Mat Classic. Battle Ground High School had one individual 4A winner in wrestling and will send four athletes to state. A BGHS swimmer is also headed to state along with the school’s speech and debate team. Wow! Way to go Falcons and Tigers!

BGHS Advanced Jazz Band takes first at West Salem festival

Congratulations to Battle Ground High School's Advanced Jazz Band on taking first place at last weekend's West Salem Jazz Festival! You can check out a video of their winning performance on YouTube. The Intermediate Jazz Band also did well, finishing in second place. Way to go!

Prairie Drama's Teen Terrors production enters final weekend

If you haven't already, be sure to check out Prairie High School's presentation of three short fantasy adventure plays by Michael Griffo. "Teen Terrors" includes "Vampire Valedictorian," "Material Girls" and "Promapocalypse." You'll meet high school vampires bent on world domination, social media competitors and alien warlords in this family-friendly production. 

Tickets are available for purchase online at wa-battleground.intouchreceipting.com until 2 p.m. Feb. 18. Online ticket prices are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and $6 for students. After Feb. 18, tickets can be purchased at the door for $15 for adults, $12 for seniors or $6 for students. Seating is based on the date of ticket purchase and proper physical distancing will be provided between groups. Masks must be worn by all attendees. Performances are at Prairie High School, 11311 N.E. 119th St., Vancouver.

Join the BGPS team!


Many positions are available now, including:
  • Middle School Sports Head and Assistant Coaches (Cross Country, Boys Soccer)
  • Game Manager (Laurin and Tukes Valley middle schools)
  • Teachers (Transitional Kindergarten, Primary/Secondary at River HomeLink,)
  • Basic Education Assistants (Crossing guard, recess supervision, BEA)
  • Special Programs Para (CBC, SLC, CBI / Resource Room / Student Specific)
  • Paraeducator - Online Support (River HomeLink)
  • Certificated Substitutes (District wide)
  • Classified Substitutes (District wide)
  • Testing Coordinator Assistant (Maple Grove Primary)
  • Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
  • Psychologist (K-12)
  • Speech/Language Pathologist (K-12)
  • Custodian - Swing shift (Prairie High School)
  • Head Coach (PHS/BGHS Slow-pitch Softball)
  • Assistant Coach (PHS - Football, Cheer, Unified Activities BGHS - Wrestling, Softball  BGHS/PHS - Gymnastics, Swimming)
  • Community Education - Referee/Support Staff and Gym Facilitators
View full job listings and apply online at the district website.

Bus Drivers
BGPS' transportation provider, First Student, is in need of bus drivers
. For more details on First Student driving careers, including sign-on bonuses starting at $1,500, visit https://bit.ly/3zx4hRS.

Cafeteria Workers
Sodexo
, the district's food service provider, is looking for employees in a number of specialties. Most positions provide on-the-job training and start at $14.70 per hour or more. More information: https://bit.ly/3Fzd8VM

Right At School
The district's new before/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 darcie.torres@rightatschool.com.
District
  • Monday, Feb. 21: President's Day - No School
  • Wednesday, Feb. 23: One-hour late start
  • Monday, Feb. 28: School Board meeting, 6:00 p.m. at Lewisville campus
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