PATRIOT PRESS

Inside Scoop
Here's what's inside this week:
- Late start Wednesdays December 4th, 11th, 18th
- NO SCHOOL Dec. 21 - Jan 5th Winter Break
- School resumes after winter break, January 6th, 2025
- Term 2 progress reports are available to view in Skyward now
- Principals' message
- **Updated** ASB food drive - Dec. 4th - 13th, details below
- ***Added 12/10*** Spirit Week Dec. 16-20
- PV PTA Chipotle fundraiser night - Tues., Dec.10th, 4-8pm
- Yearbook photo submissions
- Get prepared for winter weather
Aspire highly capable program referral window open, last day to refer is Dec. 6th
- Math Nation tutoring resource
- BGPS Annual Report
- Notes from the Nurse - chicken pox cases
- Counselor's Corner - College Bound info.
- **Added 12/3** Girls soccer and boys basketball registration
- Volleyball and soccer game schedules
- Expectations for students attending school sport events
- Report incidents anonymously with SafeSchools
- PTA - Fred Meyer Community Rewards
- Family Resource Center information
- School calendar
- Meal information
- BGPS information links and additional information
- Contact info - hours, calendars, handbooks
Upcoming events
Dec. 4th-13th ASB canned food drive
Dec. 10th PTA Chipotle fundraiser night 4-8pm, Salmon Creek Chipotle
Dec. 16th-20th Spirit Week!
Dec. 18th Winter band concert 7pm PVM big gym
Dec. 20th Red and Green Games! 12:45
Principals' Message
Dear Pleasant Valley Families,
The holiday season is here and it is always a great time for connecting with students at school. During our short week, our teachers have been steadily building student capacity for education, but also taking some time to deepen relationships and getting to know more about our students. We appreciate the opportunity to work with your child each and every day. Our teams work hard to make sure we know each student by name, strength and need.
Thank you all so much for the continued support for our teachers, staff and community of learners at Pleasant Valley. We appreciate your communication with our team and your commitment to your student’s education. This has been a great year so far at Pleasant Valley and we look forward to a continued partnership with your family this year.
Finally, we look forward to a busy return to school next week. With December now upon us, we are hitting the accelerator to round out the school year for 2024. Keep warm on your holiday break and enjoy your time at home with your family. We will see you all soon. Gobble, gobble!
Austin Brothers (Principal)
Erin Thompson (Assistant Principal)
PVM Thankfulness Tree
Students at Pleasant Valley Middle were able to fill out a leaf for our Thankfulness Tree; a project our PVM Dream Team students have worked on. It has been fun and touching to read the leaves and see what things our students are most thankful for. Giving thanks and remembering things we are thankful for is a wonderful way to lift one's spirits. We are thankful for all our students and their families, and all they bring to our PVM school family.
We wish you all well and hope that over Thanksgiving break you are able to spend some fun and special times with those you care about.
***Updated*** Schommy Showdown - ASB Food Drive Dec. 4th - 13th
Our annual Pleasant Valley ASB food drive has been renamed the Schommy Showdown, in honor of Mr. Schommer and his love of the competition of this food drive and helping his community. The Schommy Showdown food drive will start on December 4th and run through December 13th. Students will get information, after returning from Thanksgiving break, about what things will be bonus point items for the various days of the week during the food drive. The generosity of our PVM families is always amazing, and we appreciate each year all that you do to help provide for those in our community for whom this bit of extra support is so welcome.
Each day Pleasant Valley ASB students will be collecting donated non-perishable food items as well as paper products (toilet tissue, facial tissue, paper towels), hygiene products, diapers etc. We will add a list of bonus items to the newsletter and PVM website as soon as it is available. SEE FLYER BELOW.
Points will be awarded to homerooms for each item donated (bonus points for the item-of-the-day) and each day we will announce who is ahead. The winning homeroom from each grade level will earn a fabulous reward (to be announced).
Some of the most needed items are:
- canned meats (tuna, chicken, beef, salmon, SPAM etc)
- canned ready-to-eat soups, stews, chilis
- shelf stable, ready-to-eat meals
- peanut butter / nut or seed butters
- jams and jellies
- canned beans (kidney, pinto, garbanzo, baked beans, navy etc)
- cereal, boxed shelf-stable milk, nut milk etc
- granola bars
- paper products (paper towels, toilet tissue, facial tissue, disinfectant wipes)
- hygiene and cleaning products (feminine products, shampoo, soap, dishwasher and laundry soaps, wipes)
- diapers and baby wipes
Please be sure items are unopened and not expired or past their best-by dates. Please leave individual packets of things such as cocoa or hot cereal inside their original boxes, do not separate them. Individual ramen packets will count for partial points.
Thank you so much for your support!
Download flyer below
***Added 12/10*** Spirit Week
PV PTA Chipotle fundraiser night - Tues., Dec. 10th, 4-8pm
Chipotle Restaurant Night Fundraiser
25% of sales donated to our PTA!
When: Tuesday, December 10th 4-8pm
Where: The NEW Salmon Creek Location
How: Use code NVYF3WK when you order online OR show this flyer for in person orders
Download flyer below
Yearbook photo submissions
Hello PVM Families,
Please upload any photos of your students here from school. Sports photos, Halloween, field trips, Red and Green Games, 8th grade baby photos, band, after school activities. The more photos to choose from the better the yearbook will be. Yearbooks will be on sale after winter break and will be handed out the last week of school.
Click to navigate to photo submission webpage to upload photos
Please include names of students pictured, if possible, on the submission form.
This link will be active until March 7th, 2025.
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.
Math Nation tutoring resource
Free for students, Math Nation provides resources that can help with sixth through eighth grade math, Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2 and ACT/SAT prep. Students can use Math Nation to watch instructional videos, complete workbooks, receive virtual tutoring and more. To get started, log in through Clever and look for the Accelerate Learning app. Questions? Email terri@mathnation.com.
BGPS Annual Report
Did you receive our annual report?
Our 2024 Report to Our Community should have arrived in your mailbox if you live within the district. You can also view it in a digital format. The report includes information on enrollment, demographics, educational progress, budget and recent curriculum adoptions. You’ll also find important information about how local levy funding affects every school in our district.. Be sure to give it a read!
Aspire Highly Capable Program - Referral Window closes Dec. 6th!
Programa de Altas Capacidades de Aspire - ¡Se Abre el Plazo de Referencias!
***
Окно для подачи направлений в программу для высокоодаренных детей «Aspire» открыто!
***
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.
Referral window: Monday, October 14 - Friday, December 6, 2024
Who can be referred: Any student can be referred for testing. However, only students with written parental consent will be invited to take the test.
Testing dates: January and February 2025
Program Start: Students identified through testing will begin receiving services in the 2025-2026 school year.
To refer a student, please complete the referral packet available at your school office or on the Battle Ground Public Schools website: Aspire Highly Capable Program. Submissions must be received by December 6th to ensure your child is considered.
For more information, please contact Jennifer at (360) 885-5426 or Tyce at (360) 885-5455.
Thank you for your support in helping us identify and nurture our students' exceptional talents!
RUSSIAN
Окно для подачи направлений в программу для высокоодаренных детей «Aspire» открыто!
Мы рады сообщить, что программа «Aspire» теперь принимает заявки на тестирование! «Aspire» - это программа нашего округа для особо способных/одаренных учеников, разработанная для поддержки тех школьников, которые демонстрируют продвинутые академические способности или большой потенциал.
Окно для направлений: понедельник, 14 октября, - пятница, 6 декабря 2024 года.
Кто может направить ученика: любой ученик может быть направлен на тестирование. Однако только ученики с письменным согласием родителей будут приглашены для прохождения теста.
Даты тестирования: январь и февраль 2025 г.
Начало участия в программе: ученики, выявленные в ходе тестирования, начнут получать услуги в 2025-2026 учебном году. Чтобы направить ученика, заполните пакет документов, который можно получить в школьном офисе или на сайте школьного округа Баттл Граунд: Aspire Highly Capable Program.. Для того чтобы кандидатура вашего ребенка была рассмотрена, документы должны быть получены до 6 декабря.
За дополнительной информацией обращайтесь к Дженнифер по телефону (360) 885-5426 или к Тайс по телефону (360) 885-5455.
Спасибо за вашу поддержку, которая помогает нам выявлять и развивать исключительные таланты наших учеников!
SPANISH
Programa de Altas Capacidades de Aspire - ¡Se Abre el Plazo de Referencias!
Estamos muy contentos de anunciar que el Programa de Altas Capacidades Aspire está aceptando referencias para las pruebas! Aspire es un programa de educación de alta capacidad/dotado diseñado para apoyar a los estudiantes que demuestran habilidades académicas avanzadas o potencial.
Ventana de Referencia: Lunes, 14 de octubre a viernes, 6 de diciembre, 2024
Quien puede ser referido: Cualquier estudiante puede ser referido para tomar las pruebas. Sin embargo, solo los estudiantes con el conocimiento por escrito de los padres serán invitados a tomar la prueba.
Fechas de las Pruebas: de enero a febrero 2025
Inicio del Programa: Los estudiantes identificados a través de las pruebas comenzarán a recibir servicios en el año escolar 2025-2026.
Para referir a un estudiante, por favor complete el paquete de referencia disponible en la oficina de su escuela o en el sitio web de las Escuelas Públicas de Battle Ground: Aspire Highly Capable Program. Los paquetes deben de ser recibidos antes del 6 de diciembre para asegurar que su estudiante sea considerado.
Para mas informacion, por favor comuniquese con Jennifer al (360) 885-5426 o con Tyce al (360) 885-5455.
Gracias por su apoyo en ayudarnos a identificar y nutrir los talentos excepcionales de nuestros estudiantes!
Download the referral packet below
24-25 ASPIRE Program referral packet
Notes from the Nurse
Chickenpox cases
Battle Ground Public Schools continues to experience chickenpox cases at several buildings, including two outbreaks. When an outbreak 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.
WA immunization requirements
Life threatening health condition/allergy
If your student has a life threatening medical condition/allergy, we must have updated health information each year as well as medication at school forms for any rescue medications that need to be kept at the nurse's office at school. Parents and nurses work together to create an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for what to do for your child in the case of a medical emergency. Please contact our nurses if your student has a life threatening medical condition/allergy and you have not already alerted the school and had an EAP created. Students and parents will need to meet with nurses before a student may self-carry any rescue medications.
Office Phone: 360-885-5500
salisbury.janel@battlegroundps.org
davis.diane@battlegroundps.org
Health and safety resources
See health and safety resources from the Washington state Dept. of Health.
Updating contact and health information
Parents/guardians please make sure you are updating the School Health Form in Skyward each year so that we have correct and current information regarding your child/ren (complete the "Update" in Skyward Family Access. Update opens August 1st each year to update school forms.). Skyward does not pull information forward each school year. There are many School Health Forms that have not been updated for 2-4 years. We need current information and this is how we most often know if your child has a Life threatening health condition. We want to keep your child/ren safe while at school and we can't do our job if we do not have correct and updated information.
Thank you for your time in this important matter.
From your School Nurse Janel Salisbury, BSN, RN & Building Nurse Diane Davis, LPN
Staying healthy
Clark County Public Health recommends that people take the following actions to prevent colds, flu and other respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19.
- Stay home if running a fever or experiencing other symptoms of illness. See our guidelines for keeping children home from school for more information.
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Cover coughs and sneezes. Use a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
- Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces that are frequently touched.
If you need to email our nurses:
salisbury.janel@battlegroundps.org
davis.diane@battlegroundps.org
School office 360-885-5500
Additional information:
Counselor's Corner - College Bound
Attention all 7th and 8th grade families!
We have a wonderful program that will help pay for college tuition.
The ONLY WAY to have your child apply for the College Bound Scholarship is to apply for Free/ Reduced lunch. Apply online through Skyward: WWW.TinyURL.Com/SkywardBG or complete the attached Free/Reduced lunch application. Every 7th and 8th grader that qualifies and has applied for Free/Reduced will automatically have a College Bound Scholarship application submitted. This scholarship can cover up to 4 years of your child's tuition at almost any school in the state of Washington!
Attached:
* Free and Reduced lunch application
* College Bound Informational Flyer
Care Solace: Your link to mental health support
Battle Ground Public Schools has partnered with an organization called 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.
Mental health resources
There are great resources available for mental health via the Battle Ground Public Schools website. On the district page there are links that lead you to more information for different topics. Here is the link to our school district's page: Mental Health Resources.
NAMI Family Support Group is a peer-led support group for any adult with a loved one who has experienced symptoms of a mental health condition. Gain insight from the challenges and successes of others facing similar experiences. Groups are Free of charge.
.https://www.nami.org/Support-Education/Support-Groups/NAMI-Family-Support-Group
NAMI- National Alliance on Mental Illness
800-950-6264
Or Text “HelpLine” to 62640
Talk 360-984-0396 (text)
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Hours: Available 24 hours. Languages: English, Spanish
Text 988
Community Resources and Information
311- Non-life threatening concerns
211- County Resource Directory
800-273-8255- Suicide Prevention
741741- Suicide Text
360-205-1222- Lifeline Crisis Center
360-695-9677- Housing Line
360-903-2833- CVBAP Warm Line (4 pm- 12 am)
866-789-1511- Washington Recovery HelpLine
360-356-1890- Rainier Springs Detox
360-397-8246 ext 30846- Lifeline Detox
800-626-8137 OR 360-696-95560 SW Washington Crisis Line
Locations
Recovery Cafe Clark County
3312 E Fourth Plain Blvd. Suite #100
Vancouver WA 98661
The Reach Center
1601 E 4th Plain Blvd
Building 17, Suite A114
Vancouver, WA 98661
The Recovery Resource Center
9317 NE Hwy 99 Suite M
Vancouver, WA 98665
The People's Harm Reduction Alliance
Online training/Order Free Narcan
Girls soccer and boys basketball registration
Registration will be opening soon for middle school students interested in participating in girls soccer or boys basketball. Registration opens three weeks prior to the start of practices (Dec. 9 for girls soccer and Jan. 6 for boys basketball). Students participating in sports must have a completed sports physical before practices begin (physical clearance is valid for 24 months). Sports physicals and the payment of any outstanding fees must be completed prior to the start of practices.
Volleyball and Soccer game schedules
Girls Volleyball schedule
***
Download schedule below
Boys Soccer schedule
***
Download schedule below
Expectations for students attending middle school & Dist. Stadium sports events
This is just a reminder of expectations for students during attendance at middle school sports events and district expectations for attendance at events at the District Stadium.
Requirements for student attendance at middle school sports games
- Students who will be attending sports events as a spectator at the middle school will need to go home after school and return for the game later. We do not have supervision for students to stay after until the game.
- Students attending games will need to 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.
- Students will need to remain inside the gym while they are on campus.
- All attendees should exhibit good sportsmanship and follow school expectations for behavior.
Requirements for middle/primary school students attending athletic events at District Stadium
- As of September 1, 2023 any primary or middle student attending athletic events at District Stadium 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. Students will need to leave all backpacks and bags that are not clear at home. The school district will not be responsible for any student bags that are lost, stolen or not allowed in the stadium.
Thank you for your understanding and support as we work to ensure that all students and spectators are able to enjoy BGPS events.
Report incidents anonymously with Vector Solutions reporting system
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.
PV PTA news
Pleasant Valley PTA supports students and teachers at Pleasant Valley by providing programs, activities, and events that help them grow socially and academically. We work closely with school administrators and teachers to determine the needs of our schools and advocate for our students.
We all care about our students. Some of us just don’t know how we can make a difference or don’t have the time to volunteer because of other obligations. Pleasant Valley PTA and Washington State PTA can be your voice and can help make a difference in the lives of ALL our students. As a large organized body we can impact decisions at the National and State levels that affect our students at Pleasant Valley.
By joining Pleasant Valley PTA and exercising your right to vote, you have a voice in your students education. Become a member and stay connected with important issues and information about our school.
What Membership is:
Support for students & staff
Our legislative voice! (Membership count affects our number of votes at Convention & Legislative Assembly)
Funding for student programs & activties
What Membership is NOT:
A commitment to volunteer. The PTA will never require your participation in fundraising or volunteering.
What your Membership includes:
Access to resources
Discounts from State and National PTA
- NEW PTA WEBSITE: PleasantValleyPTA.org,
- Sign up here to receive info on upcoming events and volunteer opportunities: https://pleasantvalleypta.org/volunteer
PTA - Fred Meyer Community Rewards
Hey there! Guess what? Every time you hit up Fred Meyer for your shopping needs, you can actually sprinkle a little magic dust (aka cold hard cash) into the Pleasant Valley PTA, all while reaping your own rewards! All you need to do is link your card and continue to shop as you always have.
Getting started is easy-peasy!
1. Go to fredmeyer.com
2. Log in to your account
3. Go to My Account
4. Scroll down to Community Rewards and click View Community Rewards
5. Search for “Pleasant Valley PTA”
6. Give that enroll button a satisfying click and watch the magic unfold!
See? Easy-peasy, lemon-squeezy! Each time you shop Fred Meyer will donate a percentage straight to the PTA!
Family and Community Resource Center
Battle Ground Public Schools’ Family and Community Resource Center (FCRC) helps meet the needs of families faced with housing instability and similar economic challenges.
While a main goal of the FCRC is to assist families experiencing housing instability, it can also help connect families with many other types of resources and is intended to respond to the changing needs of the community.
The FCRC is a continuation of the district’s joint efforts with the Battle Ground Education Foundation, an all-volunteer, nonprofit community organization whose purpose is to leverage community resources to help maintain quality education for all students in Battle Ground schools.
The Family Resource Guide is full of contacts to aid families in connecting with agencies who are able to help with a great variety of needs. Please click the link below to view this helpful guide.
(click below to be redirected to the FCRC page)
Family and Community Resource Center (FCRC)
Phone: (360) 885-5434
Email: fcrc@battlegroundps.org
The FCRC office has moved from CASEE to our Lewisville campus.
Meal information
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, 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.
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.
December menu
Click photo to navigate to printable/downloadable menu.
BGPS information links and additional information
First View bus app (view bus progress etc)
Child nutrition eligibility and education benefit application (we encourage all families to apply)
Medication at school (forms and other health information)
Nutrition services (menus, meal prices)
PLEASANT VALLEY MIDDLE SCHOOL MISSION
Every student at Pleasant Valley Middle School is known by name, strength, and need.
We believe ALL students can experience academic and personal growth.
School information, calendars, handbook
PLEASANT VALLEY MIDDLE SCHOOL
Office: 360-885-5500
Fax: 360-885-5510
Absence reporting: 360-885-5512
District office switchboard: 360-885-5300
Principal: Austin Brothers
Asst. Principal: Erin Thompson
Mailing address:
PO Box 200
Battle Ground, WA 98604
Email: info.pvm@battlegroundps.org
Website: https://pvm.battlegroundps.org/
Location: 14320 NE 50th Avenue, Vancouver, WA 98686 Mail to: Pleasant Valley Middle, PO Box 200, Battle Ground, WA 98604
Phone: 360-885-5500
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PVMiddle/
School hours
Late start Wed.: 9:10 - 2:40
Early Release: 8:10 - 11:40
2-hr late start: 10:10 - 2:40
School colors: red, white and blue
Mascot: Patriots (Patriot Pete)
Pleasant Valley Middle Handbook 2024 - 2025
* * *
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* * *
November 26, 2024
Issue #8-25