PATRIOT PRESS

Ballot drop box locations (County Website)

Ballots mailed after Feb. 3rd may not be received in time to be counted.

Here's what's inside this week:

• Late start Wednesdays in Feb. 11th, 18th, 25th
• NO SCHOOL Feb. 16th in honor of President's Day
• Upcoming events, dates/times
• After school band practices and activities:
• Facts about the budget, district priorities and more
• Levy information BALLOTS DUE BY FEB 10TH, MAIL BY FEB. 3RD IF MAILING

• Bus expectation reminder

• Measles activity in Clark County
• 1st semester report cards in Skyward now
• School calendar adjustment
• Boundary exception renewals - letters of intent
• PTA Family Sweetheart Dance, Feb. 13th 6-8 PM. NOT A DROP OFF EVENT, CHILDREN MUST BE WITH AN ADULT

• Pleasant Valley is Turning 50! - committee members sought

• Enrollment open for many of BGPS's specialized, alternative learning programs
• 8th grade celebration - donation, information etc
• Yearbook pre-order sales have begun
• Eleventh annual BGPS Industry Fair set for Feb. 19
• Looking for something to do? Community Ed events

• Get Involved: Carnival Style! PTA Carnival planning

• Counselor's Corner
• Notes from the Nurse
• Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) information
• Free technology monitoring tool for parents
• Interested in volunteering?
• First View Bus App - get updates for construction delays etc
• Russian, Ukrainian and Spanish translation and interpretation services
• Report incidents anonymously with Vector Solutions reporting system
• PTA - information
• Family Resource Center information
• Lunch menu
• 25/26 Calendars, meal info., BGPS information links, contact info, hours, handbooks etc.

Outdoor School candy sales under way now

Feb 10th - PTA General Meeting, 6pm

Feb 10th - LEVY Ballots Due, ballot boxes close at 8pm

Feb. 12th - 7th/8th grade band field trip to Oregon Symphony

Feb. 13th - PTA Family Sweetheart Dance (NOT A DROP OFF EVENT, MUST HAVE GUARDIAN PRESENT)

Feb. 19th - Eleventh annual BGPS Industry Fair set for Feb. 19, at BGHS 5-7pm

Jazz Band Feb. 11th, 12th and 25th

All grades band Feb. 27th.

Cultural Connections: Thursdays

Basketball 6th/7th/8th grades: Tuesdays & Thursdays starting Jan. 20th (6 to 8 wk session)

Board Games with Friends: Thursdays

Dream Team: 2nd and 4th Thursday each month,

Homework Help: Wednesdays

Yearbook: TBD

6th/7th/8th grade boys and girls basketball activity

After school basketball for 6th, 7th and 8th grade students began Tues. January 20th. This after school activity will meet 2:40 - 3:40 Tuesdays and Thursdays for 6 to 8 weeks and will, hopefully, conclude with a jamboree with our other middle school groups.

Space is limited.

District priorities, rising enrollment, increases in operating expenses, test scores and more: See accurate information about the district's budget and the levy request.

Levy ballots have been mailed and are due by Tuesday, Feb. 10. Due to recent postal changes, the Clark County elections office recommends mailing ballots by Feb. 3 or dropping them in a ballot box starting Feb. 4 to ensure that the vote is received in time to be counted.

Attention, Pleasant Valley Middle parents and guardians: Replacement levy

Did you know that there is a levy on the ballot that will affect our school? The proposed levy would replace a levy that has ended and support programs and operations not fully covered through state funding. If approved, the replacement levy also would provide funding for classes and programs that give students the tools for today’s economy and prepare them for their future careers. There are several ways to learn more about the levy:

• Visit the district’s website.

• Email questions to communication@battlegroundps.org.

All registered voters who live in the district will receive a ballot around Jan. 23. If you are not registered to vote, please visit the Clark County Elections Office website.

Election Day is Tuesday, Feb. 10.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The USPS no longer guarantees the postmark timeline for ballots sent through regular mail. As a result, ballots mailed after February 3, 2026 may not be counted and this will be reflected on the ballot information. To ensure ballots are received, we recommend:

• Mailing ballots by February 3, or

• Dropping ballots in the RED ballot boxes at the post office

• Ballot drop box locations (County Website)

As Valentine’s Day approaches, please remember that some items are not allowed on school buses due to safety reasons. These include breakable containers, such as vases; balloons; large, bulky items; and food that is not contained in a backpack. Learn more on our website, and thank you for your cooperation.

Although no measles cases have been identified in BGPS schools as of Jan. 29, we want to prepare families for the possibility of cases spreading to our district. Due to the contagious nature of the disease, a measles case in school could result in students and staff having to stay home from school for at least 21 days if they have not provided documentation of measles immunity. Clark County Public Health may direct school districts to take this action to prevent transmission and reduce the risk of exposure to measles. Find out what documentation will be required for students if there is a case and how you can check on your child’s records.

Please note your child’s semester 1 report card is now available to view in Skyward and print at home. Get instructions for viewing grades and report cards. Logging into Skyward will give you the quickest access to your child’s grades. Paper report cards will not be mailed to every family as in past years but will still be available upon request. Thank you for your understanding as we make this change.

As a result of all BGPS schools being closed on Dec. 17, 2025, BGPS will use the first snow makeup day on the 2025-26 calendar. Schools will now be open on Friday, March 13, and students should attend school that day. Please note that any additional weather-related closures will require more changes to the calendar.

Battle Ground schools are now accepting in-district boundary exception request applications for the 2026-27 school year, for students living within the BGPS boundary, but wishing to attend a school other than their resident neighborhood school. Applications will be considered in the order received. Please be sure to renew your boundary exception for next year or notify your school if you will not be attending there in the fall. Boundary exceptions must be renewed every year. Applications may be submitted to the school you wish to attend.

Students who live outside Battle Ground Public Schools boundaries and wish to transfer to a school within the district need to begin the process at their resident district. Out of district boundary applications for the 2026-27 school year will be accepted starting May 1st at 7am.

Current Battle Ground students who live outside the district may submit a letter of intent to attend a Battle Ground school for the 2026-27 school year, but must still submit a choice transfer form to the student’s home district on May 1st at 7 am.

Click this link to navigate to the BGPS boundaries webpage for more information and links to forms.

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This year Pleasant Valley Primary and Middle Schools will be celebrating 50 years of serving our community! Please fill out the Google form to contribute memories etc.

Battle Ground Public Schools’ specialized and alternative learning programs are accepting applications for the 2026-27 school year. Programs are available for students in kindergarten through high school. Please see each program’s website for details.

• Character and Academics for the Marketplace (CAM) Academy: For students in grades 3-12; this school focuses on English language arts, history, science, math and computer technology.

• Center for Agriculture, Science and Environmental Education (CASEE): A half-day high school program focused on science, technology, engineering and math on an 80-acre learning campus in Brush Prairie.

• Summit View High School: An individualized, self-paced learning environment for students ages 14-21.

• Open Doors GED: A program through Summit View High School for students ages 16-21 who are behind in credits and want to earn their GED.

• River HomeLink: An accredited public school that partners closely with parents to educate and support students.

Battle Ground Virtual Academy: A high-quality online learning experience where students are assigned a teacher with whom they and their parents meet regularly. Parents and guardians also play an active role in their child's online education. Battle Ground Virtual Academy can accept students from all over the state of Washington.

Hello 8th Grade Families.

We are excited to be working toward a special celebration for our 8th graders at the end of the school year! We will be selling concessions at the PTA Family Sweetheart Dance and will be having other fundraising efforts throughout the year. Donations toward the 8th grade celebration may also be labeled and dropped in the green PTA drop boxes in the PVP and PVM offices.

We are also looking for parent volunteers to help plan and organize the celebration. If you're interested or have questions, please reach out to me at woodard.mary@battlegroundps.org — your support makes all the difference!

Thank you for helping make this a great year for our 8th graders!

Download 8th grade celebration flyer below

Yearbook pre-order sales began January 6th. We only order a certain number of yearbooks each year, so be sure to reserve your copy right away to ensure you get one in June! Yearbooks will cost $20 and may be paid for at the school office with cash, check (made out to PVM) or card.

Save the date! The 11th annual Battle Ground Public Schools Industry Fair will be held at Battle Ground High School on Thursday, Feb. 19, from 5-7 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. Come meet with local employers to learn about apprenticeship opportunities and employment in fields such as health care, education, manufacturing, technology, construction and many more. There will also be a resume workshop in the high school’s career center from 4-6 p.m.

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 to reserve a table or contact BGHS Career Guidance Specialist Kevin Doyle at doyle.kevin@battlegroundps.org or 360-885-6598.

Be sure to check out our Community Events page for fun ideas of things to do throughout the local community. Opportunities include mentoring, tutoring, learning activities, sports and more.

Step right up! Whether you have a knack for decorating, love organizing games, or just want to lend a helping hand we would love to have you on board! We are in need of volunteers to help with with PV PTA Carnival planning and preparations. Not only will you help make this year’s event a success, but we’re looking to train volunteers to take over as event chairs next year. Reach out to us at pvpta3.6.30@gmail.com to get involved!

Care Solace: Your link to mental health support

Battle Ground Public Schools has partnered with Care Solace, a complimentary and confidential care coordination service that can help students 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.

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

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

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

https://phra.org/naloxone-training

Download flyer in English, Russian and Spanish below

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.

WA immunization requirements

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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.

Health and safety resources

See health and safety resources from the Washington state Dept. of Health.

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:

PVM RN pullen.lisa@battlegroundps.org

PVM LPN info.pvm@battlegroundps.org

School office 360-885-5500

Additional information:

Health & Attendance flyer

Medication at school authorization form

Battle Ground students already benefit from internet filtering technology that blocks inappropriate web content on all school-owned devices. Now, we are going one step further and granting every Battle Ground parent/guardian a free Qustodio parental app account. Qustodio will give you important insights into your child’s online activity on their school-issued device and provide you with features for managing their online activity at home. Learn more and activate your free account.

We are looking for volunteers! Volunteers play an important role in creating positive and supportive learning environments for students. Activities include helping in classrooms and the Patriot Store, greeting students, field trips, assisting with after school activities etc. Learn more and get started.

Other volunteer opportunities with PTA!

Our PTA has many events throughout the year both for making fun activities for our students and fundraising to benefit the students and staff at Pleasant Valley. Keep an eye out for PTA emails and info in our newsletters for opportunities to volunteer an hour or more helping with things like book fair, Fun Run, Sweetheart Dance, Penny Wars, Bazaar and Festival etc. It is easy to volunteer for an hour or two, then still have time to enjoy the event with your family. Our volunteers at PTA events are what makes us able to have these great opportunities for students.

Bus routes and First View app

Bus route information is available for your child(ren) in their Skyward Family Access account or on the district website. There may continue to be slight adjustments to stop times.

To view your child's route in Family Access, log in and select the “transportation” tile on the home screen. You will be able to view the bus number, stop address and approximate pickup and dropoff times.

Construction delays

Due to road construction in areas of the district, some buses may need to take a detour and/or may be delayed. To receive information about delays or route changes and track your child’s bus in near real-time, please install the FirstView app from First Student. The FirstView app is available for Android and Apple devices. Get instructions for installing the app. NOTE: A code is required to set up your account. You probably received a News to Know email containing that information, or you can request it from our office.

For questions about school district bus service, call our office or First Student at 360-841-7099, ext. 103 or 104.

Услуги по устному и письменному переводу на русский и украинский языки 360-885-5433

Servicios de Traducción e Interpretación en Español 360-885-5431

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.

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.

Safety Study Hall

Visit the Safety Study Hall website, a place for schools, students, and families to learn about safety topics.

Curious about what the PTA is all about? Join us at our Board meeting on November 25th in the PVP Library—it’s open to everyone! It’s a fantastic opportunity to see firsthand how we work together to support our schools and make a positive impact in our community. Whether you want to volunteer your time, share your ideas, or simply learn more about what’s happening, joining us is a great way to get involved and connect with fellow parents and educators. So why not take a peek behind the scenes and find out how YOU can help make a difference? We’d love to see you there!

PTA memberships expire each July.
Join or Renew your PTA Membership Now

Join us in the BAND App

Get notified of volunteer opportunities and needs at both the school and PTA. Find us in the BAND app by searching “Pleasant Valley PTA” or online at www.band.us/page/99656656

Get cleared to volunteer
In order to volunteer during school hours, you must have a completed background check on file with the district. Background checks are good for two years. Visit www.battlegroundps.org/volunteer/ to start the BGSD Volunteer Clearance process. Please note that you must also visit a BGSD office with your state issued ID to start the process. Processing may take up to 10 days after all information is received.

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Haven’t joined Box Tops yet—or forgot to scan your receipts?

Here’s a quick reminder to start earning free money for our schools! Just use the codes below to create your account and scan any receipt, and our schools will instantly earn a $5 bonus in Box Tops!

In August, only 8 people scanned receipts, bringing in just $8.70 for PVP. With over 600 students here, imagine the difference if everyone got involved!

Sign up today using these codes and help boost our schools funds:

• PVP code: SPUZ4IUS

• PVM code: UPQZ14SJ

Every scan counts—let’s make every receipt pay for a brighter future!

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Important Dates

• Feb 10: PTA General Meeting, 6pm

• Feb 13: Family Sweetheart Dance

• March 14: STEM Day

• March 24: PTA Board Meeting, 6pm

• April 21: PTA Board Meeting, 6pm

• April 25: Carnival

• May 4-8: Staff Appreciation Week

• May 19: PTA General Meeting, 6pm

Download our monthly calendars here

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!

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.

Family Resource 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.

Battle Ground Public Schools’ Family and Community Resource Center helps meet the needs of families facing challenges. As a donation based program, the FCRC relies on our community to help fill the shelves and those shelves are emptying fast. Right now, they have severe needs for items including soap, hygiene products, socks, underwear and more.

View a list and information on how to donate by visiting the district website.

Battle Ground Public Schools partners with Chartwells to provide meals at school. Menus will continue to be available via Nutrislice, with payments processed through InTouch Receipting. You will be able to see and pay all charges in one place. Use your Skyward / FamilyID information to log in (note: parent usernames now include an extra zero). See meal prices for 2025-26.

All students who attend schools that do not offer free meals to all students may still qualify to receive meals at no cost to their family if they meet the requirements.

The application for free and reduced-price meals is available in Skyward or 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 submit a new meal benefit application and consent to share form (русский) (Español) before registering for fall sports, even if they have done so previously. The consent to share can also be completed as part of the annual student update through Skyward.

Download February menu below

Here are some helpful links to the Battle Ground Public Schools website for back to school information.

Athletics

Boundary exceptions

Bus routes

First View bus app (view bus progress etc)

Calendars

Enrolling students

Child nutrition eligibility and education benefit application (we encourage all families to apply)

Immunizations

Medication at school (forms and other health information)

Nutrition services (menus, meal prices)

School supply lists

Every student at Pleasant Valley Middle School is known by name, strength, and need.

We believe ALL students can experience academic and personal growth.

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

PVM webpage

BGPS district webpage

PV PTA

PV PTA on Instagram

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/

Regular days: 8:10 - 2:40

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)

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Русский

Español

English

Русский

Español

Pleasant Valley Middle Student and Parent Handbook 2025-2026

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/Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator: Lynnell Tsugawa-Murray, Assistant Superintendent, Battle Ground Public Schools, PO Box 200, Battle Ground, WA 98604, murray.lynnell@battlegroundps.org, 360.885.5340

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

February 8, 2025

Issue #12-26