PATRIOT PRESS

Inside Scoop
Here's what's inside this week:
- Late start Wednesdays in Dec. 3rd, 10th, 17th
- NO SCHOOL Dec. 20th - Jan. 4th Winter Break
- Upcoming events, dates/times
- After school band practices and activities
- Holiday travel / excusing attendance
- Thankfulness tree
- Read our BGPS annual report
- Levy information
- Support for students, families
- Giving Tree
- Winter band concerts
- PTA - Book Swap!
- 8th grade celebration - donation, information etc
- PTA - Panda Express fundraiser night Dec. 10th
- ASB Canned Food Drive - December 3rd - 12th
- Spirit Week Dec. 15th - 19th, Red & Green Games Dec. 19th
- Yearbook pre-order sales begin January 6th
- Eleventh annual BGPS Industry Fair set for Feb. 19
- Get ready for winter weather
- Employee Recognition Award
- Counselor's Corner
- Prevention/intervention tips
- 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.
Upcoming events
Dec. 3rd - 12th ASB canned food drive
Dec. 10th - PTA Panda Express fundraiser night
Dec. 11th - Dream Team field trip
Dec. 11th - 5th/6th grade & Jazz Band Winter Band Concert 7pm (band students arrive by 6:45)
Dec. 16th - Book swap at PVP Gingerbread Lane event
Dec. 15th - 19th Spirit Week!
Dec. 17th - 7th/8th grade Winter Band Concert 7pm (band students arrive by 6:45)
Dec. 19th Red and Green Games
Jan. 13th - PTA Board meeting 6pm PVP media center
Jan.. 14th - Learn about the Levy presentation 6pm Battle Ground High media center
Jan. 16th - BINGO night
After school band practices (some weeks do not have practice each day)
If the date is not listed, there is no after school band that day
December
Week 2: Monday, Dec. 8th - cancelled; Wednesday, Dec. 10th Jazz Band;
Thursday, Dec. 11th 5/6/Jazz Band Winter Concert; Friday, Dec. 12th - 6-8 Bands Only
Week 3: Monday, Dec. 15th - 5/6 Bands Only; Wednesday, Dec. 17th - 7/8 Bands Winter Concert;
Thursday, Dec. 18th - Jazz Band; Friday, Dec. 19th - 6-8 Bands Only
After school activity meets
Cultural Connections: Thursdays
Dream Team: 2nd and 4th Thursday each month, Dec. 11th DT field trip
Girls Who Code club: Every other Wednesday 12/10, 1/7, 1/21, 2/18, 3/4, 4/1, 4/29, 5/13, 5/27
Homework Help: Wednesdays
Yearbook: Dec. 1st Editing team, Dec. 8th Photography team, Dec. 15th Social Media team
Holiday travel / excusing attendance
If your family will be taking extra days away from school around Winter break, please be sure to contact the school office to excuse these absences. Students will need to work with their teachers on how to complete work missed while they were away. Absences may be pre-arranged and reported ahead of time. In order to be excused, absences must be excused within three days of returning from the absence.
Routes to report absences.
PVM email: info.pvm@battlegroundps.org
PVM absence line: 360-885-5512
PVM office: 360-885-5500
Or you may report absences in your Skyward Family Access account, attendance tile.
Thank you for helping keep your child's attendance records up to date.
PVM Thankfulness Tree
The DREAM Team celebrated gratitude with their 2nd annual Thankfulness Tree. PVM students wrote what they’re thankful for on paper leaves and added them to the tree, creating a colorful display of appreciation. Along the way they learned how practicing gratefulness can boost mood, reduce stress, and support positive mental health. It reminded us all how small moments of thankfulness make a big difference.
Read our BGPS annual report
Did you receive the report to our community? Take a look at the report for information about budget, school and district academic performance, school building improvements, student and staff accomplishments and much more. You can also find the report on our website.
Levy information
Click this LINK to navigate to the BGPS website for more in-depth information about the levy.
Learn about the levy on Jan. 14
Battle Ground Public Schools has a levy on the ballot for Feb. 10. Attend a presentation next month to ask questions and speak with district leaders.
Wednesday, Jan. 14
6 p.m.
Battle Ground High School media center
If you can't attend, you can also send questions to communication@battlegroundps.org or visit our website.
Support for students, families
Did you know that Battle Ground Public Schools students and families can get support with things like clothing, hygiene items, food and other resources? If your family needs assistance, here are a few steps that you can take.
Giving Tree
PVM's Giving Tree still has tags on it if any of our families would like to select a tag and purchase a gift to help support a PVM family.
If your child will be selecting a tag from the tree, they must have a note, signed by a parent/guardian, granting permission for them to select a tag from the tree, and bring it to the office before selecting a tag. Please contact or come in to the school office if you have questions or would like to claim a tag. Tags must be signed out so we know who to contact if we need to.
All gifts need to be wrapped, labeled with the tag you chose (or the information that was on that tag), and returned to the school by Friday, December 12th.
Winter band concerts
PTA - Book Swap!
Share the Joy of Reading!
Have books your family no longer needs? Drop off your gently used books at the school office and help spread the love of reading! Then, join us at PVP's Gingerbread Lane event the evening of December 16th for our Free Book Pick-Up Night — browse and take home some “new-to-you” stories to enjoy.
8th grade celebration - donation, information etc
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 sold concessions at the PTA Holiday Bazaar and Festival 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
PTA Panda Express Fundraiser Night - Dec. 10th
Bring THIS FLYER, or order online through the Panda app or website on December 10th with the code 3849176 and Panda Express will donate 20% of your bill to Pleasant Valley PTA!
When: December 10, 2025 | 9:30AM-10:30PM
Where: Salmon Creek Panda Express
13307 NE Highway 99, Vancouver, WA, 98686
Fundraising CODE: 3849176
ASB Canned Food Drive - December 3rd - 12th
Our ASB is organizing PVM's canned food drive, to support our school and community. Each item donated will earn points for the student's homeroom. Each day there are bonus items that will earn extra points on that day. The winning homeroom in each grade level will get VIP seating/chairs at the Red and Green Games on Friday, December 19th, as well as all the fanfare and fame that being the winning homeroom brings. Whose room is going to take the prize this year?!
Thank you in advance for your donations, they are always very appreciated.
Spirit Week Dec. 15th - 19th, Red & Green Games Dec. 19th
Spirit Week is only a week away! Here is a list of the themes for each day so you can get a jump on designing your attire for each day.
Homerooms are assigned Red or Green for Friday the 19th.
RED: Reed/Gannon, Pace/Warner, Zimmer/Wahl, Welter/Davis
GREEN: Poe/Rush, Ohama/Benjamin, Trainor/Smithline, Hills/Pomeroy
Students will attend the Red and Green Games on Dec. 19th after lunches. The excitement is REAL, and it gets very loud during all the fun. Students with sensitive hearing may wish to bring earplugs/mufflers to wear. The homeroom from each grade level that collects the most donations for our food drive will win priority seating in chairs at the games.
Yearbook pre-order sales begin January 6th
Yearbook pre-order sales will begin January 6th. We only order a certain number of yearbooks each year, so be sure to reserve your copy right away (starting Jan. 6th) 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.
Eleventh annual BGPS Industry Fair set for Feb. 19
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.
Get ready for winter weather
Are you prepared for snow or inclement weather that could delay or cancel school? Here are some tips:
Download and/or print our weather guide (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.
If your child rides the bus, make sure you know their snow route.
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.
Calls and texts may begin going out as early as 5:30 a.m. only if there is a change to the school schedule. 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 procedures and snow route information.
Employee Recognition Award
Do you know an amazing staff member? The Employee Recognition Award highlights staff members who reflect the district’s strategic plan goals. Three to five nominees are selected each month and recognized at a board meeting. Everyone is welcome to submit a nomination.
Counselor's Corner
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
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
Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) information
Download flyer in English, Russian and Spanish below
Prevention/intervention tips
If you have questions or concerns about alcohol or substance prevention/intervention, please contact our Prevention/Intervention Specialist, Kari Koller-Oberg
Email:
koller-oberg.kari@battlegroundps.org
Notes from the Nurse
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
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.orgPVM LPN info.pvm@battlegroundps.org
School office 360-885-5500
Additional information:
Free technology monitoring tool for parents
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.
Interested in volunteering?
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.
First View Bus App - get updates for construction delays etc
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.
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 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.
Safety Study Hall
Visit the Safety Study Hall website, a place for schools, students, and families to learn about safety topics.
PV PTA news
PTA Board Meeting
November 25, 6pm in the PVP Library
Free Childcare provided by Right At School
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
Jan 13: PTA Board Meeting, 6pm
Jan 16: BINGO Night
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
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.
Family and Community Resource Center in need of donations
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.
Meal information
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.
December Menu
Download December menu below
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 2025 - 2026
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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* * *
December 7, 2025
Issue #8-26