Timberwolf Times
MAY 2025
April Vonderharr, Principal | Salina Machida, Assistant Principal
Teri Buck, Head Secretary | Sabrina Manseau, Assistant Secretary
SCHOOL PRINCIPAL DAY - MAY 1ST
Honoring Our School Administrators Mrs. Vonderharr and Mrs. Machida
Our Principal and Assistant Principal are the heart of our school, leading with dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment to our students, teachers, and staff. Their guidance shapes our school’s success, and their support fosters an environment where everyone can thrive.
We are incredibly grateful for their leadership, hard work, and the countless ways they make our school a better place every day. Thank you for all that you do!
TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK MAY MAY 5TH - 9TH
Teachers shape young minds, inspire dreams, and make a difference every single day. Their dedication, patience, and passion create a learning environment where students can grow, explore, and succeed.
To all our incredible educators—thank you for your hard work, your kindness, and the impact you make in our students' lives. We appreciate you today and every day!
Tell us about your or your child's favorite teacher(s) by filling out a short Google Form before Wednesday, April 30. You can also include a photo of your child and their teacher (please be aware, photos may be used on district websites and social media).
SCHOOL NURSE DAY - MAY 7th
Honoring Nurse Jen and Nurse Kristine
We recognize and appreciate our incredible school nurses for the care, compassion, and dedication they bring to our school community. From treating everyday scrapes to offering comfort and support, our school nurses plays a vital role in keeping our students healthy and safe. Thank you for all you do to ensure our school is a place where students can learn and thrive! We are grateful for you today and every day.
CAREER DAY FOR OUR 4TH GRADERS
On Monday, April 28th, our 4th grade students had the exciting opportunity to join their peers at Battle Ground High School for a district-wide Career Fair. The event was designed to spark curiosity and provide early exposure to the world of careers and future planning.
Students explored a wide variety of careers within our community, gained awareness of the many paths available, and got an introductory look at the Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs offered at the high school level.
It was a day full of inspiration, imagination, and big dreams—and everyone had a blast!
SMARTER BALANCED TESTING
Help your Child be Prepared
This spring all 3rd and 4th grade students will participate in the statewide Smarter Balanced Assessment. This test assesses students in both Math and English Language Arts. For each subject area, there are two testing days. One day the students will complete a computer adaptive test (CAT) and the other a performance task (PT).
During this time, please be sure that your child gets plenty of rest, eats a healthy breakfast, and is encouraged to do their best. We know that our Timberwolves are going to do great and we appreciate all of your support at home!
PLANT SALE
Plant sales at Battle Ground and Prairie High School start this week. The Battle Ground High School hanging plant and greenhouses sale will be one-day only, Saturday, May 3 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. (or until stock runs out). Prairie High School’s plant sale will begin Friday, May 2 from 3-6 p.m., with additional sale times on Saturday, May 3 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 3-6 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday, May 5-6. Signs will be posted on campus to direct buyers to the correct location.
Check out the district website for additional sale information, including types of plants available and payment types accepted. All proceeds help to support FFA, agriculture and welding programs in the district
NEW KINDERGARTEN ORIENTATION
Please join us at our Kindergarten Orientation on May 22nd, 2025 from 5:30 p.m.- p.m 7:00pm.
KEY DATES FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE 24 - 25 SCHOOL YEAR
24 - 25 SCHOOL YEAR
School starts at 9:05 a.m. and dismisses at 3:40 p.m.
A student is considered tardy at 9:10 a.m. Please come into the office to sign in your student.
Late start Wednesdays school starts at 10:05 a.m.
Please look at the school calendar for more information on specifics.
No school May 26th
Last day of school: Tuesday, June 11th
UPCOMING CHANGE TO WEDNESDAY LATE STARTS
Wednesday May 28th, 2025
NO SCHOOL
No school on May 26, 2025 for Memorial Day.
EARLY RELEASE FOR CONFERENCES
School dismisses at 12:40
Parent-Teacher conferences are on May 29th and 30th. School will be dismissed at 12:40. Spring conferences are not required for all students, so your child's teacher will be communicating if they'd like to meet with your family.
CALENDAR CHANGE FOR THE LAST DAY OF SCHOOL
Schedule changes will be in effect for the end of this school year due to weather-related closures in the year. The last day of school for students will be Wednesday 11th. Tuesday June 10th and Wednesday June 11th are early release days. School releases at 12:40 p.m.
NUTRITION SERVICES
CLASS PLACEMENT FORMS
Class placement information was recently emailed to all parents and guardians. Please ensure that completed forms are either dropped off at the office or emailed. All forms must be submitted by May 2, 2025.
IMPORTANT BOUNDARY INFORMATION
All families with in-district or out-of-district boundary exceptions (choice transfers) for the 2024-2025 school year need to reapply for the 2025-26 school year.
Please note a change to Choice Transfers for 2024-25 and beyond. Battle Ground Public Schools has switched from paper forms to an online application through the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Applications for out-of-district student Choice Transfers in 2025-26 will be accepted starting at 7 a.m. on May 1. Applications submitted prior to that date will be denied, and the family will need to submit a new application after May 1. Applications will be processed in the order in which they are received.
More information about this process and forms are on the district website.
FIRST STUDENT BUS TRACKING APP
First Student is making updates to its monitoring system. The updated app, known as FirstView: GPS, will allow parents and guardians to securely monitor your child(s) daily trips, view real-time bus locations, view any updates or delay notifications and set up family members or caregivers to also receive trip alerts, plus much more.
Please watch for information in early May about the new app, including instructions on install and set it up. The existing FirstView Classic app will be disabled sometime in mid-May.
Please note the new District Code is: K1Q0K
This code is case-sensitive, so please enter it exactly as shown.
STAYING HYDRATED AT RECESS
With the warmer weather here, it's important that your child stays well-hydrated throughout the day. Please remember to send them with a water bottle, and encourage them to drink plenty of water during the day. Thank you for your support in keeping everyone healthy and comfortable!
LOST LIBRARY BOOKS
As we head towards the end of the school year, please remember to be on the lookout for lost books and return all books in a timely manner. Beginning May 19th, students may only check out one book at a time. The last day of checkout will be May 23rd with all books due June 6th. Notices for books out or fines will be emailed on May 30th, June 6th and June 10th. Paper copies will also be sent home with students on June 6th and June 10th. Thank you for your help getting our books back in the library. We appreciate it.
4TH GRADE FIELD TRIP TO CLARK PUBLIC UTILITIES
Students Get Charged Up During Utility Tour! ⚡💧
As part of our ongoing efforts to connect classroom learning with real-world experiences, our students recently participated in an exciting and educational tour of the local utility operations center.
The tour included a variety of hands-on and engaging activities:
🔹 A video presentation that introduced students to the utility's role in the community, the wide range of careers available, and how electricity is generated.
🔹 A guided walking tour through key areas such as the warehouse, recycling center, and truck bays, giving students an up-close look at daily operations.
🔹 An electrifying demonstration of electricity and magnetism—including a Van de Graaff generator! Students learned how electricity is produced, distributed, and conserved.
🔹 A fun and informative session on drinking water, including hands-on activities that highlighted the importance of environmental stewardship and water protection.
🔹 A live demo of the Electri-City display, which helped students understand electrical safety in a memorable, interactive way.
The tour brought science and sustainability to life, sparking curiosity and inspiring students to think about how they can help power a better future!
KINDERGARTEN COUNT DOWN TO SUMMER
Help Us Celebrate the Kindergarten Countdown to Summer!
We’re so excited to kick off our Kindergarten Countdown to Summer with a series of fun and special themed days! Each day will bring a new celebration to help us end the school year with joy and excitement.
Check out our Calendar of Events below and get ready for a summer countdown full of smiles, creativity, and memories!
BITES OF BATTLE GROUND
Join us for Bites of BG, where several local restaurants are giving back 20-25% of your purchase back to our school community! On select nights, when you dine at participating restaurants, a portion of the proceeds will go directly to the Tukes Valley PTO to support our students and teachers.
Wednesday, May 14 – Red Robin
Thursday, May 22 – Burgerville T
Thursday, May 29 – Mod Pizza and Menchie's
Important: Don't forget to bring the flyer (printed or digital) and show it at checkout to ensure the PTO receives credit for your order.
Help Spread the Word! Invite family, friends, and neighbors to join in and support our school community—every bite counts!Support Tukes Valley Schools just by eating out!
EXCITING EVENTS COMING UP SOON
4TH GRADE MOVE UP DAY JUNE 3rd, 2025 12:40-2:00
Our 4th grade students will take an exciting step toward their next big adventure—Middle School! As part of their transition to 5th grade this coming fall, students have the opportunity to tour the Middle School campus.
During the visit, they will meet the Admin, teachers and staff who will be part of their journey next year as well as explore the clasrooms and common areas.
The tour helpes ease nerves and build excitement, giving students a chance to imagine what life as a middle schooler will be like.
It will be a fun, informative visit that our future 5th graders feel confident and ready for what’s ahead!
KINDERGARTEN GRADUATION JUNE 3RD FROM 5:30-7:30 IN THE COMMONS
Come and celebrate all the growth, learning, and hard work our Kindergarten students have accomplished this year! We are so proud of their journey and excited to honor their graduation to 1st grade.
Join us for a special celebration filled with joy, smiles, and recognition of just how far these young learners have come. Let’s cheer them on as they take their next big step!
KINDERGARTEN FIELD TRIP TO THE OREGON ZOO JUNE 5TH
Our kindergarten classes are heading to the Oregon Zoo for a fun-filled field trip! We’re so excited to explore the zoo and see all the wonderful animals — from tall giraffes to roaring lions, waddling penguins, and swinging monkeys!
👫 Volunteers: Look out for a volunteer slip coming home soon — we’d love your help!
We can't wait for a day of learning, laughter, and animal adventures!
SCHOOL FAMILY BBQ/FIELD DAY
June 6th, 2025
You're Invited to Join the Fun – BBQ & Field Day!
Our students have worked hard all year, and we're thrilled to invite you to celebrate with them! You're welcome to join your student for a BBQ lunch during their regular lunchtime—and if you're available, we would love your help as a volunteer during our Field Day activities.
We are looking for parent volunteers to help run this fun event. You may volunteer for a full day or am/pm half day.
Morning shift (9a-12:20pm) includes Set up, Running a station for 1st-4th grade
Afternoon Shift (1:45p-3:30p) includes running a station for ITK/Kindergarten, and Clean up
To keep things safe and manageable, we’re asking that only adult volunteers attend—thanks for understanding that spectators and siblings can’t join us this time!
Make sure you have an updated volunteer clearance. If you have questions about this, contact the primary school office and they can help you. Here is the link if you need it to fill out the volunteer form:: Volunteer Form
If interested, please contact:
Sara Williams
KEY DATES FOR THE UPCOMING 2025 - 2026 SCHOOL YEAR
The Battle Ground school board recently approved the 2025-26 academic calendar. Here are some of the key dates:
First day of school - Tuesday, Aug. 26
Thanksgiving break - Nov. 26-28
Winter break - Dec. 22, 2025, through Jan. 2, 2026
Spring break - April 6-10
Last day of school (weather dependent) - Wednesday, June 11, 2026
CALLING ALL KINDERGARTENERS
Children who will turn five years old by Aug. 31, 2025, are eligible to enroll in kindergarten for the 2025-26 school year. Parents/guardians are encouraged to enroll their child as soon as possible to ensure they can participate in key events leading up to the start of kindergarten, including orientation and JumpStart. Click here for more information https://www.battlegroundps.org/page/kindergarten
To enroll, parents will need proof of their child's birth date (such as a birth certificate) and a signed and completed Washington state Certificate of Immunization Status form. Please note that the State of Washington requires that immunization records be medically verified.
MEDICATION PICK UP
MOVING SCHOOLS?
LOOKING FOR SUMMER ACTIVITIES?
New this year, Battle Ground Community Education will be offering a variety of summer camp opportunities five days a week! Pick from a selection of half-day camps, day camps or weekly camps. Activities include QuickStart sports camps, dance and cheer camps and workshops, SHAPE NW theme camps and the Prairie High School volleyball camp. Get more details and sign up on the BGCE website.
LEGO SUMMER ACADEMY RETURNING
Back by popular demand, LEGO Summer Academy is returning for K-8 students. Build cool creations, learn basic computer programming, boost grade-level reading skills using core literacy curriculum, practice grade-level math through workplace activities and group work. Spots will fill up quickly, so register today! Registration closes on May 1 at 6:30 a.m. PST.
LOST AND FOUND
PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION
GET INVOLVED
Want to get involved?
We need volunteers!
Want to help improve the school for students? CONTACT US!
Upcoming meetings in the library from 4pm-5pm:
May 6th, 2024
June 3rd, 2024
Have ideas and can't make the meeting, or want more information on the Tukes Valley PTO? We're an open book. Contact us at info@tukesvalleypto.org.
VOLUNTEERING IN THE CLASSROOM
Your volunteer status will be good for 2 years.
- Please complete the online form.
- Bring your valid photo identification to any school or the district office for verification. These documents must be turned in BEFORE your application can be processed. Once all documents are turned in, it takes 7-10 business days for clearance.
- Washington residents* must present a valid Washington driver’s license or state ID card. By law, after you move to Washington state, you have 30 days to obtain your Washington.
BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL CARE
SIGN UP ONLINE
If you are interested in before or after school care - sign up now! You can use the Parent sign up form to begin the process today.
FRIENDLY REMINDERS FROM THE OFFICE
- Our phone number is 360-885-6200 and our hours are 8:30-4:30
- Please either send a note with your student or email the office @ tvpoffice@battlegroundps.org no later than 2:30 p.m. with a going home plan
- If your child has borrowed clothes from the health room please wash them and return to the school as soon as possible
- Call the office to excuse an absence within 72 hours
- Come into the office to sign your student in when they are tardy
- No school on 5/26/2025 for Memorial Day
- Early release on 5/29 & 5/30. School dismisses at 12:40 pm
- Late start on 5/7, 5/14, 5/21, 5/28
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Battle Ground Public Schools provides equal opportunity in programs and employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin/language, creed/religion, sex, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a service animal by a person with a disability, age, marital status, honorably discharged veteran or military status, HIV/Hepatitis C status. The district provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other
designated youth groups. Contact the following regarding questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Tom Adams, Director of Student Services, adams.tom@battlegroundps.org, Title IX Compliance Officer, 360.885.5415; Michelle Reinhardt, Executive Director of Human Resources, reinhardt.michelle@battlegroundps.org, Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator/Section 504/ADA Coordinator, 360.885.5481; or a letter may be submitted to the designated coordinator at the Battle Ground Public Schools, PO Box 200, Battle Ground, WA 98604