PATRIOT PRESS
PLEASANT VALLEY MIDDLE SCHOOL * * * January 22, 2023
Welcome to another edition of the Patriot Press.
Inside Scoop
- January late start Wednesdays 11th, 18th, 25th
- Early release Thurs./Fri. January 26th & 27th 11:40 a.m.
- January 27th last day of 1st semester
- No School Wed. Feb. 8th, district in-service day
- **NEW** Family Sweetheart Dance Feb. 3rd 6-8 pm. (not a drop-off event) Volunteers needed
- Yearbook orders may be placed starting Monday, Jan. 23rd
- Yearbook photos needed - 8th grader's baby photos etc
- Parent pick up reminders - after after-school activities
- Dual credit information night is Tuesday, Jan. 24, 4-5 p.m. Zoom presentation
- **New** Fentanyl Awareness Forums Feb. 7th and 9th
- After school activities begin in January
- PHS Band Showcase (7th/8th grade band students) Feb. 2nd
- ***updated*** 2023 BGPS Industry Fair, Feb. 16, 5-7 p.m. at Battle Ground High School
- Boys basketball registration
- World language testing registration is Dec. 5 - March 24
- Counselor's Corner
- Notes From the Nurse - Welcome to Jessica Pell, LPN
- Children's Dental Health Day event Feb 4th 8 am - 1 pm Clark College/Firstenburg Clinic
- Inclement weather/school closure information
- Reporting absences
- Job openings
- Family Resource Center information
- Menu, info. links, contact info - hours, calendars, handbooks
Upcoming events
* PHS Band Showcase for 7th/8th grade band students Feb. 2nd. 8:10 - 10:30 a.m. Permission slips due to Mr. deBra by January 20th!
* 2023 BGPS Industry Fair is happening Thursday, Feb.16th, 5-7pm at BGHS
* PV PTA Family Sweetheart Dance Feb. 3rd 6-8pm (not a drop-off event, students must be accompanied by an adult). Volunteers needed, see below.
Last day of 1st semester is January 27th.
Students and parents may see missing assignments in their Skyward Family Access account, gradebook page. Students should communicate with teachers if there are any questions regarding assignments or due dates for getting work included in their semester-end grade. Semester one report cards should come out toward the end of the second week in February or beginning of the third week of February, depending on mail service.
Semester two schedules will begin Monday, January 30th. Students will have new specialist classes and some students, mostly 7th grade, will have schedule changes. Schedules will be able to be viewed in Skyward before the first day of second semester.
**Updated** Family Sweetheart Dance - Feb. 3rd 6-8 pm.
Volunteers needed!
Yearbook orders may be placed starting Monday, Jan. 23rd
You may pay by cash (exact change is appreciated, we do not have a change box), or check - made out to PVM. Payment must be made at the time you place your order.
We will receive a limited number of yearbooks, so order early to ensure you get one!
Yearbook photos needed: 8th grader's baby photos, activity photos, sports photos etc
Yearbook is asking for 8th grade student's baby photos. The student's name (first and last) should be entered as the description on the photo submission page.
Any other photos students or families would like to upload to be considered for inclusion in the yearbook may be uploaded using this webpage as well. Entering names of the students pictured in the photos in the description field is helpful.
To upload photos, simply go to https://www.hjeshare.com/eShare/?code=hj7846 and enter the required information.
Parent pick up reminders - after after-school activities
The center lane (to the left when entering the parking lot) is the parent pick up exit lane during primary school release time. The far left lane is closed to exiting traffic and is used for primary school parents parking to pick up their children at the front of the school.
Please do not drive down the center/exit lane of the parking lot at this time. If you have questions about the traffic flow during primary school release time, please call the PVM office and we will help you (360-885-5500).
*** Also, please be sure to pick your student up promptly after their activity ends. Staff are not on duty to supervise students after activities are over.
Thank you.
Dual credit information night is Tuesday, Jan. 24, 4-5 p.m. Zoom presentation
Battle Ground Public School is hosting a virtual presentation via Zoom to provide information about dual credit for all students and families, 8th through 11th grades, on Tuesday, Jan. 24 from 4-5 p.m. Dual credit provides students with the potential to earn high school and college credit at the same time. Information will include Running Start at Clark College, Cascadia Tech Academy (Skills Center), career and technical education dual credit, work-based learning, College in the High School and Advanced Placement classes. If you have any questions, contact Work-Based Learning Coordinator Kris Neal via email at neal.kris@battlegroundps.org.
** NEW ** Fentanyl Awareness Forums
Fentanyl is a highly addictive drug that can be deadly. Two informational sessions next month are designed to help parents and guardians understand the dangers of fentanyl. Presentations by local law enforcement officers will be available in English, American Sign Language, Spanish and Russian. Session dates:
- Tuesday, Feb. 7, at 7 p.m. at Fort Vancouver High School (5700 East 18th St., Vancouver, WA 98661)
- Thursday, Feb. 9, at 7 p.m. at Evergreen High School (14300 NE 18th St., Vancouver, WA 98684)
All members of the Clark County community, regardless of district, are invited to attend. Please be advised that some of the material could be too intense for younger children.
If you prefer to watch from home, the English sessions will be livestreamed on the YouTube channels of Vancouver Public Schools and Evergreen Public Schools. Recordings of all four presentations will be available after the events.
After School Activities are Beginning in January!
After school activities are a great way to stay engaged and connect with people. There is a board game group for students to learn some new games and just have some fun. Prairie High School ROTC cadets will be coming to PVM to lead a Jr. Guard class. We will have homework help Monday-Thursday each week so students can have a quiet place to work on their school work or get a little help on an assignment.
Turn in your permission form this week so you can start participating now!
PHS Band Showcase for 7th/8th grade band students Feb. 2nd. 8:10 - 10:30 a.m.
Permission slips were sent home with students last week, so if you have not seen one, have your student check their backpack. Permission slips are due back to Mr. deBra by January 20th.
2023 BGPS Industry Fair is happening Thursday, Feb. 16
Come meet local employers and learn about jobs in and around Clark County at the 2023 BGPS Industry Fair, Feb. 16, 5-7 p.m. at Battle Ground High School. Businesses representing health care, education, manufacturing, technology, construction, finance, retail and many more industries will be there to meet with you. Visit the BGHS Career Center from 3-6 p.m. for a resume workshop. This free event is open to students, families and the entire community.
***Newly added 1/31, from the District***
Discover local jobs and career opportunities on Thursday, Feb. 16
Attend the Battle Ground Public Schools Industry Fair to learn about apprenticeships and jobs in
health care, education, manufacturing, technology, construction, finance, hospitality, retail,
transportation and more. Some employers may be hiring--bring your resume!
Who:
● Everyone is welcome. This event serves students, families and the community.
● Child care will be available at the event.
● Approximately 70 employers from a variety of industries will be available to answer
questions.
When: Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023
● Resume workshop in the Battle Ground High School career center from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
● Industry Fair from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Battle Ground High School, 300 West Main St., Battle Ground, WA
Sponsored by Battle Ground Public Schools in partnership with Goodwill Industries of the
Columbia-Willamette, WorkSource Southwest Washington and Next Success.
В четверг, 16 февраля, вы сможете узнать о местных вакансиях и карьерных
возможностях.
Посетите индустриальную ярмарку, проводимую государственными школами округа
Баттл Граунд, чтобы узнать об обучении и рабочих местах в сфере здравоохранения,
образования, производства, технологий, строительства, финансов, гостиничного бизнеса,
розничной торговли, транспорта и многого другого. Некоторые работодатели могут
нанимать сотрудников — принесите свое резюме!
Кто:
● Прийти может любой желающий. Это мероприятие проводится для учеников,
семей и общины.
● Во время мероприятия предоставляется уход за детьми.
● На ваши вопросы смогут ответить около 70 работодателей из различных отраслей.
Когда: Четверг, 16 февраля 2023 г.
● Семинар по написанию резюме пройдет в Профориентационном Центре BGHS с
15:00 до 18:00
● Индустриальная ярмарка пройдет с 17:00 до 19:00
Где:
Battle Ground High School, 300 West Main St., Battle Ground, WA
Мероприятие спонсируется государственными школами округа Баттл Граунд в
партнерстве с Goodwill Industries of the Columbia-Willamette, WorkSource Southwest
Washington и Next Success.
Descubra empleos locales y oportunidades profesionales el jueves 16 de febrero.
Vengan a la Feria de Industrias de las Escuelas Públicas de Battle Ground para obtener
información sobre los programas de formación de aprendizaje y de trabajos en atención
médica, educación, manufactura, tecnología, construcción, finanzas, hospitalidad, venta al
menudeo, transporte y más. Algunos empleadores pueden estar contratando ahora mismo -
traigan su resumen!
Quien:
● Todos son bienvenidos. Este evento sirve a los estudiantes, familias y a la comunidad.
● Se ofrecerá cuidado de niños durante este evento.
● Habrá aproximadamente 70 empleadores de una gran variedad de industrias y estarán
disponibles para responder a sus preguntas.
Cuando: El jueves 16 de febrero, 2023
● Habrá un taller de resúmenes y estará disponible en el centro de carreras de la Escuela
Preparatoria de Battle Ground, de las 3 p.m. a las 6 p.m.
● La Feria de Industrias será de las 5 p.m. a 7 p.m.
Donde:
En la Escuela Preparatoria de Battle Ground, 300 West Main St., Battle Ground, WA
Patrocinado por las Escuelas Públicas de Battle Ground en asociación con Goodwill Industries
of the Columbia-Willamette, WorkSource Southwest Washington y Next Success.
Boys basketball registration
Boys basketball
There is still time for any 6th, 7th and 8th grade boys interested in Basketball to register. The playing season is January 30th through March 16th.
To register you need a current sports physical, Family ID completed and the $10 registration fee paid. Follow the link below.
World language testing registration is Dec. 5 - March 24
Battle Ground Public Schools offers students the opportunity to earn world language high school credits through remote world language testing. Students who test proficiently can earn up to 4 world language credits on their high school transcript. Students who earn credits and meet their high school English language arts district and state graduation requirements are eligible to earn the Seal of Biliteracy with their high school diploma. Credits earned and Seal of Biliteracy awards will be assigned prior to graduation in June. Battle Ground Public Schools partners with Avant Assessment and LTI for world language testing.
Applications are open now on the district website, along with a schedule of upcoming testing dates.
Counselor's Corner
Happy New Year!
If you are interested in having your student involved in a group with a focus of goal setting, organizing work, and navigating their google calendar, please email me. mccann.amanda@battlegroundps.org .
Thanks,
Social-Emotional Supports
There are great resources available for social-emotional support 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: Social Emotional Supports
NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is also a great resource: NAMI
Amanda McCann
School Counselor
Notes from the Nurse
Hello Pleasant Valley Middle School Families.
- We would like to welcome Jessica Pell, LPN to Pleasant Valley Middle. She is taking over for Vera Dudik in our health room. We are glad to have her on our healthcare team!
- Nurse Janel would like to remind us that everyone will still need to put on a mask when in the health room area, as it is a health care setting.
- Students who arrive at school with a fever of 100.0 or above will be sent home. Please don't try to "push through" the day. When staff or students have a fever they are most likely to pass their illness on to others.
- Please wash your hands before eating, after using the restroom, after sneezing or using a tissue for your face. Hand hygiene is very important and can eliminate a majority of germs that we spread! Also, if you do not feel well or are sick please, PLEASE stay home to get well!
Thank you!
PVM nursing team
COVID safety in schools
The district posts information about cases in schools on a COVID-19 dashboard.
General guidelines and requirements
- Staff and school volunteers are no longer required to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Volunteers must still complete the standard clearance process.
- It is recommended that people with symptoms of an infectious disease stay home and isolate themselves from others for at least five days.
- If someone shows symptoms of an infectious disease while at school, it is recommended that they isolate away from others and be sent home.
- While general masking is not required in schools, masks or face coverings are still required in school health rooms.
- Anyone may choose to continue wearing a mask on school grounds. We expect our students and staff to continue to show respect for one another and the many different viewpoints that make up our community.
- Rapid test kits will continue to be available in buildings for use at home.
Parents and guardians should report positive test results to their child’s building(s). Get contact information for each school.
If you need to email our nurses:
pell.jessica@battlegroundps.org
salisbury.janel@battlegroundps.org
School office 360-885-5500
Additional information:
BGPS Corona Virus guidelines/requirements page
Medication at school
If your student requires any medication at school, please be sure we have a current doctor-signed medication at school form and, if necessary, medical orders for your student, for each medication. Medications at school must be unexpired. Please communicate with our nurses if you are not sure if your child's medication is past its expiration date.
Inclement Weather and emergency closure information.
How we notify families
- Automated Phone Calls & Emails: Please keep your contact information updated in Skyward (Family Access) or contact your school office. On weather days, calls begin going out at 5:30 a.m. to families who have not opted out.
- Information Line: (360) 885-5343 (Updated by 6:00 a.m. on impacted days).
- District Website: Bookmark www.battlegroundps.org for easy access.
- Social Media Accounts
- Flash Alert: Sign up for email alerts or download the mobile app for updates about emergency and non-emergency issues.
- TV and radio stations, local newspapers
Reporting Absences - New Russian/Ukrainian attendance line information
***NEW*** Our Russian/Ukrainian Support team would like to announce the new attendance line for Russian and Ukrainian families.
Job openings: Join the BGPS team!
Join the BGPS team!
Do you know someone who is looking for work? Battle Ground Public Schools is hiring substitute teachers (certificated substitutes). A teaching license is not required. The rate is $175 per day (higher for some locations). Apply now. Support amazing students and families, work with great colleagues and be an important part of the community!
Here are some of the other current openings in Battle Ground Public Schools:
Special program para - Daybreak Primary School
School psychologist
Game manager - Amboy Middle School
Stadium technician - District Stadium
Middle school assistant coaches (boys and girls basketball, soccer)
High school assistant coaches (Prairie High School softball, swimming, cheer. Battle Ground High School track, basketball, unified)
View the full list of current job openings and apply online at the district website.
Bus drivers
BGPS' transportation provider, First Student, is in need of part-time bus drivers. For more details on First Student driving careers, including sign-on bonuses starting at $2,500, visit https://bit.ly/3TijZcZ.
Cafeteria workers
Sodexo, the district's food service provider, is looking for employees in a number of specialties. Most positions provide on-the-job training and start at $16.20 per hour or more. More information: https://bit.ly/3Fzd8VM
Right At School
The district's new before/after school care provider, Right At School, is looking for program managers and educators. Learn more at https://www.rightatschool.com/careers or email your resume to darcie.torres@rightatschool.com.
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
School lunch information
There will be a charge for all school meals beginning on the first day of school, Aug. 31, 2022. The USDA waiver that allowed school districts to provide free breakfast and lunch expired at the end of last school year. For the 2022-23 school year, families will be charged regular prices for school meals. Free / reduced meal applications for the 2022-23 school year are available on Skyward (Family Access).
NOTE: Those who qualify for free/reduced lunch may also be eligible for decreased school fees. To learn more and to apply, visit https://www.battlegroundps.org/free-and-reduced/.
January Menu
BGPS information links
Bus routes (to be updated the week before school)
Free/reduced lunch application
Medication at school and other health information
Nutrition services (menus, meal prices)
PLEASANT VALLEY MIDDLE SCHOOL MISSION
We believe ALL students can experience academic and personal growth.
PLEASANT VALLEY MIDDLE SCHOOL
Office: 360-885-5500
Fax: 360-885-5510
Absence reporting: 360-885-5512
District office switchboard: 360-885-5300
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
Pleasant Valley Middle Handbook 2022-2023
* * *
The 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
* * *
January 22, 2023
Issue #10-23