Across Washington, public schools are preparing students not just to graduate, but to thrive. By building skills like critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and civic engagement, students gain the tools they need to succeed in college, careers, and community life.
River HomeLink students reached a major literacy milestone this month, reading one million words–or more–since the first day of school. The achievement came as part of English teacher Ryan Anderson’s challenge to his students: Read a book for 20 minutes every day since the first day of school. At the average teenage reading pace of about 250 words per minute, the students’ intake quickly added up.
Fourth grade students from across the district demonstrated their creativity and skill at the recent Discovery Kitchen Cookoff, a showcase of culinary talent in Battle Ground Public Schools. After submitting recipes for their favorite healthy snacks, the nine contestants had just 90 minutes to bring their vision to life. Chartwells staff helped each student-chef prep and cook their recipe. The final creations were carefully evaluated by a panel of distinguished judges, who evaluated technique, skill and flavor.
CAM Academy claimed top honors at the Washington State Knowledge Bowl competition, continuing an impressive rise in just three years of participation. The varsity team qualified for state for the third consecutive year and secured first place in the 2B category, outperforming 17 other teams.
Battle Ground High School’s Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets reached a historic milestone at the final meet of the 2026 regular season. For the first time in the school’s history, the program earned the overall title at the Columbia River division championship. On March 14, the cadets will compete at the Northwest Drill and Rifle Conference Championships in Oregon City.
In February, two Battle Ground Public Schools students were honored at the 2026 Marshall Youth Leadership Awards. Grace Wing, from Battle Ground High School, and Itzel Contreras Montiel, from Prairie High School, were among the six students who reached the final round of consideration. Grace was named a finalist and Itzel was selected to receive this year’s award! Itzel is the third BGPS student to receive the award since it began in 2001, and only the second Prairie student to earn this recognition.
The week of Jan. 12, 2026, was a celebration of Battle Ground Public Schools’ Transitional Kindergarten (TK) students, staff, families and community. Find out how this program helps students gain skills and prepares them for full kindergarten.
Battle Ground High School seniors Charles Weiner and Jeremiah Norwood are reaching new heights. Last year, the pair was selected for the Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps’ prestigious pilot training program. Only 200 students are accepted nationwide.
Two Prairie students successfully completed a 12-week internship with LSW Architects. They worked with peers across Southwest Washington on a Vancouver waterfront design project, conducting community interviews, creating design concepts and presenting their final work.
Congratulations to SVHS student Pablo Beltran! Pablo started working at FedEx in July 2025 and receives school credit through the work-based learning program. In his short time with FedEx, he has already been named the Employee of the Month for November and December. Way to go, Pablo!
The revived student-led newspaper, “Your Battle Ground Public Schools” began in early spring 2025 with 6th grader Rye Dilley from Tukes Valley Middle. With the support of many students and staff…