BG CAST

On this episode, we spotlight Battle Ground Public Schools alum Katie Bauer, who proves that success can start at any age. She shares her journey from working at Detroit Pizza at age 16—a job that provided her with valuable work-based learning credits—to becoming a part-owner of the restaurant, which recently opened a second location in Camas. Katie also talks about achieving personal goals like owning two homes and hiring other students, continuing the cycle of mentorship. Later, we hear from Laura Fiksdal and Russ Kallwick of Chartwells, the district's new nutrition services provider. They discuss how they serve thousands of students daily and use innovative programs—from letting students vote on menu items to holding a cooking competition for fourth-graders—to teach kids about nutrition and introduce them to new foods and cultures.

In today's episode, we get to have a great conversation about the significant role that nurses play in all the schools in our district. I think you're going to be surprised and impressed by everything a school nurse is responsible for in the modern public school environment. We also take a minute to hear about a project Zac French has been working on with the Battle Ground Parks Department.

In today's episode, Denny and I sit down with Travis Blankenship and Chelsea Ward from the district's Family and Community Resource Center. We talk about the many services that are offered to students who are homeless or in foster care in the district, as well as some of the why and how of what they do.

In this episode, Denny and I sit down with Matt Stanfill (principal) and Michael Syron (teacher) from Battle Ground Virtual Academy (BGVA) to talk about what the BGVA is, its history, and how it's been growing in recent years. We also shine the spotlight on a project that students in Andie Noye's fourth-grade class did to serve students in Martinez, Georgia in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

In this episode, Denny and Shelly dig into the details about the upcoming levy that Battle Ground citizens will be voting on. We talk about what it is and also try to address some of the concerns that voters may have. We also shine the spotlight on the "Story Walk" at Captian Strong.

In this episode of the podcast, we have a great conversation with Tamra Scheetz and Erick Suksdorf about the district receiving the AWARE grant for the second time (and why that's a big deal)! We also take a quick look at the district's "Open Doors" program that provides students with an alternative pathway toward earning their GED. And, of course, we get started with a little fun.

In this episode of the BG CAST we have the privilege of talking with a couple of volunteers with PTO's and PTA's in the district. You'll hear from Erica Bedrosian (Pleasant Valley PTA) and Mia Kaski (Tukes Valley PTO). You'll learn what they do and how you can get involved! We also talk with Matt Kessler (Principal) and Susan Smith (Assistant Principal) about an award that River Homelink just received!

In this episode, we got the chance to talk with the new mayor of Battle Ground, Troy McCoy. We'll hear a little bit of his history, which includes some time on the BGPS school board. We'll also talk with Donna Eskelson-Smith and and a couple of students who are involved in Unified sports at Prairie High School.

In this episode, we talk with Colleen O'Neal about the Battle Ground Education Foundation, its history of supporting the schools, and some things ways that people can get involved. We also have a chat with Bev Jones who was names the Person of the Year by the Reflector.

In this episode, we talk with Cheryl O'Dell and Tom Bulkley, co-presidents of the Battle Ground Public Schools chapter of the Public School Employees Union. We also shine the spotlight: Tracey Viall, school psychologist, Chief Umtuch Middle School and Summit View High School.