Battle Ground Public Schools

"Since 1909 preparing our children succeed in e next step of eir lives" Superintendent's Message Hello Battle Ground Community! As the 2014-15 school year comes to an end, we are celebrating accomplishments while simultaneously looking forward to and planning for the 2015-16 school year. As you read our Accountability Report, I encourage you to take note of the work we have begun this year to create the best learning environment for our students. Our staff has been busy implementing a new standards- based report card for primary students and Next Generation Science Standards, new state curriculum standards and new state assessments, among other notable accomplishments. For me personally, the 2014-15 school year has been an opportunity to focus on the importance of classroom instruction through a reorganized Department of Teaching and Learning, to hire several great educators and to emphasize the importance of all our schools working together to make Battle Ground the premiere school district in Southwest Washington. We are in the beginning stages of a major initiative to improve the services and training in our schools and community for improving student mental health. We are using best practices in positive interventions to support students with mental health needs. is includes teaching students behavior expectations and using methods that reduce or eliminate "punishment," such as removing them from school. Another goal that has been substantially realized is increased communication and visibility in the community. e Communications Department has made changes to our communications efforts to provide more in-depth coverage of events, activities and features on students and staff, and enhanced the district website and electronic communications to make them more user friendly. I have enjoyed touring each school with the Board of Directors and made it a personal goal to meet with staff at every school during staff meetings to talk about important issues within the district and answer questions. In addition to meeting internally, I have met and had conversations with a great many community leaders and patrons and continue to present to groups such as Rotary, the Chamber of Commerce, and church leaders. We know facilities are a priority for the district and community. We want to maintain and continue to improve the facilities we have to provide the best learning environment. At the same time, we are experiencing growth— particularly in the southern part of the district. e Facilities Improvement Team (FIT) began meeting several months ago. Made up of community members and facilitated by Dave Halme, we expect a report, including priorities for the School Board, at the board's second June meeting. Finally, we are in the beginning stages of reviewing and revising our strategic plan. A major source of data for the group will come from a community discussion made possible by oughtexchange (an online and paper survey that engages the community in an exploration of the priorities for education in Battle Ground Public Schools). e results of this process will provide the community and staff feedback we need to make informed decisions for the future of the district. I am excited to be your Superintendent. I have enjoyed the work during the last 12 months, and we have many accomplishments to celebrate. e district has much to do next year, and we appreciate your support and your contributions—made in so many ways. e 2015-16 school year will be here sooner than you think. Enjoy the summer. Spend time with family and friends. See you soon. Mark Hottowe, Superintendent e 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 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. e district provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Contact and complaints of alleged discrimination: Title IX Sexual Harassment Officer, 360.885.5415; Title IX Compliance Officer 360.885.5338; Section 504/ADA Coordinator 360.885.5318; or a letter may be the following regarding questions submitted to the designated coordinator at the Battle Ground Public Schools, PO Box 200, Battle Ground, WA 98604.

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