BG CAST

What happens when schools and local industry actually work together? In this episode, we talk about the importance of Career and Technical Education (CTE) and why programs like construction trades, welding, manufacturing, and technical education matter, not just for students, but for the future of local businesses and the Clark County workforce. Joining the conversation are Grace Child from Trades...

In this episode, we explore two hands-on learning opportunities available to local students. First, Assistant Director Tami Oppliger and counselor Ryan Hovde join us to talk about Cascadia Technical Academy, the regional career and technical school serving students across Southwest Washington. With 20 programs, Cascadia Tech helps students explore careers and gain real-world skills before graduati...

There has been a lot of information—and misinformation—circulating about the upcoming school levy. In this bonus episode, I sit down with Battle Ground Public Schools Superintendent Shelly Whitten for a straightforward conversation to clarify what the levy is, what it replaces, and what it would mean for students, schools, and the community.

Today’s episode highlights both student talent and school leadership across the district. We begin with a brief student spotlight featuring Eva Cryblskey , a River HomeLink violinist recently named an Enspire Arts Ambassador, who shares a short performance and a few reflections on her experience. The main conversation features Assistant Principal Salina Machida of Tukes Valley Primary and Dean of...

In this episode of BG CAST , we sit down with Superintendent Shelly Whitten and Assistant Superintendent Lynnell Tsugawa-Murray to get to know the people leading Battle Ground and the values shaping their vision for the district. Shelly shares her three guiding principles—keeping students at the center of every decision, valuing honesty and feedback, and holding herself and others to high expectat...

This episode features Yacolt PE teacher Daniela Alexakis , founder of the Yacolt Primary Running Club, where students logged an impressive 13,769 miles during the 2024–25 school year. Daniela shares how the club boosts activity, confidence, and connection among students—earning her recognition as a Learn Here Hero and an honoree of Identity Clark County. We also talk with Brandon Case from First S...

Today on the show, we’re talking with two key figures in Battle Ground Public Schools history: former Superintendent Mark Ross and the district's next leader, Deputy Superintendent Shelly Whitten . Mark, who served as superintendent from 2017 to 2021, reflects on his tenure. Shelly, a Battle Ground High School graduate with a 30-year career spanning teaching, administration, and human resource...

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...

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 He...

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 rece...

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.

In this episode, Denny & I sit down with Charb Gourde, principal, Battle Ground High School, and Susannah Woehr, principal, Prairie High School to get a picture of what life is like behind the eyes of a high school principal. We also have a little fun digging into what life was like when they were in high school.

You've probably seen this guy's face all over the place in the last week, because he was selected to be the Grand Marshall for the Grand Floral Parade at the Rose Festival. (If you're wondering why we don't mention it in the conversation, it's because it hadn't happened yet!) Well, before that had happened, we recorded an interview with him to talk about his 40 years of tea...

In this episode we talk with art teachers Tatiana Stevens (PHS) and Tamra Galles (BGHS) to discuss visual arts and recent Ceramics Showdown. We shine the spotlight on the district art show, talking about its history with Allison Tuchardt. The show was briefly mentioned in episode 8. This year will be the 65th annual art show, which was co-founded by Allison's father.

As we are in the midst of teacher appreciation week, we thought it would be fitting to share with you the recording of a teacher panel that was presented as a part of a recent Citizen's Advisory Committee meeting. The panel was made up of teachers from all over the district and spread out among different age groups. We invite you to listen in to just a few of the great teachers in the Battle G...

A couple of years ago, Battle Ground citizens passed a levy which included fund to bring back middle school sports. In this episode, we talk with a couple of middle school sports coaches, Rachel Sautter (Laurin) and Joshua McArthur (Pleasant Valley Middle). We also shine the spotlight on one of our middle school student-athletes, Addison.

In this episode, we take a deeper look at the social and emotional learning centers that have been set up in schools in the district with paraeducators Vanessa Toland (Tukes Valley Middle) and Emily Enquist (Pleasant Valley Primary). We also shine the spotlight on River HomeLink student Brynn Boldemann.

In this episode, we are joined by Cindy Arnold, the BGPS director of Career and technical education (CTE). We talk about her journey to this position, what CTE is, and how successful the program has been. We also shine the Spotlight on the Industry Fair with Kevin Doyle.

In this episode, Shelly Whitten sits down with Denny and me as we dig into the nuts and bolts of the capital levy that is on the ballot for February 13th. If you've had questions, definitely check this out! We shine the spotlight on Don Wilson, the construction teacher at Battle Ground High School.