BG CAST

David Lindner, Denny Waters

The Battle Ground Community And Schools Together Podcast is a podcast produced by the community in cooperation with the Battle Ground School District. The goal of this podcast is to give the community a voice in the school district, while at the same time bringing the true voice of the school district to the people. We will have weekly conversations with Denny Waters, the District Superintendent as well as other school and community leaders. Building on the rich history of Battle Ground, we're ready to start telling a new story for a new generation. read less

Society & CultureSociety & Culture

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BG CAST: Trailer

BG CAST: Trailer

Welcome to the BG CAST a podcast seeking to bring the Battle Ground community and schools together. My name is David and I'll be your host for this journey and I'll be joined each week by Denny Waters the District Superintendent of the Battle Ground Public Schools. Our goal is to bring the voice of the schools to the community and the voice of the community to the schools. We believe that the community thrives when the schools thrive. The schools are educating and equipping the next generation of citizens for our communities. At the same time, the schools thrive when the community thrives. When the community is invested in the schools of that community, the schools thrive. As a member of the community, not a public school employee, I will be sitting down with Denny each week to talk about a lot of different topics. We'll be talking about the many things that make BGPS such a great district, hearing stories from students and staff, and shining a spotlight on some of the hidden treasures you may not know about. We'll also be covering some of the challenging and controversial topics that bubble to the surface around the Battle Ground community. We'll be looking for opportunities to bring voices of the community in the the civil discourse we hope to create on this podcast. There's a term you may not have heard in a while: civil discourse. But that's one thing we're committed to. We believe it is possible to care deeply about an issue but still have a civil discussion about it. Not only are we committed to talking about challenging topics as they arise, but doing so in a way that is civil and respectful to people on both sides of the issue. And in case you're worried, it's not going to be all serious. We're also committed to having fun and creating room for laughter in the discussion as well. So, we hope you'll join us for this journey. Because we believe the future is bright for the Battle Ground Public School Districts and the communities that it represents.

Episodes

BG CAST 32: Social Emotional Learning Centers; Spotlight on Brynn Boldemann

BG CAST 32: Social Emotional Learning Centers; Spotlight on Brynn Boldemann

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.

BG CAST 31: Cindy Arnold, Career Technical Education; Spotlight on Kevin Doyle

BG CAST 31: Cindy Arnold, Career Technical Education; Spotlight on Kevin Doyle

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.

BG CAST 30: Information on the Capital Levy; Spotlight on Don Wilson (Construction teacher at BGHS)

BG CAST 30: Information on the Capital Levy; Spotlight on Don Wilson (Construction teacher at BGHS)

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.

BG CAST 29: Esports with Simeon Redberg and Rob Pollock; Spotlight on Hollie Amundson

BG CAST 29: Esports with Simeon Redberg and Rob Pollock; Spotlight on Hollie Amundson

On today's episode, we talk with Simeon Redberg and Rob Pollock, who are the Esports coaches at Prairie and Battle Ground High School. If you're not sure what Esports is, this is your chance! We also shine the spotlight on Hollie Amundson, a CAM volunteer who is BGPS's real Hero for the year (along with Greg McKelvey). The Real Hero Awards recognize staff and volunteers from schools and districts across SW WA.

BG CAST 28: Lynnell Tsugawa-Murray and Stephanie Welniak Discuss the Multilingual Program; Spotlight on Ryan Cowl

BG CAST 28: Lynnell Tsugawa-Murray and Stephanie Welniak Discuss the Multilingual Program; Spotlight on Ryan Cowl

In this episode, Denny and I talk with Lynnell Tsugawa-Murray and Stephanie Welniak to discuss the multilingual program which serves over 1,000 students in the district and their families who are learning English. We also shine the spotlight on Ryan Cowl, principal at CAM academy. We discussed his time there as well as the opening of the new facility.

BG CAST 27: Britt Pedlar & Gene Fritz; Spotlight on Maria Carbajal and Gleb Velikanov

BG CAST 27: Britt Pedlar & Gene Fritz; Spotlight on Maria Carbajal and Gleb Velikanov

Interview with Britt Pedlar and Gene Fritz, culinary arts teachers at Prairie and Battle Ground. We talk about their amazing programs and how they go to where they are today. We shine the spotlight with Parent Outreach Liaisons Maria Carbajal and Gleb Velikanov.

BG CAST 26: Work-based learning; Spotlight on Rotschy, Inc.

BG CAST 26: Work-based learning; Spotlight on Rotschy, Inc.

In this episode, we talk with Kris Neal and Debbie Smith who head up the Work-based learning program for the Battle Ground School District. It won't take you long to be amazed at the amount of work these two get done and how much of an impact this program is having on students in our area. We also shine the spotlight on Nick Massey from Rotschy, Inc.

BG CAST 25: Budget 101, Spotlight on Blake Bowers

BG CAST 25: Budget 101, Spotlight on Blake Bowers

In this episode, Denny and I dig into the budget for the Battle Ground Public School District. We get the big picture of how it all works and get an understanding of where the money goes! Our spotlight is on Blake Bowers, adviser of Tukes Valley Middle School's a new DREAM Team.

BG CAST 24: The BGPS Tech Department and Miss Washington

BG CAST 24: The BGPS Tech Department and Miss Washington

In this episode, we uncover a couple of superheroes for the Battle Ground Public Schools: Scott McDaniel (Director of Technology) and Cassondra Smith (Educational Technology Coordinator). Scott and Cassondra pretty much do it all! They run and maintain all the infrastructure for the entire district as well as making sure teachers, students, and families have the tools they need and know how to use them! Our spotlight is on Vanessa Munson, the current Miss Washington, and Prairie High School Alum.

BG CAST 23: AFJROTC with Andy Woodrow and Rheanne Harpe

BG CAST 23: AFJROTC with Andy Woodrow and Rheanne Harpe

In this episode of the podcast, we talk with Andy Woodrow who teaches the AFJROTC program at Battle Ground High School. Along with Andy we talk to Rheanne Harpe, one of the students in the program. We also get to hear from Violet Kohlenberger, a 3rd grader at Tukes Valley Primary School, who shares with us some of her culinary creations.

BG CAST 22: Callie Christensen and Kelly Oriard, the Co-CEO's of Slumberkins; Spotlight on Rosemary Galanter, Grad Coach

BG CAST 22: Callie Christensen and Kelly Oriard, the Co-CEO's of Slumberkins; Spotlight on Rosemary Galanter, Grad Coach

In today's episode, we get to have a conversation with Callie Christensen and Kelly Oriard, the Co-CEO's of Slumberkins and alums of Prairie High School. We'll hear about their journey as educators, parents, and how Slumberkins came to be. We'll shine the spotlight on Rosemary Galanter, one of our grad coaches in the district. And we get started with the game, "What country did this weird sport originate from?"

BG CAST 21: Ellen Wiessner & Kellie Clay, directors of special services; Christian Haataia, a student in the futures program

BG CAST 21: Ellen Wiessner & Kellie Clay, directors of special services; Christian Haataia, a student in the futures program

When we talk about special services and all the special needs that a school district is responsible to provide for, our minds tend to go to one group. But the special services department is responsible for meeting needs of hundreds of students across the district. We also shine the spotlight on Christian, who is one of the students in the futures program. As usual we get started off with a little fun!

BG CAST 20: Behind the Eyes of Middle School Principals Heather Ichimura and Ben Ziegler; Spotlight on School Secretary Natasha Udy

BG CAST 20: Behind the Eyes of Middle School Principals Heather Ichimura and Ben Ziegler; Spotlight on School Secretary Natasha Udy

Have you ever wondered what it's like to be a middle school principal? In this episode, we get a look behind the eyes of a Middle School principal in our conversation with Heather Ichimura and Ben Zieglar to get a taste of what they deal with daily. We also get to hear about the life and responsibilities of a school secretary in our spotlight with Natasha Udy.

BG CAST 19: Cash Henry and the BGHS Theatre Program. Spotlight: Derek Anderson and his paper crane initiative

BG CAST 19: Cash Henry and the BGHS Theatre Program. Spotlight: Derek Anderson and his paper crane initiative

Our interview this episode is with BGHS drama teacher Cash Henry. Battle Ground High School's theatre department has produced many great shows, including "A Christmas Carol", written by Cash that looks at Scrooge's backstory. Our spotlight is on Derek Anderson, a CAM student who rallied his classmates to create paper cranes for his uncle battling cancer. And we get started with a game called "In your opinion."

BG CAST 18: High School Student Panel at the March Citizens Advisory Committee Meeting

BG CAST 18: High School Student Panel at the March Citizens Advisory Committee Meeting

We have a special treat for you in this episode. At the March Citizens Advisory Committee, we were blessed to have a student panel of students from the different secondary schools in the district who made up a forum to answer questions that the CAC had submitted. It's a bit longer, and the audio isn't perfect, but I think you'll enjoy this episode.

BG CAST 17: Transitional Kindergarten and Early Childhood Special Education

BG CAST 17: Transitional Kindergarten and Early Childhood Special Education

In this episode, we are talking with teacher Gracelyn Crum and Director of Instructional Leadership Mike Michaud about some new steps our district is taking to teach pre-k kids in our community. Our spotlight is on Kara Martin, to talk about some of what she does as an early childhood special education teacher at Prairie. As usual, we get started with a game called short stories.

BG CAST 16: Counselors, Social and Emotional learning, and How Battle Ground Is A Leader In The Area Of Mental Health

BG CAST 16: Counselors, Social and Emotional learning, and How Battle Ground Is A Leader In The Area Of Mental Health

In this episode we are talking with Tamra Scheetz, district director of instructional interventions, and Tamra Vanegas, a counselor on special assignment, talking about everything our district is doing to support the social and emotional well-being of our students. Our spotlight is on Ryan Wilson, to talk about some of what he does as a counselor at Pleasant Valley Primary School. As usual, we get started with some fun, random trivia.

BG CAST 15: Professional Learning Communities

BG CAST 15: Professional Learning Communities

In this episode, we are talking with Andrea Sperry, the principal at Maple Grove, and Angela Knight, the principal at Captain Strong. We will be talking about professional learning communities and why they're important. Our spotlight is on Mandy Waugh to talk about her efforts to create a community of kindness and Prairie High School's "Inspire Week." As usual, we get started with some fun, random trivia.

BG CAST 14: Prairie High School's ASB and work to build connections with the community.

BG CAST 14: Prairie High School's ASB and work to build connections with the community.

In this episode we are talking with Erin Thompson, an Assistant principal at Prairie High School and Taylin who is serving as the current ASB president. We will be talking about Prairie's work to build connections between the school and community. Our spotlight is on Danaka Ross, the ASB adviser and as usual, we have a little fun to get started with a game called "get to know you."

BG CAST 13: Curriculum Adoptions with Dave Cresap and Amy Fredericks; Spotlight - Jean Markuson

BG CAST 13: Curriculum Adoptions with Dave Cresap and Amy Fredericks; Spotlight - Jean Markuson

In this episode, we take some time to talk with Dave Cresap and Amy Fredericks, who work in the Curriculum adoptions department for the district, about the process for adopting a new curriculum. Our spotlight is on Jean Markuson, who is volunteering on one of the curriculum adoption teams. But to get us started we play a game called "Top Three."