Battle Ground – The latest Fall 2026 edition of Your Battle Ground Public Schools (Your BGPS) is now online, offering a student‑crafted look at the district’s educational successes and community partnerships. Produced entirely by students, the magazine provides a fresh, on‑the‑ground perspective that often goes unnoticed by outside observers.
Student leadership drives the publication
Managing Editor Rye Geilenfeldt, an eighth‑grader at Tukes Valley Middle School, and Associate Editor Paisley Dunn, a freshman at Battle Ground High School, oversaw the issue with guidance from staff adviser Amy Hanson. Their leadership reflects the magazine’s core mission: to empower young voices to report on the schools they attend.
“Working Better Together” theme highlights collaboration
The issue’s theme, “Working Better Together,” ties together several stories that illustrate how students, teachers, and community members cooperate to achieve shared goals. Readers can follow the Battle Ground High School band as it prepares for its first Friday Night Lights performance, a milestone that showcases the dedication of both students and their mentors.
Another feature revisits 50 years of learning at Pleasant Valley, reminding longtime residents of the district’s enduring commitment to academic excellence. The magazine also spotlights a real‑world business venture launched by students in Tukes Valley’s STEM enhancement class, demonstrating how classroom projects can translate into entrepreneurial experience.
Superintendent’s personal reflection
Superintendent Shelly Whitten, a Battle Ground High School alumna, contributes a reflective essay on the mentors and experiences that shaped her journey from student to district leader. Her piece underscores the importance of nurturing talent within the community and the lasting impact of supportive educators.
Growth since the inaugural issue
First published in 2025 as a year‑book class project at Tukes Valley Middle School, Your BGPS was inspired by an earlier student publication that ran in The Reflector from 2009 to 2013. Since then, the magazine has expanded district‑wide, producing four issues that document student achievements, innovative programs, and local stories.
Each edition is designed to be accessible to a broad audience, with clear photojournalism and straightforward reporting that highlights the everyday triumphs of Battle Ground’s schools. The Fall 2026 issue can be read online at battlegroundps.org/your-bgps.
Why the publication matters
By giving students editorial control, the magazine reinforces the district’s commitment to fostering critical thinking, communication skills, and civic engagement. It also provides parents and community members with a direct window into school life, strengthening the bond between families and educators.
As Battle Ground continues to grow, Your BGPS stands as a testament to the power of student initiative and collaborative effort, embodying the district’s belief that education thrives when the community works together.
Original reporting: Clark County Today (Vancouver WA) — read the source article.
