PODCAST · society
BG CAST
by David Lindner, Shelly Whitten
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.
Episodes
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What Happens if Battle Ground Schools Run Out of Money? | T.J. Kelly, OSPI CFO
What happens when a school district can no longer balance its budget? Could the state take control of local schools? And how close is Battle Ground Public Schools to that possibility? In this conversation, Shelly and David sit down with T.J. Kelly, Chief Financial Officer for Washington's Office…
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Serving The Community; Preserving Stories
In this episode of BG CAST, we look at two different ways people are serving the Battle Ground community, through local service and through preserving history. First, we talk with Battle Ground Rotary Club President Michael Ernest and Public Image Chair Becky Hanenkrat about the role Rotary plays...
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Building Literacy, One Student at a Time with Read NW
In this episode, we learn more about Read NW, a local organization helping students strengthen their literacy skills through consistent, one-on-one reading support. Executive Director Brook Trang and founder and board member Rich Brosius explain how volunteers meet with the same student once a…
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Building the Future: Why Career & Technical Education Matters
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…
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Inside Cascadia Tech Academy | Spotlight: Prairie’s iQ Credit Union Branch
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.…
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BG CAST Levy Bonus Episode!!!
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...
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More Than the Classroom: Supporting Students Every Day
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....
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BG CAST 49: The Future of BGPS with Shelly Whitten and Lynnell Tsugawa-Murray; Spotlight on PVM Band with James deBra
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...
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BG CAST 048: BGPS First Student Transportation and Spotlight on Daniela Alexakis
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…
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BG CAST 47: BGPS Leadership Past, Present, and Future
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…
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BG CAST 46: School Food provided by Chartwells and Alum Katie Bauer
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,...
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BG CAST 45: The Role Nursing Plays in BGPS; Spotlight on Zac French
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...
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BG CAST 44: Support For Students Who Are Homeless Or In Foster Care
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...
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BG CAST 43: Battle Ground Virtual Academy; Spotlight on CAM students giving back
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...
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BG CAST 42: Denny & Shelly Talk Levy; Ted Schelvan, Story Walk
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.
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BGCAST 41: The AWARE Grant; Open Doors
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...
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BG CAST 40: PTA's and PTO's; Spotlight on River Homelink
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...
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BG CAST 39: Mayor Troy McCoy; Spotlight on Prairie Unified Sports
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…
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BG CAST 38: BGEF; Spotlight on Bev Jones
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.
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BG CAST 37: Cheryl O'Dell and Tom Bulkley; Spotlight on Tracey Viall
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.
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BG CAST 36: Susannah Woehr and Charb Gourde
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…
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BG CAST 35: Greg McKelvey
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…
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BGCAST 34: Ceramics Showdown; Spotlight on the District Art Show
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…
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BG CAST Teacher Panel 2024
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...
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BG CAST 33: Middle School Sports; Spotlight on Addison
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…
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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...
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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.
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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.
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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…
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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…
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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.
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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…
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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.
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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…
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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…
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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...
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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...
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BG CAST 12: The School Board
In this episode, we take some time to get to know Mark Watrin, president of the school board. We are shining the spotlight on Sora, the newest student representative for the School board. As usual, we get things started with a fun round of "This or That?"
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BG CAST 11: School Safety
In this episode, we're talking about what the district is doing to keep our students safe. We take some time to get to know Police Chief Mike Fort and Tom Adams, director of Student Services for BGPS. We are shining the spotlight on Phil Anderson, the School Resource Officer for Battleground High...
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BG CAST 10: Athletics and its Affects on School Culture with Matt Stanfill and Mike Woodward
Welcome to the BG CAST, a podcast seeking to bring the battleground community and schools together. In this episode, we take some time to get to know Matt Stanfill and Mike Woodward from Battleground High School Athletics, we are shining the spotlight on Noah, a student-athlete at Battleground…
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BG CAST 09: The Citizens Advisory Committee, Spotlights on Recently Graduated Seniors, and Top Ten Quotes About Dads
This week we will be talking with Josh and Ivie who are members of the CAC, aka the Citizens Advisory Committee. We'll be talking about the purpose of this committee and some of our insights from the first year. Our spotlight will be on two seniors, Evan and Kaeyln who just graduated. And as…
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BG CAST 08: Deep Roots with Allison Tuchardt & David Cresap; Spotlight on Alumni Teachers
One of the characteristics of being a smaller community is the fact that many people have lived in the area for generations. You'll hear that today as we talk with Allison Tuchardt & Dave Cresap about their roots in the Battleground community. Our spotlight will be on a couple of teachers who are...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
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.
HOSTED BY
David Lindner, Shelly Whitten
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does BG CAST have?
BG CAST currently has 58 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is BG CAST about?
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...
How often does BG CAST release new episodes?
BG CAST has 58 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to BG CAST?
You can listen to BG CAST on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts BG CAST?
BG CAST is created and hosted by David Lindner, Shelly Whitten.
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