BG CAST

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 graduating high school.Then, in our Spotlight, Prairie High School teacher Jen Engelbart shares how students are gaining practical financial experience through the new student-run iQ Credit Union branch at Prairie, where students help operate a real credit union location during the school day.It’s a look at how local schools are creating meaningful, real-world learning experiences for students.

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 Students Jamal McKenzie of Battle Ground High School. Together, they discuss the wide-ranging responsibilities of assistant principals and deans, from student discipline and safety to social-emotional support and school culture. Salina reflects on her journey from classroom teacher to National Board–certified educator and Marine Corps veteran, while Jamal shares insights from his background in school safety, athletics, and student support, including being named Washington School Safety Organization’s Security Officer of the Year.This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the leadership roles that help schools run well and support students every day.

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 expectations—along with her personal story as a Battle Ground native whose life was shaped by a local teacher. Lynnell reflects on her journey from classroom teacher to district leadership and the importance of thoughtful, responsible systems that support students and staff. We also spotlight the Pleasant Valley Middle School band, joined by director James deBra, celebrating their Sweepstakes Award win at the 2025 Junior Rose Parade and the collaboration across schools that makes student music programs thrive.

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 Student and Karen Bisson, BGPS transportation supervisor, about what it takes to safely transport nearly 9,900 students across 273 square miles, including early-morning winter road checks, behavior-management training, and tools like the parent bus-tracking app.

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 resources, discusses her deep roots in the community and her vision for the future as she prepares to become Superintendent.

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 owning two homes and hiring other students, continuing the cycle of mentorship. Later, we hear from Laura Fiksdal and Russ Kallwick of Chartwells, the district's new nutrition services provider. They discuss how they serve thousands of students daily and use innovative programs—from letting students vote on menu items to holding a cooking competition for fourth-graders—to teach kids about nutrition and introduce them to new foods and cultures.

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 Helene.

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 received!

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 teaching and especially about his journey with the Band program at Battle Ground High School. I hope you enjoy hearing this short history of Greg McKelvey!

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 Ground Public School District.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?"

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!

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.

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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."

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?"

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 School, and Mike Kesler, the district security supervisor, and we get things started with a game called "Riff Off."

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 High School, and we get things started with a game called "Banana For Scale."

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 usual, we kick things off with the top ten quotes about dads.

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 also alumni of the Battleground Public Schools, and who were inspired to become teachers because of the teachers they had. As usual, we get things started off with the top ten signs your cat may be trying to kill you.

This week Denny and I are joined by Curtis Miller who helped start a coalition called connect BG which was trying to increase the size of the caring adult network and to create a more connected community. Our spotlight for this week is on the Battleground Education Foundation. We play a little game called Fantasy Sandwich Draft. As usual, we kick things off with the Top ten signs your Teacher is ready for summer break.

Denny and I will be talking with the Mayor of Battleground, Philip Johnson. We discuss the role schools play in the community, as well as some of the changes that have been and will be happening in the Battleground community. Our Spotlight will be with Bethany Emerson and Grant Kainu talking about PTO & PTA organizations in the schools. We'll be playing the game, "Which country did this weird sport originate from", and as usual we get started off with the top ten ways you can be a bad neighbor.

Denny and I will be talking about the importance of Social-Emotional Learning in the district with Deputy Superintendent Shelly Whitten, and Mike Michaud the director of Instructional Leadership. Our Spotlight will be with Marcy Sprecher, the Executive Director of Rock Solid Teen Center. We'll be playing a round of Family feud for our game, and as usual we get started off with the "Top Ten Ways You Can Be A Bad Neighbor."

This week, Denny and I are joined by Antonio Lopez, the principal at Glenwood Heights Primary School to talk about Deep Kindness. Our spotlight will feature Lydia Sanders of the Family Community Resource Center, and we'll be playing the game "This or That"