Battle Ground Public Schools is celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week. This year, we asked our school communities to share some thoughts about some of their favorite teachers. Well over 100 of you took the time to participate! Below are the comments we received, organized by school. Some responses have been edited for brevity.
Amboy Middle School
“Mrs. Amy Agren (6th grade) truly cares for her students! I sincerely feel like we are a team helping my son reach his full potential! Plus he enjoys going to school. Bonus!!” – Joni S.
“Mrs. Amanda Fulfer (history) has been the most dedicated and inspiring teacher our kids have had at Battle Ground High School. She is a gem. Her extraordinary efforts during COVID neutralized the impact of distance learning. I cannot thank her enough for how she can foster independent thinking and confidence in our children while being a great role model for educating.” – J. Metzger
Battle Ground Virtual Academy
“Sarah Harrier (K-2, Battle Ground Virtual Academy) was warm and welcoming to my child as well as myself. She is an excellent teacher. Everyday, my daughter wakes up and is excited for school. She wants to make her teacher proud. Mrs. Harrier has made the transition from homeschool to BGVA straightforward. We are grateful to have Mrs. Harrier as a teacher.” – Erika R.
“Ashley Mountain (high school English, BGVA) has done so much to change my child’s school experience since she started last year. Ms. Mountain has gone above and beyond, getting to know my daughter’s learning style, her strengths and her weaknesses, cheering her on in all aspects of her life, being stern when necessary, guiding all the while. There is not enough things I can say to show my absolute gratitude for the positivity she has brought into my daughter’s life!” – Lori W.
“Dana Hart (high school history/math, BGVA) quickly became one of my daughter’s favorite teachers. She has spent so much extra time making sure that my daughter understands and passes her math lessons, even if she is not assigned as her teacher. She has become one of my daughter’s biggest cheerleaders in all of her life adventures.” – Lori W.
CAM Academy
“Mrs. Angela Borges, a 6th grade teacher at CAM academy, is a sweet, kind and caring teacher. She acknowledged that my daughter has struggled socially and academically and has not hesitated to contact us to come together and figure out how she and the staff can help my daughter succeed. I truly appreciate Mrs. Borges’ dedication as a teacher and the support she has offered us and our daughter. I can’t thank her enough for everything she has done.” – Tami F.
Captain Strong Primary
“Ms. Tiffany Vidovic (SEL room) has changed my son’s educational experience. She is patient, caring and engaged. Her rapport with him has him wanting to go to school, feeling safe and wanted. These should be how kids feel always.” – Lindsay H.
“My son loves Ms. Breanne Thompson (kindergarten). She has always been quick to help when asked!” – Karla K.
“Mrs. Samantha Ingram (kindergarten) is always so sweet, calm and willing to help with my child’s needs. She goes above and beyond.” – Emily S.
“Mrs. Cinda Trigueros (third grade) is the best teacher ever. I wish I were in her class. She values the classroom community and fosters student-to-teacher relationships, as well as student-to-student learning. Mrs. T excels at making school fun and including parents as much as possible. She celebrates successes of the individuals and the group. Her pride is contagious and I feel connected to the achievements of her class.” – Erica V.
“Mrs. Toni Brammer (kindergarten) is an inspiration for her preparation and organization. Her hard work allows her to adapt to student learning needs and find time to hold gratitude for the smallest things. When our family dog passed, we received a kind note. When we gave her a Valentine goodie, we received a thank you card. She is the epitome of professionalism and grace.” – Erica V.
“Ms. Julie Davis (first grade) believed in my son’s potential. She never stopped trying new things to figure out the best way he learns.” – Tayler V.
Chief Umtuch Middle School
“Bryan Moxley (fifth grade ELA/history) is an amazing teacher. He works hard to make connections with his students and see them as themselves. My son loves coming to school and being in Mr. Moxley’s room. We are both so thankful for him and what he does.” – Wendy H.
“Danielle Armstrong (band) holds the kids to high expectations in class, holds them accountable to practice at home, challenges them to do hard things and expects great behavior at their performances. And the kids love band with her! Thanks for all the hard work you put in Danielle, it truly makes a difference!” – Molly S.
Daybreak Middle School
“Teresa Edmiston (fifth grade) sends hand-written postcards to the her students, highlighting their academic and behavioral accomplishments throughout the school year. This consistent recognition and encouragement means so much to her students.” – Bree S.
“Mr. Tony Brence is an amazing band director. He always takes the time for his students when they have questions and makes learning music fun.” – Melissa (student)
“Mr. Jordan Osborne (sixth grade) is always sharing his own interests and connecting with students, taking time to hear what they have to say.” – Shandell (student)
“Kelli Livermore (special education) goes above and beyond to help my son process his emotions, boost his self esteem and create meaningful relationships with his peers.” – Jeni D.
Daybreak Primary
“Miss Jasmine Ross (kindergarten) is a great teacher she has done so much work with my son.” – Tammy S.
“The SECOND my son met Ms. Carlie Young (first grade) I could immediately see relief on his face. Now, he cannot wait to get to school to see her. His attitude towards school totally changed this year, and I know it’s because of the security, safety, and love Ms. Young gives her students.” – Allie W.
“Mrs. Young has been so helpful taking care of my daughter as she battled anxiety. Now, she loves school again and wishes she could stay forever in Mrs. Young’s class! Thank you for being so wonderful!” – Tayla R.
“Mrs. Lisel Johnson (third grade) is the kindest teacher! She is patient, so sweet, and always has hugs to give my daughter – even though they are no longer in her classroom. She always has a smile on her face and is warm and talks with parents. She made my daughter AND me feel heard whenever either of us came to her with thoughts/concerns. We just absolutely adore her. ” – Shelly M.
“Ms. Johnson has been my son’s strength and guidance this year as he navigates 3rd grade. Her witty sense of humor is something he enjoys. Her patience for him is unmatched and she has worked hard to make him feel like he belongs in her room. We are so grateful for Ms Johnson at Daybreak Primary!” – Jess A.
“Mrs. Milauskas is a dream come true for a parent and student. Her TK class runs like a finely tuned machine and her students find comfort and confidence in her teaching style. She is the perfect guide into primary school’s routines and expectations. All while loving the children individually as her own and pouring faith, passion and pride into each one. My son started TK in the fall as a non-verbal student and, thanks Mrs. Milauskas and the team at Daybreak, he started 2024 with full speech, exceeding expectations. Our family is so grateful for the opportunity to have Mrs. Milauskas for TK and will continue to sing her praises!” – Aleigha D.
“Carissa Dahl (preschool). We appreciate her positivity, kindness, prompt response times, interest in her students, and willingness to address parental concerns. She has many fun, educational ideas for the kids. My child is excited to go to school thanks, in large part, to her leadership.” – Kristen C.
Glenwood Heights Primary
“I am very grateful for all our teachers. This year was excellent with Mrs. Brittany Popiel (Transitional Kindergarten)! Thank you tremendously for providing excellent experiences to my son. He was encouraged and nurtured in the ways that best suited him. The journey we’ve had with BGPS has been consistently excellent, and we are happy that Mrs P fit right! Wishing her a wonderful career as a phenomenal teacher.” – Billie S.
“Ms. Allison Bloemke (kindergarten) is an incredible teacher. She goes above and beyond for her students to make sure they are enjoying their day and learning a lot. She has always been great about communicating with me about any concerns she has with my son and I feel like I can reach out to her as well.” – Danielle A.
“Mrs. Linda Maddex (kindergarten) is the most caring, patient, encouraging, fun-loving kindergarten teacher anyone could ask for! My family is more than happy to have her teach and help guide our child! She’s is one of the best!” – Alycia R.
“Mrs. Maddex makes my child feel confident, comfortable, and successful in herself and her ability to learn. She has made my daughter’s first school experience nothing but positive. So much so, that she wants to be a teacher ‘JUST like Mrs. Maddex!’ one day.” – Esperanza W.
“Ms. Brynn Cunningham (second grade) is a wonderful teacher for my son. He was having a hard time going to school and I reached out to Ms. C. She was so helpful and encouraging and went out of her way to make my son feel welcomed at school and that she was happy he was there. It made all the difference. Thanks Ms. C! You are one in a million!” – Danielle A.
” Ms. Tatumn Straub is the best third grade teacher. My daughter loves her and she has made this school year fun!” – Yaneli R.
“Mrs. Holly Hamberg (first grade). From the very beginning of the year she became a big part of the contribution to the knowledge of my daughter Maria!! She tried very hard to help and encourage!!! She is a very good specialist and teacher!!!” – Kateryna K.
“Mrs. Deanna Recinos is so on top of things. Her weekly emails are on time, we get a heads up for every week and every event. She’s quick to answer any questions. She’s very kind, patient and creative. My kids love her art projects. We’re so blessed to be in her class.” – Halina P.
“Mrs. Recinos is one of the most patient people I know. You can truly tell she wants the kids to keep the wonder of learning. She teaches multiple grades at once and is great at the juggling act. Been an absolute joy watching her teach my boys. Thank you Mrs. Recinos for keeping the joy and love of learning, it is a true talent and something that is being lost.” – LaTonja B.
“Mrs. Sarah Cortes is an amazing teacher who goes above and beyond to help her students take charge of their own learning. By creating a warm and safe classroom environment, students excel in growing as learners. Mrs. Cortes collaborates with parents and other staff to bring a rich learning experience to the students. She is skilled at differentiating educational materials to all learners, including my son who has struggled with writing. She knows each one of her students and makes each one feel valued and seen.” – Carissa D.
“Mrs. Becky Walker is a total rock star Kindergarten teacher. Her patience, kindness, and ability to handle the entire class is so impressive!” – Crystal A.
“Mrs. Walker is the best! She makes everyone feel welcome. She is kind and easy going and makes learning fun!” – Lena M.
Summit View High School
“Christine Wallace (special education) pays attention to how you feel, she keeps you calm and builds you up little by little, until you have rebuilt your confidence. Now our child is thriving, and it started from Ms. Wallace’s compassion.” – Nikki B.
Tukes Valley Middle
“Miss Carmen Yadon (art) takes the time to explain the concepts and answer questions. She’s very helpful and kind.” – Toni A.
Tukes Valley Primary
“I have had the opportunity to be a parent volunteer in Mrs. Melinda Beachell’s kindergarten class this year. I am amazed every time I’m there by how organized she is, how she’s able to defuse any situation and keep the kids focused — all while still showing love and patience. I can tell the kids adore her. I’m so thankful for all of the teachers, teaching the students each and every day- and especially thankful for Mrs. Beachell!” – Jane L.
“Mrs. Beachell goes above and beyond to make learning exciting and fun for her students!” – Katie C.
“Mrs. Meadowlark Clark (kindergarten) was very understanding and supportive for our daughter during a rough year due to a family health trial.” – Kassandra H.
“Mrs. Clark is a wonderful teacher. She is kind, thoughtful, encouraging and loves her kinders.” – Renee T.
“Mrs. Debbie Tytler (first grade) has been an amazing teacher. She has consistently throughout the school year been very attentive to our daughter’s needs and gotten her the help needed to get her not only on track in areas she was behind in but she is now ahead in others. Our daughter had a seamless transition from homeschooling to public schooling along with a very positive experience not only thanks to Mrs. Tytler but our daughters LAP teachers and the other staff at Tukes Valley Primary School.” – Stephanie G.
“Mrs. Kendall Hansen (first grade) was the best teacher ever and she gave us donuts when it was her Birthday!” – Valerie J.
“Mrs. Marlayna Rinta (second grade) has been so impactful in the lives of my three children. They were all lucky enough to have had her and look back often and fondly at her joyful encouragement, her energy and excitement for doing your best and her consistency in providing inspiration to be strong, organized learners. As my youngest leaves primary school for middle school this coming fall, we wanted to share our love for her and how grateful we feel that she was able to be such a shining light in the our lives.” – Lenci L.
“Mrs. Linda Walker (fourth grade) keeps learning fun!” – Valerie J.
Yacolt Primary School
“Mrs. Shelley Pederson (transitional kindergarten) and her assistant, Ms. Ashley Kunkel, are amazing pre-k teachers at Yacolt. My daughter has been taught so much and loves her teachers! They take lots of pictures of the kids so us parents can see our kiddos in the classroom! I once emailed after I left my daughter sad in the office and she responded to let me know she’s having a good day and sent a picture along with the email! It meant a lot to this mama!” – Kaitlyn L.
“Ms. Heidi McGraw (kindergarten) is so sweet! Both my girls love her and she does such a excellent job teaching! Thank you Mrs. McGraw!” – Maggie K.
“Mrs. Emilee Sherry (first grade) is amazing. She has had to work with my child a lot this year as far as controlling anger, frustration and other behavioral difficulties. She has been nothing but kind and gentle and has wanted the best for my kiddo. We couldn’t have asked for a better teacher.” – Karley S.
“We love Mrs. Sherry at Yacolt Primary! She is an amazing first grade teacher!” – Camilla T.
“Ms. Laura Nahay (second grade) is such a great teacher!” – Elise C.
“Mrs. Lindsey Anderson (second grade). She goes above and beyond to help our son.” – Keriay S.
“Hailey Carter (third grade) is always boosting kids confidence and keeping my daughter positive!” – Chelsea M.
“Mr. Robert Langloss has helped our third grader gain confidence and make progress in his struggles with reading! We can’t thank you enough!” – Camilla T.
“I want to recognize Mr. Langloss for his wonderful work with my son! He truly cares for all his students and makes learning fun!” – Joni S.
“Mr. Langloss is great at seeing children individually and helping them on an individual level like I have never seen before.” – Heather C.
“At every open house event I have attended, Dustin Keirstead’s fourth grade classroom always gets flooded with past students who want to visit him. He remembers their name (or tries hard too) and always makes them feel cherished. He truly cares about every single child and it shows.” – Kayla T.
“Holly Simonson (fourth grade) goes above and beyond every day for her students. She is creative, warm, and funny. She makes her students feel safe, special and loved every day.” – Diane U.
“Mrs. Julie Hatcher, the reading intervention specialist at Yacolt Primary, is wonderful! She truly cares about each of her students and goes above and beyond to help struggling readers. Thank you so much!” – Camilla T.