Teacher Appreciation Week is here, and Battle Ground celebrates the teachers who make a difference in the lives of students. We asked our community to shout out some of their favorite educators as well. Here are some of the many comments:
“Every teacher! It takes a team to help our children succeed!” –Vicci
“Mrs. Whitten at CAM Academy makes learning fun and easy. She is very helpful and kind.” – Ellawyn Thomas
“Mrs. Whitten is so fun and really cares about her students. She takes the extra time to make learning enjoyable and encourages her students to be independent and responsible. She’s an excellent teacher!” – Jenni Thomas
“Mrs. Noye at CAM Academy takes her time to make sure I understand what she’s teaching and helps me correct my work. She is also kind with her words and gives compliments that make me feel good.” – Ellawyn Thomas
“I would like to acknowledge Mrs. Noye. She is so sweet and thoughtful. I see how she makes each student feel seen and heard. I appreciate her and am thankful she’s helping to shape our future generations.” – Jenni Thomas
“Mr. Schwartz at Chief Umtuch Middle School is my favorite because he always has a smile on his face and he is always so positive.” – Gwen
“Ms. Brundage at Daybreak Primary is so kind and makes learning fun!” –Ashley Merryman
“Ms. Foster at Daybreak Primary doesn’t even have my daughter in her class and we hear almost daily how sweet she is and how she said hi and made my daughter smile. Thank you, Ms. Foster, for caring about all the kids you pass at school! You are a gift! –Jessica Merryman
“Ms. Johnson at Daybreak Primary has a gift for building real relationships with the kiddos, and my daughter gets so excited when Ms. Johnson stops to talk to her. Ms. Johnson is a treasure!” – Jessica Merryman
“My kiddo had a difficult start of the school year and Ms. Olson at Glenwood Heights Primary did a lot to accommodate his needs. Today he is able to read and he enjoys it. He is able to participate in class with other kids. Thank you, Ms. Olson, for making him a successful student.” – Anjela Sharan
“My student is in Ms. Wooten’s class at Glenwood Heights Primary . He had a difficult start and Ms. Wooten worked her magic. Today he is enjoying his school all because of Ms. Wooten’s magical teaching. Thank you, Ms. Wooten. You rock.” – Anjela Sharan
"Mrs. deBra at Maple Grove Primary is the kind of teacher you want every year for your child! She is the kindest, most genuine teacher and person we’ve ever had the opportunity to know. She is patient, she takes her time to know your child, how they learn, their likes and dislikes, and everything in-between. She runs a classroom that is nurturing and bright yet structured with expectations.
"Personally, Mrs. deBra has made a difference beyond words with our son who has a significant speech delay accompanied by some other developmental delays. In a world of setbacks she has proven there is a bright light that shines for his journey! She took a child who developed a disdain for school last year and fostered a learning environment that gave him hope every single day and made it enjoyable to attend school and stay focused on his studies. It is a common opinion to love Mrs. deBra among his classmates and their parents, but it is like we won the lottery with being able to have our children educated by her.
"Mrs. deBra alongside my son’s team helped give him HIS VOICE, HIS WORDS, HIS ADVOCACY. And for that she should be celebrated, spotlighted, honored and high fived every single day!!! We love Mrs. deBra! " –Meghan Hill
"Mr. Scott at Maple Grove Primary is a school district’s dream educator! He’s exactly who you want your child to learn from! He’s kind, exciting and vibrant. He makes learning fun even for the parents! Mr. Scott has a way of connecting with the students and fueling their imaginations to learn! His classroom is always so inviting, and his communication is TOP NOTCH with parents!
“Personally, our son has had such a positive experience in TK! He has learned so much this year and also learned to love school! Mr. Scott is the foundation of that! It’s because of him the TK kids have a firm foundation for academics, love for learning, and respect for following the rules of the school! He creates such a positive impact on BGPS!" –Meghan Hill
“The first day my child went to Transitional Kindergarten, he was shy, scared and did not enjoy large crowds. Since being in class he has changed a lot. He talks wonders of Mr. Scott. He likes to take pictures now. He is not as shy. Being in TK and having Mr. Scott as a teacher has been a blessing.” – Elsa Avila Castaneda
“Mrs. K at Pleasant Valley Primary is the sweetest, kindest soul that we so much appreciate! My child’s reading has blossomed under her care and we can’t thank her enough for what she does.” – Amanda Akers
“Mrs. Cortes at River HomeLink has helped my child come out of herself.” –Nathan
“Week after week, Mrs. Cortes at River HomeLink continues to show her dedication to her students. She has created an environment where every student feels welcomed, supported, challenged and loved. Our family loves her open communication with her weekly email updates and at-home teaching tips. These tips have helped us find a routine that works for our family, knowing when to take a break and guiding students vs. telling them the answers. Mrs. Cortes is an outstanding teacher, mother, friend and we feel so blessed she is at RHL. Thank you, Cortes, for all you do!” – Jessica Hartmann
“Mrs. Walker at River HomeLink is such an amazing teacher. She is so kind and patient with all of the kindergarteners. She makes sure everyone feels included and safe, even when there are different beliefs. She really listens and cares about the parents. We have had her twice now and truly appreciate the person she is, the teacher she chooses to be and the impact she has made on our family. She has set my daughters up to love school. Thank you!" – Lyndy Day
"A veteran teacher of River HomeLink, Traci Donahue is not only an exemplary educator beloved by her students and colleagues, but a treasure to her school and community. Delivering every lesson with careful thought, engaging activities and a considerable amount of ✨style✨, Mrs. Donahue turns regular old classroom learning into life-long memories that stick with students far beyond when their time in her program comes to an end." –Rye Dilley
"In spring 2025, Mrs. Amy Hanson, then a teacher-librarian and yearbook advisor at Tukes Valley Middle School, helped myself and 12 other students from around the district as we worked to reinvent a defunct district publication as a student-led magazine. Over a year later, Mrs. Hanson is now an English teacher at River HomeLink — though she still serves as the staff advisor for the Your BGPS magazine and has overseen the publication of two issues to resounding positive feedback, with more expected to come. When I first had the idea for the magazine in March 2025, others dismissed it as unlikely to gain traction — it was Mrs. Hanson whose support propelled my vision to the district level, and she has been with me through every step since. I'm very grateful to have her support and I'm immensely proud of what she has helped me create, I couldn't have done it without her. (She's the reason I know the difference between a hyphen, en dash and em dash 😌🤏)." –Rye Dilley
"Mrs. Emily Enquist at Pleasant Valley Primary is a warm smile , a reassuring hand and a safe place for her students. She’s often the first person our youngest Transitional Kindergarten students see in the morning as they get off the bus or out of the drop off line. She makes those first steps away from home a bit easier and a little less scary, and she continues to walk beside them and support the learning that will set up their love for school for years to come. " – Erica Bedrossian
"Mrs. McGraw at Yacolt Primary is my child's kindergarten teacher (her first experience with school and teachers). She is truly an amazing teacher. You can see and tell that kindness radiates from her. My daughter says, 'Mrs. McGraw is never, ever mad at us.'
"She keeps parents up to date with what's going on in the class, what kids are working on, and she is always there to help with any questions. She puts her heart in what she is doing and how she is teaching children! (I volunteered in her class, I saw it.) She goes above and beyond to help kids learn and to make learning fun.
"I am glad that my daughter's first experience with school and teachers is great, and it's because of her incredible teacher, Mrs. McGraw. Thank you!” – Trixie Foley
"We would love to thank Mrs. Strouse at Yacolt Primary for her great work! She is very respectful, very open for conversations. She is always there to answer questions, to give more information, to help with everything, to provide as much help as possible. She wants students to succeed. Thank you, Mrs. Strouse, for all your hard work!" – Sophia E.
“Mrs. Butte at Yacolt Primary is so nice and helps me with my work! I love going to school each day!” – Cade Muonio
“Annette Weeks at Prairie High School: Thank you for all that you put into the classroom learning. I'd have never thought plant science would be one of my student's favorite classes! But also all of the work that goes to the yearly plant sale--wonderful experience for our kids and amazing plants for our homes!!!” – Cindy
“Claire Verity at Prairie High School. WOW. A great teacher during the school day who encourages all levels and personalities to SHINE. An amazing drama program that consistently produces above average shows that are well above high school level. Kudos and thank you!” – Cindy
“Todd Ferris, Prairie High School computer science and robotics: Thank you for the lessons and inspiration in the class and out in the robotics world. Great job inspiring your students to try new things and reach new heights!” – Cindy
“Talia Macy-Bambilla at Tukes Valley Primary is kind and caring. She is always ready to help, offer support and find the right approach with children. The classroom atmosphere is positive and comfortable. She explains the material in a way that is easy to understand, clear and accessible. My child enjoys going to school and always speaks of their teacher with great warmth.” – Valentyna Marusik
“Ms. Rhoades at Yacolt Primary is a great teacher! She is very funny and lets us do projects with a group or on our own. She also helps people when they need it. Ms. Rhoades is one of my favorite teachers. ❤️” – June Rotschy
“Mrs. Anderson at Pleasant Valley Primary is an amazing educator who creates a classroom culture that fosters academic and social/emotional success for each student. She makes them feel safe, seen and heard.” – Erica Bedrossian
“Mrs. Woodhouse and her Transitional Kindergarten program at Pleasant Valley Primary are outstanding! Not only does she prepare students for the next big step of kindergarten, she gives them the foundation that will last their entire academic career. The level of detail and consideration that goes into her classroom, lessons and students make learning fun, growing up easier and school a happy place!” – Erica Bedrossian
“Mrs. Greener at Pleasant Valley Primary has made a significant and lasting impact in our child’s life. She is not only an amazing teacher whose dedication is truly unmatched, but she is a fierce advocate who finds a way to connect and build trust with each of her students to help them achieve their goals!” – Erica Bedrossian
“Ms. Hannah at Pleasant Valley Primary is the kind of person who you hope your children grow into. She is kind to everyone and a joy to be around. She steps in and steps up. She is patient yet persistent. She celebrates wins and gently helps when school is hard work. My son is lucky enough to have Ms. Hannah by his side, and with her support has been able to learn and grow alongside his peers and be included in his school community.” – Erica Bedrossian
"Dear Jessi Johnson at Glenwood Heights Primary: I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for everything you do for my daughter. Our family moved to the United States from Ukraine, and she started school here without knowing any English. It was a big and challenging transition for her, and as parents, we were very worried about how she would adjust. We are especially grateful that she now has you as her teacher. Your kindness, patience and dedication are making a meaningful difference in her life. You help her feel more confident, supported and motivated to learn every day. Because of you, she is not only making progress in her studies, but also feeling safe and encouraged at school. It means so much to our family to know she is in such caring hands. Thank you for your compassion, your hard work and for believing in her." – Alona Hnezdilova
“Mrs. Sinclair at Yacolt Primary is my daughter's teacher this year. My child likes a lot of animals, so she brought a spider to school, wanted to bring a gardener snake 🐍, then I think she brought slugs and snails 🐌 and not too long ago she brought tadpoles to school. Mrs. Sinclair was so kind she brought a small aquarium (fish tank), and they decided to grow tadpoles in the classroom together. We want to thank Mrs. Sinclair for that!” – Sophia Esse
“Ms. Vashaw at Daybreak Middle helps to create a calm and productive environment for my child.” – Whitney
“I love Mrs. Adams at Yacolt because she is so kind!!” – Grayson Kemppainen
“I so appreciate Mrs. Adams for all that she’s done for my son. She’s a thoughtful, kind and wonderful teacher. She’s a superhero in everyday clothing, and I will forever be thankful to her.” – Kate Kemppainen
"Molly Warden has served as the long-term substitute for seventh grade Washington state history at Tukes Valley Middle School since the beginning of this year. Throughout her time at TVM, she has demonstrated exemplary skill and care in her role—balancing school curriculum and state standards while creating lessons that keep students both learning and engaged. I always find myself having the most interesting and informative conversations with Miss Warden, discussing everything from local school districts to state government and even the art of the yo-yo. Of all my teachers this year, she is arguably the coolest (sorry, not sorry 😁) and she absolutely deserves recognition for all of the nonsense she puts up with." – Rye Dilley
“Kyle Sharp at Prairie High School is kind, he is caring, he is dedicated to every student that he works with, he goes above and beyond and I adore him. He works with both my older son and my daughter.” – Tria Potts
“Christina Horst at Prairie High School is amazing. She works with kiddos with disabilities and without, and she goes above and beyond as well. She speaks to the kids like they're human. She speaks to them at their level and she is amazing.” – Tria Potts
“Ms. Flagor at Yacolt Primary is very sweet to my children while keeping it real and them on track. We’ve loved having her for our teacher this school year!!" – Natalie Merriman
“Ms. Mackenzie Harris at Glenwood Heights is a very good teacher; I really liked the flower craft!” –Josephine Leuthold
“I love that I got to take a picture with my teacher, Mrs. Massie at Yacolt. I love her so much!” – Amelia Esquivel
“All history instructors at CAM: These instructors walk the thinnest line every single day when they walk into their classroom and teach history with only the facts and without any personal bias. Every student's question requires a deep breath and serious thought as to the answer given. I have encountered history teachers at CAM for the last six years and have the deepest respect for their ability to elicit serious thought from their students, along with teaching them how to research topics and determine good sources from bad. These are skills they will use for the rest of their lives. Thanks to all of you for having the courage to take on these challenges, especially in today's world.” – Lynda Rogers
“Mrs. Matsuzaki at Daybreak Primary has made such a wonderful impact on our daughter this year. She creates a warm, encouraging classroom with her calm and positive approach. She has implemented positive behavior interventions via Class Dojo, catching students following expectations and communicating this to parents. Her second grade class is large, yet she still manages to differentiate for the benefit of all her students. It’s been so fun to see our daughter’s creativity shine through the special projects Mrs. M has planned to challenge her. She comes home excited and inspired to learn. Mrs. Matsuzaki truly makes a difference! Thank you from the Rogers family.” – Rachel Rogers
“Mrs. Kleser at Maple Grove Primary welcomed my son, who moved to another state and new school in such a short time. She made sure he was ready for success by pushing him to do better in academics.” – Amoureaux Courneya Cherrez
“I would like to take a moment to recognize an extraordinary teacher, Ms. Wallace at Summit View High School.
“Ms. Wallace is truly a fantastic teacher. She has a unique ability to notice when students need a little extra attention, and she meets those moments with incredible patience and care. When kids are struggling, she doesn’t just move on, she takes the time to make sure they understand what they are doing and helps them create a clear plan to succeed.
“When our daughter transferred to Summit View in the middle of her sophomore year, she was struggling deeply. She had only earned 0.5 credits and was dealing with depression and a lack of confidence in herself. Since being in Ms. Wallace’s class, everything has changed. She is now completing classes, catching up on lost time, and most importantly, believing in herself again. Her confidence has skyrocketed.
“Ms. Wallace didn’t just help her academically; she helped change the entire direction of her life in a positive way.
“I also want to thank the principal and the entire staff at Summit View High School. Every teacher we’ve encountered has been supportive and dedicated. You truly help students find their way.
“We were once told not to consider an alternative school, but looking back, I only wish we had made the switch sooner. Ms. Wallace and Summit View have been an incredible place for our daughter.” – One very appreciative parent
“Mrs. Mac at Glenwood Heights strikes the perfect balance of challenge and support for students. Early on, she saw my child's strengths and points for growth, and it’s been a joy for us to see how Mrs. Mac’s encouragement, practical help and a positive class culture has built self-awareness and confidence. My child looks forward to each day’s adventures in the fun-spirited, trusted company of her class community and caring, expert teacher. We are grateful!” – The Dukes family
“My son has become more independent and loves school at Yacolt Primary because he knows he will have Mrs. Mandy in his classroom. She is always getting him to smile and laugh. I love to see this and it makes me feel good about my decision to put my little one into Transitional Kindergarten. I’m so thankful he’s had such a great teacher to start out his educational journey with.” –Jenna
Thank you to everyone who took the time to highlight teachers, and thank you to Battle Ground teachers past and present for enriching students’ and families’ lives.