The Battle Ground School District Board of Directors held a special meeting on July 28, 2025, focusing on the development and implementation of a Social Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum across its schools. The meeting featured a diverse group of educators and community members who shared their insights and experiences regarding the importance of SEL in supporting students' emotional and social development.

Chris Blankenship, the intervention coordinator at Battle Ground High School, emphasized the significance of the AWARE grant in facilitating this initiative. He highlighted the collaborative efforts of the committee in enhancing existing interventions and supporting staff in their roles. Annie Odrow, an intervention coordinator at Prairie High School, echoed this sentiment, noting that a structured SEL curriculum would bolster the work already being done to support students.

Several teachers from Prairie High School, including CJ Shiller and Oliver Root, expressed their enthusiasm for the SEL curriculum, citing the need for a more uniform approach to social emotional learning across the district. Root, who has personal ties to the community, shared his desire to give back by contributing to the curriculum development process.

Danica Ross, a science teacher and ASB advisor, reflected on her previous experiences with curriculum adoption committees, emphasizing the importance of considering various perspectives in educational planning. Alicia Hart, a public computer science teacher and parent, highlighted her dual role in the district, expressing her commitment to ensuring the SEL curriculum meets the needs of families.

Community member Ally Strapazon also contributed to the discussion, sharing her experiences as a parent of children who faced challenges in managing their emotions. She advocated for the SEL curriculum as a valuable resource that could have made a significant difference in her children's educational journeys.

The meeting underscored a collective commitment to fostering a supportive learning environment through the integration of social emotional learning, with participants recognizing its potential to enhance student well-being and academic success. The district plans to continue developing the SEL curriculum, aiming to implement it effectively across all grade levels.