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.