Lake County Media Coverage

I want to thank the Valley Journal for their coverage of St. Ignatius in the July 29, 2010 edition (Vol. 6, No. 46). The coverage of the "Good Old Days" celebration was fantastic. The photos are exceptional and the positive coverage that promotes our community here in Mission is noted. I had the opportunity to meet and talk to Valley Journal Reporter/Photographer, Melea Burke, during an interview last week and was extremely impressed with her professionalism and the product of her toils. The Mission Valley can be proud of the this type of media that serves our communities here in Lake County. Well done and thank you!

Construction Progress

It is with great anticipation and excitement that we wait for the current construction project to be complete; however, like many construction projects, there are delays. At this time all construction focus is on the lunch room and elementary addition. The progress of this addition is detrimental to the functionality of our school. All students (elementary - high school) are fed in the cafeteria/lunch room. In addition, the construction staging is taking place on the elementary playgrounds. Obviously we need both, the school playgrounds (upper and lower elementary) and the lunch room, to fluently educate students.

The district architect and project manager keep assuring me that the project will be far enough along that it will not have any significant effects on our educational delivery. I'm trying not to be pessimistic, but time will tell. At any rate, the building principals and the administrative team are working out scenarios in case the project is not completed to the state of "approved occupancy." We will have contingency plans in place so school will start on time! We look forward to seeing kids on August 26!

Before The Nest Is Empty

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

In late June, my eleven year old daughter found a robin's nest and came running to me to share her discovery. At the time, the nest was empty. We have been watching the nest from eggs to hatching. It was amazing to see that every time we came near the nest, the young robins would open up to be fed (as seen in the photo taken several weeks ago). They were totally dependent on the adult birds to help them grow and change.

Here it is in late July and the nest is already empty. The birds have gown and flown away.

Our experience with the young robins is certainly analogous with own young. As parents we spend a lot of time building a nest and preparing for the lives to come. When children do arrive, they are total dependent up on us. What is most alarming to me is that our children are only in the nest for a short time.

As educators and parents, we only have one shot at doing things right. A youngster, like my daughter, is only eleven years old once. She will only be in 5th grade once. With that thought, I feel a tremendous responsibility as the superintendent of this district to provide the leadership needed to make sure that the educational experiences and opportunities for the St. Ignatius children are the best that can be provided. The old saying: "There is never enough time to do things right the first time, but there is always enough time to do them again" is not acceptable when it comes to educating our children.

The 2010-2011 School Year will soon start and there will be over 500 students hungry to learn and grow in this district's nest. We only get one chance to give them what they need developmentally. With parents and community, the St. Ignatius teachers, staff and administration will be up to the challenge.

It is an honor and tremendous responsibility that I am able to serve the children in this district. The building and grounds staff as well as many of the teachers and administrators are currently preparing the "nest" for the school year to come.

Tis the Season

With the cherries and other fruits and vegetables ready for harvest we know that school is just around the corner.

I am anxiously awaiting the start of school on August 26, 2010. Fall sports begin on August 16. Some teachers are back in the district as soon as August 20. Many parents will soon be receiving back to school letters from their building principals. Even though summer is in full swing, it won't be long and school will start.

There is a school board meeting tomorrow evening, July 20, 2010 at 7:00 PM in the District Board Room. It will be my first meeting with this district. It marks the first meeting of the fiscal school year with many new beginnings at hand. We will do our best here at the district office to communicate with you, keeping you informed. One of the first orders of business will be to review the district's "Comprehensive Educational Plan." Once reviewed we will set goals and designate interventions to help improve teaching and learning.

This is a good school district with great possibilities! The 2010-2011 school year will certainly mark many new expectations and accomplishments!

Oh, To Live In St. Ignatius!

It is a pleasure to have the opportunity to serve this community in the beautiful Mission Valley of Montana! I already have my Mission Blue and am ready to support the Bulldogs. I look forward to the challenges and the opportunity to meet parents, students, staff and community. I grew up as a Cornhusker in Nebraska, served as a district superintendent in Northwestern Wyoming, but feel right at home here in Mission.

As far as this blog, I hope it will provide personal incite as well a central office point of view. I hope you will follow the blog and find it interesting, but most of all, educational.

Once again, it is great to be here! I took the photo you see out of my backyard! The Mission Mountains are certainly somewhere over the rainbow...! What a blessing to serve and live in this sacred land!