Thursday, December 22, 2011
Friday, December 2, 2011
Come And Get It! Breakfast Is Served!
We hope this will offer our community an opportunity to find out more about Mission Schools.
This is our Third Mission Possible Parent Breakfast. Last month we had a fantastic turn out. It is a great way to mobilize our community! We hope we will be able to address any questions you may have and provide information on how parents and community members can get involved.
This month we will provide information concerning several initiatives and learning opportunities for you and your children.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Helping Students Develop A Love For Reading!
 |
Once the students meet their goal by the deadline, a group of school officials, Mr. Krantz, Mr. Durglo and Mr. Phillips (pictured on right) will be sent to the Reading Teepee immediately after the varsity basketball game versus Charlo on January 20, 2011. If the numbers of books are doubled, a second group will be selected, Mrs. Stobie, Mrs. Plant and Mrs. Weaselhead (pictured left) to spend the evening in one of the teepees. If, by some miracle, the students triple the goal, Superintendent Lewandowski (center) will join the others for a winter’s night in the Teepee.
|
RATIONALE
Reading is fundamental in all aspects of our children’s education. Learning how to comprehend, read fluently and apply what has been read is critical to educational success. In order to become a great reader takes practice. With this in mind, the school has developed a few independent reading goals to help accommodate our children’s love for reading. The more we can get children to read, the better readers they will become that is why we have the Reading Teepees.
As you have probably seen, there are two teepees between the elementary school and the library. The Native American Studies classes put up the teepees and provided instruction related to culture and heritage to elementary through high school students. It is their intention to develop an encampment for students to observe. In addition to student exposure of the teepees in their NAS courses, the elementary will put the teepees to further use and expose school officials to a winter night’s stay in the teepee.
For some reason, students love reversing the roles between educator and student. It is surprising how hard they will work to be able to tell their teacher or administrator what they need to do instead of the other way around. At any rate, it is all done in fun, and that is what makes the difference. I know I am not looking forward to spending cold winter’s night out in the elements in a teepee. You can bet, if I do, it will be for good reason, and I can’t think of a better reason than independent student reading. If our students reach their reading goal – it will be an evening that won’t soon be forgotten.
RULES
Two (2) books by January 6, 2012 (following Christmas Break) with a minimum number of pages (see page minimums below). The books need to be read at an independent level (in class or at home).
- 10 pages for kindergartners
- 20 pages for first graders
- 30 pages for second graders
- 40 pages for third graders
- 50 pages for fourth graders
- 60 pages for fifth graders
Classroom teachers will collect the proper student verification and turn it into the office. Verifications will be totaled and updated for students to see on a bulletin board. (The verifications will also be given to the identified educator to read while spending the evening in the teepee). Students must verify their reading by providing the following:
- Kindergartners: draw a picture of what they read or a paper with three new words they learned.
- First Grade: write a sentence about what they read
- Second Grade: write two sentences about what they read
- Third Grade: write a paragraph (at least three sentences) about what they read
- Fourth Grade: write two paragraphs (at least three sentences each) about what they read
- Fifth Grade: write three paragraphs (at least three sentences each) about they read (Introduction, body and conclusion paragraphs).
NOTE: The following heading must accompany each verification:
- Student Name
- Student Grade
- Title of Book.
Weekly updates will be provided to the school on the bulletin board hanging across from the elementary computer lab in the multi-purpose facility.
Parents are encouraged to help their children read at the independent level and work with their child to complete their verification material.
Parent Assistance Tips:
- Provide a quite environment for reading: (Just setting a specific time aside for reading will help your child focus and begin reading as a habit).
- Reduce surrounding distractions: (Turn off the television, radio or electronic equipment that might distract your child).
- Read aloud to your child; (Read a sentence/paragraph or two to get your child started. Encourage them to read aloud back to you. This help reading fluency).
- Model reading: (While your child reads, pick up the newspaper, a magazine or book and join them. Your example is most powerful).
- Ask your child to explain what they have read: (Don't be afraid to ask you child about the story they are reading. This helps their comprehension and gives them positive feedback in showing that you care).
- Make reading fun: (What ever you do, have fun! This starts with a book that is written at your child's independent reading level. The books they are reading independently should not be difficult. Independent reading is practice. If your child struggles with the reading material, talk to his/her teacher about your child's reading selection. A difficult reading selection often times discourages young readers).
The READING CHALLENGE has been made; if the students reach their goals the selected school officials must spend the winter’s night in the teepee the evening of January 20, 2012 following the varsity game (Brrrrrr…). This initiative is all about fun and developing a love for reading!
Ladies and gentlemen, start your reading!!!
Monday, November 21, 2011
Anti-Drug Message Is Loud and Clear
Educating students about the dangers of drug, tobacco and alcohol use are part of the Red Ribbon Week campaign. Students at all levels are encourage to take part in developing anti-drug messages. You can see these messages in the hallways in the middle and high school. The elementary developed banners that were hung around the playground.
School counselor Susan Weaselhead developed the elementary banner concepts and had them painted by individual elementary classes. While each student in the elementary contributed to the painting of a letter or figure, Weaselhead talked to them about the dangers of drugs (see photo below). Providing students with information for making healthy life choices is most effective if it is done at younger ages. Red Ribbon Week provides our school the opportunity to celebrate healthy choices with students.
Special thanks goes out to our counseling staff: Susan Weaselhead and Leah Dahlin for their contributions in celebrating Red Ribbon Week. The message to our students was loud and clear. Well done!
 |
| Susan Weaselhead talks to a student about healthy choices. |
Thursday, November 10, 2011
K-12 Top Dawg Assembly - Come Join Our Celebration
Please join us for the K-12 Top Dawg Assembly on Friday, November 11 at 9:00 AM in the high school gymnasium. Please review the program below for more information on the content of the assembly:
Top Dawg Program
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag (Presentation of Colors by Boy Scouts)
Veterans’ Day Video Presentation (Freedom Isn’t Free)
Mont CAS Top Dawgs (Spring 2011)
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE: Students that scored advanced in MATH, READING and SCIENCE.
ACADEMIC LEADERS: Students that scored proficient in MATH, READING and SCIENCE.
MAP Top Dawgs: (Fall 2010 – Spring 2011)
NATIONAL PERCENTILE LEADERS: Students who scored in the 75% and up in MATH, READING, and/or LANGUAGE ARTS. (Students scores only need to be in any one of the identified contents to be recognized. If they score 75% in all three they will receive multiple recognitions).
ACADEMIC GROWTH CHAMPIONS: Exceptional student growth. Students that indicated 125% growth in MATH, READING and/or LANGUAGE ARTS.
ACADEMIC GROWTH LEADERS: Top ten percent of identified students in Elementary, Middle School, High School that indicated the most growth in MATH, READING and/or LANGUAGE ARTS. Students must be identified in the area for recognition.
SuccessMaker Top Dawgs (Elementary)
Individual READING Growth
Class READING Growth
Individual READING Time and Effort
Class READING Time and Effort
Individual READING Skill Masters
Individual MATH Growth
Class MATH Growth
Individual MATH Time and Effort
Class MATH Time and Effort
Individual MATH Skill Masters
Academic Top Dawgs (Middle School & High School)
Honor Roll
Honor Roll
Middle School
3.0 – 3.49
3.5 – 4.0
Golden Eagle Awards
High School
3.0 – 3.49
3.5 – 4.0
All-around Top Dawg Selection
Attendance Top Dawgs
Consecutive Days Attendance
10 Days
10 Days
20 Days
30 Days
Perfect Attendance (1st Quarter)
Teaching & Learning Top Dawgs
Outstanding Teacher Learners
Attendance Leaders
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Reading Teepee
As you have probably noticed, there are two teepees between the elementary and the library. The teepees belong to the school district and are maintained by Mrs. Susan Weaselhead. We will be utilizing the teepees to initiate a reading incentive for our students as well as teach cultural and heritage attributes. It is the Native American Study team’s intention to develop an encampment for display through December. We will also be utilizing the teepees for reading opportunities (both individual and guided). Classes may choose to spend time reading in the teepees as an environmental incentive. In addition, the elementary classes will be setting goals for reading. If goals are met, the students will select an administrator or teacher to spend a winter’s night in the encampment. If the students exceed their goals, they can select addition administrators or teachers to spend the evening in the encampment. For some reason, students finding it empowering when they can tell their teachers and administrators what to do; after all, it is usually the other way around. In this case, all it takes is WORK and a school full of motivated readers! I know our students are motivated, so I will be looking to barrow the warmest sleeping bag available along with a flashlight and a good book.
 |
| The "chief" pole. |
 |
| Finishing touches. |
 |
| Room with a view. |
 |
| Great neighborhood! (Inside looking out). |
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Breakfast Is Served AGAIN!
This coming Monday, November 7, 2011 the district is serving a free breakfast for all our students' parents/guardians starting at 7:30 AM until 9:00 AM (we will stop serving at 8:30 AM to prepare for student lunches).We hope this will offer our community an opportunity to find out more about Mission Schools.
This is our Second Mission Possible Parent Breakfast. Last month we had a fantastic turn out. It is a great way to mobilize our community! We hope we will be able to address any questions you may have and provide information on how parents and community members can get involved.
We will have representatives from the Indian Education Committee (IEC), Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) and the Booster Club. They will provided information on how to get involved with their organization as well as provide information on current issues and happenings.
See you Monday Morning over a hot cup of coffee
To Be The Top Dawg: Attendance Required!
by Superintendent Robert "Bob" Lewandowski
As mentioned in other posts: attendance is a critical component for student success. For teaching and learning to be effective, students must attend school on a consistent basis. Coming to school is so important that St. Ignatius will be implementing several school policies and initiatives to improve student attendance. If our school is to improve student learning and meet state and national benchmarks it is imperative that we understand that every student counts. Therefore our community must do what is necessary to make sure that every student, every day comes to school all day long.
The District recently implemented an automatic phone notification for absent students as well as the “Good Morning” reminder for students that have reached critical levels of absence. In addition, we will be introducing the “Top Dawg Attendance” initiative.
The “Top Dawg Attendance” initiative will recognize students that have demonstrated consistent attendance goals. In order for students to be the “Top Dawg” in school and in life, they must show up. This initiative focuses on one the foundations of success: active participation. Students must be “consistently” present to be a “Top Dawg” in our school or any other. The initiative is set up to reward success at bench-marked levels so every student can be working toward a new attendance goal.
The initiative and its rewards are based on consistent days of attendance. For all students that have attended school for ten (10) days in a row, students will receive a “Top Dawg” silicone bracelet that says: “MISSION BULLDOGS – HCA BABY!” At twenty (20) days in a row, each student will receive a “Top Dawg” dog tag on a ball-linked chain with a blue camouflaged rubber silencer. At thirty (30) days in a row each student receives an additional “Top Dawg” dog tag with a red camouflaged rubber silencer.
After thirty days, achieving the following attendance benchmarks make student eligible for drawing the following: forty-five (45) days in a row, students are eligible for one of thirty (30) pizzas of choice at “Cornerstone;” at sixty (60) days in a row students are eligible for one of fifteen (15) twenty-five dollar gift certificates; at ninety (90) days in a row student are eligible for one of nine (9) bicycles; at one-hundred twenty (120) days in a row students are eligible for one of two (2) Kindle/Nook; at the end of the year, all students with perfect attendance (no absences of any kind) will receive a certificate and medal of achievement and are eligible for a fifty dollar gift certificate (one gift certificate for each elementary, middle and high school). Awards and drawings will take place at the end of each quarter at the K-12 Top Dawg Assemblies to be held in the gymnasium.
This initiative and others are intended to help students succeed. We hope that you will support these initiatives and help get every student, every day to school all day long.
Thank you for your effort and contributions,
See you at the Mission Possible Parent Breakfast on November 7, 2011 in the Multi-Purpose Room starting at 7:30 AM and ending at 9:00 AM.
MISSION POSSIBLE INITIATIVES
by Superintendent Robert "Bob" Lewandowski
Our academic goals here at Mission are to improve all student scores in MATH and READING. In order to do this, the District will be supporting a number of initiatives throughout the year. Our initiatives will focus on improving attendance; academic rigor; and safety, support and belonging. All of these things effect student learning in MATH and READING.
You will see and hear slogans like: Learning Takes Work!; HCA Baby!; Top Dawg!; You Must Be Present To Win!; and a variety of other sayings and initiatives that promote our mission for students to succeed here at St. Ignatius. The District and its schools will be working with community support groups like the Indian Education Committee (IEC), Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) and the Booster Club to provide the best opportunities for our children to succeed. We invite you to join us and any of the above organizations to make our great school even better. Mission possible is all about bringing our school and community together in order to best serve our youth: Together we can be the difference! Please join us at our Mission Possible Parent Breakfast on November 7, 2011 from 7:30 AM until 9:00 AM to find out more about Mission Possible and your child’s education.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Attendance Makes The Difference!
by Superintendent Robert "Bob" LewandowskiOne of our largest barriers to student success in Mission is attendance. In order to provide students the educational development needed to grow and succeed, they need to come to school every day. In order to overcome the attendance barrier, the district will be implementing a number of initiatives to improve student attendance.
We know how difficult it can be for parents and grandparents to get children to school. The school wants to do everything possible to help. Starting Monday, October 31, 2011 students that have seven (7) or more unexcused absences will receive a complementary phone call at 7:00 AM from our automated phone system. The call will include a morning attendance greeting and the time school starts. If a child has ten (10) or more unexcused absences you will receive two (2) complementary phone calls: one at 7:00 AM and another at 7:30 AM. If anyone would like a complementary morning greeting, regardless to your child’s attendance, please contact the school office and we will be glad to set that up for you.
On days when students are absent, parents will receive an automated phone call at 8:45 AM indicating their child’s absence. We will be doing this to provide timely parent notification that their child has not arrived at school. This call not only addresses attendance issues, but helps provide parental assurance that their child has arrived safely at school. We will continue to provide follow up calls by the secretarial staff for additional assurances.
The automated phone calling system is just one way to help overcome the attendance barrier. Please let us know if you have any ideas or suggestions to help improve student attendance. If you receive a morning attendance greeting and would like it removed, please don’t hesitate to call your building principal to discuss alternative methods to improve your child’s attendance.
Together we can make our great school even better by providing every student the opportunity needed to succeed.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Friday, September 30, 2011
It's The Little Things That Make The Difference
I rarely eat lunch in the school cafeteria because of my schedule. Today, I got in line with the rest of the students and this is what I was served! FANTASTIC! It tasted as good as it looks.
I was so impressed with the presentation of the meal as well as the food provided that I had to share our school's success with everyone. The individuals working in our food service program are doing great things.
This meal is not the exception, but the rule. Every meal, every day is prepared with detail in mind. It is this focus on the attention given to the little things that move an organization from good to great! Our school is on this move and it is folks like those that work in our cafeteria that make the difference!
Well done Ladies!
Little things in photo: garnish at the end of the carrots (this is not easily done). The placement of the food and combination provided. Freshly cooked bread (almost everyday). Every day for every child.
COME SEE WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT MONDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2011 FOR OUR MISSION POSSIBLE PARENT BREAKFAST FROM 7:30 AM UNTIL 9:00 AM.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Well Done Lady Bulldogs!
On a side note: The Head Coach was pretty amazing when she sang the National Anthem. The student support section was equally superb!
Well done Bulldogs!
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Homecoming Activities & Events for October 3rd - 7th
EVENTS
MONDAYALL DAY - PICTURE DAY! (Student & Teacher Individual Photos)
7:30 AM - 9:00 AM Free Parent Breakfast in the Multi-Purpose Complex (cafeteria).
JV Football versus Loyola
THURSDAY
4:15 PM - Volleyball versus Thompson Falls
Royalty Announced: before the Varsity Volleyball contest.
Bon-Fire immediately following the Varsity Volleyball. It will be held at the softball field.
FRIDAY
1:00 PM - High School Pep Assembly
1:30 PM - Homecoming Parade
5:30 PM - Welcome Back BBQ: Hosted by the Indian Education Committee and the School. Free to all students and their families. Located at the front entrance of the High School.
7:00 PM - Varsity Football Versus Troy
Royalty Crowned: Half-time of the football game.
9:00 PM - Midnight: Homecoming Dance at the elementary gym.
ACTIVITIES
High School Dress Up
MONDAY: Color Wars (each class is assigned a color)TUESDAY: Twin Day
WEDNESDAY: ABC - Crazy Day
THURSDAY: Senior Citizen/Decade Day
FRIDAY: Blue & White Day
Middle School Dress Up
MONDAY: Dress Up (individual photos taken)TUESDAY: Pajama Day
WEDNESDAY:Pro Sports Day
THURSDAY: Green Day
FRIDAY:Bulldog Blue Day
Elementary School Dress Up
MONDAY:Dress Up (individual photos taken)TUESDAY:Toms & Crazy Socks
WEDNESDAY: Sports Teams
THURSDAY: Crayola Day
FRIDAY:Blue & White Day (Parade)
HIGH SCHOOL COMPETITIONS
MONDAY: Dodge-ball
TUESDAY: Mug-o-War
WEDNESDAY: Mattress Race
THURSDAY: Limbo War
FRIDAY: Blue & White (Float and skit)
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Breakfast is Served!
I am not sure what is on the menu, but this coming Monday, October 3, 2011 the district is serving a free breakfast for all our students' parents/guardians starting at 7:30 AM until 9:00 AM (we will stop serving at 8:30 AM to prepare for student lunches).
We hope this will offer our community an opportunity to find out more about Mission Schools.
This is our Kick-Off Breakfast. It starts on the first day of Mission's Homecoming Week. It is a great way to mobilize our community! We hope we will be able to address any questions you may have and provide information on how parents and community members can get involved. We hope to introduce you to the parent and student organizations that make a difference in our school. The coffee will be hot and our new Head Cook, Mrs. Karen Belluomini promises great food!
See you Monday Morning over a hot cup of coffee!
New Faces At Mission
 |
| Mrs. Chris Taylor (Special Education) |
 |
| Mrs. Trenna Ferris (High School P.E.) |
 |
| Mrs. Deb Lewandowski (Kindergarten) |
Please give these teachers a warm Mission Welcome the next time you see them at school or in the community.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
SCHOOL SPIRIT! It's HCA Baby!
 |
| Student-body having fun at the volleyball game versus Ronan. |
by Superintendent Robert "Bob" Lewandowski
If you want to measure the type of start our district is having, all you have to do is attend one of the fall sports contests. Last Thursday evening the varsity volleyball team played Ronan (the town next door). The ladies defeated Ronan in three straight sets. Credit not only goes to their play on the court, but the support that comes from the student-body and community. Win or lose, Home Court Advantage is the difference.
Well done students!
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
District Goes Facebook
Social networking has evolved over the past several years from postings between friends and family to instant mass communication. Here at Mission, we are embracing this technology by hosting a Facebook page that will provide instant updates and communications with stakeholders. We encourage stakeholders who have Facebook accounts to go to: http://www.facebook.com/stignatiusschools and press "like" to receive the Facebook "News Feed" on their computers, phone and other mobile devices.
The "News Feed" will provide you the latest posts that are communicated through the St. Ignatius School Offices at the elementary, middle school, high school and district levels. I believe this type of technology can be very effective in mobilizing our community.
Constituents can also visit the district website for more information on how to link your Facebook with Saint Ignatius Public Schools.
Two Montana Students Selected to Attend Youth Leadership Summit
Pictured is an article written by senior, Rose Bear Don't Walk on the Gear Up Youth Leadership Summit and published in the Gear Up Monthly Newsletter.
Well done Rose and Sydney!
Well done Rose and Sydney!
Sunday, September 11, 2011
"Not the victory but the action; Not the goal but the game; In the deed the glory."
Motto engraved on the wall of Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska by Hartley Burr Alexander, Philosophy Professor says a lot about the game of football. Last Friday night the Mission football team came up short, but played like champions. I shot a few photos to share...
Get'em next time Bulldogs!
Get'em next time Bulldogs!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)