Leadership Learning: Discovering Best Practices at the National Level

 by Superintendent Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

This trip to Nashville, Tennessee started with cold weather, a head cold and a late arrival.  I am now sitting in a "Thought Session" with Alan Blankstien (author of Failure Isn't An Option) along with my wife and daughter. Learning and leadership have become a family thing. Almost all of our conversations at the table, in the car and around the house surround school and its many functions. I guess it only makes sense that my family saved their money to attend with this national venue with me. At least we will have more common ground for future family discussion.

So far, what I have found is a lot of  affirmation, with a few leadership twists and approaches to create capacity,  for the Five Essential Elements of Learning:

THE FIVE ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS of LEARNING
1. Focus on Learning
2. Collaborative Culture
3. Clearly Define What Every Student Needs To Learn
4. Consistently Measure Our Effectiveness
5. Systematically Respond When Students Don't/Do Learn

During my learning experience here in Nashville, I will do my best to share the experiences

HAPPY EASTER NEIL EASTER

by Superintendent Robert "Bob" Lewandowski 

Today, I can't help but reflect on the loss of my good friend and this district's long time employee, Neil Easter. We laid him to rest a little less than a month ago. This has been very difficult for the district staff and myself. I know others morn as well. With a last name like "Easter," and today being "Good Friday," it seems only right to speak to this loss.

Neil worked at St. Ignatius School District for almost 30 years. He brought his family here from Ohio out of a love for Yellowstone, the West and the great landscapes of Montana (as well as its world class fly-fishing). His wife, Joyce, was the first to be employed at the District. Neil soon followed as a Title I paraprofessional.

It wasn't long before Neil became the Business Manager and Clerk of the District. He kept the District in good financial standing. He was meticulous in his duty: every "t" was crossed and every "i" dotted. Most importantly, he cared about the kids of Mission. Neil Easter was "student" centered.

One of the first people I met on my interview, four years ago, was Neil. He shook my hand and introduced himself saying "Ah Doo." He was a 71 year old Business Clerk who had just lost his wife to cancer. Having just lost my 21 year old daughter, Ashton, to tragic car accident in Wyoming, Neil and I were good medicine for one another. Medicine that I needed. We spent a number of our coffee breaks talking about our losses and the anticipation of the future. He was as much an anchor for me as I was for him.

Neil was a strong man, but he couldn't help but wipe a tear away when talking about Joyce. He was just as proud of his sons and their accomplishments. Our conversations did our hearts good. He was a man to be trusted. I moved my family here without any formal connections to anyone. Neil stepped up to make Montana a home for me and my family. He was my daughter's, Stephanie's Senior Project Adviser and so much more to my family. On Sundays, he occupied the last pew in the back of the church at St. Ignatius. I knew that whatever I needed (I mean whatever), he would be there to offer assistance. These types of things don't happen in this day and age. Neil Easter is the exception. I fondly refer to him as one of my best friends.

From the empty chair in his office, the pathetic coffee he brewed, to the desk he occupied during board meetings, I and so many others miss him. These daily reminders sadden me at times, but at the same time they warm my heart knowing that I, and so many others, are better because we had met Neil Easter.

 Just this last fall we recognized Neil at the homecoming assembly for Making the Difference. We dedicated the new Student Commons to Joyce Easter after its completion three years ago. Many have suggested we include Neil's name in that dedication. One thing is for sure, his service will not go unnoticed and unrecognized by this district. A plan for such a dedication is in the making.

Happy Easter, Mr. Neil Easter: thank you for coming to Montana.

Multicultural Day Celebration and Learning

You know it is spring at St. Ignatius when Mission's community and school celebrate multicultural day. The day includes class breakouts sessions and ends with a K-12 Pow wow. This year we invited guests from the Frenchtown elementary school to join our celebration. Ben Corral does a fantastic job as the master of ceremonies. He take particular care in his explanation of the songs, customs and clothing worn by the participants. We are so thankful for those that take part in making this celebration a reality.




Photo are by Robert Lewandowski and music by Ben Corral from his album Stick Games.

Perspective on Luck

I was moved by this YouTube video by a favorite Western Poet of mine and thought I would share his perspective. Baxter Black's cowboy philosophy, country living and humor often tell a tale of truth. His poetry is as addictive as his sense of humor is funny. If you're unfamiliar with Baxter's work, give his name a Goolge. In the mean time, enjoy his view on what it means to be lucky.

Have a great day! Remember: People don't care what you know until they know that you care!

Construction Around the Corner

by Superintendent Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

School construction is getting ready to get underway this Spring. The project is made possible by the Quality School Grant that Superintendent Bob Lewandowski made application for in behalf of the district. Lewandowski first made application for the Quality Schools Planning Grant that provided the foundation for assessment and planning needed to successfully win the Quality Schools Project Grant. Total grant appropriations total $550,000.

CALENDAR SURVEY INFORMATION

First of all, I want to encourage everyone to complete the Calendar Survey as sent out to parents and made available to the public. Go to Calendar Survey and provide valuable input on the 2014-2015 Calendar selection.

The survey closes at midnight April 10, 2014.


With that in mind, several people have asked: What are the "Culminating Events" on the Calendar choices; specifically, February 20 and 27. (Its a good question and I promised Penny Kipp I would send out an explanation on Facebook and my blog). Therefore, here it is:  these are days that district and regional basketball are taking place. These events are scheduled by the State Activities Association. Our school not only sends girls and boys basketball teams, but pep band members in grades 6-12 as well as cheerleaders. A significant number of children attend these activities and are not at school. On calendars 1, 3, and 4 there is no school on these days.

If there are any other question you are having with the calendar survey, please don't hesitate to give us a call at the district office. We look forward to your calendar responses.