Missoula Children's Theatre Does It Again

The cast of Blackbeard the Pirate

by Superintendent Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

Missoula Children's Theatre presented "Blackbeard the Pirate" on November 21 and 22. It was a fantastic presentation of Mission children on stage. It never ceases to amaze me how much confidence and growth take place when a child has an opportunity to be on "stage." Parents are so proud of their children and their children as so happy to make their families proud. No matter the production, Missoula Children's Theatre makes our kids look great!

Special thanks to everyone who has contributed to make this production an annual event.

NOW that's HCA Baby!

Click "READ MORE" to see all photos.

Mission Possible Playground Connects with GoFundMe

by Superintendent Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

Tami Sanderson presents a check to Mission Possible Playground.

Mission Possible Playground has reached out to connect with an online fundraising site called GoFundMe. GoFundMe is a personal online fundraising website for individuals, groups and organizations. I signed Mission Possible Playground up with GoFundMe 21 days ago and we have already raised $3,403. Organizations like the Northwestern Montana Association of Realtors (NMAR) have taken notice to our postings on GoFundMe and have made significant contributions.

Many of our patrons have "shared" our Facebook postings with their friends. I am continually surprised by the generosity of so many. This is what thanksgiving is all about. We are so thankful for those who seek funding and provide the necessary funding that will make a difference in the lives of children here are St. Ignatius Schools.

If you would like to find out more about Mission Possible Playground and GoFundMe, please go to: http://www.gofundme.com/gnqmc0 and find out how you can help make this dream become a reality for Mission students.

VOLLEYBALL B-6 Consolation Winners

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

Congratulations to the Varsity Volleyball Team. Seen in the photo after they won the Divisional Tournament Qualification Match beating Deer Lodge in 5 sets. The Lady Bulldogs ended the day as the Consolation Winners in the Region B-6 Tournament. They defeated Ronan in 3 straight sets. (The Lady Bulldogs own the bragging rights winning two of the three matches played against the Maidens).

Blackfoot Telephone Makes Generous Donation For Playground

by Superintendent Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

Stuart Morton (right) present Chairman Gene Posivio a check for $5,000.

On behalf of St. Ignatius School District #28, the Mission Possible Playground Committee and all of the students here at Mission, we would like to thank Blackfoot Telephone and their board member representative Stuart Morton for their generous donation of $5,000.

This donation goes a long way in making our playground possibilities a reality.

Thank you Blackfoot Telephone and Mr. Stuart Morton.

Go Fund Me: Mission Possible Playground

Mission Possible Playground needs your support. Go Fund Me is an online fundraising website. Please visit the Mission Possible Go Fund Me site for more information on how you can help make new playground equipment a reality here at Mission.

SITE INFORMATION:
St. Ignatius School District #28 is a public school located Northwestern Montana on the Flathead Indian Reservation. St. Ignatius is fondly referred to as Mission. Our school has approximately 500 students in kindergarten through the twelfth grade of which 60% are American Indian. Mission is a modest district in much need of playground equipment. The majority of the financial efforts are focused on the academic needs of children, leaving little left for playground facilities. 

At this time, the playground facilities in our community are almost nonexistent; the funds will be used to contribute to the total cost of selected equipment and its implementation. The equipment is compliant with disability laws for access. In addition, a number of children in our community use the current playground during non-school hours.

We have an increasing number of children in our community and school with physical disabilities.  We do not currently have equipment and play areas in town or at the school, which adequately address their needs and limitations. Students need to be safe and have accessible play equipment to facilitate cooperative play opportunities, which help with the students’ physical development as well their social and emotional well-being. Most importantly, the facilities will provide a venue for our community’s youth to play in an environment that is centrally located in St. Ignatius while being able to serve the students of our public school.

In 2010 the District established a Playground Committee that consists of members of the town council, local churches, parents of special needs students, teachers, school board members and administrators. Their efforts have been labeled Mission Possible Playground. Students, parents, teachers and community members are involved in the process of fund raising. Examples of current in-kind contributions that have engaged are community are: a student Walk-a-Thon; Playground Pathways; Pennies for Playgrounds; Pizza Proceeds for Playgrounds and Playground Bench Sponsors to name a few. 

The Mission Possible Playground Funding efforts have raised $21,372.21 from local support.

Play & Park Structures are offering 100% matching grants up to $25,000. The matching grant offer ends November 7, 2014. The grant allows the school to purchase the Spiral Challenge, a $50,000 piece of equipment for $25,000. The Playground Possible Funds are short $4,000 for the identified playground equipment. It will also cost approximately $4,997 for shipping and handling. At the October Board Meeting, the Board approved to temporarily fund the difference and purchase the equipment in order to obtain the matching grant. Until the remaining cost of the project is raised, the district reimbursed, the equipment will be stored. We need to raise $14,125 dollars to make this action-packed play structure a reality.

In addition to the purchase of the equipment, there are other costs associated with the Spiral Challenge implementation.
Spiral Challenge Purchase Price: $50,000; Purchase Cost: $25,000 ($21,372.21 in the Playground Fund)
Shipping & Handling: $4,997
Hard Plastic Boarder: $2,500 (see photo below)
Surface material & landscaping: $3,000
Equipment Assembly: $0 (Local personnel will provide direction to a 5 member team). Assembly cost if hired: $10,000
TOTAL COSTS: $34,500 - Remaining costs needed for total project completion: $14,125.

In-kind contributions will from other unidentified grant sources like those collected through GoFundMe are needed to make up the remaining amount. We believe this can be done! We ask for your generous contribution. 

With your help, Mission Possible Playground can be a reality.