OUR GOLD STAR

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

This is the 23rd year that NBC Montana has recognized outstanding teachers through the "GOLD STAR AWARD" program. According to NBC Montana: "This program brings public recognition to educators (K-12) who have made significant contributions toward better education."

This year, our very own high school English teacher, Sara Keast, was not only nominated, but the recipient of the GOLD STAR.  Congratulations Sara for winning the KECI Gold Star Award! We are all so proud of you! See video below for more information.

INDIAN EDUCATION REPORT 2013

 by Superintendent Robert "Bob" Lewandowski 

 On December 5, 2013 the Administrative Team presented the Mission Indian Education Report to the Confederated Salish Kootenai Tribal Council. The report was well received by the Council. The following video outlines the content presented. Please share and enjoy!

Christmas and Holiday Wishes

We wish you and yours a blessed Christmas and happy New Year!

 by Superintendent Robert "Bob" Lewandowski 

 The St. Ignatius Administrative Team (Front row, left to right): Administrative Assistant RaSena Christopher, District Clerk Neil Easter, Elementary Principal Tammy Demien; (Second row): High School Principal Jason Sargent, Maintenance Director Steve McCollum, Assistant Clerk Adam Hawkaluk, Superintendent Bob Lewandowski; (Back row): Middle School Principal Dan Durglo, Activity Director Rich Ferris and Technology Director Matt Lyon.

Break begins on Friday, December 20, 2013  at 2:15 PM

School Resumes on January 6, 2014 at its regular times.

MAKING THE DIFFERENCE

 by Superintendent Robert "Bob" Lewandowski 

 It was a privilege to honor District Clerk, Neil Easter at the Homecoming Assembly last Friday afternoon. He is definitely a "rock." The entire school district, K-12, gave Neil a standing ovation for his loyal dedication and unwavering commitment to Saint Ignatius Public Schools!

We thanked Mr. Easter for his outstanding contributions toward our school over the past 29 years and for making it stand above the rest.  

Once again, thank you NEIL EASTER, for MAKING THE DIFFERENCE!

Culture Awareness Day

Ken McClure

 by Superintendent Robert "Bob" Lewandowski 
 
Every year the district plays host to Culture Awareness Day. Students are able to attend a variety of culture sessions to expand their understanding of the world beyond the school itself. It is a great opportunity for our students to learn more about others and themselves. The day always ends in a "Spring Pow wow" held in the gymnasium. This year the district honored Ken McClure. 

For those of you that aren't familiar with a "pow wow" (according to Wikipedia): A pow-wow (also powwow or pow wow) is a gathering of North America's Native people.  A modern pow-wow is a specific type of event where both Native American/First Nations and non-Native American/First Nations people meet to dance, sing, socialize, and honor Native American/First Nations culture. There is generally a dancing competition, often with significant prize money awarded. Pow-wows vary in length from one day session of five to six hours to three days. Major pow-wow or pow-wows called for a special occasion can be up to one week long.

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HOLIDAY GREETINGS

We wish you and yours a blessed Christmas and happy New Year!

 

The St. Ignatius Administrative Team (left to right): Superintendent, Bob Lewandowski; District Assistant Clerk, Adam Hawkaluk; Maintenance Director, Steve McCullum; Elementary Principal, Cherie Stobie; Technology Director, Matt Lyon; High School Principal, Jason Sargent; and District Clerk, Neil Easter. 

Break begins on Friday, December 21, 2012  at 12:30 PM

School Resumes on January 2, 2013 at its regular times.

Mission Mantra "OHhh Yeah!"

OHhh

Yeah!!!

by Superintendent Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

Mission students unveil a new mantra for celebrating success! At the TOPDAWG Assembly on Monday, September 10 "OHhh Yeah" was introduced as a new action for celebration. When Bulldog fans are called to action by voice: "ARE YOU READY!" you will hear and see a proactive reply from Mission students. Student will stand and reply "OHhh Yeah!" This affirmation of school spirit and support goes beyond the extra-curricular setting. It is a positive anchor that all Bulldogs are encouraged to use to promote success and positive choices. 

“OHhh Yeah” has gained student popularity overnight (Monday to Tuesday). In this short amount of time, I have had several adults relate the slogan to the  1954 Kool-Aid Man.  In order to give due credit, I want to clarify the origin of "OHhh Yeah!" as presented at Monday’s TOPDAWG Assembly and as seen at the last nights volleyball match against rival Ronan (congratulations Lady Bulldogs on your 3 set victory). At least, I can tell you where the notion came from.

The etymology of "OHhh Yeah" according to Lewandowski (me): It is a colloquial term used by professional wrestler Randy "Macho Man" Savage of the World Wrestling Federation beginning in 1985. He won six world titles. Savage was the greatest champion of all time, the professional wrestling credits him for bringing "a higher level of credibility to the title through his amazing in-ring performances." Savage was recognizable by wrestling fans for his distinctively deep and raspy voice, his ring attire, intensity exhibited in and out of the ring, and his signature catch phrase, "Ooh yeah!"

The Kool-Aid Man is kinda cool (I guess), but is not responsible for the Mission "OHhh Yeah" as introduced. The Kool-Aid Man isn't tough enough for Mission. Macho Man didn't drink Kool-Aid and crash through foam walls, he ate "Slim Jims" and had a giant charisma that propelled him to the top of the performing arts finest champions: the WWF. The Mission “OHhh Yeah” is more than rescuing someone as seen by the Kool-Aid Man. The actions are as important as the words. Forming a big “O” with your arms and bringing them down to your waist with a powerful flex as you say “OHhh Yeah” is an action of the mind, body and school spirit that says we are Bulldog proud and ready! 

"OHhh Yeah" is all about celebrating lines that need to be crossed and those crossed over!  In other words, it can be used when facing challenges or celebrating success! It is charismatic by nature and action, just like the Macho Man.  One can hardly help saying the phrase without intention: It is a DECLARATION OF CONTRIBUTION!  It is Mission's Mantra used to celebrate.  LOOK for it at all Mission activities near you!

OHhh Yeah!

Have a great day!

MIssion Valley All-Stars

The Mission Valley All-Star Boys and Grils Basketball games held at SKC didn't disappoint the crowd. The boys game went down to the last second. There weren't a lot of opportunities for the usual all-star showboating that is common in most all-star games as the desire to win the game took president. It was enjoyable to watch both matches.

Mission was represented by Austin Durglo and Dillon Evens for the boys; and Lauren Erickson, Brenna Steel and Stephanie Lewandowski for the girls. Brenna was not able to participate due to a late season injury. All of these athletes had a great season for the Bulldogs. We were proud to have them represent our school.

Well done Bulldog Basketball!

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Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!

 It's Dr. Seuss's Birthday (aka Theodor Seuss Geisel)! Mission students celebrate Dr. Seuss's birthday by eating green eggs and ham, wearing "Cat in the Hat" hats and by reading Seuss books. Seuss's birthday is celebrated annually by elementary students and teachers across America in honor of his work done for children of all ages. Theatre's are also honoring Seuss today with the release of the movie "The Thorax."

Today is a day we all tip our hats to Dr. Seuss for his stories and tales of outlandish creatures, words and rhymes. Most of all we are celebrating the love of reading that his books provided to so many through the years. His tales and stories are not only fun to read, but provide a resource for teaching kids the basic skills of reading.

So here is to you Dr. Seuss! Borrowing the first four lines of your rhyme, Oh, The Places You'll Go, we salute you:

Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You're off to Great Places!
You're off and away!

THANK YOU SEUSS!