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.

SAFETY FIRST

 by Superintendent Robert "Bob" Lewandowski 

 The Eddie EagleGunSafe^® Program teaches children in pre-K through third grade four important steps to take if they find a gun. These steps are presented by the program's mascot, Eddie Eagle, in an easy-to-remember format consisting of the following simple rules:

If you see a gun:

STOP!

Don't Touch.

Leave the Area.

Tell an Adult.

Eddie Eagle and St. Ignatius Police Chief Jeff Ferguson and County Deputy Sheriff Clay Shoemaker presented this message to our lower elementary. 

Thank you Eddie and Officer Ferguson and Shoemaker.

THE CLASS OF 2013

   
by Superintendent Robert "Bob" Lewandowski 

Below is a letter I sent the the parents and guardians of this year's graduating class. Since it takes a community to raise a child, I would like to share the same sentiments with all of those that contributed to the success of our graduating students. 

Dear Parents and/or Guardians,

I wanted to take the opportunity to let each of you know how proud I am of the students graduating this year. The Class of 2013 has provided the highest standard of leadership for our school and community. There are five seniors that have athletic scholarships in this class alone. I can’t ever remember being at a school that has had such a high number of athletic scholarships.

Athletics are not the only thing this class excels at. This class is one of the highest scoring classes on our state assessments in recent history. The students that make up the Class of 2013 are smart, athletic, fun, diligent, kind and considerate of others. They are winners! Most important, they are a great group of young men and women! As their parents or guardians, I am sure you are so proud. Their peers, teachers, administrators and the community alike, will miss each of them next year.

I am looking forward to the ceremony on Saturday, June 8, 2013 at 2:00 PM to celebrate the Class of 2013. I especially look forward to shaking their hands. I also know they haven’t done all of this on their own; therefore, I just wanted to formally congratulate their families and YOU, the guardians and parents, for raising such fine, up-standing young men and women.

Thank you for everything you’ve done to contribute to the success of your child. It has been an honor to witness and share this success. Well done!

BEST OF LUCK CLASS OF 2013!

"What I Love About Mission"

During our District-wide Top Dawg Assembly on Friday, February 1, I shared a video that I put together asking students "What do you love about our school?" I was very impressed by their responses and would like to share them with the greater community.

GREAT SCHOOL 

GREAT COMMUNITY

SECOND GRADE COMMUNITY SERVICE

The Mrs. Shock, Mrs. Hout and the SECOND GRADE delivered 99.4 pounds of foot to the food pantry today! The also made chilli bags as well. It is great to see this type of community service at work in our school, let alone at the SECOND GRADE!

Well done SECOND GRADE BULLDOGS!

OHhh Yeah!

Planting Seeds of Knowledge: Germination In The 4th Grade

The Fourth Grade Class under the instruction of Mr. Tim Krantz shared a science project with me a little over a week ago. I took some photos and asked Mr. Krantz if any of his students would like to be a guest blogger and write about the experience that we could share on my blog. After talking to his class, Mr. Krantz came back and said a number of students were excited about the opportunity and submitted work to be considered. Therefore, without further explanation, I am proud to introduce my 4th Grade guest blogger: River Gonzalas.

First Nancy Schwietzer the governor's wife gave us planters and seeds. The second thing we had to do was study about the plants, the germination, the depth and how far away from each row you need to plant them.  Then we went outside and filled our planters with soil. Finally we put the seeds in it. I put carrots, radish, spinach and cilantro in my planter. Everyday for four days we took them outside and watered them. We put plastic wrap on them to keep the condensation in there like a green house. Then the weekend came, Mrs. Linda Snyder volunteered to let us keep the planters in her classroom. Mr. Krantz let the boys and girls take turns taking care of them. Finally Mr. Krantz arranged for Mr. Young and his students to help divide the planters so we could each have our own planter. I am glad I had this experience with my friends, classmates and teacher!  - River Gonzalez

Process Chart by 4th Grade Student Creedince Hammond.

CLICK "READ MORE" TO SEE STUDENT PHOTOS

CPR Anytime Training

Middle school students were given the opportunity to learn a valuable lesson on how to save a life. The program was provided by the American Heart Association. It is designed to teach the core skills of Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) in just 22 minutes.

The program lasted an entire period. Students learned by watching a video and practicing on a manikin. Each student receives a course kit to take home and practice. The kit includes the manikin, a DVD that can be used to refresh skills, a skills reminder card to carry and manikin wipes and replacement lung for those interested in sharing the kit.

When lives may be a stake, it is nice to know these students will be prepared for a cardiovascular emergency. Thank you American Heart Association and Missoula business supporters for bring this training to Mission.

 

CLICK READ MORE TO SEE ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Ghost Out Simulation Stresses Importance of Safety and Good Choices

As we near spring, student celebrations like prom and other events begin to take place. Not only that, there is an increase in traffic that continues through the summer on U.S. Highway 93. Student safety during these times and throughout the year is complimented by good choices. Mission FCCLA students recognize the need to inform the student body about making good choices and are sponsoring a national recognized program on Thursday, March 15, 2012 as part of their state project.  High school students will be experiencing a program called "Ghost Out." It is part of a national program called "Every 15 Minutes."

FCCLA Project Leaders: Sara Bowers, Morgan Andres, Rose Bear Don't Walk, and Janeal McDonald.

 This program's foundation of effectiveness is based on a simulated experience. The program states: "Life's lessons are best learned through experience. Unfortunately, when the target audience is teens and the topic is drinking and texting while driving, experience is not the teacher of choice." This program has develop a simulation that involves a staged traffic collision that will be viewable on the school grounds. Local fire and rescue workers will treat injured student participants. These students will experience first hand, the sensations of being involved in a tragic, alcohol-related and texting while driving collision. The coroner will handle fatalities on the scene, while the injured students will be extricated by the jaws-of-life manned by Fire-Fighters and Paramedics. A flight-for-life helicopter will also arrive.  Police Officers will investigate, arrest, and book the student "drunk driver."

To further understand the concept of "every fifteen minutes," volunteer students will be removed from the classroom during the morning sessions. One student every fifteen minutes will be taken in order to simulate the separation and loss of someone in a alcohol or text related accident.

At 1:00 PM there will be an assembly. According to the "Every Fifteen Minute website: "The focus of the assembly stresses that the decision to consume alcohol can affect many more people than just the one who drinks and the dangers of texting while driving. This very emotional and heart-wrenching event will illustrate to students the potentially dangerous consequences of their use of alcohol and texting while driving, regardless of how casual they believe their use is."

At 2:00 PM the traffic accident simulation will begin. Sirens will be heard throughout Mission for responders to participate. We ask that our community not be alarmed. You are welcome to join us in this event at the high school. The event will be hosted in the back parking lot behind the gymnasium. Posters and notices have been distributed throughout the community to inform everyone of this activity.

Because these types of events can effect students in different ways, students are allowed to opt out of the event and assembly. However, school-based alcohol prevention programs are essential in helping to reduce and eliminate alcohol use among adolescents.

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!

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.

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

   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

     20 Days

     30 Days

Perfect Attendance (1^st Quarter)

Teaching & Learning Top Dawgs

               Outstanding Teacher Learners

               Attendance Leaders

Reading Teepee

by Superintendent Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

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).

Bleacher Repair

Mr. Young and his shop classes have been repairing the bleachers for this year's football games. A number of students and Mr. Young have worked very hard to make your presence at our games enjoyable and safe.

I hope everyone is able to attend our first home football game here in Mission on Friday, September 9, 2011. Your attendance and participation as a student supporter is the home court advantage that makes a difference. Game time: 7:00 PM.

See you at the game. Go Bulldogs!

T.E.A. Party

The Targeted Enrichment Activity (TEA) group led by their teacher Susan Batiuchok worked to clean up the sidewalks of Mission and enhance school pride by painting bulldog paw prints outside the elementary school. The prints certainly add color and school spirit. It's just another way of extending home court advantage to everyone.

Well done elementary students and Mrs. Batiuchok!

Now that's HCA Baby!

Giving Back

Elementary teacher, Lloyd Phillips recently took the 5th grade class on its annual science field trips to local ecology: forest/Mission Dam, wetlands/Nine Pipes, and river/River Honoring. He submitted the photos and the following description of the events.

"We have been attending these trips for many years.  We have been very fortunate to have some of our former Mission students and Bulldog athletes take time out of their busy work schedules to give presentations to our 5th grade students both in and out of the classroom.  The names of the former students "Giving Back" are Stephanie Trahan Gillin and Devlin LaFrombois.  Steph is a CSKT Wildlife Biologist and Devlin is a Wild-land Fire Specialist.  They are great at working with our youth, and our students not only enjoy these presentations very much, but also gain a tremendous knowledge of our local ecologies.  They are very fortunate to live in this beautiful area and everything that goes with it." Lloyd Phillips

 Well done Mr. Phillips and special thanks to all that helped make our students' learning experience a success. Thanks for giving back!