Super Dunker Kenny Dobbs Shares His Story of Resilience!

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

Kenny Dobbs spoke to the entire student body about his story of resilience. He over came a tumultuous childhood of drugs, family, and crime to find himself at the cross roads of life. According to the Indian Country:

Kenny Dobbs has traveled across the country to speak to and on behalf of kids on reservations as an employee of the Division of Behavioral Health Services for the state of Arizona. For three years he served as the chairman on the Arizona State Youth Advisory Council for Alcohol and Substance Abuse Prevention. He is currently serving as an ambassador’s for Nike’s N7 division and the Native American Basketball Invitational (NABI) Foundation. With NABI, Dobbs created the UpRise Youth Motivational Presentations to educate kids on Native lands. He knows that if you want to grab a kid’s attention, flying is a good way to do it.
Kenny Dobbs, member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, Phoenix resident, proud son, brother, father and husband, is 27 years old. And he is lucky to be alive.

Read more at http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2011/07/29/inspiring-bounce-back-story-super-dunker-kenny-dobbs-43850

 

 

 

 

 

Kenny's story is as amazing as his dunks! 

 

 

Please select READ MORE to more amazing photos of Kenny and our kids.

The Great Montana Shake Out

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

On October 22, 2014 at 10:22 AM the entire school district participated in the Great Montana Shake Out. At that time, everyone in the district dropped to the ground, covered themselves with a table or desk and held on for one minute. This emergency drill is called "Drop, Cover and Hold."It is part of our school district's Emergency Crisis Procedures.

The entire state was urged by to participate in the drill. The purpose is to practice the proper procedures in case of an earthquake. Montana is one of the most seismically active states in the U.S. Knowing what to do in an earthquake is one of the best ways to prepare.

There were over 157,000 participants, throughout Montana, that pledged to participate.

To find out more about earthquake safety, take the QUAKE QUIZ. 

Mrs. Rhine participating in the Shake Out with her students.

Students following the directions for "Drop, Cover and Hold."

MISSION BULLY FREE PROCLAMATION

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

The Student Council President, Raymond Matt along along with High School Class Presidents made the following proclamation: "Mission Schools are hereby, from this day forward, BULLY FREE!" The proclamation came after students cited the following:

Bully Free Pledge

Bullying is not allowed in my school.

I will not hit, kick, shove or punch anyone or anything.

I will not tease, call names, or put people down.

I will not exclude and leave others out.

I will not gossip or spread rumors.

If I see someone being bullied, I will speak up and seek help.

I will treat everyone with respect and kindness.

This school’s safety, support and belonging depend on me.

 

2014-2015 Class Presidents (left to right): Sophomore Beedo Matt, Junior Jordyn Eichert, Freshman Trinity Lewandowski, Senior Raymond Matt.

The announcement was made during an ALL SCHOOL ASSEMBLY lead by Superintendent Lewandowski. The proclamation requires everyone to do their part. Most importantly it calls on each student to stand up and stop bullying by reporting it to an adult or providing some type of support to the targeted victim. Senior leaders were called forward to hand out the Bully Free Pledge and a Declaration of Contribution. Each student was given the documentation to take back to their classroom for further discussions.

Our school realizes that the fight against bullying will be constant and on going, but as a BULLY FREE school, we will do everything possible to eliminate bullying from taking place. There is no place for bullying behavior at Mission Schools. THE BULLYING STOPS HERE! Our school is a place of SAFETY, SUPPORT and BELONGING!

Provide a Safe Internet Environment for Kids

JUNE IS INTERNET SAFETY MONTH: Parenting wired kids can be difficult, especially if you didn't grow up with the same technologies. These resources can help. Please take 20 minutes of your time to view the Internet Safety Basics.

CHILD SUPERVISION: When children leave the house, most parents ask them: WHERE are you going? WHAT will you be doing? WHO will you be with? and WHEN will you be back? Their safety is of the utmost concern. Their use of the internet use is no different. Watch the video to find out more about providing a safer internet environment for your children.

PROVIDE A SAFER INTERNET ENVIRONMENT FOR KIDS!

Superintendent Robert "Bob" Lewandowski  

Internet Safety and Network Access

  by Superintendent Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

Technology offers vast, diverse, and unique resources to both students and staff members of St. Ignatius School District #28.  The district's goal in providing this service to staff and students is to promote education excellence in schools by facilitating resource sharing, innovation and communication. The successful use of technology relies on the proper conduct of its users to adhere to strict policies.

Technology access is coordinated through a complex association of government agencies and regional and state networks. Users are expected to utilize technology resources in an efficient, ethical and legal manner. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Concerns for internet safety have escalated as it has become more and more difficult to supervise network access.

Access to the internet has become more difficult for schools to supervise. In the past, users of the internet could be somewhat monitored. Users would access the internet in a computer lab or on a classroom computer. Today, the internet can be accessed by wireless computers such as cell phones, iPods and other devices that can be easily concealed. These devices are mobile.  Wireless access not only is available in the computer labs, but in the bathrooms and locker rooms as well. Wireless access is everywhere.

More and more of our students and staff own wireless mobile devices. This allows intimate and private access without direct supervision. Even though our district network system filters and blocks unacceptable information, there is no guarantee that unacceptable information or contacts cannot be obtained or accessed.

Mobile and wireless access has increased the potential for an unsupervised environment; thus, creating the potential for misuse and harm.  Therefore, the District will be implementing an access portal. In order to gain access to the district network, all users will have to meet the terms and conditions listed in the Authorization for Electronic Network Access. This includes an “Online Education Component” that mandates that before authorization for network access, all users must complete the St. Ignatius District #28 Internet Safety and Digital Citizenship curriculum. All users include everyone, employees and students.

Currently, the Internet Safety and Digital Citizenship curriculum is divided into four broad sections of concern: 1) Cyberbullying; 2) Privacy and Information Sharing; 3) Social Networking Safety; and 4) Online Predator Safety. The intention is to provide an awareness of some of the issues and dangers that exist on the internet. In no way is this curriculum comprehensive of all the dangers that exist, but it does provide basic knowledge for use and application. As electronic network concerns change and grow, so will this curriculum. A further depth of knowledge of internet safety and digital citizenship is taught  to students throughout the year in their classes and classrooms.

Access to the system network by log on will begin July 1, 2014. The appropriate authorization forms must be signed and curriculum completed before access will be granted. The Authorization for Electronic Network Access is available on the District Website. The Internet Safety and Digital Citizenship curriculum will be available to staff on line and presented to students in the fall of 2014.

District Policy Reference:
2070 Access to Electronic Networks
3096 Use of Electronic Services and Networks

Legal Reference:

§ 20-5-201, MCA Duties and Sanctions
20 U.S.C. § 9134 Children’s Internet Protection Act
47 C.F.R. 54.520 Children’s Internet Protection Act Certifications

47 U.S.C. 254(h)(5)(B) Requirements for Schools with Computers
Having Internet Access

Superintendent Robert "Bob" Lewandowski 

SCHOOL CANCELLATION - NO SCHOOL

Do to weather conditions and forecasts calling for wind and additional snow, as well as travel advisories, school will be cancelled today, MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2014.

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.

Student Safety Montana Fox News

In light of the security changes in our Emergency & Crisis Response Planning, Montana Fox News broadcast the following coverage of our recent security system updates.

Community Library Hours

In order to secure our facilities for our student and staff safety, the School Board took formal action at the January 15 meeting last night and temporarily changed the Community Library hours. The District Library will be open to the community Monday through Thursday from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM. The School Board will gather more information for consideration and readdress this issue at the next meeting on February 19, 2013 at 7:00 PM. Public entry will be directed into the Library through the west entry.

Once again, these changes will come at some inconvenience, but are necessary. We want to do everything possible to prevent and prepare for possible emergencies in our community. Restricting unmonitored access to students and staff is the first step.

Thank you for your understanding and patience in these matters,

Bob

 NEW

COMMUNITY LIBRARY HOURS

MONDAY - THURSDAY

4:00 PM -7:00 PM

PLEASE USE WEST ENTRY INTO LIBRARY

STUDENT SAFETY

by Superintendent Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

Due to the senseless and horrific shooting at the Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Connecticut our District has implemented some additional crisis prevention measures for the safety of our children and staff. In most cases, the District is just tightening up safety protocols that are already in place; however, we have implemented new preventative measures that will be inconvenient to the public and the educational flow throughout our schools. We know that not all tragedies can be prevented, but we need to do everything possible to keep our children and staff out of harm's way.

While there are only a few changes, we ask that everyone be patient and cooperate with the District in providing a safe environment for all.  Because our buildings were designed before tragedies like Columbine (1999) and that of Sandy Hook, we have multiple entries into the building that will have to be redirected. These changes will come at some inconvenience to the students, staff and public, but are necessary. We want to do everything possible to prevent and prepare for possible emergencies in our community. Restricting unmonitored access to students and staff is the first step.

Public Access Changes:

1. All doors except for the main entries will be locked.
2. All access into any of the buildings by visitors must flow through the main entries.
3. All visitors must check in at the front office of the respective school visited and receive appropriate visitor tags to be worn while they are in the building. This includes parents, past students and community members.
4. Please drop students off at the main entries. A building administrator will be present in the entry of each school to greet and meet students upon morning arrival. 

Thank you for your cooperation. Your efforts make a difference in the lives of our children.  It is with our children in mind, that we take on this difficult, yet necessary work.

Our prayers, thoughts and sympathies go out to the lives of the children and adults lost at Sandy Hook Elementary. Words cannot express the sadness felt by all over this horrific event.

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.

NO SCHOOL

Due to weather and road conditions, school has been cancelled today (Thursday, January 19, 2012).

Bear Encounters

I knew there were going to be a lot of new experiences and challenges when I moved my family to St. Ignatius, but I didn't count on having bears being a part of it. I was amused to say the least to see a Fish and Wildlife bear trap located behind the District Office here in Mission (see photo). It seems that there has been bear activity in and around neighborhood trash receptacles. Bear scat along school sidewalks as well as student encounters with a bears during the evening hours on the edge of campus.

The "Wildlife" here in Mission is definitely intriguing, amusing, as well as alarming. You don't have to drive to the National Bison Range, or Glacier National Park to encounter bears. Living in and around Mission, bears are some-what common. My family and I had such an encounter (see the bear photo above) last Friday evening not more than a couple miles from home. I was later told the bear was trapped and relocated. I can't say I didn't enjoy seeing the bear, but when I see a bear trap not more than a hundred yards from the front doors of our elementary school, I am a little alarmed and want to take precautions and share some information on bear awareness.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has some very good information on living in bear country. According to the website:

Nine times out of ten, bears that repeatedly get into attractants around our homes are eventually euthanized. Please help save Montana bears from this needless outcome by learning some tips to help keep your residence bear-friendly.

• Do not put out salt licks, grain, or deer blocks to attract wild animals as these create areas of concentrated animal scent that will then draw in bears and mountain lions.
• Use native plant landscaping whenever possible. Be aware that a watered lawn with lush grass, clover, and dandelions is an attractive feeding site for bears.
• Close all windows when not at home or when cooking.
• Talk to your children about bears and how to avoid them.
• Have a plan in case a bear comes inside your home and keep bear pepper spray handy. Give a bear that is in your home an escape route by propping all doors open with something heavy that will act as a doorstop.
• Never approach a bear in your yard, always give bears an escape route and never crowd or harass a bear.

For more information you can go to the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks website and learn about bear attractants, how to tell if your residence is bear-friendly, and some bear aware tools to help keep bears wild.

Maybe my alarmed reaction and this response is due to the fact that I am not use to this type of issue (bear activity around school and children). It is certainly possible that the St. Ignatius staff and students find bear encounters to be common, but non-the-less, its better to be safe...right?! Other than this "heads-up" blog post, the district will instruct staff on bear encounter response and an overview on the use of bear pepper spray that will be located in strategic locations on campus only accessible by staff and not students. We will also encourage bear awareness to be shared and discussed with students at the appropriate developmental levels.