Superintendent's Blog

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Spring Track & Tennis Photos

I have had several opportunities to get out of the office and attend a few track meets, tennis matches and a softball game. I have enjoyed watching all of our kids compete. I encourage everyone to get out and support our school. Mission has some great athletes! I hope you enjoy the photos. Go Bulldogs!

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Joyce A. Easter Student Commons Dedication

Chairperson Maxine Whitson's dedication presentation.

by Superintendent Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

The new Student Commons in the high school held dedication ceremonies at the Community Showcase on April 28, 2011. The Commons was dedicated to former high school teacher Joyce A. Easter. Joyce passed away a little over a year ago. She was a certified math, English and German instructor that was a student centered icon. Joyce started working in the district in 1983; however, her dedication to students goes beyond her tenure. The dedication came after board action last May to dedicate the new commons to Easter. The Joyce Easter Student Commons will always be a reminder of how a passionate and dedicated individual can make a difference in the lives of others. Well done Joyce! :-)

Current District Business Manager, Neil Easter, looks on during the ceremonies.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

HCA Anti-Bullying

HCA Man D

With the help of the Drama Class, seniors Dakota Matt and Zane Foster have taken the lead in a school-wide anti-bullying campaign. At this year's Community Showcase Matt and Foster strapped on their hero gear to become HCA MEN! HCA stands for the Home Court Advantage that provides Mission students the Safety, Support and Belonging required for success.

Dakota Matt is specifically identified as HCA Man "I" (the "I" stands for Indirect) As HCA Man I, Matt fights the crime of INDIRECT bullying. On the other hand, Zane Foster's super hero is HCA Man "D" (the "D" stands for Direct). As HCA Man D, Zane is an icon and messenger against all forms of DIRECT Bullying. This anit-bullying duo uses costumes, drama, and humor to deliver a serious message for all to hear concerning bullying and the effects it can have on students.

These Super Heroes will be preforming their act along with the rest of the cast for the elementary, middle and high school respectively. I think this is the type of message that our students need to hear from their student leaders. Well done drama class and senior heroes. You've saved the day!

What Super Heroes do.

HCA Man I

Anti Bullying Duo

A message in mind.

HCA MEN to the rescue!

Putting a freeze on bullying.

Anti-bullying challenge.

Only YOU can prevent bullying!

Monday, April 4, 2011

Spring Ball

Senior Kyla Olson

Spring has its moments here in western Montana. Just when you think it has arrived, mother nature lets us know that she is in control. Regardless to the weather, softball and spring sports set the stage for spring. Last Friday afternoon, with cloud cover, the Lady Bulldog softball team let the sun shine break through. The girls and their Head Coach Susan Weaselhead put on quite a display both offensively and defensively.

The game started out a little suspect with the Eureka Lions leading at the top of the 1st inning, 0-4. After that, the Bulldogs shut down the lady Lions. The turn around was fast as Janeal McDonald hit a home run at the bottom of the 1st. With the pitching of Kyla Olson, the Bulldogs never looked back and scored 14 points to end the game in the 5th inning with a 10 point advantage.

Now for the rest of the story: on Friday morning, Volunteer Coach, Bob Erickson left a message with the secretarial staff inviting me to the game. Bob promised a hot cup of coffee just for showing up. I didn't get the chance to take Bob up on his offer for coffee, I also failed to tell him I was coming to the game regardless to invitation. It was my FIRST Montana Ladies Softball game. Come to mention it, it was my first ladies fast-pitch softball ever. Sure I played baseball as a kid, but had never witnessed fast pitch softball at the high school level. My wife, kids and I enjoyed it immensely! The Lady Bulldogs didn't disappoint anyone. Like in every other sport this year, they were athletic, talented with plenty of depth. If I am not watching a track meet or tennis match Bob, I will be there the next time! You make sure the coffee is hot in case mother nature isn't. Go BULLDOGS!

Courtney Charlo pitching for the JV

Well done Lady Bulldogs and coaching staff.

Winners

Loren Erickson pitching

Home run gallery congratulating Janeal McDonald

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Gym Floor Maintenance

by Superintendent Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

The high school gym floor will be refinished this summer. The gym will be closed from June 10 to July 13, 2011 to address this need. All access and use of the gym will be restricted during this time to remove the current finishes that have built up over the last 13 years. The floor will be sanded and warped and damaged boards replaced. New lines and logos will be painted.This process is necessary to prevent human injury and permanent damage to the gym floor.

The layout to the right was reviewed by interested staff members and coaches for suggestions concerning lines, logos and paint on March 28, 2011. If you have additional ideas or suggestions please attend the community forum on Monday, April 4, 2011 at 6:00 PM in the District Board Room. All are invited! If you cannot make the meeting, please feel free to drop by my office or call beforehand and I will present your ideas at the meeting. Once the design is set, it will be presented to the board for final approval at the April 19, 2011 Regular Board Meeting.

See you there.

Friday, March 18, 2011

SCHOOL IN SESSION MONDAY, MARCH 21

This is a reminder that school will be in session on Monday, March 21, 2011 at regular scheduled times from 8:30 AM until 3:20 PM dismissal. Monday was scheduled as Spring Day on the calendar, but instead we will be making up our snow day from earlier in the year. Please know that Spring Day was scheduled for this very purpose. Our school must meet minimal attendance requirements set by the state. Scheduling a make-up day on Monday maintains District compliance with the School Laws of Montana 20-1-301.

All parents and staff should be receiving a District phone call through the automated calling system as a reminder. The call can be expected on Friday, March 18 and Sunday, March 20 at 6:30 PM. If you do not receive a call, please contact the District Office at (406)745-4420 to correct any technical problems.

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

2011-2012 Calendar Selection for Recommendation

In a process that began in early January, the Calendar Committee will be recommending the "Blue" Calendar Option to the Board of Education for consideration at the regular March meeting. The committee invited the surrounding stakeholders to vote on four proposed calendars. The results are indicated in the graph below.