2014-2015 SCHOOL CALENDAR REVIEW

On April 15, 2014 the District Board approved the following calendar. It was suggested by Board Member, Frank Delgado, that an explanation be provided to the public. Above is a link to a YouTube video that Matt Lyon and I put together to further explain the details of the calendar. If you would like more information or clarification, please don't hesitate to contact my office.

Have a great day,


Bob Lewandowski

2014 Maryfrances Shreeve Award for Teaching Excellence

 

by Superintendent Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

  On Friday, April 18, 2014, the University of Montana and the Phyllis J. Washington College of Education & Human Services celebrated the success of its students and many connections with individuals, communities and partners at its annual banquet. It was a wonderful evening of celebration and connections with so many educators and future educators. This year, our very own kindergarten teacher Brenda Clouser was heralded under the spotlight as the Maryfrances Shreeve Award winner for Teaching Excellence.

Maryfrances Shreeve was a much loved master teacher. She taught in Montana for thirty-seven years. She spent several of those years teaching right here at Mission.  Maryfrances Shreeve epitomized the dedicated, concerned and committed master teacher who set the standard for excellence in teaching today. The evening echoed her commitment to learning and Brenda Clouser accomplishments and success were celebrated in receiving this award.

Upon receipt of the award, Brenda received $2,000 for herself and $1,000 for her school district. Brenda has asked that the money be spent on additional leveled reading books for the lower grades. Congratulations Brenda Clouser. We are all so proud of you!

The Road Less Traveld By - Thank you teachers!

 by Superintendent Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

During teacher appreciation week I would like to offer a special thank you to all educators for taking the road less traveled by. This is sometimes the most rewarding profession and yet the most difficult. It is the road to a modest living, but huge personal rewards for making a difference in the life of others, "and that has made all the difference." With that in mind, a special thank you to the teachers that I have had as a student, those I've taught with and those I serve. I feel blessed.

The Road Not Taken

BY ROBERT FROST

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both

And be one traveler, long I stood

And looked down one as far as I could

To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,

And having perhaps the better claim,

Because it was grassy and wanted wear;

Though as for that the passing there

Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay

In leaves no step had trodden black.

Oh, I kept the first for another day!

Yet knowing how way leads on to way,

I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

Professional Development Committee Meeting

This is an invitation to all stakeholders that would like to know more about the district's professional development plan and needs for 2014-2015 to join us in the Multipurpose Room on the Stage on Monday, May 12 2014 at 3:45 PM.

See you there,

Bob.

Leadership Learning: Discovering Best Practices at the National Level

 by Superintendent Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

This trip to Nashville, Tennessee started with cold weather, a head cold and a late arrival.  I am now sitting in a "Thought Session" with Alan Blankstien (author of Failure Isn't An Option) along with my wife and daughter. Learning and leadership have become a family thing. Almost all of our conversations at the table, in the car and around the house surround school and its many functions. I guess it only makes sense that my family saved their money to attend with this national venue with me. At least we will have more common ground for future family discussion.

So far, what I have found is a lot of  affirmation, with a few leadership twists and approaches to create capacity,  for the Five Essential Elements of Learning:

THE FIVE ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS of LEARNING
1. Focus on Learning
2. Collaborative Culture
3. Clearly Define What Every Student Needs To Learn
4. Consistently Measure Our Effectiveness
5. Systematically Respond When Students Don't/Do Learn

During my learning experience here in Nashville, I will do my best to share the experiences

HAPPY EASTER NEIL EASTER

by Superintendent Robert "Bob" Lewandowski 

Today, I can't help but reflect on the loss of my good friend and this district's long time employee, Neil Easter. We laid him to rest a little less than a month ago. This has been very difficult for the district staff and myself. I know others morn as well. With a last name like "Easter," and today being "Good Friday," it seems only right to speak to this loss.

Neil worked at St. Ignatius School District for almost 30 years. He brought his family here from Ohio out of a love for Yellowstone, the West and the great landscapes of Montana (as well as its world class fly-fishing). His wife, Joyce, was the first to be employed at the District. Neil soon followed as a Title I paraprofessional.

It wasn't long before Neil became the Business Manager and Clerk of the District. He kept the District in good financial standing. He was meticulous in his duty: every "t" was crossed and every "i" dotted. Most importantly, he cared about the kids of Mission. Neil Easter was "student" centered.

One of the first people I met on my interview, four years ago, was Neil. He shook my hand and introduced himself saying "Ah Doo." He was a 71 year old Business Clerk who had just lost his wife to cancer. Having just lost my 21 year old daughter, Ashton, to tragic car accident in Wyoming, Neil and I were good medicine for one another. Medicine that I needed. We spent a number of our coffee breaks talking about our losses and the anticipation of the future. He was as much an anchor for me as I was for him.

Neil was a strong man, but he couldn't help but wipe a tear away when talking about Joyce. He was just as proud of his sons and their accomplishments. Our conversations did our hearts good. He was a man to be trusted. I moved my family here without any formal connections to anyone. Neil stepped up to make Montana a home for me and my family. He was my daughter's, Stephanie's Senior Project Adviser and so much more to my family. On Sundays, he occupied the last pew in the back of the church at St. Ignatius. I knew that whatever I needed (I mean whatever), he would be there to offer assistance. These types of things don't happen in this day and age. Neil Easter is the exception. I fondly refer to him as one of my best friends.

From the empty chair in his office, the pathetic coffee he brewed, to the desk he occupied during board meetings, I and so many others miss him. These daily reminders sadden me at times, but at the same time they warm my heart knowing that I, and so many others, are better because we had met Neil Easter.

 Just this last fall we recognized Neil at the homecoming assembly for Making the Difference. We dedicated the new Student Commons to Joyce Easter after its completion three years ago. Many have suggested we include Neil's name in that dedication. One thing is for sure, his service will not go unnoticed and unrecognized by this district. A plan for such a dedication is in the making.

Happy Easter, Mr. Neil Easter: thank you for coming to Montana.

Multicultural Day Celebration and Learning

You know it is spring at St. Ignatius when Mission's community and school celebrate multicultural day. The day includes class breakouts sessions and ends with a K-12 Pow wow. This year we invited guests from the Frenchtown elementary school to join our celebration. Ben Corral does a fantastic job as the master of ceremonies. He take particular care in his explanation of the songs, customs and clothing worn by the participants. We are so thankful for those that take part in making this celebration a reality.




Photo are by Robert Lewandowski and music by Ben Corral from his album Stick Games.