Prep Athlete of the Week

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

Senior Steven Bravo carried the ball 16 times for 207 yards against Loyola Sacred Heart in a District 6-B victory. Bravo scored two touchdowns in the victory. He was selected at the Prep Athlete of the Week for October 16, 2014. Congratulations STEVEN! You make us MISSION PROUD!

Steven Bravo running for a touchdown!

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 PLAYGROUND POSSIBLE: ALMOST THERE!

by Robert Lewandowski

The Mission Possible Playground Funding efforts have raised $21,372.21 from local support. Play & Park Structures are offering 100% matching grants up to $25,000. The matching grant offer ends November 7, 2014. The grant allows the school to purchase the Spiral Challenge, a $50,000 piece of equipment for $25,000. The Playground Possible Funds are short $4,000 for the identified playground equipment. It will also cost approximately $4,000 for shipping and handling. At the October Board Meeting, the Board approved to temporarily fund the difference and purchase the equipment in order to obtain the matching grant. Until the remaining cost of the project is raised, the district reimbursed, the equipment will be stored. We need to raise $13,128 dollars to make this action-packed play structure a reality.

The "Spiral Challenge" playground set

 In addition to the purchase of the equipment, there are other costs associated with the Spiral Challenge  implementation.

1. Spiral Challenge Purchase Price: $50,000; Purchase Cost: $25,000 ($21,372.21 in the Playground Fund)
2. Shipping & Handling: $4,000
3. Hard Plastic Boarder: $2,500 (see photo below)
4. Surface material & landscaping: $3,000
5. Equipment Assembly: $0 (Brandon Gilleard and Steve McCollum will provide direction to a 5 member team). Assembly cost if hired: $10,000
6. TOTAL COSTS: $34,500 - Remaining costs needed for total project completion: $13,128.00.

At this time, over 40 additional donors are being contacted by mail and phone. If you would like to help, visit with one of the Committee Members: Lynn Lapka, Amy Vaughan, Deb Lewandowski, Tammy Demien, Frank Delgado or Bob Lewandowski. 

The Committee believes that raising the difference in the cost of the equipment including the shipping and handling can be done is short order (next several months). The remaining cost will be raised before the equipment will be implemented.

 

The "Spiral Challenge" playground structure was implemented at Bridger's elementary school. 

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!

Activity Committee Selection: Head Girls Basketball Coach

 by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

The Activity Committee is recommending Jeff Buck as the 2014-2015 Head Girls Basketball Coach. I am excited to take this recommendation and hire to the board. If you haven't met the new coach, be sure to do so on August 16 at 11:30 AM in the high school gym. He would like to invite all parents and students interested in the girls basketball program to attend. If you would like to find out more about our school activities and Mr. Buck, go to the Bulldog Activities and Athletics Blog.



Welcome to Mission Mr. Buck! HCA Baby!

New Construction Provides Annual Savings

by Superintendent Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

The Quality Schools Grant Project for the exterior (envelope) of the High School and Middle School is nearing its final stages. This project started three years ago with the Quality Schools Planning Grant. This was a $25,000 grant. The Planning Grant provided the needed funds to provide an assessment of our district's buildings and begin initial planning for a proposed project. Upon being awarded the Planning Grant, we went right to work making application for the Project Grant for $565,000. Upon award and approval from the Montana Legislature and the Governor, today, we are finally arriving at near project completion. 

The project completion will not only provide an appealing exterior, but necessary insulation and roof repair as well as window and door replacements. This couldn't come at a better time with the inflated prices of propane and the extremes of last winter. The district paid $113,000 for propane in 2013-2014. That was 44,000 gallons of fuel. Our average fuel consumption is 40,000 gallons. Estimated saving could be as much as 20% in a year. The project has not only provided a new face lift, but will help offset other funding reductions through the estimated fuel savings.

Many of our constituents have asked what the final project will look like, so I have included several three dimensional renderings from the architect.

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