Students Set an Example to Follow

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

Article in the Fairfield Sun Times.

When our students go out on the road to participate as well as to support their school, we expect our students to be on their best behavior. With the varsity football team qualifying to participate in the Montana State Class "B" Playoffs, our kids were on the road quite a bit, traveling to two different communities, at far ends of the State. Being away from parents and their routines, students have the opportunity to do one of two things: good or bad.

Note to the Activity Director from the Hampton Inn in Butte.

In my experience as an administrator, I have seen both good and bad; however, here at Colstrip it has been GREAT! I can't tell you how proud it makes me to read a note from a hotel manager to the activity director as well as an article published in a visiting newspaper about the excellent behavior of our kids.

The Hampton Inn and the Fairfield Sun Times had nothing but great things to say about our football team and our cheerleaders. I can't help but share this with our community. We can all be proud of the children raised here. This is MAKING DUST!

It has been said that the true character of a person is revealed by the little things we do, because it is the little things that make a big difference. It is fair to say our kids are making a positive difference and the folks from neighboring communities are taking notice.

Well done staff, students and parents! Our kids are stirring up a little dust and setting an example to follow. Our children are the ambassadors of our community. Their actions speak volumes about our community values.

GO COLTS! GO FILLIES! 

MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!

"Get out in front and stay there!"

Championship Volleyball Run - Congratulations Fillies!

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

A final congratulations to the Fillies on the run at the Class "B" Volleyball State Championship. All of Colstrip is very proud of you and your accomplishments. I also want to commend the band, cheerleaders and students for their excellent representation of our school at all of the volleyball culminating events.

Well done Colts and Fillies!

Superintendent Lewandowski

GO COLTS! GO FILLIES! 

MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!

"Get out in front and stay there!"

Pre-Survey Stakeholder Communication

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

Dear Parent/Guardian,

The Colstrip Public School System is engaged in an ongoing continuous improvement process, of which all stakeholders are a part. Colstrip Public Schools will be sending its parents and guardians an invitation via email to participate in an online survey between the dates of November 24, 2015 and December 6, 2015 as one method of reaching all stakeholders.

If you do not receive an email invitation, please send an email to  survey@colstrip.k12.mt.us and an email will be returned with the online address.

Please know that surveys are a means to systematically engage all of our stakeholders in two-way communication. They provide school leaders and teachers a view into the thinking and perceptions of our stakeholders. Careful analysis of the results enriches understanding of areas of strength and effectiveness as well as those areas that possibly need improvement. The survey results will enable our school leaders to measure stakeholders' attitudes and help target improvement strategies focused on student achievement as well as school and system effectiveness. Taking the survey also will help stakeholders understand the AdvancED Standards for Quality at Colstrip Public Schools and provide a means for learning about what a parent, student and staff members should be looking for in a high quality school system.

Your cooperation and support in completing the survey will be greatly appreciated. Please be on the lookout for your survey invitation!

Sincerely,

Superintendent Bob Lewandowski

GO COLTS! GO FILLIES! 

MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!

"Get out in front and stay there!"

Colstrip Public Schools Appoints New Board Member

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

Lindsey Wertman being sworn in to office.
Also pictured are Joanne Schrupp and Chairman Jose Ortiz.

Colstrip Public School Board #19 appointed Lindsey Wertman as a new trustee on October 26, 2015. Lindsey served as a board member for the first time at the November Regular Board Meeting on November 9, 2015. She will also serve on the following Board Committees: Steering Committee and the Policy Review Committee.

We want to welcome Lindsey to her new position as a Colstrip Public School Trustee. We also want to thank her for her application and interest in the children here at Colstrip Public Schools.

GO COLTS! GO FILLIES! 

MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!

"Get out in front and stay there!"

Take the Lead and Stay There!

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

Be resilient. Never ever give up. Don't quit. Take the lead and stay there! All these things are easier said than done and our Colts did all of these things despite the scoreboard. Let me explain...

Last Friday evening our football team lost to a conference rival in a hard fought game. Even though both teams exhibited exceptional play and sportsmanship, I have to tell you that I was touched by our seniors. They were warriors on the field and better yet, examples for all.

It was not only Colstrip's last home game, but it was our seniors' very last home game. It was a night where seniors are recognized for their contributions. To that end, after walking out with their parents at half-time, each senior player gathered and took a balloon to the end zone where the number 22 is painted. The spot where a lost player, friend and classmate, Dallen Walker, scored his first and final touchdown.

In my opinion, it was at that moment that our boys took the lead with their tribute to a life. It said so much about what they felt was truly important. As the balloons floated away in the evening air, our team not only took the lead, but created a moment that will keep them there.

Sorry about the loss fellas, but in my book YOU WALKED OFF YOUR HOME FIELD WINNERS!

GO COLTS! GO FILLIES! 

MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!

"Get out in front and stay there!"

A Little Clowning Around

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

During October 5-October 9, 2015 our district celebrated American Indian Week. One of the culminating events of the week was the Pow Wow. I have attended a number of Pow Wows on the Flathead Reservation, but I have never seen a "Clown Dance." I am sure every tribe has different customs, but this dance was new to me as new superintendent and neighbor to the Northern Cheyenne. As the dance began, a number of characters came out on the floor and began to dance. When I say characters, I mean colorful to the ridiculous types. There were old ladies, young ladies, old men, a nun and several I couldn't quite make out. As I was watching and taking pictures, two hideous looking clowns came up to me, sat my camera on the bleachers, gave me a doll and took me out on floor. I was a little embarrassed to say the least, but enjoyed the fun and played along. I am sure it was funny to everyone watching as the student body roared in laughter.

What happened during the dance I find just as interesting as the dance itself. Just to let everyone know how fast news spreads, within minutes you could view my photo with these two ladies on Snap Chat, Facebook, Instagram and as well as a host of other social media on the internet. Proving that the student body and probably a few employees were having fun with the moment. I even saw pictures of me dancing with these two beauties in our local news paper (the Independent Press). What is most surprising, is when I went through my own photos taken of the Pow Wow. Someone had picked up my camera and captured me "clowning around" as well. So if you feel left out, I am sharing these photos with you. I don't know who took the photos, but well done.

All in all, the Pow Wow was exceptional. I shared many photos of the Pow Wow on the multi-media signs in our buildings as well as the District Facebook. J.D. Oldmouse did an excellent job as the master of ceremonies. He not only made the Pow Wow educational, but fun.

Well done everyone! I can't wait for next year.

GO COLTS! GO FILLIES! 

MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!

"Get out in front and stay there!"

The Merchant visits Colstrip High School

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

Shylock about to take his pound of flesh for a debt not paid.

William Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice" was presented by Montana Shakespeare in the Parks on Wednesday, October 14, 2015 to  the High School.  Colstrip was the 5th stop on the year long schedule for the organization. Like so many other performances I have seen by Montana Shakespeare in the Parks, "The Merchant of Venice" was very well done. In fact, because it was presented to Colstrip so early in their schedule, I think it had a fresh vibe that I haven't seen before.

I drove over to the high school and dropped in on the play to take a few photos and then leave. I didn't know they were presenting the "The Merchant of Venice." Once I arrived I had to stay until the end of the play to take in one of my favorite Shakespearian quotes:

The quality of mercy is not strain'd,

It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven

Upon the place beneath. It is twice as blest:

It blesseth him that gives and him that takes.

Portia warns Skylock not to take more than a pound of flesh
 less his fortune be forfeited.

It is a quote my father has shared with me on a few occasions when considering the actions of others. The play has a lot to offer our students as well. It outlines some great themes for discussion: identity, love, loyalty, regret, persecution, justice and money. Montana Shakespeare in the Parks provides a great study guide on-line for our students to review. I hope the photos taken capture some of these themes.

Well done students and faculty! Your attention and focus throughout the performance was exceptional! And well done Shakespeare in the Parks! Your performance ranks among some the the best I've seen performed by MSIP over the past 10 years.

Mercy is granted Skylock that he would not grant Antonio.

Portia is awash with suitors that must choose between
 three caskets of silver, gold and lead.
Her father stipulates that if the suitor picks the right casket, he gets Portia.

Prince of Morocco
"Who chooseth me shall gain what many men desire."

Prince of Arrogon
"Who chooseth me shall get as much as he deserves."

Bassanio
"Who chooseth me must give all he hath."

GO COLTS! GO FILLIES! 

MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!

"Get out in front and stay there!"

Powder Puff Football 2015: Filly Football

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

Winning Fillies Football Team (Seniors and Sophomores)

What an exciting night for football. I was great seeing the girls take to the field and show off their understanding and athletic contributions to the game. As the story goes, the sophomores and seniors defeated the freshman and juniors by a score of 8-0. It was a great Homecoming 2015 event.

The senior boys coached the girls and some of the boys even cheered them on. It was all done as a fund raising event. Go Colts! Go Fillies!

We had plenty of photographers on hand. Dale DeCock shared some great aerial photos and Bill Neumiller contributed a number of photos from the sideline. I too was able to contribute several photos of my own from the grandstands. I hope you enjoy the contributions. I want to encourage everyone to get out and be a part of the Homecoming 2015 festivities.

TO SEE MORE PHOTOS CLICK "READ MORE" BELOW

New District Website Now Live

Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

It is a pleasure to announce that our new school website is now live. With the help of Kathy LaDuke, Linda Miars, the administration and staff, we have completed an initial edit and revision. We hope that you find it more user friendly.

You will find eight main drop down menus on the home page (green bar) along with five supporting drop down menus specifically tailored to the our human resource needs (yellow bar).

If that isn't easy enough, there are also six quick links at the bottom of the page. 

I hope this website leaves you informed and wanting to know more about us.

To view the new website go to: http://colstrippublicschools.org/

GO COLTS! GO FILLIES! 

MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!

"Get out in front and stay there!"

An Extraordinary Week of Celebration

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

I want to wish everyone a Happy Monday of Homecoming 2015. I am excited about my first Homecoming here at Colstrip. One thing is for sure, I've been through a few Homecomings, but each school and district celebrate a little different. The week has already started itself off with a note of the unusual and EXTRAORDINARY. This morning around mile marker 35, on Highway 39,  I saw 5 large mule deer bucks running. I slowed down to measure them up (one might have scored 160 Boone and Crockett). At any rate, I was thinking to myself that it is always good to see wild life, but why were they running? As soon as my eyes came back to the highway, there stood a 6X6 bull elk right at the side of the road. He was magnificent. Even though I have harvested larger bulls, it was great seeing such an EXTRAORDINARY animal on the way to work. I am just glad I didn’t hit it! I slowed to photograph him and I couldn’t get off the road and my camera out in time.

Highway 39 Sightings:

• August 19: Bear; Mile Marker 37
• September 21: Bull Elk (6X6); Mile Marker 35
• EVERYDAY: Deer: EVERY Mile Marker (LOL).

I thought I would share and wish each of you and EXTRAORDINARY WEEK OF CELEBRATION! 

GO COLTS! GO FILLIES! 

MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!

"Get out in front and stay there!"

MINE BLOWING EXPERIENCE

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

Detonation: pushing the button that set off the
explosives located in the coal field in the background. 

Crane at work. Seeing massive equipment like this at work was awesome.  

South Eastern Montana Development Corporation Executive Director Jim Atchison is a great resource for learning more about Colstrip, Montana. Within the first month of my arrival, Jim stopped by my office to introduce himself and the community he serves. I was promptly invited to the Energy Open where I had the opportunity to network and meet a host of other leaders, elected officials and decision makers. Most importantly, I was given the opportunity to tour the unique facilities of the Western Energy Company at the Rosebud Mine.

To say the least, my tour was a "mine blowing" experience. Jim Atchison and Mike Coryell provided a personal touch to the tour by providing fast facts. It was a crash course on the coal industry in Montana. I was also fortunate to have great tour guides like Dan Munoz and Gary Parry. Between the four individuals, I was carded, photographed, suited with a new wardrobe. Most importantly, I was impressed by their passion for responsible energy development.

Jim Atchison and Mike Coryell

This industry supports our school district in so many ways. Even the tour exemplifies this support of education and the pride this industry has for the youth here at Colstrip when Dan and Gary solicited bids for the individual who would have the privilege to detonate the explosives. The dollars collected throughout the year go to the Colstrip High School Scholarship Program.

Energy Open Tour Group 2015 of the Rosebud Mine

After taking the tour I was reassured that Colstrip is a special place. I can see why it is unofficially called the "Energy Capital of Montana."  Well done Colstrip!  Thank you for your support of the students and educational system in our community.

GO COLTS! GO FILLIES! 

MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!

"Get out in front and stay there!"

Transparency through eGovernance

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

Even though the School District has been paperless for a number of years, it is leveraging the power of the Internet to radically improve the governance process while saving time, taxpayer dollars and the environment. This new eGovernance initiative is a remarkably powerful, easy-to-use solution that enables the District to maximize the effectiveness of board meetings with increased transparency, providing a basis for better and more open communication with the public, while dramatically increasing productivity and saving thousands of dollars annually.

The paperless meeting solution is a 100% Web-based service. By making meeting agendas and supporting documents available on the Internet, Colstrip Public Schools will be able distribute documents associated with board meetings more quickly and efficiently, at a dramatically reduced cost to the organization.

Electronic distribution will not only save time and resources, but it will also provide unprecedented public access via the Colstrip Public School’s Web site to agenda items and other governing body-related information. This process will allow interested parties to review information prior to board meetings. All documents associated with the meeting are automatically archived and can be accessed by meeting date or by using the system’s comprehensive search feature.

The new eGovernance features can be accessed via the District’s Web site under the “School Board” tab, or for direct access to the District’s Board Agendas go to:
http://www.boarddocs.com/mt/cpsd19/Board.nsf .

We hope you find this new tool useful and informative.

GO COLTS! GO FILLIES! 

MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!

"Get out in front and stay there!"

Goal Setting for Exceptional Outcomes

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

 One of the most important things I do as a superintendent is review our academic outcomes and work with the staff to set goals that challenge our students to perform at a higher level.

"According to research, Goal setting is the single most powerful motivational tool in a leader's toolkit. Why? Because  goal setting operates in  ways that provide purpose, challenge and meaning. Goals are the guideposts along the road that make compelling vision come alive. Goals energize people. Specific, clear, challenging goals lead to greater effort and achievement than easy or vague goals do" (Blanchard, 2007, p. 150). For more information see Learning By Doing by DuFour, DuFour, Eaker and Many.

This year we have set District Goals in Reading, Math, Language Arts and Attendance. The goals set are SMART goals. They are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-bound. By following this formula, our faculty was able to set goals for the 2015-2016 school year linking evidence to decision making. This may seem so simple, but it is quite powerful.

The academic goals are based on an assessment that the district has been using for a number of years. It is called Measures of Academic Progress or MAP for short. This assessment is given to all 3-10 grade students.  It measures the growth of a student and compares each student's growth to a national norm. The assessment is given in the fall and again in the spring to measure the progress or growth that has taken place during the school year.

Upon completing the fall assessment, a growth target is set for each individual based on all other students nation-wide of the same age and like scores.

In the spring, students take the assessment to find out if they reached their growth target.
Once again, every student is measured against students of like scores and age. This process allows the district to measure adequate growth.

I believe it is possible for all students to reach their growth targets. With good attendance and academic interventions at the individual level this is not unrealistic. Last year's spring assessment revealed that 60% of our students are meeting or exceeding their READING targets; 65% MATH targets; and 60% are meeting or exceeding their LANGUAGE ARTS targets. Based on this information the staff set goals to improve those outcomes this year (2015-2016).

The four slides to the right indicated last year's outcome with this year's desired results. We are changing our culture as we set goals by placing value on results. Our practitioners are "Making Dust." They are setting higher standards. I am already excited about next year as I am sure the outcome will be exceptional.

GO COLTS! GO FILLIES! 

MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!

"Get out in front and stay there!"

Branding Our District With High Expectations

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

Wrestling calves with the smell of burnt hair and hide swirling around your face in the form of white smoke draws up images of my early experiences with branding. It was a rancher's invitation to me to help leave a permanent mark on the stock he nurtured and cared for. It was an honor to be asked to a branding and privilege to participate in the event. I have been fortunate to have attended many.

In an educational organization like Colstrip Public Schools, branding is a much different process, although the intention is the same. Like a rancher, we hope to leave a strategic mark on those we care for. In addition, we invite a lot of people to participate in getting the job done. The more people involved the better. A rancher uses a hot iron, while our school district uses tools like the one pictured to the right. Let me explain:

Branding in an organization is not marketing. Marketing an organization is tactical, while branding has a strategic outcome. Developing organizational brand creates an image or expectation of action. A well developed brand provides an image that lasts over time. School districts utilize brands to set high expectations and standards for students and stakeholders. This year, many of our school district's initiatives will be presented through our website, the social media as well as on digital signs that will be located in the lobbies of each building. These tools are our hot irons.

The screen-shot to the right is an example of the images that will be displayed on flat screens located in our building lobbies. Each will include a slide show of photos of students and school life; RSS feeds at the top and bottom of the screen that outline calendar events and reminders from the district and building level; there is also an RSS bulletin feed from superintendent office; as well as motivational videos that support the high expectations we have for our students and our educational community.  All of these item are represented in the screen-shot seen above. Digital signage is certainly a valuable "hot iron" that expands our communication venue. We hope it leaves a lasting mark.

Through technology and the use of mantras and initiatives, the district hopes to elevate student outcomes. "Make dust or eat dust" is a good example of our branding. It is the "carpe diem" of the Colts and Fillies drawing on images of running equine. It is a call to action; to seize the moment and make the best of every situation by taking the lead or the initiative. It is by such bold actions that we hope to change, grow and live life to its fullest. "Make dust or eat dust" is a statement as well as a question that asks: What will you do? It is also asks: What have you done?

Branding leaves a mark that identifies the individual as well as organization. At Colstrip Public Schools we want to challenge our students and educational community to be the very best. "Make dust or eat dust" is just one example of branding that sets a challenge before us.

At Colstrip Public Schools, we are out in the lead and it is our intent to stay there!

GO COLTS! GO FILLIES! 

MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!

"Get out in front and stay there!"

Central Office Staff: Service with a smile

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

As many of you know, the Central Office is located in the lower level of the Frank Brattin Middle School and in that location we have some of the hardest working individuals in our District. If you haven't met them I wanted to take the opportunity to introduce you to them.

From right to left: Janelle Beartusk (Payroll Clerk), Linda Miars (Administrative Assistant), Lisa Stewart (Accounts Payable), Kathy LaDuke (Data Services), and Joanne Schrupp (Clerk of the District).

I have to say that this group of ladies are exceptional. They greet every situation with a smile. They have been a rock in my transition to Colstrip, providing me with direction and information detrimental for successful leadership. I am very thankful for each and everyone of them.

Now that you know who we are, I would like to invite you to come and see us. If there is anything we can help you with, don't hesitate to call or just come on "down."

GO COLTS! GO FILLIES! 

MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!

"Get out in front and stay there!"

Get out in front and stay there!

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

After publishing a post about the Volleyball Team, I was informed through a Facebook connection that the Football Team lifts weights on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:00 PM. The Facebook connection thought it would be a good idea if I dropped by the High School to meet some of the players. With an invitation to meet our students, I thought, who could pass that up. So on Tuesday, at 6:00 PM, I went over to the High School. Once again, I was greeted with smiling faces and hardy handshakes. Our boys weren't to be outdone by the girls. They assured me that normally there were more guys at weightlifting, but offered their welcome just the same.

I have to say that this community has definitely put their best foot forward through their children. These kids (young men and women) are exceptional. These young men (pictured above) got out of the gate quickly. Their head coach smiled with support at they proudly introduced themselves. He knew this was the type of behavior that makes a difference in the lives of people. These guys will not only be well prepared for the season ahead, but life as well.

It is easily said that these fellas created some "Dust." Our COLTS were not going to lose ground to the  FILLIES! Together they are leading the way. Well done!

GO COLTS! GO FILLIES! 

MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!

"Get out in front and stay there!"

Working Hard To Make Colstrip Proud

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

Robert Whitehead has the maintenance crew working hard to execute an already long list of things to be done before school starts. Pictured to the right is the demolition and clean up of the old fenced gardening area by the football practice field. The fenced area was an eye sore and presented a liability.

With a little time and patience I am sure we will start to see a difference. I can't tell you how proud I am of these guys.  

WELL DONE!

Proud to be Colt and Filly! Get out in front and stay there!

GO COLTS! GO FILLIES! 

MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!

Make Dust or Eat Dust!

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

Student Leaders: Making Dust!

As Colstrip Colts and Fillies, I am sure our school district champions leadership. Leadership that gets out in front and shows others how things are done. It is with that notion that I can't help but visualize a magnificent colt or filly kicking up dust and taking the lead as its competitors trail. It is a carpe diem concept: "seize the day." More importantly it is an equine concept: "MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST."

Today, I visited the gym. It was full of middle and high school volleyball players. I wasn't there, but a few seconds, and coaches introduced themselves, shaking my hand and welcoming me. This was not that unusual for me to see adults taking the lead, but I was glad to see it. I felt welcomed! What really impressed me was having a group of junior and senior ball players come over, shake my hand and introduce themselves without being prompted. I thought WOW! These girls are making DUST! They got out in front and displayed a level of leadership that I don't always see as an administrator by high school students. They were confident. They were inviting. They were pleasant. They were leaders. They meant what they said and said what they meant! They are Colstrip Fillies!

Make Dust or Eat Dust? My hat goes off to these young ladies pictured. They put Colstrip out in the lead. Watch out world, Colstrip Public Schools understand what it means to MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST! The volleyball team has not only taken the lead, but I am sure they will keep it.

Proud to be Colt and Filly! Get out in front and stay there!

GO COLTS! GO FILLIES! 

MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!

Building & Ground Review

By Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

Reviewing our "systems" and the way our district follows up with opportunities and challenges has been a high priority in my first few weeks as superintendent. With that in mind, the administrative team and I have been reviewing our facility needs inside and out. We are identifying everything from the preverbal "eye sore" to the dysfunctional and that which is in-much-need of attention. After identifying these needs we have photographed them and scored them and developed two rubrics: one to assess the current status of the item and the other to prioritize the need. We then developed financial estimates to address each item to respond accordingly. Developing this type of document will help assure that things get done.

Often times it is the little things that make a difference. When it comes to educational building and grounds, addressing the little things often helps our students develop a sense of stewardship. The district definitely wants to set the bar high as an example for our community. Our custodial staff is working hard to get our facilities ready for school to start. In the month to come, we will be adding to an already long list of things to get done with an additional focus and effort to take care of items that may have been neglected.

Stewardship is often taken for granted. At Colstrip, we hope to set a precedent through our hard work and dedication to make the best of our facilities and resources. We thank you for your patience and understanding as our team is doing their best to make you proud.

Have a great day!

District Facebook Page: The NEW Word of Mouth

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

Please visit and "Like" the District Facebook Page called Colstrip Public Schools.  This page will be used to share information at the building and district levels. Principals and other administrators will add content for public consumption and use.

Social Media networks like Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter or blogging have created a fundamental shift in power.  The district will utilize these communication venues to share information and collect feedback to create a transparent environment that people know and trust. We hope to complement the concept of "word of mouth" with the light speed of social media.

Truly Blessed!

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

Lewandowski family: Stephanie, Deb, Trinity and Bob

It has been an adventure moving to the eastern side of Montana, but I feel blessed to serve the community of Colstrip and their schools as Superintendent. I look forward to the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. Most of all, I am eager to meet parents, students, staff and the community. I grew up as a Cornhusker in Nebraska, served as a superintendent in Northwestern Wyoming and Western Montana. It is a pleasure to be right here in beautiful eastern Montana.

It is my intention to use this forum to provide personal incite as well as a central office point of view in reference to the Colstrip educational community. I have blogged since 2006. I hope you find this blog interesting, but most of all, educational.

My family will soon be joining me at the end of July. My wife Debra is also an educator. She has taught in grades K-5 since 1989. Our daughters, Stephanie and Trinity will also be joining us. Stephanie has attended Central Wyoming College for the past two years and played basketball for the Rustlers. She will be attending MSUB this fall as she has completed her Associate of Arts. Trinity will be joining the Colstrip family. She will be a sophomore. I know she is looking forward to meeting new people and making new friends.

Once again, it is great to be here! I am looking forward to meeting you.