Wednesday, July 22, 2015

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!"

Tuesday, July 21, 2015

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!



Monday, July 20, 2015

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!

Thursday, July 16, 2015

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.

Wednesday, July 15, 2015

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.