On behalf of the Administrative Team here at Colstrip Public Schools, we would like to wish you and your family all the blessings of the Holidays.
GO COLTS! GO FILLIES!
MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!
"Get out in front and stay there!"
Friday, December 22, 2017
Holiday Wishes from Colstrip Public Schools
by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski
On behalf of the Administrative Team here at Colstrip Public Schools, we would like to wish you and your family all the blessings of the Holidays.
From Left to Right: Middle School Principal Pax Haslem, Superintendent Bob Lewandowski, Assistant High School Principal Robin Nansel, Elementary Principal Aaron Skogen, Special Education Director Debi Smith, High School Principal Mark Ator, District Clerk Joanne Schrupp, Technology Coordinator Ken Rohlf, Curriculum Director Susan Sharkey and Maintenance Director Robert Whitehead.
On behalf of the Administrative Team here at Colstrip Public Schools, we would like to wish you and your family all the blessings of the Holidays.
Friday, November 17, 2017
WINNER WINNER TURKEY DINNER!
By Robert "Bob" Lewandowski
Here is the winner of the "MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN!" drawing for all employees during the first academic quarter (see Let's Talk Turkey for more details).
Our search for excellence has produced over 30 employees that have perfect attendance. First year teacher Mr. Joey Richert hasn't missed a day of work and for that his named was thrown in with over 30 other employees that have accomplished the same task. Mr. Richert is a middle school teacher at Frank Brattin Middle School.
Mr. Richert's perfect attendance put him in a position to win. He not only won the 29 pound thanksgiving turkey, but his students win as well. When I announced the winner to FBMS Principal Pax Haslem, he said he wasn't surprised because "we are all winners in this school!"
Congratulations to all of the staff and employee that have been here everyday! Your dedication make a difference!
Our search for excellence has produced over 30 employees that have perfect attendance. First year teacher Mr. Joey Richert hasn't missed a day of work and for that his named was thrown in with over 30 other employees that have accomplished the same task. Mr. Richert is a middle school teacher at Frank Brattin Middle School.
Mr. Richert's perfect attendance put him in a position to win. He not only won the 29 pound thanksgiving turkey, but his students win as well. When I announced the winner to FBMS Principal Pax Haslem, he said he wasn't surprised because "we are all winners in this school!"
Congratulations to all of the staff and employee that have been here everyday! Your dedication make a difference!
GO COLTS! GO FILLIES!
MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!
"Get out in front and stay there!"
Wednesday, November 15, 2017
Let's Talk Turkey!
by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski
Celebrating the success of stakeholders is one of the most necessary things that leadership can do to advance the human condition and change a culture. Some may consider celebrations fluff; rather than an essential element that sets clear expectations. In fact, "there is an emerging body of literature that asserts that human behavior is complex, and that celebration or appreciation for prowess on the job is one of the best and smartest ways to improve worker productivity" (Transforming School Culture, Muhammad, 2018).
So let's talk turkey, and I mean a lot of it. I have been eyeballing a 29 pound turkey at Rosebud Foods, here in Colstrip, for the past several days thinking it would be a great incentive to celebrate and be thankful for our employees that have shown up everyday since the start of the school year. As you may know, that when the regular teacher or employee are absent, productivity suffers significantly.
This Thanksgiving season, the Colstrip School District would like to celebrate and recognize the teaching and staff members that have had perfect attendance at work during the first quarter of the academic year. We certainly can't give them all a turkey (cost prohibitive), or even mention them by name, but we can put their names into a hat to draw out a WINNER!
The idea behind this celebration, is that YOU MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN! Both students and employees alike will stand a better chance to win and succeed if they show up every day. We will draw and announce the winner before the Thanksgiving Break (November 22-24). Our school district will continue to search for excellence and recognize its findings throughout the year.
Celebrating the success of stakeholders is one of the most necessary things that leadership can do to advance the human condition and change a culture. Some may consider celebrations fluff; rather than an essential element that sets clear expectations. In fact, "there is an emerging body of literature that asserts that human behavior is complex, and that celebration or appreciation for prowess on the job is one of the best and smartest ways to improve worker productivity" (Transforming School Culture, Muhammad, 2018).So let's talk turkey, and I mean a lot of it. I have been eyeballing a 29 pound turkey at Rosebud Foods, here in Colstrip, for the past several days thinking it would be a great incentive to celebrate and be thankful for our employees that have shown up everyday since the start of the school year. As you may know, that when the regular teacher or employee are absent, productivity suffers significantly.
This Thanksgiving season, the Colstrip School District would like to celebrate and recognize the teaching and staff members that have had perfect attendance at work during the first quarter of the academic year. We certainly can't give them all a turkey (cost prohibitive), or even mention them by name, but we can put their names into a hat to draw out a WINNER!
The idea behind this celebration, is that YOU MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN! Both students and employees alike will stand a better chance to win and succeed if they show up every day. We will draw and announce the winner before the Thanksgiving Break (November 22-24). Our school district will continue to search for excellence and recognize its findings throughout the year.
GO COLTS! GO FILLIES!
MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!
"Get out in front and stay there!"
Monday, October 30, 2017
MUSIC ALL-STARS
by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski
I just want to pass on some information and congratulations to Robbie Hensleigh and students Chloe Headswift and Jett Harris for being selected for the 2017 University of Montana High School All-Star Wind Ensemble which performs November 10th -12th , 2017 in Missoula, MT.
Chloe and Jett are sophomores at Colstrip High School. This event had nominations from over 90 different high schools in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming and Canada. This year features guest composer/conductor David Gillingham (Maroon Wind Ensemble) and Dr. James Smart (Silver Wind Ensemble), French Horn Soloist Zach Cooper, and the faculty of the University Of Montana School Of Music. The students will also perform pre-game with the Grizzly Marching Band in front of a home crowd (vs. University of Northern Colorado).
Students will perform in one of two 75-piece ensembles in the 1,100 seat Dennison Theatre and work with Mr. Gillingham in rehearsals, have sectionals and master classes with UM faculty. These students will have the opportunity to hear the UM Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra and Percussion Ensemble.
Congratulations Chloe and Jett! Way to make DUST!
Chloe and Jett are sophomores at Colstrip High School. This event had nominations from over 90 different high schools in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming and Canada. This year features guest composer/conductor David Gillingham (Maroon Wind Ensemble) and Dr. James Smart (Silver Wind Ensemble), French Horn Soloist Zach Cooper, and the faculty of the University Of Montana School Of Music. The students will also perform pre-game with the Grizzly Marching Band in front of a home crowd (vs. University of Northern Colorado).
Students will perform in one of two 75-piece ensembles in the 1,100 seat Dennison Theatre and work with Mr. Gillingham in rehearsals, have sectionals and master classes with UM faculty. These students will have the opportunity to hear the UM Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra and Percussion Ensemble.
Congratulations Chloe and Jett! Way to make DUST!
GO COLTS! GO FILLIES!
MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!
"Get out in front and stay there!"
Friday, October 13, 2017
Making Dust and Music!
by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski
Congratulations to Karli Blanchard and Michael Clark! Way to make DUST!
Karli Blanchard and
Michael Clark, both Seniors at Colstrip High School received news that they
are selected as Alto I and Bass I singers in the 2017 Montana All-State Choir.
The 160 voices were selected from hundreds of audition tapes sent in to
a committee last spring. Students were
selected for their vocal skills and tone qualities. These students come from class AA, A, B, and
C schools.
Congratulations to Karli Blanchard and Michael Clark! Way to make DUST!
The 2017 All-State
Music Festival will be hosted by Bozeman Public Schools during the Music Teachers
Convention on October 19th-20th, in
Bozeman, MT.
The All-State Choir
Guest Conductor for 2017 is Dr.
Christopher Aspaas of Texas Christian University.
The Gala Concert
which will feature the All-State Choir, Band, and Orchestra will be performed
at the MSU Fieldhouse in Bozeman on Friday, October 20th beginning
at 7:00pm Tickets must be purchased in
advance.
GO COLTS! GO FILLIES!
MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!
"Get out in front and stay there!"
Thursday, August 24, 2017
Academic Scores Eclipse Expectations with Phenomenal Results
by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski
This is the dawning of a new age. On the first day for the Colstrip Instructional Staff, we reviewed data, both good and bad, to seek out the best possible solutions for maximizing student learning in the 2017-2018 school year. We asked ourselves some tough questions concerning the challenges that we face.
The staff also got to take in the solar eclipse; and ironic as it may seem, we were definitely enlightened by the scores and student outcomes.
Our NWEA Measures of Academic Progress results were phenomenal. The overall growth of students in Reading, Mathematic and Language Use provides the much needed proof in the pudding that our school district is making huge strides in providing the necessary cores of learning.
Here are a few of the highlights:
The staff also got to take in the solar eclipse; and ironic as it may seem, we were definitely enlightened by the scores and student outcomes.
Our NWEA Measures of Academic Progress results were phenomenal. The overall growth of students in Reading, Mathematic and Language Use provides the much needed proof in the pudding that our school district is making huge strides in providing the necessary cores of learning.
Here are a few of the highlights:
NWEA MAP READING (2016-2017)
- Pine Butte Elementary (PBES) 3rd Grade scores in the 99th percentile in Reading Growth (better than 98% of the 3rd Grades in the nation)
- PBES Increases the Student Growth Count in Reading by 3.04%
- Frank Brattin Middle School (FBMS) 7th Grade scores in the 86th percentile in Reading Growth (better than 85% of the 7th Grades in the nation)
- FBMS Increases the Student Growth Count in Reading by 10.58%
- Colstrip HIgh School (CHS) 10th Grades scores in the 80th percentile in Reading Growth (better than 79% of the 10th Grades in the nation)
- Colstrip Public Schools (all schools in district) Increases the Student Growth Count in Reading by 5.72%
NWEA MAP MATHEMATICS (2016-2017)
- Pine Butte Elementary (PBES) Kindergarten scores in the 96th percentile in Mathematic Growth (better than 95% of the Kindergarten grades in the nation)
- PBES 1st Grade scores in the 90th percentile in Mathematic Growth (better than 89% of the 1st Grades in the nation)
- PBES 2nd Grade scores in the 80th percentile in Mathematic Growth (better than 79% of the 2nd Grades in the nation)
- PBES Increased Student the Growth Count in Mathematics by 20.9%
- Frank Brattin Middle School (FBMS) 7th Grade scores in the 86th percentile in Mathematics (better than 85% of the 7th Grades in the nation).
- FBMS Increase the Student Growth Count in Mathematics by 17.43%
- Colstrip Public Schools (all schools in district) Increases the Student Growth Count in Mathematics by 12.56%
NWEA MAP LANGUAGE USE (2016-2017)
- Pine Butte Elementary School (PBES) Increases the Student Growth Count in Language Use by 14.06%
- Frank Brattin Middle School (FBMS) 6th Grade scores in the 81st percentile in Language Use (better than 80% of the 6th Grade scores in the nation)
- FBMS Increases the Student Growth Count in Language Use by 3.21%
This data is definitely something to be proud of and I would like to encourage you to thank our staff and congratulate our students. Even though this marks a beginning of great things to come, our academic progress is definitely MAKING DUST!
GO COLTS! GO FILLIES!
MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!
"Get out in front and stay there!"
Things Every Kid Should Hear Everyday
by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski
Two years ago our District started branding Make Dust or Eat Dust as a theme to set high expectations for our educational community. I believe it has been embraced with a number of examples of excellence. You can see many of them in my blog; however, "Make Dust or Eat Dust" can also speak to a number of other needs, especially to their psychological ones. "Making Dust" is also taking "care" of one another and providing the safety, support and belonging required by each individual in our community. "Making Dust" takes into account that "People don't care what you know until they know that you care."
MAKE SOME DUST TODAY! Let those you work, learn and live with know that they are important and you care about them. See the infographic for more details.
Two years ago our District started branding Make Dust or Eat Dust as a theme to set high expectations for our educational community. I believe it has been embraced with a number of examples of excellence. You can see many of them in my blog; however, "Make Dust or Eat Dust" can also speak to a number of other needs, especially to their psychological ones. "Making Dust" is also taking "care" of one another and providing the safety, support and belonging required by each individual in our community. "Making Dust" takes into account that "People don't care what you know until they know that you care."
MAKE SOME DUST TODAY! Let those you work, learn and live with know that they are important and you care about them. See the infographic for more details.
GO COLTS! GO FILLIES!
MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!
"Get out in front and stay there!"
New Educator Eclipse
By Robert "Bob" Lewandowski
It is my pleasure to introduce and welcome the new educators that have been hired for 2017-2018 school year. Their first day together was on August 21, 2017 along with a solar eclipse. We anxiously await the light that they will shed upon our learning community. Go out there and Make some Dust!
Play video to see more:
It is my pleasure to introduce and welcome the new educators that have been hired for 2017-2018 school year. Their first day together was on August 21, 2017 along with a solar eclipse. We anxiously await the light that they will shed upon our learning community. Go out there and Make some Dust!
Play video to see more:
GO COLTS! GO FILLIES!
MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!
"Get out in front and stay there!"
Wednesday, August 9, 2017
The Presence of Luke Gonsioroski
by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski
Upon hearing the news that Baker 2017 Graduate, Luke Gonsioroski passed away after a ferocious fight with cancer has gotten me a little shaken up to say the least. It is so difficult to understand how someone that is so young and vibrant can leave this world. It was just this last spring when I watched him run the 100 meter dash at the Baker Invitational. He led a host of Baker students to the finish line. He was first. He was their leader and one of their best.
It is with heavy heart that I want to pass on my condolences to the Gonsioroski family as well as the greater community of Baker. I want you to know that I, like many of the folks here in Colstrip, enjoyed watching Luke in his many appearances during our athletic competitions. He was as kind off the court/field as he was a champion on it.
Luke had such a presence. In point of this fact, I take photos at most of our athletic events. I try to capture the Colts and Fillies at their very best. It is not my intent to take photos of the competition, but Luke Gonsioroski's talent and presence somehow always ended up on my camera roll.
With that I want to share a few of these moments he had on the field. I also want to point out that he is and always will be a presence for time to come. LUKE GONSIOROSKI - MADE DUST! He has always been out in front and in my mind he will always be there! Thank you Luke for making a difference!
It is with heavy heart that I want to pass on my condolences to the Gonsioroski family as well as the greater community of Baker. I want you to know that I, like many of the folks here in Colstrip, enjoyed watching Luke in his many appearances during our athletic competitions. He was as kind off the court/field as he was a champion on it.
Luke had such a presence. In point of this fact, I take photos at most of our athletic events. I try to capture the Colts and Fillies at their very best. It is not my intent to take photos of the competition, but Luke Gonsioroski's talent and presence somehow always ended up on my camera roll.
With that I want to share a few of these moments he had on the field. I also want to point out that he is and always will be a presence for time to come. LUKE GONSIOROSKI - MADE DUST! He has always been out in front and in my mind he will always be there! Thank you Luke for making a difference!
MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!
"Get out in front and stay there!"
Monday, July 31, 2017
WELCOME BACK - A GROWTH MINDSET!
by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski
This morning I read an email from one of my administrators, Debi Smith. She shared this quote with her staff. I would like to share it with you as it is so applicable in making a difference. First we need to accept change; NO...we need to "WELCOME CHANGE!"
This morning I read an email from one of my administrators, Debi Smith. She shared this quote with her staff. I would like to share it with you as it is so applicable in making a difference. First we need to accept change; NO...we need to "WELCOME CHANGE!"
“Welcome change.”There is nothing more certain in our lives than change. Yet many of us fear change and make elaborate plans to avoid it. We fear the new and find comfort in the stability of the known and familiar.But to grow, you need to not only accept change but to embrace it, joyfully. Think of a flowing stream as representing your life. In some places, it flows smoothly, with barely a ripple as it travels on its journey. At other places along the way, obstacles create great turbulence; the water roars and thunders as it crashes through gorges and down steep falls.These represent both the easy and difficult times you experience.Yet, a stream may have a place where the water becomes banked up, stagnant, unhealthy. Here, nothing thrives and nothing changes.Welcome the rushing waters of change into your life, for change means growth, spiritual health, and self-realization. Embrace each new direction you encounter with courage and enthusiasm. It’s the key to a happier you.
GO COLTS! GO FILLIES!
MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!
"Get out in front and stay there!"
Monday, June 19, 2017
COLSTRIP DAYS: Grow Here! Live Here! Stay Here!
by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski
The 43 Annual Colstrip Days will begin this Thursday with Family Movie Night at 7:00 PM and then takes off into the weekend ending with a Sunday Golf Tournament. The District is planning on having another float in the parade that begins on Saturday at 11:00 AM. Don't miss a great opportunity to celebrate Colstrip at Colstrip Days! See the schedule below:
The 43 Annual Colstrip Days will begin this Thursday with Family Movie Night at 7:00 PM and then takes off into the weekend ending with a Sunday Golf Tournament. The District is planning on having another float in the parade that begins on Saturday at 11:00 AM. Don't miss a great opportunity to celebrate Colstrip at Colstrip Days! See the schedule below:
GO COLTS! GO FILLIES!
MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!
"Get out in front and stay there!"
Making Dust! Colstrip Golf 3rd at State
by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski
The Men's Golf Team placed 3rd in the State of Montana amongst all Class B schools. Peter Brown placed 4th, Lane Bradley 15th, O'shon Old Mouse 20th and Ty Bradley 28th in a field of 70 contestants.
Well done COLTS! Congratulations on a superb year!
The Men's Golf Team placed 3rd in the State of Montana amongst all Class B schools. Peter Brown placed 4th, Lane Bradley 15th, O'shon Old Mouse 20th and Ty Bradley 28th in a field of 70 contestants.
Well done COLTS! Congratulations on a superb year!
 |
| Peter Brown lead the Colstrip Golfers at State with a 4th Place overall finish. |
GO COLTS! GO FILLIES!
MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!
"Get out in front and stay there!"
Friday, June 9, 2017
Making Dust! Colstrip Track & Field
By Robert "Bob" Lewandowski
Colstrip High School Students are among the State of Montana's very best in Track and Field. The team came home with 6 medals and are excite about what the future may hold next year. Congratulation Track & Field!
Whitney Hanson-2nd Place 800 Meter Run; Chasitie Rollins-3rd Place Javelin; Trinity Lewandowski-4th Place 100 Hurdles; Constance Rollins-4th Place Long Jump; Ronnie Hennelly; 6th Place Javelin(Trinity Lewandowski, Constance Rollins, Abby Dudley, Whitney Hanson)
Colstrip High School Students are among the State of Montana's very best in Track and Field. The team came home with 6 medals and are excite about what the future may hold next year. Congratulation Track & Field!
Congratulations!
 |
| 6th Place 4X100 Relay Whitney Hanson, Abby Dudley, Constance Rollins, Trinity Lewandowski |
 |
| 2nd Place 800 m Run Whitney Hanson |
 |
| 4th Place 100 m Hurdles Trinity Lewandowski |
 |
| 3rd Place Javelin Chasitie Rollins |
 |
| 6th Place Javelin Ronnie Hennelly |
GO COLTS! GO FILLIES!
MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!
"Get out in front and stay there!"
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