Our County Fair

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

On Friday afternoon (July 20), I was able to get away from the office and take a trip to Forsyth and proudly examine Colstrip student art exhibits as well as watch the Sheep Show at the Rosebud County Fair. As a former 4-H livestock exhibitor, college livestock judge, as well as a parent whose kids exhibited lambs, sheep and hogs at local, state and national shows, it was a pleasure going to our own County Fair and seeing a few familiar faces and names along side their exhibits.

Colstrip Elementary Artwork

I know my kids, like most kids, always enjoyed the carnival rides as well as the other spectacular events at the fair, but my wife Debra and I have alway taken special pleasure in seeing the fruit of students's work.

Watching my wife beam with pride as she looked over her students' 3rd Grade artwork was special. Then seeing a few of our students show their livestock brought back memories of hard work, dedication and perseverance that is needed in order to show these animals. Being in 4-H and FFA teaches students so much about leadership and life. I wish every student would take advantage of the opportunities provided by these organization.

It is with a special emphasis that I want to say to our Colstrip students that showed or had exhibits at the fair: "WAY TO MAKE DUST!" Your work is recognized and appreciated by many.  In addition, on behalf of so many, thank you for making your community, parents, school and this superintendent proud.

Now, for a little trivia, let me take this opportunity to say: I couldn't be more proud our Colstrip kids than Able Frank was of his prize boar or Melissa of her blue ribbon mincemeat (name that Hammerstein and Rogers Production).

GO COLTS! GO FILLIES! 

MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!

"Get out in front and stay there!"

Major Maintenance and Summer Construction Projects Underway

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

Teaching students to be good stewards of what is entrusted to them is an educational value that we want students to learn. Setting a good example is essential; therefore, taking care of our school is paramount. Every summer the District works on major maintenance issues that cannot be addressed throughout the year when school is in session. This year's summer projects have been especially difficult to complete because of the early summer rain as contractors have a number of projects they are trying to complete in fair weather. Because of bad weather, contracted schedules get changed. This happens regardless to whether the projects are indoor or outdoor projects. As we move closer to this school year, we are completing projects that should have been completed at the end of June and mid July. Never-the-less, we are anticipating completing all scheduled projects and having our buildings ready for the new school year.

Here are a few of the major projects we have or are addressing before school starts:

• CHS: identified pavement replacement in both the upper and lower parking lots (complete)
• CHS: interior rooms LED lighting to replace the current florescent lighting (complete)
• CHS: LED lighting in the parking lots to replace the current lighting (complete)
• CHS: tree removal (complete)
• CHS: addition of a Frequency Operated Button reader on door #17 (scheduled August 1)
• CHS: sprinkler repairs on both the practice and football fields (in progress)
• CHS: repaint identified classrooms (in progress)
• CHS: repair leak in pool (complete)
• CHS: remove and replace locker room carpet with epoxy based seamless flooring (scheduled July 26)
• CHS: refinish the gym floor (complete)
• CHS: mezzanine door replacement (scheduled early August)
• CHS: complete the heat pump modification and fluid coolers on the roof (in progress)
• CHS: repair airlock breezeway from door #17 (scheduled early August)
• CHS: weed removal and spraying (in progress)
• Bus Barn: erosion repair on hillside (complete)
• Bus Barn: painting of lines and entrance bumpers (complete)
• FBMS: exterior door repairs (complete)
• FBMS: irrigation retrofit (complete)
• FBMS: landscape of driveway median (scheduled)  
• FBMS: refinish the gym floor (complete)
• FBMS: replace and number interior doors (scheduled)
• FBMS: weed removal and spraying (in progress)
• PBES: carpet replacement in Rooms #1, #2, #3, #5,  and #14 (complete)
• PBES: carpet replacement in hallways (scheduled August 6)
• PBES: sprinkler repair (complete)
• PBES: repaint main hallway (in progress)
• PBES: replace the removable hanging wall in the gym/cafeteria (scheduled July 23)
• PBES: repair of pot holes in drive (scheduled early August)
• PBES: replace failing Smartboards with with interactive whiteboard technology (in progress)
• PBES: weed removal and spraying (in progress)

As you can see this is quite a list in addition to normal maintenance and custodial work that is being done to get our buildings ready for the 2018-2019 school year. The District is diligent in preparing for our students return to school and we certainly ask for everyone's understanding and patience as we work to make our great schools even better.

GO COLTS! GO FILLIES! 

MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!

"Get out in front and stay there!"