Colstrip School District Recieves National System Accreditation

Shared by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

Cognia System Accreditation

On June 29, 2021, Cognia Accreditation Commission announced that  Colstrip Public School District has earned system accreditation by Cognia™, a nonprofit organization that provides quality assurance for schools, school districts, and education service providers. 

 

Cognia, formerly AdvancED, nationally recognizes districts that meet rigorous standards that focus on productive learning environments, equitable resource allocation that meet the needs of learners, and effective leadership. Earning accreditation from the Cognia Global Accreditation Commission means that the system and all of its schools are accredited, and that Colstrip Public School District is recognized across the nation as a school system that meets Cognia Standards of Quality, and maintains a commitment to continuous improvement.

 

“Systems accreditation as conferred by the Cognia Global Accreditation Commission provides Colstrip Public School District a nationally recognized mark of quality for our school system and each school within our system,” shared Superintendent Bob Lewandowski.  “It demonstrates to our community our commitment to excellence, our openness to external review and feedback, and our desire to be the best we can be on behalf of the students we serve.” 

 To earn accreditation from Cognia, a school district also must implement a continuous process of improvement, and submit to internal and external review.  Colstrip Public Schools went through their review during the week of April 19 through April 23, 2021. During that time, teachers, staff, administrators, board members, parents and community members were interviewed.  School systems in good standing can maintain their accreditation for a five-year term. 

Dr. Mark A. Elgart, president and CEO of Cognia, stated, “Cognia System Accreditation is a rigorous process that focuses the entire school system and its community on the primary goal of preparing lifelong learners in engaging environments where all students can flourish.  Colstrip Public School District is to be commended for demonstrating that it has met high standards, is making progress on key indicators that impact student learning.” 

 

Cognia is the parent organization of the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI), Northwest Accreditation Commission (NWAC) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI). Parents and interested community members can learn more about the Cognia Accreditation at cognia.org. 

 

About Cognia

Cognia offers accreditation and certification, assessment, professional learning, and improvement services to institutions and other education providers. The result of the merger of AdvancED and Measured Progress, Cognia was formed to bridge the gap between school evaluation and student assessment. As a global nonprofit working in over 80 countries, our 36,000 institutions serve and support nearly 25 million students and five million educators every day. Cognia serves as trusted partner in advancing learning for all learners.  Find out more at cognia.org. 

Ode to Our Educators

 by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

SUPERINTENDENT NOTE TO STAFF:

Staff,

As we finish up with the 2020-2021 School Year, I can't help but be appreciative and honored by all of the employees at Colstrip Public Schools. You all went above and beyond in making this year successful for our students as well as our educational community.

It was a hard year to say the very least. We have lost. We are exhausted, but we have endured. Your perseverance and resilience indicated a resolve that is seldom seen. 

I am so proud of you and our school. I hope you are able to take some time during the summer break to realize just how extraordinary your efforts have been. We may have eaten a lot of DUST, but you certainly have shown that you can MAKE DUST as well! 

Thank you for your work on the FRONTLINE of this pandemic! Thank you for your courage to do your job amidst of sickness and uncertainty. Thank you for modeling a fortitude of faith in continuing on as well as the grace required to help others.

Your efforts during this pandemic have been noble, honorable and deserving of more than what can be said or done after the fact. Regardless, I hold you in the highest regard for your service. I only hope that others can, and will, see the heroics of our nation through the efforts of our EDUCATORS that kept their doors open despite the uncertainty of a pandemic. COLSTRIP DID IT! There are others that are yet to open their school doors.

I pray that we never have to face such difficulties, uncertainties, and such loss again. I pray that we are stronger and better going forward. I look forward to seeing you in 2021-2022.

 

Thank you and God Bless! Have a wonderful summer break! You deserve every moment of happiness that summer may bring.

Superintendent Bob Lewandowski

 

GO COLTS! GO FILLIES! 

MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!

"Get out in front and stay there!"

 

College Graduates Wanted for Teaching Positions

 by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

Looking for College Graduates. Most everyone in the country is aware of the national teaching shortage. Here at Colstrip we too are searching for teachers. At this time we have 4 elementary teaching positions open, 1 high school business teaching position and 1 special education position. We have filled several positions already. Moving forward, the District has utilized Emergency Authorizations from the Office of Public Instruction to fill positions. This year, the 67th Legislature made revisions to the Montana Annotated Code to attract more professionals to teaching.

Make no debate about it, the District is seeking professionals, but we realize they come with different educational backgrounds. Not having a teaching certification will not limit an individual from an opportunity to teach. With that being said, we want to encourage those that have a bachelor of arts or science degree from an accredited college or university as well as significant experience in the area of teaching to apply for employment at Colstrip Public Schools. You can go on line at https://colstripsd19mt.sites.thrillshare.com/page/job-opportunities and apply for the openings listed.

See Emergency Authorization (MCA 20-4-11 2021) below for more information:

As outlined by HB 246

Section 6. Section 20-4-111, MCA, is amended to read: "20-4-111. Emergency authorization of employment.

(1) A district may request from the superintendent of public instruction an emergency authorization of employment for a person who is not the holder of a valid Montana teacher or specialist certificate and a required endorsement as an instructor of pupils when the district cannot secure the services of a person holding a valid Montana certificate and a required endorsement. The person must have previously held a valid teacher or specialist certificate from Montana or another state or shall provide acceptable evidence of academic qualifications or significant experience related to the area for which the emergency authorization of employment is being sought as prescribed by the policies of the board of public education for and during an emergency. Emergency authorization of employment must indicate:

(a) the district to which the authorization is issued;

(b) the person whom the district is authorized to employ;

(c) the endorsement for elementary or secondary instruction and the specific subject fields for which authorization to employ the person is given; and

(d) the school fiscal year for which the emergency authorization of employment is given.

(2) Emergency authorization of employment of a person is valid for the school fiscal year identified on the authorization and may be renewed in accordance with the board of public education policies. A fee not to exceed $6 and, if no teacher or specialist certificate or emergency authorization of employment has ever been issued for the person, a filing fee of $6 must be paid for the issuance of an emergency authorization of employment. The superintendent of public instruction shall deposit the fees with the state treasurer to the credit of the general fund.

(3) Emergency authorization of employment of a person may be revoked for good cause in accordance with the provisions of 20-4-110."

Vote YES for Kids: Building Reserve Levy

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

TRUSTEE RESOLUTION CALLING FOR A BUILDING RESERVE LEVY ELECTION BE IT RESOLVED:

The Board of Trustees for School District No. 19, Rosebud County, State of Montana, will hold a special levy election on Tuesday, the 15th day of June, 2021, which date is not less than seventy (70) days after the passage of this resolution. The election will be conducted by Mail Ballot. The first purpose of the election is to authorize the district to impose a levy each year for five (5) years beginning July 1, 2021, to raise the sum of Three Hundred and Seventy-Five Thousand Dollars ($375,000) per year and being approximately 2.62 mills per year for a maximum of One Million Eight Hundred Seventy-Five Thousand Dollars ($1,875,000) to fund the Building Reserve of the elementary school district for the purpose of addressing playground drainage issues at Pine Butte Elementary School, the demolition of IBCLC and for projects involving safety and security, general repair and maintenance, construction, and renovation. Passage of this proposal will increase the taxes on a home with a market value of $100,000 by approximately $4.04 per year and on a home with a market value of $200,000 by approximately $8.09 per year. 

The second purpose of the election is to authorize the district to impose a levy each year for five (5) years beginning July 1, 2021, to raise the sum of Three Hundred and Seventy-Five Thousand Dollars ($375,000) per year and being approximately 2.62 mills per year for a maximum of One Million Eight Hundred Seventy-Five Thousand Dollars ($1,875,000) to fund the Building Reserve of the high school district for the purpose of renovating public and academic restrooms to meet ADA code, repair sidewalks, upper and lower parking lot improvements, and for projects involving safety and security, general repair and maintenance, construction, and renovation. Passage of this proposal will increase the taxes on a home with a market value of $100,000 by approximately $4.04 per year and on a home with a market value of $200,000 by approximately $8.09 per year.

 Ballots go out in the mail on May 27, 2021.

GO COLTS! GO FILLIES! 

MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!

"Get out in front and stay there!"

Accrediation Review Underway at Colstrip Public Schools

 by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

HISTORY OR NATIONAL ACCREDITATION SYSTEM

 

 

 

 

 

Throughout this week, students, staff, administration, parents and community members are being interviewed by the Cognia Accreditation Team as Colstrip is currently being reviewed for renewal of its National Accreditation status. Point of fact, Colstrip is the largest system (K-12) accredited school in the State of Montana.

Cognia accreditation represents the unified policies and procedures for accreditation and certification from its Accreditation Divisions:

• North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI)
• Northwest Accreditation Commission (NWAC)
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI)

NCA CASI, SACS CASI, and NWAC comprise three of the six regionally recognized K-12 accrediting bodies and together have been accrediting institutions for 125 years

Cognia works with schools and systems of all types and sizes across the globe to clearly assess the quality of an institution institution and to help them meet the needs of every student. Cognia provides an explicit set of standards and criteria for accreditation and certification. Meeting and exceeding those standards results in a valuable recognition of excellence.

GO COLTS! GO FILLIES! 

MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!

"Get out in front and stay there!"

Vote YES for Kids Twice in the Election!

 by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

Historically Colstrip votes yes for kids and has passed general fund school levies for more than three decades. The May 4, 2021 U.S. Mail Election Ballots went out in the mail on April 16, 2021.  THE  METHOD TO RETURN VOTED BALLOTS IS BY U.S. MAIL. However, ballots may be returned physically to the following locations, at the following times: Location Prior to Election Day: Central Administration Office of the Clerk at 216 Olive Drive (next to FBMS Office), Colstrip, MT 59323 Hours: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Location on Election Day: Central Administration Office at 216 Olive Drive, Colstrip, MT 59323 Hours: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

If you miss this regular registration deadline (30 days prior to the election), you may still register for the election by showing up at the county election office up to and including on election day. Between noon and the close of business on the day before election day, you may complete and submit a voter registration card, but you will need to return to the district voting location on election day to pick up and vote a ballot. The county election office is located at: Rosebud County Courthouse, 1200 Main Street, Forsyth MT 59327.  A late registrant may obtain a ballot on election day at the following location: Central Administration Office, 216 Olive Drive, Colstrip MT 59323 

There are two levies to be voted on.

●      High School General Fund Levy

○      Shall the board of trustees be authorized to impose an increase in local taxes to support the High School General Fund in the amount of One Hundred Eighty-Eight Thousand Three Hundred Thirteen and 50/100 DOLLARS ($188,313.50) per year which is approximately 2.82 mills, to meet the normal operational costs of the High School District General Fund for the 2021-2022 fiscal year? Passage of this proposal will increase the taxes on a home with a market value of $100,000 by approximately $2.82 and on a home with a market value of $200,000 by approximately $7.61. The durational limit of the levy is permanent once approved by the voters, assuming the district levies that amount at least once in the next five years.

●      Elementary General Fund Levy

○      Shall the board of trustees be authorized to impose an increase in local taxes to support the Elementary General Fund in the amount of Two Hundred Eighty-Six Thousand Fifty - Three and 93/100 DOLLARS ($286,053.93) per year which is approximately 4.29 mills, to meet the normal operational costs of the Elementary District General Fund for the 2021-2022 fiscal year? Passage of this proposal will increase the taxes on a home with a market value of $100,000 by approximately $5.79 and on a home with a market value of $200,000 by approximately $11.58. The durational limit of the levy is permanent once approved by the voters, assuming the district levies that amount at least once in the next five years.

As you may know, it is very important for Colstrip Public Schools to pass the General Fund Levies at both the High School and Elementary School. Your support is critical.

I would like to encourage you to ask questions about the impact of the Levy Funds. I would also encourage you to get out and vote. A vote for the Levy Funds is definitely a vote for the children in which we serve. These Levy Funds are crucial for maintaining salaries, equipment, curriculum, activities and the operational expenses of this district.

This community has taken pride in passing Levy Funds in the years past. This is a community that has traditionally supported its kids. Our teachers and staff members have played a key role in this process. I can't stress enough the importance in passing the Levy Funds.

Point of fact: Colstrip Public School District #19 has passed Levy Funds for 30 years; this level of community support played a instrumental role in the decisions of those that have awarded grants to our School District. This past year alone, the District has been awarded over $1.6 million dollars in competitive grants. Your support for our school levies is critical in so many ways. Get the word out and support our kids and see that these levies get a FOR vote. Thank you in advance for any, and all of your effort in seeing this need through.

 

GO COLTS! GO FILLIES! 

MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!

"Get out in front and stay there!"

 

Board of Trustees Selects 2021-2022 School Calendar

 by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

The 2021-2022 Colstrip Public School Calendar was approved by the Colstrip Board of Trustees at its Regular April 2021 Board Meeting on April 12, 2021.

The Calendar length is 169 student contact days; nineteen (19) of which are Remote Learning Days. 

School begins on August 19 and ends on May 25. It has (8) Winter Break Days; (2) Spring Break Days. It has (144) Full Days; (23) Part Days; and (2) Half Days strategically placed to reduce low attendance. There are (184) Professional/Staff Days and (7) Pupil Instructional Related Days and (8) Professional Development Work Days or "PDW" Days for teacher development, work and group planning. This Calendar requires structured recesses for the elementary to extend learning time. The most significant characteristic of this calendar is that it includes  Remote Learning days (see information below) on scheduled school Fridays. The only Friday that students are scheduled for face-to-face instruction is on August 20, 2021. 

REMOTE LEARNING DAYS: These days will provide students remote instruction outside of school to maximize their individualized learning, using classroom materials and technology. The District will offer enrichment, correctives and educational opportunities from 8:00 AM until Noon on these days. Students are expected to complete remote learning assignments whether they are participating in one of the above opportunities or at home.

ENRICHMENT FRIDAYS: Enrichments will be provided to students whose needs go beyond the standard of instructional expectation. Enrichment Opportunities are by invitation only. Attendance is optional.

CORRECTIVE FRIDAYS: Correctives will be provided to students that are not meeting grade or content level expectations. Invitation for corrective instruction is by request. Face-to-face attendance is required. Students that fail to attend will be counted absent. Because of COVID-19 and the interruptions it created in our educational delivery, Corrective Fridays provide a significant opportunity to address students that may be at-risk or missing critical content components.

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES: Educational Opportunities will be available to all students. Students must sign up for these opportunities ahead of time so appropriate planning can take place. These opportunities will focus on the REMOTE LEARNING expectations provided in order to help the student accomplish the skills of independent learning. On occasion, other educational opportunities will include a variety of activities and experiences. The intent will be to create a focused, fun and safe environment at each building level. Students will be in mixed age groups for many of these activities.

NOTE: School lunch and breakfast will be available for all students on Remote Learning Fridays. They may schedule to pick it up or eat in the cafeteria at the building which they attend.

 by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

J.D. Old Mouse was the District's Home Liaison and Master of Ceremonies from 2010 to 2020. His invitation to go get "some'n, some'n" at concessions during ball games is comparable in certain respects to his invitation for all of our young Colts and Fillies to go out and be their very best in this life.

J.D. was a champion of our youth and their needs. He believed so much in Colstrip Public Schools that he continually fought to get as many kids as he could from the Northern Cheyenne Reservation to attend the school that he loved.

J.D. shared the Indian culture and led many powwows here in our schools. He not only announced, but sang as well. He was a man of conviction. He respected those he worked for and those he worked with.  He was a spiritual man that was willing to share his beliefs about his creator.

In his last five years at Colstrip Public Schools, J.D. battled health issues and conquered each of them. He stood tall over the loss of his legs and survived a kidney transplant.  J.D. Old Mouse walked the walk that he talked. He showed a resilience that is rare at best.

J.D. Old Mouse was "SOME'N SOME'N" for sure and for certain. He was loved and will be missed. Colstrip Public Schools will do its very best to see his passion lives on. A Scholarship Memorial is established in his name.

If you would like to donate to the J.D. Old Mouse "Some'n Some'n" Memorial Scholarship that will be awarded annually to a graduating senior that has shown exceptional resilience, please make checks payable to the J.D. Old Mouse Memorial Scholarship and send it to Colstrip Public Schools, P.O. Box 159, Colstrip Montana.

J.D. Old Mouse “Some’n Some’n” Scholarship Application

WHO CAN APPLY: Any senior that is on track to graduate from Colstrip High School in the second semester of their senior year. They must be able to indicate exceptional resilience in overcoming difficulties they have faced. Resilience is the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats, or significant sources of stress—such as family and relationship problems, serious health problems, or workplace and financial stressors.

APPLICATION PROCESS: All applications must be submitted by May 10 to the Counselor’s Office (See Jewel Davenport). The Applicant must submit a minimum of a 500 word essay describing the resilience they have shown in their lives. The Superintendent and the Administrative Cabinet will review the applications and select the recipient. The recipient of the scholarship will be announced at Graduation.   

Applicants are required to provide the following information:

NAME:

DATE OF APPLICATION:

GRADUATION YEAR:

ESSAY (500 word minimum):

 

GO COLTS! GO FILLIES! 

MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!

"Get out in front and stay there!"