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!"

 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!"

 

WATER DAMAGE: Modeling the Way

 by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

The water damage at Frank Brattin Middle School created some very difficult dilemmas as many students, teachers and buildings were functioning in a state of limbo while services were being restored at the middle school. Students, teachers, administrators and staff members at all buildings did their very best to accommodate the emergency changes taking place. Middle school students were without a building, middle school teachers were without a classroom, central office staff were without offices and equipment. Within, a matter of 24 hours, the instructional process was restored. A building, classrooms and offices were found. Parents were equal to the task in their flexibility and support when the plan was communicated and executed. There wasn't any finger pointing or complaints. Colstrip's resilience and "can-do" environment would not yield. It is in these moments of adversity that you really get to know people and a community.

The Core Values listed in the Colstrip Public School Strategic Plan (see below) are the enduring principles that guide a school district and should be used to guide the choices and decisions we make. In the case of Jewel Davenport, Robert Whitehead and Janelle Loyning these values were authenticated and articulated by what they did and what they do and what they care about. 

Robert Whitehead met this challenge from the start, at 6:00 AM, and didn't go to bed until midnight. He was again up for the next week. Naming all of the things he did to get our middle school back on its feet would be a long and trivial task. He called in contractors. He stayed with them as they pumped 54,000 gallons of water out of the lower level of FBMS in -27 degree weather. He assisted them as they replaced and renovated electrical panels. He assisted the implementation of an independent heat source and power source to keep the building from freezing up. He addressed multiple water breaks in several different places during the cold spell.  He continued to move furniture and equipment out of the Central Office. He maintained the snow removal before and after school. He is exhausted. He is invaluable.

Janelle Loyning was equal to the task of moving equipment and materials to give our middle school teachers and students the things they needed to continue the instructional process at the high school. She also worked until the job was done. She didn't quit until the job was done.

Probably the most selfless act of kindness, consideration and compassion was modeled by Jewel Davenport, the Counselor at Colstrip High School. Central Office was without a place to continue business. Our offices were destroyed. After looking at the possibility of temporarily moving into the high school office area, Jewell Davenport moved her office and reception area without being asked. She simply said, you needed a place to work. It had to be done. I was amazed; in this act, Jewel Davenport built consensus around values, principles and standards. She walked the walk. 

These three people lived the shared values outlined in our Core Values of Colstrip Public School. They modeled the way. It is with a great deal of pride that I was able to award them the "Make Dust or Eat Dust" Buckle for their extraordinary acts demonstrated this last month in regards to the water damage at Frank Brattin Middle School.

THANK YOU: Jewel, Robert and Janelle for MAKING DUST! 

THANK YOU: Jewel, Robert and Janelle for providing the needed HCA (safety, support and belonging) to keep our school "afloat."

__________________________________________________________

Core Values of the Colstrip School District: 

• Loyalty, Trust and Respect – We believe that mutual loyalty, trust, and respect amongst key stakeholders (students, staff, board, and community) are vital to the success of our students. 

• Responsible Citizenship – We believe that it is important to prepare students to be cognizant of and to be positive contributors to all levels of the democratic process.   

• Stable, Positive, Safe and Healthy School Climate – We believe that accepting, appreciating, and embracing diversity and the uniqueness of all people contributes to a positive, safe, and healthy school climate for both students and staff and the long-term values of our community. 

Shared, Ethical Leadership – We value shared leadership with our community where there is a common understanding and philosophy that we are all responsible for the success of our students. We believe that community involvement and support are essential to the achievement of our goals and the success of our students.  

Overcoming The Odds and Winning

Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

Last Friday evening, October 4, 2019, the 1-2 Colstrip Colts faced the 4-0 Glasgow Scotties. The Colts are a young team, by the numbers, with upper class men that have been use to winning. This year winning has taken a learning curve. Winning traditions and celebrations are a little harder to come by, and giving up isn't an option when you are a Colt.

The past four years I have watched Assistant Coach, Andrew Torgerson jump into the arms of a winning Colt Football Team more times than not. All of the past graduates of Colt Football know what this is all about; however, last Friday's game was the first time that the team embraced this tradition with an unbelievable amount of joy as they taunted and waved the 200+ pound coach to leap into their arms. You see...it isn't all about their love for their assistant coach, it's what happens when you do what it takes to win. They knew what this tradition represented and they knew that they earned it by over coming the odds and winning 25-22.

Just look at the faces of these kids after the game as they look to their Head Coach, Stacey Yates, as he congratulates them on their victory. All too long I have taken both of these traditions for granted. Last Friday night was one of the sweetest victories I have experience (and I have to say I have been blessed to see the Colts win a number of times). This was special. What I had taken for granted as celebrations in the past became traditions of winning.

This is what I call HOME COURT ADVANTAGE! It's not just where you play (field, court or etc...), its who you are playing for and why. KNOW YOUR WHY!

Learning how to win is a hard thing to do and everybody has to go over a few bumps in the road before they learn how to drive. I think this group is getting the hang of it.

We call our students to BE YOUR BEST! Be your best self as well as performance. I am so proud of this team. Don't stop believing and making the sacrifice it takes to overcome the odds.

YOU CAN DO IT! has turned into YOU DID IT! Its a big difference in moving forward. Remember what it takes to win Colts and apply it to everything you do. Make Dust!

GO COLTS! GO FILLIES! 

MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!

"Get out in front and stay there!"

Coal Board Fully Funds School Grant

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

The Colstrip Public School District grant application to the Montana Coal Board for ADA Compliance Modification and Improvements to the Colstrip High School Gymnasium was fully funded for $473,550.00 at the Montana Coal Board meeting on June 20, 2019. Of that amount $207,224.00 was a cash award and the remaining $266,326.00 is contingency biennium funding beginning July 1, 2019 (first priority).

This has been a project in the making for over a year with community strategic planning meetings, numerous board meetings and facility committee meetings.  There is so much work and planning that goes into a competitive grant process. It is such a thrill to see this project funded. When the award was unanimously approved by the Coal Board, I wanted to jump up, do a fist pump and cheer; however, I settled for a smile and the opportunity to thank the Coal Board. This award couldn't have come at a better time for our town and school.

Colstrip was awarded the grant to address ADA issues in our gymnasium seating and address the safety concerns with our gym floor. As for myself, I have helped too many people get up after falling down with our current bleacher system. Finding handicap seating is also been a problem. I know that tournaments bring a large number of people with disabilities and needs. It will be nice for them to have handrails and appropriate access to sit in the bleachers. 

The award not only addresses the need to replace the current gymnasium bleachers with ADA compliant bleachers as well as sanding, painting and refinishing of the gym floor, it also will allow the school district to address it's deferred maintenance list that totals over $3.5 million dollars. Anything we can do to help offset these types of expenses will certainly help minimize the taxpayers obligation and burden.

The Coal Board's support of this grant application will be experienced by thousands of southeastern Montanans in a single year. In fact, the district basketball tournament alone brings thousands of spectators, family members and fans by itself. This grant will be shared by all of our surrounding communities.

There are so many to thank for this award, and in the process, that I don't know where to start without leaving someone out. Whether you attended a strategic planning meeting, board meeting, facilities meeting or a ball game and mentioned the need to better serve the handicapped and the safety of students and community alike, thank you.  Thank you to those that stood along side and represented our school and community and provided a testimonial at the Coal Board Meeting: Brent Burton, Bruce Brown, Tyler Bush, Jim Atchison, Joanne Schrupp and Jody Bird Williams. Thank you supporting legislators like Representative Kenneth Holmlund, Senator Barry Usher and Senator Duane Ankney, just to name a few, for their continued support of the Coal Board. Special thanks to our Mayor John Williams for his leadership and guidance throughout this whole process.

Most of all, thank you Montana Coal Board and Staff for seeing the need and the opportunities here in Colstrip Montana. The Coal Board is 100% funded by Montana coal severance tax. With that, I would humbly ask our community to thank the Coal Board Members for their support:

John Williams, Chair
Colstrip, MT
District 2
Field: Impact Area
john.williams@mt.gov
Term: March 10, 2017 to January 1, 2021

---

Sidney Fitzpatrick, Vice Chair
Hardin, MT
District 2
Field: Impact Area
sidney.fitzpatrick@mt.gov
Term: March 10, 2017 to January 1, 2021

---

Sean Smith
Anaconda, MT
District 1
Field: Business

Term: May 31, 2019 to January 1, 2021

---

Marianne Roose
Eureka, MT
District 1
Field: Public Administration
marianne.roose@mt.gov
Term: February 15, 2019 to January 1, 2023

---

Veronica Small-Eastman
Lodge Grass, MT
District 2
Field: Education
veronica.small-eastman@mt.gov
Term: February 15, 2019 to January 1, 2023

---

Tim Schaff
Roundup, MT
District 2
Field: Education
tim.schaff@mt.gov
Term: February 15, 2019 to January 1, 2023

---

Amber Henning
Missoula, MT
District 1
Field: Attorney
amber.henning@mt.gov
Term: January 26, 2018 to January 1, 2021

Do You Want to Know Why?

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

The Colstrip Board approved a new Core Purpose. The Core Purpose is at the heart of an organization. It answers the question WHY. It reflects the very reason for our school's existence. It communicates what we are here to do together and what is the business of our business.

The Core Purpose is at the "core" of the golden circle. "Schools that want to produce a healthy learning environment must first and foremost be clear about their collective purpose (Muhammad, Transforming School Culture; p 121).

According to leadership expert Simon Sinek: "People don't buy in to what you do, they buy into why you are doing it."

Colstrip Public Schools does not have a mission statement. It has a Core Purpose statement that is supported by identified Core Values. The Core Purpose is the answer to HOW we make dust!

 

The Core Purpose of Colstrip Public Schools is to effectively focus on learning and growth for all students in a safe, healthy, caring and collaborative environment that ensures each student achieves intellectual and personal excellence, and is well prepared for college and career pathways. 

GO COLTS! GO FILLIES! 

MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!

"Get out in front and stay there!"

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!

GO COLTS! GO FILLIES! 

MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!

"Get out in front and stay there!"

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.

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 20^th 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!"