Tournament Workers Make It Happen

 by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

The 2023 Montana 3B District Tournament was held from February 15th to 18th at Colstrip High School. The tournament involved twelve varsity teams (boys and girls) from the surrounding area, with the top three teams advancing to the Montana Class B Divisional Tournament. The tournament was a great success, with over 3,000 people attending the event. Colstrip Public School has hosted the event for over 10 years. In that time, there have been hundreds, if not over a thousand different people that have worked the event to make it a reality. This is an extraordinary contribution by the Colstrip community of time, energy and passion to serve the greater community and those communities surrounding Colstrip. It is truly something to behold. 

 

This year, on Championship Saturday, Tournament Director, Andrew Torgerson asked tournament workers and girls basketball team members from Colstrip and Lodge Grass to help present the flag that was brought to the school by the Army National Guard. Unfortunately not all of the workers were able to participate, due to the responsibilities at hand, but it was an opportunity to recognize so many that have worked so hard. Please keep in mind that those pictured are only a few of those that work the tournament.

 

It takes such a large number of volunteers and workers for this tournament. In fact, it would be remiss to try to name all of the individuals that work to make this event happen. With that in mind, I will attempt to provide an overview of those that are a part of making this tournament a successful event. In doing so, the District would like to thank and acknowledge the following groups and individuals for their contributions.

 

Organizers: The tournament was organized by the MHSA 3B District and hosted by Colstrip Public Schools.  Tournament Director and CHS Athletic Director Andrew Torgerson and High School Principal Robin Nansel were responsible for organizing the tournaments and making sure everyone and everything was in place. The MHSA provided the rules, regulations, and guidelines for the tournament.

 

Volunteers: The success of the tournament was largely due to the efforts of the volunteers who gave their time and energy to make the event possible. Over 100 volunteers were involved in the tournament, including parents, teachers, students, and community members. The volunteers helped with a variety of tasks, including ticket sales, crowd control, concession stand operation, statisticians, data management, and clean-up. Enough cannot be said about the effort and work done by our volunteers. They are remarkable and keep coming back to make sure this event is a success.

 
Officials: The tournament was officiated by certified officials who were trained and licensed by the MHSA. The officials were responsible for ensuring that the games were played fairly and according to the rules. The officials also helped to maintain a safe and orderly environment for the players and spectators.

 

Maintenance & Custodial Workers: The maintenance and custodial workers were responsible for keeping the tournament venue clean and well-maintained. They were responsible for ensuring that the court was in good condition, that the bleachers were clean and safe, and that the restrooms were clean and well-stocked. Students workers swept the floor between halves and games and made sure it was ready and clean for play.

 

Security: Volunteer security members, Colstrip Police Department and Rosebud Sheriffs Department were responsible for ensuring that the tournament was a safe and secure environment for the players and spectators. They helped to maintain order, prevent fights or disturbances, and respond to any emergencies that may have occurred during the tournament.

 

Concession Stand and Hospitality Workers: The concession stand and hospitality workers were responsible for providing food and beverages for the players and spectators. They helped to keep the concession stand organized and clean and ensured that there was plenty of food and drinks available throughout the tournament. Almost all of the hospitality food prepared and donated in order to provide coaches, drivers, volunteers, security, officials, workers of all types a place to eat and rest.

 

Administrators, Teachers and Staff: This group of individuals were responsible for oversight and response to the needs of the tournament. From security to clean up, this team provided the assurance and follow through to make sure everything goes smoothly. They are the helping hand and volunteer when there is none. Some had specific jobs including score table, clock, official game books, announcements, equipment manager, athletic trainer, and program sales to name a few. They were available at every game (2:00 PM, 4:00 PM, 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM) and were there all four days of the tournament until everything was put up and cleaned up.

Coaches and Teams: Even though this is the group that the tournament serves, it depends significantly on their cooperation, effort, sportsmanship to make sure everyone and everything is respected. They are responsible for putting forth their best effort and representing their schools appropriately.

Others: The fact is that I probably missed someone in trying to provide an overview of the tournament, I have included this category. The fact is that there are so many people, including the fans that make a difference. If I missed someone, I apologize, but thank you all the same.

 

In conclusion, the 2023 Montana 3B District Tournament was a great success, thanks to the hard work and dedication of the various workers and volunteers who made the event possible. The event provided a great opportunity for high school athletes to showcase their skills and compete at a high level. It also brought together members of the community and provided a great source of entertainment for local residents. We commend all of the workers and volunteers who contributed to the tournament's success, and we look forward to the next Montana High School Association event. Make Dust Colstrip Montana!

 

GO COLTS! GO FILLIES! 

MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!

"Get out in front and stay there!"

 

Back to School Reopening Plan

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

At the August 10, 2020 the Colstrip Board of Trustees approve the following reopening plan: Colstrip Public Schools Reopening Plan for 2020-2021.  The components of this plan will remain flexible and adaptable to the potential changes in the phases and levels of concern for individual and public health. Therefore, this document will be dynamic and updated regularly as new information becomes available and/ or additional requirements are requested of the School District.

 

PLAN DEVELOPMENT

COVID-19 continues to affect nearly every aspect of how our families, businesses, and schools go about their daily work. Colstrip Public School District has been working on gathering the needed supplies and equipment to develop a plan for how our schools can provide a safe and secure setting for students to learn since last spring. The enclosed plan builds upon all that we learned last spring when, with your help, our teachers and students quickly moved to remote instruction.

The School Board of Trustees has diligently developed Emergency Policies that protect our students, staff, community and pecuniary interests meeting state mandates for extended funding and support. These 1900 Policies are:

Emergency School District Policies

·       Policy 1900 Emergency Policy Framework

·       Policy 1901 School District Policy and Procedures

·       Policy 1903 School District Meetings and Gatherings

·       Policy 1905 Student, Staff and Community Health and Safety

·       Policy 1906 Student Instruction

·       Policy 1907 School District Declaration of Emergency

Colstrip Public School District serves students with transparency and accountability to ensure as many people as possible have a voice in the school's operations. We sent out a Reopening School Survey to Parents and Staff alike on July 27, 2020. 

• Parent Survey Results
• Staff Survey Results

There were 360 invitations sent out to parents/guardians of our school district. The email addresses were generated from District Infinite Campus records. Of the 360 invitations there were 261 responses. There were 11 questions. Below are the specific COVID-19 responses:

• How concerned are you with COVID-19 in our community? (on a scale of 1 to 10, 1 = not concerned, 10 = very concerned).
•  Average response was 5.25. The Task Force committee noted that most of the responses were polarized; with either a very low concern or very high. 
• Assuming there is no vaccine available in the fall, but schools reopen following the guidance of the CDC, Office of Public Instruction and the Rosebud County Health Department, how would you prefer students to participate?
•  Top three responses
• 41% School everyday
• 30% Hybrid or blended program (remote delivery and at school). Being in school part-time (2-3 days per week) with blended on-line learning.
• 13% 100% Remote learning program
• What factors would help you feel more comfortable in allowing your child to return to on-site learning? 
• Top responses
• 77% Classrooms and other gathering places cleaned and sanitized daily.
• 71% Sanitizing supplies, including hand sanitizers readily available.
• 52% Mandatory symptom checks required for every student before entering the building.
• 51% Mandatory symptom checks of employees required before entering their classroom/workplace.
• 46% Restricting visitors and volunteers from entering the schools during the instructional day.
• What are your primary concerns about coming back to your school?
• Top responses
• 56% Classrooms and other student gathering places not properly disinfected.
• 40% Student/Staff underlying health concerns.
• 35% Public health regulations not being followed.
• 33% Availability of PPE or personal protective equipment (mask, shields and disinfectant cleaner).

There were 115 invitations sent out to all employees of our school district. Of the 115 invitations there were 84 responses. There were 16 questions. Below are the specific COVID-19 responses were:

• If we are able to have schools open in the fall, do you intend to come back to work?
• Responses
• 85% Yes
• 13% Uncertain
• 2% I will likely request other accommodations for health reasons
• How concerned are you with COVID-19 in our community? (on a scale of 1 to 10, 1 = not concerned, 10 = very concerned).
•  Average response was 4.9
• Assuming there is no vaccine available in the fall, but schools reopen following the guidance of the CDC, Office of Public Instruction and the Rosebud County Health Department, how would you prefer students to participate?
•  Top three responses
• 56% School everyday
• 14% Hybrid or blended program (remote delivery and at school). Being in school part-time (2-3 days per week) with blended on-line learning.
• 10% Partial school day to allow for fewer students in the classroom
• What factors would help you feel more comfortable? 
• Top responses
• 85% Sanitizing supplies, including hand sanitizers readily available.
• 82% Classrooms and other gathering places cleaned and sanitized daily.
• 57% Mandatory symptom checks required for every student before entering the building.
• 55% Restricting visitors and volunteers from entering the schools during the instructional day.
• 51% Mandatory symptom checks of employees required before entering their classroom/workplace.
• What are your primary concerns about coming back to your school?
• Top responses
• 68% Classrooms and other student gathering places not properly disinfected.
• 44% Public health regulations not being followed.
• 42% Student/Staff underlying health concerns.
• 40% Student Transportation (e.g. school bus, etc.)
• 38% Availability of PPE or personal protective equipment (mask, shields and disinfectant cleaner).

A COVID-19 Task Force made up of 28 individuals: board members, administrators, teachers, staff members, food service, technology, custodians, counselors and out of district services, met on August 3rd and 4th.  They reviewed the survey results to develop a plan for reopening schools. The plan takes into account the top responses by both staff and parents/guardians. 

This dialogue between school leaders and citizens has helped make sure our students learn in a manner that reflects the circumstances in our community.  Our goal to resume instruction and operations at our schools relies on the following priorities: a healthy and safe setting for students, staff, and the community; helpful support of teachers and staff; and responsible financial and operational procedures. We intend to meet this goal by upholding these priorities.

This plan is the work of the board of trustees, administrative team, employees, parents, students, state and local health officials all collaborating to identify how instruction will be delivered to students; how gatherings and events will take place on school property if and when appropriate; how the health and safety of staff and students will be protected and preserved while schools are open; and how financial and operational functions of the school district will continue during this public health emergency. School leaders and the COVID-19 Task Force have considered available options and perspectives to make decisions that reflect the circumstances in our community.

 

By listening to these voices, we have implemented measures throughout the District to promote a safe and healthy setting for learning, teaching, and working. Our District's plan relies on the practical application of scientific information to transform instruction, cleaning and disinfecting, transportation, food services, and activities. The District has implemented physical distancing by reconfiguring classrooms and gathering spaces, developed school arrival and departure procedures including temperature checks; installed sanitizing stations, hygiene signs, barriers and other measures to assist with individual protection; and purchased material and supplies to implement all aspects of the plan.  Further, the District requires students, staff, and teachers to wear a mask during transportation and while working in close proximity with other individuals and in common areas while passing or gatherings larger than 50. 

 

We are confident these and other proactive measures outlined in the plan will meet our shared goal of returning to face-to-face instruction. While it is not our intention to revert to instruction away from the schools, the School District understands that even with our best prevention efforts, it is possible that there may be an outbreak of this highly contagious virus in our community. To prepare for this possibility, the District has a dynamic remote instruction program and continues to seek ways to improve access to students in the event the schools are required to close for any period of time. This program will also be available to students during a period of instruction in the school if a family needs remote instruction accommodation. If you would like more information about how to request opt-out of on-site instruction, please contact the school office for appropriate forms. 

 

Our School District is innovative, agile, and ready to get back to school. We've worked to think of as many solutions as possible to make sure the students can come back to their classrooms, work with their teachers, and enjoy their friends. If there is something you think we have missed or if you have questions, please let us know by sending me an email to bob.lewandowski@colstrip.k12.mt.us. Our School District remains committed to maintaining timely and relevant communications with staff, families and the community as this new school year begins. With your help, your students' enthusiasm, and our staff’s leadership, we'll meet this challenge and have a successful school year.

 

 

 

OPTION FOR OPTING OUT OF ONSITE INSTRUCTION

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

Policy 1908 Family Engagement indicates that students of families opting out of onsite instruction at the school facility for the first semester of 2020-2021 school fiscal year shall receive offsite, online instruction, or any combination of the foregoing at the discretion of the School District in accordance with District Policy 1906. School District staff shall arrange for any combination of physical instructional packets, virtual or electronic based course meetings and assignments, self-directed or parent/guardian-assisted learning opportunities, and other educational efforts available to staff and students that can be relied upon for grade or credit in order to satisfy the minimum aggregate number of hours or determination of proficiency for the requesting student. Students determined to be proficient in one or more courses of the district shall be incorporated in the School District’s calculation of ANB, with such ANB fraction to be converted to an hourly equivalent based on the hours of instruction ordinarily provided for the content over which the student has demonstrated proficiency. 

Students of families opting out of onsite delivery shall be treated the same as students instructed at the school facility for purposes of grading, discipline, and other educational rights.

The District asks parents/guardians and students to make “Opt-Out” or “Face-to-Face” instruction decisions by completing the 1908F Opt-Out Form by August 28, 2020 by 4:00 PM so class schedules can be adjusted. “Opt-Out” Forms are available on-line or at each building. They must be signed and submitted to the District Office for processing. You may scan the forms and email them to kris.mcmanus@colstrip.k12.mt.us, or send them to:

§  Colstrip Public Schools

§  P.O. Box 159

§  Colstrip, MT 59323

Materials such as chromebooks, consumables and course guidelines will be made available as soon as possible.  The Curriculum Director and/or Instructional Facilitator(s) will be in touch with you to outline grade and/or course processes, programs and protocols to begin initial instruction. They will also work with you in obtaining needed materials, computer logon, training necessary to complete course/grade work.  Grade and Course instruction will begin after Labor Day or within ten (10) days of your completed application of 1908F Onsite Instruction Opt Out (During this time your student will be matriculated and provided needed start up materials and initial instruction for completing necessary paperwork and log in information for Google Classroom). 

PLEASE CLICK ON THIS LINK FOR THE  OPT OUT OF ONSITE INSTRUCTION FORM.

 

All Means All: Creating Healthy School Culture

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

Anthony Muhammad, PhD, presenting to Colstrip faculty and staff.

The District hosted Anthony Muhammad, PhD, one of the most sought-after educational consultants in North America on Monday, September 24, 2018 for a full day of Pupil-Instructional-Related (PIR) activities.

Creating a healthy school culture was the focus of the PIR. His prescription for a healthy school culture is based on  1) Commitment, 2) Refection and 3) Prescription (see table). Muhammad's presentation provided additional clarity for many of the details that are currently in place in our District.

Muhammad said that it is a hard fact that "You can't hold people accountable for what hasn't been made clear and explicit. To this end he said change in a healthy culture requires Transformational Leaders. He asked our staff and participants to identify ten leadership qualities that are essential for good leaders?

After identifying and reviewing the ten qualities he suggested that these are also the qualities that should be expected of teachers and staff alike, adding that no person can meet all of the identified expectations, but all people can be transformational leaders and collectively provide the stated qualities. He said that "instead of looking out the window at others, the transformational leader must look in the mirror."

Muhammad went on to identify Transformational Leader Essentials:

• Model integrity and fairness
• Set clear goals
• High expectations
• Encourage others
• Provide support and recognition
• Stir people's emotion
• Encourage people to look beyond their self-interest
• Inspire people to reach for the improbable: Bass (1985).

Muhammad quoted a number of authors and research that aligns with transformational leadership by adding to the list above saying that in Jim Collins' book Good to Great (2001), also contributes to the essentials of transformational leadership in that transformational leaders should seek and confront the "brutal facts." In point of case, he said that "Crucial Conversations" are needed when stakes are high, but often avoided because of strong emotions and opposing opinions (2011; Patterson, et.al, Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High). Muhammad encouraged us to run toward our challenges and not away from them.

He suggested that healthy school cultures should limit "Adult Drama;" saying "Adult Drama" should be avoided as it results in dysfunctional social interactions between adult professionals within a school environment and interfere with the proper implementation of important policies, practices, and procedures that support the proper education of students.

Muhammad then referenced his book Transforming School Culture (2009) that outlines his study of 34 schools and their culture. From his research he was able to categorize the teaching culture into four types of professionals.

1. Tweeners
2. Believers
3. Survivors
4. Fundamentalist

Through the examination of each type's characteristics, Muhammad provided our staff the opportunity to look in the mirror to see which category might align with their beliefs and actions.

His concern was that "Fundamentalist" pose the biggest and critical challenge for schools to create a healthy culture, and that education is too critical to our society for leaders to allow a group of individuals who refuse to embrace substantive change to hijack it. His book says the "Fundamentalist might not have malicious intent, but their actions threaten to stunt the growth of the schools that serve our most needy students" (2009, p. 97).


 The implications of the training aligned with Muhammad's study of school culture in his book Transforming School Culture, in so much as, the schools studied that were able to create and maintain a healthy school culture were also able to eliminate the human distractions and focus on a collective purpose (p. 119).

Colstrip Public Schools has a Core Purpose. Perhaps it may serve as a systematic and school wide focus on learning for  collaboration needed to maintain a healthy school culture. A Core Purpose is vital to a healthy school culture (p. 121).   


Core Purpose of the Colstrip School District 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.

In review of the day's activities and information shared, our District is extremely thankful for Dr Muhammad and the time he spent with our educators. He was able to cover so much information in a short amount of time. Point of fact, the information included in this post represents a fraction of the that of which was covered in Dr. Muhammad's presentation. With that said, I was very proud of our staff and their participation and focus during this training. A number of compliments were shared and even though I have had the privilege of listening to Dr. Muhammad in other national venues, I was even more impressed with his direct impact on our staff.

Thank you Anthony Muhammad, PhD, for "Making Dust" with our educators here in Rosebud County. Our professional development was superb.

GO COLTS! GO FILLIES! 

MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!

"Get out in front and stay there!"

Parent & Community Breakfast Invitation

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

Colstrip Public Schools would like to bring our community closer together and invite the entire community to breakfast on the first Thursday of every month during the school year. There is no charge for this breakfast. The School District is creating this opportunity to share a cup of coffee and some biscuits and gravy with the parents and community while bringing everyone up to date with the latest news and calendar events going on here in your schools.

We will have an awesome presentation for you to watch while you eat.  In addition, there will be a round table talk from each of the building administrators.

Breakfast is served at 7:00 AM until 8:30 AM in the Colstrip High School Cafeteria. Don't miss this unique communication opportunity over breakfast.

The first Parent and Community Breakfast will be this Thursday, September 6, 2018.  Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and other relatives as well as students alike are welcome. 

Whether you are just getting off shift from work or getting ready to go to work, the District invites you to join us. Everyone, and that means everyone, is invited. Just park in the lower parking lot at the high school and come on in the front doors to the cafeteria. We will be anxiously awaiting you!

See you Thursday between 7:00 AM and 8:30 AM.

GO COLTS! GO FILLIES! 

MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!

"Get out in front and stay there!"

Responding To School Violence

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the 17 victims as well as the community of Parkland, Florida and Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School where a school shooting had taken place on February 14, 2018. This horrific tragedy and heinous crime has educators, parents and communities asking: "What can be done to prevent these types of things from happening in our schools?" Many constituents are asking their education officials: What is being done to prevent this from happening in their schools?" 

At Colstrip Public Schools we follow a School Crisis Response Plan in order to execute emergency procedures in emergency situations from specific isolated emergencies to major disasters. The objectives of Colstrip school emergency operations program are to protect the lives and well-being of its students and staff through the prompt and timely response of trained school personnel should an emergency affect the school. To meet these objectives, the school has established and maintains a comprehensive emergency operations program that includes plans and procedures, hazard analysis, security audits, training and exercise, and plan review and maintenance. 

In addition to emergency procedures, our district has implemented video surveillance and lock-down technology to secure it's building from outside threats. The staff is trained in first aid, CPR and AED use. The district has also entered into a partnership with the local policy department that provides a School Resource Officer twenty hours a week. Even though the District is prepared, we also need to be preventative.

Probably one of the most significant preventative measures we have implemented is a Quantum Learning concept called Home Court Advantage or HCA. This concept is based on Safety, Support and Belonging. It is a chant our students, K-12 know, but are learning the deeper meaning behind the concept. It isn't enough just to know what to do in an emergency, but more importantly what should we be doing to prevent tragedies from happening. HCA provides a foundation for understanding expectations and actions.

Providing safety, support and belonging to all members of this district is essential to learning outcomes and growth. Abraham Maslow created a frame-work in which people generally move through in order to attain self actualization. Safety, support and belonging must be obtained before a person's full potential can be realized.

HCA is about caring for one another and recognizing basic needs. Basic human needs that surround the human dimensions (see below):

• Physical: Physiologic needs: breathing, circulation, temperature, food and etc.
• Environmental: Safety and security needs: housing, community, climate and etc.
• Soicalcultural: Love and belonging needs: relationships, support, part of a community and etc.
• Emotional: Self-esteem needs: Hope, joy, happiness, accepting of self.
• Intellectual/spiritual: Self-actualization needs: thinking, learning, decision making, values, beliefs, fulfillment, helping others.

All basic human needs are interrelated and may require actions at more than one level at a given time. For example, in caring for a person coming into the emergency department with a heart attack, the nurse’s immediate concern in the patient’s physiologic needs (e.g., oxygen and pain relief). At the same time, safety needs (e.g., for ensuring that the person does not fall off the examining table) and love and belonging needs (e.g., for having a family member nearby if possible) are still major considerations.^[11]

At Colstrip Public Schools Home Court Advantage is essential in supporting its Core Purpose:

• SAFETY: Every student will attend a "safe" environment. Students will always be assured that this school is their safe haven from harm's way. Every student's dignity is protected here!
• SUPPORT: Every student will receive support from every member in this school. We will pick each other up when we are down and will applaud individual and group success. Everyone is a part of this school and everyone will support those in it.
• BELONGING: Every student is valued in this school! This is our school and our students' home away from home. It is a place of welcome and family for everyone!

 Please know we are working towards perfecting these concepts in our daily work. As we improve, our students, staff and community can be more confident in the safety provided when school is in session.

GO COLTS! GO FILLIES! 

MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!

"Get out in front and stay there!"