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! Baily Menahan Secondary Student of the Year Award

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

Last Best News, May 30, 2017 article by Ed Kemmick

Although it may seem late, I want to congratulate our very own Business Professionals of America Chapter Advisor Jennette Barreto and the work that she and the students have done to "spread their wings" at a national level. Colstrip Senior Baily Menahan was the very first student to be named Student of the Year at the National Conference of Business Professionals of American in Orlando, Florida. I can't think of a better example for "Making Dust" than the recognition that Baily received. Congratulations Baily Menahan!

Read more about Baily and her accomplishment in the Last Best News article by Ed Kemmick.

GO COLTS! GO FILLIES! 

MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!

"Get out in front and stay there!"

IN THE NEWS: Next Best Thing To Being There

By Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

Fourth Grade students at Pine Butte Elementary made the news through the distant learning program in which they participate. It is great to see our fourth grade elementary teachers and administrators embracing technological opportunities to enhance learning for our our students.

Well done Shay Grinsell, Debi Smith, Noreen Kilroy and Laurie Neumiller as well as the technology staff. It is great to see your educational leadership manifest itself in better opportunities for our kids.

Watch the news cast by clicking the following link: http://www.kpax.com/clip/13091868/530-news-on-demand-2917-part-ii

GO COLTS! GO FILLIES! 

MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!

In Praise of an American Educator: Dr Richard DuFour

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

The Colstrip Administrative Team attendance at the August 9, 2016 PLC Institute in Seattle.

I was saddened by the news that Dr. Richard DuFour passed away yesterday on February 8, 2016. I have had the privilege to meet and learn from him in several Solution Tree PLC Institutes. Although I was just one of many that attend Dr. Rick DuFour trainings (as you can see from the photo above), I felt a personal connection with Rick and I am sure that I am the only one. He connected with people. He made a difference.

When he presented, he spoke with a love and passion for education. In fact, his love for education brought him to the August 9th Institute that our  Colstrip Administrative Team attended. At that time, even though he was battling cancer, we were not told until at the end of the Institute. To say the least, everyone was emotionally struck when hearing this news.

Robert Eaker, who co-authors a number of books and articles with Dr. DuFour explains Rick dedication to education best in his Forward of Dr. DuFour's book In Praise of American Educators:

I must add one final, more personal note: I have often pointed out how much I admire Rick DuFour's leadership, presentation, and writing skills and just how much I treasure his nearly four decades of unwavering and generous friendship. I would be remiss if I did not share a word about Rick's enormous courage. Rick has shown remarkable strength - and humor - as he has been engaged in a tough battle with a serious illness. Even as Rick has struggled with his health, he has continued writing and assisting educators in their school improvement efforts. At first, I asked myself, "Why does he do this - why does he spend his time this way?" Then I realized it is because he is Rick DuFour, and his commitment to and love for educators and students is at the very core of his being. It is who he is, and he cannot stop being himself.

I was so taken by Eaker's Forward about Rick DuFour, that I have used the quote in his last paragraph as a mantra. Eakers says:

Winston Churchill could have been speaking of Rick when he said, "What is the use of living if it be not to strive for noble causes and make this muddled world a better place for those who will live in it after we are gone."

Dr. Richard DuFour is an American Educator that has made this world a better place. Thank you!

GO COLTS! GO FILLIES! 

MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!

Science Camp at FBMS

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

Science, science everywhere across curricular link! Frank Brattin Middle School hosted what Principal Pax Haslem called SCIENCE CAMP! It appeared to be science across the curriculum with teachers in every discipline hosting an activity/lab related to science. As the superintendent, I was pleased to see the interest taken by the kids as well as by the staff. Well done FBMS!

GO COLTS! GO FILLIES! 

MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!

FREE Community Pancake Breakfast!

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

A Cowboy Poet Comes To Town

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

Well he isn't a poet laureate, but he is pretty darn close here in Rosebud County. Wally McRae dropped by my office this afternoon. I am so proud of the fact that I thought I would share his visit. Mr. McRae probably didn't come to see me as much as he came to see our Business Manager, Joanne Schrupp as they are long time friends; however, the fact that I had a poet in the house is what matters.

In my life before becoming a school administrator, I was a language arts teacher. I taught English at a small school in Harrison, Nebraska called Sioux County High School. Those were some of the best days, with some great memories. At any rate, I loved reading poetry by Baxter Black and other western poets. More importantly, I had a number of students interpret their poetry in the classroom and at forensic meets across Nebraska and Eastern Wyoming. I have never met Baxter, but I now can say I have met Wally McRae. Meeting Mr. McRae gives his poem "Reincarnation" new meaning.

During his visit, he spent some of his time telling me a story about his worst teacher ever. He reminisced of the day that this infamous teacher (not to be named),  came to school and found that the mousetrap, located in the closet, had caught its pray. She had to leave the room for a bit and asked one of the students to stand guard and report any misbehavior by the class. She announced to the class that if anyone misbehaved, they would be eating the dead mouse when she returned. It wasn't long and she had returned as promised. She asked her identified classroom guard if there was anything to report. He had no choice but to identify a varmint that used foul language. Well, that being said, the teacher picked up the trap with the mouse dangling from the other end. She held the trap above the student and before she could command her follow through, the young man reluctantly drew back and then as if he had no choice lunged at the mouse with both hands and shoving the critter into his mouth with only the tail dangling from his lips.

I asked Wally if this was tall tale. He said it was true, he swears to it.

At any rate, I  immensely enjoyed this story and several others he told about his friend Baxter Black! Today is definitely one for the books.

GO COLTS! GO FILLIES! 

MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!

"Get out in front and stay there!"

Chrome Book Pilot Program Has Lift Off

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

Mrs Barreto's computers class using the newly purchased chrome books.

After a semester of planning by the Technology Committee and the appropriate professional development implemented, the District has launched its chrome book pilot program in all three schools:

• High School: Two classrooms
• Middle School: Two classrooms
• Elementary: Three classrooms

Through rigorous research and studies, the District procured 215 HP chrome books providing 28 chrome books per classroom and 19 chrome books for instruction and training.  A chrome book is much cheaper than a lap top computer. The cost are approximately $295 per chrome book versus $1,000 for a lap top. Chrome books are easily maintained and managed. The maintenance of a chrome book is almost non-existent. Chrome books are virus resistant. They are dependent upon wifi service and the utilization of the internet. As a whole, chrome books are not only inexpensive, by comparison to a laptop or stand-alone computer, but they are cheaper to maintain.

In addition to the chrome books, eight charging carts were purchased. One for each of the pilot classrooms and one for training. A chrome book's battery last approximately 9 hours. They must be charged daily. Google management suite was procured for each chrome book at $25 per chrome book to manage users. There are no programs or software to buy. There is no need for virus protection as all work is stored online in the cloud.

The District has taken careful notes as to how the chrome books have been distributed and are used in hopes to replicated the process on a much larger level this coming fall. Teacher training is a huge component in the implementation. Utilizing Google Docs, Classroom and other applications are key in the successful implementation and use of this tool. Appropriate professional development is imperative 

At this time, the chrome books have been placed in the classroom; however, after talking to students at the high school, they feel it would be much more helpful if the chrome books are checked out to each student on a one-to-one bases. I believe their idea has merit, but I am not sure a one-to-one program would be appropriate at the elementary or middle school. This is why we have implemented the chrome books as a pilot program. The District will be able to study data and determine the needs of the future and save the District from making a costly investment without measure. 

As students progress through the delivered curriculum here at Colstrip Public Schools, having the right tools are imperative. It's like many jobs, the better the tools are, a faster, smarter and cheaper outcome is the result. Chrome books are the academic tool of the future. We want to teach our students transition computer skills that they can utilize beyond their learning here at Colstrip. Web and cloud-based tools like chrome books provide for a cheaper, faster and smarter outcome.

GO COLTS! GO FILLIES! 

MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!

"Get out in front and stay there!"

Championship Volleyball Run - Congratulations Fillies!

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

A final congratulations to the Fillies on the run at the Class "B" Volleyball State Championship. All of Colstrip is very proud of you and your accomplishments. I also want to commend the band, cheerleaders and students for their excellent representation of our school at all of the volleyball culminating events.

Well done Colts and Fillies!

Superintendent Lewandowski

GO COLTS! GO FILLIES! 

MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!

"Get out in front and stay there!"

A Little Clowning Around

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

During October 5-October 9, 2015 our district celebrated American Indian Week. One of the culminating events of the week was the Pow Wow. I have attended a number of Pow Wows on the Flathead Reservation, but I have never seen a "Clown Dance." I am sure every tribe has different customs, but this dance was new to me as new superintendent and neighbor to the Northern Cheyenne. As the dance began, a number of characters came out on the floor and began to dance. When I say characters, I mean colorful to the ridiculous types. There were old ladies, young ladies, old men, a nun and several I couldn't quite make out. As I was watching and taking pictures, two hideous looking clowns came up to me, sat my camera on the bleachers, gave me a doll and took me out on floor. I was a little embarrassed to say the least, but enjoyed the fun and played along. I am sure it was funny to everyone watching as the student body roared in laughter.

What happened during the dance I find just as interesting as the dance itself. Just to let everyone know how fast news spreads, within minutes you could view my photo with these two ladies on Snap Chat, Facebook, Instagram and as well as a host of other social media on the internet. Proving that the student body and probably a few employees were having fun with the moment. I even saw pictures of me dancing with these two beauties in our local news paper (the Independent Press). What is most surprising, is when I went through my own photos taken of the Pow Wow. Someone had picked up my camera and captured me "clowning around" as well. So if you feel left out, I am sharing these photos with you. I don't know who took the photos, but well done.

All in all, the Pow Wow was exceptional. I shared many photos of the Pow Wow on the multi-media signs in our buildings as well as the District Facebook. J.D. Oldmouse did an excellent job as the master of ceremonies. He not only made the Pow Wow educational, but fun.

Well done everyone! I can't wait for next year.

GO COLTS! GO FILLIES! 

MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!

"Get out in front and stay there!"

The Merchant visits Colstrip High School

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

Shylock about to take his pound of flesh for a debt not paid.

William Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice" was presented by Montana Shakespeare in the Parks on Wednesday, October 14, 2015 to  the High School.  Colstrip was the 5th stop on the year long schedule for the organization. Like so many other performances I have seen by Montana Shakespeare in the Parks, "The Merchant of Venice" was very well done. In fact, because it was presented to Colstrip so early in their schedule, I think it had a fresh vibe that I haven't seen before.

I drove over to the high school and dropped in on the play to take a few photos and then leave. I didn't know they were presenting the "The Merchant of Venice." Once I arrived I had to stay until the end of the play to take in one of my favorite Shakespearian quotes:

The quality of mercy is not strain'd,

It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven

Upon the place beneath. It is twice as blest:

It blesseth him that gives and him that takes.

Portia warns Skylock not to take more than a pound of flesh
 less his fortune be forfeited.

It is a quote my father has shared with me on a few occasions when considering the actions of others. The play has a lot to offer our students as well. It outlines some great themes for discussion: identity, love, loyalty, regret, persecution, justice and money. Montana Shakespeare in the Parks provides a great study guide on-line for our students to review. I hope the photos taken capture some of these themes.

Well done students and faculty! Your attention and focus throughout the performance was exceptional! And well done Shakespeare in the Parks! Your performance ranks among some the the best I've seen performed by MSIP over the past 10 years.

Mercy is granted Skylock that he would not grant Antonio.

Portia is awash with suitors that must choose between
 three caskets of silver, gold and lead.
Her father stipulates that if the suitor picks the right casket, he gets Portia.

Prince of Morocco
"Who chooseth me shall gain what many men desire."

Prince of Arrogon
"Who chooseth me shall get as much as he deserves."

Bassanio
"Who chooseth me must give all he hath."

GO COLTS! GO FILLIES! 

MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!

"Get out in front and stay there!"