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!"

Saying Goodbye to Someone Loved

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

March has been a tough month in our small community here in Colstrip. A day ago, March 25, 2017, I attended a second celebration of life in this month, this time for a student that has been fighting a battle with cancer. I didn't know the student well, but am very familiar with her mother who is a teacher in our district. Thinking about her pain is unbearable and I am sure our school and community will do everything possible to help this family and comfort them as we move forward. Once again, the loss of a child has become a reality in our lives. A reality understood too well.

It is because of my post on "The Loss of a Loved One" earlier in the month concerning the death of one of our students to a car accident that I feel compelled to follow up. This loss ended after a 6 year fight with cancer.

The community of Colstrip, as well as most of Montana, have reached out and have been a part of this fight. The death of this student has left a huge hole in our hearts. What was so touching, in a time when everything seemed so bleak, was the way the greater community and this girl said goodbye to one another.

To clear things up, this celebration of life was planned by the student that passed away and was one of the most moving services I have attended. I was touched by the the officiating pastor, the music, the speakers and the poems. There was Christmas music playing in the background as people were being seated. This was not the ordinary, but the extraordinary. It was as special as Sydney Hedges was to those she knew and loved.

Like I said, I didn't get a chance to know Sydney, but I was touched by her through this celebration. The services somehow made sense out of saying goodbye to someone you love. I don't know how to explain it, but the reoccurring message encouraged those attending to celebrate the moment and love those around us. I think the poem in the pamphlet at the celebration speaks unselfishly to this special goodbye:

Miss Me - But Let Me Go

When I come to the end of the road

And the sun has set for me,

I want no rites in a gloom filled room

Why cry for a soul set free.

Miss me a little - but not for long

And not with your head bowed low.

Remember the Love that we once shared

Miss me - but let me go.

For this journey we all must take

And each must go alone.

It's all part of the Master's plan,

A step on the road home.

When you are lonely and sick of heart,

Go to the friends we know.

And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds,

Miss me - but let my go.

-Ella Blalock

TWO PLACES AT ONCE

Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

It is possible to be two places at once. Before leaving town to attend much needed professional development versus attending my daughter's divisional basketball tournament, I needed to provide my wife with some answers. Utilizing social media and streaming content I am able to attend the AASA National Conference on Education during the day and attend my daughter's Divisional Playoff Games at night (via the internet). I was able to meet my daughter's, wife's and district's needs thanks to technology.

HERE IS HOW: 

You if can't make the game, our staff at Colstrip has an answer for you. They are working with the MHSA and the NFHS to bring our games to you. Go to: www.nfhsnetwork.com

Once you arrive at the web sight all you have to do is type in your favorite school: Colstrip. The website will take you through the rest. You will be able to listen to Russ Davidson call the game while watching the Fillies take their 22-0 season to the Divisional Championships at 6:30 PM MST.

What you miss on-line you can catch at www.406mtsports.com

The photo of my daughter is just one of many that you may view and/or purchase.

Can you be at two places at once? Absolutely! I do; however, know that nothing beats being at both places in person. Who knows what the future holds. In the mean time, BEST OF LUCK to the FILLIES at tonight's CHAMPIONSHIP GAME! MAKE DUST FILLIES!

Best of luck in the Divisional Championship!

GO COLTS! GO FILLIES! 

MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!

"Get out in front and stay there!"

Loss of a Loved One

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

In 2008 I lost my oldest daughter, Ashton, at the age of 21 to a tragic car accident outside the little school district I was Superintendent at in Wyoming. I can't begin to tell or describe the pain that my family continues to go through because of this loss. At times it is more than what my family and I can bare, but there are other times when I am comforted knowing she lives in the lives of so many who loved her and the lives she touched.

It is with the same sentiment and emotional struggle that I have in the hearing of the loss of one of my students at Colstrip High School. It was just two weeks ago that I was taking photos of this young lady and the other cheerleaders. She was being tossed so high above others in her stunts. She was flying above all those beneath that were waiting to embrace her again. She was an angle atop of the tree. She was the focal point of those that cheer us on to do better. Those that cheer our teams and students on to be better.

There are no words that can comfort such a loss. It is so raw and so painful. I can't help but wipe the tears out of my eyes as I try to somehow acknowledge this loss and help our community. I offer my own loss of a daughter, that was much too young, as a soul of empathy. My family and I are here for Paige's family and our greater family here in Colstrip.

Here at Colstrip Public Schools, we love Paige as we do all of our students. I will continue to take pictures, love and participate in the lives of our students. I hope that Paige and her family can take comfort in knowing that Colstrip Public Schools and the families it represents will do everything possible to take care of you and all those that lament this horrible tragedy.

 

 

Take the Lead and Stay There!

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

Be resilient. Never ever give up. Don't quit. Take the lead and stay there! All these things are easier said than done and our Colts did all of these things despite the scoreboard. Let me explain...

Last Friday evening our football team lost to a conference rival in a hard fought game. Even though both teams exhibited exceptional play and sportsmanship, I have to tell you that I was touched by our seniors. They were warriors on the field and better yet, examples for all.

It was not only Colstrip's last home game, but it was our seniors' very last home game. It was a night where seniors are recognized for their contributions. To that end, after walking out with their parents at half-time, each senior player gathered and took a balloon to the end zone where the number 22 is painted. The spot where a lost player, friend and classmate, Dallen Walker, scored his first and final touchdown.

In my opinion, it was at that moment that our boys took the lead with their tribute to a life. It said so much about what they felt was truly important. As the balloons floated away in the evening air, our team not only took the lead, but created a moment that will keep them there.

Sorry about the loss fellas, but in my book YOU WALKED OFF YOUR HOME FIELD WINNERS!

GO COLTS! GO FILLIES! 

MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!

"Get out in front and stay there!"

Truly Blessed!

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

Lewandowski family: Stephanie, Deb, Trinity and Bob

It has been an adventure moving to the eastern side of Montana, but I feel blessed to serve the community of Colstrip and their schools as Superintendent. I look forward to the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. Most of all, I am eager to meet parents, students, staff and the community. I grew up as a Cornhusker in Nebraska, served as a superintendent in Northwestern Wyoming and Western Montana. It is a pleasure to be right here in beautiful eastern Montana.

It is my intention to use this forum to provide personal incite as well as a central office point of view in reference to the Colstrip educational community. I have blogged since 2006. I hope you find this blog interesting, but most of all, educational.

My family will soon be joining me at the end of July. My wife Debra is also an educator. She has taught in grades K-5 since 1989. Our daughters, Stephanie and Trinity will also be joining us. Stephanie has attended Central Wyoming College for the past two years and played basketball for the Rustlers. She will be attending MSUB this fall as she has completed her Associate of Arts. Trinity will be joining the Colstrip family. She will be a sophomore. I know she is looking forward to meeting new people and making new friends.

Once again, it is great to be here! I am looking forward to meeting you.