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.  

Celebrating HCA: Safety Support Belonging

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

One of the most important things that I think that I do as a superintendent is celebrate our student initiatives with the entire student body. This is an opportunity to bring students' attention to the importance of attending school and providing safety, support and belonging for all. 

On October 22 of this year we hosted our first District Assembly. Like all district assemblies we greet one another with a handshake and then move into the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem. These are not only great opportunities to acknowledge our allegiance to our country and respect for those that have sacrificed in order to provide the freedom we enjoy, but showcase the work of the student body as the Choir, directed by Mrs. Robbie Hensleigh, sang our National Anthem in three parts. It was beautiful. More importantly, their performance is a representation of our entire system as many of the students have been here from kindergarten up to the twelfth grade. Surely not everyone is in the Choir, but the CHS Choir is a representation of everyone in our schools.

These assemblies showcase our students as well as to model intended outcomes. In  doing so we tried to capture as many students and staff as possible in a slideshow of photos titled "Who Are We." Belonging is truly important and having the opportunity of being recognized in the slide presentation brings about an excitement of being part of something greater than ourselves. Once again, not everyone gets pictured, but there are a number of K-12 students that do. The concept being that we are made up of a lot of people, with a lot of interests, looks and personalities. Most importantly, we want to acknowledge all those that are around us and provide them with the safety, support and belonging that we want for ourselves. This is our Home Court Advantage or HCA. See the link for details. 

At this time we introduced new administration, staff and students. We welcomed them with applause. Being new can be difficult, and our schools certainly want everyone to know that this is a place of welcome for everyone, it is “Who We Are.”

Drum-line performance

Part of identifying “Who We Are” comes through traditional venues of building school spirit, not just the high school, but the entire district. Colstrip is exceptional in providing these opportunities in our school; therefore, capitalizing on where we sit during games and how we cheer our representing teams is essential. The Pep Band, directed by Mrs. Hensleigh, played the school song as everyone stood up and clapped in unison. This not only provided recognition for the kids in the band, but were able to model important behaviors beyond ourselves.  HCA continued to take shape in our assembly with the Cheerleaders, sponsored by Mrs. Keri Weir, teaching us the school song. We sang the song and staff members held up the banner with the words to the song as one of the cheer captains provided the lead. Its was definitely a moment to remember.

HCA did not stop there. The Drum-line, directed by Tod Olmstead, played. The Cheerleaders taught cheers to the student body. We chanted HCA and reviewed its tenants of “SAFETY, SUPPORT and BELONGING.” A 5 X 10 foot banner revealed the mantra of be the “I” in KIND.” (You can see School Resource Officer in the photo below as another reminder to be our very best self). 

SRO Don Purdon is the I in Kind

Fall Activity Middle School and High School Teams and organizations were asked to come down out of the bleachers to the floor to be recognized for their extra curricular and co-curricular efforts and participation. CHS Student Council President JT Baer spoke to the students about setting goals and to “Know Your Why.” Identifying “Who We Are” in part of the whole modeled opportunities of excellence. 

Another incentive and mantra reviewed was that “You Must Be Present To Win.” This concept we have celebrated the last couple years. It is all about attending school. It is proven that the more days you attend will increase your chance of success. Brain science tells us that the more days attended in a row increases a student’s potential to move information from short term memory to long term memory; thus increasing learning. With that, we start this incentive by having all students that have come to school ten days in a row put into a drawing for various prizes. Their name goes on the attendance wheel and is spun in front of the student body. Winners are announced and come forward to choose their prize. Once again, not everyone wins, but coming to school on a consistent basis increases their chances in life. Winning isn’t everything, but it is a nice incentive to work toward our goals.

The assembly wrapped up with the distribution of “HCA Rally Towels.” Rally towels go back more than four decades — to the mid-1970s, when major-league teams originally began providing them to fans as distractions for the opposing team. After that, they became popular in schools and booster clubs, where you'll still see them today.

Rally towels have grown into an iconic symbol of fans supporting their teams ― for a good reason. When fans begin waving their colorful rally towels, it can make them feel like they’re part of an exclusive crowd, and this positive vibe uplifts their spirits and mood. HCA Rally Towels are an outward symbol of our schools SAFETY, SUPPORT and BELONGING. We asked students and staff alike to make a difference and bring theirs to the next game. 

With all of that, the CHS Pep Band played the school song as the students waved their HCA Rally Towels. It is always something to behold when school spirit is displayed. This was another great moment. 

Well done Colstrip staff and students. Now go out there and take the lead: Make Dust or Eat Dust!

That's HCA Baby!

GO COLTS! GO FILLIES! 

MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!

"Get out in front and stay there!"

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 ADA Phase II

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

Jim Atchison present to the Coal Board on September 12, 2019

The Montana Coal Board approved a grant for $271, 303.00 on September 12, 2019 for access issues in the upper parking lot at Colstrip High School. This is the second grant the District was able to secure to offset the large deferred maintenance list totaling over $5.2 million. The prior Coal Board grant that was received in June 2019 was for $473,550.00.

Special thanks to the effort of the administration and board in the development and application of this grant. Bruce Brown, Brent Burton, Jim Atchison, Jody Williams, Rob Pontius, Tyler Busch and I presented in behalf of the application to address the following access issues from the upper parking lot to gymnasium: 1) handicap curb cuts at the upper parking lot to allow access to the building; 2) installation of a ramp from the entrance vestibule to the upper gymnasium level; 3) renovation of a storage area into a handicap accessible bathroom on the upper level of the gymnasium; 4) installation of a new upper level handrail and 5) the replacement of the upper parking doors into the vestibule and pool.

Too many times I have had people confined to wheelchairs apologize to me for taking the time to find them a place to watch a ballgame, graduation or some other type of activity in our school gym. This project will give them a bird's eye view of any gymnasium event from the mezzanine to the floor. The mezzanine access will be much to the liking of the Billings Metra. Our goal is to provide as much independent access as possible to allow folks in a wheelchair or walker access without having to ask for help. These people deserve the opportunity to attend events without apology or feeling like their attendance is dependent on others. This grant is so important on so many levels (literally).

Once again, this effort began last winter with community strategic planning meetings and has continued with a maintenance of effort by the board, administration and community. It is exhilarating seeing this type of support for Colstrip. Its a fist pump and cheer for our community.

Special thanks to the Coal Board and it's membership for their support and vision in seeing the value of the projects that have been presented to them on behalf of Colstrip Public Schools. 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.

GO COLTS! GO FILLIES! 

MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!

"Get out in front and stay there!"

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

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

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Sean Smith
Anaconda, MT
District 1
Field: Business

Term: May 31, 2019 to January 1, 2021

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

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

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

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

School Spirit and Coal Energy United in Gym Floor Design: It's a one of a kind GEM

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

The Colstrip High School gymnasium floor is definitely "a one of a kind gem," as defined by Steve Lalum, owner of High Performance Floors. The refurbishment of the gym floor was necessary, but how it would look and how it would be financed was unknown. The possibilities started to take shape with a grant from the Montana Coal Board. This last June, the Coal Board approved a grant for over $474,000 to address the floor needs and the handicap seating in the gymnasium. It was at that point that the design work began as Steve Lalum and his crew from High Performance Floors were ready to go to work. 

From the onset, the floor design was intended to unite our community with the contributions of students, parents, community and the industry that fuels this town and Montana. The fact that the coal industry financed and built Colstrip High School and now is paying for this major renovation certainly added to a design that incorporated more than just our school's logo and colors. The Board Facilities Committee, administrators and coaches worked with Steve and his crew to generate a basic design that would unite all of these faucets.

I really think Steve Lalum's description says it best in a series of tweets he made on August 21, 2019:

It incorporates elements from the proud, historic past of Colstrip, with elements of her progressive future. Running horses and horseshoes accent the corners while the new generation, massive horse head, dominates center court.

A strong, proud nod to the significant impact coal and energy play in the local and Montana economy also show in this beautiful floor with the smokey gray base, black borders, and dark gray 3 point arches. #MTCOAL takes it place in bold gold in the black borders and smokey gray floor.

Without a doubt, as much thought and consideration for local significance and importance went into this flirt, as any we have ever done. The entire High Performance crew wouldn't be happier or prouder to work on a floor than we are now with the completion of this job.

The people of Colstrip are looking forward with a positive, realistic outlook, and it has been our pleasure to finish this beautiful floor for them. Coal and energy are vitally important for Colstrip and all of Montana. All of us at High Performance Floors stand united with Colstrip! 

As a superintendent, there is so much satisfaction in seeing a vision become a reality. I certainly believe that #MTCOAL plays a critical role in the lives of the people of Montana. We hope this floor not only incorporates the energy industries contributions, but says thank you to the Montana Coal Board and the severance taxes that have fueled this project.

NEXT: I can't wait until the coal black bleachers are in place.

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!"