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!"

 

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!"

Searching for "GREAT" Teachers!

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

Many schools across the country are having difficulty hiring teachers. It is no different here at Colstrip Public Schools. Teacher shortages are a reality.

The table at right indicates that schools throughout the country are grappling with teacher shortage. This graph indicates the subjects most effected across the nation.

Currently the Colstrip Public School District is searching for several positions for the 2018-2019 School Year. The District advertises these positions at both the state and national levels in hopes to gain the interest of teaching candidates that will do a great job. As superintendent, I send out individual emails to educational graduates soliciting their interest to come to Colstrip. Below are flyers I am posting on our District Facebook and my Twitter accounts to help get the word out.  Please feel free to share them in your social media.

 

Finding the best educators to serve the youth of Colstrip has become a focus. Very seldom do schools get a plethora of applicants for an opening. According to CNN's Caitlin Ostroff, she shared a study done by UCLA that found that college freshmen's interest in teaching as a career has steadily declined since 2006. In fact, nationwide teacher education enrollments have dropped 35% since 2009.  In addition, teachers leaving the profession have increased by 8% with two-thirds quitting before retirement according to the Learning Policy Institute. The bottom line is that fewer folks want to become teachers with a high percentage of teachers leaving the profession.

Hiring teachers and retaining teachers in remote communities is a challenge. There are so many variables to consider. Cost of living, quality of housing, access to shopping and eating amenities, health care and health insurance are just a few of the things that every potential employee considers before signing a contract. I also want to mention the biggest variable that comes into play is also the most difficult for remote educational communities to compete with: a candidates desire to work close to the home where their extended family reside. It is an employee's market in very demanding times when it comes to educational accountability. 

Districts have to be more strategic in the hiring process by doing some of the following: build relationships with surrounding teacher-college programs; grow your own teachers by generating student interest; get to the candidates first (before the competition); find new ways to solicit interest from teacher candidates; or provide more money, amenities and fringe benefits with fewer funds to do so. Searching for "GREAT" teachers is more difficult than ever. 

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!"

 

Core Purpose is Served Through New Partnership

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

School Resource Officer Monty McNearney

The School District has extended an invitation for partnership with the Colstrip Police Department. Together the organizations will address the challenges and opportunities in protecting, supporting and keeping our schools safe.

The Colstrip school faculty, administration and board believe that law enforcement presence will encourage appropriate behavior and choices throughout the school system.  

During this working partnership, the Colstrip Police Department will provide a part-time officer (20 hours per week) as the school resource officer (SRO) through the end of this school year 2017-2018. This is at no cost to the School District. As a guideline, the officer will spend approximately 50% of his/her time in the high school, 35% in the middle school and 15% in the elementary.  

Officer Monty McNearney will serve as the part time School Resource Officer (SRO). With this in mind, we would like to welcome our new partnership with the Police Department as well as Officer Monty McNearney. 

NOTE: These actions and agreements are supported by the District's Core Purpose:
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!"

Academic Scores Eclipse Expectations with Phenomenal Results

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

This is the dawning of a new age. On the first day for the Colstrip Instructional Staff, we reviewed data, both good and bad, to seek out the best possible solutions for maximizing student learning in the 2017-2018 school year. We asked ourselves some tough questions concerning the challenges that we face.

The staff also got to take in the solar eclipse; and ironic as it may seem, we were definitely enlightened by the scores and student outcomes.

Our NWEA Measures of Academic Progress results were phenomenal. The overall growth of students in Reading, Mathematic and Language Use provides the much needed proof in the pudding that our school district is making huge strides in providing the necessary cores of learning.

Here are a few of the highlights:

NWEA MAP READING (2016-2017)

• Pine Butte Elementary (PBES) 3rd Grade scores in the 99th percentile in Reading Growth (better than 98% of the 3rd Grades in the nation)
• PBES Increases the Student Growth Count in Reading by 3.04%
• Frank Brattin Middle School (FBMS) 7th Grade scores in the 86th percentile in Reading Growth (better than 85% of the 7th Grades in the nation)
• FBMS Increases the Student Growth Count in Reading by 10.58%
• Colstrip HIgh School (CHS) 10th Grades scores in the 80th percentile in Reading Growth (better than 79% of the 10th Grades in the nation)
• Colstrip Public Schools (all schools in district) Increases the Student Growth Count in Reading by 5.72%

NWEA MAP MATHEMATICS (2016-2017)

• Pine Butte Elementary (PBES) Kindergarten scores in the 96th percentile in Mathematic Growth (better than 95% of the Kindergarten grades in the nation)
• PBES 1st Grade scores in the 90th percentile in Mathematic Growth (better than 89% of the 1st Grades in the nation)
• PBES 2nd Grade scores in the 80th percentile in Mathematic Growth (better than 79% of the 2nd Grades in the nation)
• PBES Increased Student the Growth Count in Mathematics by 20.9%
• Frank Brattin Middle School (FBMS) 7th Grade scores in the 86th percentile in Mathematics (better than 85% of the 7th Grades in the nation).
• FBMS Increase the Student Growth Count in Mathematics by 17.43%
• Colstrip Public Schools (all schools in district) Increases the Student Growth Count in Mathematics by 12.56%

NWEA MAP LANGUAGE USE (2016-2017)

• Pine Butte Elementary School (PBES) Increases the Student Growth Count in Language Use by 14.06%
• Frank Brattin Middle School (FBMS) 6th Grade scores in the 81st percentile in Language Use (better than 80% of the 6th Grade scores in the nation)
• FBMS Increases the Student Growth Count in Language Use by 3.21% 

This data is definitely something to be proud of and I would like to encourage you to thank our staff and congratulate our students.  Even though this marks a beginning of great things to come, our academic progress is definitely MAKING DUST!

GO COLTS! GO FILLIES! 

MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!

"Get out in front and stay there!"

The Presence of Luke Gonsioroski

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

Upon hearing the news that Baker 2017 Graduate, Luke Gonsioroski passed away after a ferocious fight with cancer has gotten me a little shaken up to say the least. It is so difficult to understand how someone that is so young and vibrant can leave this world. It was just this last spring when I watched him run the 100 meter dash at the Baker Invitational. He led a host of Baker students to the finish line. He was first. He was their leader and one of their best.

It is with heavy heart that I want to pass on my condolences to the Gonsioroski family as well as the greater community of Baker.  I want you to know that I, like many of the folks here in Colstrip, enjoyed watching Luke in his many appearances during our athletic competitions. He was as kind off the court/field as he was a champion on it.

Luke had such a presence. In point of this fact, I take photos at most of our athletic events. I try to capture the Colts and Fillies at their very best. It is not my intent to take photos of the competition, but Luke Gonsioroski's talent and presence somehow always ended up on my camera roll.

With that I want to share a few of these moments he had on the field. I also want to point out that he is and always will be a presence for time to come. LUKE GONSIOROSKI - MADE DUST! He has always been out in front and in my mind he will always be there! Thank you Luke for making a difference!

MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!

"Get out in front and stay there!"

The HIGH Road and the LOW Road of Learning and Memory

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

How does the brain function? How do we learn? Understanding the basic path of learning and memory is a key to a better understanding of teaching and learning. The basic path of information and how the brain processes it using the concept of the HIGH road versus the LOW road gives teachers and learners an edge in getting information processed into long-term memory.

What is important is that by avoiding student exposure to FEAR, ANXIETY, STRESS and THREAT, learning can take place at a high level.

The HIGH road and LOW road as shared by John Parks Le Tellier and Quantum Learning.

Sensory information (Visual, Auditory and Kinesthetic) from the outside world enters the brain and is first sent to the THALAMUS. This part of the brain acts as a relay station and transfers information TWO directions at the same time. 

One direction is called the HIGH road where information is transferred to the appropriate SENSORY cortices. The sensory information then converges to WORKING MEMORY in the prefrontal cortex. Working memory can only focus on ONE thing at a time. Our goal as teachers is to capture and hold WORKING MEMORY. 

The other direction that sensory information travels from the thalamus is called the LOW road to the emotional control center of the brain, the AMYGDALA. One of the responsibilities of the amygdala is to process emotions related to FEAR, ANXIETY, STRESS and THREAT. 

When amygdala is high, prefrontal cortex (working memory) activity is LOW.
When amygdala is low, prefrontal cortex (working memory) activity is HIGH.

By ensuring students are exposed to information that will be processed on the HIGH road, the better chance the information has to become WORKING MEMORY that can be converted to LONG-TERM MEMORY. See the infographic for details of this conversion.

GO COLTS! GO FILLIES! 

MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!

"Get out in front and stay there!"

Wrestling Champions and a Belt Buckle to Prove It

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

How about those Colt Wrestlers. They are having a great year as they are winning: Champions at the Cowboy Invitational (again) in Miles City, placing top 3 at the Holiday Classic (again) in Great Falls as well as going down to Wyoming and winning the Moorcroft Invitational (again).

After winning the Montana State Class B Championship last year, it great to see the Colt grapplers so successful again this season.

Congratulations to the wrestling team and their outstanding accomplishments thus far! I am glad to see the Moorcroft Mixer treat their Champions so well. Nice hardware guys! Way to get out in front and stay there.

Photo by Brady Hanson and Ben Galloway.

GO COLTS! GO FILLIES! 

MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!

Happy Holiday Planning

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

The Holiday Break is just around the corner. Students will be excused from school for the Holidays starting on Wednesday, December 21 at the following times:

• PBES: 12:15 PM
• CHS: 12:20 PM
• FBMS: 12:30 PM

School will be back in session on Tuesday, January 3 at its regularly scheduled times.

Left to Right: Pax Haslem, Robert Whitehead, Joanne Schrupp, Ken Rolf, Joanne Speak, Mark Ator
Debi Smith, Robin Nansel, Shay Grinsell, Bob Lewandowski

GO COLTS! GO FILLIES! 

MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!

"Get out in front and stay there!"

Pancake Breakfast Smiles

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

Bill and Jose serving it up. 

The Quality of Life Corporation sponsored a Free Pancake Breakfast for the community at the Colstrip Parks and Recreation Department (CPRD) in the Colstrip Community Center Basement where the Breakfast Program occurs! This is the Quality of Life Corporation's way of thanking the community and sponsors for allowing them to provide this unique program for Colstrip kids.

The Quality of Life Corporation has sponsored a Breakfast program for a number of years. The program is offered to all Colstrip students. The doors open at 6:00 AM until the start of school. Students are picked up at CPRD by the school district transportation system and taken to their appropriate school. This program enables parents that must go to work early to drop their children off at the Breakfast Program knowing that their children will be nurtured, fed and safely transported to school.

If you have any questions concerning the Breakfast Program please feel free to contact any of the Quality of Life Board Members. Quality of Life Board consist of President Bill Neumiller, Vice President Bob Lewandowski, Secretary Gary Parry,  Treasure Rick Harbin, Member Jose Ortiz, Member Jim Atchison, Member Cathy Frank.

WHAT IS THE QUALITY OF LIFE CORPORATION?

As per the Articles of Incorporation:

The Quality of Life Corporation is a non-profit organization formed: (a)  To benefit the activities and operations of the Colstrip Parks and Recreation Department (CPRD) and Colstrip Public School District to improve the quality of life of residents and visitors through delivery of charitable and educational services and programs. (b)  To promote the well-being and healthy living of children, youth and adults in the community of Colstrip. (c) To raise funds within and without the State of Montana, and to solicit, receive, and hold money and property, both real and personal, by gift, contribution, bequest, devise or otherwise. (d) To carry on educational activities relating to the rendering of services to children, youth and adults. (e) To distribute funding for educational/vocational scholarships. (f) To engage in any activity not prohibited by the Montana Nonprofit Corporation Act.

One of the many satisfied PANCAKE EATERS! 

GO COLTS! GO FILLIES! 

MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!

"Get out in front and stay there!"

SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT: Colstrip Largest Nationally Accreditated School District in Montana

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

Administration Team members receive System Accreditation
Certificates at the November 2016 Board Meeting

Colstrip Public School District #19 is all about school improvement. Getting better is what drives this school system. There are a number of high schools and elementary schools that are nationally accredited by AdvancED in the state of Montana, but there are only four systems that have been accredited in this state and Colstrip Public School District is the largest.

What is a system? A system includes all educational levels and buildings: kindergarten through the twelfth grade. A system must work effectively together for school improvement in order to be nationally accredited. System accreditation is a measure of all schools and all of its parts including the board, administration, business department, students and community. In this case, each and every part of our district effectively contributes to the outcomes of our students and has been recognized for meeting identified national standards of excellence.

National accreditation through AdvancED has been issued to Pine Butte Elementary School, Frank Brattin Middle School, Colstrip High School and Colstrip Pubic School District #19.

With this recognition comes the confidence that students that are sent to an institution that is accredited will attend a system that meets educational standards of excellence.  Here lies a few of the reasons why national accreditation is important to our community and the students we serve in our district:

Accreditation lays the groundwork for success for schools and students. Parents have long held education as a key to their child’s preparation and success in life.  Equally, educators have known that a quality education is of the utmost importance for a child’s future. Quality and success are not mutually exclusive in the education process.  Quality and student success go hand‐in‐hand and are why many schools seek accreditation.  

 Accreditation benefits parents and students. When a school or school system achieves accreditation, parents and the community can be assured that the top priorities are: 

• increasing student achievement 
• providing a safe and enriching learning environment 
• running an efficient operation   

Students benefit from accreditation as well.  Students are assured: 

• qualified teachers who are working to improve their methods 
• more focus on student learning 
• better transition from grade to grade 
• a rigorous, diverse, and sound curriculum based on quality standards 
• a range of student activities and support services 
• smoother transfer of credits from school to school   
• eligibility for special programs, grants, and scholarships

These are just a few of the reasons for accreditation and the meaning it holds for students attending our school. It is with pride, and a great deal of effort, that Colstrip Public Schools can attest that they are currently the largest nationally accredited school district in Montana.

Principal Shay Grinsell receives building accreditation in behalf of PBES.

Principal Pax Haslem receives building accreditation in behalf of FBMS.

Principal Mark Ator receives building accreditation in behalf of CHS.

Superintendent Bob Lewandowski receives
System Accreditation in behalf of  Colstrip Public Schools.

GO COLTS! GO FILLIES! 

MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!

"Get out in front and stay there!"