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!"

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!"

WINNER WINNER TURKEY DINNER!

By Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

Here is the winner of the "MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN!" drawing for all employees during the first academic quarter (see Let's Talk Turkey for more details).

Our search for excellence has produced over 30 employees that have perfect attendance. First year teacher Mr. Joey Richert hasn't missed a day of work and for that his named was thrown in with over 30 other employees that have accomplished the same task. Mr. Richert is a middle school teacher at Frank Brattin Middle School.

Mr. Richert's perfect attendance put him in a position to win. He not only won the 29 pound thanksgiving turkey, but his students win as well. When I announced the winner to FBMS Principal Pax Haslem, he said he wasn't surprised because "we are all winners in this school!"

Congratulations to all of the staff and employee that have been here everyday! Your dedication make a difference!

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!"

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

Success in the Making

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

John F. Kennedy: "We choose to go to the moon. We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win, and the others, too." [2].  

On September 22 of this year students in grades K-5, at Pine Butte Elementary School, began using a new program called SuccessMaker. SuccessMaker is an adaptive on-line curriculum program. It uses a student's answers to identify that child's needs and uses that information to assign material that addresses those needs. Therefore, two children in the same grade and classroom may work at different difficulty levels depending on their understanding of the current material. When a student answers a question, the material automatically adjusts future questions accordingly. In short, SuccessMaker custom fits learning in the subjects of reading and math for every student in kindergarten through fifth grade. Science and social studies lessons are also incorporated into the reading and math curriculum as they learn. 


WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

At Pine Butte Elementary we have a chromebook for every child (one-to-one). The chomebooks are located in each classroom. The students access their respective chomebooks, put on their headsets and logon to begin learning. Our students spend approximately 80 minute per week, minimum, on SuccessMaker. In many cases, teachers have students exceeding the minimum amount of time in order to exhilarate differentiated learning in math and reading.  

WHAT EXACTLY DOES IT TEACH?

SuccessMaker teaches literacy skills that coincide with Common Core standards for reading and the literacy guidelines published by the National Institute for Literacy. The math skills included in the program are based on standards set by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, and also conform to Common Core standards.

Reading skills for kindergarten through fifth grade include phonological awareness, phonics, fluency and vocabulary. The program also includes comprehension activities that test students' understanding of the course material.

The SuccessMaker math program covers basic concepts such as number sense, operations and patterns, before progressing to more advanced topics such as probability, geometry, measurement and algebra. Once the student masters a group of skills, the program automatically assesses the student’s skill level and introduces new, higher-level concepts. [Reference]

HOW DOES SUCCESSMAKER BENEFIT LEARNING AT COLSTRIP?

SuccessMaker is a web-based program that provides reading and math instruction that promotes higher-order thinking strategies. The reading materials integrate interdisciplinary themes as well as science and social studies so students can expand their knowledge of various subjects. 

SuccessMaker also allows students, teachers and parents to track progress with real-time analysis of performance on reading and math lessons, activities and tests. The web-based program features on-demand intervention that provides feedback, additional instruction when students encounter challenges and step-by-step tutorials to assist with learning.

Educators and parents can forecast achievements and add customized lessons for students struggling with basic concepts. SuccessMaker is often used in the classroom to supplement learning and to provide extra practice with skills when students are not meeting state standards. The program is designed to cover Common Core standards and proficiency goals set by school districts. [Reference]

ACTION RESEARCH

In my experience as a superintendent, SuccessMaker has been used in each of the three districts I have lead over the past 12 years.  I have seen exceptional results in learning take place because of this program. It fills in learning gaps and helps students' learning success at the individual level. When students use SuccessMaker they are being challenged at their present level of understanding and learning. In a class of 20 students, its like having 20 individual lessons going on at the same time. This program engages students and allows students, both gifted and challenged, to learn the math and reading skills that will take them to their next level without being held up or held back. It is truly one of the best supplementary programs I have seen.

SuccessMaker is part of the Goals mentioned in my post on August 23 of this year in my post Goal Setting: To the Moon: "Our staff here at Colstrip is determined to take our students to the proverbial moon and back to ensure that all students learn at national target of excellence in mathematics, reading and language usage."

In short, SuccessMaker is success in the making for students here at Colstrip. It provides and "x-factor" to the already great instruction that is taking place at Pine Butte Elementary. 

GO COLTS! GO FILLIES! 

MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!

"Get out in front and stay there!"

BLAST FROM THE PAST: Russ Davidson's Excellence in History

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

Colstrip Public Schools is so proud to share that our very own Russ Davidson won the Daughters of the American Revolution state and national History Teacher of the Year Award. Never mind that it happened in 2013, this is a blast from the past that is worth reminiscing. The Billings Gazette did such a nice job presenting this information the first time in 2013, that I encourage you to visit this link today: Colstrip Teacher Named Top in the Country for History.

The nice thing about history is that we can relive our successes and failures, and this article is too good to not celebrate all over again. More important is the fact that Davidson is still one of history's best.

Since my arrival in this district, Russ Davidson has done nothing but make DUST! All you have to do is walk into his classroom. EVERYTHING SPEAKS in Davidson's room. The walls are covered with posters and sayings that take you back to a time and place in history. His lectures are not only outstanding, but the facts and the way they are presented draw you into a world of yesteryear. It truly is an opportunity to relive history. Bringing relevance to learning is what Davidson is best at.

One thing is for sure, I wish I would have had a history teacher like Davidson when I was in high school. Regardless to my history, I've got him now right here in Colstrip. We are so lucky to have teachers like Mr. Davidson.

Russ Davidson continues to MAKE DUST at Colstrip Public Schools!

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!"

Students Set an Example to Follow

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

Article in the Fairfield Sun Times.

When our students go out on the road to participate as well as to support their school, we expect our students to be on their best behavior. With the varsity football team qualifying to participate in the Montana State Class "B" Playoffs, our kids were on the road quite a bit, traveling to two different communities, at far ends of the State. Being away from parents and their routines, students have the opportunity to do one of two things: good or bad.

Note to the Activity Director from the Hampton Inn in Butte.

In my experience as an administrator, I have seen both good and bad; however, here at Colstrip it has been GREAT! I can't tell you how proud it makes me to read a note from a hotel manager to the activity director as well as an article published in a visiting newspaper about the excellent behavior of our kids.

The Hampton Inn and the Fairfield Sun Times had nothing but great things to say about our football team and our cheerleaders. I can't help but share this with our community. We can all be proud of the children raised here. This is MAKING DUST!

It has been said that the true character of a person is revealed by the little things we do, because it is the little things that make a big difference. It is fair to say our kids are making a positive difference and the folks from neighboring communities are taking notice.

Well done staff, students and parents! Our kids are stirring up a little dust and setting an example to follow. Our children are the ambassadors of our community. Their actions speak volumes about our community values.

GO COLTS! GO FILLIES! 

MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!

"Get out in front and stay there!"