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!"

Championship Volleyball Run - Congratulations Fillies!

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

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

Well done Colts and Fillies!

Superintendent Lewandowski

GO COLTS! GO FILLIES! 

MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!

"Get out in front and stay there!"

Pre-Survey Stakeholder Communication

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

Dear Parent/Guardian,

The Colstrip Public School System is engaged in an ongoing continuous improvement process, of which all stakeholders are a part. Colstrip Public Schools will be sending its parents and guardians an invitation via email to participate in an online survey between the dates of November 24, 2015 and December 6, 2015 as one method of reaching all stakeholders.

If you do not receive an email invitation, please send an email to  survey@colstrip.k12.mt.us and an email will be returned with the online address.

Please know that surveys are a means to systematically engage all of our stakeholders in two-way communication. They provide school leaders and teachers a view into the thinking and perceptions of our stakeholders. Careful analysis of the results enriches understanding of areas of strength and effectiveness as well as those areas that possibly need improvement. The survey results will enable our school leaders to measure stakeholders' attitudes and help target improvement strategies focused on student achievement as well as school and system effectiveness. Taking the survey also will help stakeholders understand the AdvancED Standards for Quality at Colstrip Public Schools and provide a means for learning about what a parent, student and staff members should be looking for in a high quality school system.

Your cooperation and support in completing the survey will be greatly appreciated. Please be on the lookout for your survey invitation!

Sincerely,

Superintendent Bob Lewandowski

GO COLTS! GO FILLIES! 

MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!

"Get out in front and stay there!"

Colstrip Public Schools Appoints New Board Member

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

Lindsey Wertman being sworn in to office.
Also pictured are Joanne Schrupp and Chairman Jose Ortiz.

Colstrip Public School Board #19 appointed Lindsey Wertman as a new trustee on October 26, 2015. Lindsey served as a board member for the first time at the November Regular Board Meeting on November 9, 2015. She will also serve on the following Board Committees: Steering Committee and the Policy Review Committee.

We want to welcome Lindsey to her new position as a Colstrip Public School Trustee. We also want to thank her for her application and interest in the children here at Colstrip Public Schools.

GO COLTS! GO FILLIES! 

MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!

"Get out in front and stay there!"

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!"

A Little Clowning Around

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

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

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

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

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

GO COLTS! GO FILLIES! 

MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!

"Get out in front and stay there!"

The Merchant visits Colstrip High School

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

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

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

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

The quality of mercy is not strain'd,

It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven

Upon the place beneath. It is twice as blest:

It blesseth him that gives and him that takes.

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

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

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

Mercy is granted Skylock that he would not grant Antonio.

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

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

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

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

GO COLTS! GO FILLIES! 

MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!

"Get out in front and stay there!"