He added that other priorities for him as a trustee would include ensuring quality teaching materials and a supportive standardized curriculum for teachers, empowering kids to make their own decisions, supporting extracurricular programs and improving communication in parent-teacher relationships across the district. And I feel well informed just given the proximity to my wifes work., copyright 2023 Major emphasis at the elementary level focuses on strong reading, language and math skills. He and his wife were married on their family property on Flathead Lake and eventually moved to Whitefish in 2018. Kearns and her family moved to Whitefish in September 2020, although they have been coming to the area to visit often since her husbands family has owned a cabin in Essex for many years. Muldown elementary School. Diehl says one of his strongest qualities that he would contribute to the board is his ability to listen and his desire to hear all points of the issue before making any recommendations. For more information on ballots, contact the Whitefish School District office at 862-8640. Terms of Use | In 2017 she said her family had a tough time after her husband was involved in a tragic avalanche accident in Glacier National Park. org. Todd Lengacher is honored to join the board in the spring of 2021. Whitefish School District. I believe the school district did the right thing in how they proceeded he said. Coordinators & Supervisors: 4.00: Total Guidance Counselors: Family: I am very lucky to have my parents and siblings close by and I have a niece and nephew in the Whitefish Schools. She has a bachelor's in fine arts and communications, and currently working on her master's degree in professional counseling. The Running Start program provides eligible high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to get a start on their college career by earning dual credit simultaneously with WHS and FVCC. She said her personal qualities of commitment and loyalty will help her make a difference if she takes on this role. Having a safe learning environment is paramount for our school districts staff and students. He was inspired to run in the trustee election because of his desire to serve and give back to the community. Three years ago the outdoor-loving family visited Whitefish and Glacier National Park while looking for a location to call home after Diehl retired from the military. (Heidi Desch/Whitefish Pilot). The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community, (406) 730-3080 | speakup@whitefishschools.org, Center for Sustainability and Entrepreneurship, 2023 School Board Trustee Election Information, 7th Grade Girls Basketball Tournament @ West Valley, 8th Grade Girls Basketball Tournament @ Kalispell Middle School, Whitefish High School Expansion Information Poster, Whitefish School District Seeks Additional Input for Whitefish High School Expansion, The 988 Suicide and Mental Health Crisis Lifeline offers 24/7 free and confidential mental health support. When I talk about moving here and being in the school district, I understand that those values exist here, and I want to guard those and keep those.. Staff Directory District Overview Directions 406.862.8640 Email Directions. Current trustees Ruth Harrison and Betsy Kohnstamm both . Spring programs consist of track & field, tennis and softballBulldog state track titles - boys (8), girls (3)Tennis state titles - boys (7), girls (1). Attracting and housing teachers and support staff is becoming more of a challenge and we need to think of community-based solutions. It reminded me of home people waved to me, they were friendly, they were genuine, she said. Mr. Dave Means Superintendent Mrs. Lucie Shea Director of Business/District Clerk Lisa Bloom Director of Curriculum and Instruction . As much as anything, I want to leverage my experience with schools and with boards to build the best and highest functioning board we possibly can.. However she does believe a huge concern facing the school district is continuing to recover from the educational setbacks and emotional disturbances to students caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. As real estate prices accelerate, finding affordable homes for school employees is becoming more difficult. Bennetts says she was inspired to run for school board for a number of reasons including wanting to help make sure every child has access to an excellent education. During the pandemic and these generally difficult times, young peoples mental health has suffered. He also currently serves on the North Valley Food Bank and Whitefish Education Foundation boards, and is the executive director of the Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Northwest Montana program. For more information on the election call the district office at 862-8640. - listing US Job Opportunities, Staffing Agencies, International / Overseas Employment. She admitted that the board and administrators were in a tough situation and did the best they could at the time. I will strive to bring creative solutions to ensure fair and just policy, and reject policies that create more problems. Whitefish, MT 59937 Mrs. Kristine Yorba Secretary Web Accessibility Complaint Form Web Accessibility Statement. Several participants have placed at the NW divisional to include Gold Medal winners. As far as how the school district handled the COVID-19 pandemic, Diehl said he supported the districts methodical approach to reopening schools. The election is May 4 and the mail-in ballots were sent out on April 16. Previously served on the Whitefish Rotary board, Childrens House Montessori and Flathead Youth Home boards. Family: I am married to my high school sweetheart; we have four children, ages 5-14. I just think theres lots of possibilities for us to continue to be innovative given the relatively small size and the support for education in Whitefish.. 406-862-3505. Our WHS choir students may participate in Concert Choir, Voce Primo and Chorale. In the 2022 Whitefish School District election, there are five trustee candidates running for two open positions. (Heidi Desch/Whitefish Pilot) Five candidates are running for the Whitefish School Board. If you want to view and listen to the meeting via mobile device, you are encouraged to install the Zoom app. Im glad they didnt go completely remote because the detriment of that I saw in a student I was helping.. If elected to the school board, keeping that genuine community feel and engagement is one aspect she would prioritize. P: (406) 862-8650 He was inspired to run in the trustee election because of his desire to serve and give back to the community. Jerries commitment to providing excellent education for the students of Whitefish was the reason for her desire to serve on the Whitefish School Board. Not only did I receive excellent academic preparation from Whitefish schools, it also provided a safe and caring place for me to be myself and grow into a productive community member. When considering the issues facing the school district, COVID and continuing to adapt to the issues arising from the pandemic is definitely on her mind, she notes. Any chance I get I love to spend time with children Children are always the center of my life, she said. - The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community that engages each student to succeed in continuous learning, Three years ago Lengacher and his family moved to Whitefish and chose this town specifically based on the size and the community. Emails to trustees received after the business meeting is postedwill be included in the next business meeting packet. Parents should have ultimate power to remove their children from adverse educational influences particularly when debate isn't permitted. Background: Studied music at Cornish College of the Arts, political science at Oregon State University and various community colleges. Search: There is no staff matching your search criteria Teachers. P: (406) 862-8620 The election is May 4 and the mail-in . Morrow moved to Whitefish one year ago in search of a friendly place to settle down and potentially start a family. Individual fall sports and their state titles; cross country girls (3)football (1)girls golf (16) and boys (12)soccer boys (3), girls (2)volleyball (6). She served as the local American Cancer Society Education Director for many years. But also with Whitefish Superintendent Dave Means only being a year into his new role and then a new principal starting at Muldown in the fall, she believes there will be challenges associated with the changes in leadership. Quincy married Joel Shehan in 2001, and together they moved to the Flathead Valley in 2004. And in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic, Morrow supports the way the district handled reopening schools. She says she wants to make sure everyone living here and moving here is treated like an individual, not just a number. You have an incomplete application for
Volunteer at Muldown Elementary. And looking forward he would welcome contributing to the board as a trustee as they make further decisions regarding the pandemic, such as decisions involving vaccinations. I do not envy those decisions they had to make, she said. For more information on ballots, contact the Whitefish School District office at 862-8640. Ill show up prepared and do the very best I can to represent all the needs of the varying parties.. National award winners have had their works displayed via the national duck stamp for the U.S. I have a lot of skills and different perspectives and talents to offer in my service so I just felt really strongly that I should jump into that Kearns said. Trustees - School Board - School Board - Whitefish School District Trustees If you would like to email all of the school board trustees please send your email to trustees@whitefishschools. In addition to working in education in Seattle, Vermont, and Montana, Todd worked at a school in Spain and developed educational and community-based programming in South & Central America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. Her interest in children is a huge reason why she is running for a trustee seat on the Whitefish School Board. These essential cookies may also be used for improvements, site monitoring and security. Although Diehl has never served on a school board before, he believes his leadership experience from his military career would be an asset to the Whitefish School Board. The recent pandemic has resulted in a very divided community. And I feel well informed just given the proximity to my wifes work.. Since then shes wanted to find a way she could leverage her skillset and contribute to the betterment of the community running for school board seemed like a great opportunity to do just that. She also works full time as a pediatric physical therapist at Montana Childrens in Kalispell. I feel this pay it forward, as far as Im incredibly grateful for my career and my education that I received as part of a Montana public school system that allows me to have the life I have today; I want that for every kid.. Powered by
If elected he says his first task would just be to listen to the issues at hand and learn from the trustees, administrators and community members. Whitefish, MT 59937 In addition, I have extensive business experience dealing with budgets, personnel and scheduling, and I have held many volunteer roles in the community. Theres people who have been on the board and dedicated educators who are in the trenches that I want to hear from to learn what they view as the priorities first.. In addition to her work with schools, she also has experience in mediation. Whitefish, MT 59937 . Website Disclaimer. Amina is also a science teacher at the middle school and a lawyer in the Air Force. The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community, Center for Sustainability and Entrepreneurship. Amina is also a science teacher at the middle school and a lawyer in the Air Force. Editor's note: This story originally ran in the April 14, 2021 edition of the Whitefish Pilot. Staff. Ms. Catey Nasello Principal Mr. John Coyne Assistant Principal . F: (406) 862-2586, 1143 E. 4th St., Other Staff (FTE) Total: 119.50 : Instructional Aides: 28.02: Instruc. You have an incomplete application for
Listing for: Whitefish School District. It's a tumultuous time, and we must fight against the spirit of the age's attempt to create a new normal for our kids. Transparency of politically charged curriculum is a must, but not enough. Bennetts grew up in Great Falls and her father was a school teacher for 40 years. I am not only familiar with all the topics that need to be addressed, but I will also continue to put my energy into providing a welcoming and enriching education for all students and creating a positive working environment for our staff. As a current board member, my interest in this position begins with my strong belief in our public school system and our community as a whole. Being a veterinarian in our community provides me with the ability to interact with diverse community members on a daily basis. Two incumbents, Darcy Schellinger and Elizabeth Pitman, are seeking reelection while three new candidates are also running. For reference, kindergarteners in 2020 who are now in second grade have never experienced a normal school year due to Covid. Our school district can look to other nearby districts and learn from how they use their funding to support programs for students who are in the most need of intervention and adapt our strategies accordingly. Her post high school education included an undergraduate degree in History from University of Puget Sound (2006) and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Washington State University (2012). Whitefish students are encouraged to take part in after school activities that promote the social, emotional, intellectual and physical skills that have lifelong lessons. After moving around a lot as a youngster himself, Diehls father was also in the Air Force, he wanted his two kids to attend one high school instead of moving several times. She and her husband enjoy everything outdoors from whitewater rafting to hiking to just being outside with their kids. There is no staff matching your search criteria Administration. Fall sports of cross country, football, golf, soccer and volleyball have consistently won state titles. I will continue to promote open and honest communication, enrichment for students and mental health programs. I think were a growing economy in Whitefish; the challenge would be to serve every member of the community and know what their needs are because theyre coming from all different directions of the country, Morrow said. Quincy Bennetts was born and raised as a 4th generation Montanan in Great Falls, Montana graduating in 1997 from Great Falls High. Drama students in both the middle and high school have opportunities to participate in one act plays, full production plays, and may be viewed by students and by the community alike on several performance dates. - The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community that engages each student to succeed in continuous learning, History & Computer Coding Teacher. Whitefish School District Address 600 East Second Street Whitefish, MT 59937 USA Industry Education Report Job Most Popular Elementary Principal Job Categories Elementary Schools Elementary School School Administration Bilingual Elementary Teacher Other Helpful Pages Related To Elementary Principal Elementary Principal Salaries All Jobs I think that is a really important skill set that Im bringing to the table because our job on the school board is listening to a bunch of varied positions and opinions of people that are not agreeing with each other, Kearns said. Leanette Kearns has an understanding of schools and the challenges teachers, staff and students face daily. The district is engaged with leaders in the community to work towards affordable housing solutions. Winter athletic programs for basketball has earned 3 state titlesboys (2), girls (1) and speech & debate (1). I think were a growing economy in Whitefish; the challenge would be to serve every member of the community and know what their needs are because theyre coming from all different directions of the country, Morrow said. The opportunity for public comment and participation during a school board meeting is provided by attending the school board meeting in-person. P: (406) 862-8650 My children will be attending school in the Whitefish district for the next 13 consecutive years. The board should support all parents, despite personal differences. She also lived in Essex for a summer season working at the Snow Slip Inn in 2009. Students have a wide selection of elective programs to include pottery, drawing and painting. Giving solid leadership direction along with flexibility, I think thats kind of the best you can hope for.. Copyright2005-document.write(new Date().getFullYear()) -PowerSchool Group LLC and/or its affiliate(s), WHITEFISH SCHOOL DISTRICT600 East Second StreetWhitefish, MT 5993740686286404068621507. I feel like the hybrid model was a balance of the needs of maintaining safety as well as recognizing in-person education is invaluable.. Quincy Bennetts is a Montana native who feels indebted to her community of Whitefish and also has an eagerness to put her own skills and personal qualities to use for the betterment of local public schools. I will have a child in every school in the district for the next five years. P: (4069 862-8600 We had a week at an Airbnb in Whitefish and just absolutely fell in love with it, he said. My mediation skills are needed during such divided times. I have three years of experience, which brings existing positive relationships with staff and the community. I am very dedicated; if I decide to do something I give it my all, she said. As far as how the school district handled the COVID-19 pandemic, Diehl said he supported the districts methodical approach to reopening schools. Whitefish, MT 59937 But one main reason is to give back to the community. And in addition, bringing more support and professional development to faculty. But in addition to those interests, Lengacher has an even stronger passion to serve in the local community. Terms of Use | No just policy has within its construction the power to excuse child abuse and violation from its effects, whether through denial, ignoring, or in the name of a false, or even a true premise. And just very subtly, but very intentionally took care of us.. To support the ongoing work of this site, we display non-personalized Google ads in EEA countries which are targeted using contextual information only on the page. Id bring a sense of leadership and sharing in ideas, Morrow said. She taught Education Through Music classes for teachers throughout the state. Shannon is a Montana native who has called Whitefish home for more than thirty years. The family enjoys skiing, spending time outdoors and fishing, Lengacher himself says given a free day he would be out on a river fly fishing. I applaud the boards decision to use COVID recovery funds for mental health resources, and there should be continued effort to look at factors impacting students and solutions at a systemic level. However, I dont claim my diverse perspective is what qualifies me alone for this position. The interaction features such as share screen, chat, unmute, raise hand, are not enabled. Bennetts grew up in Great Falls and her father was a school teacher for 40 years. Students are expected to complete a rigorous academic program from kindergarten through grade 12. A close family friend, Ben Parsons, passed away from the accident and Bennetts says the community of Whitefish stepped up to support her family during the hardship. From everyone I talked to, this district worked hard to put in place what I would call an adaptive management approach she said. District Calendar 22-23 rev_1-11-22.pdf (38 KB) The 2021 Whitefish School Board Trustee Candidates are Quincy Bennetts, David Diehl, Leanette Kearns, Todd Lengacher and Emily Morrow. Lastly she added that with skills shes obtained through her career combined with her hardworking attitude she knows she could make a positive impact if elected to the board. David Diehl now works as a director of operations at RightOnTrek. I don't have a dog in the fight to control families, my dog is in the fight to raise kids the way parents see fit and protect the rights of others to do the same. Darcy Schellinger grew up in Billings, MT and graduated with a degree in Business Finance from Montana State University. Staff. She and her husband enjoy everything outdoors from whitewater rafting to hiking to just being outside with their kids. Diehl and his wife Amina have two teenage kids currently attending Whitefish Middle School. Dual credit for most classes is accepted by WHS for graduation purposes. The mental, emotional and physical well-being of our students, staff and entire community have been impacted by living with a pandemic for the last two years. As far as how the district handled COVID-19 and reopening schools, she supports the decisions made regarding the hybrid teaching model. An injury ended her professional dancing career, but opened up the opportunity to move somewhere new and start a dance school. The queer community has become a targeted group recently and this should be addressed at the district level. Trustees serve in staggered three-year terms. Ms. Rachel Anderson . Privacy Policy I am running for the Whitefish School Board to bring the community together with a common goal of protecting the innocence of children while ensuring they have access to a quality education. Study after study reveals that every school that is really excelling, by whatever metric, has a board that is excellent by every metric, he says. And given his background in education, he feels like the Whitefish School Board would be a good fit. Mr. Dave Means Superintendent Mrs. Lucie Shea Director of Business/District Clerk Lisa Bloom Director of Curriculum and Instruction . Occupation: Stay-at-home mom; previously worked in agriculture, mortgage and commercial lending. Kearns and her family moved to Whitefish in September 2020, although they have been coming to the area to visit often since her husbands family has owned a cabin in Essex for many years. Mission - The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community that engages each student to succeed in continuous learning, career . If you would like to email all of the school board trustees please send your email to. I probably wish they had gone back to school (in-person) earlier, but I dont fault them for being cautious, she said. Postal Service and in award winning magazines. He also would like to have a positive influence by helping to elevate the board itself. They have been involved in the Whitefish Winter Carnival in many capacities for 30 years including serving as the King and Queen of the carnival in 2016. - The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community that engages each student to succeed in continuous learning, Her interest in children is a huge reason why she is running for a trustee seat on the Whitefish School Board. Following in her grandparents and parents Griz Alumni footsteps, she attended the University of Montana in Missoula earning a Bachelors in Exercise Science, and graduate degree with a Masters in Physical Therapy. Whitefish, MT 59937 But also with Whitefish Superintendent Dave Means only being a year into his new role and then a new principal starting at Muldown in the fall, she believes there will be challenges associated with the changes in leadership. copyright 2023 Vocal Music Students begin their quest for vocal music at Muldown Elementary and Whitefish Middle School show casing their talents at local district and building level events. The secondary program has excellent fine arts programs along with the advance placement classes in English, Government, Science, and Math. In spite of the pandemic, our high school is ranked number two in the state and our reading and math scores are on the upswing across every grade level in the district. Muldown Elementary School; Whitefish Middle School; Whitefish High School; Whitefish Independent High School . Ms. Victoria Buls. Staff; Staff. After staying a week in Whitefish, Diehl says it just felt like home. Emily Morrow believes that children are one of the most important demographics and has been committed to serving kids in many ways throughout her life. For public correspondence to be published within the school board business meeting materials, it must be received by 3:00 PM on the Friday before the scheduled monthly business meeting. Whitefish Bay Schools | An Exceptional Place to Learn | Whitefish Bay . Our community is experiencing unprecedented growth and this increase in population impacts our students and our staff. My degree from an elite university demonstrates my commitment to providing pathways to higher education for all students. PLEASE NOTE: All emails will be posted as public correspondence at the next school board business meeting. It was just humbling and incredible the amount of initiation random people who wed never met took to reach out she recalled. I have a lot of skills and different perspectives and talents to offer in my service so I just felt really strongly that I should jump into that Kearns said. Dr. Katie Clarke is a communication researcher. P: (4069 862-8600 An injury ended her professional dancing career, but opened up the opportunity to move somewhere new and start a dance school. There are some changes that just inevitably bring challenges because that is how new leadership works, she expressed. As a parent of young children, working in the service industry and a woman of color, its clear this perspective is absent in our communitys leadership. Morrow has been a dancer her whole life and also enjoys going to restaurants and reading in her free time. Thats something she believes every child should have. that has not been submitted. The family enjoys skiing, spending time outdoors and fishing, Lengacher himself says given a free day he would be out on a river fly fishing. Affordable housing is an issue for many in the community, and this includes school personnel. Ms. Catey Nasello Principal Mr. John Coyne Assistant Principal . She had a great public schooling experience all the way from kindergarten through her postsecondary education at University of Montana, and knows her education has allowed her many opportunities in life. As far as how the district handled COVID-19 and reopening schools, she supports the decisions made regarding the hybrid teaching model. Athletic/activities programs function as an integral part of the total curriculum by providing a variety of experiences in sportsmanship, teamwork, competition and by helping the individual students develop a healthy self concept. She and her husband love living in Whitefish where they enjoy skiing, being out on the lake, and being part of a special community where we're all neighbors working together for the greater good. I am very dedicated; if I decide to do something I give it my all, she said. Thats something she believes every child should have. MA Technology and Learning WGU. We have lost sight of the value in bringing people together rather than driving them apart. I can get established in the community and serve it at the same time.. Joined by their golden retriever, they all enjoy supporting the local outdoor community and are grateful for the accessible, beautiful places that surround Whitefish. Various art shows have displayed student works across the county, state and at the national level. Finally, bringing a science background to the board offers another perspective of data interpretation and problem-solving. I have served four months as a school trustee, mentored students by providing shadowing experiences in the veterinary field and volunteering annually for Expanding Your Horizons, a national STEM event to introduce girls to careers and role models in their communities. She served on the local and state Reading Councils and made many presentations at those as well as at the International Reading Association.