Utilizing resources efficiently can be challenging. Student publications include the high school newspaper, The Bulldog Breeze, the literary publication, Snow Ghosts, and the annual WHS year book. Amina is also a science teacher at the middle school and a lawyer in the Air Force. If you want to view and listen to the meeting via mobile device, you are encouraged to install the Zoom app.
In the past year just seeing the way public discourse has evolved and how relationships in our communities have become so fractured, it made me rethink waiting (to get involved).. It was just humbling and incredible the amount of initiation random people who wed never met took to reach out she recalled. Bulletin Board. I have three years of experience, which brings existing positive relationships with staff and the community. Giving solid leadership direction along with flexibility, I think thats kind of the best you can hope for.. What is the most important issue(s) facing the Whitefish School District right now and how would you work to address it? David Diehl now works as a director of operations at RightOnTrek. And out of the variety of ways to participate in building and shaping my community, serving on the school board is a great fit given my skills and experiences. We had a week at an Airbnb in Whitefish and just absolutely fell in love with it, he said. If elected to the school board, keeping that genuine community feel and engagement is one aspect she would prioritize. She said her personal qualities of commitment and loyalty will help her make a difference if she takes on this role. 56 were here. Current trustees Ruth Harrison and Betsy Kohnstamm both . 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. Interested students have furthered their broadcasting skills due to their production knowledge and skills during this unique opportunity. Jerrie taught all grades in many classroom positions from K to 8, including 14 years of Gifted and Talented, curriculum development and teacher training. Type any part of the Job Title, Job Type, or Job Location to Search, Director of Student Services (Beginning 23/24), PowerSchool Group LLC and/or its affiliate(s). 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. DECA is the youngest activity at WHS with students taking several honors across the state and a national championship that included international competitors. 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. Family: I am married to my high school sweetheart; we have four children, ages 5-14. 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. While most recently living in Seattle, his family was coming out to the Flathead Valley more often and developing a stronger desire to stay in Montana. But now I think its time to continue along the same path in whatever the community and school district decide is the next marker. Darcy Schellinger grew up in Billings, MT and graduated with a degree in Business Finance from Montana State University. Location: Whitefish School District Board Room 600 East Second Street Whitefish, MT 59937 She says she always had a desire to get into local politics and government and knows she has a lot to offer in the role. I see the school district doing lots of good work, he said. The District is proud of our proactive and dedicated PTA that serves staff and student in numerous ways throughout the school year. 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. We have lost sight of the value in bringing people together rather than driving them apart. The biggest challenge is to meet the needs and bring kids to a place thats up to speed with what we can give them as far as care and nurturing.. But now I think its time to continue along the same path in whatever the community and school district decide is the next marker. (Provided photos). |
She says she wants to make sure everyone living here and moving here is treated like an individual, not just a number. In addition to her work with schools, she also has experience in mediation. that will not be submitted. 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. It has all the elements that makes it so appealing to all of us. They have an 8 year old daughter who loves horseback riding and her friends. 406-862-3505. Instrumental Music all students have the choice of instruments beginning with the 5th grade and may specialize with one or more instruments by the time they finish their high school career. Candidates listed in alphabetical order by last name: Occupation: Dentist (disabled due to a hand injury), stay-at-home mom. Time: 6:00 PM. - listing US Job Opportunities, Staffing Agencies, International / Overseas Employment. I am running for reelection as there is a direct correlation between high student achievement outcomes and low board member turnover. But do they leave the room feeling like they are heard and hopeful; I think I can offer that.. Show Calendar. P: (406) 862-8688 Ms. Catey Nasello Principal Mr. John Coyne Assistant Principal . If elected, Lengacher says other priorities would include understanding the impact that the pandemic has had on education and also how its accelerated the income, education and Access gap within the community. Attracting and housing teachers and support staff is becoming more of a challenge and we need to think of community-based solutions. In the past she worked for a nonprofit that partnered with schools to deliver extended programming this work helped her grow to recognize the struggles that teachers and students face daily. Business expansions have helped solidify the district's tax base. 6th Grade and Intervention Teacher. The biggest challenge is to meet the needs and bring kids to a place thats up to speed with what we can give them as far as care and nurturing.. Whitefish, MT 59937 . Several participants have placed at the NW divisional to include Gold Medal winners. Trustees serve in staggered three-year terms. 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. Mission - The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community 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. He was inspired to run in the trustee election because of his desire to serve and give back to the community. I believe the school district did the right thing in how they proceeded he said. Over 300 course offerings are available to students who have an interest and aptitude to challenge them in a diverse curriculum taught by nationally known instructors. Over the last year, Lengacher says he supports the decisions the board made regarding reopening schools during the pandemic. Written public correspondence can be submitted by emailing the Trustees at [email protected] or by a written letter sent to the Whitefish School District Trustees at 600 East Second Street, Whitefish, MT 59937. Ms. Rachel Anderson . 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). The support, compassion and care we have shown each other as a community needs to continue as we deal with ongoing issues relating to the pandemic. Shannon is a Montana native who has called Whitefish home for more than thirty years. What really drew me here was the people that live here they have these wonderful qualities of really fierce independence and strength, coupled with a very strong sense of community, Kearns said. Thats something she believes every child should have. Three years ago Lengacher and his family moved to Whitefish and chose this town specifically based on the size and the community. It was just humbling and incredible the amount of initiation random people who wed never met took to reach out she recalled. Her oldest daughter will start at Muldown in the fall. For more information on ballots, contact the Whitefish School District office at 862-8640. 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. Staff Directory District Overview Directions 406.862.8640 Email Directions. And just very subtly, but very intentionally took care of us.. He also would like to have a positive influence by helping to elevate the board itself. Quincy married Joel Shehan in 2001, and together they moved to the Flathead Valley in 2004. F: (406) 862-8664, 1143 E. 4th St. For reference, kindergarteners in 2020 who are now in second grade have never experienced a normal school year due to Covid.
Id bring a sense of leadership and sharing in ideas, Morrow said. Ive always been interested in the educational and artistic development of children. 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. Having lived in different places, and living in Seattle, we were looking for a place where we could have more of a direct impact on the community he said. 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. (Heidi Desch/Whitefish Pilot). Terms of Use | 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. As the election approaches, Kearns hopes voters will keep in mind that although shes new to living in Whitefish, she understands the community and just has a desire to serve for the betterment of local education. Superior ratings are common for individual and group performances during district and state events. I come from a long line of teachers as well, children are just extremely important. Background: Studied music at Cornish College of the Arts, political science at Oregon State University and various community colleges. 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. Whitefish Bay Schools | An Exceptional Place to Learn | Whitefish Bay . Currently Kearns is a stay at home parent to two daughters ages 2 and 5. Editor's note: This story originally ran in the April 14, 2021 edition of the Whitefish Pilot. 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. Emails or letters received after that will be included in the following month's business meeting materials. For in-depth information, please visit the districts website. He has worked as a teacher, administrator, and program director for over 20 years. WHITEFISH SCHOOL DISTRICT 600 East Second Street Whitefish, MT 59937 4068628640 4068621507 . I will continue to promote open and honest communication, enrichment for students and mental health programs. Family: I am very lucky to have my parents and siblings close by and I have a niece and nephew in the Whitefish Schools. 1118 East 7th St., It has all the elements that makes it so appealing to all of us. Whitefish School Board Meetings are held in the school board meeting room at 600 East Second Street, Whitefish, Montana. She and her husband enjoy everything outdoors from whitewater rafting to hiking to just being outside with their kids. 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. Currently Jerrie is also serving on the Alpine Theater Project Board of Directors. Bennetts grew up in Great Falls and her father was a school teacher for 40 years. I dont know what all our needs are right now, so first of all I want to be a sounding board and listen and learn, Diehl said. Website Disclaimer. There is no staff matching your search criteria Administration. Business Teacher. 312 E. Second Street Mr. Gary Carmichael. I can get established in the community and serve it at the same time.. Bennetts expressed great respect for the current board members, administrators, district staff and everyone already involved in the district. Quincy Bennetts was born and raised as a 4th generation Montanan in Great Falls, Montana graduating in 1997 from Great Falls High. I will strive to bring creative solutions to ensure fair and just policy, and reject policies that create more problems. Prior to becoming a trustee I actively attended Whitefish School District board meetings and work sessions. I think Im really interested in vision and goal planning with the district and getting involved in that process.. Im glad they didnt go completely remote because the detriment of that I saw in a student I was helping.. I think the school district did a great job taking it really seriously, doing its homework and trusting in data and science, which I really appreciate, Lengacher said. She taught Education Through Music classes for teachers throughout the state. Jerrie Boksich was born and raised in Portland, Oregon, and attended public schools. Lastly, the lack of affordable housing is having a direct impact on hiring and retaining staff. 312 E. Second Street Bennetts and her family moved to the Flathead Valley in 2004, then settled into Whitefish 10 years later. 1143 E. 4th St. Whitefish, MT 59937 . Whitefish Bay School District is a top performing district in Wisconsin and the Midwest. 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. Ive been in senior leadership positions quite often and understand the difficulties presented, he explained. Five candidates are running for 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. 312 E. Second Street Admin Assistant, Clerical, Office Administration, Healthcare Administration. Education Factions Emerge in Whitefish School Board Race With five candidates seeking two seats on the Whitefish School District Board of Trustees, one candidate's profanity-laced email. As a mom of two Whitefish Schools students, Clarke's goal as a school board member is to advocate for every student to have the most positive and high-quality educational experience possible. Family: Married to Bill Paatalo; three kids and one due this week. MA Technology and Learning WGU. There is no room for a narrow focus or agenda. The district is engaged with leaders in the community to work towards affordable housing solutions. As far as how the district handled COVID-19 and reopening schools, she supports the decisions made regarding the hybrid teaching model. Through this work she developed a skill set that she believes would be beneficial to have on the Whitefish School Board. He is an incurable do-it yourselfer, enjoys cooking and being outdoors and has won awards for his writing and his photography. Our community is experiencing unprecedented growth and this increase in population impacts our students and our staff. Ray and Jerries family include 2 grown children and 5 grandchildren plus 24 exchange students who have all attended the Whitefish schools. All responses are in the words of the candidates and edited only for style. As far as how the school district handled the COVID-19 pandemic, Diehl said he supported the districts methodical approach to reopening schools. For more information on the election call the district office at 862-8640. 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.. Our on-line Virtual High School (VHS) is open to students beginning in the 8th grade through high school. I think they did a really good job of managing an impossible situation.. Trustees serve in staggered three-year terms Current trustees. The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community, Center for Sustainability and Entrepreneurship. Find job postings in CA, NY, NYC, NJ, TX, FL, MI, OH, IL, PA, GA, MA, WA, UT, CO, AZ, SF Bay Area, LA County, USA, UAE, SA, North America, abroad. 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. Amina is also a science teacher at the middle school and a lawyer in the Air Force. Mission - The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community His wife has a masters in public health and has been highly involved in infection mitigation in Montana during the pandemic. The 2021 Whitefish School Board Trustee Candidates are Quincy Bennetts, David Diehl, Leanette Kearns, Todd Lengacher and Emily Morrow. Why are you the best candidate for this position and what will you bring to the board if elected? Im actually looking forward to, if I were on the board, helping begin to make a plan for that, he expressed. Suggestions may be selected), To be informed of or opt-out of these cookies, please see our. P: (4069 862-8600 Whitefish, MT 59937 Lengacher has long family ties to the valley as his inlaws have owned property on Flathead Lake for many years. F: (406) 862-2586, (406) 730-3080 | [email protected], The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community, Center for Sustainability and Entrepreneurship, 2023 School Board Trustee Election Information, Whitefish High School Expansion Information Poster, The 988 Suicide and Mental Health Crisis Lifeline offers 24/7 free and confidential mental health support, Community Survey for Whitefish High School Expansion Extended, Whitefish School District Seeks Additional Input for Whitefish High School Expansion, WEA/WSD Interest Based Bargaining Meeting. Family: Husband Kyle is a Whitefish High School alum, daughter seventh grade at Whitefish Middle School, and son fourth grade at Muldown Elementary. No, I do not want to apply for that job. Voices on all sides have felt unheard. She also teaches communication courses at the college level. Ms. Rachel Anderson . 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 . I understand the importance of working as a team and invite differences in opinion which results in more creative problem-solving. Wfbschools.com - Whitefish Bay Schools | An Exceptional Place to Learn Diehl and his wife Amina have two teenage kids currently attending Whitefish Middle School. Im actually looking forward to, if I were on the board, helping begin to make a plan for that, he expressed. 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. Todd Lengacher has a vast amount of experience in education coupled with a strong desire to be involved in the community and local schools. Whitefish School District Back to top Whitefish independent High School Education Foundation About Whitefish Superintendent's Corner Bulldog Tip Line (406) 730-3080 | [email protected] News & Announcements WHS Expansion Update Whitefish High School Expansion Information Poster EMERGENCY School Closure Information 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. The district has 1,500 plus students housed in four facilities: Muldown Elementary (K-4), Whitefish Middle School (5-8), Whitefish High School (9-12), and our Independent High School which provides a non-traditional setting for grades 10-12. Our WHS choir students may participate in Concert Choir, Voce Primo and Chorale. The election will be held on May 3 at the Whitefish School District Board Room, 600 East Second Street. Whitefish, MT 59937 - The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community that engages each student to succeed in continuous learning, You may choose to opt-out of ad cookies. Students also have the option of attending Flathead Valley Community College by taking classes of their choice in the Running Start program. 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. I bring accountability, when I tell someone Im going to do something, I do it; it doesnt matter if it feels uncomfortable.. 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. Any chance I get I love to spend time with children Children are always the center of my life, she said. Whitefish School District #44 is located in the scenic resort community of. Although originally from Dallas, she was living in Las Vegas and was a dancer for Cirque du Soleil. 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. If you would like to email all of the school board trustees please send your email to.