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. 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. Through this work she developed a skill set that she believes would be beneficial to have on the Whitefish School Board. The city and outlying areas compose a population of 10,000 citizens. Lengacher added that he believes all involved in the school district right now are doing wonderful things, but given the support for schools in Whitefish the door is wide open for even more improvements. Ill show up prepared and do the very best I can to represent all the needs of the varying parties.. 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. 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. She also teaches communication courses at the college level. 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). My mediation skills are needed during such divided times. There are some changes that just inevitably bring challenges because that is how new leadership works, she expressed. DECA is the youngest activity at WHS with students taking several honors across the state and a national championship that included international competitors. 2022-2023 WSD School Calendar. 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. I will strive to bring creative solutions to ensure fair and just policy, and reject policies that create more problems. I am not privy to the inside workings of the schools, and all my dealings with any staff have exceeded my expectations. Although originally from Dallas, she was living in Las Vegas and was a dancer for Cirque du Soleil. Volunteer at Muldown Elementary. 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. - The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community that engages each student to succeed in continuous learning, 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. - The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community that engages each student to succeed in continuous learning, Emails to trustees received after the business meeting is postedwill be included in the next business meeting packet. 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. There are some changes that just inevitably bring challenges because that is how new leadership works, she expressed. F: (406) 862-2586, (406) 730-3080 | speakup@whitefishschools.org, 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. Mr. Dave Means Superintendent Mrs. Lucie Shea Director of Business/District Clerk Lisa Bloom Director of Curriculum and Instruction . Of course were outdoor enthusiasts, so that was the first appeal; then the great schools, the fantastic gym, the theater, the awesome town, the airport. 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. Student must have advanced computer skills for on-line success with VHS offerings. I am running for reelection as there is a direct correlation between high student achievement outcomes and low board member turnover. Whitefish, MT 59937 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. Although she doesnt have any children of her own yet, she loves spending time with kids and volunteering in programs serving youth. Im glad they didnt go completely remote because the detriment of that I saw in a student I was helping.. 200 Stageline Dr, Whitefish, MT 59937. And my experience in after-school programming gives me insight into the daily challenges faced by our staff and teachers. Whitefish School District and the surrounding community is bordered by the Rocky Mountains, Whitefish Lake and the Flathead Valley communities of Columbia Falls and Kalispell. Trustees serve in staggered three-year terms Current trustees. Staff. I am very dedicated; if I decide to do something I give it my all, she said. Whitefish High School Back to top Block Schedule Classes/Homework Staff Directory Photo Album Contact Us Bulldog Tip Line (406) 730-3080 | speakup@whitefishschools.org News & Announcements WHS PRINCE FREY & PRINCESS FREYA ARE COLBY WHARTON & COLE PICKERT!!! I feel like the hybrid model was a balance of the needs of maintaining safety as well as recognizing in-person education is invaluable.. The Zoom option is for viewing and listening only. She taught Education Through Music classes for teachers throughout the state. 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. He has worked as a teacher, administrator, and program director for over 20 years. 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. that will not be submitted. And given his background in education, he feels like the Whitefish School Board would be a good fit. 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 feel like I have the capacity and the will to give back., Secondly I really feel that childhood education sets the foundation for success in life.. Ive been in senior leadership positions quite often and understand the difficulties presented, he explained. I feel like Im a really good listener; I like to listen to all perspectives before weighing in on a decision.. P: (406) 862-8688 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. He also would like to have a positive influence by helping to elevate the board itself. In 2017 she said her family had a tough time after her husband was involved in a tragic avalanche accident in Glacier National Park. Students have a wide selection of elective programs to include pottery, drawing and painting. She also lived in Essex for a summer season working at the Snow Slip Inn in 2009. Suggestions may be selected), To be informed of or opt-out of these cookies, please see our. Terms of Use | Amina is also a science teacher at the middle school and a lawyer in the Air Force. Ill show up prepared and do the very best I can to represent all the needs of the varying parties.. Her favorite part of serving the community in this volunteer role is getting to visit the schools and see learning in action. A strong educational program K-12 exists for all students. 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. | She said although her family felt they had roots in Whitefish long before that, the actions of the community solidified those feelings. that has not been submitted. I definitely want to come with the intention of open mindedness to the position, she said. 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. The queer community has become a targeted group recently and this should be addressed at the district level. Having spent so much time in education and that I am connected to it in different ways, going back to the thread of wanting to be involved in the community its a pretty obvious way given my work experience, he said. For in-depth information, please visit the districts website. ! 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.. Bennetts grew up in Great Falls and her father was a school teacher for 40 years. 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. It has all the elements that makes it so appealing to all of us. School Board governance is a non-partisan position that carries a wide range of responsibilities and duties. David Diehl is a retired U.S. Air Force command pilot and colonel who moved his family to Whitefish in July 2020. (Heidi Desch/Whitefish Pilot). I feel like I have the capacity and the will to give back., Secondly I really feel that childhood education sets the foundation for success in life.. 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.. Lastly, the lack of affordable housing is having a direct impact on hiring and retaining staff. 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. I believe the school district did the right thing in how they proceeded he said. District Calendar 22-23 rev_1-11-22.pdf (38 KB) In 2017 she said her family had a tough time after her husband was involved in a tragic avalanche accident in Glacier National Park. Mission - The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community She attended Whitefish public schools from kindergarten to her graduation in 2002. WHITEFISH SCHOOL DISTRICT 600 East Second Street Whitefish, MT 59937 4068628640 4068621507 . 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. P: (406) 862-8650 Listed on 2023-03-02. You have an incomplete application for Post administrative/clerical jobs for free; apply online for Education / School Secretary job Montana, USA. 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. F: (406) 862-8664, 1143 E. 4th St. Various art shows have displayed student works across the county, state and at the national level. He and his wife were married on their family property on Flathead Lake and eventually moved to Whitefish in 2018. 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.. Two incumbents, Darcy Schellinger and Elizabeth Pitman, are seeking reelection while three new candidates are also running. - The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community that engages each student to succeed in continuous learning, Privacy Policy Voices on all sides have felt unheard. 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. The Whitefish School District Education Foundation is a community based non-profit fund raising organization established to maintain and enhance the educational opportunities, programs and standards of the Whitefish School District. I bring accountability, when I tell someone Im going to do something, I do it; it doesnt matter if it feels uncomfortable., copyright 2023 Whitefish, MT 59937 But one main reason is to give back to the community. copyright 2023 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. 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. And I really am supportive of standardized curriculum to support teachers, but at the same time not constrain their ability to be flexible.. (Courtesy photos). Ms. Rachel Anderson . There is no room for a narrow focus or agenda. Her interest in children is a huge reason why she is running for a trustee seat on the Whitefish School Board. During the pandemic and these generally difficult times, young peoples mental health has suffered. Emails or letters received after that will be included in the following month's business meeting materials. BA History and Political Science U of M. Minor Library Media U of M. After your information is complete, you will receive a confirmation number, and your information will be saved allowing you to return at any time to submit additional applications. She has a bachelor's in fine arts and communications, and currently working on her master's degree in professional counseling. 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. 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. Speech and Debate activities offer students an opportunity to hone their skills in a variety of competitive events at both the local and state level. You have an incomplete application for The election is May 4 and the mail-in ballots are scheduled to be sent out on April 14 and arrive in voters mailboxes by next week. Free administrative/clerical job search site: School Secretary job in Whitefish Montana, USA. High school enrollment is already nearing capacity. From everyone I talked to, this district worked hard to put in place what I would call an adaptive management approach she said. 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.. 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. In addition to her work with schools, she also has experience in mediation. Five trustee candidates are running for two open spots on the Whitefish School Board. The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community, Center for Sustainability and Entrepreneurship. And in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic, Morrow supports the way the district handled reopening schools. They have an 8 year old daughter who loves horseback riding and her friends. Diehl and his wife Amina have two teenage kids currently attending Whitefish Middle School. MA Technology and Learning WGU. Three years ago Lengacher and his family moved to Whitefish and chose this town specifically based on the size and the community. We had a week at an Airbnb in Whitefish and just absolutely fell in love with it, he said. 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. It was just humbling and incredible the amount of initiation random people who wed never met took to reach out she recalled. Whitefish School District. 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. 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. No jobs currently. Bulldog Tip Line (406) 730-3080 | speakup@whitefishschools.org News & Announcements 2023-2024 Incoming Freshmen Q & A The WHS Counselors will be available at the Junior High Parent Teacher Conferences on 3/2/3023, to answer any questions you may have regarding your student's high school registration. Zac Andrews, Montana West Realty, Active. Her interest in children is a huge reason why she is running for a trustee seat on the Whitefish School Board. As far as how the district handled COVID-19 and reopening schools, she supports the decisions made regarding the hybrid teaching model. David Diehl now works as a director of operations at RightOnTrek. As a board, we must continue to provide stability and continuity in our schools as well as realistic and open discussions about anxiety, depression and suicide. I think the next step is allowing kids to go to school without wearing masks, we need to work towards that goal.. Why are you the best candidate for this position and what will you bring to the board if elected?