whitefish school district staff whitefish school district staff

I believe the most important issue facing the district right now is whether it has lost the ability to protect the kids from political divisiveness within the community and the country. Note that applications are not being accepted from your jurisdiction for this job currently via this jobsite. 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. The secondary program has excellent fine arts programs along with the advance placement classes in English, Government, Science, and Math. Lengacher and his wife Erica have one 8-year-old daughter and naturally they were looking for somewhere enjoyable to raise her. WHS students have the additional opportunity to take part in a variety of interest clubs: Weightlifting, Young Democrats, Math, National Honor Society, United Students, Key Club, Young Life, Computer Club, French and Spanish Clubs. Jerrie Boksich was born and raised in Portland, Oregon, and attended public schools. 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. From everyone I talked to, this district worked hard to put in place what I would call an adaptive management approach she said. Quincy Bennetts was born and raised as a 4th generation Montanan in Great Falls, Montana graduating in 1997 from Great Falls High. Student must have advanced computer skills for on-line success with VHS offerings. You have an incomplete application for 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. We had a week at an Airbnb in Whitefish and just absolutely fell in love with it, he said. She has a bachelor's in fine arts and communications, and currently working on her master's degree in professional counseling. Location: Whitefish School District Board Room 600 E Second St Whitefish, MT. 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. 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. Listed on 2023-03-02. But one main reason is to give back to the community. 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. Students also have the option of attending Flathead Valley Community College by taking classes of their choice in the Running Start program. 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.. Although originally from Dallas, she was living in Las Vegas and was a dancer for Cirque du Soleil. 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. 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. David Diehl is a retired U.S. Air Force command pilot and colonel who moved his family to Whitefish in July 2020. The CARE team is a strong organizer of several social events which discourages the use/abuse of tobacco, alcohol, and other addicting drugs. To view and listen to the School Board Meeting, a video link will be available the day of meeting. 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 . Ballots for those registered as absentee should have already hit the mailboxes in Whitefish and are due back to the Whitefish School District Office by 8 p.m. on Election Day. And I feel well informed just given the proximity to my wifes work., copyright 2023 She said her personal qualities of commitment and loyalty will help her make a difference if she takes on this role. 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. Especially in Whitefish, it's a small community so your actions can have a direct and immediate impact.. The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community, Center for Sustainability and Entrepreneurship. 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. Candidates listed in alphabetical order by last name: Occupation: Dentist (disabled due to a hand injury), stay-at-home mom. Our community is experiencing unprecedented growth and this increase in population impacts our students and our staff. Students have a wide selection of elective programs to include pottery, drawing and painting. BA History and Political Science U of M. Minor Library Media U of M. Morrow moved to Whitefish one year ago in search of a friendly place to settle down and potentially start a family. She also lived in Essex for a summer season working at the Snow Slip Inn in 2009. All parents are encouraged to attend and become active members regardless of the grade of your child. The high school is almost at student capacity with the growth of our community. Business expansions have helped solidify the district's tax base. From his service in the military he has a vast amount of senior leadership experience, most notably in the U.S. Embassy in two different countries Thailand and Bolivia. Interested students have furthered their broadcasting skills due to their production knowledge and skills during this unique opportunity. Through this work she developed a skill set that she believes would be beneficial to have on the Whitefish School Board. Several participants have placed at the NW divisional to include Gold Medal winners. Ive always been interested in the educational and artistic development of children. These essential cookies may also be used for improvements, site monitoring and security. Whitefish, MT 59937 The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community, Center for Sustainability and Entrepreneurship. The board should support all parents, despite personal differences. Thats something she believes every child should have. P: (406) 862-8620 Ms. Rachel Anderson . His wife has a masters in public health and has been highly involved in infection mitigation in Montana during the pandemic. Candidate preferences are the decision of the Employer or Recruiting Agent, and are controlled by them alone. 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 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.. copyright 2023 Location: Whitefish School District Board Room 600 East Second Street Whitefish, MT 59937 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. Ms. Rachel Anderson . The Whitefish School District office at Central School downtown. 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. F: (406) 862-2586, 1143 E. 4th St., If you want to view and listen to the meeting via mobile device, you are encouraged to install the Zoom app. She also works full time as a pediatric physical therapist at Montana Childrens in Kalispell. First and foremost I just want to volunteer my time and energy to better the community, he said. With COVID and the influx of new people in Whitefish, she sees that the community togetherness is starting to become divisive. I think the next step is allowing kids to go to school without wearing masks, we need to work towards that goal.. If elected to the school board, keeping that genuine community feel and engagement is one aspect she would prioritize. The top challenges currently facing the district are issues related to the pandemic, growth of the student population and affordable housing. Mr. Gary Carmichael. Would you like to continue working on this application? Bennetts grew up in Great Falls and her father was a school teacher for 40 years. The election is May 4 and the mail-in ballots are scheduled to be sent out on April 14 and arrive in voter's mailboxes by next week. And just very subtly, but very intentionally took care of us.. Current trustees Ruth Harrison and Betsy Kohnstamm both decided not to run for reelection. Whitefish Middle School Back to top Bulldog Tip Line (406) 730-3080 | speakup@whitefishschools.org News & Announcements 7th Grade Girls Basketball Tournament @ West Valley 8th Grade Girls Basketball Tournament @ Kalispell Middle School Whitefish High School Expansion Information Poster The Bulldog Buzz She acknowledges the challenges the pandemic caused in the educational setting, but also respects the decisions the district made by implementing the hybrid in person and online model. We must eradicate the pop politics of the public square to preserve their innocence so they can put their energy into building skills to achieve after high school and build a life for themselves. Although she doesnt have any children of her own yet, she loves spending time with kids and volunteering in programs serving youth. Show Calendar. I do not envy those decisions they had to make, she said. I see the school district doing lots of good work, he said. An injury ended her professional dancing career, but opened up the opportunity to move somewhere new and start a dance school. 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. Bennetts grew up in Great Falls and her father was a school teacher for 40 years. As far as how the school district handled the COVID-19 pandemic, Diehl said he supported the districts methodical approach to reopening schools. And just very subtly, but very intentionally took care of us.. Students in the Whitefish School District have several programs to choose in furthering their artistic skills: drama, instrumental music, vocal music, and visual arts. Whitefish, MT 59937 The 2021 Whitefish School Board Trustee Candidates are Quincy Bennetts, David Diehl, Leanette Kearns, Todd Lengacher and Emily Morrow. Business Teacher. Three years ago Lengacher and his family moved to Whitefish and chose this town specifically based on the size and the community. But now I think its time to continue along the same path in whatever the community and school district decide is the next marker. And given his background in education, he feels like the Whitefish School Board would be a good fit. TalentEd Hire Time: 6:00 PM. The 2021 Whitefish School Board Trustee Candidates are Quincy Bennetts, David Diehl, Leanette Kearns, Todd Lengacher and Emily Morrow. 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.. As far as how the school district handled the COVID-19 pandemic, Diehl said he supported the districts methodical approach to reopening schools. 406-862-3505. History & Computer Coding Teacher. 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!!! Spring programs consist of track & field, tennis and softballBulldog state track titles - boys (8), girls (3)Tennis state titles - boys (7), girls (1). P: (4069 862-8600 It was just humbling and incredible the amount of initiation random people who wed never met took to reach out she recalled. Copyright2005-document.write(new Date().getFullYear()) -PowerSchool Group LLC and/or its affiliate(s), WHITEFISH SCHOOL DISTRICT600 East Second StreetWhitefish, MT 5993740686286404068621507. The opportunity for public comment and participation during a school board meeting is provided by attending the school board meeting in-person. But do they leave the room feeling like they are heard and hopeful; I think I can offer that.. 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).. Employment Opportunities. The city and outlying areas compose a population of 10,000 citizens. Mission - The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community that engages each student to succeed in . 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. Ive been in senior leadership positions quite often and understand the difficulties presented, he explained. MA Technology and Learning WGU. 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. Occupation: Stay-at-home mom; previously worked in agriculture, mortgage and commercial lending. Although new to living fulltime in Whitefish, Kearns didnt want to wait any longer to get involved in the community. Currently Jerrie is also serving on the Alpine Theater Project Board of Directors. 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. An injury ended her professional dancing career, but opened up the opportunity to move somewhere new and start a dance school. 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. F: (406) 730-2176, 600 East 2nd St. I think they did a really good job of managing an impossible situation.. 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. Leanette Kearns has an understanding of schools and the challenges teachers, staff and students face daily. 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. 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. Editor's note: This Q&A article was compiled by Whitefish Pilot editor Whitney England. Hes worked in schools both domestically and internationally, helping to develop educational programs in 13 countries. The queer community has become a targeted group recently and this should be addressed at the district level. 312 E. Second Street In the 2022 Whitefish School District election, there are five trustee candidates running for two open positions. Whitefish High School Calendar Facebook Home Students Big Ideas Check Grades Student Email Student Handbook School Calendar Registration Handbook Bring Your Own Device Teachers/ Staff Daily Schedule Clubs & Activities Odysseyware Edgenuity Student Assistance Program Google Docs Coping with Grief Google Classroom MT EdReady There is no staff matching your search criteria Administration. The election will be held on May 3 at the Whitefish School District Board Room, 600 East Second Street. Im glad they didnt go completely remote because the detriment of that I saw in a student I was helping.. The election is May 4 and the mail-in ballots were sent out on April 16. 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. 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. Transparency of politically charged curriculum is a must, but not enough. Being so close with the work she does, he supports the data-driven approach that the school district took. Hes worked in schools both domestically and internationally, helping to develop educational programs in 13 countries. 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. Kearns would like to help mend that and wants to start by serving on the school board. P: (406) 862-8688 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 School Board Meetings are held in the school board meeting room at 600 East Second Street, Whitefish, Montana. The election will be held on May 3 at the Whitefish School District Board Room, 600 East Second Street. PLEASE NOTE: All emails will be posted as public correspondenceat the next school board business meeting. One of the really important things to me has been understanding how much relationships matter and how we treat each other matters, she said. Whitefish Bay School District schools for this district: NCES District ID: 5516620: State District ID: WI-6419: Mailing Address: 1200 E Fairmount Ave Whitefish Bay, WI 53217-6099: . 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. However, I dont claim my diverse perspective is what qualifies me alone for this position. 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.. I will strive to bring creative solutions to ensure fair and just policy, and reject policies that create more problems. 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. DECA is the youngest activity at WHS with students taking several honors across the state and a national championship that included international competitors. An aspect of life that is really important to Kearns is that relationships matter. 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 For in-depth information, please visit the districts website. 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. Through this work she developed a skill set that she believes would be beneficial to have on the Whitefish School Board. Background: Born and raised in Whitefish, graduating from Whitefish High School in 2002; Bachelor of Arts in history at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at Washington State University in Pullman, Washington. Whitefish School District #44 is located in the scenic resort community of Whitefish, Montana. Our students organize and participate in annual blood drives, food drives, and strongly support the American Cancer Society with the Relay for Life. For more information on ballots, contact the Whitefish School District office at 862-8640. 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. His wife has a masters in public health and has been highly involved in infection mitigation in Montana during the pandemic. Family: Married to Bill Paatalo; three kids and one due this week. My degree from an elite university demonstrates my commitment to providing pathways to higher education for all students. Mr. Josh Branstetter Principal Mr. Tyler Jones Assistant Principal Teachers. Family: Husband Kyle is a Whitefish High School alum, daughter seventh grade at Whitefish Middle School, and son fourth grade at Muldown Elementary. I will have a child in every school in the district for the next five years. School Board governance is a non-partisan position that carries a wide range of responsibilities and duties. F: (406) 862-2586, 1143 E. 4th St., She also lived in Essex for a summer season working at the Snow Slip Inn in 2009. Terms of Use | The Zoom option is for viewing and listening only. 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. Jerries commitment to providing excellent education for the students of Whitefish was the reason for her desire to serve on the Whitefish School Board. 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. Her interest in children is a huge reason why she is running for a trustee seat on the Whitefish School Board. Staff and students have received training in the Montana Behavior Institute, ASIST program, Student Assistance Training program, Second Step, Respect of Us and Stop, Talk, Walk. Website Disclaimer. Accommodating growth, utilizing resources efficiently and student mental health are important challenges our school district has been facing. 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).. Shannon is a Montana native who has called Whitefish home for more than thirty years. Family: I am married to my high school sweetheart; we have four children, ages 5-14. 1118 East 7th St., 312 E. Second Street All responses are in the words of the candidates and edited only for style. 6th Grade and Intervention Teacher. With COVID and the influx of new people in Whitefish, she sees that the community togetherness is starting to become divisive. And my experience in after-school programming gives me insight into the daily challenges faced by our staff and teachers. Parents should have ultimate power to remove their children from adverse educational influences particularly when debate isn't permitted. It has all the elements that makes it so appealing to all of us. Please select a different job from those listed below. (Courtesy photos). My children will be attending school in the Whitefish district for the next 13 consecutive years. Ray and Jerrie directed the American Field Service (AFS) exchange student program in Montana for many years. Background: Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Minnesota; Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Gustavus Adolphus College; Former CEO and CFO of multiple dental offices; former President and VP of Austin Youth Hockey Association; former assistant high school hockey coach; former volunteer EMT and firefighter; volunteer for North Valley Search and Rescue. Staff. Morrow has been a dancer her whole life and also enjoys going to restaurants and reading in her free time. 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. The District is proud of our proactive and dedicated PTA that serves staff and student in numerous ways throughout the school year. Todd and his wife met at a small progressive K-12 school in Seattle and they also worked together at a boarding school on a 500 acre working farm in southern Vermont. No, I do not want to apply for that job. She has resided in Whitefish since 1967. 600 East 2nd St. Whitefish, MT 59937 . 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.. During the pandemic and these generally difficult times, young peoples mental health has suffered. 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. Darcy Schellinger grew up in Billings, MT and graduated with a degree in Business Finance from Montana State University. During the pandemic, a group of average, common people on the school board unanimously took unprecedented action to usurp control from parents over their children's bodies. The board should consider creative options, such as involvement in affordable housing at the city level, or spearheading their own housing initiatives. I am not privy to the inside workings of the schools, and all my dealings with any staff have exceeded my expectations. 312 E. Second Street Finally, bringing a science background to the board offers another perspective of data interpretation and problem-solving. 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 will stand up for our children, parents and teachers by seeking to level the playing field for all. There should never be a policy void of faith and trust in the parents who love these children. Whitefish School District Back to top Whitefish independent High School Education Foundation About Whitefish Superintendent's Corner Bulldog Tip Line (406) 730-3080 | speakup@whitefishschools.org News & Announcements WHS Expansion Update Whitefish High School Expansion Information Poster EMERGENCY School Closure Information 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. In addition to her work with schools, she also has experience in mediation. 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. My mediation skills are needed during such divided times. 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. Mr. Al Hammel Alternative Teacher . I am very dedicated; if I decide to do something I give it my all, she said. The recent pandemic has resulted in a very divided community. 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. Ms. Victoria Buls. Whitefish, MT 59937 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. Attended public schools in Billings; obtained a business finance degree from Montana State University in Bozeman.