But in addition to those interests, Lengacher has an even stronger passion to serve in the local community. 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. I am very dedicated; if I decide to do something I give it my all, she said. Bennetts and her family moved to the Flathead Valley in 2004, then settled into Whitefish 10 years later. Five candidates are running for the Whitefish School Board. 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. 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. Finally, bringing a science background to the board offers another perspective of data interpretation and problem-solving. My mediation skills are needed during such divided times. He was inspired to run in the trustee election because of his desire to serve and give back to the community. Teachers/ Staff Mr. Al Hammel Alternative Teacher . 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. 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. She also works full time as a pediatric physical therapist at Montana Childrens in Kalispell. I can get established in the community and serve it at the same time.. And just very subtly, but very intentionally took care of us.. Lengacher has long family ties to the valley as his inlaws have owned property on Flathead Lake for many years. Leanette Kearns has an understanding of schools and the challenges teachers, staff and students face daily. I will stand up for our children, parents and teachers by seeking to level the playing field for all. F: (406) 862-8664, 1143 E. 4th St. Students in the Whitefish School District have several programs to choose in furthering their artistic skills: drama, instrumental music, vocal music, and visual arts. (Enter less keywords for more results. Drama students continue to excel at our states Thespian Festival as an example great individual and group achievements. Ms. Victoria Buls. She just opened her own studio called Whitefish School of Ballet and serves as the artistic director. Whitefish, MT 59937 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. 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. I definitely want to come with the intention of open mindedness to the position, she said. Visual Arts The districts visual arts programs begin at the elementary level and truly excel at the high school level. Id bring a sense of leadership and sharing in ideas, Morrow said. 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. Coordinators & Supervisors: 4.00: Total Guidance Counselors: ! In the 2022 Whitefish School District election, there are five trustee candidates running for two open positions. WHITEFISH SCHOOL DISTRICT 600 East Second Street Whitefish, MT 59937 4068628640 4068621507 . 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 students are encouraged to take part in after school activities that promote the social, emotional, intellectual and physical skills that have lifelong lessons. Currently Kearns is a stay at home parent to two daughters ages 2 and 5. She and her husband Joel Shehan have one son in third grade at Muldown Elementary and the family enjoys being in the outdoors, especially hiking and paddle boarding. 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. 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. P: (406) 862-8650 Terms of Use | I believe the school district did the right thing in how they proceeded he said. 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. $790,000. 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. Would you like to continue working on this application? Editor's note: This story originally ran in the April 14, 2021 edition of the Whitefish Pilot. As far as how the school district handled the COVID-19 pandemic, Diehl said he supported the districts methodical approach to reopening schools. Five candidates are running for the Whitefish School Board. 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. 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. She also lived in Essex for a summer season working at the Snow Slip Inn in 2009. P: (406) 862-8650 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. 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. Five trustee candidates are running for two open spots on the Whitefish School Board. 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. She and her husband, Ray, both taught in the Whitefish schools for their entire teaching careers. It has all the elements that makes it so appealing to all of us. 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.. 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 served on the local and state Reading Councils and made many presentations at those as well as at the International Reading Association. Our on-line Virtual High School (VHS) is open to students beginning in the 8th grade through high school. Their son Porter attends Muldown Elementary. 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. 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. During the pandemic and these generally difficult times, young peoples mental health has suffered. 1118 East 7th St., 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. Whitefish, MT 59937 org. 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. 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.. Having a safe learning environment is paramount for our school districts staff and students. Board of Trustees Monthly Work Session. Being a veterinarian in our community provides me with the ability to interact with diverse community members on a daily basis. 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. Ive always been interested in the educational and artistic development of children. I think Im really interested in vision and goal planning with the district and getting involved in that process.. Im actually looking forward to, if I were on the board, helping begin to make a plan for that, he expressed. Accommodating growth, utilizing resources efficiently and student mental health are important challenges our school district has been facing. Interested students have furthered their broadcasting skills due to their production knowledge and skills during this unique opportunity. And my experience in after-school programming gives me insight into the daily challenges faced by our staff and teachers. copyright 2023 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. Mrs. Kristine Yorba Secretary Web Accessibility Complaint Form Web Accessibility Statement. 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. And I feel well informed just given the proximity to my wifes work., copyright 2023 Mission - The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community 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.. An excellent tradition exists for all Whitefish High School athletic/activities programs. Ill show up prepared and do the very best I can to represent all the needs of the varying parties.. 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. F: (406) 730-2176, 600 East 2nd St. 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. 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. Morrow said shes never served on a school board or other government board before, but has held plenty of leadership positions throughout her life. Mission - The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community that engages each student to succeed in . Current trustees Ruth Harrison and Betsy Kohnstamm both decided not to run for reelection. Kearns would like to help mend that and wants to start by serving on the school board. 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. Joined by their golden retriever, they all enjoy supporting the local outdoor community and are grateful for the accessible, beautiful places that surround Whitefish. I feel like the hybrid model was a balance of the needs of maintaining safety as well as recognizing in-person education is invaluable.. She says she wants to make sure everyone living here and moving here is treated like an individual, not just a number. I am not privy to the inside workings of the schools, and all my dealings with any staff have exceeded my expectations. You may choose to opt-out of ad cookies. P: (4069 862-8600 One of the things that drew her to Whitefish, which she discovered on a ski vacation with friends, was that people were friendly and the community. 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. Bennetts and her family moved to the Flathead Valley in 2004, then settled into Whitefish 10 years later. Quincy married Joel Shehan in 2001, and together they moved to the Flathead Valley in 2004. Terms of Use | 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. 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. 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. Homes for Sale Near 5333 Highway 93 S. 10 ACRES. There are some changes that just inevitably bring challenges because that is how new leadership works, she expressed. For more information on ballots, contact the Whitefish School District office at 862-8640. 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. Students also have the option of attending Flathead Valley Community College by taking classes of their choice in the Running Start program. Positions open: 3\nTerm: 3 years\nDeadline for candidate filing: Thursday March 23, 2023 at 4:30pm at the District Office\n\nPlease pick up the candid. Background: Studied music at Cornish College of the Arts, political science at Oregon State University and various community colleges. Three years ago Lengacher and his family moved to Whitefish and chose this town specifically based on the size and the community. Mission - The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community I think they did a really good job of managing an impossible situation.. The Whitefish School District office at Central School downtown. Whitefish School District. Thats something she believes every child should have. 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.. Job in Whitefish - Flathead County - MT Montana - USA , 59937. Background: Current Vice Chair for Whitefish School District School Board. From everyone I talked to, this district worked hard to put in place what I would call an adaptive management approach she said. Previously served on the Whitefish Rotary board, Childrens House Montessori and Flathead Youth Home boards. WMS Jazz Band Festival @ U of M. Date: Mar 17. I think theyre one of the most important demographics that we have and the best investment is in the development of a child, she added. However, he would like to see that progression continue and figure out the next steps in returning kids to normalcy in the classroom. Our students organize and participate in annual blood drives, food drives, and strongly support the American Cancer Society with the Relay for Life. 2022-2023 WSD School Calendar. Jerrie Boksich was born and raised in Portland, Oregon, and attended public schools. 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. 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. But do they leave the room feeling like they are heard and hopeful; I think I can offer that.. Candidates listed in alphabetical order by last name: Occupation: Dentist (disabled due to a hand injury), stay-at-home mom. Staff Directory District Overview Directions 406.862.8640 Email Directions. Whitefish High School. I believe the school district did the right thing in how they proceeded he said. Whitefish, MT 59937 Her interest in children is a huge reason why she is running for a trustee seat on the Whitefish School Board. The schools annual Back to School Bash is a major event for our CARE program to demonstrate the chapters philosophy and mission. Ms. Catey Nasello Principal Mr. John Coyne Assistant Principal . Family: Married to Bill Paatalo; three kids and one due this week. Family: I am married to my high school sweetheart; we have four children, ages 5-14. Terms of Use | The interaction features such as share screen, chat, unmute, raise hand, are not enabled. I probably wish they had gone back to school (in-person) earlier, but I dont fault them for being cautious, she said. As the pandemic narrative on masking and jabs unravels, it's clear our children were subject to political agendas and not health measures. P: (406) 862-8688 Ms. Rachel Anderson . Privacy Policy His wife has a masters in public health and has been highly involved in infection mitigation in Montana during the pandemic. Current trustees Ruth Harrison and Betsy Kohnstamm both . Lengacher and his wife Erica have one 8-year-old daughter and naturally they were looking for somewhere enjoyable to raise her. 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).. Lastly, the lack of affordable housing is having a direct impact on hiring and retaining staff. Being so close with the work she does, he supports the data-driven approach that the school district took. The election is May 4 and the mail-in . The overwhelming majority of our students are involved in clubs and sports our kids and our schools are thriving and I believe that is at least partially due to a dedicated school board. 200 Stageline Dr, Whitefish, MT 59937. It reminded me of home people waved to me, they were friendly, they were genuine, she said. Ray and Jerrie directed the American Field Service (AFS) exchange student program in Montana for many years. 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. Trustees serve in staggered three-year terms. The high school is almost at student capacity with the growth of our community. 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. Dr. Katie Clarke is a communication researcher. I think Im really interested in vision and goal planning with the district and getting involved in that process.. Bennetts expressed great respect for the current board members, administrators, district staff and everyone already involved in the district. The top challenges currently facing the district are issues related to the pandemic, growth of the student population and affordable housing. First and foremost I just want to volunteer my time and energy to better the community, he said. Bennetts grew up in Great Falls and her father was a school teacher for 40 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. 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. David Diehl is a retired U.S. Air Force command pilot and colonel who moved his family to Whitefish in July 2020. Diehl and his wife Amina have two teenage kids currently attending Whitefish Middle School. - The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community that engages each student to succeed in continuous learning, 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. 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. 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. I feel like the hybrid model was a balance of the needs of maintaining safety as well as recognizing in-person education is invaluable.. 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. (Courtesy photos) Editor's note: This story originally ran in the April 14, 2021 edition of the Whitefish Pilot. Whitefish, MT 59937 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. Date: Mar 21. She served as the local American Cancer Society Education Director for many years. 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 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.. I probably wish they had gone back to school (in-person) earlier, but I dont fault them for being cautious, she said. I think the next step is allowing kids to go to school without wearing masks, we need to work towards that goal.. Utilizing resources efficiently can be challenging. But one main reason is to give back to the community. Lengacher has long family ties to the valley as his inlaws have owned property on Flathead Lake for many years. Students have a wide selection of elective programs to include pottery, drawing and painting. For more information on ballots, contact the Whitefish School District office at 862-8640. Attracting and housing teachers and support staff is becoming more of a challenge and we need to think of community-based solutions. Each building has a PTA Volunteer Coordinator who would gladly assist you with your unique skills that may be shared with staff and students. Zac Andrews, Montana West Realty, Active. All parents are encouraged to attend and become active members regardless of the grade of your child. Bulletin Board. Mr. Dave Means Superintendent Mrs. Lucie Shea Director of Business/District Clerk Lisa Bloom Director of Curriculum and Instruction . F: (406) 862-2586, 1143 E. 4th St., Kearns would like to help mend that and wants to start by serving on the school board. Business expansions have helped solidify the district's tax base. 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. Todd Lengacher is honored to join the board in the spring of 2021. Whitefish, MT 59937 And I really am supportive of standardized curriculum to support teachers, but at the same time not constrain their ability to be flexible.. She admitted that the board and administrators were in a tough situation and did the best they could at the time. Im glad they didnt go completely remote because the detriment of that I saw in a student I was helping.. Search: There is no staff matching your search criteria Administration. The need to consider expanding the high school and requesting a bond from the voters is impending for the district. Jerrie taught all grades in many classroom positions from K to 8, including 14 years of Gifted and Talented, curriculum development and teacher training. 6th Grade and Intervention Teacher. 2010 saw our first national 1st place winner in the category of Hospitality and Tourism. And in addition, bringing more support and professional development to faculty. There is no room for a narrow focus or agenda. Staff: Intramurals: 1: Student Store: 1: Whitefish Middle School Student Council: 1: Yearbook Club: 1: Web Accessibility Complaint Form Web . She also lived in Essex for a summer season working at the Snow Slip Inn in 2009. Dual credit for most classes is accepted by WHS for graduation purposes. 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.. 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. 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 understand the importance of working as a team and invite differences in opinion which results in more creative problem-solving. He also would like to have a positive influence by helping to elevate the board itself. 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. For reference, kindergarteners in 2020 who are now in second grade have never experienced a normal school year due to Covid. 1143 E. 4th St. Whitefish, MT 59937 . Any chance I get I love to spend time with children Children are always the center of my life, she said. Location: Whitefish School District Board Room 600 E Second St Whitefish, MT. 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. Whitefish High School. 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!!! 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. Trustees serve in staggered three-year terms Current trustees. 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 Our WHS choir students may participate in Concert Choir, Voce Primo and Chorale. Winter athletic programs for basketball has earned 3 state titlesboys (2), girls (1) and speech & debate (1). 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. Community service projects are greatly encouraged. In addition, students have taken the lead and their voice may be heard on the Big Fish Radio. Leanette Kearns has an understanding of schools and the challenges teachers, staff and students face daily. The secondary program has excellent fine arts programs along with the advance placement classes in English, Government, Science, and Math. Its time to bring back compassion, kindness and compromise to the table, fostering relationships along the way. After living in a few different locations they came back to Whitefish in 2003. Use of Browser Cookies: Functions on this site such as Search, Login, Registration Forms depend on the use of "Necessary Cookies". And given his background in education, he feels like the Whitefish School Board would be a good fit. 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. For further information, please visit their website at, Center for Sustainability and Entrepreneurship, http://www.whitefisheducationfoundation.org/. that will not be submitted. Fall sports of cross country, football, golf, soccer and volleyball have consistently won state titles.
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