But now I think its time to continue along the same path in whatever the community and school district decide is the next marker. 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. Although originally from Dallas, she was living in Las Vegas and was a dancer for Cirque du Soleil. Morrow has been a dancer her whole life and also enjoys going to restaurants and reading in her free time. 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. Show Calendar. Todd Lengacher has a vast amount of experience in education coupled with a strong desire to be involved in the community and local schools. Background: Bachelors in sociology at Stanford University, volunteer mediation and board member Harvard Mediation Program, data management for evaluation department in educational nonprofit, directing and teaching after school leadership program, currently working in the service industry, Girl Scout troop leader, producing and acting in a play with Montana Art Theater, board member of CRYJ (Center for Restorative Youth Justice). In my opinion, the most significant challenge is coming out of the pandemic both academically and emotionally. Lengacher has long family ties to the valley as his inlaws have owned property on Flathead Lake for many years. As far as how the school district handled the COVID-19 pandemic, Diehl said he supported the districts methodical approach to reopening schools. 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. Thats something she believes every child should have. Giving solid leadership direction along with flexibility, I think thats kind of the best you can hope for.. Whitefish Middle School 56 were here. F: (406) 730-2176, 600 East 2nd St. I probably wish they had gone back to school (in-person) earlier, but I dont fault them for being cautious, she said. School Secretary Job Whitefish Montana USA,Administrative/Clerical I probably wish they had gone back to school (in-person) earlier, but I dont fault them for being cautious, she said. 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.. Our schools have implemented multiple intervention strategies for those students in need of additional support through mentoring and individual tutoring. Leanette Kearns has an understanding of schools and the challenges teachers, staff and students face daily. Morrow moved to Whitefish one year ago in search of a friendly place to settle down and potentially start a family. Lengacher and his wife Erica have one 8-year-old daughter and naturally they were looking for somewhere enjoyable to raise her. 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. (Courtesy photos). WHITEFISH SCHOOL DISTRICT - TalentEd Hire Accommodating growth, utilizing resources efficiently and student mental health are important challenges our school district has been facing. He has worked as a teacher, administrator, and program director for over 20 years. Whitefish School District. 2010 saw our first national 1st place winner in the category of Hospitality and Tourism. The opportunity for public comment and participation during a school board meeting is provided by attending the school board meeting in-person. 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. I have daily interactions with students, parents, teachers and the community that provide a boots on the ground perspective. We had a week at an Airbnb in Whitefish and just absolutely fell in love with it, he said. Mr. Dave Means Superintendent Mrs. Lucie Shea Director of Business/District Clerk Lisa Bloom Director of Curriculum and Instruction . Website Disclaimer. For further information, please visit their website at, Center for Sustainability and Entrepreneurship, http://www.whitefisheducationfoundation.org/. MA Technology and Learning WGU. 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 see the school district doing lots of good work, he said. She also lived in Essex for a summer season working at the Snow Slip Inn in 2009. 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. Ive always been interested in the educational and artistic development of children. Location: WMS - PAC. The high school is almost at student capacity with the growth of our community. If you would like to email all of the school board trustees please send your email to. Utilizing resources efficiently can be challenging. Joined by their golden retriever, they all enjoy supporting the local outdoor community and are grateful for the accessible, beautiful places that surround Whitefish. Whitefish students are encouraged to take part in after school activities that promote the social, emotional, intellectual and physical skills that have lifelong lessons. Diverse perspectives are crucial in order to govern a community in a representative way. She and her husband enjoy everything outdoors from whitewater rafting to hiking to just being outside with their kids. For reference, kindergarteners in 2020 who are now in second grade have never experienced a normal school year due to Covid. 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 had a week at an Airbnb in Whitefish and just absolutely fell in love with it, he said. I will have a child in every school in the district for the next five years. Affordable housing is an issue for many in the community, and this includes school personnel. - The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community that engages each student to succeed in continuous learning, Finally, bringing a science background to the board offers another perspective of data interpretation and problem-solving. Copyright2005-document.write(new Date().getFullYear()) -PowerSchool Group LLC and/or its affiliate(s), WHITEFISH SCHOOL DISTRICT600 East Second StreetWhitefish, MT 5993740686286404068621507. Factions Emerge in Whitefish School Board Race 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. What is the most important issue(s) facing the Whitefish School District right now and how would you work to address it? 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. She and her husband enjoy everything outdoors from whitewater rafting to hiking to just being outside with their kids. WMS Jazz Band Festival @ U of M. Date: Mar 17. 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. Written public correspondence can be submitted by emailing the Trustees at trustees@whitefishschools.org or by a written letter sent to the Whitefish School District Trustees at 600 East Second Street, Whitefish, MT 59937. To this board Todd brings school and nonprofit board experience. From everyone I talked to, this district worked hard to put in place what I would call an adaptive management approach she said. 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. 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. Admin Assistant, Clerical, Office Administration, Healthcare Administration. Whitefish, MT 59937 I do not envy those decisions they had to make, she said. These essential cookies may also be used for improvements, site monitoring and security. I can get established in the community and serve it at the same time.. Ive been in senior leadership positions quite often and understand the difficulties presented, he explained. She has resided in Whitefish since 1967. Bulletin Board. Search: There is no staff matching your search criteria Administration. P: (4069 862-8600 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. He was inspired to run in the trustee election because of his desire to serve and give back to the community. In 2017 she said her family had a tough time after her husband was involved in a tragic avalanche accident in Glacier National Park. 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. Whitefish, MT 59937 . Terms of Use | 406-862-3505. Previously served on the Whitefish Rotary board, Childrens House Montessori and Flathead Youth Home boards. 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.. Bennetts grew up in Great Falls and her father was a school teacher for 40 years. 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. Postal Service and in award winning magazines. Staff - School Overview - Whitefish Middle School 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. Staff - Whitefish Independent High School Various art shows have displayed student works across the county, state and at the national level. An excellent tradition exists for all Whitefish High School athletic/activities programs. The CARE team is a strong organizer of several social events which discourages the use/abuse of tobacco, alcohol, and other addicting drugs. 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. Why are you the best candidate for this position and what will you bring to the board if elected? An aspect of life that is really important to Kearns is that relationships matter. Whitefish, MT 59937 Staff - Whitefish School District 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. Leanette Kearns has an understanding of schools and the challenges teachers, staff and students face daily. Staff - Whitefish Middle School I will stand up for our children, parents and teachers by seeking to level the playing field for all. National award winners have had their works displayed via the national duck stamp for the U.S. DECA is the youngest activity at WHS with students taking several honors across the state and a national championship that included international competitors. Mission - The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community that engages each student to succeed in . The election will be held on May 3 at the Whitefish School District Board Room, 600 East Second Street. From everyone I talked to, this district worked hard to put in place what I would call an adaptive management approach she said. Three years ago Lengacher and his family moved to Whitefish and chose this town specifically based on the size and the community. 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. Home - Overview - Whitefish School District that will not be submitted. Mr. Josh Branstetter Principal Mr. Tyler Jones Assistant Principal Teachers. 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. Community service projects are greatly encouraged. As far as how the school district handled the COVID-19 pandemic, Diehl said he supported the districts methodical approach to reopening schools. Background: Current Vice Chair for Whitefish School District School Board. 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. 1118 East 7th St., Whitefish, MT 59937 P: (406) 862-8620 F: (406) 730-2176 The schools annual Back to School Bash is a major event for our CARE program to demonstrate the chapters philosophy and mission. 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. 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).. In addition to her work with schools, she also has experience in mediation. But in addition to those interests, Lengacher has an even stronger passion to serve in the local community. It reminded me of home people waved to me, they were friendly, they were genuine, she said. Having a safe learning environment is paramount for our school districts staff and students. 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. P: (406) 862-8620 P: (4069 862-8600 Search: There is no staff matching your search criteria Teachers. All parents are encouraged to attend and become active members regardless of the grade of your child. I have three years of experience, which brings existing positive relationships with staff and the community. It is there she met her husband, Kyle, a Whitefish native. Whitefish, MT 59937 How do we all catch up after the last year to two years of interrupted educational experiences and make sure were serving all these kids not just their educational needs but the extreme stress and emotional burden that theyve been carrying, she said. Voices on all sides have felt unheard. 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. There is no staff matching your search criteria Administration. Ms. Catey Nasello Principal Mr. John Coyne Assistant Principal . 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. I think the next step is allowing kids to go to school without wearing masks, we need to work towards that goal.. The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community, Center for Sustainability and Entrepreneurship. The top challenges currently facing the district are issues related to the pandemic, growth of the student population and affordable housing. Two incumbents, Darcy Schellinger and Elizabeth Pitman, are seeking reelection while three new candidates are also running. Morrow moved to Whitefish one year ago in search of a friendly place to settle down and potentially start a family. After staying a week in Whitefish, Diehl says it just felt like home. Over the last year, Lengacher says he supports the decisions the board made regarding reopening schools during the pandemic. Post administrative/clerical jobs for free; apply online for Education / School Secretary job Montana, USA. Shannon is a Montana native who has called Whitefish home for more than thirty years. Whitefish High School. She served as the local American Cancer Society Education Director for many years. For public correspondence to be published within the school board business meeting materials, it must be received by 3:00 PM on the Friday before the scheduled monthly business meeting. Family: Married to Bill Paatalo; three kids and one due this week. Lastly, the lack of affordable housing is having a direct impact on hiring and retaining staff. I believe the school district did the right thing in how they proceeded he said. But one main reason is to give back to the community. Her oldest daughter will start at Muldown in the fall. Employment Opportunities. Currently Kearns is a stay at home parent to two daughters ages 2 and 5. Note that applications are not being accepted from your jurisdiction for this job currently via this jobsite. If you want to view and listen to the meeting via mobile device, you are encouraged to install the Zoom app. He was inspired to run in the trustee election because of his desire to serve and give back to the community. She served on the local and state Reading Councils and made many presentations at those as well as at the International Reading Association. Our community is experiencing unprecedented growth and this increase in population impacts our students and our staff. Whitefish Schools have strong community support and I can use my open line of communication to continue to make the community feel connected and engaged. 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 Dr. Katie Clarke is a communication researcher. Terms of Use | 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 Bay School District is a top performing district in Wisconsin and the Midwest.