This can be done by continuing to responsibly spend covid funding to remedy these issues. She also teaches communication courses at the college level. Im glad they didnt go completely remote because the detriment of that I saw in a student I was helping.. Mr. Josh Branstetter Principal Mr. Tyler Jones Assistant Principal Teachers. (Heidi Desch/Whitefish Pilot) Five candidates are running for the Whitefish School Board. I will strive to bring creative solutions to ensure fair and just policy, and reject policies that create more problems. 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. Staff: Intramurals: 1: Student Store: 1: Whitefish Middle School Student Council: 1: Yearbook Club: 1: Web Accessibility Complaint Form Web . Diehl and his wife Amina have two teenage kids currently attending Whitefish Middle School. It reminded me of home people waved to me, they were friendly, they were genuine, she said. 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. Fall sports of cross country, football, golf, soccer and volleyball have consistently won state titles. 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 It reminded me of home people waved to me, they were friendly, they were genuine, she said. Amina is also a science teacher at the middle school and a lawyer in the Air Force. Several students have displayed their skills and talents by playing in the Glacier Symphony and Chorale which performs across the Flathead County. After living in a few different locations they came back to Whitefish in 2003. Through this work she developed a skill set that she believes would be beneficial to have on the Whitefish School Board. Student must have advanced computer skills for on-line success with VHS offerings. And just very subtly, but very intentionally took care of us.. Todd Lengacher is honored to join the board in the spring of 2021. 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 will stand up for our children, parents and teachers by seeking to level the playing field for all. 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. The 2021 Whitefish School Board Trustee Candidates are Quincy Bennetts, David Diehl, Leanette Kearns, Todd Lengacher and Emily Morrow. 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. Although originally from Dallas, she was living in Las Vegas and was a dancer for Cirque du Soleil. Quincy married Joel Shehan in 2001, and together they moved to the Flathead Valley in 2004. David Diehl now works as a director of operations at RightOnTrek. Congratulations to your new WHS royalty! 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.. She served as the local American Cancer Society Education Director for many years. It is there she met her husband, Kyle, a Whitefish native. Family: I am married to my high school sweetheart; we have four children, ages 5-14. Although originally from Dallas, she was living in Las Vegas and was a dancer for Cirque du Soleil. The Whitefish School District office at Central School downtown. His wife has a masters in public health and has been highly involved in infection mitigation in Montana during the pandemic. Staff. 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. Five candidates are running for the Whitefish School Board. Whitefish, MT 59937 In 2017 she said her family had a tough time after her husband was involved in a tragic avalanche accident in Glacier National Park. 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. Any chance I get I love to spend time with children Children are always the center of my life, she said. 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.. The CARE team is a strong organizer of several social events which discourages the use/abuse of tobacco, alcohol, and other addicting drugs. Superior ratings are common for individual and group performances during district and state events. Giving solid leadership direction along with flexibility, I think thats kind of the best you can hope for.. She has a bachelor's in fine arts and communications, and currently working on her master's degree in professional counseling. School Board governance is a non-partisan position that carries a wide range of responsibilities and duties. 600 East 2nd St. 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. that will not be submitted. There are some changes that just inevitably bring challenges because that is how new leadership works, she expressed. Dr. Katie Clarke is a communication researcher. Students are expected to complete a rigorous academic program from kindergarten through grade 12. (Enter less keywords for more results. The interaction features such as share screen, chat, unmute, raise hand, are not enabled. Website Disclaimer. For more information on ballots, contact the Whitefish School District office at 862-8640. As real estate prices accelerate, finding affordable homes for school employees is becoming more difficult. Through this work she developed a skill set that she believes would be beneficial to have on the Whitefish School Board. Time: 6:00 PM. 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. Parents and teachers should be allowed and encouraged to have input, and their concerns should not be ignored. Hes worked in schools both domestically and internationally, helping to develop educational programs in 13 countries. 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. Two incumbents, Darcy Schellinger and Elizabeth Pitman, are seeking reelection while three new candidates are also running. 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. Her interest in children is a huge reason why she is running for a trustee seat on the Whitefish School Board. 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. With COVID and the influx of new people in Whitefish, she sees that the community togetherness is starting to become divisive. A strong educational program K-12 exists for all students. Family: Husband Kyle is a Whitefish High School alum, daughter seventh grade at Whitefish Middle School, and son fourth grade at Muldown Elementary. - listing US Job Opportunities, Staffing Agencies, International / Overseas Employment. Shannon is a Montana native who has called Whitefish home for more than thirty years. Background: Studied music at Cornish College of the Arts, political science at Oregon State University and various community colleges. If elected to the school board, keeping that genuine community feel and engagement is one aspect she would prioritize. 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. An aspect of life that is really important to Kearns is that relationships matter. 406-862-3505. Spring programs consist of track & field, tennis and softballBulldog state track titles - boys (8), girls (3)Tennis state titles - boys (7), girls (1). Kearns would like to help mend that and wants to start by serving on the school board. Unfortunately, this position is no longer available. 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. I feel like Im a really good listener; I like to listen to all perspectives before weighing in on a decision.. I think the next step is allowing kids to go to school without wearing masks, we need to work towards that goal.. Current trustees Ruth Harrison and Betsy Kohnstamm both decided not to run for reelection. She also works full time as a pediatric physical therapist at Montana Childrens in Kalispell. F: (406) 862-8664, 1143 E. 4th St. 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 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. 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. We have lost sight of the value in bringing people together rather than driving them apart. And in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic, Morrow supports the way the district handled reopening schools. 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 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.. F: (406) 862-8664, 1143 E. 4th St. 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. For reference, kindergarteners in 2020 who are now in second grade have never experienced a normal school year due to Covid. 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. The high school is almost at student capacity with the growth of our community. And given his background in education, he feels like the Whitefish School Board would be a good fit. My degree from an elite university demonstrates my commitment to providing pathways to higher education for all students. 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. Lengacher has long family ties to the valley as his inlaws have owned property on Flathead Lake for many years. Being so close with the work she does, he supports the data-driven approach that the school district took. Our on-line Virtual High School (VHS) is open to students beginning in the 8th grade through high school. Ive been in senior leadership positions quite often and understand the difficulties presented, he explained. NEW - 2 DAYS AGO 2.46 ACRES. Bennetts grew up in Great Falls and her father was a school teacher for 40 years. And I feel well informed just given the proximity to my wifes work.. An injury ended her professional dancing career, but opened up the opportunity to move somewhere new and start a dance school. Visual Arts The districts visual arts programs begin at the elementary level and truly excel at the high school level. The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community, Center for Sustainability and Entrepreneurship. 312 E. Second Street - The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community that engages each student to succeed in continuous learning, 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. Joined by their golden retriever, they all enjoy supporting the local outdoor community and are grateful for the accessible, beautiful places that surround Whitefish. 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. Bennetts and her family moved to the Flathead Valley in 2004, then settled into Whitefish 10 years later. 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. Especially in Whitefish, it's a small community so your actions can have a direct and immediate impact.. P: (406) 862-8620 David Diehl is a retired U.S. Air Force command pilot and colonel who moved his family to Whitefish in July 2020. 312 E. Second Street There is no staff matching your search criteria Administration. But one main reason is to give back to the community. Editor's note: This story originally ran in the April 14, 2021 edition of the Whitefish Pilot. And just very subtly, but very intentionally took care of us.. She has a bachelor's in fine arts and communications, and currently working on her master's degree in professional counseling. 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. Our schools have implemented multiple intervention strategies for those students in need of additional support through mentoring and individual tutoring. I probably wish they had gone back to school (in-person) earlier, but I dont fault them for being cautious, she said. Website Disclaimer. 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.. Listing for: Whitefish School District. Privacy Policy But now I think its time to continue along the same path in whatever the community and school district decide is the next marker. Three years ago Lengacher and his family moved to Whitefish and chose this town specifically based on the size and the community. Powered by 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. Would you like to continue working on this application? All responses are in the words of the candidates and edited only for style. The queer community has become a targeted group recently and this should be addressed at the district level. Use of Browser Cookies: Functions on this site such as Search, Login, Registration Forms depend on the use of "Necessary Cookies". $570,000. 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. BA History and Political Science U of M. Minor Library Media U of M. I think the next step is allowing kids to go to school without wearing masks, we need to work towards that goal.. 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. 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. She said her personal qualities of commitment and loyalty will help her make a difference if she takes on this role. Mr. Dave Means Superintendent Mrs. Lucie Shea Director of Business/District Clerk Lisa Bloom Director of Curriculum and Instruction . My goal is to reunite our district with the common goal of doing what is best for our children, which is ultimately what is best for society as a whole. I am not privy to the inside workings of the schools, and all my dealings with any staff have exceeded my expectations. Transparency of politically charged curriculum is a must, but not enough. 200 Stageline Dr, Whitefish, MT 59937. From the outside looking in, Whitefish is a contentious area because we have so many people strongly anchored in opposing beliefs. She also lived in Essex for a summer season working at the Snow Slip Inn in 2009. 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 Major emphasis at the elementary level focuses on strong reading, language and math skills. Each building has a PTA Volunteer Coordinator who would gladly assist you with your unique skills that may be shared with staff and students. 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. Family: Married to Bill Paatalo; three kids and one due this week. 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.. In my opinion, the most significant challenge is coming out of the pandemic both academically and emotionally. She has resided in Whitefish since 1967. 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. Although she doesnt have any children of her own yet, she loves spending time with kids and volunteering in programs serving youth. I bring accountability, when I tell someone Im going to do something, I do it; it doesnt matter if it feels uncomfortable., copyright 2023 Postal Service and in award winning magazines. Three years ago Lengacher and his family moved to Whitefish and chose this town specifically based on the size and the community. As far as how the district handled COVID-19 and reopening schools, she supports the decisions made regarding the hybrid teaching model. She and her husband enjoy everything outdoors from whitewater rafting to hiking to just being outside with their kids. 6th Grade and Intervention Teacher. Search: There is no staff matching your search criteria Administration. 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. Mission - The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community that engages each student to succeed in continuous learning, career . The top challenges currently facing the district are issues related to the pandemic, growth of the student population and affordable housing. I understand the importance of working as a team and invite differences in opinion which results in more creative problem-solving. Trustees serve in staggered three-year terms. Mission - The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community I believe the school district did the right thing in how they proceeded he said. It has all the elements that makes it so appealing to all of us. PLEASE NOTE: All emails will be posted as public correspondence at the next school board business meeting. P: (406) 862-8688 F: (406) 862-2586. 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. Affordable housing is an issue for many in the community, and this includes school personnel. It has all the elements that makes it so appealing to all of us. Although Diehl has never served on a school board before, he believes his leadership experience from his military career would be an asset to the Whitefish School Board. P: (406) 862-8620 One of the really important things to me has been understanding how much relationships matter and how we treat each other matters, she said. Prior to becoming a trustee I actively attended Whitefish School District board meetings and work sessions. As far as how the district handled COVID-19 and reopening schools, she supports the decisions made regarding the hybrid teaching model. org. Interested students have furthered their broadcasting skills due to their production knowledge and skills during this unique opportunity. P: 406.862.8650 F: 406.862.8664. She says she wants to make sure everyone living here and moving here is treated like an individual, not just a number. What is the most important issue(s) facing the Whitefish School District right now and how would you work to address it? Muldown Elementary School; Whitefish Middle School; Whitefish High School; Whitefish Independent High School . F: (406) 730-2176, 600 East 2nd St.