She taught Education Through Music classes for teachers throughout the state. They have an 8 year old daughter who loves horseback riding and her friends. The opportunity for public comment and participation during a school board meeting is provided by attending the school board meeting in-person. Lengacher has long family ties to the valley as his inlaws have owned property on Flathead Lake for many years. It was just humbling and incredible the amount of initiation random people who wed never met took to reach out she recalled. 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!!! 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. Two incumbents, Darcy Schellinger and Elizabeth Pitman, are seeking reelection while three new candidates are also running. 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. Mrs. Kristine Yorba Secretary Web Accessibility Complaint Form Web Accessibility Statement. 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. Our community is experiencing unprecedented growth and this increase in population impacts our students and our staff. Students are expected to complete a rigorous academic program from kindergarten through grade 12. Morrow has been a dancer her whole life and also enjoys going to restaurants and reading in her free time. Ive been in senior leadership positions quite often and understand the difficulties presented, he explained. 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. 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. As far as how the school district handled the COVID-19 pandemic, Diehl said he supported the districts methodical approach to 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. While we cannot change the past, we have an opportunity to learn from our mistakes and build a better future. Transparency of politically charged curriculum is a must, but not enough. I feel like Im a really good listener; I like to listen to all perspectives before weighing in on a decision.. The Whitefish School District office at Central School downtown. Serving my community and being involved in building and shaping my community in positive ways is important to me. Dual credit for most classes is accepted by WHS for graduation purposes. Five candidates are running for the Whitefish School Board. Having a safe learning environment is paramount for our school districts staff and students. 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. ! 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. Staff - Whitefish Independent High School - The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community that engages each student to succeed in continuous learning, 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. $570,000. (Heidi Desch/Whitefish Pilot). Candidates listed in alphabetical order by last name: Occupation: Dentist (disabled due to a hand injury), stay-at-home mom. 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. 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.. 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. Board of Trustees Monthly Work Session. In my opinion, the most significant challenge is coming out of the pandemic both academically and emotionally. And just very subtly, but very intentionally took care of us.. Bulletin Board. Thats something she believes every child should have. that has not been submitted. 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). The School Board needs to engage with other community groups to find solutions for our housing issues. Superior ratings are common for individual and group performances during district and state events. Major emphasis at the elementary level focuses on strong reading, language and math skills. We had a week at an Airbnb in Whitefish and just absolutely fell in love with it, he said. 56 were here. First and foremost I just want to volunteer my time and energy to better the community, he said. Clubs and Activities - Whitefish Middle School Three years ago Lengacher and his family moved to Whitefish and chose this town specifically based on the size and the community. Various art shows have displayed student works across the county, state and at the national level. 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. A strong educational program K-12 exists for all students. 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. Ms. Rachel Anderson . Staff - Whitefish School District 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 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. History & Computer Coding Teacher. 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. Its time to bring back compassion, kindness and compromise to the table, fostering relationships along the way. Staff: Intramurals: 1: Student Store: 1: Whitefish Middle School Student Council: 1: Yearbook Club: 1: Web Accessibility Complaint Form Web . WHITEFISH SCHOOL DISTRICT - TalentEd Hire Students have a wide selection of elective programs to include pottery, drawing and painting. 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. And given his background in education, he feels like the Whitefish School Board would be a good fit. 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 real estate prices accelerate, finding affordable homes for school employees is becoming more difficult. Although she doesnt have any children of her own yet, she loves spending time with kids and volunteering in programs serving youth. Home - Overview - Whitefish School District But one main reason is to give back to the community. She also lived in Essex for a summer season working at the Snow Slip Inn in 2009. 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.. 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 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. Search: There is no staff matching your search criteria Administration. As far as how the school district handled the COVID-19 pandemic, Diehl said he supported the districts methodical approach to reopening schools. - The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community that engages each student to succeed in continuous learning, Diehl and his wife Amina have two teenage kids currently attending Whitefish Middle School. I do not envy those decisions they had to make, she said. Wfbschools.com - Whitefish Bay Schools | An Exceptional Place to Learn During the pandemic and these generally difficult times, young peoples mental health has suffered. Ms. Rachel Anderson . | She attended Whitman College and graduated from the University of Montana. PLEASE NOTE: All emails will be posted as public correspondence at the next school board business meeting. This can be done by continuing to responsibly spend covid funding to remedy these issues. 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. She said although her family felt they had roots in Whitefish long before that, the actions of the community solidified those feelings. Voices on all sides have felt unheard. 406-862-3505. 312 E. Second Street Other Staff (FTE) Total: 119.50 : Instructional Aides: 28.02: Instruc. An injury ended her professional dancing career, but opened up the opportunity to move somewhere new and start a dance school. I think the next step is allowing kids to go to school without wearing masks, we need to work towards that goal.. Spring programs consist of track & field, tennis and softballBulldog state track titles - boys (8), girls (3)Tennis state titles - boys (7), girls (1). 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. Family: Husband Kyle is a Whitefish High School alum, daughter seventh grade at Whitefish Middle School, and son fourth grade at Muldown Elementary. 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. As an accomplished soccer player, I have helped local soccer teams by assisting in coaching. 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 High School (Enter less keywords for more results. Location: Whitefish School District Board Room 600 East Second Street Whitefish, MT 59937 Staff. Choices of program include orchestra, band and the drum line. 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. She and her husband, Ray, both taught in the Whitefish schools for their entire teaching careers. 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. And I feel well informed just given the proximity to my wifes work.. Student must have advanced computer skills for on-line success with VHS offerings. Her favorite part of serving the community in this volunteer role is getting to visit the schools and see learning in action. 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. Show Calendar. 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. Whitefish, MT 59937 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. Over the last year, Lengacher says he supports the decisions the board made regarding reopening schools during the pandemic. Ive always been interested in the educational and artistic development of children. My concern lies with the willingness of the board to step on the rights of parents. P: (406) 862-8650 Students also have the option of attending Flathead Valley Community College by taking classes of their choice in the Running Start program. Drama students in both the middle and high school have opportunities to participate in one act plays, full production plays, and may be viewed by students and by the community alike on several performance dates. In the 2022 Whitefish School District election, there are five trustee candidates running for two open positions. 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. She says she always had a desire to get into local politics and government and knows she has a lot to offer in the role. 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 am running for reelection as there is a direct correlation between high student achievement outcomes and low board member turnover. Previously served on the Whitefish Rotary board, Childrens House Montessori and Flathead Youth Home boards. Yes, take me to my job application. 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 use of multiple assessment tools has vastly improved curriculum offerings and the instructional methods used to reach students at all levels of learning. I will strive to bring creative solutions to ensure fair and just policy, and reject policies that create more problems. 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. Suicide rates have increased. Post administrative/clerical jobs for free; apply online for Education / School Secretary job Montana, USA. Several students have displayed their skills and talents by playing in the Glacier Symphony and Chorale which performs across the Flathead County. WHITEFISH SCHOOL DISTRICT 600 East Second Street Whitefish, MT 59937 4068628640 4068621507 . 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.. 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. Mission - The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community Ray and Jerrie directed the American Field Service (AFS) exchange student program in Montana for many years. It has all the elements that makes it so appealing to all of us. Drama students continue to excel at our states Thespian Festival as an example great individual and group achievements. There should never be a policy void of faith and trust in the parents who love these children. 2022-2023 WSD School Calendar - Bulletin Board - Whitefish School District I believe the school district did the right thing in how they proceeded he said. With COVID and the influx of new people in Whitefish, she sees that the community togetherness is starting to become divisive. Time: 6:00 PM. Elementary Principal (Beginning 23/24) Job in Whitefish, MT at Mission - The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community that engages each student to succeed in . The high school is almost at student capacity with the growth of our community. 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. 1118 East 7th St., Ive been in senior leadership positions quite often and understand the difficulties presented, he explained. Bennetts and her family moved to the Flathead Valley in 2004, then settled into Whitefish 10 years later. But in addition to those interests, Lengacher has an even stronger passion to serve in the local community. DECA is the youngest activity at WHS with students taking several honors across the state and a national championship that included international competitors. I do not envy those decisions they had to make, she said. In addition to her work with schools, she also has experience in mediation. The foundation has received several donations from Alumni, business leaders, and other individuals who value education and have provided gifts of stock, bonds, estate holdings and other financial resources. Muldown Elementary School; Whitefish Middle School; Whitefish High School; Whitefish Independent High School . 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. Search: There is no staff matching your search criteria Teachers. She also works full time as a pediatric physical therapist at Montana Childrens in Kalispell. To view and listen to the School Board Meeting, a video link will be available the day of meeting. School board trustee candidates share perspectives - Whitefish Pilot A Whitefish native, Elizabeth has called Whitefish home for 38 years. The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community, Center for Sustainability and Entrepreneurship. Whitefish School Board Meetings are held in the school board meeting room at 600 East Second Street, Whitefish, Montana. 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. I understand the importance of working as a team and invite differences in opinion which results in more creative problem-solving. Any chance I get I love to spend time with children Children are always the center of my life, she said. - The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community that engages each student to succeed in continuous learning, 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. Being so close with the work she does, he supports the data-driven approach that the school district took. 200 Stageline Dr, Whitefish, MT 59937. We have lost sight of the value in bringing people together rather than driving them apart. Being so close with the work she does, he supports the data-driven approach that the school district took. (Courtesy photos) Editor's note: This story originally ran in the April 14, 2021 edition of the Whitefish Pilot. Their son Porter attends Muldown Elementary. Whitefish, MT 59937 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. David Diehl is a retired U.S. Air Force command pilot and colonel who moved his family to Whitefish in July 2020. 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. The 2021 Whitefish School Board Trustee Candidates are Quincy Bennetts, David Diehl, Leanette Kearns, Todd Lengacher and Emily Morrow. 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. 6th Grade and Intervention Teacher. Especially in Whitefish, it's a small community so your actions can have a direct and immediate impact.. One of the really important things to me has been understanding how much relationships matter and how we treat each other matters, she said. I think they did a really good job of managing an impossible situation.. 2022-2023 WSD School Calendar. 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. Although originally from Dallas, she was living in Las Vegas and was a dancer for Cirque du Soleil. Elizabeth is a Veterinarian at Alpine Animal Hospital in Whitefish. F: (406) 862-8664, 1143 E. 4th St. 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. Ill show up prepared and do the very best I can to represent all the needs of the varying parties.. Each building has a PTA Volunteer Coordinator who would gladly assist you with your unique skills that may be shared with staff and students. 2010 saw our first national 1st place winner in the category of Hospitality and Tourism. 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. 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. F: (406) 862-2586, 1143 E. 4th St., And just very subtly, but very intentionally took care of us.. But now I think its time to continue along the same path in whatever the community and school district decide is the next marker. The queer community has become a targeted group recently and this should be addressed at the district level. 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. 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. The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community, Center for Sustainability and Entrepreneurship. The election will be held on May 3 at the Whitefish School District Board Room, 600 East Second Street. Staff - Whitefish Middle School MA Technology and Learning WGU. There is no staff matching your search criteria Administration. I bring accountability, when I tell someone Im going to do something, I do it; it doesnt matter if it feels uncomfortable.. Whitefish Bay Schools | An Exceptional Place to Learn | Whitefish Bay Bennetts grew up in Great Falls and her father was a school teacher for 40 years. 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. P: (406) 862-8688 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.. All parents are encouraged to attend and become active members regardless of the grade of your child. I will continue to promote open and honest communication, enrichment for students and mental health programs. Her oldest daughter will start at Muldown in the fall. You have an incomplete application for 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. Mr. Josh Branstetter Principal Mr. Tyler Jones Assistant Principal Teachers. Prior to becoming a trustee I actively attended Whitefish School District board meetings and work sessions. PLEASE NOTE: All emails will be posted as public correspondenceat the next school board business meeting. Todd Lengacher has a vast amount of experience in education coupled with a strong desire to be involved in the community and local schools. 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. Staff - Whitefish School District 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.. 312 E. Second Street Its why I am on the board of CRYJ, why I became a Girl Scout leader, and why I am giving my time and energy to work on a play about social issues in our community. 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. 600 East 2nd St. Whitefish, MT 59937 . 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. 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. 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. Leanette Kearns has an understanding of schools and the challenges teachers, staff and students face daily. However, I dont claim my diverse perspective is what qualifies me alone for this position. 406-862-3505. Current trustees Ruth Harrison and Betsy Kohnstamm both decided not to run for reelection. An excellent tradition exists for all Whitefish High School athletic/activities programs. The Whitefish School District office at Central School downtown. 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. 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. Whitefish High School. It reminded me of home people waved to me, they were friendly, they were genuine, she said. After living in a few different locations they came back to Whitefish in 2003. I think they did a really good job of managing an impossible situation.. 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. And in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic, Morrow supports the way the district handled reopening schools. $790,000. 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.