2010 Back to School Directory

We are pleased to announce the arrival of FAMILY PHYSICIAN

Dr. Phil Haggerty and

FAMILY NURSE PRACTITIONER

Susan Reynolds

Fees for appointments will be on a sliding fee scale, which will be based on household size and income.

303 North 3rd Street, Hamilton to schedule an appointment call

363-5056

Appointments for all ages including SPORTS PHYSICALS Insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, HEALTHY MONTANA KIDS ACCEPTED

Ravalli Republic, Thursday, August 26, 2010 – Page 3

Table of Contents 4 6 9 10 12 13 14 16 17

Corvallis High School Victor School Stevensville Elementary School Stevensville High High Stevensville Junior School Lone Rock School Florence-Carlton High School Florence-Carlton Middle School Florence-Carlton Elementary School

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Darby Elementary, Junior High School Darby High School Washington Elementary School Grantsdale Elementary School Daly Elementary School Hamilton High School Hamilton Middle School Corvallis Primary School Edna Thomas Middle School

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Page 4 – Ravalli Republic, Thursday, August 26, 2010

Darby Elementary and Junior High School

209 School Drive, Darby 59829 Phone: 821-3643 • Web site: www.darby.k12.mt.us Principal: Loyd Rennaker Enrollment K-8: 200 Teachers: 15 First day of school: Aug. 30 Last day of school: June 3 Darby School Superintendent: Tim Bronk Who’s New: Nicole Anson, special education.

What’s New: Principal Loyd Rennaker said Darby will continue with the same program it had in place last year.

The Response to Intervention

program, which identifies students who are lagging in areas critical to standardized testing and then offers a variety of intervention programs to bring their scores up, was very helpful last year, Rennaker said.

The teaching staff remains the same size, though there was a small decline in enrollment.

That predicament, which has plagued Darby in recent years, should begin to abate, Rennaker said.

“I think we’re going to level off at about 200 kids and that’s

where we’re going to stay,” he said. “That’s what the foreseeable future should be.”

Scott Marsh will have his first full year as the physical education teacher and Chris Toynee will have his first full year as the math specialist, a switch that has provided the school with a nice boost, Rennaker said.

Darby schools wil have an open house for students and their families on Friday, Aug. 27 from 1–3 p.m.

Darby School Calendar August Aug. 16: First day high school football/volleyball/cross country practice Aug. 24: New student registration Aug. 25-27: PIR days Aug. 30: First day of school

September Sept. 2-6: No school/County Fair and Labor Day Sept. 8-11: Homecoming weekend

October Oct. 22-22: No school/PIR days Oct. 29: End of quarter 1

Nov. 16: High school fall sports awards Nov. 25-26: No school/ Thanksgiving break

December

March Mar. 14-18: CRT Testing week March 15: High school winter sports awards Mar. 19: High School Prom Mar. 25: End of quarter 3 Mar. 31: Parent/Teacher conferences – 4-7 p.m.

Dec. 7: Music concert junior high/high school and sixth grade band Dec. 9: Music concert K-3 6:30 p.m./4-6 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 20-Dec. 31: No school/ Holiday Break

April

January

May

Jan. 21: End of quarter 2/ Semester 1 Jan. 24: Early release/Students out at 1 p.m.

May 10: Music concert – K-5 May 12: Music concert – High school/junior high and sixth grade band May 24: High school sports awards dinner/Spring sports awards (Continued page 7)

November

February

Nov. 4: Parent/Teacher conferences /school’s out at 1 p.m.

Feb. 21: No school/President’s Day

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Page 6 – Ravalli Republic, Monday, Thursday, August 26, 2010

Darby High School

209 School Drive, Darby 59829 Phone 821-3643 www.darby.k12.mt.us Principal: Jennifer Burdette Enrollment: 112 Teachers: 14 First day of school: Aug. 30 Last day of school: June 3 Darby School Superintendent: Tim Bronk Who’s New: Sabrina Lamb, vocational ag; Alex Petrusaitis, music; Shelley Peters, counselor.

What’s New: The Darby High School industrial technology program has been retooled with a focus on agriculture, something that will dovetail well with the

weed grant program students are already participating in through the local Montana State University extension program.

Principal Jennifer Burdette said the program will still involve the machine shop and wood shop skills, but the courses would direct those efforts toward areas that touch on the farming and ranching industry. Animal husbandry will also be featured.

The school day is now a straight six period schedule, doing away with the floating seventh period and allowing students to focus more on core classes, Burdette

said. The trade-off is that students will have less elective requirements to graduate.

“For me, this is a bonus because it allows us to look at having more teacher contact and time for core classes,” Burdette said.

The music program will add a drum line, something Alex Petrusaitis helped get rolling as a student teacher with FlorenceCarlton.

Darby schools will have an open house for students and their families on Friday, Aug. 27 from 1–3 p.m.

Ravalli Republic, Thursday, August 26, 2010 – Page 7

Calendar May May 29: High school graduation – 3 p.m.

May 30: Memorial Day/No school

June June 2: 8th grade promotion – 6 p.m.

June 3: Last day of school/1 p.m. release June 4: Half PIR Day **Some Event Dates to be Added Later; Some Event Dates and/or Times may be Subject to Change

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Page 8 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ravalli Republic, Thursday, August 26, 2010

Hamilton schools ready for a great year DUBY SANTEE Superintendent

Welcome to the new school year! The start of school is always filled with excitement and anticipation. From kindergarten to the senior in high school, the coming year provides opportunities to renew friendships, meet new friends and new teachers. The district will welcome nine new teachers to Hamilton this year: Elizabeth Degenstein, Washington Primary; Jeff Michalek, Daly Elementary; Shawn Goll, Middle School; Amy Brintnall, High School; Jennifer Tucker, Daly Elementary; Jonathan Martin, Grantsdale Elementary; Hauna Trenerry, High School; Kirsten Morasko, Daly Elementary; and Ryan Shupp, High School.

The first day of class for kindergarten through ninth grade is Tuesday, Sept. 7. A change in the normal schedule this year is that the ninth graders will be the only grade in attendance at the high school on Sept. 7. The Kindergarten Sneak Peak and Orientation is August 30, 5 p.m. at Washington School.

The building offices will open beginning Monday, August 23 at 9 a.m. Supply information and registration information will be available from each of the building offices. The District Office, located at 217 Daly Avenue, is open daily 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The bus schedule is posted on the district web site: hsd3.org. A written copy is available at the District Office, 217 Daly Avenue.

There are no significant changes in the bus schedule from last year. Plan to have your children at the bus stop at least five minutes before the pick-up time. The buses usually run late on the first day. We ask for your patience as everyone learns the schedule. The Hamilton district contracts with

Majestic Bus Service for its school bus needs. Questions regarding the schedule should be directed to Majestic Bus Service, 375-9180.

Hot lunch will be served the first day of school. We received lots of compliments on our new and improved menu last spring.

We look forward to providing scrumptious and nutritious meals again this year. The cost remains the same as last year. Please check with the individual buildings for details.

The Hamilton School District has a vast array of programs designed to help students succeed. Students with disabilities are served through the excellent Special Education Department.

The Response to Intervention (RTI) program in the elementary schools provides individualized student progress plans in reading and math. Hamilton Middle School adheres to the student-centered middle school philosophy in making programming choices. Ask what is best for

students and you have touched the pulse of Hamilton Middle School. Hamilton High School is a comprehensive high school meeting the needs of a diverse student population. The curriculum offers a rigorous core of academic classes, world languages, fine arts, and vocational/technical arts.

Extra-curricular programs abound and there is something for everyone. Student test scores are well above the state average on the state test and other standardized measures. The Keystone to Discovery program is the districtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s after school program. Located in the Westview Center, Keystone offers students in grades k-8 a variety of academic and recreational classes and field trips.

The highly qualified staff of the Hamilton School District is ready to serve the students in the coming year. Working in partnership with parents and the community, the staff is committed to preparing students for life and work in the 21st Century.

Ravalli Republic, Thursday, August 26, 2010 – Page 9

Washington Elementary School

225 N. Fifth Street, Hamilton 59840 Phone: 363-2144 www.hsd3.org Principal: Shawna Kientz Enrollment: 211 Teachers: 13 First day of school: Sept. 7 Last day of school: June 3 Hamilton School Superintendent: Duby Santee What’s new: Kindergarten Sneak Peek and Orientation – when the summer season comes to an end and officials at Hamilton’s kindergarten-and-firstgrade-only elementary school return to prepare for the new

school year, they begin tallying the incoming youngsters.

So far, about 50 kindergarten students are signed up to start their academic careers at Washington, though when the school opens its doors to parents for a kindergarten orientation on Aug. 30 there will likely be a few more late additions to the merry bunch of newcomers.

In an attempt to ease the transition to all-day school, the wideeyed kindergartners and their parents are being given the chance

to drop by the school so they can get a sense of the routine they will experience when school gets underway after Labor Day. The 5 p.m. event will offer a chance to see the classrooms and meet teachers, as well as learn about buses and try out the lunchroom.

There is one new teacher at Washington School this year: Elizabeth Degenstein will join the staff as a kindergarten teacher.

Page 10 – Ravalli Republic, Monday, Thursday, August 26, 2010

Grantsdale Elementary School

778 Grantsdale Rd., Hamilton 59840 Phone: 363-1889 www.hsd3.org Principal: Kathleen Dent Enrollment: 90 students Classroom teachers: 4 Special education teacher: 1 Title 1 teacher: 1 First day of school: Sept. 8 Last day of school: June 3 Hamilton School District Superintendent: Duby Santee What’s new: The chickens are back in Grantsdale.

The four young buff-colored chickens raised by third graders last year will be back as the chicken designees at Grantsdale, said Principal Kathleen Dent.

You can learn a lot from a chicken, it turns out.

Students at Grantsdale learn concepts like responsibility as they take turns caring for them and collecting eggs. They can also learn about proper nutrition, exactly where it is that food comes from, the history

of the valley and farming and rural lifestyles.

“Plus,” she said, “It’s fun.”

Also this year, students at Grantsdale will begin the classroom breakfast program. Once the operation gets going a few weeks after school begins, all students will get breakfast in the classroom. The aim is to make sure students start the day with a healthy meal. Having the meal in the classroom means students can get on with their day more quickly than when they had it in the cafeteria.

Also new this year is Jonathan Martin, a special education teacher, who replaces an outgoing instructor. He is from Washington.

As with many other districts, students at Grantsdale this year will focus on the foundations of math.

“The biggest area is number sense and operations,” Dent said. “It’s things like understanding place value and addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and on down.”

Ravalli Republic, Thursday, August 26, 2010 – Page 11

Hamilton School District Calendar August 26-27: Alternate PIR days 30-31: PIR days

September 6: Labor Day 7: First day of school 29: Teacher workday - Full day (no school)

24-26: Thanksgiving break (no school)

December 23: Early Out 24 and 27-31: Winter break (no school)

January

21-22: Statewide PIR days (no school)

3: First day of school after winter break 26: Records day and (half) Evening PIR Day 28: End of 2nd quarter

November

February

October

12: End of 1st Quarter 17: Early out 17-18: Parent /Teacher conferences

9: Early out 21: President’s Day (no school)

March 18: Teacher workday - Full day (no school)

April 1: End of 3rd quarter 6: Early out 6-7: Parent/Teacher conferences 22: Spring break

May 11: Early out 30: Memorial Day

June 3: Last day of school /Early out 4: (half) PIR Day PIR = Pupil Instruction Related Staff Training Day

Page 12 – Ravalli Republic, Thursday, August 26, 2010

Daly Elementary School

208 Daly Ave, Hamilton 59840 Phone: 363-2122 www.hsd3.org Principal: Eric Larson Enrollment: 370 Teachers: 24 First day of school: Sept. 7 Last day of school: June 3 Hamilton School Superintendent: Duby Santee What’s new: Daly Elementary Principal Eric Larson said the school is going to stay the course with the take-personal-responsibility ethic that Daly worked to instill with the Mustang Pride program it initiated last year.

“We’re going to pick up where we left off with Mustang Pride and keep it going because it really took off last year,” Larson said. “We really want our students to understand that they are part of something that’s bigger than themselves.”

The goal has always been to have teachers work toward the creation of life-long learners, Larson said.

And that will continue to be a mantra in the coming year.

On the flip side of things, Larson said he hopes to also bring a message out to the community at large, communicating that the students and teachers in his school are partners with the community to ensure a prosperous future for all.

“These kids live in town and their families shop at local businesses,” Larson said. “And someday, these students are going to be running those businesses.”

New teachers: Jeff Michalek will teach second grade, as will Kirsten Morasko, while Jennifer Tucker will be teaching special education classes.

Ravalli Republic, Thursday, August 26, 2010 – Page 13

Hamilton High School

327 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton 59840 Phone: 375-6060 • www.hsd3.org Principal: Kevin Conwell Enrollment: 520 Classroom teachers: 38 Specialty teachers: 2 Mascot: Broncs First day of school for freshman: Sept. 7 First day of school for everyone else: Sept. 8 Hamilton School District superintendent: Duby Santee, 363-2280 What’s new: Hamilton High School will have three new teachers this year.

Amy Brintnall will be the new fam-

ily and consumer sciences teacher.

She is a 2006 Hamilton High School graduate, and she attended the University of Idaho. Brintnall will also be the new cheerleading coach.

Hauna Trenerry will be teaching Spanish. She most recently taught in Bigfork, and she graduated from Carroll College in Helena. She is originally from Columbia Falls.

Ryan Shupp will be teaching English. He most recently taught in California, but lately he has been managing the family-owned Chief Joseph guest ranch near Darby.

Hamilton High School principal

Kevin Conwell said this year the school is hosting a freshman-only day for the first day of school on Sept. 7.

“It’s something unique that we are doing to help that transition,” he said. “It’s a full day for the incoming freshman only, and everybody else will come the following day and get started.”

Hamilton High School is also implementing a new teacher evaluation process this year called the Professional Growth and Assessment Process.

“We are very excited to be starting that,” Conwell said.

Page 14 – Ravalli Republic, Thursday, August 26, 2010

Hamilton Middle School

209 S. Fifth Street, Hamilton 59840 Phone: 363-2121 www.hsd3.org Principal: Sharon Andersen Enrollment: 358 Classroom teachers: 25 Teacher’s aids: 9 Mascot: Colts First day of school: Sept. 7 Last Day of School: June 3 Hamilton School District superintendent: Duby Santee What’s New: Sharon Andersen will be temporarily filling in for principal Dan Kimzey while he serves with the U.S. military. Assistant principal Toby Stack will be the athletic director. Anderson hails from Dillon, so she is familiar with southwestern Montana.

There will be an open house to welcome the public to the Middle School on Sept. 21 at 5 p.m. Stack said a focus of the school this year will be on new technology.

“The majority of our focus will be the use of technology,” he said. “With the use of Voyager for math and MyAccess for language arts. We want to get our kids proficient in technology. We will focus on the dangers of today’s technology, like MySpace and Facebook and all that. We want the kids to use technology in a responsible manner.”

Stack said that pending board approval, there will be a new geography teacher and a new 8th-grade science teacher this year. There will also be some changes within the English department.

“We have also brought back the All-Valley 8thgrade tournaments for volleyball and basketball,” Stack said. “It’s a great thing for the kids, and all it really costs us is the price of some trophy’s. It’s really a good thing to have those back.”

The school hasn’t added or dropped any significant programs, Stack said.

Ravalli Republic, Thursday, August 26, 2010 – Page 15

Hamilton High School dates to remember Sept. 1 Senior registration at 11:30 a.m.

Junior registration at 2:30 p.m.

Sept. 2 Sophomore registration at 8 a.m.

Freshman registration at 10 a.m.

New student registration (or by appt.) at 1 p.m.

Sept. 4 HHS closed – Ravalli County Fair

Sept. 7 First day for freshman only at 8:15 a.m.

Sept. 8 First day of classes for all students (9-12) at 8:15 a.m.

Sept. 29 Teacher workday – No school

Oct. 21-22 Statewide PIR days – No school

Nov. 17 Early out

Nov. 17-18 Fall parent/teacher conferences

Nov. 24-26 Thanksgiving Break

Dec. 23 Early out

Dec. 24 and 27-31 Winter Break

Feb. 9 Early out

Feb. 21 President’s Day

March 18 Teacher workday – No school

April 6 Early out

April 6-7 Spring parent/ teacher conferences

April 22 Spring Break

May 11 Early out

May 30 Memorial Day

June 3 Last day of school

Page 16 – Ravalli Republic, Thursday, August 26, 2010

Corvallis Primary School 1020 Eastside Highway, Corvallis 59828 Phone: 961-3261 www.corvallis.k12. mt.us Principal: Janice Stranahan Enrollment: 446 Teachers: 35 First day of school: Sept. 7 Last day of school: June 10 Corvallis Superintendent: Monte Silk Who’s New: Sandy Squillace, kindergarten; Julia White, kindergarten; Patty Healy, third grade; Monica Wilson, fourth grade.

What’s New: To accommodate all the littlest students, the school has added one classroom to its kindergarten this year, up from four last year.

Russ Hendrickson has moved into a full-time tech position, giving up the parttime duties he previously had as vice principal.

Lisa Nagel will take the roll of afternoon disciplinarian, shifting over from her mornings as a second grade teacher to take on the role of dean of students in the afternoon, when a little extra help is often needed to keep a lid on things.

“Things do kind of ramp up right around lunch,” Stranahan said. “Kids are out for about a half an hour and they start to wake up and that’s the point we can have some excitement and potential conflicts. So we want to be ready.”

Ravalli Republic, Thursday, August 26, 2010 – Page 17

Edna Thomas Middle School

1045 Eastside Highway, Corvallis 59828 Phone: 961-3007 www.corvallis.k12.mt.us Principal: Rich Durgin Enrollment: 422 Teachers: 36 First day of school: Sept. 7 Last day of school: June 10 Corvallis Superintendent: Monte Silk Who’s New: Zane Warnken, eighth-grade math; Jenifer Powell, language arts.

What’s New: The afterschool program that began last year for seventh and eighth graders with a 21st Century Learning Grant will be expanded this year to include students from fifth grade through 12th.

The expansion is a major plus for the school, said Principal Rich Durgin.

“It was successful last year and it marked the first time we’ve really had a formal afterschool program with busing and an afterschool staff,” Durgin said.

The school is also moving away from the block schedule in favor of having 60 minute core classes that will provide teachers a chance to see their students every day.

“That is important at the middle school level, especially important in the math and language arts classes,” Durgin said.

There will also be a new math lab, with the express purpose of helping students who show weakness in math testing.

Finally, the school is set to be home to a new mobile computer lab featuring 28 laptops.

Page 18 – Ravalli Republic, Thursday, August 26, 2010

Corvallis High School

1045 Eastside Highway, Corvallis 59828 Phone: 961-3201 www.corvallis.k12.mt.us Principal: Jason Wirt Enrollment: 461 Teachers: 38 First day of school: Sept. 7 Last day of school: June 10 Corvallis Superintendent: Monte Silk Who’s New: Jason Wirt, principal; Tyson Tucker, vice principal; Allison Neils, biology and Classroom Without Walls; Alyce Leonardi, business and computer technology; Brett Shelagowski,

integrated science and fisheries biology; Sara Windsor, Title 1.

What’s New: A new head honcho typically means the whole program will have a somewhat different feel, but Jason Wirt, who is moving over from the vice principal’s job into the top spot, said he plans to keep the school rolling along on the steady course it’s held in recent years.

The honor of taking over a school that has seen such solid

performance over the years can be a bit overwhelming, Wirt said.

“But knowing the staff and the community and the kids, that always helps,” he said.

The main difference for Wirt will be a move away from being known as the enforcer and toward the role of heading up the instructional side of things.

“It used to be that ‘go to Mr. Wirt’s office’ was a negative thing,” he said. “Hopefully this year I can make it a positive thing.

Ravalli Republic, Thursday, August 26, 2010 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Page 19

Corvallis School District calendar August 26-27: AlternAte PIR Days 30-31: PIR Orientation & In-service

at 2-6 pm ALL SCHOOLS 17: Early out â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1/3 PIR Day 18: Parent/teacher conferences at 5:30-7:30 pm MS/HS 24-26: Thanksgiving break

September

December

7: First day of school

October 21,22: MEA Days (PIR) 27: Early out â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1/3 PIR Day

November 5: 1st Quarter Ends 16: Parent/teacher conferences at 5:30-7:30 pm PRIMARY 17: Parent/teacher conferences

16: Early out â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1/3 PIR Day 23-31: Winter break

January 21: 2nd quarter ends 21: Early out â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1/3 PIR Day

February

March 16: Early out â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1/3 PIR Day

April 1: 3rd quarter ends 1: Early out â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1/3 PIR Day 18-22: Spring break

May 25: Early out â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1/3 PIR Day 30: Memorial Day â&#x20AC;&#x201C; No school

June 10: Last day of school

9: Early out â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1/3 PIR Day 21: Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day - No school

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The first day of school, Sept. 7, will involve an orientation for the freshmen only, with the 10th, 11th and 12th graders starting up one day later.

Finally, the board of trustees raised the bar for graduation, adding a year of science to the core credits required.

To make that work, the school has added to its science offerings with fisheries biology, alternative energy, and ecology and anatomy/physiology growing to year-long courses.

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Page 20 – Ravalli Republic, Thursday, August 26, 2010

Victor School

425 4th Avenue, Victor 59875 Phone: 642-3221 • www.victor.k12.mt.us Principal: Dan Johnston Enrollment: 345 Teachers: 28 First day of school: Sept. 7 Last day of school: June 9 Victor School Superintendent: Orville Getz What’s New: Like many other schools in the county, Victor will be placing a heavy emphasis on the foundations of mathematics this year.

“What we want to do is not leave any child behind,” said Victor Principal Dan Johnston. “If a child is struggling we want to find where they are having trouble and address that as soon as possible.

We are very excited about this change and this new

focus.”

With foundations in place, students will be better prepared for middle and high school math, Johnston said.

Johnson said the school is offering courses from the Montana Digital Academy to high school students. Information is available at www.montanadigitalacademy.org. The academy will offer 45 courses in its online curriculum so students can broaden their horizons, Johnson said. Classes this year are free; offerings run the gamut from chemistry to Chinese to current issues in government.

There are no new teachers this year, though there have been some class switches.

Ravalli Republic, Thursday, August 26, 2010 – Page 21

Victor School ready for students’ return ORVILLE GETZ Victor Superintendent

School will begin on Tuesday, Sept. 7. School will start at 8:15 a.m. and end at 4:15 p.m.; running Monday through Thursday of each week. The first day of school will be a full day with lunch and breakfast being served.

Following the start of school, we will have open house. This will be a time for you to meet you students’ teachers. This will be held on Thursday, Sept. 30 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. We hope you will mark your calendar and attend.

The staff has been working very hard getting the school ready for the fall start. Routine maintenance is being conducted. The new parking lots are striped and ready for use.

Student parking will be in the same general areas as in previous years.

Staff changes have been minimal. Mrs. Ioder will be moving to 2nd grade. We will have two 2nd grades this year.

The teachers will be Mrs. Davis and Mrs. Ioder. Mr. Arvish will be a new 6th grade teacher.

Other potential changes may take place as the summer progresses. We will let you know what these changes might be as quickly as we decide how we will handle the influx of new students.

We are offering courses from the Montana Digital Academy for our High School students. MTDA Enrollment information is available to

local schools on the website located at www.montanadigitalacademy.org. Home School students may participate by registering at their local District. The academy will offer 45 separate courses online.

These offerings will give our students opportunities to expand their horizons. The courses offered are free of charge for this year.

Parents of middle and high school students who have internet access can check their student’s progress weekly at the website (www.victor.k12. mt.us). Other information is available, including menus, supply lists, teacher contacts, student handbooks, calendars, sports schedules, wellness policy and forms as well as other links. This information can also be picked up in hard copy at the main office. The main office is open MondayThursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Homecoming will be held on Saturday, Oct. 16. The football game will begin on Saturday at 1 p.m. Volleyball matches will be played the same day beginning at 5:30 p.m. The parade will be held prior to the game starting at 11 a.m.

I hope each of you have had a wonderful summer. We are looking forward to serving our community, students and parents in a positive manner. Please feel free to call the school regarding any questions you may have. Our phone number is 642-3221.

Victor Calendar September

7: First day of school 17: Teachers In-Service 30: Open house (5:30-7:30 p.m.)

October 16: Homecoming 21-22: MEA/PIR Day (No school)

November 4: End of 1st quarter 11-12: Parent/teacher conferences 24: Thanksgiving vacation 25: Thanksgiving

December 10: 2nd quarter mid-term 23: Winter break begins (No school)

January 3: School in session 17: Martin Luther King Day (School in session) 20: End of 2nd quarter - End of 1st semester 21: Teachers In-Service

February 21: President’s Day (No school)

March 3-4: Parent/teacher conferences 24: End of 3rd quarter

April 18-24: Spring break begins

May 30: Memorial Day (No school)

June 5: Graduation 1 p.m.

7: 8th Grade Promotion 3 p.m.

9: End of 4th Quarter/2nd Semester Last student day

Page 22 – Ravalli Republic, Thursday, August 26, 2010

Construction theme for the year in Stevi KENT KULTGEN Stevensville School Superintendent

Construction, construction, construction.

That is the topic of conversation and seemingly the focal point of Stevensville Schools this year.

This past year has been a whirlwind of meetings aimed at assessing our needs, gathering public input and then working with a team of professionals to turn these ideas into reality. Every aspect of our building project has centered on the education of our youth, from acoustics to ventilation to lighting, all have been engineered to create the very best learning environment for our students.

This same attention to detail will guide the educational process through the physical interruption of the construction process. As exciting as the construction may seem, it is the day to day education of our children that is the real focus.

There are many exciting changes in store for the students of Stevensville Schools. Some changes are due to the construction, others are results of our continual effort to offer a high standard of education.

Other news this years includes: • Stevensville district welcomes four new teachers this year, Cejay Morrell, kindergarten, Chanda Gum, kindergarten, Elizabeth Telago, elementary counselor, and Brandon Day, high school science.

• The elementary implemented a summer school program that just completed its inaugural session.

Next summer the program will expand to include more students.

• Grades 7-12 will introduce the Advisory or Jacket Program, which is a daily 30-minute class that strives to connect each student with a staff member and through a detailed curriculum will focus on life, career and reading skills.

• The grades 7-12 morning tutoring program that began last year

will continue throughout this academic year.

• The school day was lengthened by 30 minutes and will now go from 8:15 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., allowing school to release on May 6, 2011, thus maximizing next summer’s construction season.

• The procedure of picking up and dropping of students will be a big change. Buses will drop off students on Philips Street, allowing elementary students to go directly to the playground. Grades 7-12 will walk to their respective part of the campus. Parents who drop off their children will be directed to do so on the west side of the playground on Park Street.

• For student pick-up after school, buses will be parked on the north side of Philips Street . Parents are asked to pick up their students on the west side of the playground on Park Street. There will be additional staff for supervision and guidance to assist with this new procedure.

• Breakfast in the Classroom is a

program that will be implemented this year for all students K-6. This program allows all students the opportunity to start their day with a nutritious meal. Students grades 7-12 will have the opportunity to pick up a sack breakfast.

All parents and community members are asked to keep in close contact with the school as we work together to accommodate construction this year. More changes are expected as proposed changes are tweaked and unforeseen challenges arise.

The district has implemented a K-12 automated calling system to get out information in a timely manner. This program was used in the high school last year with great success and is now district wide.

This coming year will be a challenging yet exciting year for the students of Stevensville Schools.

Please stay in close communications with your child’s teacher and principal as together, we will make this a successful year for each student.

Ravalli Republic, Thursday, August 26, 2010 – Page 23

Stevensville School District Calendar FIRST QUARTER Aug. 30, 31, Sept. 1,2 (Mon.Thurs) Professional Development 4 Sept. 7(Tues.) First Day of School (2:45 Student release) Sept. 10 (Fri.) 1:45 Student release Inservice Sept. 21 (Tues) Open House– 6:00-8:00, 2:45 Early Out ½ Book Fair 6:00-8:00 Sept. 30. (Thurs.)

Midquarter - Grades due 4:15 PM on Oct. 4 Oct. 1 (Fri.) 1:45 Student release Inservice Oct. 21-22 (Thurs.-Fri.) Staff Development 2 Oct. 29 (Fri) Last Day 1st Quarter Nov. 2 (Tues) Grades Due 4:15pm

SECOND QUARTER

Conference 4-7 1/2 Nov. 24 (Wed.) Midquarter - Grades due 4:15 PM on Nov. 30 Nov. 25-26 Thanksgiving Holiday (2:45 Early Out- Nov. 24) Dec. 3 (Fri.) 1:45 Student release Inservice Dec. 22 (Wed.) End of 2nd Quarter - 1:45 Student release Dec. 23-Dec. 31 Christmas Holiday (1:45 Early Out- Dec. 22)

THIRD QUARTER Jan. 3 Return to School Jan. 3 (Mon.) 1st Day of 3rd Quarter

Mar. 4 (Fri.) 1:45 Student release Inservice

Inservice Apr. 22 (Fri.) Easter Vacation

Mar. 4 (Fri.) End of 3rd Qtr.

Apr. 30 (Sat) Graduation - 1:00pm

Mar. 8 (Tues.) Grades due @ 4:15 PM

May 6 (Fri.) Last Day of School-12:00 Student Dismissal

FOURTH QUARTER Mar. 7 (Mon.) 1st Day of 4th Quarter Apr. 5 (Tues.)

Midquarter - Grades due 4:15 PM on Apr. 7

May 6 (Fri.) Post Record Day 1/2 Sept 7 - May 6 15 Professional Development Inservices

Apr. 1(Fri.) 1:45 Student release -

Willow Creek Physical Therapy Victor Physical Therapy

Jan. 7 (Fri.) 1:45 Student release Inservice - Grades Due Feb. 1 (Tues.)

Midquarter - Grades due 4:15 PM Feb. 3

Nov. 1 (Mon.) 1st Day 2nd Quarter

Feb. 4 (Fri.) 1:45 Student release Inservice

Nov. 5 (Fri.) 1:45 Student release Inservice

Feb. 9(Wed.) Student release 2:45 Conferences 4-7 1/2

Nov. 10 (Wed) Early student release 1:45 Conferences 2-5 1/2

Feb. 10 (Thurs.)

Student release 1:45Conference 2-5 1/2

Nov. 11 (Thurs) Early student release 2:45

Feb. 21 (Mon.) President’s Day

3 FREE

Physical Therapy Consultations for High School Sports Injuries (Parental consent required. Call for details.)

CORVALLIS / 1016 Brooks Avenue • 961-3841 (behind Ravalli County Bank)

VICTOR / 2386 Hwy 93 North • 642-9005

Page 24 – Ravalli Republic, Thursday, August 26, 2010

Stevensville Elementary School

300 Park Street, Stevensville, 59870-2603 Phone: 777-5481 • www.stevensvilleschool.net Principal: Jackie Mavencamp Enrollment: 458 Classroom teachers: 21 Mascot: Yellow Jackets First day of school: Sept. 8 Last day of school: June 11 Stevensville School District superintendent: Kent Kultgen, 777-5481 Who’s new: Chanda Gum, kindergarten; Cejay Morrell, kindergarten; Liz Talago, councilor.

What’s new: As with everywhere else on the Stevi schools campus, there will be a lot that is new, from schedules, to bussing, to midyear shifts in classroom locations.

“Our challenge is going to be making sure that we provide the

same level of academic instruction that we have in the past,” said Principal Jackie Mavencamp.

Because the school calendar has been tweaked to subtract some 20 days to accommodate construction, the staff has been working hard on their pacing charts to make sure they cover the material students need, Mavencamp said.

“We’ve already spent quite a bit of time working on those pacing charts last year and over the summer,” she added. “We have a really great experienced staff and I really feel confident that our kids are not going to suffer at all because of the shortened school year. I think we’ll handle it.”

Mavencamp said the push for academic excellence will simply

be business as usual, from districtwide efforts to improve writing skills and scores in math.

One thing that the staff is emphasizing this year, Mavencamp said, is their appreciation for the community’s support and patience as the new building goes forward.

There will be challenges, she added, the key is for people to understand that student safety will be the bottom line for all the new routines that work around construction.

“If people have concerns, let’s keep those lines of communication open,” Mavencamp said.

Ravalli Republic, Thursday, August 26, 2010 – Page 25

Stevensville High School 300 Park Street, Stevensville, 59870 Phone: 777-5481 www.stevensvilleschool.net Principal: Brian Gum Enrollment: 400 Classroom teachers: 30 Mascot: Yellowjackets First day of school: Sept. 7 Last day of school: May 6 Who’s New: Brandon Day will teach earth science and biology.

What’s New: Stevensville High School will unveil its new Jacket Program starting this fall.

The daily 30-minute advisory program is designed to create one-on-one connections between students and teachers, said Stevensville High School Principal Brian Gum. Initially the focus will be on reading skills and literacy building activities.

Eventually the program will help students develop life skills that could help in choosing a career.

This year’s freshmen will take the skills they learn through the program and create a senior project that should help guide them through the years following graduation.

“So graduation will not just focus on the success of graduating, but it will also be about where do students want to go from there,” Gum said. “What do they want to do with their lives?”

Gum said he didn’t know of any other Montana schools that have adopted the program.

“Stevensville High School is pioneering this piece,” he said.

Stevensville High made AYP this past year.

And it was honored by the Montana Behavioral Institute for excellence “I think we’re doing some really good things here,” Gum said.

An open house will be held on Sept. 21 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Page 26 – Ravalli Republic, Thursday, August 26, 2010

Stevensville Junior High School

300 Park Street, Stevensville, 59870-2603 Phone: 777-5481 www.stevensvilleschool.net Principal: Bob Connors Enrollment: 160 Classroom teachers: 18 Mascot: Yellowjackets First day of school: Sept. 7 Last day of school: May 6 What’s New: There will be a lot of changes in store for junior high students at Stevensville this year.

With the construction of a new building underway, students will be coming to school a little earlier and staying a little longer. The school day starts at 8:15 a.m. and ends at 3:45 p.m.

At the Christmas break, junior high students will move out of

their building into classrooms at the elementary. The Junior High building will be demolished.

“It is just what it is,” said Stevensville Junior High Principal Bob Connors. “We are going to just have to acknowledge it and move on. We can’t use it as an excuse … it should teach our students some life lesson. Things don’t always go in life as you have planned. We’ll just have to make the best out of a bad situation for a couple of months.”

The good news is the junior high met AYP this year.

“We are so excited about that,”

Connors said.

The school will be adding a couple of new programs this school year.

The program, “Utilizing the Seven Habits of Highly Successful Teens,” will focus on developing organizational skills. A new writing curriculum taught by UM’s Beverly Chin will also be implemented.

The school has an open house planned for Sept. 21 from 6 to 8 p.m. The annual book fair will be held at the same time.

“It will be a good time to take a look at the construction project too,” Connors said.

Ravalli Republic, Thursday, August 26, 2010 – Page 27

Lone Rock School Calendar August Aug. 30: Teacher orientation Aug. 31: Staff development

September Sept. 7: First day of school Sept. 15: Open house

October Oct. 21-22: IPD Convention (No School)

November Nov. 10: End of 1st quarter Nov. 11: Begin 2nd quarter Nov. 16: P/T conferences (Dismiss 1:15 p.m.)

April

Nov. 19: P/T conferences (Dismiss 1:15 p.m.)

Nov. 24-28: Thanksgiving

December Dec. 23 – Jan. 2: Christmas break (Dismiss 1:15 p.m. Dec. 22)

January Jan. 3: School resumes Jan. 26: End of 2nd quarter Jan. 27: Begin 3rd quarter

February Feb. 18-21 Winter Break

Apr. 1: End of 3rd quarter Apr. 4: Begin 4th quarter Apr. 14: P/T conferences (Dismiss 1:15 p.m.)

Apr. 18: P/T conferences (Dismiss 1:15 p.m.)

Apr. 22-25: Easter break

May May 30: Memorial Day

June June 3: 8th grade graduation (Last day) June 8: Post record day June 9: K 7 Last day of school

Bitterroot Valley Schools

Build Stong Minds

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Page 28 – Ravalli Republic, Thursday, August 26, 2010

Lone Rock School

1112 Three Mile Creek Road, Stevensville 59870 (406) 777-3314 • www.lonerockschool.org Principal: Tamara Lysons Enrollment: 270 Classroom teachers: 19 Mascot: Rockets First day of school: Sept. 7 Last day of school: June 9 Superintendent: David Cluff What’s New: Lone Rock School will welcome a new principal this year and welcome back a principal turned superintendent.

Dave Cluff took over the reins of the school after serving a stint as principal. Tamara Lysons – a former elementary teacher at Bonner – is the school’s new principal.

“She is going to be a great addition,” Cluff said. “Tamara’s focus will be on curriculum and instruction.”

Students will have the chance to show their parents around the schoolhouse on Wednesday, Sept. 15 at the annual open house.

“It’s generally a festive night,” Cluff said. “There usually are root beer floats delivered to teachers by students sometime during the evening.”

There will also be a presentation about the Excel Afterschool Program.

Celebrating its second year,

the program drew raves from students and teachers alike last year.

“It was sensational,” Cluff said.

“We averaged 40 kids a day … I think it went over so well because the staff was exceptional. They provided daily clubs that the kids really got enthusiastic about.”

Cluff said the focus will be a bit more academic this year.

The school did meet the national standard for annual yearly progress this year, Cluff said.

“It’s quite a challenge to that, so we were very pleased that all the hard work by the kids and teachers paid off,” he said.

Ravalli Republic, Thursday, August 26, 2010 – Page 29

Florence-Carlton School District calendar August 30 : First day of school

September

day – 11:05 a.m.

26: Early out – 2:05 p.m.

26-27: Middle school/ High school parent/ teacher conferences

3-6: Labor Day (No school) 15: Open house 6-8 p.m.

22: Early out – 2:05 p.m.

February

October

March

21-22: MEA Day (No school) 27: Early out – 2:05 p.m.

23: Early out – 2:05 p.m.

28: End of 3rd quarter

November

April

4: End of 2nd quarter 10-11: Parent/teacher conferences 12: PIR Day (No school) 24: Early out – 2:05 p.m.

25-26: Thanksgiving holiday (No school)

4-8: Spring break (No school) 13-14: Elem. Parent/ teacher conferences 22: PIR Day (No school) 24: Easter Sunday 27: Early out – 2:05 p.m.

December

May

22: Early out – 2:05 p.m.

23-31: Christmas break (No school)

25: Early out – 2:05 p.m.

30: Memorial Day (No school)

January

June

1: New Years Day (No school) 17: MLK Day (No school) 21: End of 2nd quarter 24: PIR Day – half

5: High School graduation 6: Middle School promotion 9: Last day of school – 11:05 a.m.

21: President’s Day (No school) 23: Early out – 2:05 p.m.

Page 30 – Ravalli Republic, Thursday, August 26, 2010

Florence-Carlton High School 5602 Old Highway 93, Florence, 59833 Phone: 273-6301 • www.florence.k12.mt.us Principal: Dan Grabowska Enrollment: 265 Classroom teachers: 24 Mascot: Falcons First day of school: August 30 Last day of school: June 9 What’s New: Florence-Carlton High School students will meet in a general assembly on their first day back from summer.

Besides learning about any changes to the rules, Principal Dan Grabowska said students will also hear about the new homecoming celebration being planned for this fall.

“We’re changing up the homecoming process this year,” Grabowska said. “In the past, we’ve always had one king and one queen. We’re doing it by class this year. It will allow more people to get involved.”

There will be some new faces in the teachers’ room this year.

Two University of Montana graduates have joined the faculty.

They are Jason Stewart, who will be teaching upper level math, and computer/business teacher Matt Larson. Ronnie Parson is also joining the staff as a lower math teacher. He hails from Great Falls.

The school will continue MAP testing and the Montana Behavioral Initiative process. Both began last year.

For fun, Grabowska said the school is hoping to continue its drum line program again this year.

The program was started last year by a student teacher and became a hit at both home games and all around the state.

“It was a lot of fun,” Grabowska said. “We took them with us to playoff games. Community members stepped in and helped sponsor them … we got great comments everywhere we went.”

Florence-Carlton Middle School Phone: 273-0587 www.florence.k12.mt.us Principal: Audrey Backus Enrollment: 220 Classroom teachers: 19 teachers; about half are shared with elementary and high schools Mascot: Falcons First day of school: August 30 Last day of school: June 9 What’s New: The Florence-Carlton Middle School has a pair of new teachers this year.

University of Montana graduate Emily Hackethorn will be teaching middle school and high school choir. She student taught last year at the Hamilton middle school and high school. This is her first teaching assignment.

Rochelle Blomquist will teach elementary computers in both the elementary and middle schools. Her position is half time. She is a certified elementary

teacher who has children in the Florence schools.

Sept. 2 is the day set aside for school pictures.

An open house has been set for Sept. 15 from 6 to 8 p.m.

“It’s a great opportunity for parents to meet their children’s teacher and take look at the facility,” Principal Audrey Backus said.

Backus said the school will continue its focus on meeting federal testing requirements. Last year the middle school met AYP in both math and reading.

“This year we face a large jump in expectations in both math and reading scores,” Backus said.

The school is also stepping up its efforts to implement the Montana Behavioral Initiative, which is a positive behavioral support program, Backus said.

The first month will present a challenge as middle school students navigate around some construction at the back of the school, she said.

Ravalli Republic, Thursday, August 26, 2010 – Page 31

Florence-Carlton Elementary School Phone: 273-6741 www.florence.k12.mt.us Principal: Christine Hulla Enrollment: 380 Classroom teachers: 20 Specialists: 5 Mascot: Falcons First day of school: August 30 Last day of school: June 9 What’s New: The focus at Florence-Carlton Elementary this year will be implementing a behavioral management program and testing the waters of another, said Principal Christine Hulla.

The elementary school will begin implementing the Montana Behavioral Initiative this year. Staff members have attended workshops over the past two summers in preparation for implementing the program.

“We hope this program will help clarify expectations,” Hulla said. “It should help put all adults on the same page as far as expectations for students.”

The school will also take a look at the Response on Intervention program this year.

“We want to explore how that can best fit our students,” she said.

Hulla said the elementary will also continue to work toward improving test scores in reading and math. The school met AYP in both math and reading.

“We will have a jump in expectations this year,” she said. “I’m excited as we go into this new year.

Our teachers are already in their classrooms preparing for what should be a great year.”

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