Back to school 2014

august 2014

2 - Ravalli Republic, Sunday, August 3, 2014

Florence-Carlton Schools 5602 Old Highway 93, Florence. www.florence.k12.mt.us (406) 273-6751

Edward “Bud” Scully, Interim Superintendent Audrey Backus, 6-12 Principal Christine Hulla, K-5 Principal Dennis Burns, Maintenance Supervisor Donna Hemphill, Receptionist Cindy Jarvie, Cook/Supervisor Photo Michelle McConnaha

MICHELLE McCONNAHA Ravalli Republic

FLORENCE - A fresh start with a new superintendent, Edward “Bud” Scully from Arizona, is the biggest change for students of Florence-Carlton Schools this fall.

Audrey Backus will be principal for grades 6 -12 and Chrissy Hulla will be principal for grades K-5. They also have a new elementary counselor, Megan LaPalm.

Scully said “attitude is everything” and he’s looking forward to a great year at Florence.

“We are going to be positive,” said Scully. “We cannot allow a political agenda to affect the school. If it’s good for kids, we’re going to do it and we are going to stay positive.”

According to administrative assistant Louise Warila, there are a few other changes.

“Safe Routes to School will start in the fall,” said Warila. “We are still working on hiring a high school athletic director and a business manager.”

Florence High School is hosting their fall sports meeting, August 11, 6 p.m., in the new gym, and football and volleyball practices begin August 15.

Current student schedule changes can be made August 19, 8 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., and new student registration is August 20, 8 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.

The middle school is having a ‘Meet and Greet’ picnic dinner August 27, in the new gym, 6-8 p.m., for 6-8 grade students and their the parents. Students will meet their teachers and pay any fees that

are needed. There is also a middle school football and volleyball meeting, in Mr. Stiegler’s room, at 7:30 p.m.

The first day of school for Florence-Carlton is Tuesday, September 2, the day after Labor Day, for all students.

There will be an Open House September 10, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Homecoming will be October 4 beginning with a pancake breakfast 7 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Parent/Teacher Conferences will be October 14 and 15, beginning at 4 p.m.

Florence-Carlton will take Wednesday off of Thanksgiving week and have the shortest winter break of all valley schools. They will attend school December 23 as the last day before Winter break (Dec 24 to January 2). The first day back to class will be January 5, 2015.

There will be no school February 16 for President’s Day and they will have Parent/Teacher Conferences February 18 and 19 beginning at 4 p.m.

Spring break will be from March 30 through April 3. High School Graduation is scheduled for June 7, 2 p.m., and the last day of school will be June 10 - an early out.

“Attitude is everything and we are going to be positive,” said Scully. “Everything is new – like a fresh coat of paint. Stay positive to do a better job for the kids – that’s what we’re here for.”

Florence-Carlton schools have scheduled 177 student days and 187 teacher days.

Florence-Carlton schools are located at 5602 Old Highway 93, Florence. Learn more about them at florence.k12.mt.us or by calling (406)273-6751.

Ravalli Republic, Sunday, August 3, 2014 - 3

Lone Rock School 1112 Three Mile Creek Road, east of Stevensville. www.lonerockschool.org (406) 777-3314.

Superintendent Dr. Roger Samples Principal,Ms. Angie Williams Ms. Denise Grant, Business Manager

Provided Photo - Roger Samples

Lone Rock School District #13 is located at 1112 Three Mile Creek Road, east of Stevensville. For more information, view their website at lonerockschool.org or call (406) 777-3314. “We expect this to be the best year ever at Lone Rock,” said Samples.

“It will be a year of change due to expenditure reductions, but, will nevertheless be a positive year of growth and collaboration.

As always, the students are our focus.”

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4 - Ravalli Republic, Sunday, August 3, 2014

Lone Rock School MICHELLE McCONNAHA Ravalli Republic

Lone Rock School is home to kindergarten through eighth-grade students, after which students usually attend Stevensville for high school.

Superintendent Roger Samples said Lone Rock education is excellent.

“Lone Rock continues to have an excellent educational program due to an excellent teaching and support staff,” said Samples. “We have a new principal, Angie Williams, that we are very excited to work with. She brings experience and expertise in special education, technology, and instructional leadership.”

New student registration is August 5 and 6 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Kindergarten orientation is August 21 at 7 p.m.

Classes begin for all students on Tuesday, September 2, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. All year, students are out early on Wednesdays at 2:30 p.m.

September 10 is an open house at 7 p.m. and there is no school on October 16-17 (MEA Days).

November 13 and 17 are Parent Teacher Conferences with an early out of 1:30 p.m.

Lone Rock will take Wednesday, Thursday and Friday off for Thanksgiving break.

Ravalli

December 19 is the last day of classes before Winter break (Dec 22-January 2) and the first day back is January 5, 2015.

No classes will be held Feb. 13-16. Lone Rock will take March 13 as a snow make-up day or if they haven’t missed school during the year due to snow it will be a day of vacation.

Easter break will be April 3-6.

Spring Parent/Teacher Conferences will be April 9 and 13 with early out dismissal of 1:30 p.m.

May 25 is Memorial Day (no school) and the last day of school is June 9 with an early dismissal time of 1:30 p.m.

The Lone Rock Mission statement says: “We at Lone Rock School, in partnership with the community, strive to empower ourselves with knowledge and become respectful contributing citizens.”

“We expect this to be the best year ever at Lone Rock,” said Samples. “It will be a year of change due to expenditure reductions, but, will nevertheless be a positive year of growth and collaboration.

As always, the students are our focus.”

Lone Rock School District #13, is located at 1112 Three Mile Creek Road, east of Stevensville. For more information, view their website at lonerockschool.org or call (406) 777-3314.

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Ravalli Republic, Sunday, August 3, 2014 - 5

StevensvilleSchools 300 Park St., Stevensville (406) 777-5481 www.stevi.schoolwires.net David Whitesell, Superintendent Brian Gum, Principal Nate Fry, Vice Principal Tracy Rogstad, Middle School Principal (4-8) Keith Chambers, Athletic Director Katherine Mason Counselor MICHELLE McCONNAHA Ravalli Republic

STEVENSVILLE - A focus on security, a new middle school model and principal, and new staff are the changes happening this fall in the Stevensville School District.

Stevensville Superintendent David Whitesell said the goal is always to ensure a great educational process at Stevensville schools.

“We’ve been doing a lot of things with our security to be sure our students are safe and provide a solid learning environment,” said Whitesell.

Over the summer, they have installed cameras, a public address system that ties all the schools together, radios and they will have a

Photo Michelle McConnaha

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6 - Ravalli Republic, Sunday, August 3, 2014

Bitterroot Valley Schools

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District clerk Bill Schiele said the PA system was a great addition.

“We are putting a brand new PA system so all the schools will get the same announcements,” he said. “In case of an emergency or if we have a lockdown we aren’t calling each building.”

Whitesell said Stevensville is moving toward a true middle school model and they have hired a new principal, Tracy Rogstad from Helena, to lead and supervise fourth through eighth grades.

Stevensville has 12 new teachers due to retirements and people moving on.

“We lost experienced teachers due to retirement, but it also gave us the opportunity to bring in new folks, some right out of college and some with experience,” Whitesell said.

The Stevensville Public School Mission Statement: “Stevensville Public Schools embraces all students and welcomes them to an atmosphere of learning where each individual has the opportunity to reach his/her full potential.”

The first day of school for all students is Tuesday, September 2; it will be an early out.

On September 16 they will host an open house for grades K-6, 6-8 p.m.

Homecoming is October 3 for football versus Corvallis and October 4 for volleyball versus Polson.

No classes October 16-17 (MEA days).

PIR days are November 14 and March 13.

For Thanksgiving break Stevensville Schools will take Wednesday through Friday off.

December 19 is the last day of school before Winter break (Dec 22-January 2) and the first day back to class is January 5, 2015.

They do take Martin Luther King Day (January 19) and President’s day (February 16) as holidays - no school.

Spring break will be from March 30 through April 3.

High School Graduation will be held June 6 and the last day of school will be June 11 with an early out.

“It always going to be a great year, a fun year, the best year so far,” said Schiele.

“We are always great at Stevensville,” said Whitesell. “We have a fine educational process.”

For more information, contact the Stevensville School District at (406) 777-5481, 300 Park St., Stevensville or visit their website at Stevi. schoolwires.net.

Ravalli Republic, Sunday, August 3, 2014 - 7

Victor Schools

Photo Michelle McConnaha

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8 - Ravalli Republic, Sunday, August 3, 2014

Victor Schools MICHELLE McCONNAHA Ravalli Republic

Victor Schools are giving each of their high school students a Chrome book to use all year, they’ll feed grades K-8 free breakfast and lunch, and they have some new additions to their staff.

Lance Pearson, the superintendent and K-5 principal for Victor Schools, said he is looking forward to a great year.

“We’re going to a ‘One to One Initiative’ – each student at the high school will be issued a Chrome book that operates off the Cloud,” said Pearson. “We’ll be using those throughout the day.

They’ll have it to take home and to work on in class. We’re really excited that we have this available.”

The money for the 130 Chrome books is from the Valentine Technology Grant and the Victor School District’s technology levy.

They have created a committee to work with students, teachers and technology support staff.

“Google has done fabulous things with education and what they offer as far as services to students and teachers,” said Pearson.

In addition, all students in kindergarten through eighth grade will be served free breakfast and lunch.

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Funding for this program is provided by the United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service.

“It’s through the federal Community Eligibility Program,” said Pearson. “It is a federal program that provides an alternative approach for offering meals to Local Educational Agencies.”

New faces at Victor include a volleyball coach, a social studies teacher, title teachers and a counselor and a behavior therapist.

“A new volleyball coach, Nikki Casale, comes to us from UCLA and she’s been working with the girls,” said Pearson. “While she was in the UCLA, she was on a national championship team - which is pretty cool to have such a high-quality individual come here. Our girls are excited to be in the gym and working with her.

“We have a new social studies teacher, Juliana Ugalde. She has been teaching overseas in Hungary last year. She is a graduated of the University of Montana, so this is pretty familiar territory for her.”

Victor Schools are still in the process of hiring title teachers and the youth enhancement program (through the co-op) is providing them with another team - a counselor and behavior therapist.

School begins in Victor on Tuesday, September 2, for all students. Classes are Monday through Thursday, 8:10 a.m. to 4:20 p.m.

Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held for the junior high and high school after the first quarter and for the elementary school after the first nine weeks. Homecoming will be October 25 – 1 p.m. Football vs. Noxon, 4 p.m. Volleyball vs. Seely-Swan.

Darby will have Wednesday off on Thanksgiving week and Dec. 19 is the last day before winter break (Dec. 22 - January 2) the first day back is January 5, 2015. They have President’s Day off (Feb. 16), Spring break (March 30 – April 2) and the last day of school will be an all-day field day, June 10.

“We are all very excited for the upcoming school year and cannot wait for all of our Pirates to be back in school,” said Pearson.

Victor School is located at 425 Fourth Avenue, Victor. For more information, visit their website at victor.k12.mt.us or call (406) 6423221.

Ravalli Republic, Sunday, August 3, 2014 - 9

Corvallis Schools

1045 Main Street, Corvallis www.corvallis.k12.mt.us Tim Johnson, Superintendent Jason Wirt, High School Principal Tyson Tucker, High School Assistant Principal / Athletic Director Rich Durgin, Middle School Principal Janice Stranahan, Primary School Principal Wendy Ihde, Curriculum Director Danel Carrasco Special Education Director Photo Michelle McConnaha

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10 - Ravalli Republic, Sunday, August 3, 2014

Corvallis Schools MICHELLE McCONNAHA Ravalli Republic

CORVALLIS - A new superintendent, a new heating and air system for Corvallis High School and the lunch room building, upgrades on the district garage, increase of fiber optics and a pass-through wall to go between the library and computer lab at CHS are just a few of the improvements that will welcome back students and staff for the 2014-15 year.

Tim Johnson, superintendent of Corvallis School District #1, said he looks forward to working with the amazing staff and community at Corvallis.

“It is a pleasure and honor to be entrusted with the superintendent position at Corvallis,” said Johnson. “Authentic, informed communication is crucial. I welcome all conversations.”

Corvallis School District received a Quality Schools Project Grant Award through the Montana Department of Commerce for $729, 910 to replace the steam boiler and heat distribution system in the 1930built high school and 1949 lunch room building.

Maintenance director Jim Bowen said the project is long overdue and the school will see more than double the savings as gas prices increase.

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“We are moving a boiler that at its peak and prime condition, brand new, was probably 50 percent efficient - to two boilers that when they run peak will run 95 to 98 percent efficient,” said Bowen.

“It’s going to make life a lot more comfortable for everybody – including myself.”

Fresh air exchange will be in the lunch room building.

Bowen said all projects are on time, thanks to the long hours put in at the beginning of summer. He thanks CTA, Sirius, 4G, Garber Construction and all the maintenance and custodial staff at Corvallis.

Currently, class schedules are available on the portal.

August 11, 6 p.m. is a fall sports parent meeting (New Gym), August 15 is the first day of practice for fall sports, August 18-22 is new student registration by appointment (Call 961-3201 when office reopens August 18), August 27-28 is current student schedule changes and new student registration by appointment continues.

The first day of school for Corvallis is September 2, the day after Labor Day, for students in grades K-9; upperclassmen will begin classes the following day. The school day is from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., but each grade has specific times so check with each school.

Homecoming is September 19. There is no school October 16 and 17 due to MEA Days. Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held November 18, 19, and 20. Corvallis will take Wednesday off of Thanksgiving week, December 19 is last day of classes before Christmas break (Dec 22-January 2) and the first day back is January 5, 2015.

Presidents Day is scheduled as a day off, spring break will be March 30 through April 3 and last day of school is June 10 – an early out.

By the number, Corvallis will have 180 student days, a five day Thanksgiving break, a 16 day winter break and a nine day spring break.

“I am looking foreword to a great year with the great students, staff and community of Corvallis,” said Johnson.

Corvallis School District #1 District Office is located at 1045 Main Street, Corvallis. For more information, visit their website: corvallis. k12.mt.us.

Ravalli Republic, Sunday, August 3, 2014 - 11

Hamilton Schools Hamilton School District 363-2280 www.hsd3.org

Dan Kimsey, High School Principal Marlin Lewis, Middle School Principal Eric Larson, Daly Elementary School Principal Riley Devins, Washington Primary School Principal Tom Korst, Superintendent MICHELLE McCONNAHA Ravalli Republic

Thanks to Hamilton taxpayers, Hamilton School District #3 has added programs, staff and a solid partnership with the Bitterroot College.

Dan Kimzey, principal of Hamilton High School, said this year will bring new faces and new opportunities for students.

“It is going to be an exciting year, thanks to the taxpayers,” said Kimzey. “We’ll be adding a theatre arts program, health sciences program and a robust computer sciences program. We’ll have the shared position for a welding instructor that will teach part-time for HHS and in the evening for Bitterroot College. That will expand dual enrollment opportunities in welding for students and allow adults in the Bitterroot College program to get certified.”

The Computer Science and Drama programs will be shared with Hamilton Middle School so the younger grades will also benefit through classes called Exploratories.

Another change at the high school is that students have the opportunity to take Advanced Placement U.S. History and Advanced Placement English in to a co-taught class with teachers Jen Carmody and Don Faris. Students will take the class then take each exam for a potential of six higher education credits.

“That’s an exciting change they’ve been working on for several years,” said Kimzey. “We are changing the instructional model and team teaching it because English and History work hand in hand.”

The HHS fall sports parent meeting will be Tuesday, August 5, 6:30

Photo Michelle McConnaha

p.m. the PAC. For Hamilton schools, the first day of school is Tuesday, September 2, for grades 2-12.

Kindergarten and first grade are having parent transition meetings, and classroom teachers will contact parents to set up meeting times for September 2 and 3. School will begin for these grades Thursday, September 4.

There will be no school - September 26, October 16 & 17, Nov. 7, Dec. 5, Feb. 2 & 27, March 20 and May 25.

Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held throughout the year: November 12 and 13 (for grades 6-12), December 9 and 10 (for preschool – grade 5), March 18 and 19 (for preschool – grade 5), April 8 and 9 (for grades 6-12), and May 13 and 14 (for grades 2-5).

Hamilton schools are taking Wednesday off of Thanksgiving week.

December 19 is the last day before Winter break (Dec 22-January 2) and the first day back is January 5, 2015.

Spring break will be April 3-6. The last day of school for the district is June 5 for grades K-12 - with an early out.

For more information, contact Hamilton School District at 3632280, ext. 2500 - for Superintendent Tom Korst. The school website www.hsd3.org is now very user friendly. Hamilton High School is at 327 Fairgrounds, 375-6060; Hamilton Middle School (grades 5-8) is at 209 S. 5th Street, 363-2121; Daly Elementary School (grades 2-5) is at 208 Daly Avenue, 363-2122; Washington Primary School (grades K-1) is located at 225 North 5th Street, 363-2144.

12 - Ravalli Republic, Sunday, August 3, 2014

Hamilton Christian Academy Hamilton School District 363-2280 www.hsd3.org

artists rendering

dren. “Quality education in a Christian environment” is their slogan and they have classes for preschool (age 3) to ninth grade.

Stephanie Beck - Administrator Stephanie Beck is the school administrator/head of school, Kim Taylor - Administrative Assistant and said they will be offering an “individualized high school program with first senior graduates slated for 2018.”

MICHELLE McCONNAHA “We aren’t stopping at ninth grade,” said Beck. “We are Ravalli Republic going to have the full high school program by the fall of 2017 – we’ll add a grade each year.”

Hamilton Christian Academy is opening its doors in a new HCA will have a preschool and kindergarten roundup on location this year. In February, they purchased the Grantsdale August 14 from 10 a.m. to noon at their new campus - 778 School and spent the spring and summer in remodeling efforts.

Grantsdale Road.

Over 100 people have helped with the project, including teams Classes begin Friday, September 2, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., and will of workers coming from Seattle. be held four days a week - Monday through Thursday.

The Hamilton Christian Academy was started in 1963 and HCA is reaching out to homeschoolers by offering various provides a choice for families seeking education for their chilclasses, cross country and track starting at fourth grade. They

Ravalli Republic, Sunday, August 3, 2014 - 13

are also trying something new by offering a fee-based shuttle from Stevensville – no other transportation is available.

“Non-denominational Biblically-based instruction, parental involvement, high success rates and service learning are all key aspects [of HCA],” said Beck. “A dedicated staff and an outstanding curriculum will challenge children to grow spiritually and academically.”

Elementary students study English, math, reading, spelling and history and teacher individualize the curriculum.

Middle-school learning is enhanced with computers and online classes to meet various aptitudes and interests.

High school education includes real-life learning opportunities through class instruction as well as internships and job shadowing.

Other benefits include: a weekly chapel featuring students and community ministers, utilizing proven curricula and instructional methods such as Saxon Math, Spalding reading and language arts, literature based history, music and P.E. teachers, a growing sports program, Drama and Art instruction, Title I Reading, all-school ski days, family Thanksgiving Feast, Christmas and Spring concerts, Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter breaks.

“In our 51st year, the students, families and staff of HCA are anticipating their new campus location with over five acres of outdoor space and a building dedicated solely to educational opportunities,” said Beck. “This new property opens the doors for future expansion and provides a welcoming environment for more students as various community and church groups join together to support faith-based education for Bitterroot Valley students. HCA is a school where each child’s needs are known and addressed by each staff member. Contact us to find out if Hamilton Christian Academy is right for your student.”

Contact Stephanie Beck 363-4534, 778 Grantsdale Road, hcabeck@hotmail.com, visit their website at hamiltonchristianacademy.org

Hamilton Cristian aCademy Doors are opening! September 2nd at our new campus - 778 Grantsdale road. pre-schoolers through 9th graders

Open to Homeschoolers for a Variety of 4-9th Grade Classes Including Spanish & Geometry Inquire into shuttle service from the Stevensville area

Visit our pre—school (age 3 &4) and kindergarten classes on August 14th for an early childhood open house 10am-noon discover if Hamilton Christian Academy is the best choice for your child. small class sizes, exceptional opportunities, Biblical values, parent and community participation, with plans for a complete high school by fall 2017.

Watch for our community open house coming in October!

For more information contact Stephanie Beck at 363-4534 or hcabeck@hotmail.com.

Visit hamiltonchristianacademy.org

14 - Ravalli Republic, Sunday, August 3, 2014

Darby School District 209 School Drive, Darby www.darby.k12.mt.us 406-821-3841.

Loyd Rennaker, Superintendent Jennifer Burdette, High School Principal Chris Toynbee, Elementary School Principal Lisa Poe, Business Manager/District Clerk/HR Brian Bridges, Information Technology Director Rick Scheele, Maintenance Director Buck Stanhope, Transportation Director

File photo

Ravalli Republic, Sunday, August 3, 2014 - 15

Darby School District MICHELLE McCONNAHA Ravalli Republic

Darby Schools have a new elementary school principal, made numerous staff changes, start classes earlier than any other valley school and have done facility improvements over the summer.

“Our new elementary principal is Chris Toynbee for kindergarten through seventh,” said Darby superintendent Loyd Rennaker.

“He’s from Salmon originally, and he’s been a teacher in Darby for 11 years. We know him pretty well – he’s moved up through the ranks.

“We’ve hired quite a few teachers and we’ve moved others around, so we have quite a few staff changes, really.”

August 18 is new student registration, August 22 is a Welcome Back barbecue for families and students to meet their new teachers and see their classrooms.

The first day of school for Darby is August 25. Students will attend three days of classes and then take a break until September 2 for the Ravalli County Fair and Labor Day weekend.

Darby students will be coming back to new lockers in the junior high, new tile in the high school and refinished tennis courts.

“We’ve done lots of little projects this summer,” said Rennaker.

Homecoming will be October 3-4, there will be no school October 16 & 17 (due to Montana Educators Association days for teachers) and fall parent/teacher conferences will be November 5.

For Thanksgiving, Darby school will take Thursday and Friday off. December 19 is the last day of classes before winter break (Dec 22-January 2) and the first day back is January 5, 2015.

Rather than take off President’s Day, there will be no school February 19 and 20 due to basketball tournaments.

“We have 60-70 percent of our students involved with these, so it’s best to have the days off,” said Rennaker.

Spring Parent Teacher Conferences will be April 1 beginning at 4 p.m. and the school will take an Easter break April 3-6.

Darby High School graduation is scheduled for Sunday, May 24, 3 p.m. and the last day of school will be June 3 with a 1 p.m. early release.

“You’re always excited when you start a new school year. There are a lot of good things and a lot of new experiences for everybody, and we’re just looking forward to it,” said Rennaker.

Darby School District #9 is at 209 School Drive, Darby. For more information, visit darby.k12.mt.us or call 406-821-3841.

File photo

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