whitefish school district staff

David Diehl is a retired U.S. Air Force command pilot and colonel who moved his family to Whitefish in July 2020. Bulldog Tip Line (406) 730-3080 | speakup@whitefishschools.org News & Announcements 2023-2024 Incoming Freshmen Q & A The WHS Counselors will be available at the Junior High Parent Teacher Conferences on 3/2/3023, to answer any questions you may have regarding your student's high school registration. In my opinion, the most significant challenge is coming out of the pandemic both academically and emotionally. 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. 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. The 2021 Whitefish School Board Trustee Candidates are Quincy Bennetts, David Diehl, Leanette Kearns, Todd Lengacher and Emily Morrow. And out of the variety of ways to participate in building and shaping my community, serving on the school board is a great fit given my skills and experiences. Whitefish School District #44 is located in the scenic resort community of. There is no staff matching your search criteria Administration. Im glad they didnt go completely remote because the detriment of that I saw in a student I was helping.. P: (4069 862-8600 He is an incurable do-it yourselfer, enjoys cooking and being outdoors and has won awards for his writing and his photography. 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.. Mr. Josh Branstetter Principal Mr. Tyler Jones Assistant Principal Teachers. This can be done by continuing to responsibly spend covid funding to remedy these issues. In the 2022 Whitefish School District election, there are five trustee candidates running for two open positions. In addition to her work with schools, she also has experience in mediation. Location: Whitefish School District Board Room 600 East Second Street Whitefish, MT 59937. WMS Jazz Band Festival @ U of M. Date: Mar 17. She attended Whitman College and graduated from the University of Montana. And given his background in education, he feels like the Whitefish School Board would be a good fit. My degree from an elite university demonstrates my commitment to providing pathways to higher education for all students. Ms. Rachel Anderson . 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. Diehl says one of his strongest qualities that he would contribute to the board is his ability to listen and his desire to hear all points of the issue before making any recommendations. Volunteer at Muldown Elementary. 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. How do we all catch up after the last year to two years of interrupted educational experiences and make sure were serving all these kids not just their educational needs but the extreme stress and emotional burden that theyve been carrying, she said. P: (406) 862-8688 F: (406) 862-2586. The Running Start program provides eligible high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to get a start on their college career by earning dual credit simultaneously with WHS and FVCC. She and her husband Joel Shehan have one son in third grade at Muldown Elementary and the family enjoys being in the outdoors, especially hiking and paddle boarding. For more information on ballots, contact the Whitefish School District office at 862-8640. I come from a long line of teachers as well, children are just extremely important. I probably wish they had gone back to school (in-person) earlier, but I dont fault them for being cautious, she said. Whitefish Bay Schools | An Exceptional Place to Learn | Whitefish Bay . F: (406) 862-2586, 1143 E. 4th St., As the pandemic narrative on masking and jabs unravels, it's clear our children were subject to political agendas and not health measures. 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. Although new to living fulltime in Whitefish, Kearns didnt want to wait any longer to get involved in the community. (Courtesy photos) Editor's note: This story originally ran in the April 14, 2021 edition of the Whitefish Pilot. NEW - 2 DAYS AGO 2.46 ACRES. Location: WMS - PAC. Five candidates are running for the Whitefish School Board. And I really am supportive of standardized curriculum to support teachers, but at the same time not constrain their ability to be flexible.. 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. Bennetts grew up in Great Falls and her father was a school teacher for 40 years. 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. 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. Diverse perspectives are crucial in order to govern a community in a representative way. And in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic, Morrow supports the way the district handled reopening schools. We had a week at an Airbnb in Whitefish and just absolutely fell in love with it, he said. 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. For reference, kindergarteners in 2020 who are now in second grade have never experienced a normal school year due to Covid. Website Disclaimer. Amina is also a science teacher at the middle school and a lawyer in the Air Force. Ray and Jerrie directed the American Field Service (AFS) exchange student program in Montana for many years. He spent 20 years as an educator, 10 of those in administration, and has a masters in mathematics. I do not envy those decisions they had to make, she said. Mrs. Kristine Yorba Secretary Web Accessibility Complaint Form Web Accessibility Statement. As far as how the district handled COVID-19 and reopening schools, she supports the decisions made regarding the hybrid teaching model. Kearns would like to help mend that and wants to start by serving on the school board. In the 2022 Whitefish School District election, there are five trustee candidates running for two open positions. Fall sports of cross country, football, golf, soccer and volleyball have consistently won state titles. Staff. She admitted that the board and administrators were in a tough situation and did the best they could at the time. As an accomplished soccer player, I have helped local soccer teams by assisting in coaching. And given his background in education, he feels like the Whitefish School Board would be a good fit. Finally, bringing a science background to the board offers another perspective of data interpretation and problem-solving. I feel this pay it forward, as far as Im incredibly grateful for my career and my education that I received as part of a Montana public school system that allows me to have the life I have today; I want that for every kid.. I definitely want to come with the intention of open mindedness to the position, she said. 1296 Whitefish Village Dr, 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. F: (406) 730-2176, 600 East 2nd St. | The board should consider creative options, such as involvement in affordable housing at the city level, or spearheading their own housing initiatives. 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. I definitely want to come with the intention of open mindedness to the position, she said. The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community, Center for Sustainability and Entrepreneurship. It's a tumultuous time, and we must fight against the spirit of the age's attempt to create a new normal for our kids. Giving solid leadership direction along with flexibility, I think thats kind of the best you can hope for.. Whitefish Bay School District schools for this district: NCES District ID: 5516620: State District ID: WI-6419: Mailing Address: 1200 E Fairmount Ave Whitefish Bay, WI 53217-6099: . Mr. Dave Means Superintendent Mrs. Lucie Shea Director of Business/District Clerk Lisa Bloom Director of Curriculum and Instruction . One of the really important things to me has been understanding how much relationships matter and how we treat each other matters, she said. P: 406.862.8650 F: 406.862.8664. Athletic/activities programs function as an integral part of the total curriculum by providing a variety of experiences in sportsmanship, teamwork, competition and by helping the individual students develop a healthy self concept. Accommodating growth, utilizing resources efficiently and student mental health are important challenges our school district has been facing. Todd Lengacher has a vast amount of experience in education coupled with a strong desire to be involved in the community and local schools. They have an 8 year old daughter who loves horseback riding and her friends. A close family friend, Ben Parsons, passed away from the accident and Bennetts says the community of Whitefish stepped up to support her family during the hardship. I think theyre one of the most important demographics that we have and the best investment is in the development of a child, she added. Current trustees Ruth Harrison and Betsy Kohnstamm both decided not to run for reelection. 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. However, he would like to see that progression continue and figure out the next steps in returning kids to normalcy in the classroom. I am running for reelection as there is a direct correlation between high student achievement outcomes and low board member turnover. Whitefish, MT 59937 Being so close with the work she does, he supports the data-driven approach that the school district took. 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. The district is engaged with leaders in the community to work towards affordable housing solutions. Family: Married to Bill Paatalo; three kids and one due this week. 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. It reminded me of home people waved to me, they were friendly, they were genuine, she said. Affordable housing is an issue for many in the community, and this includes school personnel. Show Calendar. 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.. Congratulations to your new WHS royalty! Joined by their golden retriever, they all enjoy supporting the local outdoor community and are grateful for the accessible, beautiful places that surround Whitefish. 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. Through this work she developed a skill set that she believes would be beneficial to have on the Whitefish School Board. With COVID and the influx of new people in Whitefish, she sees that the community togetherness is starting to become divisive. The district has 1,500 plus students housed in four facilities: Muldown Elementary (K-4), Whitefish Middle School (5-8), Whitefish High School (9-12), and our Independent High School which provides a non-traditional setting for grades 10-12. Background: Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Minnesota; Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Gustavus Adolphus College; Former CEO and CFO of multiple dental offices; former President and VP of Austin Youth Hockey Association; former assistant high school hockey coach; former volunteer EMT and firefighter; volunteer for North Valley Search and Rescue. Morrow moved to Whitefish one year ago in search of a friendly place to settle down and potentially start a family. From everyone I talked to, this district worked hard to put in place what I would call an adaptive management approach she said. She just opened her own studio called Whitefish School of Ballet and serves as the artistic director. The election will be held on May 3 at the Whitefish School District Board Room, 600 East Second Street. 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. Admin Assistant, Clerical, Office Administration, Healthcare Administration. We had a week at an Airbnb in Whitefish and just absolutely fell in love with it, he said. In 2017 she said her family had a tough time after her husband was involved in a tragic avalanche accident in Glacier National Park. 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. Currently Kearns is a stay at home parent to two daughters ages 2 and 5. To this board Todd brings school and nonprofit board experience. Im actually looking forward to, if I were on the board, helping begin to make a plan for that, he expressed. Id bring a sense of leadership and sharing in ideas, Morrow said. But do they leave the room feeling like they are heard and hopeful; I think I can offer that.. Three years ago Lengacher and his family moved to Whitefish and chose this town specifically based on the size and the community. She has a bachelor's in fine arts and communications, and currently working on her master's degree in professional counseling. Although she doesnt have any children of her own yet, she loves spending time with kids and volunteering in programs serving youth. Ill show up prepared and do the very best I can to represent all the needs of the varying parties.. I feel this pay it forward, as far as Im incredibly grateful for my career and my education that I received as part of a Montana public school system that allows me to have the life I have today; I want that for every kid.. Shannon is a Montana native who has called Whitefish home for more than thirty years. Zac Andrews, Montana West Realty, Active. I can get established in the community and serve it at the same time.. The city and outlying areas compose a population of 10,000 citizens. MA Technology and Learning WGU. Quincy married Joel Shehan in 2001, and together they moved to the Flathead Valley in 2004. You have an incomplete application for Diehl and his wife Amina have two teenage kids currently attending Whitefish Middle School. Trustees serve in staggered three-year terms. Current trustees Ruth Harrison and Betsy Kohnstamm both . 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.