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And looking forward he would welcome contributing to the board as a trustee as they make further decisions regarding the pandemic, such as decisions involving vaccinations. She served as the local American Cancer Society Education Director for many years. I bring accountability, when I tell someone Im going to do something, I do it; it doesnt matter if it feels uncomfortable., copyright 2023 As the pandemic narrative on masking and jabs unravels, it's clear our children were subject to political agendas and not health measures. Copyright2005-document.write(new Date().getFullYear()) -PowerSchool Group LLC and/or its affiliate(s), WHITEFISH SCHOOL DISTRICT600 East Second StreetWhitefish, MT 5993740686286404068621507. And given his background in education, he feels like the Whitefish School Board would be a good fit. Id bring a sense of leadership and sharing in ideas, Morrow said. TalentEd Hire The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community, Center for Sustainability and Entrepreneurship. Other Staff (FTE) Total: 119.50 : Instructional Aides: 28.02: Instruc. Her oldest daughter will start at Muldown in the fall. Time: 6:00 PM. Diehl and his wife Amina have two teenage kids currently attending Whitefish Middle School. Staff. An aspect of life that is really important to Kearns is that relationships matter. Their son Porter attends Muldown Elementary. 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. It is my desire is to see Whitefish continue to strive for the highest degree of success for all its students no matter where their paths may lead. It is there she met her husband, Kyle, a Whitefish native. Dual credit for most classes is accepted by WHS for graduation purposes. She has a bachelor's in fine arts and communications, and currently working on her master's degree in professional counseling. F: (406) 862-8664, 1143 E. 4th St. He spent 20 years as an educator, 10 of those in administration, and has a masters in mathematics. After your information is complete, you will receive a confirmation number, and your information will be saved allowing you to return at any time to submit additional applications. 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. He was inspired to run in the trustee election because of his desire to serve and give back to the community. Postal Service and in award winning magazines. Although Diehl has never served on a school board before, he believes his leadership experience from his military career would be an asset to the Whitefish School Board. Whitefish, MT 59937 High school enrollment is already nearing capacity. The secondary program has excellent fine arts programs along with the advance placement classes in English, Government, Science, and Math. 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.. Suicide rates have increased. I think the next step is allowing kids to go to school without wearing masks, we need to work towards that goal.. Thats something she believes every child should have. (Courtesy photos). David Diehl is a retired U.S. Air Force command pilot and colonel who moved his family to Whitefish in July 2020. I think the next step is allowing kids to go to school without wearing masks, we need to work towards that goal.. The use of multiple assessment tools has vastly improved curriculum offerings and the instructional methods used to reach students at all levels of learning. The Whitefish School District office at Central School downtown. Family: Husband Kyle is a Whitefish High School alum, daughter seventh grade at Whitefish Middle School, and son fourth grade at Muldown Elementary. I have daily interactions with students, parents, teachers and the community that provide a boots on the ground perspective. It was just humbling and incredible the amount of initiation random people who wed never met took to reach out she recalled. 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 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. Drama students continue to excel at our states Thespian Festival as an example great individual and group achievements. Each building has a PTA Volunteer Coordinator who would gladly assist you with your unique skills that may be shared with staff and students. 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. Mission - The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community that engages each student to succeed in continuous learning, career . Students in the Whitefish School District have several programs to choose in furthering their artistic skills: drama, instrumental music, vocal music, and visual arts. 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. She says she wants to make sure everyone living here and moving here is treated like an individual, not just a number. In the past year just seeing the way public discourse has evolved and how relationships in our communities have become so fractured, it made me rethink waiting (to get involved).. 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. MA Technology and Learning WGU. Voices on all sides have felt unheard. She attended Whitefish public schools from kindergarten to her graduation in 2002. But in addition to those interests, Lengacher has an even stronger passion to serve in the local community. He has worked as a teacher, administrator, and program director for over 20 years. Trustees serve in staggered three-year terms. Pet exams oftentimes turn into conversations about our lives, families and various community topics. Kearns would like to help mend that and wants to start by serving on the school board. Mission - The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community 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. I don't have a dog in the fight to control families, my dog is in the fight to raise kids the way parents see fit and protect the rights of others to do the same. Whitefish High School. 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. After staying a week in Whitefish, Diehl says it just felt like home. The opportunity for public comment and participation during a school board meeting is provided by attending the school board meeting in-person. During the pandemic and these generally difficult times, young peoples mental health has suffered. 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. Occupation: Stay-at-home mom; previously worked in agriculture, mortgage and commercial lending. Joined by their golden retriever, they all enjoy supporting the local outdoor community and are grateful for the accessible, beautiful places that surround Whitefish. Parents should have ultimate power to remove their children from adverse educational influences particularly when debate isn't permitted. 200 Stageline Dr, Whitefish, MT 59937. It has all the elements that makes it so appealing to all of us. Bennetts and her family moved to the Flathead Valley in 2004, then settled into Whitefish 10 years later. I do not envy those decisions they had to make, she 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. Background: Bachelors in sociology at Stanford University, volunteer mediation and board member Harvard Mediation Program, data management for evaluation department in educational nonprofit, directing and teaching after school leadership program, currently working in the service industry, Girl Scout troop leader, producing and acting in a play with Montana Art Theater, board member of CRYJ (Center for Restorative Youth Justice). Whitefish Middle School Back to top Bulldog Tip Line (406) 730-3080 | speakup@whitefishschools.org News & Announcements 7th Grade Girls Basketball Tournament @ West Valley 8th Grade Girls Basketball Tournament @ Kalispell Middle School Whitefish High School Expansion Information Poster The Bulldog Buzz However she does believe a huge concern facing the school district is continuing to recover from the educational setbacks and emotional disturbances to students caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. She served on the local and state Reading Councils and made many presentations at those as well as at the International Reading Association. (Heidi Desch/Whitefish Pilot) Five candidates are running for the Whitefish School Board. Family: Married to Bill Paatalo; three kids and one due this week. School Board governance is a non-partisan position that carries a wide range of responsibilities and duties. Finally, bringing a science background to the board offers another perspective of data interpretation and problem-solving. 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. An injury ended her professional dancing career, but opened up the opportunity to move somewhere new and start a dance school. Mr. Al Hammel Alternative Teacher . The Zoom option is for viewing and listening only. Speech and Debate activities offer students an opportunity to hone their skills in a variety of competitive events at both the local and state level. Staff. 312 E. Second Street 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. I can get established in the community and serve it at the same time.. - The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community that engages each student to succeed in continuous learning, 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.. 1118 East 7th St., Lastly, the lack of affordable housing is having a direct impact on hiring and retaining staff. After moving around a lot as a youngster himself, Diehls father was also in the Air Force, he wanted his two kids to attend one high school instead of moving several times. 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. Prior to becoming a trustee I actively attended Whitefish School District board meetings and work sessions. I have three years of experience, which brings existing positive relationships with staff and the community. F: (406) 730-2176, 600 East 2nd St. copyright 2023 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. Diehl and his wife Amina have two teenage kids currently attending Whitefish Middle School. But also with Whitefish Superintendent Dave Means only being a year into his new role and then a new principal starting at Muldown in the fall, she believes there will be challenges associated with the changes in leadership. First and foremost I just want to volunteer my time and energy to better the community, he said. Find job postings in CA, NY, NYC, NJ, TX, FL, MI, OH, IL, PA, GA, MA, WA, UT, CO, AZ, SF Bay Area, LA County, USA, UAE, SA, North America, abroad. 1143 E. 4th St. Whitefish, MT 59937 . I am very dedicated; if I decide to do something I give it my all, she said. The District is proud of our proactive and dedicated PTA that serves staff and student in numerous ways throughout the school year. 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). Website Disclaimer. Our schools have implemented multiple intervention strategies for those students in need of additional support through mentoring and individual tutoring. Privacy Policy 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. She and her husband enjoy everything outdoors from whitewater rafting to hiking to just being outside with their kids. I can get established in the community and serve it at the same time.. With COVID and the influx of new people in Whitefish, she sees that the community togetherness is starting to become divisive. P: (406) 862-8650 Five candidates are running for the Whitefish School Board. 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. Our school district can look to other nearby districts and learn from how they use their funding to support programs for students who are in the most need of intervention and adapt our strategies accordingly. P: (406) 862-8688 F: (406) 862-2586. Ill show up prepared and do the very best I can to represent all the needs of the varying parties.. 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. Listed on 2023-03-02. From everyone I talked to, this district worked hard to put in place what I would call an adaptive management approach she said. Staff; Staff. 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. It was just humbling and incredible the amount of initiation random people who wed never met took to reach out she recalled. As real estate prices accelerate, finding affordable homes for school employees is becoming more difficult. P: (406) 862-8688 I applaud the boards decision to use COVID recovery funds for mental health resources, and there should be continued effort to look at factors impacting students and solutions at a systemic level. P: (406) 862-8620 She also lived in Essex for a summer season working at the Snow Slip Inn in 2009. Homes for Sale Near 5333 Highway 93 S. 10 ACRES. She attended Whitman College and graduated from the University of Montana. Our on-line Virtual High School (VHS) is open to students beginning in the 8th grade through high school. I bring accountability, when I tell someone Im going to do something, I do it; it doesnt matter if it feels uncomfortable.. All responses are in the words of the candidates and edited only for style. It reminded me of home people waved to me, they were friendly, they were genuine, she said. 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. Please select a different job from those listed below. Being so close with the work she does, he supports the data-driven approach that the school district took. 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. Shannon is a Montana native who has called Whitefish home for more than thirty years. Post administrative/clerical jobs for free; apply online for Education / School Secretary job Montana, USA. An aspect of life that is really important to Kearns is that relationships matter. $790,000. But do they leave the room feeling like they are heard and hopeful; I think I can offer that.. My children will be attending school in the Whitefish district for the next 13 consecutive years. I see the school district doing lots of good work, he said. The need to consider expanding the high school and requesting a bond from the voters is impending for the district. 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. She acknowledges the challenges the pandemic caused in the educational setting, but also respects the decisions the district made by implementing the hybrid in person and online model. In my opinion, the most significant challenge is coming out of the pandemic both academically and emotionally. Ive always been interested in the educational and artistic development of children. You have an incomplete application for I will strive to bring creative solutions to ensure fair and just policy, and reject policies that create more problems. To view and listen to the School Board Meeting, a video link will be available the day of meeting. Volunteer at Muldown Elementary. Students are expected to complete a rigorous academic program from kindergarten through grade 12. Whitefish, MT 59937 Zac Andrews, Montana West Realty, Active. 1118 East 7th St., 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. Location: WMS - PAC. Amina is also a science teacher at the middle school and a lawyer in the Air Force. David Diehl now works as a director of operations at RightOnTrek. You may choose to opt-out of ad cookies. 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. Mission - The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community that engages each student to succeed in continuous learning, . And I really am supportive of standardized curriculum to support teachers, but at the same time not constrain their ability to be flexible.. My degree from an elite university demonstrates my commitment to providing pathways to higher education for all students. Background: Current Vice Chair for Whitefish School District School Board. Editor's note: This Q&A article was compiled by Whitefish Pilot editor Whitney England. WHITEFISH SCHOOL DISTRICT 600 East Second Street Whitefish, MT 59937 4068628640 4068621507 . And in addition, bringing more support and professional development to faculty. Morrow said shes never served on a school board or other government board before, but has held plenty of leadership positions throughout her life. NEW - 2 DAYS AGO 2.46 ACRES. Ms. Rachel Anderson . David Diehl is a retired U.S. Air Force command pilot and colonel who moved his family to Whitefish in July 2020. I will have a child in every school in the district for the next five years. I definitely want to come with the intention of open mindedness to the position, she said. that has not been submitted. Individual fall sports and their state titles; cross country girls (3)football (1)girls golf (16) and boys (12)soccer boys (3), girls (2)volleyball (6). As a parent of young children, working in the service industry and a woman of color, its clear this perspective is absent in our communitys leadership. Family: I am very lucky to have my parents and siblings close by and I have a niece and nephew in the Whitefish Schools. Ray and Jerrie directed the American Field Service (AFS) exchange student program in Montana for many years. The election is in person this year and the polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on May 3 for residents to cast their vote. 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. For more information on the election call the district office at 862-8640. Students have a wide selection of elective programs to include pottery, drawing and painting. Congratulations to your new WHS royalty! 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. 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. Choices of program include orchestra, band and the drum line. With COVID and the influx of new people in Whitefish, she sees that the community togetherness is starting to become divisive. Why are you the best candidate for this position and what will you bring to the board if elected? I believe the school district did the right thing in how they proceeded he said. Student publications include the high school newspaper, The Bulldog Breeze, the literary publication, Snow Ghosts, and the annual WHS year book. Over the last year, Lengacher says he supports the decisions the board made regarding reopening schools during the pandemic. The election will be held on May 3 at the Whitefish School District Board Room, 600 East Second Street. We had a week at an Airbnb in Whitefish and just absolutely fell in love with it, he said. Her interest in children is a huge reason why she is running for a trustee seat on the Whitefish School Board. She also teaches communication courses at the college level. Employment Opportunities. There is no staff matching your search criteria Administration. 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. 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. He also would like to have a positive influence by helping to elevate the board itself. Elizabeth is a Veterinarian at Alpine Animal Hospital in Whitefish. 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