Back to school by Valley Journal

Back to School

August 19, 2015 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1

School boards exercise local control by Karen Peterson for the Valley Journal

a strange moment during a usually quiet school board meeting, one board member stands up and proclaims that every class including the kindergarten shall have free soda machines in the name of hydration. “No, nothing like that would happen,” said Bob Vogel, director of governmental relations at the Montana School Board Association. “Board members can’t act alone. They have authority as a whole, and they work together to make decisions in the best interests of the students.” If the entire board makes a questionable decision, the public can take action. “People can take recourse during the next election,” he said. The school board is a locally elected governing body, and in this area, they usually consist of five volunteer members. The Montana State Constitution gives them the power to vote on policies and the ability to supervise the school. “They are what local control is all about,” he said. “Local control allows each board to look at the priorities of the district, and each district has different needs. People don’t often see the direct influence the board has but everything they do has an influence on student achievement.” School boards across the valley vote on many policies pertaining to school functions including construction, transportation, curriculum, the budget, employee contracts, hiring and firing the superintendent and they approve the yearly calendar. Board members have the power to vote on issues that affect students, but they utilize support from many sources to make those decisions. “They work with the superintendent and take recommendations from teachers and everyone else,” he said. The school curriculum is one of the big decisions the board makes, but it isn’t like they have to sit down and design it. The superintendent, principals and teachers get together to decide on the curriculum, and they present their ideas to the board, and the board votes to adopt or reject

the curriculum. The same procedure occurs with many items on the board’s agenda. “We try to hire good administrators with good educational backgrounds and knowledge of research to help us make decisions,” said Gene Posivio, St. Ignatius School Board chairman. “We make those decisions by focusing on our goal and that is to maintain a positive learning environment for the kids and to set policy for the school. The board has to remember that they are there for the kids, and remembering that makes decisions a lot easier.” A school’s budget is often another agenda item. The superintendent is responsible for creating the budget. If the board doesn’t agree with it, the superintendent makes changes. “The budget is brought forth by the superintendent and we make our judgment,” he said. “The biggest problem we have now with the budget is that we have less state and federal money to work with.” Sometimes, the board makes a decision that doesn’t work well for the school, and those policies can be put back on the agenda for another vote.

Full Time Students Kindergarten - College Buy one $99 package (Lens & Frame) & Get a Spare Pair for $1 Some limitations apply. Call today for your appointment. 676-3937 • 676-8921 417 Main St. SW, Ronan 2 – August 19, 2015

Back to School

“If a policy is not working, we look at ways to change it,” he said. The board has a number of outside resources to rely on including national and state school board associations, which provide recommendations and workshops to help board members stay informed and make decisions. The public, which includes students, is another resource for input, and people have the right to attend board meetings and add public comment. “The public can have the superintendent put something on the agenda, but they usually try to solve the issue before it even gets to us,” he said. “We are usually the last in line for see page 3

Little Lambs Christian Preschool St. Paul Lutheran Church, Ronan. Space available for 3, 4 and 5 year olds Call Kaye Bowman for information at 676-8283.

New Lake County Superintendent of Schools sworn in

School boards from page 2

by Megan Strickland

people with issues.” Posivio is a retired schoolteacher. He said being on the “other side” has taught him a lot about the board, includingthe many aspects of the budget. He decided to run for election about seven years ago in what was a good example of how the system works. He was unhappy with the way the board was voting, so he decided to run during the election. “We each have three-year terms, and every year someone comes up for election,” he said. “If you don’t like a board member, vote them out.” Serving on the board is a commitment. Board members attend regular monthly meetings, special meetings and workshops. Volunteering on the board is the way Polson School Board Chairperson Caroline McDonald uses her skills to stay involved. “When looking at ways to volunteer, I looked at the school board,” she said. “You can have a profound difference by working with friends and neighbors even if you disagree on things because ultimately we have the same interests in fleshing out what is best for the kids.”

Valley Journal

haping young minds matters because young minds grow to shape the world, according to new Lake County Superintendent of Schools Carolyn Hall. Hall jumped into her role Aug. 4 after a long career in education. She said she hopes she can help county schools continue a tradition of excellence. “We have good schools and I wanted to support what they already have in place,” Hall said. “If there are needs and goals that they want to achieve, then I want to help them be successful in that. They know now better than I do what those needs are. I’ll be learning from them.” Learning has been at the center of Hall’s life for a long time. She began teaching in 1975 in New Mexico, where she and her husband became involved in the homeschooling and private schooling movement. The duo helped found a school and carried it through to accreditation before deciding that Montana would be a better fit to raise their family. Hall taught elementary students in the Polson School District as her children grew up. As time passed,her children became engineers and a physical therapy technician, and Hall moved on to Mission Valley Christian Academy after retiring from Linderman Elementary School. She said she wanted the

MEGAN STRICKLAND/VALLEY JOURNAL

Lake County Commissioner Gale Decker swears in Carolyn Hall as the new superintendent of Lake County schools.

superintendent of schools position because she thought it would be good to give back to the community. “I love learning,” Hall said. “I love kids. I love teachers. My chief motivator is to help them succeed.” Hall dove right into the job. Superintendent Assistant Kate Ike said Hall had been down to the office researching before the commissioners officially swore her in.

“I taught with Carolyn for many, many years,” fellow teacher Carolyn Heinz said. “The county is so fortunate. She will be excellent. Her dedication is beyond and beyond.” Lake County commissioners responsible for hiring Hall say they have been hearing nothing but good things about the superintendent. “She seemed like the perfect fit,” Commissioner Gale Decker said.

During your child’s routine visit with Dr. Chris Clave or Dr. Aimee Gustafson: their mouth will be fully examined; the teeth will be professionally cleaned; topical fluoride might be coated onto the teeth to protect tooth enamel, and any of your concerns can be addressed. Dr. Clave or Dr. Gustafson can demonstrate good brushing and flossing techniques, advise you on dietary issues and provide strategies for thumb sucking and pacifier cessation, all while making your child feel comfortable.

ALL BOOTS BY ARIAT, ROPER AND CINCH 20% OFF

30% OFF ALL STRAW HATS.

Call Dr. Chris Clave or Dr. Aimee Gustafson to set up your child’s appointment today. Dr. Chris Clave D.M.D. New patients & Insurance accepted.

Dr. Aimee Gustafson D.D.S. We offer financing and accept credit cards.

Across from the library, 102 1st Avenue East, Polson 883-5544 Back to School

4570 N Reserve St., Missoula • 63932 Hwy. 93 South, Ronan 676-2201 August 19, 2015 – 3

Supplement childrens’ learning at home News from StatePoint here’s no reason that learning should stop once the bell rings. When concepts are reinforced at home, not only do children learn faster, they are better prepared to excel in school. Whether your children are in preschool or are already in grade school, there are many bright ideas out there that can give kids an extra academic edge: Explore Your World Your world is a classroom that can provide an abundance of lesson plans. Start in your own home by exploring key concepts around the house. From using measuring cups in the kitchen to identifying shapes in the playroom, there are lessons to be learned in every room. The new “Get Ready for School” series by DK includes “I’m Ready for School,” an interactive book that helps toddlers practice colors, numbers and more. Proceeds from the book series support PBS KIDS, which uses the power of media to help prepare children for success in school and in life. Once you’ve mastered the house, take the show on the road. Visit museums, the aquarium or even the park around the block for learning opportunities. Play Games Encourage the idea that learning is fun by introducing educational games into your child’s daily routine. Games are a great way to make lessons stick and help a child grasp new ideas. Check out “Get Ready for School Games: Number

“Color Match,” introduces kids to words and colors with timed memory challenges and activities. Also consider “The Incredible Math Games Book,” which blurs the lines between practicing math and play. With interactive games like “Find the Fraction,” “Subtraction Action,” and Dancing Dice,” kids can learn key math concepts minus the homework. Write a Story Help your budding writer find her literary voice by encouraging her to write fictional stories or report on “news” events from around the neighborhood for the house newspaper. Make sure she is well-equipped to handle her writing assignments with the help of a classic reference tool, DK’s Merriam-Webster Children’s Dictionary — now updated and revised to include modern words like “smartphone,” “MP3” and “graphic novel,” as well as new countries, borders, flags and cities. Music Lessons Round out your child’s education with music lessons, which can improve motor skills, build self-confidence and help impart cultural values. Many music stores rent instruments, which can be a low commitment way to test out your child’s interest. Check out options for lessons in your area or even just find free tutorials online. When the school day is over, don’t let young minds go on strike. Through activities, music and even games, you can make stress-free learning happen round-the-clock.

Help your budding writer find her literary voice by encouraging her to write fictional stories. Memory,” a math card game that show numbers 1-10 arranged in set order with everyday objects and number words to help toddlers practice adding and subtracting up to 10, sharing, and grouping. It’s an easy-to-understand visual approach to real-life problem-solving. A companion game,

AMANA FREEZERS (variety in stock)

Uprights starting at just $

549

Chest Models starting at just $

469

Student Desks

It's time for your Checkup!

Starting at just $

Call today for an appointment.

93 Discount

Ronan Dental Clinic Stephen Culp D.D.S. Dr. Aimee Gustafson D.D.S. Dr. Amber Dailey D.D.S.

New & Used Furniture, Appliances and Bedding 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mon. thru Fri. ~ 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sat.

Phone: (406) 676-5507

20 Dayton St. S.W. • Ronan • 676-7600 4 – August 19, 2015

115

63616 US Hwy. 93 S • Ronan, MT 59864

Trade-in’s welcome • Prices subject to change.

Back to School

Tech boosting college students’ grades News from StatePoint icture a college student studying for an upcoming exam. If you’re envisioning her surrounded by marked-up textbooks, you probably aren’t a recent graduate. These days, you’re just as likely to see the student with a tablet, smartphone or laptop taking advantage of digital course materials — and student grades appear to be rising as a result. New digital platforms are making a difference for students who have access to them. Students using a digital learning platform increased their grades by one full letter, with more B students getting As, and more C students getting Bs, during an independent study of more than 700 students at six institutions, which was conducted by a member organization of the Association of American Publishers. Community college students participating in the study saw their graduation rates improve by 12.5 percent. A different independent study of another learning platform by another AAP member found that students using only the textbook improved 51 percent, while students who used both the textbook and the digital learning platform improved 79 percent. Indeed, a digital learning revolution is well underway in colleges and universities across America — and the benefits are even extending to student and parent pocketbooks. Though the cost of college tuition has been steadily rising, the student cost of coursework has stayed flat. The money saved by shifting from print to interactive digital platforms in the classroom can be as much as 60 percent. “For more than 10 years, publishers have been redefining the concept of textbooks and course materials through content and technology innovations,” said David E. Anderson, Executive Director of Higher Education with the AAP. “Interactive materials can now be used on virtually any device, including a laptop, tablet or smartphone, making it easy for students to study whenever and wherever they like.”

Digital learning materials have evolved way beyond their origins from a simple PDF copy of a textbook. These advanced educational platforms now include quizzes, tests and games to help better engage students in their coursework and in the classroom. The learning experience, in turn, has become less static and more interactive. Beyond making learning more engaging, the materials are helping customize the learning experience for each student. The latest materials use artificial intelligence to focus on those areas where individual students need the most attention. Professors can employ real-time monitoring to determine how individual students and whole classes perform, adjusting their lessons to better meet the needs of the class. They can also use these programs to communicate directly with specific students or with the entire class, making introductory-level classes — which often have hundreds of students — more personalized in ways that weren’t possible in the past. Lower-cost digital course material options can add up to convenience, cost savings and better graduation rates for students. That’s a valuable lesson being learned by today’s college students.

Hwy. 93 S. across from Suds & Duds

2014 Dodge Challenger SXT, Leather, Sunroof, Flow Master Tuned Exhaust, Super Clean $30,500

2014 Arctic Cat Side-by-Side

2014 Jeep Patriot Latitude SUV $20,900

4dr., 4x4

2008 Nissan Pathfinder LE V8, $16,900

w/roof pkg., alloy wheel pkg. $12,900

Leather, 4x4,

2007 Dodge Ram 1500 ST

1997 Dodge Dakota

4dr., Auto, 4x4, V8, 5.7L

$18,500

1995 Jeep Wrangler YJ 6Cyl., 5 Spd., Winch, Many Extras

$7,900

2dr., Auto, 4x4, V6, 3.9L

$7,900

1995 Dodge 2500 SLT V10, Auto, 4x4, Low Miles 64K, Perfect Truck

2008 Suzuki XL7 4dr., Luxury pkg., AWD, V6, Sunroof 2008 Dodge Avenger SXT 4dr. Sedan, Auto, V6 2007 Nissan Altima SE Sedan, V6, Auto, Very Nice Car 2006 Ford F150 Ext. Cab, 4x4, V8, Auto 2005 Chevy 2500 Ext. Cab, Duramax, Auto, 4x4, Nice Truck 2005 Chrysler T&C Leather, Rear DVD 2004 Chrysler Pacifica AWD, Auto, Leather 2003 Chevy 1500 HD Crew Cab, 4x4, 6.0 Auto, Sharp Truck 2003 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab SLT V8, 4.7l, Auto, 4x4, 2003 Dodge 2500 SLT Quad Cab, Hemi, V8, 4x4, Auto 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan SE V6, Auto, 7 Passenger 2002 Mercury Villager V6, Auto, 7 Passenger 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan Sport V6, Auto, 7 passenger 1999 Chevy Tahoe 4x4, V8, Auto, Very Clean 1995 Ford F250 Reg. Cab, V8, 4 Spd. 1995 Dodge Ram 2500 SLT Cargo Van, V6, Low, Low Miles

$10,900 $8,900 $9,900 $11,500

$7,500 $19,500 $7,900 $5,900 $14,500 $8,500 $10,900 $3,900 $3,500 $3,900 $4,900 $3,900 $4,500

www.ronanautosales.com Back to School

August 19, 2015 – 5

Hot or cold: healthy meals prepare students for learning by Berl Tiskus Valley Journal

acos, country fried steak, pizza, cinnamon rolls and chef salad are all favorite school lunches, according to the experts: kids who were eating lunch at the Cherry Valley School summer program. During the school year, lunch is an important part of every school day. It’s easier for kids to concentrate in the classroom with a healthy breakfast and lunch under their belt. Needing lunch doesn’t stop when school is out for the summer months. Many children eat lunch at their school in the summer months compliments of the Summer Food Service Program. Sponsored by the United States Department of Agriculture, the program is administered by individual states. Nationwide, the USDA estimated they’ll serve more than 200 million free meals. The program serves kids 18 years of age and younger. In Polson, the program serves breakfast and lunch at Cherry Valley School, and as many lunches as possible contain fresh food grown in the Mission Valley. When school begins on Aug. 26, Polson students can eat lunch and breakfast at school. Kids whose families struggle to make ends meet may qualify for free or reduced meals. For information, call the school your child attends. Do children bring their lunches to school? Melissa Bahr, Polson Middle School teacher, said some kids brought their lunches, maybe 10 percent. Amanda Steel, Boys and Girls Club After School Program director, said many of the elementary school kids, especially kids with dietary restrictions or picky eaters, packed a lunch and brought their lunchboxes. One mom polled said her second-grader feels more secure knowing her peanut butter sandwich is in her lunchbox, and she doesn’t have to deal with lunch trays and standing in line. Other kids choose to bring a lunch when the school is serving something they don’t like, so Polson School District 23 publishes a menu every month that’s displayed prominently at each school. Many times the lunch menu is broadcast over the school’s intercom system with other daily announcements. Meal prices in Polson schools have increased this year. They are: — Breakfast, $1.60 for all students, $2 for adults — Lunch $2.15 for all students, $3.25 for all adults Second helpings cost 50 cents for everybody, and milk is provided with every meal. An additional milk is 30 cents. For information on lunch accounts, contact the school your child attends.

It’s easier for kids to concentrate in school when there’s a healthy breakfast and lunch under their belt.

WELCOME TO THE 2015-2016 SCHOOL YEAR FROM POLSON SCHOOLS! • FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL-WEDNESDAY AUGUST 26TH • IF YOU NEED TO ENROLL YOUR CHILD, SECRETARIES WILL BE AVAILABLE BEGINNING AUGUST 17TH NEW IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS: House Bill 158 was passed by the Montana Legislature, and signed into law by Governor Bullock this year. Students in grades K though 12 will now need to have documentation of two varicella (chickenpox) immunizations by October 1, 2015. A statement from a physician or a titre lab test, which indicates immunity, will be also accepted. Students in grades 7 through 12 are also now required to have a Tdap (tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis) immunization.

IF YOUR CHILD WILL NEED TO RIDE THE BUS, PICK UP A BUS REGISTATION FORM AT YOUR CHILD’S SCHOOL OR CALL THE BUS GARAGE AT 883-6358 6 – August 19, 2015

Back to School

Positive changes in store for Christian school News from Mission Valley Christian Academy ission Valley Christian Academy is excited to announce a partnership with Eagle Christian School for the 2015-16 school year. This collaborative effort combines the accredited curriculum and staff of Eagle with the classroom discussion, peer interaction, oversight, mentorship and individual guidance that MVCA can provide to students. This partnership will cover the high school portion of MVCA. The elementary school is in its final year of candidacy for accreditation with AdvancEd and the Association of Christian Schools International. Because Eagle is already AdvancEd accredited, the high school classes will be granted accreditation status this school year. MVCA has been working with individual students with digital assisted learning over the last three years but this will move all high school students into this digital arena with the support of MVCA teachers. Music, Bible, Drama, PE and other electives will continue to be taught by MVCA. Eagle has been assisting schools and parents in a Christian-based education since 1996. Valley Christian in Missoula, Stillwater Christian in Kalispell and Helena Christian School have all benefited from partnering with Eagle. The leadership of MVCA met with families in July to discuss the changes and cover questions and concerns. Parents asked, “What will it look like?” They were shown actual class content online and were able to see how the courses were laid out. MVCA board chairman Dr. Mike Windauer shared that one of the beneficial equations was: Eagle content and curriculum plus MVCA teachers plus MVCA community equals MVCA’s Christ-centered quality education. One parent told how her recent college experience involved several online classes and how this partnership will help prepare students for the future of education. Purchasing laptops, upgrading the internet connection, class schedules, dual credit college classes for upper class students and other topics were covered as well during the family meeting. “The classrooms will look much the same as last year with the exception of added technology,” MVCA Director Chris Bumgarner explained. “While some of the learning will be reading, writing and observing online demonstrations, the critical element will be the MVCA staff engaging students in discussions, peer interaction and individual mentoring. Releasing staff from grading assignments and planning curriculum will free them to teach one-onone, to encourage and to inspire our students.” The question of “Why the change?” was brought up as well. MVCA (and other schools) face the challenge of attracting qualified staff, especially for science and math. This partnership will move MVCA to the goal of having an accredited high school this year and facilitate quality instruction that is cost effective. Pooling

COURTESY PHOTO

Mission Valley Christian academy 2015 soccer team Christian educational resources from around Western Montana was another plus for this collaborative effort. Both Eagle Christian School and Mission Valley Christian Academy have the mission to provide a Christ-centered quality education for students. These two entities see this as a ministry to families who desire their students to develop a Christian worldview. By partnering together, they will combine strengths to benefit Christian students in Montana. After a 24-percent increase in enrollment last year, registrations for the new school year are on pace for more growth this year. Classes are filling up quickly. (Seventh and eighth grade class has been capped and currently has a waiting list.) If you are considering a Christian education for your family, now is the time to apply. The MVCA leadership and staff are grateful for the generous support of the communities in our valley and look forward to continuing to provide a Christ-centered quality education developing lifelong servant leaders.

COURTESY PHOTO

Back to School Package WAY COOL

for pre-teen Starting at

$15999

C&B SCENE

for teens Dinettets, desks, chairs, workstations, beds and more.

$16999

Delivery available

P a c k a g e s I n c l u d e : 2-year warranty on Frames and Lenses; Anti-Glare Coating; Transitions Offer good thru Sept. 30

Tue. - Sat.: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday & Monday: Closed

POLSON FAMILY EYECARE

Jeffrey D. Heninger, O.D. 410 1st St East, Polson • 883-4355

62579 U.S. Hwy. 93 • Ronan, MT. • (406) 676-5500 Back to School

August 19, 2015 – 7

Mental tricks can help News from StatePoint Maintaining strong grades in every subject can be tough on even the brightest of the bunch. This is especially true these days, as students routinely take on more extracurricular activities and part-time jobs while enrolled in school. Students looking to grasp complicated class material — and still have time left at the end of the day — can stand to benefit from tried-and-true systems for learning, say experts. “Every student from a young age should learn speed reading, speed math and mnemonics,” says Harry Edelson, venture capitalist, managing director of Edelson Technology Partners and author of the new book, “Positivity: How to be Happier, Healthier, Smarter, and More Prosperous.” Edelson, the son of an illiterate Russian immigrant, attributes his triumph over childhood poverty and success in the classroom and business world, to the adoption of key mental tricks and a positive attitude. In “Positivity,” he delves into how others may follow suit. Here he shares a few insights. Speed Reading

raise grades Speed reading allows a reader to take in written material much more quickly than traditional reading. While those wishing to improve their speed reading skills once had to attend seminars or enroll in a course, now lessons are widely offered online. Free software, as well as apps available for download to your phone, can offer training in this useful art. Speed Math Like speed reading, speed math can help students finish their homework faster and with more precision. Additionally, learning this skill offers students a deeper understanding of mathematical operations. A range of books on the subject, as well as online tutorials, can supplement classroom learning. Mnemonics So much of school testing involves the need for recall and recitation, especially as schools nationwide adopt Common Core Standards. Mnemonics are a classic and effective method of memorization and information retention. Depending on the material, students can turn to existing mnemonic devices or create their own. Positive Thinking “I consider myself to be very lucky. I have been happy all my life even though I started out as poor as a child could be,” says Edelson, who says positivity can lend itself to success. “Take control of your senses, determine to be happy and develop a frame of mind that will make you and all those around you happy.” For an edge this semester, don’t reinvent the wheel. Consider first the academic techniques and personal philosophies that have worked so well for others.

Seeking: Preschool Educational Specialist Nkwusm is seeking a Preschool Educational Specialist 1 FTE – Holds a BA or BS degree with a Montana teaching certification in elementary education or in early childhood education. Early childhood endorsement or 5 years experience working with preschool age children. Salish speaking background preferred. Nkwusm is now accepting preschool and k-8th grade student applications for the upcoming 2015-2016 school year. 8 – August 19, 2015

Back to School

Teachers, staff invited to lunch by Linda Sappington Valley Journal

ission Valley United Methodist Church on Post Creek Hill welcomes all schoolteachers, bus drivers, and staff that work in school districts throughout Lake County to a luncheon in their honor from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25. Donated school supplies will be available for teachers to take back to their classrooms — everything from pencils and paper, crayons, markers, scissors, rulers, “just about anything any child would need, so the teachers will have extra supplies in the classroom,” Marlena Burden of the Methodist Church said. This is the fourth year the church has offered the luncheon, which has evolved from inviting one school to every school district in the valley. “We’ve had teachers from Mission, Charlo, Ronan, Dixon. We’ve never had any from Polson, but that’s a ways to travel,” Burden said. “They get to know each other, and hopefully give them a great start to a new year. They do a lot for the community.” For more information, call the church at 406-644-0122.