During the pandemic and these generally difficult times, young peoples mental health has suffered. She just opened her own studio called Whitefish School of Ballet and serves as the artistic director. 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. Ive always been interested in the educational and artistic development of children. F: (406) 862-8664, 1143 E. 4th St. F: (406) 862-2586, 1143 E. 4th St., My goal is to reunite our district with the common goal of doing what is best for our children, which is ultimately what is best for society as a whole. She attended Whitman College and graduated from the University of Montana. Positions open: 3\nTerm: 3 years\nDeadline for candidate filing: Thursday March 23, 2023 at 4:30pm at the District Office\n\nPlease pick up the candid. 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. - The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community that engages each student to succeed in continuous learning, Currently Kearns is a stay at home parent to two daughters ages 2 and 5. Emails or letters received after that will be included in the following month's business meeting materials. Visual Arts The districts visual arts programs begin at the elementary level and truly excel at the high school level. Background: Born and raised in Whitefish, graduating from Whitefish High School in 2002; Bachelor of Arts in history at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at Washington State University in Pullman, Washington. Job specializations: Administrative/Clerical. The mental, emotional and physical well-being of our students, staff and entire community have been impacted by living with a pandemic for the last two years. There is no room for a narrow focus or agenda. I believe the school district did the right thing in how they proceeded he said. Dr. Katie Clarke is a communication researcher. Family: Married to Bill Paatalo; three kids and one due this week. One of the things that drew her to Whitefish, which she discovered on a ski vacation with friends, was that people were friendly and the community. 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. He also currently serves on the North Valley Food Bank and Whitefish Education Foundation boards, and is the executive director of the Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Northwest Montana program. And I really am supportive of standardized curriculum to support teachers, but at the same time not constrain their ability to be flexible.. Im glad they didnt go completely remote because the detriment of that I saw in a student I was helping.. I think Im really interested in vision and goal planning with the district and getting involved in that process.. Whitefish, MT 59937 The Whitefish School District office at Central School downtown. Staff. Website Disclaimer. Ill show up prepared and do the very best I can to represent all the needs of the varying parties.. 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. Whitefish students are encouraged to take part in after school activities that promote the social, emotional, intellectual and physical skills that have lifelong lessons. Kearns would like to help mend that and wants to start by serving on the school board. Five candidates are running for the Whitefish School Board. Muldown elementary School. Background: Studied music at Cornish College of the Arts, political science at Oregon State University and various community colleges. She said her personal qualities of commitment and loyalty will help her make a difference if she takes on this role. Quincy married Joel Shehan in 2001, and together they moved to the Flathead Valley in 2004. 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. It reminded me of home people waved to me, they were friendly, they were genuine, she said. Im actually looking forward to, if I were on the board, helping begin to make a plan for that, he expressed. org. Powered by Giving solid leadership direction along with flexibility, I think thats kind of the best you can hope for.. National award winners have had their works displayed via the national duck stamp for the U.S. And I feel well informed just given the proximity to my wifes work., copyright 2023 Morrow said shes never served on a school board or other government board before, but has held plenty of leadership positions throughout her life. Whitefish Bay School District is a top performing district in Wisconsin and the Midwest. The election will be held on May 3 at the Whitefish School District Board Room, 600 East Second Street. In addition, students have taken the lead and their voice may be heard on the Big Fish Radio. She and her husband enjoy everything outdoors from whitewater rafting to hiking to just being outside with their kids. You have an incomplete application for 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. Id bring a sense of leadership and sharing in ideas, Morrow said. Although she doesnt have any children of her own yet, she loves spending time with kids and volunteering in programs serving youth. Editor's note: This Q&A article was compiled by Whitefish Pilot editor Whitney England. Whitefish, MT 59937 One of the things that drew her to Whitefish, which she discovered on a ski vacation with friends, was that people were friendly and the community. Whitefish, MT 59937 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. Current trustees Ruth Harrison and Betsy Kohnstamm both decided not to run for reelection. The 2021 Whitefish School Board Trustee Candidates are Quincy Bennetts, David Diehl, Leanette Kearns, Todd Lengacher and Emily Morrow. It has all the elements that makes it so appealing to all of us. 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! Whitefish High School. Prior to becoming a trustee I actively attended Whitefish School District board meetings and work sessions. 1143 E. 4th St. Whitefish, MT 59937 . 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. Todd Lengacher has a vast amount of experience in education coupled with a strong desire to be involved in the community and local schools. NEW - 2 DAYS AGO 2.46 ACRES. Type any part of the Job Title, Job Type, or Job Location to Search, Director of Student Services (Beginning 23/24), PowerSchool Group LLC and/or its affiliate(s). Especially in Whitefish, it's a small community so your actions can have a direct and immediate impact.. 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.. Location: Whitefish School District Board Room 600 East Second Street Whitefish, MT 59937 Bennetts expressed great respect for the current board members, administrators, district staff and everyone already involved in the district. And given his background in education, he feels like the Whitefish School Board would be a good fit. I have daily interactions with students, parents, teachers and the community that provide a boots on the ground perspective. 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. When I talk about moving here and being in the school district, I understand that those values exist here, and I want to guard those and keep those.. And I really am supportive of standardized curriculum to support teachers, but at the same time not constrain their ability to be flexible.. Spring programs consist of track & field, tennis and softballBulldog state track titles - boys (8), girls (3)Tennis state titles - boys (7), girls (1). Children are the future of our country, and I believe it is essential for their success to provide them with a solid educational foundation that is instruction-based and not agenda-driven. I feel like I have the capacity and the will to give back., Secondly I really feel that childhood education sets the foundation for success in life.. I probably wish they had gone back to school (in-person) earlier, but I dont fault them for being cautious, she said. I just think theres lots of possibilities for us to continue to be innovative given the relatively small size and the support for education in Whitefish.. Following in her grandparents and parents Griz Alumni footsteps, she attended the University of Montana in Missoula earning a Bachelors in Exercise Science, and graduate degree with a Masters in Physical Therapy. Interested students have furthered their broadcasting skills due to their production knowledge and skills during this unique opportunity. (Provided photos). Whitefish, MT 59937 I believe the most important issue facing the district right now is whether it has lost the ability to protect the kids from political divisiveness within the community and the country. Muldown Elementary School; Whitefish Middle School; Whitefish High School; Whitefish Independent High School . 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. I think Im really interested in vision and goal planning with the district and getting involved in that process.. He was inspired to run in the trustee election because of his desire to serve and give back to the community. Mr. Josh Branstetter Principal Mr. Tyler Jones Assistant Principal Teachers. Privacy Policy 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). However, I dont claim my diverse perspective is what qualifies me alone for this position. I am committed to Whitefish kids and all the dedicated, talented professionals who support them. Staff: Intramurals: 1: Student Store: 1: Whitefish Middle School Student Council: 1: Yearbook Club: 1: Web Accessibility Complaint Form Web . 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. 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. Time: 6:00 PM. Any chance I get I love to spend time with children Children are always the center of my life, she said. Ms. Rachel Anderson . In 2017 she said her family had a tough time after her husband was involved in a tragic avalanche accident in Glacier National Park. She served as the local American Cancer Society Education Director for many years. Five trustee candidates are running for two open spots on the Whitefish School Board. 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. The board should support all parents, despite personal differences. Previously served on the Whitefish Rotary board, Childrens House Montessori and Flathead Youth Home boards. 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. 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. She also lived in Essex for a summer season working at the Snow Slip Inn in 2009. After staying a week in Whitefish, Diehl says it just felt like home. Website Disclaimer. Whitefish School District Back to top Whitefish independent High School Education Foundation About Whitefish Superintendent's Corner Bulldog Tip Line (406) 730-3080 | speakup@whitefishschools.org News & Announcements WHS Expansion Update Whitefish High School Expansion Information Poster EMERGENCY School Closure Information I definitely want to come with the intention of open mindedness to the position, she said. Her favorite part of serving the community in this volunteer role is getting to visit the schools and see learning in action. What really drew me here was the people that live here they have these wonderful qualities of really fierce independence and strength, coupled with a very strong sense of community, Kearns said. But do they leave the room feeling like they are heard and hopeful; I think I can offer that.. Affordable housing is an issue for many in the community, and this includes school personnel. In addition to her work with schools, she also has experience in mediation. I think they did a really good job of managing an impossible situation.. She and her husband love living in Whitefish where they enjoy skiing, being out on the lake, and being part of a special community where we're all neighbors working together for the greater good. Although new to living fulltime in Whitefish, Kearns didnt want to wait any longer to get involved in the community. Mission - The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community WMS Jazz Band Festival @ U of M. Date: Mar 17. The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community, (406) 730-3080 | speakup@whitefishschools.org, Center for Sustainability and Entrepreneurship, 2023 School Board Trustee Election Information, 7th Grade Girls Basketball Tournament @ West Valley, 8th Grade Girls Basketball Tournament @ Kalispell Middle School, Whitefish High School Expansion Information Poster, Whitefish School District Seeks Additional Input for Whitefish High School Expansion, The 988 Suicide and Mental Health Crisis Lifeline offers 24/7 free and confidential mental health support. 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. Ive been in senior leadership positions quite often and understand the difficulties presented, he explained. 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. Quincy Bennetts was born and raised as a 4th generation Montanan in Great Falls, Montana graduating in 1997 from Great Falls High. The secondary program has excellent fine arts programs along with the advance placement classes in English, Government, Science, and Math. In addition to working in education in Seattle, Vermont, and Montana, Todd worked at a school in Spain and developed educational and community-based programming in South & Central America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. Their son Porter attends Muldown Elementary. I do not envy those decisions they had to make, she 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. 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.