Especially in Whitefish, it's a small community so your actions can have a direct and immediate impact.. 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. ! Suggestions may be selected), To be informed of or opt-out of these cookies, please see our. Students in the Whitefish School District have several programs to choose in furthering their artistic skills: drama, instrumental music, vocal music, and visual arts. Five candidates are running for the Whitefish School Board. P: 406.862.8650 F: 406.862.8664. Diehl and his wife Amina have two teenage kids currently attending Whitefish Middle School. Im actually looking forward to, if I were on the board, helping begin to make a plan for that, he expressed. Our on-line Virtual High School (VHS) is open to students beginning in the 8th grade through high school. Ms. Catey Nasello Principal Mr. John Coyne Assistant Principal . I definitely want to come with the intention of open mindedness to the position, she said. I think Im really interested in vision and goal planning with the district and getting involved in that process.. I have served four months as a school trustee, mentored students by providing shadowing experiences in the veterinary field and volunteering annually for Expanding Your Horizons, a national STEM event to introduce girls to careers and role models in their communities. I think the next step is allowing kids to go to school without wearing masks, we need to work towards that goal.. An injury ended her professional dancing career, but opened up the opportunity to move somewhere new and start a dance school. I dont know what all our needs are right now, so first of all I want to be a sounding board and listen and learn, Diehl said. I probably wish they had gone back to school (in-person) earlier, but I dont fault them for being cautious, she said. - The Whitefish School District cultivates and supports a community that engages each student to succeed in continuous learning, My mediation skills are needed during such divided times. 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. Terms of Use | He spent 20 years as an educator, 10 of those in administration, and has a masters in mathematics. Candidates listed in alphabetical order by last name: Occupation: Dentist (disabled due to a hand injury), stay-at-home mom. 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. 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. Postal Service and in award winning magazines. 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. For further information, please visit their website at, Center for Sustainability and Entrepreneurship, http://www.whitefisheducationfoundation.org/. She said her personal qualities of commitment and loyalty will help her make a difference if she takes on this role. Search: There is no staff matching your search criteria Teachers. Our community is experiencing unprecedented growth and this increase in population impacts our students and our staff. He also would like to have a positive influence by helping to elevate the board itself. Bennetts grew up in Great Falls and her father was a school teacher for 40 years. WHITEFISH SCHOOL DISTRICT 600 East Second Street Whitefish, MT 59937 4068628640 4068621507 . While most recently living in Seattle, his family was coming out to the Flathead Valley more often and developing a stronger desire to stay in Montana. 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. One of the really important things to me has been understanding how much relationships matter and how we treat each other matters, she said. As far as how the district handled COVID-19 and reopening schools, she supports the decisions made regarding the hybrid teaching model. 312 E. Second Street Trustees serve in staggered three-year terms. Each building has a PTA Volunteer Coordinator who would gladly assist you with your unique skills that may be shared with staff and students. District Calendar 22-23 rev_1-11-22.pdf (38 KB) 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. 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. P: (406) 862-8620 I do not envy those decisions they had to make, she said. Hes worked in schools both domestically and internationally, helping to develop educational programs in 13 countries. 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. No, I do not want to apply for that job. Im glad they didnt go completely remote because the detriment of that I saw in a student I was helping.. Whitefish, MT 59937 And in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic, Morrow supports the way the district handled reopening schools. My degree from an elite university demonstrates my commitment to providing pathways to higher education for all students. 56 were here. The support, compassion and care we have shown each other as a community needs to continue as we deal with ongoing issues relating to the pandemic. It has all the elements that makes it so appealing to all of us. She admitted that the board and administrators were in a tough situation and did the best they could at the time. I see the school district doing lots of good work, he said. An aspect of life that is really important to Kearns is that relationships matter. Quincy married Joel Shehan in 2001, and together they moved to the Flathead Valley in 2004. (Provided photos). 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. Lastly, the lack of affordable housing is having a direct impact on hiring and retaining staff. Listing for: Whitefish School District. My concern lies with the willingness of the board to step on the rights of parents. 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. No jobs currently. Although originally from Dallas, she was living in Las Vegas and was a dancer for Cirque du Soleil. 200 Stageline Dr, Whitefish, MT 59937. Family: Married to Bill Paatalo; three kids and one due this week. Joined by their golden retriever, they all enjoy supporting the local outdoor community and are grateful for the accessible, beautiful places that surround Whitefish. Being so close with the work she does, he supports the data-driven approach that the school district took. For reference, kindergarteners in 2020 who are now in second grade have never experienced a normal school year due to Covid. Spring programs consist of track & field, tennis and softballBulldog state track titles - boys (8), girls (3)Tennis state titles - boys (7), girls (1). I feel like Im a really good listener; I like to listen to all perspectives before weighing in on a decision.. I will stand up for our children, parents and teachers by seeking to level the playing field for all. Her interest in children is a huge reason why she is running for a trustee seat on the Whitefish School Board. that will not be submitted. The schools annual Back to School Bash is a major event for our CARE program to demonstrate the chapters philosophy and mission. The 2021 Whitefish School Board Trustee Candidates are Quincy Bennetts, David Diehl, Leanette Kearns, Todd Lengacher and Emily Morrow. She just opened her own studio called Whitefish School of Ballet and serves as the artistic director. If elected to the school board, keeping that genuine community feel and engagement is one aspect she would prioritize. 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. Our students organize and participate in annual blood drives, food drives, and strongly support the American Cancer Society with the Relay for Life. I have a lot of skills and different perspectives and talents to offer in my service so I just felt really strongly that I should jump into that Kearns said. And my experience in after-school programming gives me insight into the daily challenges faced by our staff and teachers. The family enjoys skiing, spending time outdoors and fishing, Lengacher himself says given a free day he would be out on a river fly fishing. Ill show up prepared and do the very best I can to represent all the needs of the varying parties.. And in addition, bringing more support and professional development to faculty. 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. Kearns would like to help mend that and wants to start by serving on the school board. There are some changes that just inevitably bring challenges because that is how new leadership works, she expressed. Background: Current Vice Chair for Whitefish School District School Board. Employment Opportunities. 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. P: (4069 862-8600 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). She also works full time as a pediatric physical therapist at Montana Childrens in Kalispell. David Diehl is a retired U.S. Air Force command pilot and colonel who moved his family to Whitefish in July 2020. I bring accountability, when I tell someone Im going to do something, I do it; it doesnt matter if it feels uncomfortable., copyright 2023 2010 saw our first national 1st place winner in the category of Hospitality and Tourism. Ray and Jerrie directed the American Field Service (AFS) exchange student program in Montana for many years. And given his background in education, he feels like the Whitefish School Board would be a good fit. 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. The opportunity for public comment and participation during a school board meeting is provided by attending the school board meeting in-person. 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. Giving solid leadership direction along with flexibility, I think thats kind of the best you can hope for.. 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).
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