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School House News: It's a new year
Published
10 years agoon
By Jerry House Big Sky School District Superintendent
In School House News, Supt. Jerry House shares his point of view on education and the Big Sky School District – his favorite place for teaching and learning. News is selected from all three schools – Ophir Elementary, Ophir Middle School and Lone Peak High School.
Our 2013-14 school year is off to a great start. We’ve increased enrollment to include 278 registered students, who have vastly improved schedules that allow more core subject choices as well as improved electives. On the first day of school after receiving their schedules, the students were all in their classrooms within 15 minutes of the first bell – a major accomplishment!
A number of changes were developed last spring and summer. We had previously split the kindergarten class between two teachers. This year, we added another first grade teacher to reduce class sizes and improve our teacher to student ratios. The staff continues to attend the latest staff training conferences and workshops, and as a result, our elementary students are receiving excellent foundational skills that will be witnessed as they move up the grade levels.
Ophir Middle School students have experienced the greatest change in their schedules and are no longer in 90-minute blocks. They have 50-minute daily core classes and their elective classes range from 43-50 minutes. Their last period of the day is now called P.A.C.E. – Practice, Activity, Choice, Enrichment – a time for students to complete homework or be tutored by a teacher who sees them struggling with tests or assignments. P.A.C.E. offers a broad range of classes and has proven very effective for teachers and students; it’s time well spent before the student goes home for the evening.
Lone Peak High School students have also had a schedule change. We now have two Advanced Placement teachers who have received certification from the National College Board in literature and government and meet or exceed the requirements to teach college-equivalent courses. The Big Horns will also soon have AP teachers in statistics, art, and foreign language. New technology classes include 3D drawing and modeling, CAD I and II, robotics, alternative energy and basic office programs.
The start of the school year is just the beginning of what will yield great things from the kindergartener’s first year to the senior’s final year. Quality programs, highly qualified teachers, and supportive parents who expect nothing but the best for their children is the Big Sky School District’s formula – one that can’t be beat.
Megan Paulson is the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Outlaw Partners.
Upcoming Events
march, 2024
Event Type :
All
All
Arts
Education
Music
Other
Sports
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Children turning 5 on or before 9/10/2024:
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Children turning 5 on or before
9/10/2024: Kindergarten
enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year can be completed by following the
registration process now.
Children
born on or after September 11, 2019: 4K enrollment is now open for
families that have a 4-year-old they would like to enroll in our program for
the 2023-2024 school year. Please complete the 4K Interest Form to
express your interest. Completing this form does not guarantee enrollment into
the 4K program. Enrollment is capped at twenty 4-year-olds currently
residing within Big Sky School District boundary full time and will be
determined by birth date in calendar order of those born on or after September
11, 2018. Interest form closes on May 30th.
Enrollment now is critical for fall preparations. Thank you!
Time
February 26 (Monday) - April 21 (Sunday)
Event Details
My Barking Dog is a nightmare comedy
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My Barking Dog is a nightmare comedy that tells the story of Toby and Melinda, two lonely people whose lives are forever changed the night they encounter a starving coyote at their apartment building. Over time they grow to expect him, leaving ritual offerings to entice the coyote every night. Toby and Melinda forge a connection over this visitor and share curiosity and concern about his presence in the city. The coyote expands their world–until, one night, their world is shattered. Their lives are pushed suddenly into uncharted territory, sending them on a surreal odyssey that changes their city–and the world–forever.
Directed by LX Miller. Starring Max Schneider and Denise Hergett
Verge Theater is continuing their mission to provide accessible theater to our community. Tickets for My Barking Dog are Pay What You Wish with a suggested price of $35. Audience members are offered the opportunity to select the price point that is comfortable for them when purchasing tickets.
My Barking Dog runs March 15-17, 22-24, 28-30
Performances on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays begin at 7:00 p.m., with Sunday matinees offered at 3:00 p.m.
Suitable for ages 16 . No animals are harmed in the staging of this production.
Tickets are available online at www.vergetheater.com
Time
15 (Friday) 7:00 pm - 30 (Saturday) 8:30 pm
Location
Verge Theater
Event Details
Saturday, March 23rd 6:00-8:00pm We will combine the heart-opening powers of cacao with the transcendental powers of breathwork and sound. Together, these practices will give us the opportunity for a deep
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Saturday, March 23rd 6:00-8:00pm
Time
March 23 (Saturday) 6:00 pm - April 23 (Tuesday) 8:00 pm
Location
Santosha Wellness Center
169 Snowy Mountain Circle
Event Details
Thursday of the Lord’s Supper Mass St. Joseph Catholic Mission
Event Details
Thursday of the Lord’s Supper Mass
St. Joseph Catholic Mission
Time
(Thursday) 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm