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.
Making strides
By Jerry House
Big Sky School District Superintendent
Our 2014-2015 school year is off to a great start with several changes that promise this year to be a very exciting one for staff, students and parents. From kindergarten through 12th grade at Lone Peak High School, students have been engaged in this dynamic process.
The first big change occurred with the hiring of new personnel. John Hannahs and Ashley Hudson have joined our first and second grade teaching staff; Katy Thomas has replaced Leah Johnson as our k-8 counselor; Brenda Yahraes has come on board as our LPHS Program Coordinator; and Tom Yahraes was hired as our new 5-12 Principal and Assistant Superintendent. Each individual brings expansive knowledge and expertise to our district.
Grades 5 -12 moved from block scheduling to a seven-period school day. Students and staff have adjusted to the new schedule, and both teaching and learning are now more effective. Evidence of that success will be carefully monitored each semester as we continue to evaluate the way we teach and how students demonstrate achievement within this new system.
In the world of new construction, Ophir Elementary School is on schedule with the gym wall now completed. Concrete has been poured for 50 percent of the future floor, and framing has begun on the kindergarten and first grade classrooms. Groundwork for site development will continue until the final building has been constructed. Overall, Martel Construction is doing a fantastic job for our future community school.
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LPHS Veterans Day assembly
Lone Peak High School is hosting its third annual Veterans Day assembly on Tuesday Nov. 11 to commemorate veterans, both alive and deceased, that have served our country. There is a surprising number of these special people living in our small community, and LPHS is inviting the Big Sky community and all retired and active-duty personnel to attend this special event in uniform.
The assembly begins at 1 p.m. with an address by Marine Corps Tech Sgt. Jack Crowther. Military guest are encouraged to dress in uniform and arrive at the Bough-Dolan Sports Complex between 12:15 and 12:50 p.m. for special seating.
Immediately following the assembly, military personnel and their guests are invited to attend a special dessert reception in the gym. – Trevor House
Please contact Supt. Jerry House at (406) 995-4281 with questions.
