Tech HPT on May 13

At our last tech HPT meeting we met with a revised copy of the tech plan. We our making changes to the plan to fit the needs of OPI requirements. We also asked for one full school day with sub release time to work on this large endeavor. The plan also needs to be ready with monetary figures when stimulus money becomes available.

Also, we constantly talk about the Technology Mentor/Mentee program that the plan has set up. Hey Staff!! Did you know you can further your technology education with the help of the school district as laid out in the tech plan? Ask one of your tech members for more info!!!

Pardon me, but I must....

Please accept my invitation to nominate Mr. Michael Roberts for the Ypulse 2009 Totally Wired Teacher Award. It has been my privilege to be mentored by Mr. Roberts over the last seven months . I have watched as he has played point person, driving Bigfork School District to embrace 21st Century Technology . I have observed his enthusiasm in the classroom as he shares his passion with students and they respond. We are fortunate to have this rare resource in our midst and this is a unique opportunity to acknowledge him. Please visit Ypulse and fill in the brief nomination form.

HPT 10

Well, a week and a half ago when we met, we prepared for our Sophomore field trip to Nine Pipes lodge and Beardance trail. It was a hit. the kids enjoyed themselves and learned a lot. They also had a great opportunity to work hard and do something good for the environment by planting trees and clearing away brush that could cause wildfires.

We also continued talks about the Empty Bowl program that we plan to reinstate next year, with the full blessings of the Forum and Administration, of course.

We are still pushing to be the All Things Positive group, and we will continue to look for ways to set Bigfork apart as a place that kids want to be.

11/12 team report

At the last HPT the 11/12 team discussed goals for next year. We are considering "critical thinking" curriculum, gifted and talented identification, and intervention. We also discussed concerns about next year's calendar. Senior projects were a great success and I will be posting pictures of the presentations. The interactive board was perfect for this type of assignment. Mike B.

6-8 HPT

Our HPT meeting was spent planning for a track and field day for the morning of May 27th. This day will be led by the 7th and 8th grade students and teachers and attended by third and fourth grade students. We brainstormed a series of events, so that each student will visit around eight stations during the morning. Some events will be traditional, and others have been highly adapted to accommodate our age range and number of students. It should be a fun day for all participating!

Insurance Discussion

Here are Clara's Comments. This blog is open to FRIENDLY discussion about our insurance choices. You can also click your choice on the unformal poll! Currenlty I am also leaning towards MUST b/c of the HSA option. Please keep in mind these are opinions and the blog is a great place to share!!! Scarlett


Dear All,
Last night I made the time to attend the MUST meeting. I'm glad I did.
After listening to the Blue Cross-Blue Shield presentation, I was ready
to vote in favor of switching our health insurance company. No so,
any longer! My reasoning is as follows:
MUST raised the maximum lifetime benefit from 3 million to 5 million
MUST has a basic medical plan - the Blue's don't - we do have members
on this plan
MUST has a built-in $!0,000 life insurance policy with the district
paying for another $10,000. I purchased a $50,000 policy
for about $18 per month. Great rate. I'm not real clear on
the Blue's, but I believe if we wanted that, it would raise the
premium?
MUST has a built-in long term disability insurance - the Blue's
don't. You can purchase it.
MUST deals with schools only.
MUST and Blue's dental and vision plans are comparable, however,
if you use a flex account or a health savings account, you will
not spend as much in the end. When you add up the premiums
paid and subtract you benefits, the insurance is not cost effective.
MUST also offers opportunities for us, as a district, to lower our
premiums through wellness incentive plans. One of the opportunities
mentioned was if 90% of the insured participated, we could save up to
3% on our premiums. Granted that may be only $12 - $13 per month,
and that depends on your plan and deductible, but $140 to $150
per year would but something fun?
MUST premiums may be a couple dollars more, but the benefits outweigh
the cost risks.
I know I'm not covering all the points. Perhaps those in attendance can lend
their memories and support.
Union members will be voting soon to decide which insurance company
we will be using as a district.
Thanks for listening/reading about my obvious choice.

Have a GREAT DAY!
Clara

I Team

Intervention Team met last week and went through the updated F and nearly-failing list. Christina Nadeau shared some of the interventions in place for students struggling with math. Our discussion centered on what we are doing as a high school to intervene in skill deficits among students in all areas. Elementary strategies were also discussed including the math interventions that have had success in their program. Christina informed team members how we're working on a plan for next year to take out the "negativity" associated with some intervention programs, and anticipating success with the new strategies.