August 2008

Dear Student ~ Family: 

Summer greetings from Arrowhead!  I hope you are having a wonderful summer and finally finding some time to cool off in the river. The summer is flying by quicker than the rushing waters of the Yellowstone . This letter contains some important updates for you.

Registration is August 18^th and 19^th from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the school gym for all new and returning students. Please bring copies of updated immunizations or exemptions.  We will be holding our first annual Run Like the Wind on Saturday, September 13^th, sponsored by Big Sky Wind Drinkers. The event includes a competitive 4 mile run/walk at 9:30 a.m. and at 9 a.m. a 1k kids fun run. (application & ad included) The course is scenic, mostly paved, rolling, fast and accurate. Start, finish, registration, and awards all take place at Arrowhead, with finishers’ awards for the kids. Race proceeds will benefit Arrowhead extra-curricular activities. Please try to fit it into your busy Saturday schedule.

As expected, your children scored very well on their CRT tests in grades 3-8. Individual results, unfortunately, are not mailed until September this year. Highlights of this year’s results include 3^rd grade coming up to 86% of students proficient in reading, 4^th grade jumping to 94% proficient in reading, 5^th grade shining with 89% proficient in reading and 95% in math, and an impressive 6^th grade with 86% proficient in math. The school as a whole officially scored 92% proficient in reading and 74% in math, exceeding the state requirements and making Adequate Yearly Progress! A large number of Montana schools, including SGMS, did not meet the 68% math proficiency requirement and will be marked as out of compliance for this reason. This public data will be released on August 21^st.

I am sorry to announce the resignation of Kyle Parker, who after the end of school was offered a library position in her home town of Great Falls . She was very sad to be leaving and sends everyone her best. I am happy to welcome to our staff and school community Librarian John Wellcome.  John is a Bozeman native in his first year of teaching and is currently completing a Library and Reading endorsement to add to his English endorsement. We are now interviewing for Counseling and Music. Mrs. Burkhardt has resigned her temporary position as music teacher; we thank her so much for her dedication and positive energy.  I will join the PTO and all other interested parents for a before school PTO Collaborative Meeting the morning of registration at 10 a.m. at the school library. This will help us get a jump start on the school year.

The D.A.R.E program will be in-place next year. We will have a new bus stop down Chicory Road at the corner of Warrior Road . We are working on expanding parking and a vehicle turn around in front of the school. Kindergarten will run full days this year, and we will continue staff development in Differentiated Instruction and Indian Education. Information and sign-ups for the second annual middle school Arrowhead Expedition Wilderness Course the weekend of 9/20 will be available at registration on a first come basis. Enjoy the rest of your summer!

Sincerely,

Adam Galvin, Superintendent/Principal