State District  Schools  Participants  Total Answers CO Montrose County School District             4                400 51,835  Dear World Math Day Participants, (Cottonwood, Northside, Johnson & Pomona )  CONGRATULATIONS!  Your district came in 2nd Place in the state of Colorado for World Math Day participation.  More than 750,000 students from over 100 countries answered a total of 182,455,169 questions!  Your district came in at 272 out of the 1175 districts in the US .  Thank you for participating,

The Montrose Education Foundation named Olathe High School social studies teacher, William “Bill” Hamm as the 2008 Teacher of the Year. Mr. Hamm was nominated last fall, and according to that nomination, “Mr. Hamm has provided my son with an excellent example of good leadership. He instills respect, honor, discipline, knowledge and a love of learning to the students and classroom.” When asked to consider the major public education issue today, Mr. Hamm replied, “It is all about relevancy. My role as a teacher is to draw a circle from where we start today and either move forward or reverse the process to explain the cause and effect relationship that each decision had on how we arrived at the present. I think often of an inscription on the sculpture, Titan, “From the past, the man of the present acts prudently so as not to imperil the future.” According to Montrose Education Foundation President, Dennis Devor, “The Teacher of the Year program was designed several years ago to recognize the many outstanding educators in the Montrose and Olathe schools. Each year, the recipient is someone who is representative of the many fine teachers we have in our schools.”  Mr. Hamm received a $1,500 check from Alpine Bank. Past recipients include: 2007 – John King 2006 – Jeffra Walters 2005 – Kathy Bowman 2004 – Kathy Heavers 2003 – Russ Sullivan 2002 – Bruce Grigsby

Annual Retirement Reception All teachers and staff retiring this year from the Montrose County RE-1J School District will be honored Thursday, from 4:00 pm - 6:30 pm at the Montrose Pavilion. The reception is sponsored by the school district and the Uncompahgre Valley Education Association. Autograph books will be available for special wishes and remembrances for each retiree. A slide show will be presented. Plan to attend to congratulate this year’s retirees.

On May 9, 2008, Montrose High School Student Council will host the May Festival of Talents.  This Festival will take place in the MHS Cafeteria from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm and the public is invited.  The Festival will showcase student projects completed in pottery, art, woods, graphic design photography and auto mechanics.  There is no charge to attend the Festival, so plan to bring the entire family.

2nd Annual Braves “5K” Run at Centennial Middle School, 1100 South 5th Street, Montrose, Saturday, May 10, 2008Registration will begin at 7:00 amThe 5K Race will start at 8:30 AM. For more information, please contact:Reenie Erwin, Activities Secretary at (970) 249-2576

Here are some upcoming events that you might want to make note of:   ü        April 12 – OHS Prom, 8:00 p.m. until midnight in the OMS Gym ü        April 17 – KINDERGARTEN registration at all elementary schools, 8:30 a.m.  ~  3:00 p.m. ü        April 19 – MHS Prom, 8:00 p.m. until midnight at the Pavilion ü        April 23 – State mandated ACT test for all juniors ü        May 6 – Teacher Appreciation Day ü        May 8 – Retirement Reception at the Pavilion, 4:00 p.m. ü        May 8 – MHS Senior Awards Night, 7:00 p.m. at the Pavilion ü        May 13 - School Board Meeting, District Office, 7:00 p.m. ü        May 17 – 5th Annual Montrose Education Foundation Golf Tournament ü        May 18 – Olathe High School Graduation, 1:00 p.m., Wilson Field ü        May 22 – Vista Charter School Graduation, 7:00 p.m. at the Pavilion ü        May 25 – Montrose High School Graduation, 1:00 p.m., MHS Stadium ü        June 6 – Passage Charter School Graduation, 6:30 p.m., at Baldridge Hall ( Methodist Church ) ü        July 23 – George Winston Concert at the Pavilion – 7:00 p.m. hosted by Montrose Education Foundation

The Montrose Education Foundation is a 501(C)(3) not-for-profit organization whose mission is: “To encourage the success of students and teachers in Montrose and Olathe by recognizing the value of education through the enhancement of educational opportunities.”  The Foundation’s strategic activities include,   v      Hosting the annual American Education Week Reception v      Providing a book to every graduate, “Graduating Through Life, Insights into Living,” and v      Sponsoring the annual Teacher of the Year Program. The Foundation’s long-term goal is to build an endowment that will provide tuition assistance to every graduate. The Foundation’s current marketing/fund raising activities include: v      Annual golf tournament v      “Support Public Education” license plates v      DMEA Operation RoundUp enrollments v      George Winston Piano Concert To learn more, click here.

Montrose High School ’s Naval Junior ROTC program will hold their unit’s annual inspection on Tuesday, April 15, 2008 at 8:30 a.m., in the Lloyd McMillan Gym. Community members are encouraged to attend to see what these cadets have accomplished with regard to marching drills and ceremonies.  Please plan to attend to support the efforts of these students and this program. For more information, please contact Cdr L. S. Rizzo, 249-6636, ext 4393 srizzo@mcsd.k12.co.us

Columbine Middle School celebrated a groundbreaking today.  This celebration is the first step in an eight-classroom wing to be completed by mid August.  Ridgway Valley Enterprises is the design-build firm.  For a photo, click here.       Columbine’s addition is above and beyond the 2002 voter approved $23 million dollar construction package.  Each of those projects has been built ahead of schedule and under budget, providing additional funding for Pomona , our Educational Support Building , and now Columbine’s wing.  For more information, click here.

High School Teen Sexuality Workshop  The annual Montroseand Olathe High Schools’ Teen Sexuality Workshop for Health Class students will be held Monday and Tuesday, March 3rd and 4th,from 8:30 until 3:00 2008 at the Montrose Pavilion.Students enrolled in a Health Class either first or second semester should report to their respective high school at the regular time. The students will then be directed to the school cafeteria where they will receive information and materials for the Workshop. School buses will transport the students to the Pavilion and return them to school by 3:15. Lunch will be provided. Parents of teenagers are invited to attend a specialpreview sessionat the Pavilion on Monday night from 6:30 pm ~7:30 pm. Special guest presenters from the student workshop will offer a unique session for parents of teenagers regarding teen sexuality issues. There is no cost for this session.  For further information,contact Montrose High School 249-6636.

Safe to Tell Community Night ~ Tuesday, March 4, 7:00 p.m - 8:30 p.m. Montroseand Olathe Schools are implementingthe Safe-2-Tellprogram inourschools. Safe-2-Tell is a pro-active way of stopping tragedies before they happen. http://www.safe2tell.org/ We are inviting all community members to an informational meeting with Safe-2-Tellrepresentatives to learn: what it is, how it works, and how it can benefit our schools and community.The meeting will be next Tuesday Evening - March 4, 2008, from 7:00 p.m. until8:30 p.m.at the Montrose Pavilion. Contact Scot Brown at Montrose High School for more information, 249-6636

Members of the Montrose High School Choral Departmentrecently performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City.The school's choral department is under the guidance and leadership of Cheryl Leu.   The students participated in the Mid-America program. Here is a link for more information:   http://www.midamerica-music.com/carnegie/carnegie_winter0708.htm#feb

~ 2008 Teacher of the Year Candidates ~ 2008Montrose, Colorado. Thirty-six teachers were nominated last fall by either a parent, student, or fellow educator as someone who fosters excellence in education, provides local and district leadership, communicates well, and has a record of superior teaching. In order to be considered a candidate for the 2008 Teacher of the Year, each nominee was encouraged to continue in the program by completing a four-part questionnaire.  The following teachers have chosen to continue in this program and are now eligible for consideration as the Montrose Education Foundation’s 2008 Teacher of the Year.     Jana Ackerman, Kindergarten at Pomona Joan Berryman, 8th Grade at Columbine Lynn Eckart, Music at Johnson Brandy Grieves, Language Arts at Centennial  William Hamm, Social Studies at Olathe High   Claire Hastings, 3rd grade Olathe Elem Gary Hokit, English at MHS                   Kim Jones, Spanish at MHS                              Kari Keller, Social Studies at OMS Jody Martinez, PE at Oak Grove                       Amy Priest, Student Leadership at Centennial David Saksek, Science at MHS Kurt Scriffiny, 8th Grade at Columbine      Zoe Werden, Special Education at Northside               Rick White, 8th Grade at Centennial             A 14-member selection committee, comprised of civic leaders, will select the 2008 Teacher of the Year, based on the following criteria: v       A superior ability to foster excellence in education and contribute to the continuous improvement of student learning and the school environment. v       Knowledge of the subject taught, and the ability to effectively use materials relating to the subject. v       Leadership in educational activities at the school, district, and/or state and national level, such as a member of an advisory council, task force, or professional organization. v       Use of original or innovative instructional methods, development and/or use of experimental programs, development of new instructional materials, and the use of technology in instruction. v       A record of superior teaching as evidenced by student performance, honors, awards, or other kinds of recognition. v       Continued professional development as evidenced by participation in workshops, in-service training, conferences, and/or advanced degrees. v       Demonstration of exemplary interpersonal skills in communicating with students, parents, and the community, and in collaboration with other professionals. v       Strong commitment to creating a climate of caring and respect conducive to effective teaching and learning.                     Previous Recipients: 2007 John King 2006 Jeffra Walters 2005 Kathy Bowman 2004 Kathy Heavers 2003 Russ Sullivan 2002 Bruce Grigsby   The announcement of the 2008 Teacher of the Year will be made on Tuesday, May 6, 2008.

February 5 The PARENT PORTAL server has been restored.Parents areagain able to check student progress and attendance on the secure website. Our IT Department cautions, however, that service may be disrupted throughout the day as we await a delivery today from the vendor to replace the failed hardware.    Linda Gann Communication/Special Project Coordinator Montrose County School District Re-1J PO Box 10,000 Montrose, CO 81402 (970) 252-7901 - phone (970) 209-1727 - cell (970) 249-7173 - fax http://www.mcsd.org/

Montrose High School's Climbing Team Holds "Climb-a-Thon Fundraiser Contact: Noel Bailey, wanaclimb@yahoo.com or MHS Activities at 249-6636.      Did you know...MHS has a COMPETITIVE Climbing Team? Did you know that our local young women and men compete with other athletes across our state?  On Friday, February 8, 2008 from 4:00 pm until midnight, the community will have a chance to find out what the MHS Climbing Team is all about!      The team will host a "climb-a-thon" that will feature members of the MHS climbing team attempting to climb as many routes as possible in an 8 hour period. This event will take place at the MHS climbing wall--located right off the senior parking lot at Townsend Avenue. Proceeds from the event will be used to maintain, expand, modify, and improve the climbing wall for future use.  To sponsor a student climber or find out more about this great program, please contact Noel Bailey (coach) or the MHS Activity Department at 249-6636.

Montrose Education Foundation, Inc. DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD The Montrose Education Foundation, Inc., Distinguished Alumni Award is designed to honor Montrose and Olathe High School graduates whose deeds and character exemplify outstanding achievement in their life’s work and/or service to their communities. A Nomination Committee will make the final selections. All nominations submitted will be reviewed annually and remain on file with the Montrose Education Foundation, Inc., for future consideration.  Nominations available on-line, or by calling Contact: Dennis Devor, 249-7000

MHS Senior Wins Habitat T-Shirt Design Contest  Congratulations to Whitney Yehling, a senior at Montrose High School. She was the winner of the Habitat for Humanity of Montrose County t-shirt design contest. She won $50 in MAMA bucks and will get a t-shirt with her new design on it once they are made. Habitat for Humanity of Montrose County in a non-profit ecumenical organization that provides a self-help program for families in need of affordable housing.

Olathe Middle/High School PAC is the 2007-2008 proud recipient of Lowe's Toolbox for Education grant.  They have been awarded $5,000 towards a digital marquee .  The school's PAC is working on bids for installation of the marquee--hopefully by this spring or early summer

Geography Bee at Centennial Middle School  Every year, Centennial Middle School students participate in the National Geographic Geography Bee to test their knowledge of the world.  The competition begins in the classroom where all students participate in the preliminary round of the Bee.  The 10 students with the most correct answers go on to compete in the Final Round of the Bee.  The student who correctly answered the most questions became our school Geography Bee Champion. The third place finisher was 7th grader Evan Lehr.  Our second place finisher was 8th grader Carlos Figueroa, and, pictured above, Centennial Middle School’s Geography Bee Champion was 7th grader Guillermo Mosqueda.  Guillermo then took a written test to see if he will qualify for the state competition.  The winners of the state competition will go on to participate in the National Competition hosted by Alec Trabek, the host of Jeopardy. Photo:  Kim Carillo, Centennial Middle School Teacher

Northside Elementary fifth grade students Courtney Fitzgerald, Tanner Creel, Miciah English, Adrianna Quintana, Mitchell, Freismuth and Stephanie Champlin will air their Super School News  (SSN) broadcast this week.  SSN is a mini television series written, illustrated and presented on Rocky Mountain PBS by fifth grade students.   Each school involved selects six students to represent their school as student newscasters and reporters. The students write a script about their school and design visual material to accompany the script. A production team from Rocky Mountain PBS meets with the students at their school and at the studio to train and to review and rehearse the script. The student newscasters and reporters then go to the KRMJ studio in Grand Junction to tape the final newscast. The program will air this week on PBS at the following times:  Wednesday, 1/9 at 10:55 a.m., Thursday, 1/10 at 10:25 a.m., Friday 1/11 at 4:55 p.m. and Saturday, 1/12 at 2:55 p.m.

Tonight's (Dec. 21) Olathe High School home basketball game against Rangely has been cancelled due to inclement weather.

The M.H.S cheer team competed Nov.30th in Denver, at the CHSSA spirit competition. They competed in the 4A/5A co-ed division. After making it to the finals, they finished in second place. Pictured Back Row: Tom Bacus,Mandy Peeters,Megan Flanary,Cassie Adamson,Christina Hickey,Autumn Bacus,Karlina Wilkonson,Tyler Morales,Sean O'Neill Middle: Shannon Garcia,Saige Hussong,Maria Henderson,Morgan Getz, Brooke Peterson, Madison Kerby,Natalia Figgs,Brittni Packard,Dayna Leonard,Chelsy Phillips,Sharon Bacus Front: Jessica Garcia,Annie James,Nicki Carter,Monica Kuchyt,Kelly Hughes

The annualMontrose High SchoolSpeech Team fund raiser, The Winter Extravaganza, will be held in the MHS cafeteria on Wednesday, December 12 from 6:30 – 8:30 pm. It is an all you can eat buffet with entertainment from the seniors of this 57 member team. Tickets cost $5.00 for one; $7.00 for a couple; $10 for a family or group of four; and $2.00 each per additional member.The MHS Speech Team has competition until April. Please help by planning to attend this fantastic event.Team captains: J.D. Jacob, Lauren Mitchell and Thomas Twitchell. Contact: Info: AJ Smith, 249-6636.

MHS Choir Department is producing the musical “Into the Woods”.  It is an awesome show, music by Stephen Sondheim.  It weaves together many of the fairy book characters into one story.  It has some funny moments and some very poignant messages about good and bad and consequences for your actions. It is mostly light hearted, but characters are killed in the story, not graphically on stage.  Tickets are on sale at MHS main office, $8 for adults, $5 students, $3 with an MHS activity card.  Performances are Wed. Thurs. Friday Sat. December 5,6,7,8 and the curtain is at 7pm!  Tickets will be available in the lobby the night of the performances.  The production is at Magic Circle Theatre.    For more information, contact Cheryl Leu at MHS, 249-6636 or cleu@mcsd.k12.co.us

It is my pleasure to invite you to our second cultural contest “Our Hispanic Countries.” This contest is organized for Sra. Bond’s classes Spanish I and II at Montrose High School . Our students are learning a new language and at the same time they are discovering the way of life in Hispanic cultures. Each group consists of no more than four students and each group is studying a different country. On the day of the contest, students will present and give information about the country that they chose. They should wear the typical clothes of this country and share a traditional dish. First prize will be given to the best presentations for each class. The presentations will be at Montrose High School Library on the following days:   Thursday Dec. 6th – White Day 1. Spanish II (1st hour class) 8:25 - 9:48 a.m.     (10 groups)      Juries: Marti Sievek and Russell Evans 2. Spanish II (2nd hour class) 9:53 - 11:16 a.m.       (8 groups)     Juries: Kim Jones and Jill Myers 3. Spanish I (4th hour class) 2:12 - 3:35 p.m.      (8 groups)     Juries: Basil Mike and Eric Handke   Friday Dec. 7th – Red Day  1. Spanish I (1st hour class) 8:25 - 9:48 a.m.      (8 groups)     Juries: Basil Mike and Patricia Voorhis   2. Spanish II (2nd hour class) 9:53 – 9:48 a.m.   (8 groups)     Juries: Marti Sievek and Russell Evans   3. Spanish II (4th Hour class) 2:12 – 3:35 p.m.   (8 groups)     Juries: Basil Mike and Eric Handke   We would like to invite you and your family to join us at this event and celebrate the hard work of our students, their interest, and dedication to learning a new language and culture. We greatly appreciate your support, and look forward to having you with us for this event. Sincerely, Lidia Bond MHS Spanish Teacher lbond@mcsd.k12.co.us

The Montrose-Olathe Adaptive Ski Program presents its 10th Annual Chili Dinner and Silent Auction on November 29 from 5:00 – 8:00 PM in the Montrose High School cafeteria.  Chili, salad, dessert, and drinks will be served.  Prices are $5.50 for adults, children under twelve are $2.50, and children under five are free.  Over one hundred silent auction items have been donated by local businesses.  This fundraiser helps seventy five local special needs students ski with the Telluride Adaptive Sports program.  For more information about the chili supper and silent auction or to donate an item, please call Jayne Peterson at 249-2576.

November 12-16 is American Education Week, and the Montrose Education Foundation, Inc., cordially invites the community to a reception on Monday, November 12th, from 3:30 ~ 6:00 pm, at the Montrose Pavilion. Camp Robber will be catering our appetizers, and there will be a cash bar in addition to soft drinks and coffee.   This event is held each year to recognize the contributions made by neighbors and friends who work in our public schools, including: Cooks, Custodians & Counselors Teachers, Paras & Technicians Secretaries, Administrators & Maintenance Staff Librarians & Health Tech s ….every staff member that contributes to the success of our children!   The Foundation will also recognize and congratulate the following teachers who have been nominated in the 2008 Teacher of them Year program: Jana Ackerman, Pomona; Silas Almgren, Montrose High; Joan Berryman, Columbine, Jeff Blacker, Centennial; Sherri Bliss, Northside; Lois Borden, Olathe Elem.; Kim Carillo, Centennial; Amber Cox, Cottonwood; Laura DeHart, Oak Grov; Jon Dickerson, Olathe High; Eve Donahoe, Olathe High;Lynn Eckart, Johnson; Erin Franks. Olathe High; Brandy Grieves, Centennial; William Hamm, Olathe High; Claire Hastings, Olathe Elem; Gary Hokit, Montrose High; Kim Jones, Montrose High; Kari Keller , Olathe Middle; Jody Martinez, Oak Grove; Jill Miller, Northside; Bonnie Mohney, Cotto nwood;  George Perfors , Montrose High; Amy Priest, Centennial; Kurt Scriffiny, Columbine; Sheryl Radovich, Cottonwood; David Saksek, Montrose High; Lauren Riddle, Cottonwood; Marianne Schmalz , Columbine; Harvey Starbuck, Olathe High; Sunne Steenburgen, Cottonwood; Christine Terrell, Columbine; Zoe Werden, Northside; John White, Columbine; & Nancy White, Cottonwood;

Pomona Elementary is planning a ceremony on November 12. Area veterans have been invited and will participate in the ceremony. 8:30-Veterans Arrive, 8:45-Students go to gym 9:00- Flag Ceremony for all students in gym 9:30 Flag Dedication at pole. For more information, please contact: Don Davidson, Principal ddavidson@mcsd.k12.co.us Pomona Elementary 1045 S. Cascade Montrose, CO 81401 (970) 249-2514 phone _______________________________________________________________________________ American Education Week Reception Monday, November 12th 3:30 - 6:30 pm To recognize the contributions made by neighbors and friends who work in our public schools, ….every staff member that contributes to the success of our children. · Cooks, Custodians & Counselors · Teachers, Educational Specialists, Paras & Technicians · Secretaries, Administrators & Maintenance Staff · Librarians & Health Techs Open to all members of our staff, their families, and friends! Community Members are also welcome ~ Montrose Pavilion Hot & Cold hors d’oeuvres — Cash Bar

Montrose High School Students volunteering with the Annual Montrose High School Club Food Drive will be placing plastic bags, tagged with the directions for the food drive, on November 6, 7, and 8.  They will return to neighborhoods to pick up the bags with donated food on November 10. The clubs involved include: FBLA, EPYCS,  STAND,  Spanish,  LULAC, French,  FCCLA, and joining efforts with FFA on the Can challenge. All the food that is donated will be given to sharing Ministries for local families. For more information, please contact Monique Gregory at 249-6636 or via email at mgregory@mcsd.k12.co.us

October 12, 2007  The Montrose High School marching band competed at the Colorado Band Association’s (CBA) State Qualifier in Delta, Colorado, on October 11, and took 1st place in percussion, auxiliary (color guard), and in the field show, all in the 4A division. This is the 1st time that the band has ever won this regional.   The band qualified for the CBA State Championships in Fort Collins in 14th place, a jump of 10 spots over last year’s placement, and will perform in quarterfinals next Friday morning.  Congratulations to band director, Andy Burke, and all his exceptional student musicians.

The MHS Veterans’ Day Assembly will be on Thursday, November 8th at 1:15 in the McMillan gym at Montrose High School.  All  community members, especially veterans are welcome and encouraged to attend.

October 11 7:30 am   The Montrose Police Department is investigating an incident off of the 600 block of South Townsend Avenue, across from Montrose High School's senior parking lot. Citizens driving by this area will notice a section of the neighborhood has been cordoned off with yellow crime scene tape.The investigation does NOT involve any MHS student or staff member. In speaking with the Chief of Police, Tom Chinn, there is no reason to disrupt the daily routine at MHS, and they anticipate a conclusion to this investigation by this afternoon.   We'll keep you posted if events change.     Linda Gann Communication/Special Project Coordinator Montrose County School District Re-1J

Tuesday, October 9, 2007 126 South 5th Street Montrose, CO  81401   SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA CALL TO ORDER 6:00 PM  A.   Appeal of Student Expulsion B.   Executive Session (Student Discussion C.R.S. 24-6-402 (4)(h) C.  Adjournment   7:00 P.M. BOARD MEETING CALL TO ORDER A.  Approval of Minutes             1.  September 11, 2007 Regular Meeting 2.  September 25, 2007 School Visitation Meeting B.  President’s Report 1.      Community Outreach – Mrs. Gann 2.      A+BC Donations – Mrs. Gann 3.      Community Input  C.  Superintendent’s Report 1.  Construction Update – Mrs. Gann 2.  Student Enrollment – Dr. Solow  D.   Old Business E.   New Business             1.  Donations – Mrs. Slater             2.  Recommendation to Accept Colorado State Board of Education Construction Grant for MHS Roof Project – Mrs. Slater             3.  Ruby Demoret Memorial Scholarship Selection Committee Appointments – Dr.  Solow             4.  Recommendation to Approve the Revised 2007-2008 Budget – Mrs. Slater             5.  Recommendation to Ratify Purchase of Pickup Truck for Olathe High School FFA-                  Mrs. Slater             6.  Recommendation to Ratify School Improvement Grant Purchases for Pomona  Elementary School – Dr. Solow               7.  Recommendation to Accept the Colorado Health Foundation Grant in the amount  of $180,000 over three years, to Establish a School-Based Health Center at