Big Sky Eagle News

In this Issue: Most Inspiring Students Pg. 1

Can’t Help Falling in Love Pg. 1

News from the Principal Pg. 2

School Election Ballot Drop Off Sites Pg. 2

Student Recognized for Computing Achievement Pg. 2

Senior Project Update Pg. 2

Farewell to Mr. McHugh Pg. 3

State VFW Eagle Scout of the Year Pg. 3

Upcoming Certification Opportunities Pg. 3

Coach Nile Selected to the MT Coaches Hall of Fame Pg. 4

College Signing Day Pg. 4

Congratulations to BSHS Hockey Player Pg. 4

Meet the New Girls Soccer Coach Pg. 4

10 Tips for Talking to Teens About Careers Pg. 5

Coffee Cart Help Pg. 5

March Attendance Pg. 6

Spring Sport Pics Pg. 7

Volume , Issue April 2017

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Volume , Issue

BIG SKY’S MOST INSPIRING STUDENTS

Missoula County Public Schools, the Exchange Club of Missoula, the Missoula Education Foundation, and Graduation Matters Missoula welcomed honored guests to the eighth annual “Most Inspiring Students” recognition program. This awards dinner and cere-mony honored and celebrated MCPS students for their achievements and commitment to their educa-

tion.

This year’s award winners from Big Sky are (listed from left to right) Keilani Curran, Dylan Reinhard, Alyssa Gill, John Bowers, Jaxmin Cordova, and

Cody Best. Not pictured are Jack Martin and Blayton Berrington.

We would like to express thanks to our parents, extended family, and friends for their dedica-

tion, commitment, and support of these exemplary Big Sky High School students.

SENIOR PROJECT DAY—MAY 25TH

All Shook Up, last week’s theatre and music department production was a huge success! Audi-ence members were amazed by the quality of the production. “The singing, dancing, acting, set and costumes were awesome.” “What a great group of students – so talented!” “Best High School Production I’ve seen.” “Big Sky High School Performing arts has the strongest production value of the MCPS schools.” These were just a few of the compliments given at the end of each

performance. Thank you everyone for your support.

CAN’T HELP FALLING IN LOVE

Eagle News Page 2

NEWS FROM THE PRINCIPAL Dear Big Sky Families,

I hope you are enjoying the warmer, spring weather. The school is buzzing with activity as we begin to wrap up the school year. We continue to remind students to finish the year strong and continue to attend every class, be on time, and seek help if needed. Most students can check Q on their phones or mobile device using the MCPS app. Please take a little time each week to review their grades and support your student in problem solving any missing assignments or challenges. We are busy working on next year’s student schedules. You will receive information about how to access your student’s schedule and make changes by the beginning of June. Our goal is to communicate the schedules earli-er this year so there is time for your student to work with his or her counselor before the summer break. This is a time of year with so much to look forward to: Graduation, Senior Project Day, and end of year concerts

and performances. I wish you all the best as you watch your student transition to his or her next grade. As al-

ways, if you have any questions don’t hesitate to call our main office at 728-2401.

Your Principal, Natalie Jaeger

Eagle News Page 2

As part of an effort to encourage more young women to choose careers in technology, the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT), NorthWestern Energy, and Carroll College recognized 14 Montana high school women from 11 high schools for their accomplishments and aspirations in computing and technology. The award event was held in the Fortin Science Center Scola at Carroll College on Saturday, April 8th and fea-tured four Montana IT women from NorthWestern Energy, Northrop Grumman and Google talking about their

technology careers.

The NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing was created to promote the computing aspirations of young women, introduce them to leadership opportunities in the field, and generate visibility for women’s participation in technology fields. Winners were acknowledged for their outstanding aptitude and interest in technology and computing, leadership

ability, academic history, and plans for post-secondary education.

National judges picked the Montana winners. This year, for the first time, two Montanans received NATIONAL HONORABLE MEN-TION: Samantha DeMartin from Jefferson High School and Betta Lyon-Delsordo from Missoula Big Sky High School. Betta was also

a 2016 Montana State winner as well. Congratulations Betta!

BSHS STUDENT RECOGNIZED FOR COMPUTING ACHIEVEMENT

Students are quickly approaching the end of the year, and that means wrapping up Senior Projects! Students should have presented their portfolios to their advisors between April 17th and 28th. Students should have also filled out their presentation request form sent to them via their school gmail. Once a student’s portfolio receives a passing grade, they are scheduled for their presentation. Final

presentation schedules will be revealed in the third week of May.

Any student who did not submit their portfolio to their advisor will be contacted directly during Senior Seminar to get on track.

SENIOR PROJECT UPDATE

Don’t forget to vote! The school election ballots have been mailed. Ballots for the school elections are due by 8 p.m., Tuesday, May 2nd. Prior to May 2, ballots may be mailed or dropped off at the Missoula County Elections Office or the Missoula County Fairgrounds. Additional ballot drop off locations will be available on Tuesday, May 2 and include

Chief Charlo Elementary School and Rattlesnake Elementary School.

For more information, please visit www.mcpsmt.org.

SCHOOL ELECTION BALLOT DROP OFF SITES

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June 9th is the last day of school. However, for Tim McHugh June 9th is the last day of a remarkable career.

McHugh is retiring from teaching after 38 dedicated years, marking an end of an era.

After graduating from Carroll College, Tim spent the first four years of his math teaching career in Town-send, Montana where he was also the head Varsity football coach. He has spent the last 34 years making a lasting impact on students and staff here at Big Sky High School. Former Big Sky teacher Marti Leibenguth said, “Tim is the most hard working, dedicated, and caring teacher and colleague. I am honored to call him

both my colleague and my friend, even though he is no competition on the golf course!”

During his tenure at Big Sky, McHugh coached freshman and varsity football until 2010. He also spent countless hours, year after year, volunteering at track meets. Even a massive heart attack failed to deter him from coaching (he coached from a golf cart!). Head football coach Matt Johnson says, “Tim is a great role model and teacher. He is proof of ‘what does not kill me only makes me stronger.’ I have always had a lot of respect for Tim and all the work he put into education and kids. As a young coach I always

looked up to Tim. Not only for his work ethic, but his enthusiasm as well.”

Although greatly admired by his colleagues, McHugh’s presence at Big Sky has left the greatest impression on his thousands of stu-dents. He was honored by his students in “Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers.” His dedication to his students is almost impossible

to emulate. They are his priority each and every day.

Junior Mackenzie Morrison describes McHugh’s commitment to his students: “Mr. McHugh is a great teacher. He’s always in a good mood, and has a sense of humor that everyone finds funny. He always keeps us on task, and makes sure we understand the material. In addition, he goes out of his way to encourage us in our extracurricular pursuits. He is genuinely curious about our activities. I’ve

really enjoyed having him as a teacher, and he will be missed at Big Sky.”

McHugh will surely be missed by all but is looking forward to his retirement as well. He will be spending his time with his wife Ginni

at their summer cabin, as well as more time with their two grown sons.

We wish you all the best, Mr. McHugh.

FONDEST FAREWELL TO MR. MCHUGH

STATE OF MONTANA 2016 VFW EAGLE SCOUT OF THE YEAR Congratulations to Gabe Jourdonnais! He was selected as the 2016 State of Montana VFW Eagle Scout of the

Year. Gabe is currently a junior at Big Sky, a varsity swimmer, and the Junior Class President.

Gabe was nominated for this award for earning the rank of Eagle Scout. Earning the Eagle badge is the highest rank awarded in Boy Scouts of America. Gabe collaborated with a team of community contacts, planned his project and completed construction of a 700 foot interpretive trail. The trail bridges the Rocky Mountain Military Museum of

History building and the oldest structure at Fort Missoula, the Powder Magazine.

Gabe worked with his team and mentor and executed a well thought out project from start to finish – ultimately

using donated resources including 100 year old Bonner Mill Dam crib timbers for the Interpretive Trail Benches.

Most Eagle Scout projects are on average about 120 hours. Gabe’s project was approximately 415 hours. This project will benef it Fort Missoula and the Rocky Mountain Museum of Military History for decades to come as a permanent resource allowing folks of all

ages to safely walk on the interpretive trail.

UPCOMING CERTIFICATION OPPORTUNITIES We have 6 students that will begin the journey towards their phlebotomy certification through Montana State University. Students are required to complete a 6 week online course, successfully complete two Saturday practicums at MSU, and work 110 hours in the CMC

labs for their clinical. Students will be fully certified as phlebotomists once they have successfully completed the course.

One of our 10th grade HSA students is embarking on a second class at SKC in the Dental Assisting Certification program. The first class students complete is Introduction to Dental Assisting, then Introduction to Chairside Dental. The program at SKC allows students to take up to 5 courses online and work towards their Dental Assisting Certification. These courses take place every 8 weeks so future students can sign up all throughout the school year and summer. If your child is interested in participating please contact Jennifer

Courtney at 728-2400 ext. 8088 or jccourtney@mcps.k12.mt.us.

We still have room available in the summer CNA course through Bitterroot College. We have a few slots in the June/July class, and 10 spots in the July/August class. This course will take students through the Certified Nurse Assistant curriculum, with their clinical taking place at The Living Center in Stevensville. For more information please contact Jennifer Courtney

at 728-2400 ext. 8088 or jccourtney@mcps.k12.mt.us.

Eagle News Page 4

DRAMA PRODUCTION

One Evening in April 4/28/17 - 7:30 pm

Big Sky’s very own Coach Nile will join 10 other Montana coaches on Aug. 3 in Great Falls as he

is inducted into the Montana Coaches Hall of Fame.

Coach Nile has spent 16 years coaching track at Big Sky. Under his guidance, Big Sky teams have earned 4 divisional titles, 7 state trophies and 3 state championships. Prior to his Big Sky

position, Coach Nile coached track in Arlee, earning 3 divisional titles and 3 state trophies.

Coach Nile has coached football and basketball as well over the years and holds two divisional football championships, coached in 3 all-star football games, and has been nominated for the Montana Coach of the Year 13 times and has won the honor 3 times. He was also the Gill US

Western Region Coach of the Year in 2013.

Not only are we lucky to have him coach our students, but in his “spare” time Coach Nile teaches Sociology & Criminolo-

gy and US Government full time at Big Sky. Please join us in congratulating Coach Nile on this well-deserved award.

COACH DAN NILE SELECTED TO MT COACHES HALL OF FAME

Big Sky’s Jim Seielstad plays on the Missoula Bruin hockey team. The Montana state champs marched all the way to second place at the USA Hockey Division 2 National Championships in Cleveland, OH last

month. Congratulations Jim—Great Job!

CONGRAULATIONS TO BSHS HOCKEY PLAYER

COLLEGE SIGNING DAY May 17th from 11-12pm in the Big Sky Library will mark our celebration of College Signing day. If your child has signed to partici-pate in a college sport/activity, please contact Jennifer Courtney at 728-2400 ext. 8088 or jccourtney@mcps.k12.mt.us. Infor-mation needed will include which sport/activity, which school and if known program of study. On the 17th parents and families are

welcome to join us for this celebration and treats.

Courtney Shields moved from Bellingham, WA to Missoula in 1998 to attend the University of Montana and play for their Division I soccer program. She started coaching girls club soccer in Stevensville be-fore graduating and continued coaching for the next decade. She coached Missoula Strikers, Target Range, and one season at Sentinel High School. She worked at Big Sky High School as para-educator and then in the CSCT program from 2003-2007. She then went on to be a police officer for the City of Missoula, which took her away from coaching unfortunately. Now that she is a stay at home mom of two beautiful children she is afforded the opportunity to get back into coaching and is the new BSHS Girls Soccer Coach. She is excited to return to the BSHS family and is very excited about the upcoming

season. Welcome Courtney!

MEET THE NEW GIRLS SOCCER COACH

**NO SCHOOL MAY 26TH AND MAY 29TH**

CHECK BIG SKY’S WEB PAGE/CALENDAR FOR UPCOMING EVENTS

DRAMA PRODUCTION

Dance Concert 5/10-5/12 - 7:30 pm

Eagle News Page 5

Encourage your teen to investigate a variety of careers. Talk about work and your job at the dinner

table. Also, talk with friends and relatives about their jobs when your children are present.

Stress to your teen that school is their work. Attendance and effort are important. You don’t take a day off from work just be-

cause you feel like it. The same goes for school.

Explore their personal talents, strengths, likes, and dislikes - without being judgmental. Ask: what do you like to do? What skills

do you have? Do you like to be around people? Do you prefer working outdoors or indoors? Do you like to take things apart? Assessment tools can relate these to specific occupations. The more teens know about themselves, the easier it is for them to recognize careers that suit them best and the greater chance for job satisfaction. Big Sky High School uses the Montana Career Information System (MCIS) to provide career planning information. Students are given time every year to take interest invento-ries, research careers, explore post-secondary training, and look at financial aid options. Parents can access this website from

the Big Sky Counseling Website.

Help your teen experience as many work situations as possible. Have them take advantage of work exposure opportunities like

job shadowing, mentoring, internships, youth apprenticeships, and cooperative education. This educational approach connects

school experiences to real-life work activities.

Provide as many opportunities as you can for your child to learn technical skills. Encourage computer literacy coursework in

school, at a community center, or through a youth group. If you don’t have a computer at home, visit your local library. Give

them a chance to experience hands-on tools, techniques, and skills which can be applied in a broad range of careers.

Support your school’s efforts to expose students to various career possibilities. Work through your parent-teacher organization

or ask teachers or administrators to offer students career fairs, field trips, and class speakers.

Talk about a career as a goal of education. It’s OK that teens usually don’t know what they want to do for the rest of their

lives. To not try is to limit future options as a result of poor planning.

Guide your teenager toward acquiring skills. Encourage them to take courses that provide the opportunity to apply skills, like

keyboarding, automotive technology, accounting, graphic design, construction, marketing, etc. Applied learning is important

whether your child is college-bound or not.

Give your teen responsibility - the more the better. Begin with jobs around the house. Young people need to learn that we’re

all important and that people rely on us to get things done.

Suggest that your teen explore career opportunities that were once considered only for males or only for females. Nontradi-

tional jobs often provide excellent opportunities.

Adapted from Preparing Your Teen for a Successful Career (American Vocational Association, Alexandria, VA)

TEN TIPS FOR TALKING TO TEENS ABOUT CAREERS

The Steamin' Eagle Coffee Cart needs your help to ensure the coffee cart remains a viable entity. Please consider serving as a board member. If you are not able to serve as a board member, please consider serving as a volunteer. The Steamin' Eagle is a

non-profit business whose mission is to donate all profits back to underfunded organizations and projects within the Big Sky High School community. Your Big Sky Steamin' Eagle Coffee Cart is staffed by volunteers and managed by a board of 5 community vol-

unteers.

Contact Heather Wilcox at wilcox.hthr@gmail.com for additional board member information. Board member duties include recruit-ing and maintaining the volunteer schedule, ordering supplies, making deposits, reviewing monetary requests and serving as Treas-

urer.

Contact Kathy Cotner at kathycotner@gmail.com if you would like to volunteer for a shift. Current openings include: Monday 9-11 every other week, Tuesday 7:15-9 weekly, Wednesday 7:15-9 every other week, Wednesday 11-12:30 weekly, Thursday 8:45-10:30 every other week or weekly, Friday 11-12:30 every

other week.

Serving as a board member or a volunteer is a great way to support your child's school, interact with the stu-

dents, and earn free drinks for your student. Thank you for your help!

PARENTS—COFFEE CART NEEDS YOUR HELP

Page 6 Volume , Issue Page 6 Volume , Issue

MARCH ATTENDANCE

At Big Sky High School, “Every.Minute.Matters.”

Regular attendance is the foundation of higher achievement. Students with fewer than 5 absences each semester, attend-ing 95% of the school year, experience greater academic success and connection to their school. Here’s to those Big Sky Students who have met that goal during the month of March! Congratulations and keep up the amazing work! You

ROCK!

Ables, Everett Amaya, Jacksun Anderson, Aleksi Andres, Max Argo, Mason Balboa, Maxine Ball, Jacob Bautista, Jasmine Bautista, Justine Beagle, Jace Berow, Wesley Boyles, Bailey Brass, Donald Braun, Italy Bridges, Annalise Burruss, Trinity Campbell, Jadyn Casey, Gage Cherry, Kodie Corcoran, Carter Creel, Willow Culbreath, Tyler Daniel, Grace Davis, Hannah Denman, Annie Dickson, Colton Donahoo, Brandon Ehman-Olsen, Trey Farago, Anna Farrar, Casey Feilzer, Abbe Fred, Everett Gillespie, Jordan Granbois, Lawrence Greathouse, Elijah Hale, Emily Hanson, Bennett Heimark, Grey Helms, Dylan Holgate, Savannah Hungerford, Connor Jackson, Nicholas Jacobsen, Mya Johnson, Leif Jourdonnais, Hannah Kaneff, Garrison Kaufman, John Kelley, Megan Knowles, Nicholas Kolar, Hannah Kuykendall, Krysty Lange, Andrew LaRance, Camdyn Larson, Hunter Lenox, Shelby Linton, Grace Long, Gracie Lucero, Samuel Makela, Ila Maloney, Sydney

Marcinkowski, Kathleen

FRESHMAN SOPHOMORES Airhart, Christopher

Baker, Branson Baker, Taydem Ballas, Mitchell Basile, Madison Bassett, Kyle Beach, Jessi Best, Jimmy Blodgett, Miranda Blonda, Emma Boehner, Ethan Bravo, Miguel Carlson, Bailey Cathey, Zachary Cawley, Madeline Chapman, Breanna Contos, Leilani Cook, Hayden ierra Crispin, Conner Culligan, MayRee D’Amico, Elizabeth Denman, Nicholas Duffin, Nathaniel Edwards, Makenna Flink, Kendall Flynn-Orosco, Andrew Gamble, Arlen Gardanier, Andrew Gardner, Chloe Gee, Brookie Haines, Gavin Hall, Lucas Harrison, Corrigan Hauglum, Savannah Helms, James Hendrickson, Kalten Huff, Connor Kingrey, Kyla Kirk, Sierra Koster, Kami Lilly, Scott Lovshin, Cole Mahler, Kaytlyn Maplethorpe, Emilee Marx, Adam Medina-Lee, Galen Michael, Jadelyn Mitchell, Hailey Mocabee, Allison Mogensen, Nicholas Moua, Pachia Nelson, Connor Nickelson, Meaghan O'Hern, Darien Olson, Cyrus Owen, Taylor Panzeri, Libby Paxton, Emmarie

Pearson, Jordyn

Peppers, Auberun

Randall, Gwendolyn

Richards, MacKenzie

JUNIORS Abbott, Hunter Andres, Kyla Arellano, Josette Austin, Dylan Bagley, Hailey Baker, William Banna, Hallie Barbian, Katelyn Barnard, Josephine Batt, Evan Beck, Adam Botchek, Jordan Bradford, Nidhi Burnaby, Kadi Celestin, Lavie Cinfio, Tanner Cooper, Kasey Crago, Dexter Culbreath, Zackary Dawson, Aspen Engebretson, Leroy Eriksson, Henrik Erskine, Sandra Frandsen, Carson Fussell, Kyle Grant, Joseph Hankel, Shane Harris, Madison Higgins, Nora Himber, Sydney Hiniker, Troy Howard, Cameron Hudson, Payton Jacobson, Samantha Janacaro, Levi Johnson, Ashlynd Jourdonnais, Gabriel Karlin, Monroe Kelly, Lane Kitchel, Jade Lamb, Aiven Lambert-McFarlane, Andrew Law, Matthew Lehnen, Derrick Lowder, Grace Lyon Delsordo, Betta Maldonado, Gabrielle Mattson, David McCloney, Kylee McGill, Harrison McQueary, Kaylee Medina-Lee, Alexis Merritt, Mariah Montgomery, Jack Mortel, Donavon Moua, Chuck Moua, Gao Murphy, Benjamin Newman, Jayda Nile, Bailey Notti, Jordan Nulliner, Cody

Olmsted, Jonas

SENIORS Allen, Kira

Andres, Ruger

Baker, Raines Ball, Gage Beers, Jessica Bruun, Gary Burkhart, Jared Caina, Ino Chiles, Presion Christensen, Mary Cowan, Ashley Crane, Nathan Du, Ashley Dzomba, Helena Farago, Kayla Feathers, Kyler Fortmann, Jarod Friede, Kelly Hall, Daniel Jacks, Ashley Jackson, Benjamin Jensen, Carlysse Jerke, HayLe Kammerer, Tanner Kaneff, Sydney Kirschenheiter, Tatum Knudsen, Jorrien Long, Bonnie Lopes, Shannon Malone, Joshua McGauley, Daniel Miller, Halle Mlynek, Logan Mocabee, Timothy Monaghan, Jessica Moore, Kaitlyn Nordtome, Sophie Perry, Rebecca Pierce, Cassidy Qian, Xiaorong Reinhard, Dylan Richards, Colton Rivera, Natasha Rosenbaum, Kaylee Scheirer, Chelsea Short Bull, Michael Smith, Adisson Sobczak, Mya Sweeney, Megan Tate, Cassidy Tate, Savanna Taylor, Michael Thompson, Sidney Tooke, Matthew Vang, Sengyeng

Vang, Tsim Nou

Vang, Xhea Meng

Wakai, Nicholas

White, Auriella

Williams, Paytience

Yovetich, Nicholas

Martin, Keige McCullough, Turner McKenzie, Lakxota McNeel, Aynslee Mentzer, Darren Michels, Ellie Millhouse, Ryan Moss, Haven Normandy, Samuel Nyirabwiza, Sifa Odyk, Whitley Osterhout, Ethan Pate, Alexander Pellett, Saul Peterson, Trevor Phelps, Shawn Pinkerton, Dane Pluhar, Corbin Raulston, Sierra Reagan, Sawyer Redfield, Daniel Reevis, Miesha Richardson, Jalynn Rodli, Daniela Sharkey, Nicole Shulzitski, Chance Sommers, Kylie Stewart, Kasidee Taylor, Devin Templin, Kylee Thomas, Nala Tonn, Logan Took, Jaden Turner, Teagen Van Tine, Jack Vargas, Orlando Veneklasen, Thomas Weber, Katelyn Wendt, Kayla Westfall, Ross Whipple, Hayden Willes, Dante Williams, Angel Woodin, Noah

Yarbrough, Andrew

Zamudio, Denise

Zikosky-Palen, Hank

Parmiter, Camille Peterson, Ethan Peterson, Zachary Plasmier, Sean Quinn, Kailyn Rasmussen, Jacob Reh, Isabel Rider, Cassidy Roberts, Makenna Sainsbury, Andre Sautter, Jade Schaff, Sidney Schmidt, Laurel Schreckendgust, Jasmine Shadday, Christopher Silvas, Christopher Solberg, Emily Solberg, Jocelyn Sorells, Aliyah Standley, Saralyn Stansberry, Trace Sutton, Reilly Szwedkowicz, Austin Teigen, Lane Templin, Brittany Tiede, Samantha Tipp, Natalie Turner, Ethan Vang, Tswm Walsh, Camron Watzke, Tazman

Webber, Clay

Wiest, Courtney

Williams, Kinsley

Wurm, Emily

Zamora, Duran

Zanto, Sydnee

Zavala, Nagaly

Zhang, Jesse

Robinson, Alex Roske, Anna Scally, Nicholas Schackart, Forrest Starr, Calder Stineford, Sean Swartz, Mariah Unger, Christian Vang, Tsom Vetter, Jayden Watson, Abbegael Weigel, Molly Wilber, Thomas Wilson, Reiss Wittkopp, Madison Yule, Andrew

Zamudio, Alexander

Eagle News Page 7

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All seniors get an opportunity to create a senior project which allows them to explore a career choice, formulate a research

project, work with a non-profit, produce an event, or construct an object.

These students are looking for volunteers to be panel members for their senior projects on Thursday, May 25th, 2017. All you need to do is follow the link below and sign up for a time. We will provide you with lunch and snacks in our hospitality room.

Panel Member Sign–Up for Senior Projects:

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080C44A5A92AA3FB6-panel

Or e-mail Abby Green at algreen@mcps.k12.mt.us

IB UPCOMING EXAM DATES

Eagle News Page 9