Big Sky Eagle News April 2017 Volume ,, IssueIssue 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 In this Issue: their achievements and commitment to their educa- Most Inspiring Students Pg. 1 tion. Can’t Help Falling in Love This year’s award winners from Big Sky are (listed Pg. 1 from left to right) Keilani Curran, Dylan Reinhard, Alyssa Gill, John Bowers, Jaxmin Cordova, and News from the Principal Pg. 2 Cody Best. Not pictured are Jack Martin and Blayton Berrington. School Election Ballot Drop We would like to express thanks to our parents, extended family, and friends for their dedica- Off Sites Pg. 2 tion, commitment, and support of these exemplary Big Sky High School students. Student Recognized for Computing Achievement Pg. 2 Senior Project Update Pg. 2 SENIOR PROJECT DAY—MAY 25TH Farewell to Mr. McHugh Pg. 3 State VFW Eagle Scout of the Year Pg. 3 CAN’T HELP FALLING IN LOVE Upcoming Certification All Shook Up, last week’s theatre and music department production was a huge success! Audi- Opportunities Pg. 3 ence members were amazed by the quality of the production. “The singing, dancing, acting, set Coach Nile Selected to the MT and costumes were awesome.” “What a great group of students – so talented!” “Best High Coaches Hall of Fame Pg. 4 School Production I’ve seen.” “Big Sky High School Performing arts has the strongest production College Signing Day Pg. 4 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. 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 HOW TO CONTACT US ATTENDANCE LINE: 728-0787 REGISTRAR: 728-2400, EXT. 8030 CENTRAL OFFICE: 728-2401 HOURS: 7:00 am to 4:00 pm Page 2 Eagle News Page 2 Eagle News 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 SCHOOL ELECTION BALLOT DROP OFF SITES 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. BSHS STUDENT RECOGNIZED FOR COMPUTING ACHIEVEMENT 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! SENIOR PROJECT UPDATE 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. Volume , Issue Page 3 Volume , Issue Page 3 FONDEST FAREWELL TO MR. MCHUGH 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. 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 benefit 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.