Elaine Meeks is dedicated principal
Editor,
I would like to express my support of Elaine Meeks, principal of Cherry Valley Elementary School. My relationship with Elaine has evolved through the years (parent of two students, employee, co-worker, volunteer), but her support, encouragement and commitment has never changed.
Elaine’s commitment to her school and students has never ceased to impress me. I first encountered this dedication when I began working for the Polson Partnership Program, a project founded by Elaine. I was continually impressed by her ardent commitment to provide the children at Cherry Valley with a rich, deserving and superior education. No matter their challenge or need, Elaine was always present to support every student and present them with countless opportunities to learning, both in and outside of the classroom.
This dedication to a challenging and supportive learning environment has always extended, as it should, to the faculty of Cherry Valley. As a teacher’s aide, I can personally attest to Mrs. Meeks’ encouragement of the faculty to use their talents creatively within the classroom to enrich the lives of the children.
As a dance instructor, I have had countless opportunities to expose students to the world of the performing arts, many of whom would never had this opportunity. Besides providing the required subjects, Elaine knows the importance of enhancing the basic education with creative expression. She has tirelessly encouraged and often times developed programs that integrate the arts with the students’ primary subjects.
Visual arts, such as the Art Docent Program which interweaves art, history and visual recognition of techniques with hands-on creation, coupled with the performing arts, which entwines the music program with open activities before, during and after school, provide for well-rounded educational experiences for students and teachers alike.
When I talk to educators in other Montana towns, I see the reason I love working at Cherry Valley. The support Mrs. Meeks extends to her faculty and staff is overwhelming.
She allows us the freedom to explore different avenues as we teach. This freedom supports innovative teaching, which makes learning fun for the students, thus giving them impetus to learn more.
From my experiences above, I can honestly say that she is driven to provide opportunities for our children to be healthy, happy and secure.
The very core of my being sees her as a fair, caring and understanding individual with an integrity that is equaled by few. I know, without a doubt, that her intentions are always to provide what is best for the school and community that she has created at Cherry Valley.
Julia Roberts
Polson
District Court Clerk should step asid
Lyn Fricker is correct, it’s nothing personal, but Julie Knutson needs to resign her elected position as Clerk of District Court as soon as possible.
As a friend of Mary Rensvold’s I have watched as she and Lyn have worked themselves senseless trying to keep up with their duties at the District Court while covering for a Clerk who has been largely absent even before the mystery illness sidelined her. I am in the courthouse daily in conjunction with my job and cannot remember a time since her election when Julie Knutson has been there consistently.
Nobody should have to work under conditions where unpaid overtime is mandatory simply to keep up and where breaks of any kind, whether for lunch or to go to the restroom, are virtually non-existent, no matter what the reasons behind it.
If a County Commissioner, a District Court Judge, a County Attorney, or any other elected official was largely absent from their elected position and unable to fulfill their duties the public would demand their immediate resignation.
I hope that Julie will decide to do the honorable and ethical thing and resign her position for the sake of the public and her staff.
Catherine Young
Polson
Appreciates letter and advertisement
Editor,
Well, all I have to say is, "right on" Lake County. It was so awesome to see that letter to the editor by Chuck Ripley and that huge ad in the paper about the drinking and driving concerns we have in this valley. I applaud the sponsors who helped with that ad and say that I wholeheartedly agree.
Accidents of this nature are completely preventable and it is more than the partiers that are suffering from these incidents, but many innocent lives have been taken along with them.
I also thank our police force, the fire department, the rescue teams, our health care providers and anyone else that is responsible for cleaning up the mess afterwards and seeing such horrible scenes.
A hundred times, "thank you" for your efforts.
As Chuck said in his letter to the editor, let’s "make some noise" about this problem and get a handle on it.
Charleen Crenshaw
Ronan
Cherry Valley faculty praises Elaine Meeks
Editor,
We, the educators and staff of Cherry Valley Elementary School, firmly declare our steadfast support for our school principal, Elaine Meeks. This unified staff believes that the strength of her leadership, characterized by a powerful voice of advocacy, is instrumental to the success of our students, the involvement of our community and the dedication of our school personnel.
We applaud and stand by our administrator’s outstanding work as our school’s determined advocate.
Elaine demonstrates an unwavering commitment to the success and welfare of all students, and her influence is evident in all aspects of Cherry Valley’s school culture. She advocates for students by getting to know families, communicating with teachers, and ensuring the safety of our students.
Elaine works to establish the availability of the best resources and services our district can provide.
Elaine is determined to reach every child, and in realizing students’ potentials on all levels. Elaine interacts frequently with her students, visiting classrooms daily and helping her staff work together as a team to provide individualized instruction. As its principal, Elaine embodies and promotes the motto of Cherry Valley; it is plain to see that each student is cherished.
Elaine recognizes that family and community involvement are essential ingredients of student success. By regularly attending community and cultural events, she shows her interest in the lives of students outside the walls of our school. Elaine cultivates after-school and early childhood programs that extend valuable educational opportunity beyond traditional schooling hours, such as the Polson Partnership Program, Little Cherries and Cherry Blossoms.
She has helped Cherry Valley to become a Title One Distinguished School.
Elaine guides and supports an active PTO, working to integrate weekly activities such as our successful Family Walking Program. She welcomes new ideas and supports innovative programs such as the parent-staffed Art Docent Program. Elaine helped form the district’s first Native American Family Coalition. Cherry Valley often invites Veterans, Salish and Kootenai storytellers, and other members of the local community into the school, demonstrating Elaine’s commitment to giving residents of the surrounding area a link to what happens in our classrooms.
Elaine’s leadership attracts highly qualified teachers, and most of us agree that her administrative presence is what keeps us at Cherry Valley. By listening to our ideas, giving encouragement and providing guidance for practical implementation, she constantly empowers us to put our creativity to work.
Elaine’s endorsement of new ideas, collegial teamwork, and progressive thinking at all levels is evident to us. Elaine’s high standards and expectations are coupled with a lifelong love of learning. During faculty meetings regarding academic achievement, her enthusiasm is contagious.
We respect the high degree of commitment to quality instruction evident in both Elaine’s personal record of achievement and in her award-winning staff. Elaine herself is a Milken Award Winner, with another Milken Award Winner on staff, as well as teachers who have received such accolades as the national Star Teacher Award, Wal-Mart teacher of the year, and several gold-star teacher awards.
Elaine gives voice to her teachers, supporting us through unending advocacy. When difficulties arise, Elaine stands firmly by her staff and lends encouragement as she works to find fair solutions. Her reliable support for our professional decisions has earned our loyalty and trust.
Elaine has always acted in the best interests of her students and staff, strongly advocating for our school building in order to provide an environment that supports safety and learning. Elaine has also realized the importance of keeping Cherry Valley on par with the most modern technological advances and reading services available to the school.
Realizing the vital importance of early reading intervention services, Elaine implemented a Reading Recovery program and established a centralized library of reading resources. Elaine continues to work to provide students with excellent instruction in a quality learning environment.
We believe in Elaine’s integrity and trust her ability to speak effectively for those she serves. We support her in the work of advocating for our students, our community, our staff and our school building. We are proud of her strong voice.
Signed:
Leslee Dickson, Teresa Veltkamp, Abigail Petersen, Pam McCrumb, Dani Anderson, Megan Lewis,
Joanie Bowen, Elizabeth Edson, Brooke Kimzey, Kathy Oros, Bonnie Petersen, John Hipp, Jane Mole, Andrew Hanson, Mary Davis, Ian Donovan, Joni Fincher, LaShell Kelten Arlint, Margaret M. Arneson, Bonnie May Wilson, Sylvia F. LongKnife, Pete Mangels, Doug Crosby, Micki Stanley, Debbie Gunlock, Joyce Crosby, Riscilla Grimshaw, Dale Hannon, Marcie Motichka, Carla Farnstrom, Michelle Mitchell, Gail Gilchrist, Carrie Sood, Keryl Lozar, Lisa Kenney, Melinda Orchard, Judy Bleazard
Chamber SPLASH extended at MOA
Editor,
Due to a typo in last week’s Chambergram, which listed the SPLASH on March 22 instead of March 15, the Miracle of America Museum will stay open this Thursday, March 22, also to accommodate those who were confused with the date.
Chamber members, their families and friends, and anyone interested in what the Chamber and the MOAM have to offer, will be admitted free, receive free ice cream treats at the soda fountain and free train rides.
The SPLASH hours are 5 to 7 p.m. and the train rides are at 6 and 6:30 p.m.
Gil and Joanne Mangels
Miracle of America Museum
Polson
Ronan St. Pat’s parade had green horse, green pig
Editor,
TRIC (The Ronan Irish Community) once again thanks the participants in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Ronan. Special thanks goes to Denny and Kay Palmer for being so faithful providing the annual green horse.
Also, this year the addition of the green pig was awesome. Unfortunately the pig was more interested in the mud puddles than the finish of the parade so for those of you who missed it, it was a sight to behold! Thank you again, Denny and Kay.
Carlene Bockman
Event organizer
Ronan
Clerk of Court should have privacy
I fail to see why the media is dwelling on the health problems Clerk of Court Julie Knutson is having. There have been two other elected officials who have medical problems in the recent past and have not had their privacy invaded this way. She obviously has no answer to these problems at this time and is making every effort to find its cause.
It is pointed out that she is receiving her salary while not at work. Several years ago I had a medical condition that took months to find and was off work off and on, but due to the overwhelming generosity of fellow workers who had accumulated extra sick leave, they donated enough of their time so I was almost fully reimbursed for my time off. If Julie didn’t receive her entitled salary, she has enough friends at the County to enable her not to lose salary.
Please just leave her alone until something is determined regarding her health. This is a stressful enough time for her and would be better off than receiving media attention.
Maureen Sweeney
Polson
Powwow was great
Editor,
On behalf of all the teachers and students of Polson Schools, I would like to acknowledge all the hard work by Michelle Mitchell to put on the 10th Annual "Celebration of Families Powwow" held March 10.
Her countless hours coordinating the making of outfits for the children, gathering raffle items, contacting the drummers and singers, and all the "behind the scenes" efforts it takes to put on a powwow are greatly appreciated.
Turnout was great this year, and spectators were treated to a great variety of dances performed by nine different drum groups.
We are all looking forward to next year’s powwow, which is expected to be even bigger. Kudos to you, Michelle.
Hu-sook-ith-cook-ni
"Thank You"
Tony Grant, Polson
Kootenai language teacher