Montana has a long history of utilizing bodies of water to create power. Currently, there are 22 dams that produce hydroelectricity in Montana. There is also a resurgence in property owners installing small water wheels to produce their own off-the-grid power. On Thursday, November 3, 2022, Frenchtown eighth graders used the Engineering Design Process to create, modify and test their own water wheels. The students had several supplies to choose from (plates, spoons, plastic cups, index cards, straws, paper clips, string and masking tape) and developed their own plan within a budget. Then they drew their design, constructed their water wheel and tested it. After their first test, students modified their water wheel to try to maximize the amount of work done (raising a cup of washers) efficiently.
Welcome to Flashback Friday and Where are they Now? So, who is this 6th grade teacher that graduated from Frenchtown who works at Washington Middle School in Missoula? It is Lisa (Woodward) Ollinger! What are some of her highlights since graduating from FTSD? She feels fortunate to live where she lives which allows her to explore and show her children the great things the state of Montana has to offer. Her 6th grade teaching position is challenging and yet rewarding. Mrs. Ollinger has been inspired by the many great teachers she had in Frenchtown and feels the legacy continues to be passed down to her students and future educators. What did she love about her time in the Frenchtown School District? Lisa loved to play music and was inspired by a great band director. Music gave her a chance to be herself and to meet many friends along the way! What’s the advice Lisa would like to pass along? “I tell my students every day, ‘your story matters, so make it a good one!’ Great advice in general for all of us! Thank you Mrs. Ollinger for participating!
Congratulations to Addy Lewis and Cassandra Lindseth they have been selected as the November “Elk Students of the Month,” and will be among those included in those considered for “Elk Student of the Year” recognition at the end of this school year. The students are selected by their teachers and counselors based on academic excellence, community service, school involvement and leadership.
Welcome to Flashback Friday! Where are they now? Well, Dr. Lilika (Ringleb) Belet is a Professor of Sociology at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs serving as the Concurrent Enrollment Coordinator for Harrison School District in Colorado Springs! What are some of her highlights since graduating from FTSD? Well, she received her Master’s Degree in 2014 and earned her PhD in 2021. She also recently received her Principal’s license. She is more than happy to work two dream jobs: teaching Sociology at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs and helps historically underserved students attend college while they are still in high school. She has lived all across this country from Hawaii to New York! What did Dr. (Ringleb) Belet love about her time in the Frenchtown School District? She loved the relationships that teachers fostered with students. She has reflected on the kind and loving culture that teachers created and works to use those same skills with her students. So…what would be the advice for FTSD students from Dr. Belet? “Don’t be afraid to find your own place in the world. Use the lessons and skills your teachers are giving you to help create your own future!” Thank you Lilika for participating!
The Makerspace is up and running in the Elementary/Intermediate Library. It’s a huge hit with students. This space allows for creativity, and hands-on learning through STEAM. We are requesting the following items for our November Library Sponsored Project.
Parchment paper (preferably white)
Elmer’s liquid glue
Cardboard (cereal boxes, cracker boxes, pizza boxes etc.)
Please send donations to the Elementary/Intermediate Library
Thanks!! Mrs. Rugg and Mrs. Linton
Update! The first ever FFA Haunted House has updated their dates. They will now be open Ocober 28-29 from 7-11 pm. Stop by the High School shop for a scare!
Red Ribbon Week in the PK-5 Celebrate Life - Live Drug Free
Tuesday - Too Bright for Drugs, wear bright colors
Wednesday - Work It Out Wednesday, wear workout gear
Thursday - Better Together - Class Connected Day, wear your class color Kindergarten - red, 1st - orange, 2nd - yellow, 3rd - green, 4th-blue, 5th - purple
Friday - Unity in Community, wear Orange Bronc Gear
Food Drive Kicks off this week - send in shelf stable items! All food collected stays local. We Are Family!
MS Individual Student Pictures will be handed out to students on Tuesday, Oct 25. We received them late today (Wednesday, Oct 19), and did not have time to organize and get them out to students.
CAUGHT BEING A CHAMP! Saree Dyer, a sixth grader, at FMS has been caught being a champ! Mr. Robbins and the 6th grade teachers are proud of Saree for being a good friend, working hard to initiate conversations, and is a great student. Saree wants her brother Walker to know this is a bigger belt then he has ever won. Saree is the daughter of Forrest and Jamie Dyer of Huson.
Student Council is sponsoring a blood drive on October 25th at the high school. Community members can call the high school office to sign up.
Students in 7th grade science at FMS enjoyed learning about osmosis by investigating how water affects a gummy bear. Students carefully measured their bears before and after soaking them in water, made observations, analyzed their data and completed individual lab reports stating their findings. This experience is building their science inquiry skills and helping them to learn by doing!
Copper League Champs -- The FMS 8th grade team won the CL tournament this past weekend in Frenchtown! Congrats! This team was undefeated in both 7th/8th grade.
Flashback Friday! Where Are They Now?! Did you know Frenchtown had a Nuclear Test Engineer for Naval Nuclear Submarines? Well, we do. Mr. Todd Schlaebitz! So, what did he do upon graduating from FTSD? He attended Montana Tech where he played football and earned his Mechanical Engineering Degree. Mr. Schlaebitz went on to get married and has a family of three boys, ages 10, 7, and 5. What does he appreciate from his time at Frenchtown Schools? Well, he enjoyed being with his friends, liked his teachers, enjoyed playing sports, being around his coaches, and the quality education. His advice for FTSD students? “Work hard, have fun, and enjoy life before having to actually ‘work’ for a living. Then get a job you enjoy!” There you have it, a synopsis of Mr. Todd Schlaebitz. Thank you for participating!
Congratulations to Bailey Jarrett and Connor Michaud they have been selected as the October “Elk Students of the Month,” and will be among those included in those considered for “Elk Student of the Year” recognition at the end of this school year. The students are selected by their teachers and counselors based on academic excellence, community service, school involvement and leadership.
Caught Being a CHAMP! Robbie Tillotson (8th grader at FMS), has worked hard with his attitude, positive behavior, and his academics this school year. Mrs. Rausch, Ms. Luth, Deputy Rasmussen are proud of him and his attitude toward school! It is great to have him back in FTSD after being in Billings for a couple of years! Robbie is the son of Bob and Lela Tillotson of Frenchtown. Mr. Griffin
Here is Throwback Thursday! Where are they now?! Anna Henderson-Yarrow is a USDA Forest Service Wildfire Prevention Specialist! She has earned the Smokey Bear Award at the national level! Some of her highlights upon graduating from FTSD include traveling the world for work and fun. She taught junior high and high school for five years, played college softball and married a great man. She also has two boys who attend Frenchtown Schools! In responding to "what did you love about your time at the Frenchtown School District" Anna said the opportunity to explore different avenues. Her advice you might ask? Drama is for llamas. Stand up for what is right and go toe to toe with a bully. Do the work and ask more questions! Thanks Anna for participating in Where are they Now?!
Frenchtown Lady Bronc Pink Out T-Shirts for game against Butte Central Oct. 18th!
https://5il.co/1ix1i
Looking for Vendors for the Frenchtown PTA Craft Fair! Attached is this year's vendor registration form. Below is a link to the form. https://www.ftsd.org/documents/parents/pta-information/pta-craft-fair-information/151569
FASFA Information
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opens each year on October 1st. The priority filing deadline for all Montana schools is December 1st. We are holding a FAFSA Completion Night where you can get free, one-on-one assistance completing the FAFSA on October 5th in the Frenchtown High School library. Assistance will be available from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Please bring the following for you and your student: 2021 tax information, Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, bank info, and information about any untaxed income. You will be completing the FAFSA application for the 23-24 school year if your student will begin school the fall following graduation.
Prior to attending the FAFSA event, visit fsaid.ed.gov and create an FSA ID for yourself and your student. You will use your FSA ID to sign the FAFSA application. Both parent and student need their social security number and an email to create the FSA ID. You cannot complete your application without this.
The freshman FFA team placed #1 out of 30 teams at the Ruby Valley Invitational yesterday. The Senior team got 9th out of 33 teams and Apsen Courtney was the first place freshman individual. Excellent job for our 1st ever competition!
FFA is advised by Kyla Andres!
