Mini Bobcat Bulletin

The fourth graders were given a tour of the Mineral County Museum by volunteers Kay Strombo and JoEllen Godin. They learned how historical artifacts are inventoried and cataloged, were given an overview of the history of Mineral County since the mid-1850s, and even toured the basement and upstairs to see where additional museum items are stored.

Combination classes, also known as multi-age or split-grade classes, are being implemented to manage class sizes effectively. These classes are formed when there aren't enough students to create two separate classes for each grade level, but there are too many students to fit into a single class. Here’s an overview of how these classes work and the rationale behind them:

Structure of Combination Classes

1. Grade-Level Work: Students in combination classes work at their respective grade levels. This means that even though students from different grades share the same classroom, they follow the curriculum and learning activities designed for their specific grade.

2. Grouping by Various Factors: Students are grouped into these combination classes based on multiple factors rather than solely on academic ability. These factors can include social dynamics, teacher recommendations, learning styles, and individual student needs. This holistic approach ensures a balanced and supportive learning environment.

3. Differentiated Instruction: Teachers in combination classes often use differentiated instruction techniques to cater to the diverse needs of students. This can include group work, individual assignments, and tailored learning activities that align with each grade’s standards.

Benefits of Combination Classes

• Class Size Management: By creating combination classes, schools can better manage class sizes, ensuring that each class has an optimal number of students for effective teaching and learning.
• Resource Optimization: Combination classes allow schools to make the best use of available resources, including teachers, classroom space, and materials.
• Peer Learning Opportunities: Students in combination classes can benefit from peer learning. Younger students can learn from older peers, and older students can reinforce their knowledge by helping younger classmates.

As with most years we will have a few staff changes going into next school year. While we are sad to see people leave we are excited for the new changes as well! Here is a list of which teachers will be teaching which grade.

Kindergarten- Mrs. Hanson

Kindergarten- Mr. LaPierre

1st Grade- Mrs. Ishler

1st/2nd Combo- Ms. Nagy

2nd Grade- Mrs. Willhite

3rd Grade- Ms. Nygaard

3rd/4th Grade- Ms. Markuson

4th Grade- Mrs. Crabb

5th & 6th Grade Reading & Tech- Mr. Smith

5th & 6th Grade Writing & Science- Mrs. Hopwood

5th & 6th Grade Math & Social Studies- Mr. Kuhl

Counselor- Mrs. Kuhl

Dean of Students- Mr. Quinlan

Wayfinder Jiu-Jitsu's summer schedule will begin on Monday, June 10, and classes will be held in the elementary gymnasium. The schedule will be as follows:

• Kids classes (ages 5 - 12): Mondays and Wednesdays at 5:00 pm
• Adult classes (ages 13+): Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:00 - 7:30 pm

Jiu-Jitsu is a creative and challenging sport/martial art that focuses on using grappling skills to take an opponent to the ground and to control and submit them using body positioning and joint manipulation. Jiu-Jitsu is a fun, rewarding hobby that can lead to many benefits: improved physical fitness, stress relief, camaraderie, self-discipline, and increased confidence and body awareness. Classes are offered to the community at no charge, but donations are encouraged and accepted to help offset the costs of liability insurance and supplies (mat cleaner, mat tape, etc.).

If you have any questions, please contact Jesse Durovey (head coach of Wayfinder Jiu-Jitsu) at wayfinderbjj@gmail.com or (406) 493-8687.

Mineral County Public Library Summer Program -- www.mineralcountylibrary.org

Smokey the Bear Reading Program- https://smokeybear.com/reading-challenge

Mineral County Museum