Middle School Gymnasium Is Ready for Students

 by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

The Middle School Gymnasium got a makeover this last summer and early fall replacing the tiled gym floor with a new wood floor. It is the same materials used at the professional basketball level to enhance performance and give our athletes every opportunity to excel. The floor carries the school logo and is trimmed in blue and white. 

The Floor got its first test this last week with the Middle School Basketball Camp. Principal Don Schopp said they had over 80 student attend during the week and almost 70 students attend on Saturday, December 2, 2023.  The camp was put on by Raul Mendoza. 

Thank you goes out to Facility Director, Nick Stalter for working with the Construction Manager at Risk to see construction through. A special thank you to the Sacaton School District Board Members for supporting this project from start to finish. (President Karen White, Lucinda Hendricks, Jane Johnson and Donovan Kyyitan). We are certainly lucky to have their leadership as direction setters.

Remember: "Be Brave" Sacaton. 

Important Monkey Business

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

On Friday October 27, 2023 the District hosted its second Must Be Present To Win assembly. During the assembly we celebrated a number of student initiatives designed to get students to engage, embrace and contribute to their school, culture and world around them. Initiatives like Be Brave,  Must Be Present To Win, HCA (safety, support and belonging), and Cross-the-line were presented and celebrated.  

The entire school was there and was supported by local leaders and dignitaries. Governor Steven Lewis spoke to the students about attending school and setting goals. He recalled his days as a student at Sacaton and encouraged students to work hard because one day they could be the next Governor of the Gila River Indian Community, the State of Arizona or even perhaps the first Native American President of the United States. 

The Phoenix Suns sent their mascot the "Gorilla" to the assembly to celebrate what Home Court Advantage (aka Home Community Advantage) is all about. High fives, fist bumps, belly slides and smiles were on display by the Gorilla. His presence enhanced the type of support needed to help pick one other up so everyone can belong in a safe school environment. He is truly a mascot for HCA! 

Once again, incentives were handed out to students that have proven to be engaged in school by attending 10 days in a row, 15 days in a row, 20 days in a row, 30 days in a row as well as perfect attendance.  The number of students that have reached these goals since our last assembly is astonishing as the initiative is supported with prizes from BRAVE BOOSTERS in the community. This group of individuals donates incentives to be given away. It is a great reflection on community involvement and makes a difference in the educational engagement of children. I believe in the impact that this is having in our school; therefore, I am actively seeking out additional incentive donations from other sources. We do not want money but are seeking “new” items that students would find appealing (bikes, toys, watches, headphones, games, Lego sets, book sets, ball caps, baseball/basketball/football uniforms, etc.). We cannot use candy or food items. If you would like to join our group of BRAVE BOOSTERS, please see below.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: If you would like to make a difference and donate an “engagement” incentive(s), please drop off all item(s) at the District Office. Administrative Assistant Sue Seider will register the item, approximate value, and name of the person/business donating it and add their name to a list of BRAVE BOOSTERS. A list of Brave Boosters will be added to the website to track and honor those who donate engagement incentives. The incentives will be distributed at our Must Be Present To Win Assemblies. The list of BRAVE BOOSTERS will also be acknowledged at our assemblies and other school functions. 

Getting student to engage and take ownership of their learning, embrace their culture, and contribute to the world around them is our mission at Sacaton. It truly is MISSION POSSIBLE!

Be a part of the BRAVE BOOSTERS! Find out how you can make a difference in the lives of our youth.

 

Welcome Back Parents and Students

 by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

It is my pleasure as superintendent to welcome all of the students and parents to Sacaton Elementary School District #18. We are looking forward to seeing you back at Sacaton Elementary School this coming year. I look forward to meeting each of you for the first time. The first day back to school is Monday, July 31, 2023. Buses will run at their regular scheduled times. School will begin at the following times:

Grades Pre K- 4: Elementary: 8:00 AM - 3:10 PM

Grades 5-8: Middle School: 7:55 AM - 3:17 PM

In addition, we would like to invite you and your child to meet their teachers and administrators for this coming school year on Friday, July 28, 2023 starting at 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM at their school. With that being said there are a few things I want everyone to know about our school: 

Our school’s mission is to engage students to take ownership of their learning, embrace their culture and contribute to the world around them. Our school prides itself on providing the needed safety, support and belonging required for student success. At Sacaton School District #18 students and families are greeted with respect and value as they are welcomed on campus with a feeling of “I am very glad to see you!” Sacaton Elementary School District #18 is a place of welcome and family for everyone. Every student here attends a safe environment. In this school every student’s dignity is protected. Every student receives support: we pick each other up when we are down and applaud individual and group success. This school provides our families and students with a place of belonging. This is our school and our students’ home away from home.

We are a TEAM at Sacaton Elementary School District #18. Together Everyone Achieves More (TEAM). We understand that by working together, our children's opportunities for success exponentially multiply. We are committed to our mission and in doing so understand that “People don’t care what you know until they know that you care.”

See you on Friday, July 28 at 4:00 PM in your children's respective schools.

HOME OF THE BRAVES!

Superintendent Opening Message

 by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

I am so honored to be the new superintendent at Sacaton Elementary School District #18. I want to take this opportunity to tell you a little about myself and my leadership vision here at Sacaton. I come to the District with 34 years of experience in education. This year marks my 20th year as a Superintendent. Prior to coming to Sacaton, I have served as superintendent in Montana and Wyoming. I received my bachelor’s and master’s degree from Chadron State College in Chadron Nebraska in Secondary Education and Administration. I completed all course work for an educational doctoral degree in educational leadership from the University of Wyoming. I currently hold licensure as a superintendent in Wyoming, Montana and Arizona.

I was born and raised in Nebraska and my high school sweetheart and wife, Debra, is also a teacher. We have three daughters (Ashton, Stephanie and Trinity), a son-in-law (Andrew) and a grandson (Atlee). In my spare time, I enjoy family, hunting, fishing, photography and spending time with my grandson.

As a superintendent, I have successfully written a number of competitive grants totaling in the millions. I have been awarded a number of leadership acknowledgements through the years. I was recently named the South Eastern Montana Superintendent of the year. 

As and educational leader, I am loyal to empowering students with an equal and equitable education. I firmly believe that “People don’t care what you know until they know that you care.” I am committed to providing the needed safety support and belonging required of staff and students for their success and am looking forward to serving the students and community of Sacaton.

Like other schools that I have served, Sacaton school prides itself on providing the needed safety, support and belonging for student success. Students and families are greeted with respect and value as they are welcomed on campus with a feeling of "I am very glad to see you!" Sacaton Elementary School District #18 is a place of welcome and family for everyone. Every student here attends a safe environment. In this school every student's dignity is protected. Every student receives support: we pick each other up when we are down and applaud individual and group success. The school provides our families and students with a place of belonging. This is our school and our students' home away from home.

Sacaton School District #18 is the home of the Braves. We celebrate in and out of the classroom. We are a TEAM at Sacaton Elementary School District #18. Together Everyone Achieves More (TEAM). We understand that by working together, our children's opportunities for success exponentially multiply. We are committed to our mission.

HOME OF THE BRAVES! 

BE BRAVE!

Be brave enough to start a conversation that matters.

Being brave means knowing that when you fail, you don’t fail forever.

Bravery has no place where it can avail nothing.

Bravery is being the only one who knows you’re afraid.

Bravery is believing in yourself.

Bravery is not a quality of the body. It is of the soul.

Bravery is the capacity to perform even when scared half to death.

Bravery is kind, considerate and champions that which isn’t.

Bravery is the light that shines in the darkness. 

Be brave enough to follow your heart.

Be Brave!

Join us here at Sacaton Elementary School District #18: We are the home of the Braves!

Superintendent Bob Lewandowski