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.

 

Elevate Our Vision and Voice

 by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

It was an honor to attend the 19th Annual GRIC Teacher In-Service at the Sheraton Grand in Phoenix with our Sacaton staff members. The Keynote Speakers and Honored Guest included Naomi Miguel, the Executive Director for the White House Initiative on Advancing Education Equity, Excellence and Economic Opportunity for Native Americans and Strengthening Tribal Colleges and Universities and Mitch Factor, motivational speaker, educator and comedian.  In addition, Governor Stephen Lewis and Lt. Governor Monica Antone addressed the audience in regards to the importance education plays in the lives of the children we serve. 

The Sheraton was certainly an awesome venue for the message and call to action for educators, administrators and support staff alike to raise expectations by asking more of ourselves, looking further, and daring to see beyond today in order to meet the challenges our students face tomorrow. 

I have been to a lot of professional development venues in my time and I am not hesitant to say that I was impressed by the message and venue of this in-service. 

L-R: Superintendent Bob Lewandowski,
Governor Steven Lewis, 
Elementary Principal Stephanie Celis,
and Middle School Principal Don Schopp.

Special thanks goes to the Tribal Education Department and Isaac Salcido, Director of Tribal Education for the work and accomplishments that made this wonderful opportunity a reality.

L-R: Superintendent Bob Lewandowski, 
Elementary Principal Stephanie Celis, 
Middle School Principal Don Schopp,
Director Isaac Salcido

Below are a few of the shared pictures from our TEAM before things got underway. Way to represent Sacaton!

Middle School Assistant Principal Jess Flores
with a picture of one half of the room.

Some of the elementary teachers and administrators gathering

around the table for a quick picture (look at these smiles).

Staff members selecting their breakout sessions. 

REMEMBER

People don't care what you know until they know that you care!

BE BRAVE!

MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

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