Perkins Discusses Grant Possibility For School
Wolf Point Superintendent of Schools Dr. David Perkins provided the school board with an update of a large grant opportunity during the monthly board meeting on Monday, Oct. 14.
The recipients of the grant will receive between $400,000 to $1 million. If selected, Wolf Point will be the first Montana school district ever to earn the achievement.
“This will be about construction trades with possible expansion into plumbing and electricity. We are also interested in technology,” Perkins explained. “The idea is for our students to be certified upon graduation and/or be prepare for post-secondary training. It will benefit the community, the Fort Peck tribes, the school, Fort Peck Community College and the students.”
Local school officials met with the National Indian Education and the College of Menominee Nation regarding the grant. Perkins said local supporters of included Fort Peck Community College president Craig Smith, the Wolf Point Chamber of Commerce and the Montana Department of Labor and Industry.
School board chair Roxanne Gourneau feels the collaborative effort would be a plus in the process.
“I think we have a good chance, I really do,” Gourneau said. “I really hope this works out for us.”
Trustees approved the hiring of Archer Woodstock as high school English teacher, Leslie Larson and Angela Swenson as after school tutors and Katrina Hines as after school paraprofessional.
After school teachers approved included Melissa Acenas, Amanda Campbell, Alexa De La Cerna, Sheryl Dulohan, Maricar Endozo, Mary Ann Jaraula, Prescilla Mendez, Carlita Mendoza, Charissa Zallaero, Jane Sorley, Shelica Deserly, Laura Stichman, Emily Hamilton and Patricia Payne.
Extra-curricular hires included Kayla Messerly and Cody Larson for junior high girls’ basketball, Philline Gorder for junior high girls’ wrestling, Daryl Ricker and Mikey Escarsega for Lil Wolves’ basketball and Karli McGowan for Pep Club co-advisor.
During reports, Southside Principal Tara Thomas said the afterschool program starts on Oct. 21.
Student enrollment includes 28 for pre-K, 33 for kindergarten, 37 for first grade, 55 for second grade and 63 for third grade.
Northside Principal Georgie Gourneau reported an overall enrollment of 159, Junior High Principal Amanda Prongua said that tardies are decreasing. Red Ribbon Week will be recognized on Oct. 21-25. Enrollment includes 65 seventh-grade students and 44 eighth-grade students.
Enrollment at the high school is 201 including 36 seniors.
