Page 20 - Flathead Beacon // 4.29.15

20 | APRIL 29, 2015
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Flathead Valley Chapter
STILLWATER
Continued from page 6
expansion.
In early March, administrators an-
nounced plans to build nearly 11,000 square feet of new space onto the exist- ing building to address space needs and help the school grow its programs into the future. The $1.8 million expansion broke ground a month ago and crews expect to complete the development by August. It will be the largest expansion since new high school classrooms and the gymnasium were added onto the current facility in 1996.
“It’s been really exciting to see the facilities just keep getting better and better,” Jim Venman, a high school Eng- lish and history teacher, said. “It’s just tremendous to see the growth and the commitmentfrompeoplewillingtogive and make this a priority.”
Roughly $1.1 million of the project was gathered through fundraising, in- cluding the school’s prominent annual event that brings well-known speakers to the valley. This spring Mike Huckabee headlined the event, called “For Such a Time as This.” Previous speakers have included Ben Carson, a noted author and retired neurosurgeon who is consider- ing running for president in the Republi- can primary, and NFL quarterback Tim Tebow.
Daniel Makowski, the school’s su- perintendent, said the event has helped raise funds for the school while also sharing a unique experience with local residents.
“I think it is an opportunity for us to be part of the community,” he said.
The original Flathead Valley Chris- tian School opened its doors Aug. 28, 1980. There were 57 students in kin- dergarten through sixth grades. Eight teachers led courses in the church gym- nasium at Evergreen Christian and Mis- sionary Alliance. The school slowly grew and within a few years the school need- ed more space, which is when it split into three sites, including the former Demersville school south of Kalispell, which is no longer standing.
In 1986, the school expanded with a high school and the following year the first three graduates received diplomas.
In 1992, the school raised enough funds to purchase the former County Nursing Home on FFA Drive. The facil- ity was renovated into a school and the current campus was unveiled in the 1992-93 academic term. Three years later, new high school classrooms were built along with a gymnasium, which now hoists over 50 state championship banners of Stillwater’s standout basket- ball, volleyball and soccer teams.
In 2004, the school changed its name to Stillwater Christian to provide a more distinct identity. The original Colt mas- cot changed to the Cougars.
Now the latest change is underway, and Makowski hopes it ushers in further growth and excellence.
“There’s been quite a lot of change over the years,” the 19th-year superin-
tendent said. “I think we have matured as a school with our academic programs and with our business operations. And I think we’re just a stronger school and deliver a better product today.”
Three key areas continue to grow and are a big driver in the school’s ex- pansion. The school’s preschool classes are noticeably crowded. Also, the art and music programs are filled with students.
“We have some strong programs that are growing and that’s really what is be- hind the addition,” Makowski said.
Also, over the years the school has adapted to the modern educational stan- dards and the goal of better preparing students for college, Makowski said.
For upper grades, the school incor- porates the Harkness Teaching Method, which is a principled approach to learn- ing that departs from the traditional classroom setting and emphasizes col- laboration among students. The Hark- ness model forces students to sit in circles and engage each other in discus- sions instead of the traditional lecture- style setting.
One of the new spaces in the school will be devoted to this type of setting along with a new hall for formal presen- tations.
“I think one of the goals I was given from the board when I started was to step up the academic rigor and the ex- pectations of the students and the over- all school discipline,” Makowski said. “And I think we’ve done that. Now it’s just a matter of keeping track of best practices and making sure we’re staying current.”
He added, “It’s not uncommon for kids to come back and say, ‘I was way ahead.’ I think they’re well prepared (for college).”
While other private schools are ac- credited through the state’s Office of Public Instruction, such as Missoula Loyola and Valley Christian in Missou- la, Stillwater is not. Makowski said this is because the state oversight and regu- lations that Stillwater would have to fol- low would outweigh the benefits of being outside accredited. For example, under state accreditation Stillwater would have to eliminate one of its girls sports programs to meet Title IX rules.
“There are so many limitations when you get involved with the government. We’re just better off without it,” he said.
Stillwater is accredited through Ad- vancedEd, a nonprofit, non-governmen- tal organization that accredits primary and secondary schools across the coun- try.
“We have solid accreditations that validate our programs,” Makowski said.
Of course, another aspect that makes Stillwater unique is its ability to teach religion in its curriculum. Students take Bible study classes each year, learning the history of the Bible and its teachings.
“We look at literature through a Christian perspective,” Wilson said.
Venman follows a similar path with his history classes.
“We look at history as God’s histo- ry,” Venman said. “That makes us very
unique.”
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Photo Courtesy of Brian Schott
Grouse Mountain Lodge
Whitefish
Social Hour 6:00 pm Dinner 7:30 pm
Tickets $40 each RSVP by May 6, 2015 Ticket Information : 260-1198 • 250-5064
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