Green and Gold: Reflections on the school year

I find myself reflecting with deep appreciation on all we’ve accomplished as a school district and a community this school year. This has been a year of meaningful progress, shared purpose, and continued excellence across our district.

One of the most significant milestones was the successful passage of the Whitefish High School bond in the fall. This achievement was made possible by a strong community voice and shared commitment to ensuring that our facilities meet the needs of students as we move forward. It was a powerful demonstration of what can happen when we listen, collaborate, and act with vision. That spirit of unity continued this spring with the passage of a district levy — another example of how our community supports our schools and the future of our children. 

We’ve also made other significant strides in shaping our path forward. Updates to our strategic plan and graduate profile provide a clear framework to guide our work, and the results of our school climate surveys offer essential insight as we strive for continuous improvement in both learning and working environments. 

In academics, the arts and activities, our students continue to excel, from achieving high academic rankings across the state and nation to winning State Championships in Speech & Debate, Girls Track & Field, and Boys Tennis. In addition, our students have achieved high-level state and district recognition in band, orchestra and choir, as well as in numerous other athletic programs and activities. These accomplishments are the result of our shared efforts: students, families, educators, administrators, staff, trustees and community members working together toward common goals. 

Yet, beyond awards and rankings, what makes me most proud is the character of our school culture. Whitefish Schools are known for being supportive, welcoming, and caring places where students are seen, challenged, and encouraged. When our students represent us in other communities, we consistently hear how their upbeat attitude, kindness, and respectful behavior stand out. That’s a reflection of the values we hold high. All this student success stems from our collective efforts. 

I want to emphasize the respect, admiration and appreciation I have for our teachers and staff. Our educators are committed to the success of each student and work tirelessly to create an environment that is caring, supportive, and provides enhanced learning opportunities. Our achievements as a district are a testament to the team we have assembled in Whitefish Schools and the support they receive from our community. I am grateful for the continued partnership and for the support of our students, staff and schools. 

Dave Means is the superintendent of the Whitefish School District.