Jump Rope for Heart

By Malachi

23 March 2018

Here at Swan River School we have a fundraiser called Jump Rope for Heart. It took place on February, 14 and continued all day long. We raised the money for the American Heart Association. Ryan, a third grader, raised $270 dollars. The PTO and Mr. Gaiser run the program. We receive prizes for the money we raised. These include small tokens like key chains. Mr. Gaiser said, "It is like a jump roping final test." We participate because it is a good for our hearts and it is super enjoyable. We all enjoy doing this and raising money for a good cause. This year the middle school made ugly sweaters, popsicle stick snowman families, and decoupage ornaments. In the elementary, they made paper angels, snowflakes, and reindeer. Some even made christmas trees from construction paper. Most of the projects needed paper, fabric, glue, buttons, and glitter. Joelle stated, " This year was my favorite craft day."

Spaghetti Dinner

By Soraya

23 March 2018

Who doesn't like free food and raffle prizes? On April 13, from 5-7pm, you better clear your schedule for the Spaghetti Dinner held at Swan River School! Everyone is invited to this annual fundraiser put on to help support the eighth graders for their Montana History Trip which is coming up in May. During this dinner, food will be provided by Harvest Foods, and raffle tickets for prizes will be drawn, along with items for a silent auction. Winners of the raffle prizes don't need to be present to win, but it is a way to get a night off from preparing dinner for the family. Along with the raffle, make sure to place your bid for one of the donations at the silent auction tables.

As far as the food goes, as told before, it will be donated by Harvest Foods, which has been helping for many years past. Eighth graders will be serving the food with help of parent volunteers. This dinner lets you and your family have a break from cooking and instead enjoy a free meal. There is enough food for everyone, but seats might be limited.

All prizes for the raffle and silent auction were donated by local businesses and collected by eighth graders. In order to do this, groups of eighth graders were arranged and assigned to parts of Bigfork and other businesses to go ask for donations. All of the donations are now displayed in the trophy case by the office door. A big thanks to all who donated items for the Spaghetti Dinner!

If you have attended the dinner before, you know what to expect since this fundraiser has gone on, "Since the beginning of time!" according to Mr. Emslie, the eighth grade teacher. He has had eons of experience putting on this dinner and tries to improve it each year. All the eighth graders expect to have a big crowd and are hopeful that you can join us at the annual dinner and help support them in their quest through the great state of Montana!

Swannies Go Cross Country Skiing

By Garett

23 March 2018

For the past ten years, the middle school students of Swan River School have gone to Jewel Basin to go cross country skiing. They go to the same spot every year, and plan to keep on going. Our PE and outdoor education teacher, Mr. Gaiser showed us how enjoyable it is to hang out in the outdoors. He uses the trip as a reward for those who are on task and take their grades seriously. Mr. Gaiser prefers a special kind of skiing, it's where you cross country and downhill ski at the same time. Tristan says, "It was a very fun experience". He says "The best part was the hot cocoa". The weather was mild, not too hot, and not too cold. Students skied about two miles. Josh said they, "Skied for about two hours, and would gladly do it again." In conclusion, a lot of people had a lot of fun.

Go Get 'Em Girls Basketball

By Lexi

23 March 2018

To kick off 2018, the 5th and 6th grade team and the 7th and 8th grade girls basketball season started. Right on January 3rd, the teams started practice for their first game on January 11th. Throughout the season, both teams progressed in improving every game. Going into the tournaments, the 5th and 6th grade girls won almost all of their games, while the 7th and 8th grade girls won none of their games, but had a good time.

In the tournaments, the 5th and 6th graders played in the championships against Fairmont Egan, and lost. Even so, the teams played hard and fought to the end. It was a great end to the 5th and 6th grade basketball season. The 5th and 6th grade coach, Marshelle Wade was very proud of her team and the season they played. The 7th and 8th grade coach, Mr. Emslie said, "Everyone worked hard through the whole season, even though we did not win any games, we improved on something every time. Also, the team always played aggressively through every game till the end." There are many talented girls at Swan River School, and we will continue to cheer them on next year!

Spring Concert

By Keira

23 March 2018

It's time for the combined concert to happen once again here at Swan River and at Bigfork schools. Mrs.Tunnel and Mrs. Fuzesy both agreed to bring their student together to perform a concert, which took place Tuesday and Wednesday of March 20 and 21. Mrs. Tunnel, the Bigfork band teacher started this tradition seven years ago. We have been proudly been participating ever since. They both thought that it would be fun to do. They've been practicing for this concert for over TWO MONTHS! It's the second time Mrs. Fuzesy has participated with the Swan River 5-8th graders. This concert gives Swan River students the chance to play new music with the Bigfork students.

Mrs. Fuzesy said, "I am very proud the band performed. Everybody worked hard and gave two successful concerts." Band students also said, "The songs were flabbergasting!" Ms. Borg said, "The band students were amazing and I am very proud. The members of the band are hard workers and Ms. Fuzesy was a great instructor."

Everyone had a good time when the concerts was going on and finished. The students and teachers all loved the performance and had a wonderful time. Even the band students had a great time! The Swan River band and the Bigfork band hope that everyone liked the concerts and had fun. We hope next year can be just as exciting!

Craft day

By Lexi

14 December 2017

Crafty day was held on December 8th at Swan River School. It always takes place in the beginning of December. In 2012, the PTO made a great decision to start this tradition. This event was put on by the PTO and by our 5th grade teacher, Mrs. Emslie. The students are very lucky to be able to create holiday crafts each year for the past 7 years, since this tradition began. Students can give out their crafts instead of buying little gifts for everyone. Our festive school wants the students to have holiday season crafts to bring home and share with their family and friends.

Every year the PTO gives Swan River School a $100 budget to make these crafts. Mrs. Emslie explained, "It is pretty hard to find enough craft supplies for kindergarten to eighth grade, especially when each class has it's own craft." The PTO has fundraisers to help sponsor days like this. Most of the donations are made by Swan River students' guardians or grandparents; even other family members or friend sponsors.

Indoor Soccer

By Kian

14 December 2017

On December 1st, indoor soccer kicked off at the Summit in Kalispell. Six teams competed to get their first win while another team had a bye week. Seven teams in total are playing in a league with ages ranging from 10-15 year olds. Indoor soccer is soccer with a miniature soccer ball played on a basketball court. Indoor soccer takes place on fridays from 6pm - 8:30pm. Bigfork is hosting its own indoor soccer team. The Bandits are playing for the second year in a row. Last year they played as The Storm, a 3-9 team in the regular season, went 1-1 in the post season making it to the championship in a league with 4 teams.

Boys Basketball Bounces Into Second Place

Colin W.

14 December 2017

This year, Swan River School had to split into three basketball teams. There was one 5-6th grade team, and two 7-8th grade teams because there were so many 7th and 8th graders interested in playing. All teams had a winning record and entered the tournament at #3 seed. The 5th-6th grade team played Deer Park in the championship, while the 7th-8th grade team played Stillwater Christian School in their championship game on Saturday, December 9th. The season started October 17, 2017. During the regular season the games were played on Tuesdays and Thursdays, except on Thanksgiving week. Both teams had seven home games and had six away games, not including the tournaments.

1st, 2nd, and 3rd winners place received trophies, there was also a sportsmanship award given out. In the 5th-6th tournament eight teams played. The 5th-6th graders played Kila in their first game of the tournament. Next, they played Marion in the second round, and Deer Park. Deer Park was the only undefeated team in the league this year. The game was close, yet Deer Park won by 12 points, keeping their record.

The 7th-8th graders had ten teams in their tournament. The 7th-8th graders played Marion in their first round, then #2, Deer Park in the second. After tough games won, they played Stillwater in the championship game. Both teams earned 2nd place trophies and those will be displayed in our trophy case. It was a great season for both teams as they made it to the championship.

Veterans Day Assembly

By Delaney

14 December 2017

This past month, our school hosted a community assembly celebrating Veterans Day. The assembly was held on November 9th. That morning, the Swan River student body, staff, and many from the Bigfork community gathered in the SRS gym. Many of our teachers and students prepared thank you letters, class songs and other ways of thank you prior to the day. The 6-8th grade band students played many classic patriotic songs and the choir sang Song of America and we had many other special guests. Many veterans, friends and family from the community came to see the wonderful assembly.

To commence our assembly we all recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Then our 6-8th grade band played our National Anthem for us. Following that, Mr. Bunker, our principal, asked all Veterans to stand so we could recognize them and thank them. Our 6-8th band then played Young America. Mrs. Robin Cashin, a local Bigfork resident, sang a medley of patriotic songs to show her respect for American Veterans. Our key-note speaker, retired Master Chief, Tom Countryman, gave a wonderful, inspiring speech about different jobs and people who are serving or who have served. He also had a slideshow with many pictures of people in action to accompany his speech. Mrs. Fitzpatrick gave a very beautiful welcoming introduction for him. Along with our band and slide show with all of our students, Veterans of Foreign Wars or the VFW, demonstrated folding the flag. They also explained what each fold stood for. With that, our choir wrapped up the program with singing Song of America.

Ms. Fuzesy, our music, band, and choir teacher led the production. She ran the sound system, and directed the band and choir kids. Many students and staff put hard work into the assembly. The band started practicing their songs two weeks after the school year started. After interviewing many of the teachers who had many parts in the assembly, they decided to take some time to explain Veterans Day to their students. The first graders read many kid-friendly articles and completed booklets. Mrs. Brevik also said that she feels that celebrating veterans is essential for the education of the students.

In the second grade, Mrs. Bradstreet shared images of kids who have parents who are serving. Mrs. Bradstreet said she feels this method of teaching kids about the significance of veterans is important because it gives the kids some understanding when their parent is away from home to protect and serve our country. Mrs. Emslie, the fifth grade teacher, along with all of the teachers showed videos and created patriotic crafts. Numerous students, teachers, and staff had or have veterans in their family that were recognized. All teachers interviewed feel that celebrating veterans should be apart of daily life.

Dinner in a Box

By Keira

14 December 2017

It's time again for Dinner in a Box. Thanks to Marshelle Wade, this is possible for our school to be apart of each year. This is the seventh year in a row our school has participated in this great community deed. There will be nine families that will be receiving a decorated box with food to make a Christmas dinner. However, there has been a change to our tradition. Our theme this year is the Giving Tree, by Dr. Seuss. All of our classes decorated their box that fit the theme. The boxes will be displayed at Swan River School on December 14th, at the Christmas Program. The PTO has a feeling that this will make the children happy and they will love the food given to help them have a merry Christmas.

Examples of the food include olives, canned pumpkin pie mix, pie crust, potatoes, and a turkey donated from Harvest Foods. Some boxes are decorated like snowmen, palm trees, and snowflake covered pine trees. Classes also have very beautiful Giving Trees. These creations will be viewed and admired by all who attend the Christmas Program. Have a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!

Christmas Break Celebrations

By Garett

14 December 2017

This year in middle school, most of the classes are having exciting parties the day before Christmas break. For example, every year the 8th graders watch It's a Wonderful Life and reflect on what's important about Christmas. 7th graders participate in "Winter Celebration Standards" day, according to Mrs. Burchwell. 7th grade students analyze a narrative's plot, solve a kidnapping mystery, and analyze a film while eating no examples of healthy foods. The 6th graders are having a lip sync battle and are going to eat delicious treats.

In some of the elementary classes they are also having an exciting day before Christmas break. The second graders are doing fun science experiments, games, and math crafts. The third graders are going to the Montana Athletic Club, watch a movie, and eat snacks. The fifth graders are going to do a gift exchange and will have an Author's' Party to read their Why did Rudolf Stop Pulling Santa's Sleigh stories. They will also make senior center cards, and complete a holiday hyperdoc. Happy holidays everyone and enjoy the winter seasons!

Bird Rescue Assembly

By Evan

14 December 2017

On Tuesday, November 11th, Swan River School had guests come to the school to show us all different types of birds, such as peregrine falcons, owls, and a golden eagle. Mr. Bunker was the one who put on the bird assembly and the PTO helped as well. When all the SRS students went into the gym, the Montana Wildlife Recovery Center brought each bird out one by one and explained them to the students. This event continued in the gym for an hour. For the whole hour, the students had to be very quiet or else the birds would be frightened. No microphones were used and clapping was not allowed. It was quite hard, especially for the younger grades, to keep the excitement to themselves.

They also explained to the students how they rescue each bird and give them a nice home. Each bird is kept in it's own special cage when they take them out of the exhibit to a different environment. After they went through all the birds, each student got a turn at asking questions about how many birds they collect each year, and how many years have they been helping and protecting the birds. When everybody was all finished, everybody was amazed at all the different kinds of birds that were there.