• The April spotlight shines upon our Library Media staff: Tori Carter, Kim Tait, and Trina Thomas do a great job running our libraries. They all are excellent at working with students and staff. We are fortunate to have all three of them working in our school district.

• Special Education Department Shout Outs for the month:

  • Xavier Aleman- Last week Xavier took time out of his personal life and put in some extra hours for the school to help chaperone and supervise some SPED students on an FCCLA trip.  He didn't have to do this, but his willingness to made it possible for our SPED students and others to have a positive experience.  When he was asked to do it, he didn't raise any concerns, he looked for the positives in the situation and kept his focus on helping students.  Xavier's para support for our SPED students is absolutely top notch.  Thank you for the work you do with our students.  I appreciate it!  Our district is very fortunate to have you.  THANKS!

• Dustin Rees recently received the Good Sportsmanship Award from WHSAA, the first time in memory this award was given to a coach. Great job, Dustin.

• Chloee Sadlier and Krista Flint have done an amazing job in their first year as middle school girls’ wrestling coaches. The program has thrived under their leadership. By all accounts, they are great at what they do.

• Special Education Department Shouts Out for the month:

• 2/3 Pod Case Manager Ashley Robbins is a complete rock star teacher!  She is providing services for a large caseload and has to deal with the highest number or referrals.  She balances all of this, while teaching students for a good portion of the day, with a smile and positive attitude.  I watched her handle, what could have been a tense parent meeting, with absolute professionalism and calm, positive poise.  If that parent doesn't understand now how lucky they are to have Mrs. Robbins teaching their student... they will.  I observe her classroom the day afterwards, and as I consistently observe- her teaching was well-planned, engaging, appropriately aligned to standards and most of all... FUN!  Her students absolutely love her!  Our district is fortunate to have her serving our students!

• Thanks to Mr. Carr, Mrs. Bird and Mrs. Bugas for taking time out of their personal lives and schedules to help sponsor and chaperone the HS winter formal dance.  It's cool to see veteran teachers and admin still taking time out of their lives to do this.  It show their core interest is students, and that's awesome!

•  MVHS wants to congratulate senior Garrett Redden for his selection to the interview stage of the University of Wyoming Trustees Scholarship.  Garrett has gone through a rigorous selection process through the Trustees Scholarship to make it to this point of the in-person interview process. Garrett is an excellent student, an strong example of our school as a student-athlete, and - more importantly - is an amazing young man. As a school and district we are proud of Garrett and wish him good luck on his interview in Laramie this week. Garrett is also a finalist for the US Presidential Scholars Program this year.

• MVHS wants to thank teachers and other staff who took students to Beaver Mountain for our first ever large group ski trip. This trip has been an outcome of a combined effort of Mrs. Moretti and Mrs. Anderson who began taking students on fall hikes and winter cross country trips in the Uinta Mountains to help our students better appreciate the Wyoming outdoors. This year Mrs. Anderson and Mrs. Moretti were assisted by para-professional Trystin Walker, SPED Director Shad Hamilton, and English teacher Mandy Tinker to make sure our Advanced PE, Female Strength and Conditioning, and Environmental Science students have a positive experience up on the mountain. Thanks to all these staff members for going the extra "run" for our students.

• Congratulations to MVHS junior Brayston Bentley.  Brayston went through an arduous audition process to be selected for All-State Orchestra. Over 1500 students in Wyoming auditioned for All-State Orchestra and fewer than 300 were selected and Brayston was one of them. Not only that, but MVHS doesn't even have an orchestra program! Those students selected rehearsed for six hours a day at the Wyoming All State Music event in order to be ready for the All-State Orchestra concert. What an honor for Brayston as he doesn't have the benefit of a whole ensemble to practice with. Thanks also to Mrs. Tinker for rehearsing with Brayston on the violin and for Mrs. Phillips for helping Brayston navigate the audition, travel, and rehearsal process! 

• Special Education Department Shouts Out for the month:

  • Lucy Lyman:  I wanted to take a little time to recognize Lucy for her services with our EL students this year.  We are fortunate to have a para with her abilities working in our district.  What's even more admirable is her willingness and flexibility to help students wherever it's needed.  After our EL students got their footing and less support was needed, she was totally on board shifting over to the K-1 Pod, where an increase in IEP students resulted in a need for more help for writing and reading.  She accepted all of these assignments without any concerns or issues.  Her respectful, student centered approach to work makes her a pleasure to work with.  Thanks for everything that you've done for our students this year Lucy... so far!  Awesome Work!

  • Bart Lyman:  I'd like to thank Bart Lyman for his excellent work as a school psychologist in our district so far this year.  His consistent attendance has created greater stability in the services we're able to provide students.  Bart's calm, friendly, positive demeanor makes it easy for staff, parents and students to work with.  His leadership with the related services crew and establishing a weekly Monday PLC group has helped immensely to keep our evaluations on track and consistent.  Bart's participation on some of our more challenging IEP teams has made a positive impact.  All of this good, hard work equals improved, quality special education services for our students.  Thanks!

• Congratulations to MVHS counselor Stormy Hauf for being recognized as the Wyoming Admissions Officers 2025 Counselor of the Year! The WAO states that Mrs. Hauf’s “hard work, compassion, and leadership have had a profound impact” on MVHS students, and this is definitely the case. The WAO also says that this award reflects, "Mrs. Hauf’s outstanding dedication, invaluable contributions, and the success of the students she serves." Thank you Mrs. Hauf! Well deserved! We are so proud to have you in Buffalo-ville!

• MVE would like to recognize Kayleigh Bluemel and Caleb Larsen, along with all of our 1st and 2nd Grade students, for putting together two awesome music programs to kick off our programs in the elementary.  It is amazing the amount of time and effort that has to go into this to put put on a 20 minute performance.  Students have been singing and learning Christmas songs since September!  Both performances were a lot of fun!

• They did it again! Congratulations to our Student Council and sponsor Colette Bugas for once again achieving the recognition from the Wyoming Association of Student Councils of “Honor Council with Meritorious Distinction”. Additionally, Elli Linford was recognized as the student council’s “Hidden Hero” and Avery Rees received an important honor as one of only 15 students to be recognized as All-State Student Council.

• This month, the spotlight will shine upon Brad Moosman and our newly-started Trout in the Classroom program. We also recognize McKashyn Salsbury for her selection to and participation in the National FFA choir.

• Special Education Department Shout Out for the month:

  • Matt Clark:  A few weeks ago I was very impressed with your input and feedback related to some three year assessment for an upcoming high school student.  I think your understanding and analysis of assessment data reflects your experience and translates to better services for students.  I also continue to be very thankful for how flexible and willing you are to take on and accommodate for unusual situations and cases.  Recently we had a parent request to change case managers and you accepted the change without hesitancy or argument.  You've employed that attitude with our two EL students as well.  Your work with all of these students is thoughtful and quality.  Thank you for going the extra mile for our students!

  • Sandra Morrigan:  I wanted to take some time and thank you for all of your hard work thus far learning the job and demands of a special education school counselor.  It's hard for most of us to comprehend what it's like making the shift from your previous employer to a school.  I sure appreciate your willingness to climb this mountain.  I appreciate your contribution and participation in the counselor CLTs and with our most recent threat assessments training.  I also appreciate the communications we had as you learn the ins and outs of IEP writing.  I appreciate your willingness to take my feedback and direction, and the help of others.  I look forward to working with you and seeing your relations with staff and students grow in the coming year.  Your work is meaningful and it is having a positive impact on students!  Thanks! 

  • One of our Activity Drivers, Angie Pitts, has been putting on the road miles during a season many would say is the "quiet time" for student travel.  Recently Angie took a trip on short notice to deliver some students to Casper and then turned right around to go home that evening so she could take a trip the next morning! Instead of staying the night and trying to get a good night of sleep, Angie dropped off the students and wanted to be able to drive the next morning. Real dedication and service to our students. Thank you, Angie!

  • Recently, five MVHS students participated in the WHSAA Student Leadership Summit. This used to be the State Sportsmanship Summit, but MVHS had so many students who were involved in our student sportsmanship committee who wanted to attend that we had to have a separate application process for students to attend this event in Casper. These students worked with members of the WHSAA Student Advisory Council to advance their own leadership skills and represent MVHS at a state level training specifically for students. The work at this student leadership summit dovetails perfectly with some of the work being done with our own Student Sportsmanship Committee. Thanks to Chad Whitworth at WHSAA for coordinating this event and to Race Carr, Colt Madsen, Jocelyn Roberts, Ellie Stoddard, and Colter Tims for their attendance at this year's event.  

  • MVE would like to recognize Lisa Proctor, Tami Stoddard, and Angie Martin for putting together our K/1, and 4/5 pod Title I family nights.  These take a lot of time and preparation.  Both of these nights ended up being in November (one due to a weather caused cancellation in October).  We had 180 in attendance for the 4/5 pod family night, and over 220 for our K/1 pod family night.  These teachers put in a lot of time prepping for various activities and ensuring we have good quality books for our students to choose as part of the night as well.  All of our teachers pitched in and helped with the activities and centers.  

• This month's spotlight will shine upon the teachers (Alle Brown, Cami Brown, Sarah Butters, Anna Deru, Annie Hadley, Jenny Jackman, Angie Martin, Stacey Morrison, Lisa Proctor, Jenilee Schwartz, Tami Stoddard, Megan Stuehm, Amy Thompson, Natalie Walk and Milly Webb) who voluntarily completed a very intense LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) training. They chose to complete this training without any prodding, which speaks to their absolute professionalism and desire to improve themselves for the sake of our students. This training was done on their own time and took over a year to complete. 

The LETRS training focuses on comprehensive professional learning designed to provide early childhood and elementary educators to be literacy and language experts in the science of reading. LETRS teaches the skills needed to master the foundational and fundamentals of reading and writing instruction—phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and written language.

• Special Education Department Shout Out for the month:

  • Veronica Callister:  Thank you for your recent communication with one of our parents.  Though you were communicating a behavior concern (reteach), your communication was positive and well received by the parents.  Your follow-up responses were also professional, to the point and positive.  Additionally, when I visited with you a few weeks ago and you showed me how you were tracking accommodations I was impressed.  Thank you for taking the time and putting in the extra work that you have been.  In the end I think it translates to improved positive relations an increased student achievement.  Great work!  Thanks!

  • Kirsten Bird:  A couple of weeks ago you stopped by my office with a question about sending some positive communication home to parents about a student in your class.  I was impressed that you were taking the time to do it.  I'm not sure if you actually did it, but I was most impressed that you were having a positive experience with the student and that you were willing to share that news with their parents.  Thank you for taking the time to visit with me about the student.  It's positive thinking and mindsets like this that really help to make school a positive, productive environment for students.  Thanks!

• MVMS would to thank Bobi Page and Kirsten Bird for taking our middle school FCCLA student to Casper for the FCCLA Fall Conference. This is a great experience for our students and helps to prepare them for the upcoming State Conference in March. The Fall Conference has provided so many learning opportunities for our students in the past and we appreciate Bobi and Kirsten's willingness to make this trip happen, especially since it's done all in one very, very long day.! Thank you for the dedication and commitment to our students.

• MVHS shines a spotlight on our fall sports athletes and coaches. As we head toward the end of our culminating events, we are reminded of the extra effort our athletes put into school and sports each day. This is borne out by the EXCELLENT grades of our students involved in fall sports. (We do activities like Band, Choir, FFA, FCCLA in the spring since they are year-long activities.) Great job to all of our fall athletes.

  • Volleyball: 3.81 gpa

  • Cross Country: 3.80 gpa

  • Cheer: 3.66 gpa

  • Football: 3.33 gpa

• MVHS also recognizes the efforts of MVHS counselor Stormy Hauf. Mrs. Hauf's duties sometimes appear endless. This month she chaperoned students to WWCC for a manufacturing days presentation, coordinated the Senior Class retake of the ACT, and is one person in our building who is ALWAYS on call. She gives sage counsel to students as they prepare for college, need a class schedule change, or are just having a rough day. Mrs. Hauf balances caring and empathy with her common sense to help students continue to build those necessary skills in high school that will serve them well later in life. Thank you, Mrs. Hauf!

• The spotlight will shine upon Clay Hysell, Deb Smith and Luke Meeks for the amazing work they do for staff members and students alike. Just as impressive as their extensive knowledge of technology is their approachability and patience that they demonstrate each and every day working with staff members. These three “back of house” people keep our entire district wired and ready to go, being student-centered, laser-focused, and so, so, so knowledgeable about keeping our district running and our tech needs met. Their combined experience benefits our students, our staff, and our community. Thank you!

• MVHS would like to thank Brian Deru and Carmen Erickson with the UCSD #4 Transportation Department.  Brian and Carmen provide meaningful opportunities in the form of unique work experience opportunties for some of our students. They excel at working with students and giving them an opportunity that these students really may not get anywhere else. Brian and Carmen have the skills and personality to work with students and put them in positions to be successful. It can be a thankless job at times to be in a school's transportation department and for them to take on the responsibility of giving students these unique opportunities is truly appreciated.

• MVHS also appreciates the hard work and exceptional effort on the part of the MVHS Student Council and advisor Colette Bugas for their hard work thoughout Homecoming Week. It was a week of full events with a parade and a bonfire and Homecoming royalty. Mrs. Bugas and the student council take a special kind of pride in having such an awesome week of events that involves so many students. Thank you to everyone involved in making Homecoming such a special week.

• MVMS would like to thank Coach Lym and Moretti for taking the time to show students that physical activity is more than just units of instruction inside the gym. It can also be daily activities like hiking. The 8th grade students learned about this first hand with their annaul hike to Alligator Lake. We are blessed to live in a location that allows our students to get out and enjoy nature. Thank you taking the time to show our students just how great of a place we live in.

• This month's spotlight will shine upon the Maintenance Crew for the great work they did while completing the K-8 Culinary Water Boiler Project in-house. The only company to submit a bid on this project submitted a bid significantly higher than than the engineer’s estimate, and the bid was rejected. Thanks to Maintenance Supervisor Bob Alvis and his crew’s willingness to tackle this project themselves, the project is now successfully complete. Their skills and work ethic in this regard is greatly appreciated. Thank you to Bob Alvis, Monte Bernard, Skye Brandon and Vaughn Hurdsman. Great work!

• Special Education Department Shout Out for the month!:

  • Kim Williamson: We know you had to make some significant personal time sacrifices in order for us to have a student's three hour IEP meeting on Monday, August 19th. We understand that when asked you to do, that it was asking a lot. We really appreciate your cooperation though, and willingness to help. Your willingness to help us out and attend that day made it possible for the team to complete the IEP before school started and we believe the student has benefited from the new IEP this week. Your testimony during the IEP meeting was also very helpful to the work of the IEP team in developing more appropriate accommodations. Thanks for going the extra mile for this student!

  • Brent Walk: Starting the week off last week with a three hour IEP meeting following by several days of trying to write a complicated IEP and complex PWN so that a student could start school with a plan that would benefit them the most, was quite a challenge to balance in between the first week of practice- two a days to boot. I wanted to let you know that we recognized the extra stress and time it took for you to help us with this last week. In the end, I think it made a difference for the student. Their first week back seemed to go well! Thanks for, once again, go the extra mile to help students!

  • Alle Brown: It's been a pleasure working with you this week as you begin to learn your new job as a special education case manager for the K-1 students. I've been impressed with how you reached out to Geraldine and sought our advice and assistance with how to handle the new incoming IEPs. Your attitude around seeking out advice and help from everyone, though stressful at times, I think is a commendable approach to learning a new job. The coursework you've completed towards the special education endorsement over the summer and your help with ESY this summer shows how dedicated you are to really offering students the highest quality of services. The patience you've employed with all of the staff excited to help you in your new position has been noted as well. You're off to a great start! Thanks for taking this responsibility on full throttle!

• The spotlight shines upon the amazing teachers we have in Uinta 4. We want to extend our gratitude to all teachers for their dedication and the countless extra hours they invest beyond the classroom during summer break. Your commitment to taking students to summer camps, summer conferences,  continuing your own education, and volunteering in the community is simply amazing. This effort and dedication is often unseen and underappreciated, but certainly has a positive impact on our students and the entire community. Thank you for going above and beyond, inspiring us all with your selflessness and devotion.