About Mrs. Minster:
Questions and Answers:
How long have you been at Lone Rock?
This is the beginning of my 9th year at Lone Rock. I have taught both
fourth and fifth grade at our school.
How did you come to teach here?
I graduated from the University of Montana. I am a native Missoulian.
Upon graduating, I taught Kindergarten for a one-year only position
in Missoula. After completing my first year of teaching, I saw an ad
in the paper for a 4/5 combination class at Lone Rock. I applied for
the job, and luckily I was hired!
What are the highlights of your school year?
I love watching how much the students change from the beginning of the
year to the end of the year. They become so responsible and can do so
much. I also enjoy reading many novels with my classes. We enjoy special
field trips to places like the Annual Round-up at the Bison Range in
Moiese and also ice skating field trips to Glacier Ice Rink in Missoula.
I love seeing past students who come back to visit!
What are the interesting projects your class works on?
I have the opportunity to teach Science to all of the 5th graders.
This allows me the opportunity to do many experiments and labs with
my classes. Often I also work cooperatively with the 7th and 8th grade
classes and Mrs. Muchmore to do some cross-grade level activities. This
year we are going to participate in the Jason Project. This is a curriculum
which is used nation-wide to promote inquiry science and real-world
learning in Science topics.
I also enjoy teaching my class about the Iditarod Sled Dog Race which
takes place in Alaska each winter. An actual Iditarod musher comes to
speak with my class every year bringing the Iditarod right into our
classroom.
Our 5th graders also participate in community based service projects.
Last year we collected items for the humane society, recycled paper
throughout our school, and helped fundraise for our playground equipment.
What is the best part of teaching at Lone Rock? Why do you like teaching
here?
The best part of teaching at Lone Rock is the students! With the small
class sizes, we are able to get to know each of our students well. I
also enjoy working with my teaching partner, Nancy LaBuff. Currently,
she is on sabbatical, but she will return next year. I also enjoy being
given the flexibility to teach in a manner that suits me and my students.
I also love the rural setting of our school. The views are amazing.