Western Montana’s Mental Health Clinic to provide therapist for Plains Schools

Two teachers submitted their resignations during the April school board meeting: Fourth grade teacher Nichole Cockrell and music teacher Rhiannon Greenwood.

Greenwood’s contract was not included on the certified staff rehire list dated April 21, 2025. After 17 years of teaching at Plains, Cockrell has accepted a new position at Clark Fork Valley Hospital. 

During the public comment section on non-agenda items, mathematics teacher Lisa Brown shared news of a generous donation to the Plains golf team. The donation included two sets of men’s and two sets of women’s golf clubs — complete with bags — as well as two laser rangefinders. The estimated value of the equipment is close to $5,000. 

“Now are kids are telling some of their friends, you don’t have to have golf clubs. You can borrow some. Hopefully, next year we can get a few kids that think they can’t afford to golf, but at least try golf because we have the clubs,” Brown said. 

Superintendent Dr. Kathleen Walsh announced a significant addition to the school’s mental health resources. 

“I am happy to announce that the Western Montana’s Mental Health Clinic has provided a therapist for us, our students and their families. We have been trying to get this place for the last four years. We are happy to welcome Elizbeth Bartelli-Herman,  a child family therapist. Right now, she will be shared with Thompson Falls, until they get a full time. She is situated here and working and has already started,” Walsh said.  

The school district is also seeking to fill the position of Business Manager/District Clerk. The job posting has attracted three applicants so far. 

On April 24, Jason Moore and his team from Montana Coop visited the school, providing healthy smoothies to students, thanks to grant funding. The team also assessed the site for planting new fruit trees and setting up irrigation, part of an initiative to encourage healthier eating habits among students. 

Elementary Principal Kevin Meredith reported that enrollment remains steady at 390 students. He also celebrated a strong showing on the honor roll: 18 third-graders, 35 fourth-graders, 30 fifth-graders, and 14 sixth-graders made the list. Of these, 20 students earned a perfect 4.0 GPA. 

Meredith highlighted the upcoming sixth-grade campout, scheduled for May 14-15 at the Bend Ranger Station on the Thompson River. The long-standing tradition — nearly 40 years old — features lessons from Forest Service staff, the NRCS, and community volunteers. Students will learn about wildland firefighting, soil and plant science, fly fishing, and survival skills. The district will provide food, and donations are welcomed. 

Several elementary students were also recognized for their art contest achievements as part of Plains Beautification Days. 

Kindergarten–1st Grade: 1st place – Emma Colwell; 2nd place – Emmy Morrison 

2nd–3rd Grade: 1st place – Kade Kinzier; 2nd place – Adeline Hughes 

4th–6th Grade: 1st place – Branden Fryxell; 2nd place – Kyrie Carr 

Carr also received an award in a separate art contest hosted by the Department of Natural Resource and Conservation (DNRC) and will compete at the state level. 

\High School Principal Dr. Heidii Fettinger praised students' academic efforts, noting that 67 high school students made the honor roll, with 24 earning a 4.0 GPA. Additionally, 39 junior high students earned honor roll recognition. 

“Mr. Meredith and I gave thank-you to all our paraprofessionals, who we value immensely. Without them, some of our programs would really struggle,” Fettinger said. 

Walsh also gave an update on the growing success of the “Breakfast in the Classroom” program. It began with 60 students and has grown to serve more than 200 daily. Cafeteria Supervisor Larrijo Ovitt spoke about the program’s positive impact, while also noting the sharp rise in food prices. 

The evening concluded with the announcement of fall coaching rehires for the 2025–26 school year: 

Cross Country: Head Coach Jesse Jermyn, Assistant Coaches Charity Jermyn, and Gena Ferlan 

Football: Head Coach Mike Tatum, Assistant Coach Lyle Fisher; Volunteers – Juan Lulack and Scott Johnson 

Volleyball: Head Coach Kim Lakko, Assistant Coach Jesse Butcher; Volunteer – Zach Butcher