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Highland Park Principal's Message

Principal's Message [1]

Hello Highland Park Family!

Let me introduce myself. I am a proud family man with my wife, Kayla (a Lewistown native), and 2 lively, energetic boys Gavin and Rory. I also have a hairy, blonde, 4-legged daughter. My dog Mae. I love spending time with my incredible family and doing anything outdoors. Fishing, hunting, and camping just to name a few.

I was born and raised in Missoula, MT and graduated from Sentinel High School. From there I attended Carroll College in Helena, MT and graduated with a major in Elementary Education and minor in Health and Physical Education. While at Carroll I played football and was fortunate enough to play on 2 National Championship teams. After graduating from Carroll in 2004 I taught 5th grade at Bryant Elementary in Helena, MT for 8 years. During this time I attended the University of Montana and earned my Master's Degree in Educational Leadership and received my K-12 Principal Endorsement. I also taught Health and PE at Helena High School for 2 years. During my time in Helena I coached football at Carroll College for 2 years and football at Helena High for 8 years. I also coached track for 8 years at Helena High.

In 2014 I pursued the Lewistown Elementary Principal opening and jumped at the opportunity to become the principal at Garfield Elementary! I feel so blessed to be apart of this school community and the entire Lewistown community. My first year at Garfield was the 2014-2015 school year and this coming year will be the principal at Highland Park, where Garfield's 3rd & 4th grade family will be morphing with the 2nd grade teachers to create a wonderful staff.

As we start a new experience and new beginning, I want everyone to feel like they are apart of our "Highland Park Family." My goal is to help create a safe, caring, and highly effective learning environment to help all students succeed in the 21st Century!

Mr. Matthew Ventresca