Teaching Staff for 2026-2027

Kindergarten/1st Grade: Mrs. Duhinog

2nd Grade: Mrs. Neumann 

3rd Grade: Mrs. Ballou

4th Grade: Ms. Tapayan

5th Grade Homeroom: Mrs. Wagner (Social Studies)

6th Grade Homeroom: Mrs. Werber (ELA)

7th Grade Homeroom: Mrs. Phillips (Science) 

8th Grade Homeroom: Mrs. Rosipal (Math)

Art/Library: Mrs. Buley

PE K-8/Music: Ms. Bayabao

Music Apprentice Teacher: Mrs. Galloway

Special Education K-4: Mr. Luna

Special Education 5-8: Ms. Marreel

Hillcrest Colony: Mrs. Hasenkrug

Special Education Hillcrest Colony: Mr. Sagaral

Counseling: MT Small School Alliance

April 30, 2026 

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We are writing to inform you of an important update regarding student use of school-issued devices. 

After careful review, our school technology team and administration have made the decision to restrict access to Spotify on all school devices. While Spotify is a widely used music streaming platform, it is not a regulated educational resource. During a recent review, our technology staff identified content—including lyrics and audio material—that is not appropriate for a school setting.

Additionally, we have observed instances of misuse during the school day that interfere with student learning, focus, and appropriate use of instructional time. Because we are responsible for ensuring that school-issued devices are used in ways that support a safe and productive educational environment, we must limit access to platforms that do not meet these standards.

This decision was made collaboratively by school administration and our technology department with the goal of maintaining a focused, respectful, and age-appropriate learning environment for all students. 

We understand that music can be an important part of students’ lives, and we encourage families to guide and monitor music choices at home. At school, however, device use must remain aligned with educational purposes and district expectations. 

We also understand this is causing frustration among students.

Thank you for your continued support as we work together to provide a positive and effective learning environment for all students. 

Sincerely,  

Kristi Kasuske

Dear Families,

We are reaching out to share a growing concern we are seeing among our middle school students regarding late-night use of electronic devices. Recently, students have reported being engaged in texting, social media interactions, and even arguments with peers as late as 2:00-3:00 a.m. 

While technology can be a valuable tool, this pattern of late-night use is beginning to significantly impact students during the school day. Staff have observed increased fatigue, difficulty focusing, heightened social conflicts, and challenges with peer relationships. When students are not getting adequate sleep, it affects not only their academic performance but also their overall well-being and ability to positively engage with others. 

We know that this is not an issue that can be addressed by the school alone. It requires a strong partnership between home and school. We are asking for your support in helping to establish healthy boundaries around device use, especially during nighttime hours. Some strategies families may consider include:

• Setting a consistent "devices off" time each evening

• Keeping phones and devices out of bedrooms overnight

• Monitoring social media and group chats

• Having open conversations with your child about appropriate online behavior and conflict resolution

Our goal is to work together as a team to support our students in developing healthy habits that promote success both in and out of school. We appreciate your partnership and your attention to this important matter. 

Please see the attached flyer to help support families with healthy screen time habits in students.

If you have questions or would like additional resources or support, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Thank you for your continued collaboration and support.

Sincerely,

Ms. Kasuske

Vaughn School Principal
Social Media Usage Notification and Suggestions Flyer

This is a friendly reminder to please drive slowly and use caution when dropping students off in the morning and picking them up in the afternoon. 

We have several students who walk through our parking lot to and from school each day. Their safety is our top priority, and reduced speeds in the parking lot help ensure everyone arrives and leaves safely. 

We appreciate your attention to this matter and your continued support in keeping our school community safe.

Attention Families: 

The first bell rings at 7:55 am, and school starts at 8:00 am. Teachers begin instruction first thing in the morning and teach throughout the day. The last bell rings at 4:10 pm for dismissal.  

Please help support this by having students arrive at school on time and pick up your child at the end of the school day. Students who arrive late or are picked up early are consistently missing vital information and instruction. 

If you have questions, please contact Ms. Kasuske in the main office.  

Sincerely, 

Ms. Kasuske

Principal- Vaughn Public School

May 18, 2026

Dear Elementary School Families, 

We are writing to inform you of an important change to our school meal program beginning in the 2026–2027 school year.

Over the past several years, our school has been able to provide breakfast and lunch meals to all students at no cost through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). CEP eligibility is determined through a federal application process that occurs every four years. Unfortunately, our school did not qualify for CEP for the upcoming cycle.

As a result, beginning in the 2026–2027 school year, meals will no longer automatically be free for all students. Families will need to complete a Free and Reduced-Price Meal Application to determine eligibility for meal benefits. 

Please note:

• Families who qualify for programs such as SNAP may be directly certified for free meal benefits and will not need to complete an application.

• Families who are not directly certified should complete and return the application as soon as possible once forms become available.

• Completing the application is important, as meal eligibility may also help support additional school programs and services.

Applications and additional information will be sent to families before the start of the school year. We encourage all families to review the information carefully and submit forms promptly. 

We understand this change may bring questions, and we are committed to helping families through the process. If you need assistance or have questions regarding meal applications or eligibility, please contact Loren Dunk or Kristi Kasuske at 406 965 2231 or or

Thank you for your understanding and continued support.

Sincerely,

Loren Dunk, Superintendent
Vaughn Elementary School

Vaughn School is no longer accepting applications for out-of-district enrollment for the 2026 - 2027 school year. The out-of-district enrollment application deadline was May 11, 2026. 

If interested in enrolling your students at Vaughn School for the 2027 - 2028 school year, please plan to apply in April 2027.

For more announcements, please visit our Announcements Page.