Sentinel High students showcase CNA, research and campus‑improvement projects

Sentinel High School students and staff told the Board of Trustees about classroom programs that pair high‑school learners with community mentors and provide career credentials.

Principal Stephanie Tennis opened a roughly 15‑minute presentation describing the school's mission to help all students develop their full potential. Bill Couts, Sentinel’s community liaison, said the family resource center logged roughly 262 visits this year (about 9% of enrollment), including about 101 visits by students eligible for McKinney‑Vento services representing roughly 32 individuals and about 161 visits by other students (roughly 92 individuals). Couts said top requested items include jackets, school supplies and toiletries, and that community donations funded roughly $6,000 in gift cards distributed over the winter.

Students described classroom and credentialing opportunities. A student identified as Van said he completed a Certified Nursing Assistant program offered through a college partnership while still in high school, paying far less than the community college option and gaining a license that allows him to seek work in health care. Teacher Kelly Nelson outlined an Advanced Problems in Science elective that pairs students with University of Montana mentors; student Connor Herd described a psychology project on peer encouragement and Nathan Meisner summarized multi‑year chemistry research to crystallize previously uncrystallized molecules.

Industrial‑technology teacher Micah Nelson showcased student‑built shade structures and benches for campus beautification; students said the work involved welding, art‑club murals and design tradeoffs for durability and cost. Student group Sunel at 70 reported a $50,000 spring fundraising goal to finance phase two (outdoor classroom, trails and stage shade structures) after completing phase one with district and community partners.

The presentation closed with contact information for Sentinel and an invitation for the community to learn more through the school website and social media.