Continuing success at SSHS

SEELEY LAKE –Seeley-Swan High School's new principal Kellen Palmer is excited for the first day of school when the halls will be filled with students and he can start getting to know everyone. He looks forward to helping SSHS continue the good work already being done and celebrating new successes as the students and faculty strive to become even better. He is also excited to meet the community and invites everyone to meet him at the concession stand before the first home football game, Aug. 30 starting at 6 p.m.

Palmer had many teachers and coaches that influenced him at a young age. The first was his mother Melody Rohrer.

"[My mom] always talked about how great of a job she had because she was able to work with kids, outstanding colleagues and had the same schedule as us," said Palmer.

At Fairfield High School where he graduated in 2005, Les Meyer was his principal and football coach and Mike Schmidt coached basketball.

"The relationships [they] built with me and the things [they] did with me made me want to be able to do what these guys did for me for other kids," said Palmer.

After high school graduation, Palmer pursued a degree in education from University of Montana - Western in Dillon, Mont. He also played basketball at Montana Western and was the assistant coach for Western men's basketball team in 2009-2010.

In 2011, Palmer accepted a position teaching high school math at Douglas High School in Douglas, Wyo. During his time in Douglas, he coached junior high and high school basketball, served as the student council advisor and was the junior class sponsor.

In 2016, Palmer graduated from Chadron State College in Chadron, Neb. with a Masters in K-12 Administration.

Last year Palmer became an academic coach at Douglas High School.

"My job was to help the teachers better educate our children whether it was working on engagement or teaching strategies," said Palmer.

Palmer said he naturally steps into a leadership role, whether it was in the classroom, sports or in volunteer activities.

"I wanted to assume that same position in a school and have the opportunity to lead a school," said Palmer. "It just felt like the next step."

Working as the academic coach position opened the door for Palmer to pursue administration. He worked alongside the principal and assistant principal helping to create policies and make other decisions for the school. Palmer said Dan Edwards mentored him and molded him by giving him opportunities to learn and grow.

When Palmer saw the open principal position at SSHS, he knew he needed to apply. He and his wife Kari had always hoped to return to the small town life in Montana close to their families in Fairfield.

"[Seeley] is a small town community that values education, values athletics, values extracurricular in their youth and that is what we have been looking to find," said Palmer. "We wanted a small community where we could raise our kids and everyone values the kids... The process worked out and I'm trilled to be here."

Since this is Palmer's first principal job, everything is new. The transition to a new school and learning Missoula County Public School policies and procedures has been the biggest challenge so far. While he knows there will be more challenges ahead that he doesn't anticipate, he is optimistic he can overcome them with help.

"It's my first time and anytime you are doing something you are going to make mistakes," said Palmer. "I've inherited an awesome staff and I know they are going to be there to help me."

Palmer said that he brings a strong work ethic to the principal position and leads by example.

"I'm a firm believer that if you want something and want to be successful, you have to choose to make the steps to get that done," said Palmer. "I think that is something I want to instill in our students and have everyone in the community see in staff."

Palmer looks forward to facilitating open and honest communication with students, parents, teachers and the community. He wants everyone to know their input is valuable and important in helping SSHS produce an academic and athletic product that makes everyone proud. This can only be achieved through relationships.

"Unless they know you care, they don't care what you know," said Palmer.

Palmer hopes to expand SSHS's online outreach through the SSHS website and social media as well as promoting the school through the conventional methods. He hopes this proactive approach will ensure that everyone interested in the students and happenings at the school can participate and engage.

Palmer has already begun building a relationship with Seeley Lake Elementary's new Superintendent Dan Schrock. They are working together to bring what is best for the students K-12 and removing the distinction between the two schools.

While there are no major changes in the classes and programs from last year, Palmer said there will be a few new staff.

Michele Holmes replaced Katrina Stout and will be teaching business, media arts and will be the SSHS librarian. MCPS is in the process of hiring a new secretary since Cathy Novak resigned this summer.

"We have an outstanding group of staff. I'm excited that I get to work with them," said Palmer.

Palmer said he is exploring how to increase the electives offered. He thinks those are important to creating a well-rounded student that exposes them to different things. This includes trying to fill the art instructor position that Novak facilitated.

At the end of the day, Palmer's favorite thing about education is watching students succeed.

"You see so many kids that face challenges. Where most of us would quit, they choose to be successful," said Palmer. "When they do that and they come to you and thank you for helping them somewhere a long the way, it doesn't get any better than that."

When not at school, Palmer enjoys playing sports and doing anything outdoors with his family. Palmer married his high school sweetheart Kari 13 years ago. They have four children: Jezzy 10, Tristan 8, Brodie 6 and Emme 2. Kari runs a sign business out of their home while being a full-time mom. They are in the process of building a house on the Double Arrow Ranch.