Specialists

Library

The MIS Library houses the largest collection of Spanish literature in Montana through the Montana Shared Library Catalog. We acquire books to support our Middle School curriculum and Primary Years Programme (PYP) units of inquiry with an exciting collection of current, age-appropriate titles. The library is open to all students of MIS and their families.

Families may also access the online encyclopedia from home or school. World Book Online has information in both Spanish and English plus games, videos and more. Log in and password information is available from your teacher or librarian.

Music

Music is an important part of the language learning process! Children’s listening skills are reinforced as they learn to recognize patterns and develop a sense of rhythm that applies to their immersion experience.

At MIS, we use the Orff framework which incorporates, speech development, singing, playing instruments, acting and movement/dancing. This is the basis for their philosophy that embraces the idea of building confidence in students through the performing arts.  Students find a way to connect with music and the performing arts in a way that meets their comfort level and learning style.

Throughout the year, children participate in a range of experiences - from creating their own music to live performances for the MIS community and exploring  instruments from a variety of countries and cultures.

Art

The arts ignite imagination, challenge thinking and help children look at the world through different lenses of history and culture.

Children have an innate ability and desire to express themselves through art. MIS encourages students to experiment and explore using multiple different techniques and mediums to convey their unique ideas and perspectives. Children learn the arts both in the classroom and beyond by visiting art museums, theaters and exhibitions. They learn about diverse artists in their own community and across the globe, past and present, from all different cultures and backgrounds.

P.E.

The PE program aims to not only help students develop their physical skills and abilities, but also address social emotional learning and development. Children explore a concept from different perspectives, and through different activities to promote critical and creative thinking skills.  

All this happens while the children also get to have a lot of fun with sports, games and activities. Children learn strategy through collaboration and cooperation rather than focusing on competition. They learn fencing, lacrosse, golf, tennis, hockey frisbee, and many others. One of the children’s favorite activities every year, are the day trips to go ice skating (K - 3rd) and skiing or snowboarding (4th - 8th).

Meet the Team

  • Library Specialist | Liz Parris

    Liz has worked in education with a variety of levels from Preschool through 6th Grade since 2002. Liz is our 2/3 multiage English Teacher and MIS Library Specialist. She loves to read and write with her students. Gardening and hiking are two of her favorite things to do in her free time. She has a BA in Spanish with a Minor in Japanese, University of Montana and a Certificate in Elementary Education from the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

  • Music | Natalie Baker

    Natalie has a broad educational background in Music, Theater, and Dance, including her teaching certificate in Elementary Education with endorsements in Special Education, Early Childhood Education, and Music Education. She is an ORFF certified teacher and is working on her MA in Education at the University of Montana. Natalie joined MIS in 2008.

  • Art | Loryn Zerr

    Art | Loryn Zerr

    Loryn is originally from Colorado. She received her BA in Art Education, with certification for K - 12, as well as receiving a BFA, ceramics emphasis. She taught art for many years at The Missoula Art Museum, Sentinel High School, Sussex School, the Flagship program, and at Zootown Community Arts Center. She remains active in the local arts community, showing her paintings, sculpture, and mixed media art whenever possible. Loryn joined MIS in 2012.

  • PE | Christian Baker

    PE | Christian

    Christian received his elementary teacher’s certification in Texas. He enjoys engaging students in developing a love for physical activity and cooperative games at MIS. Christian joined MIS in 2010.