To: Lone Rock School, Stevensville community 

by Robert DoBell, Superintendent, Lone Rock School

I wanted to take some time today to express my sincere gratitude, respect, thanks, support, and prayers that all of you have shown me and my family over the last eight months! It is humbling to know that we live in a community and valley that supports one another in times of turmoil and grief.

Over the last eight months, I have battled each day to get back to the Stevensville and Lone Rock community to help guide the next generation. As of now, I can say that my Leukemia cancer is in remission and I am thrilled to be able to return to the Lone Rock School on January 6, 2025 as the Superintendent and Middle School Principal.

Throughout the last eight months of inpatient and outpatient chemotherapy treatments, we remained steadfast in our commitment to get back to the kids, parents, staff, and community members at the Lone Rock School! The love, support, prayers, and guidance from all members of the community and school kept me going.

A special attention and thank you needs to be highlighted by modern medicine, a wonderful team of doctors, nurses, and hospital staff at Providence St. Patrick Hospital, as well as the Montana Cancer Center. They all worked to bring me back to the community. The Bitterroot and specifically the Lone Rock community still holds tight traditional values and is a special place where families, and children can receive a first class education that places special attention to student well being, while working in concert with parents and the community. Ensuring the community’s values are preserved for another generation.

We are marching into 2025 and I would encourage you to stop by to say hello as I am thrilled to be “back to work”! Thank you all for your thoughts, prayers, and support as we continue each day to pray that my Leukemia stays in remission.