Basin Elementary School, founded in 1895 and still running out of its historic building in Basin, was once a critical part of a bustling mining community with an enrollment of nearly 100 students. Today, it remains a critical part of its community, but with only 14 students. Despite dwindling enrollment, the school still announces and closes each school day, as it has done for nearly 130 years, by ringing its chapel bell. Graduating 6th graders were given the opportunity to ring it themselves, at a celebratory community gathering at the school this past Wednesday.
“This is truly a beautiful thing to have here,” said Basin parent Marlys Barrett. “Places like this are exactly why I brought my daughter back to Montana.” Barrett was previously living in Florida, but returned to Basin in order to allow her daughter a “truly unique” education. Barrett’s daughter, Dianne Barrett, was one of three graduating 6th graders to participate in the bell-ringing. Dianne Barrett was joined by classmates Jaelea Twomoons and Harley Baker in ringing the Basin bell.
“You should all be so proud of everything you’ve accomplished,” said Basin teacher Camas Kakuk to her departing students. Kakuk herself is leaving Basin Elementary after this year. The school’s remaining 11 students will be taught by lead teacher Katie Thomas, with the assistance of a paraprofessional.
