We have since moved away-but when my son was in the second grade, Kareen Bangert, principal, took my son into her office behind closed door and yelled at him. When he started to cry she sneered at him don't you cry. I use the word sneer because listening to the story from a second-grader, "sneering" would be the correct term. That incident stayed with my son and made him terrified of school principals. We went through two schools in different districts-while we were moving from one rental to our purchased home. In the first school, a wonderful principal, was calling different children in groups to get to know them, and NOT behind closed door. She commented to me how fearful my son seemed of her and she had never encountered this before. I told her the story of what happened in Montana. She worked with my son to gain his trust back. Purchasng a new home led us to be in a new school district once again and right off the start I met with the principal and told her what had happened when we lived in Montana, at Rossiter elementary school by their principal, Kareen Bangert. Living in a bigger city, I understand now that she would never have been able to do what she did without legal problems. It's no wonder that she moved to a smaller town in a Western State. I don't believe she is good for children-unless she likes them. But if she doesn't-she is inappropriate, and mean. A person such as herself should be in charge of adults, not children. I think many many parents would agree that she is an unusually selfish woman, out dressing others-presenting herself as though she should be on Hollywood stage. It's obvious she craves this attention- she should leave children schools and go to Hollywood. My son is now in the seventh grade and as has been brought up on a few occasions, he still remembers what Kareen Bangert did to him. And as he gets older, and more independent in his thinking, he would gladly go back in time for a moment and tell her a thing or two about her behavior. One word comes to mind to describe Kareen Bangert: BULLY. read more

My son started here when we lived out in the valley. Jim Darcy was full, and we got shipped down to Rossiter. We decided to drive him ourselves so he wouldn't spend so much time on the bus. It was in the first couple weeks, we came to pick up our son. There was a long line of cars into the parking lot. Parents were stopping at the front to pick up their children and then moving on. I got in line. My son opened our vehicle door and buckled up. He was just about to tell me about his day when the attendant opened our vehicle door, unbuckled my son, grabbed him by the arm and tore him from the van. His papers went flying everywhere and he was pushed toward the wall of the school. I parked the car and got out to find out what the heck was wrong with that woman. She said we weren't allowed to pick up our kids that way. I walked over to my now crying son and he showed me her hand print in bruises on his arm. We tried to file charges, but that was buried. However, the very same school year, they re-did the entire parking lot. I would NEVER send my children back to that school ever. I don't think manhandling a small child is ever the way to get the point across. If the attendant had spoken to me calmly about it, I could have just changed it and we could have gotten on with life. That woman was not even disciplined for her behavior. Definitely not a safe environment for children. read more

Unfortunately our experience at Rossiter will always be overshadowed by the character of the principal, Kareen Bangert. I absolutely agree with Peggy N's post and could not have described the principal's character and behavior better. While there are lots of good teachers and families at the school their work and contributions are not allowed to represent the school because of the principal. In her mind she is the best - if it doesn't somehow glorify her, then work does not get recognized. I witnessed the manifestations of her selfish and arrogant character multiple times and am eternally grateful we are no longer there. My daughter escaped - I just wish students, particularly male students, did not have to have her as a principal. It is a shame that she is a principal. read more

Ignore the poor reviews of Rossiter. A few parents that were used to ruling the roost posted inappropriate, exaggerated and uneducated remarks of this awesome school and the Principal. I am a parent of two children that have been at Rossiter for several years. My girls love going to school everyday and miss it when they are on vacation! The teachers are exceptional and the Principal is very active in running everything that Rossiter needs to thrive. Kareen Bangert took the extra time and education to make herself the best Principal she could be by getting her doctorate. She can be seen reading to the students, celebrating Birthday Month Lunch with students, helping in the lunchroom and literally filling in anywhere she is needed. I also have my Elementary Teaching degree with a minor in child development. I am currently a substitute teacher and I have been a substitute for the Great Falls school district. Rossiter is a well oiled machine compared to some of the other schools I have been a substitute in. The children are respectful to each other and to adults. They strive to do their best and this is a direct result of the teachers and Kareen Bangerts input into their lives. The secretaries and other staff members are also exceptional and finish the school package that your child needs to succeed. Rossiter is one of the best schools and we are thankful for it. read more