Montana's Public Schools in the News!

Great things are happening in Montana's public schools every day of the school year. The following are a few of the items profiling the great work of Montana's public schools that have appeared in Montana news media.  By clicking on a link, the reader is taken away from the MTSBA website.  Any payment required to access a particular website is the sole responsibility of the individual reader.  Articles and opinions appearing on this page do not necessarily reflect the policies, positions, opinions or views of the MTSBA Directors or staff.

February 2025 Great News

Whitefish teacher receives kidney from local parent

After seven and a half years of battling polycystic kidney disease, Whitefish Middle School teacher Sean Duff was donated a kidney by local parent Janelle Hansen last month, and both are recovering well. Duff may be a seasoned veteran in teaching language, reading and history, but he was still at a loss for words to describe the feeling of gratitude. "It's an overwhelming feeling, that somebody wants to do that – or even try, because people have tried before," Duff said.

Gov. Gianforte visits Missoula schools to spotlight student projects

Governor Greg Gianforte is visiting Missoula schools Wednesday to spotlight the achievements of students involved in career and technical education projects. The event is an opportunity for the Missoula County Public Schools (MCPS) community to showcase the hard work and dedication of students in programs like STEM, woodshop, and welding. 

Hellgate Middle School principal picks up statewide honor

Hellgate Middle School principal Jamie Courville was recently named the 2025 National Distinguished Principal for Montana and on Tuesday, the school community came together to celebrate with an assembly. “After looking all over the whole state of Montana, and considering almost 400 school principals, I am proud to say that we made the decision that the very best principal in the state of Montana was right here at your school,” School Administrators of Montana executive director Rob Watson while presenting the award.

For the little ones: How Bozeman nonprofit's work helps multilingual students, families thrive

Supporting newly arrived Spanish-speaking families and Multilingual English Learner (ML/EL) students has always been a priority for one Bozeman nonprofit. Now, after a recent influx of ML/EL students in the Bozeman School District, its services are more vital than ever. Vanessa Zamora, executive director of Bienvenidos a Gallatin Valley, said the nonprofit was founded in 2019 after a district ML/EL support staff member raised concerns that the growing student population wasn’t receiving adequate mental and physical support. That concern quickly spread to friends in the local Quaker community — a Christian group that believes in direct spiritual experience — who took action. They began organizing clothing drives and developing a mentorship program — now known as the Partner Family Program — that pairs immigrant families with bilingual mentors to help them navigate their new home. 

Missoula schools highlight Career and Technical Education efforts at Gianforte visit

To celebrate Career and Technical Education (CTE) month, Missoula County Public Schools showed off some of their CTE programs as Gov. Greg Gianforte toured Russell Elementary, Washington Middle and Sentinel High School on Feb. 26. One example of CTE in Missoula’s schools is the career transition services program available to students with disabilities. Andrew Lowney, a transition services specialist from the Department of Health and Human Services, said on Wednesday that the program serves upwards of 200 MCPS students. One of those students is Grace Grutsch, a Sentinel High School student who works as a lunch aide at Russell Elementary. She said her favorite part of the job is working with kids, and plans to keep working for the district after she graduates. 

Forsyth students celebrate keeping beloved dogie mascot after logo debate

After nearly three months of conversations between Forsyth Public Schools, its students, its branding partner, community members, and Texas Longhorn lawyers, the town's high school has a singular official logo. "A couple of years ago, when they changed the logo … It just kind of came out of nowhere and people never had a chance to speak up," said Preston McGregor, the Forsyth High School (FHS) student body president. McGregor, a Forsyth junior, responded to the school's initial mascot proposal with a video on Facebook, expressing community concerns surrounding the imagery, which garnered more than 150 interactions, more than 50 comments, and nearly 100 shares. 

From 'Purr' to 'Crescendo,' Butte-Silver Bow County Spelling Bee tests students' steel

Fifty-nine spellers, 185 words, 12 rounds, and two hours later, the Butte-Silver Bow County Spelling Bee found its champion, Dreyko Seibel, an eighth grader from East Middle School, who will advance to the 60th annual Treasure State Spelling Bee in Bozeman on March 22. Fourth grader Cam Nicholls, from Hillcrest, was the runner-up. About 200 attendees gathered in the East Middle School auditorium to witness the event and support contestants. "I think the number one thing is that spelling bees give [students] confidence in that they can get in front of a group of people to speak and to put themselves out there," said Butte-Silver Bow County Superintendent Jim O'Neill. "That's a fear that a lot of adults even have, getting up in front of group of people and speaking - but when you're a little 4th grader and you have to get up in front of a room full of people, it tells you that you can do difficult things, and it gives you confidence."

Somers-Lakeside School District hires new superintendent

Alexander Ator is set to replace retiring Somers-Lakeside School District Superintendent Joe Price. Price has served as superintendent since 2016 and spent 45 years in education. His last day will be June 30. Price said he is looking forward to retirement, but there are things he will miss, like welcoming students to school, he said.  "The best part of my day, every day, is greeting kids when they get off the bus every morning," Price said. During his tenure, Somers-Lakeside voters approved a $15.8 million bond in 2017 that ultimately funded construction of a new middle school, which opened in 2020. The decision to offer Ator the superintendent position was unanimous at a Feb. 12 school board meeting. Ator accepted a two-year contract with a $120,00 salary following negotiations held during a Feb. 20 meeting. A final contract will go before the board for ratification at an upcoming meeting. 

Gallatin High School's Erica Schnee reflects on being named Principal of the Year

Last month, Gallatin High School Principal Erica Schnee was selected as the recipient of the 2025 Montana Association of Secondary School Principals (MASSP) Principal of the Year award at the annual Montana Principals Conference. Schnee's office is showered in memories and memorabilia of her many years in education.

GFPS wraps up 'High Voltage' weekend

Great Falls Public Schools wrapped up their High Voltage Weekend on Saturday evening, and some of those prospective teachers will be leaving with offer letters of employment within the district. The High Voltage Weekend allowed prospective teachers to spend a few days learning about what Great Falls has to offer and interview with the district for open teaching positions from kindergarten through high school in a variety of different subjects. 

Havre Public Schools dual-credit courses giving students almost two years of college credits.

Havre High Schools dual credit classes have seen huge success in recent times according to reports from the district and from Superintendent Brian Gum. New Media Broadcasters spoke with Gum, who says that some students are leaving high school with huge amounts of college education already finished. "We had some students speak at the last board meeting, where they can essentially come out of high school with an associate's degree almost ready to go. You don't have that at every town or every high school so that's a big one" Average college tuition costs in the state of Montana are thousands of dollars per year, and an associate's degree typically equates to around two school years or four semesters of college education.

Starbase Montana reaches 30,000 student milestone

This week, around 20 fifth-grade students from Clancy Schools took the bus to Fort Harrison in Helena as part of the Montana Department of Military Affairs's STARBASE education program. STARBASE Montana is a Department of Defense STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) program administered by the Montana Department of Military Affairs. Since its inception in 2007, it has grown to serve approximately 2,000 young people in the Treasure State each year between its two classroom locations: Fort Harrison in Helena and Great Falls.

Montana Youth visit statehouse during Youth Mental Health Advocacy Day

Approximately 60 young people from across the Treasure State descended on the Montana State Capitol to bring awareness to and discuss Youth Mental Health. Terrence Lozeau, who lives on the Flathead reservation in northern Montana, was among the youth who visited the state capital, spoke with lawmakers, and sat on Monday's sessions and hearings. "It means way more to me than most people would think, I come from a family where I lost people to suicide; I lost my sister to suicide, and I've lost friends to suicide," Lozeau said.

Peyton Henson crowned Hill County spelling champ

The competition at the 57th Annual Hill County Spelling Bee found a champion last Thursday, with Havre Middle School eighth grader Paisley Burr winning the bee and earring the trip to represent Hill County at the Treasure State Scripps Spelling Bee March 22 in Bozeman on the Montana State University campus. Havre Middle School eighth grader Peyton Henson took second and J'dyll Parisian, a Box Elder seventh grader took third. The officials for this year's spelling bee officials are: Jackie Hanson, Marie Deegan, Jake Strissel, Marge Suek, Julie Monson and Diane McLean.Havre Middle School Principal Curt Leeds and HMS lead custodian Clark Darrah have been instrumental in the logistics of this event, Hill County Superintendent of Schools Vicki Proctor said.

Stay Fetch!: 2 Helena Middle School students to represent Montana in national app showcase

The news came in an unassuming letter to Makena Pedersen's house. She read it a few times, but it took until she handed it to her teacher, Amy Friez, for the victory to sink in. "You're going to D.C.!" Friez said. "Your app won!" Pedersen and Aurora Obie, two Helena Middle School students, are one of two Montana teams to win the 2024 Congressional App Challenge. Middle and high school students compete against each other nationwide to create the best new software app. The winners in each congressional district are invited to Washington, D.C., for workshops, tours and a science fair that lets the young coders show off their work. 

Cayuse Prairie School business manager earns prestigious designation

Cayuse Prairie School Business Manager and Clerk Heather Mumby has earned the Association of School Business Officials International's Certified Administrator of School Finance and Operations designation. School business professionals who earn the certification have proven they have the knowledge, expertise and fiscal credibility to lead their school district and effectively manage its finances, according to the association.   Mumby said expanding her knowledge through continued professional development has always been a priority.

Kalispell Public Schools officials outline career exploration pathway

Kalispell Public Schools engaged local employers and employees in a discussion about its career development initiatives Tuesday at Flathead Valley Community College, emphasizing programs from elementary through high school and encouraging business partnerships to expand student opportunities. At Kalispell Public Schools the career exploration pathway starts in kindergarten - a shift in the typical career exploration track that usually starts in high school or college.   "Early career exploration isn't just about choosing a job, it's about broadening long-term possibilities, building confidence, sparking curiosity for future goals," said school district K-8 Community Involvement Coordinator Cara Rathke during a Kalispell Chamber of Commerce luncheon. 

Butte group wants to bring farm-to-table education to local schools

Do you know where your food comes from? Well, a group of people in the Mining City are looking to teach children about Montana-grown food products. "When we educate children, that's the longest lasting impact; that changes lives," says Abbie Phillip, the coordinator for round table discussions about local food systems. According to the National Center for Appropriate Technology, local food systems consist of production, processing, distribution, consumption of food, and waste management. Philip says the group is turning their focus to schoolchildren. "Farm-To-School really helps to solidify the importance of the local food system: eating well, contributing, being a part of growing food at the earliest level, and that's children," says Phillip.

Billings schools plan to remain open all week despite snowfall

Amid persistent snowfall over the last two weeks, all Billings public schools remained open on Monday, generating a mix of reactions from parents and students. Superintendent Erwin Garcia said that despite more snow and cold temperatures in the forecast, there is no plan to close for snow this entire week. Garcia said the decision to keep schools open was made with help from the National Weather Service. He emphasized the importance of maintaining educational continuity.

 

Alberton School selected as Montana representative in national competition

Alberton School is participating in a nationwide competition; the goal is to fix a problem in their state using technology. The tudents of Alberton School have chosen to create a virtual reality experience on Montana Tribes. "An immersive experience that will educate other students whether they are in Montana or Nationwide," said McKenna Akane. "The history and culture of that respective tribe in a way that that tribe feels is culturally respectful and historically accurate." Akane, the K-8 STEM Educator at Alberton School, is in her second year of teaching and has already started to broaden the horizons of her students. In her STEM education class, the students learned to use Meta Quest 2 headsets as well as coding and 3D modeling to create their own immersive experience to educate others. The course is offered to sixth through eighth graders.

Corvallis schools seeking volunteers for middle school career day

Corvallis Public School District is looking for volunteers for a career fair at the middle school on Thursday, April 3. The middle school is partnering with the district's Rise Charter to host their first career day and are looking for locals with passion for their chosen profession to speak to the students. Event organizers are looking for a variety of professions to speak. Volunteers would be expected to give a 20- minute presentation on their profession to a classroom of students. The event will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30, p.m. To sign up, fill out a volunteer form available online.

Billings schools celebrate SROs' dedication on National School Resource Officer Day

The Billings community is showing gratitude for its School Resource Officers (SROs) on National School Resource Officer Day. Billings Public Schools expressed appreciation for their partnership with local law enforcement, highlighting the work of the dedicated SROs in the district. "We appreciate our partnership with county and city law enforcement, especially our eight school resource officers! Thank you!" the district shared. The Billings Police Department also took a moment to acknowledge the important role SROs play in the community. "Today is National School Resource Officer Day and we want to take a minute to celebrate ours," they stated. "Thank you all for your dedication and service to the youth in the Billings community, keeping our schools safe, and serving as mentors."

Sunnyside students challenge local businesses in Tower of Books

Sunnyside Intermediate School students will soon be conducting what is hoped to be the first of an annual Tower of Books Reading Challenge, and they are inviting local businesses to take them on. Sunnyside Librarian Jade Miller told Havre Weekly Chronicle that the challenge, part of Read Across America Week, begins Monday, Feb. 24 with the final numbers due Thursday, March 6. That gives the students - and members of businesses - 11 days to add books to their "tower," Miller said. The Sunnyside fourth and fifth graders are expected to read books at or above their reading level to ensure they are challenging themselves, and have to pass an Accelerated Reader Comprehension Test on each book to show they have read and understood the text. Books qualifying for the challenge are any reading material at least 10 pages long, including novels, picture books, professional development materials, and so on. 

Hellgate Middle School principal wins Montana Distinguished Principal Award

Hellgate Middle School Principal Jamie Courville was named this year's Montana Distinguished Principal at the annual Montana Principals Conference on Jan. 26-28. Distinguished principals are selected for making sure their students' academic and social needs are met, as well as fostering cooperation with the community. Courville is the first Hellgate principal to be chosen for this award. "It kind of puts us on the map," Hellgate Elementary superintendent Molly Blakely said. "I think it's very humbling," Courville said. A School Administrators of Montana press release cited some of the reasons for Courville's selection, such as organizing an annual dodgeball tournament to get the community involved raising money for Toys for Tots. Courville also told the Missoulian he'd started some successful classes such as financial literacy and industrial arts. 

Hill County Spelling bee brings best spellers to middle school

The 57th Annual Hill County Spelling Bee started this morning at Havre Middle School, with local students spelling away to earn the chance to represent Hill County at the Treasure State Scripps Spelling Bee March 22 in Bozeman on the Montana State University campus. The officials for this year's spelling bee officials are: Jackie Hanson, Marie Deegan, Jake Strissel, Marge Suek, Julie Monson and Diane McLean. Havre Middle School Principal Curt Leeds and HMS lead custodian Clark Darrah have been instrumental in the logistics of this event, Hill County Superintendent of Schools Vicki Proctor said. Independence Bank has sponsored three Chamber of Commerce gift certificates; $50 (1st place), $30 (2nd place) and $20 (3rd place). Medals are provided by the Hill County Superintendent of Schools Office.

Vending machines in schools aim to spark kids' love of reading

Instead of the usual chips and candy, students can find creativity, adventure, and imagination with the new book vending machines that are going into some schools within the Great Falls Public School district. Sacajawea Elementary School unveiled its new book vending machine on Wednesday, with their students more excited to read than ever before. 

Sunnyside students challenge local businesses in Tower of Books

Sunnyside Intermediate School students will soon be conducting what is hoped to be the first of an annual Tower of Books Reading Challenge, and they are inviting local businesses to take them on. Sunnyside Librarian Jade Miller told Havre Weekly Chronicle that the challenge, part of Read Across America Week, begins Monday, Feb. 24 with the final numbers due Thursday, March 6. That gives the students - and members of businesses - 11 days to add books to their "tower," Miller said. The Sunnyside fourth and fifth graders are expected to read books at or above their reading level to ensure they are challenging themselves, and have to pass an Accelerated Reader Comprehension Test on each book to show they have read and understood the text. Books qualifying for the challenge are any reading material at least 10 pages long, including novels, picture books, professional development materials, and so on.

Miller Receives Pony Pride Award at HPS Board Meeting

The Havre Public Schools Board of Trustees met in regular session on Tuesday night. Last Month's Pony Pride Winner Lindsay Ratliff had Superintendent Brian Gum announce that Sunnyside School librarian Jade Miller was her selection for this month's Pony Pride winner. Havre High School Principal Dustin Kraske had three students tell the board about their personal journey's utilizing the dual credit, credit recovery, and school to work programs that Havre High School offers. In new business, the board on 1st reading passed a revision of their financial management policy. The second reading and final passage of this policy will take place at the March meeting. The board approved unanimously the integrated district strategic plan. You can find that plan on the Havre Public Schools website at blue pony k12 dot com. Finally, the board approved the call for a Board of Trustees and potential Mill Levy election in Elementary District 16 and District A for May 6th, 2025. There will be two Board of Trustees positions up for election. 

Augusta student wins 60th Lewis and Clark County Spelling Bee

"C-I-R-C-A-D-I-A-N." On Wednesday, the winner of the 60th Lewis and Clark County Spelling Bee was an Augusta seventh-grader who did not expect to win or be a part of the competition. Kayden Martin's championship word was circadian, and she spelled it correctly after requesting it be used in a sentence. "I just got second place in the school bee, so I kind of had to (be here)," Martin said following her win. "The first place guy got sick, so another alternate came with me." She added she only studied a little bit prior to the competition with the words she was given, but "that was about it."

Congressional App Challenge winners announced, apps to be on display in US Capitol Building

Code Girls United members Emma Anderson and Makayla Davenport of Kalispell have been named winners of the 2024 Congressional App Challenge for Montana's western district by U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke. The winning app, "Adventure Challenge," was developed by Anderson and Davenport in partnership with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. In Montana's 2nd Congressional District, U.S. Rep. Matt Rosendale named Code Girls United members Makena Pedersen and Aurora Obie of Helena as winners for their app "Stay Fetch," which they designed to aid animal lovers in finding and adopting the pet that will best suit their lives. 

Billings Public Schools hosts career fair in April

Billings Public Schools is calling on local businesses to participate in the 'Let's Get to Work Career Fair.' This event aims to connect graduating seniors with career and job opportunities within the community. The career fair provides a platform for businesses to engage with young talent and showcase potential career paths. Participation is free for vendors, encouraging a wide range of businesses to join.

Hellgate Elementary uses rafting prizes to get students reading

It's not a good idea to bring a book whitewater rafting - the pages will get soggy, and an e-reader will fry. But Zoo Town Surfers owner Ian Fodor-Davis still wanted to find a way to use his whitewater rafting business to get Missoula's kids reading. "The general idea is just to incentivize kids to read more," Fodor-Davis said. "I was looking for a way to involve the community a little more. Reading is near and dear to me." He had the idea of using whitewater rafting prizes to incentivize reading through a raffle. So he went to Jamie Blixt, who works as a Zoo Town Surfers guide in the summer, and teaches technology, broadcasting and financial literacy at Hellgate Elementary during the school year. She wanted in. "It's really exciting to merge two worlds," Blixt said. They brought the idea to Hellgate Elementary librarian Peggy Racicot. 

Helena students snack on 100-foot-long sundae to celebrate 100 days of school

Friday marked the 100th day of the school year for Helena Public Schools and students at Warren Elementary School enjoyed a sweet treat to celebrate. The school's annual Sundae Day has been happening on the 100th school day for nearly five decades. Before dessert, students worked on writing and math projects throughout the day. The main event was a 100-foot-long ice cream sundae for teachers and their classes to dig into.

Skyview students take the stage in MSU Billings' Atomic Circus show

Montana State University Billings Atomic Circus came to Billings Skyview High School on Friday with a bang. For eight years, MSU Billings science professors Dr. Matt Queen and Dr. Dan Willems have put on the live chemistry demonstration show for fifth graders across eastern Montana, but now they have expanded and upgraded the show for high school students

'The dogs are doing what they love': C.R. Anderson students visit with mushers for Race to the Sky

Students at C.R. Anderson Middle School listened to a presentation Friday from mushers involved in the Race to the Sky and had an opportunity to meet some of the furry team members. The presentations were organized with the help of the middle school's eighth grade science teacher, Shannon Thomas, who said they came about through an interdisciplinary unit where her students were taught about the friction of the sleds, war dogs at Camp Rimini, math along the trail and graphing data about the mushers. Around 50 students were present, listening in the school's cafeteria. The mushers shared stories about their experiences before the start of the Race to the Sky, now in its 40th year, on Feb. 8.

Whitefish student is a positive force among her peers

When Zoey Marzo sees a need she acts. The Whitefish High School senior can make things happen. Behind the initiative, drive, and planning she puts into each goal, event and program, is the heart, passion and enthusiasm to improve the lives of those around her.  "She is reliable, compassionate and charismatic. To be in Zoey's presence is a gift and our world is a better place with her in it.  Not only does she work hard academically, her creativity and desire to enhance the lives of those around her is nonstop," Whitefish School District board chair Darcy Schellinger wrote in her letter nominating Marzo, for the Winslow Nichols Leadership Award. 

Montana DECA Education Conference underway in Missoula

The Montana DECA Educational Conferences runs through Tuesday at the Hilton Garden Inn in Missoula. Conferences are targeted, highly focused learning experiences for students that support national curriculum standards. The conferences connect students with corporate professionals to engage students in learning industry-related trends and content. "I'm looking at international business relations. I'm looking to create marketing campaigns and marketing opportunities for businesses transitioning to and from U.S. markets. So I'm looking to transition overseas goods, whether in Europe or western Asia into U.S. markets, and then same thing, transitioning U.S. marketed products to Europe or other Asian countries," said Brett Charles Pesola, DECA state officer for Flathead High School, said.

Farmers State Bank offers nine $10K scholarships to western Montana students

armers State Bank is currently accepting applications for nine 2025 Scholarship awards being offered to Montana students. This scholarship is aimed at graduating seniors with a GPA of 2.5 to 3.5, who plan to attend a two- or four-year college, technical or trade school full time. A $10,000 scholarship is available to one qualifying student from each of the following communities: Darby, Hamilton, Corvallis, Victor, Stevensville, Florence, Missoula, Helena and Kalispell. A total of nine scholarships will be awarded. Applications will be accepted from Feb. 1 through March 15. Visit farmersEbank.com/scholarship for requirements and application forms.

Bozeman High science teacher Miles McGeehan wins Presidential Award

Bozeman High science teacher Miles McGeehan was recently honored with the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. The Biden Administration announced the awards for 336 teachers and mentors nationwide on Jan. 13. PAEMST is the highest award K-12 math and science teachers can receive from the U.S. government, a White House release said. Award recipients represent schools and organizations from all 50 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA) schools, and the U.S. territories (American Samoa, Guam, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and U.S. Virgin Islands).

CMR educator receives Montana Theatre Educator of the Year award

In the video above, Paul Sanchez reports on Lesli Evans, an educator at CMR High School in Great Falls who received the Montana Theatre Educator of the Year award. CMR High School said in a Facebook post: Mrs. Evans is in her 15th year with Great Falls Public Schools and her 13th year as the Paraprofessional in the Performing Arts Department at Charles M. Russell High School. She is a graduate of CMR. She has a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Montana. She has worked with Summer Showcase, ACT Theatre, Phoenix Productions, Garden City Ballet, Missoula Community Theatre, Missoula Children's Theatre, University of MT Department of Drama/Dance, CMR Performing Arts and a few independent production companies.

Cut Bank school gets a book vending machine

From a news release: On Thursday, January 30, at 8:30 AM at Cut Bank HC Davis Elementary, we will be having a ribbon-cutting ceremony for our new book vending machine. The vending machine was a project initiated by the Cut Bank High School National Honor Society to help promote literacy in our elementary schools. With the help of the Cut Bank Educational Foundation & Alumni Association and their executive director Amy Overstreet, the group secured a generous grant from First Interstate Bank to cover the cost of the book vending machine.

Shepherd School District educator receives "One Class at a Time" honor

Q2, Western Security Bank, City Brew Coffee, and the Education Foundation for Billings Public Schools have teamed up for "One Class at a Time." The program recognizes teachers who go above and beyond to help their students. Meet Tina Downing, the K-12 special education adviser and activities director who is passionate about what she does, especially when it comes to her special students she fiercely supports. "Kids with disabilities can do anything," said Mrs. Downing. "They can advocate for themselves, they can get jobs in the community, they can go to college, they can go to the military. They can do whatever they want to do." As you can imagine, she stays quite busy but wouldn't have it any other way.

Gallatin County students shine at rural schools spelling bee

The Gallatin County Rural Schools Spelling Bee recently showcased the talents of young spellers from the area. The event, organized by the Gallatin County Superintendent of Schools, was held at the Gallatin County Courthouse. Twenty-six students from Malmborg, Pass Creek, Cottonwood, and Springhill schools, all in grades 4-8, participated in the competition.

January 2025 Great News

Educators, parents get behind bill to boost starting teacher pay in Montana

Molly Blakely has taught teachers in Montana, the "best and brightest," and they've asked her what they can earn in the Treasure State. Blakely, who has been an adjunct instructor at the University of Montana for 18 years, said when she offers an honest answer to their questions in an interview prep class, the future teachers ask one question: "How do I get certified (to teach) in another state?" State institutions are doing great work training teachers, Blakely said, but Montana is losing them, and a bill to increase starting teacher pay would help. Blakely and other educators testified Wednesday before the House Education committee in favor of House Bill 252, the Student and Teacher Advancement for Results and Success, or STARS Act, intended to boost teacher pay.

Montana in line with US average score in 'Nation's Report Card'

Test scores from students across the U.S. have not bounced back to pre-pandemic levels of achievement, a trend that's true in Montana as well. While Montana isn't scoring as high as it did in 2019, the state just exceeded the national average and that of several surrounding states in National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) testing, also known as "The Nation's Report Card." Montana's economically disadvantaged students lagged behind the most with an at least 19-point difference in scores across different categories. Montana Superintendent Susie Hedalen said in a statement Wednesday that while the results are encouraging, the state needs to remain focused on improvement. "We are committed to addressing these challenges and continuing to work towards better outcomes for all of Montana's students," Hedalen said.

Flathead Valley teams dive into robotics challenge qualifying for state competition

Teams of budding engineers tasked with programing LEGO robots to dive beneath the ocean to complete a list of missions got to see their hard work pay off during a recent competition hosted by West Valley School. While the students watched as their autonomous robots worked to release a shark back into its habitat, helped a diver transport coral and retrieved a treasure chest from a shipwreck during the tournament on Jan. 25. The event featured 16 teams of about 95 students from Smith Valley, Somers, West Valley, Eureka and Ronan. "Hundreds of student hours have been spent building and troubleshooting these machines to move effortlessly around the game board," said West Valley science teacher and tournament organizer Matt Honcoop. 

Bozeman High science teacher Miles McGeehan wins Presidential Award

Bozeman High science teacher Miles McGeehan was recently honored with the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. The Biden Administration announced the awards for 336 teachers and mentors nationwide on Jan. 13. PAEMST is the highest award K-12 math and science teachers can receive from the U.S. government, a White House release said. Award recipients represent schools and organizations from all 50 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA) schools, and the U.S. territories (American Samoa, Guam, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and U.S. Virgin Islands).

Teacher receives district award, community seeks funding for national nomination

At Highland Elementary School, it is no secret that Erin Sutherland-Evans (known to her students as Ms. Evans) is cherished by those she teaches. "Ms. Evans, I am so glad you are my P.E. teacher. I am so happy that you are one of the best P.E. teachers in Montana. You should be the best in the world," wrote one student, Stanford, in a letter. This year, Sutherland-Evans was named a SHAPE America Elementary Physical Education District Teacher of the Year for the Western District. "My favorite thing–I think, (are) the smiles, the loves, the hugs, the Tootles that I am getting," said Sutherland-Evans, whose career was inspired by two of her own fourth-grade teachers.

Sparks fly at annual high school Crosstown Weld-Off in Helena

It was a head-to-head matchup between Helena High and East Helena High in the 13th annual Crosstown Weld-Off on Thursday hosted by the Helena High School American Welding Society Club. Students dug through scrap metal, chose pieces that would work for their project, then designed and welded the project in four hours. This year's theme was Native American culture. "The students showed great creativity and sportsmanship," Cindy Galbavy, welding instructor at Helena High, said in a news release. "Congratulations to all the students and the winning teams from Helena High and East Helena High School. Thank you for making the 'Weld-Off' such a great success."

Central Elementary School hosts 10th annual Kids' College

The 10th annual Kids' College event was hosted Friday at Central Elementary School, where 25 volunteers from various professions showed students career possibilities for their futures. The program, started in 2015, began with teachers offering a chance to show off their skills outside of what they taught, according to Central Elementary School teacher Amy Casne-Fetz. "My second degree is music, so I did a music class. A couple of years later we thought 'Why don't we involve some people from the community and get them in to teach about their careers, so kids could get excited about different career paths,'" she said.

Japanese consul general visits Helena High School, shows support for Montana connections

Japanese Consul General Iyori Makoto spent part of his day visiting Helena High School on Thursday and talked about the importance of Montana and Japan's connections to each other. Iyori visited with Helena High School Principal Brian Kessler, Lauren Gustafson, a teacher at Helena High School, and Assistant Superintendent Josh McKay. Former Helena High School Principal Steve Thennis built the connection with its sister school Senshu University Tamana High School in Kumamoto. "It's started to bloom into a really cool experience. Mr. Thennis went over and spoke at the school last year and I think we are going to try and bring Principal Watanabe to our graduation this year," Kessler told Iyori. Kessler added the school would like to broaden the connection between the schools and in March some students will Zoom with other students in the Japanese high school.

Whitefish School District puts athletic improvements on 'fast-track'

The Whitefish School District approved a project delivery contract for the high school's academic and athletic improvements at a board meeting Jan. 14.  The district anticipates beginning construction on the athletic expansion portion of the project this spring or summer, with completion by spring 2026.  Construction could start for the academic improvements to the high school in spring 2026 with completion by fall or winter 2027, according to the contract. Luke Hammon, owner's representative for the project, said that the tentative schedule is "a fast-track to get the athletic facility done sooner than the building." 

GFPS CLAIMS $916,188 IN STATE TAX CREDITS

Great Falls Public Schools raised $916,188 this month through the Montana innovative educational tax credit program. The state created a tax credit program for education during the 2021 Legislature and the window to claim those dollar-for-dollar tax credits was Jan. 15. The program allows residents to make a cash donation to their local public schools and individuals or companies can contribute up to $200,000 per year for educational programs. Married taxpayers filing jointly may take a tax credit of up to $400,000 for each tax credit, according to the Montana Department of Revenue. The tax credit will apply to a donor's 2026 taxes.

Students at Billings Senior High School raise awareness for MMIP cases

Students at Billings Senior High School are taking action to raise awareness about the increasing number of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) cases in the community. The effort is part of a project led by McKenzie Watterson's 9th-grade class. The project, known as the Red Dress Project, aims to highlight cases that have not yet been resolved.

Big Horn County and Hardin Schools to benefit from $1.1 million grant

The Montana Department of Commerce announced that more than $1.1 million in grant funding has been awarded to five Montana communities to support vital public safety and development projects in coal-impacted areas. The funding was allocated to these communities by the Montana Coal Board. Benefitting from this award will be Big Horn County who will receive $37,500 for a growth policy update and Hardin Public Schools who will receive $750,000 for a boiler replacement project. "Coal Board grants support coal-impacted governments by funding construction and reconstruction of designated highways, supporting county land planning and financially assisting public schools in coal-impacted areas," said Paul Green, Director of the Montana Department of Commerce. "At Commerce, we are proud to support the people who live in Montana's coal country. In the last five years, more than $15 million of Coal Board grant funding has been awarded to eight counties, seven school districts, seven cities or towns and one tribe."

Ex-Billings Public Schools AD Mark Wahl honored with MHSA's Haugen Award for meritorious service

Former Billings Public Schools athletics and activities director Mark Wahl was honored with the Montana High School Association James C. Haugen Meritorious Service Award on Monday at the organization's annual meeting at the Billings Hotel and Convention Center. The award is the highest honor bestowed by the MHSA. Wahl was the School District 2 AD from 2011-23 and retired after 37 years in education overall following the 2022-23 school year. He was a math teacher, golf and basketball coach and administrator throughout his career, first coaching at Kate Fratt Memorial School in 1984 in the Billings Catholic Schools system before embarking on later stops in various roles in BCS, Billings Skyview and Billings Senior.

Fundraiser generates over $100,000 to help Billings students

A combination of generosity, hard work, and motivated students resulted in over $100,000 being raised for student activities and programs administered by the Education Foundation for Billings Public Schools. And one lucky winner took ownership of a new Chevrolet Equinox. This is the seventh year Denny Menholt Chevrolet has donated a brand new SUV at no cost to the foundation for a raffle. Tickets were sold both directly from the Education Foundation and by students.

Are MT Schools Really Going Phone-Free? Here's the Truth

Montana parents and students are buzzing over claims on social media that the state has quietly rolled out a "phone-free campus" policy for public schools. The supposed ban, which would prohibit students from using their phones during the school day, has sparked heated debates among families and educators. The speculation surrounding a phone-free campus policy isn't entirely baseless. Earlier, in 2024, Governor Greg Gianforte publicly advocated for measures to reduce screen time in Montana schools. His comments came amid national discussions about the impact of smartphones on student performance and mental health.

Billings schools remind families of bus tracker as temperatures drop

As temperatures are expected to drop this week, Billings Public Schools is reminding families about their school bus tracking app, StopFinder. The district shared information on social media to help families prepare for the cold weather. The National Weather Service predicts very cold temperatures for Monday. Billings Public Schools stated that these temperatures are within normal operating standards for the district, and schools are expected to operate as scheduled. However, they will continue to monitor weather conditions and provide updates through ParentSquare and Facebook if anything changes. Families are encouraged to ensure their children are dressed warmly and to be prepared for possible weather-related bus delays. The district suggests waiting with children at bus stops. 

Newman Elementary teacher recognized by "One Class at a Time"

Meet Ryan Pekins, a third-grade teacher who understands the importance of building strong relationships with his students. "That's what it's all about," said Mr. Pekins. "Those relationships with my students is really why I got into teaching." His goals always remained the same in his over 10 years of teaching. "What can I do to impact kids in their lives? How can I help them become, first of all, better people and great citizens and, of course, help them gain the skills they need to have opportunities in their life." His impact has been long-lasting and former students still come back to see him.

University of Providence offers direct admission to GFPS students

The University of Providence has announced a direct admission partnership with Great Falls Public Schools, offering guaranteed admission to those who meet GPA requirements. On average, 230 graduating students in the great falls public school district go on to college. The University of Providence's Direct Admission Program aims to make college more accessible for local students as well as keeping academic students in the Great Falls area.

Two Capital High teachers receive Presidential Award for STEM teaching

Capital High School teachers Sarah Urban and Jake Warner are among seven Montana educators who have received the presidential award for excellence in mathematics and science teaching for 2025. MTN News spoke with both educators to learn more about their passion for their profession. Sarah Urban has taught at Helena Public Schools for 21 years and emphasizes hands-on learning. "I really like a hands-on approach to teaching, so I try to get kids involved with hands-on activities, whether it be modeling or laboratories or any sort of activities," said Urban. "There are a lot of excellent science and math teachers in Montana and across the country, and I'm just honored to be one of the ones who was recognized for this award."

Lockwood High celebrates seniors' Yale and MIT commitments today

Lockwood High School is celebrating two seniors, Laira Larson and Kiera Olson, for their remarkable academic achievements. They are the first students from their school to commit to some of the top universities in the nation. Larson will be attending Yale, and Olson is committing to MIT. Both students expressed their excitement for their futures and are grateful to embark on this new journey together. They have been pushing each other to grow since the fourth grade.

Montana teachers receive Presidential Award for STEM teaching

Capital High School teachers Sarah Urban and Jake Warner are among seven Montana educators who have received the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching for 2025.

Flathead High School plans Martin Luther King Jr. Day Community Celebration

Flathead High School, in collaboration with the Crown of the Continent Choir, Flathead Folk Band, and International Baccalaureate English and music students, will honor the legacy of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. through a community celebration featuring music and speeches. The public is invited to attend the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Community Celebration at 5 p.m. Monday in the high school auditorium, 644 Fourth Ave. W. in Kalispell. There is no cost to attend. The event aims to foster an understanding of King's legacy through speeches, music and videos, underscoring his enduring influence on non-violent social justice movements. The program will feature a selection of songs and anthems from the Civil Rights era. 

Sidney Public Schools Launches New CDL Program For Students

When school is back in session next semester, the Sidney Public Schools is rolling out an exciting new program aimed at providing students with the opportunity to earn their Commercial Driver's License (CDL) as part of their educational experience. The program, which will begin with five to six 18-year-old students, is designed to help meet the growing demand for skilled truck drivers in the region. Thom Barnhart, the school's curriculum director explained that this initiative is funded through a transitional learning grant from the Department of Public Instruction. The grant is designed to offset the cost of the program and ensure that the local workforce needs are met. Barnhart emphasized the importance of the program, saying, "This is a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience and enter a high-demand career field while still in school. It's an investment in both their futures and the future of our community."

GFPS WORKING TO ADD HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL

Plans for high school baseball are progressing and the Great Falls Public Schools board heard an update from district officials on the process during their Jan. 13 meeting. Lance Boyd, as assistant superintendent, focused on the main requirements the board wanted to address before fielding high school baseball teams, to include field availability, Title 9 equity concerns and fundraising. In August, the school board voted to approve adding baseball in the spring of 2026, contingent on a committee being formed under the guidance of GFPS administration; consideration of four factors of betterment of students and baseball in Great Falls, interest and support, financial viability and sustainability, and feasibility; a report being submitted to the board for review by June 1, 2025; and that the startup and operating costs for the first three years would be privately funded. The plan must also outline how Title 9 requirements will be met.

Erin Evans named Western District Teacher of the Year in Physical Education

Highland Elementary physical education teacher Erin Evans has been named Western District Teacher of the Year in Physical Education through SHAPE America.

Whitefish student rallies for families impacted by cancer

Whitefish High School senior Maggie Mercer knows firsthand the difference a support system can make for families battling cancer. Now, she's leading the way to support other local families grappling with the disease. Mercer was a young child when her mother was diagnosed with cancer. She was lucky enough to have a full-time nanny to care for her and her three siblings while their parents traveled out of the area for treatment. The fortune to have help from a nanny was not lost on her.  "While my mom was battling, we had a really good support system here and from the community as well," Mercer said.

Construction academy to roll out at Bozeman's two high schools

Bozeman High School and Gallatin High School students will soon get some hands-on work at a new construction academy launching in the school district this year. "I like doing stuff with my hands like I can't sit at a desk all day," says Gallatin High sophomore Jaxson Huckert. Huckert says this dual credit class, which earns him college credit, will set him up for his future. "I think I will definitely take that over other things because it is more applicable to what I want to do. I want to go into plumbing," Huckert says.

New tax credit program launches in Montana, unlocking opportunities for students

On Wednesday, a new state education tax credit program will begin accepting donations from around Montana, though Billings Public Schools is already on board. "Those $5 million that were collected last year, throughout the state, tell an important story and that's (of) people that believe in education," said Erwin Garcia, the superintendent for BPS. The Innovative Educational Tax Credit, which was created by the passage of House Bill 408, is a dollar-for-dollar match for donations made to public school systems up to $200,000 per year for individuals and corporations.

"It's Scholarship Time" program open from now until March 1st.

Applications for the Montana "It's Scholarship Time" program started January 1st. There are many scholarships available for Montana's high school students, and some giving preference to students who meet certain requirements like being in an ROTC program or those aging out of foster care. Scholarships are also available outside of the state program for students who are planning to attend Montana State University Northern through the MSU-N Foundation. Deadlines for the "It's Scholarship Time" applications are March 1st, and those with questions are encouraged to contact Reach Higher Montana.

Teacher pay, school funding and math skills top on Montana lawmakers' priority list

Increasing teacher pay, finding ways to get more money to school districts and boosting students' early math skills are on the agenda as Montana legislators plan to take up a broad range of proposals this year addressing the K-12 system's most chronic challenges. On the funding front, several House Republicans have already signaled plans to tackle one of the most pressing education issues in the state: teacher pay. Low starting salaries for early career educators are a driving factor in Montana's ongoing teacher shortage, making it hard for many local districts to recruit and retain staff. Montana Free Press wrote extensively last month about the still-evolving STARS Act, a proposal shepherded by Rep. Llew Jones, R-Conrad, that aims to use Montana's school funding formula as a vehicle to increase wages for early career educators. In an adjacent move, Rep. David Bedey, R-Hamilton, the incoming chair of the Legislature's education budget subcommittee, has introduced a bill to diffuse the local funding burden on property taxpayers by levying that support countywide rather than from taxpayers in specific school districts.

Glacier High speech and debate bags a win in Corvallis

The Glacier High School speech and debate team captured another tournament win in the AA division in Corvallis on Jan. 10-11. Glacier rose to the top with 248 points overall for the Class AA win, followed by Flathead in second place with 227 points. Third place went to Missoula Hellgate with 162 points. In Class A, B, C, Columbia Falls High School took a commanding lead, scoring 158 points overall. Whitefish High School placed second with 82 points. Polson High School rounded out the top three with 33 points.

Capital High student welders support local charity with auction

Student welders at Capital High School are preparing to make a difference through their craftsmanship. The students, under the guidance of Jim Weber, have created metalworks pieces that will be auctioned on January 18 at the Big Hearts Under the Big Sky Banquet. The event supports free outdoor adventures for those who have provided extraordinary services to the country and children facing life-threatening illnesses. Last year, the students' projects raised $10,200 to aid the Montana Outfitters & Guides Association's mission. This year, the welding and machining students aim to surpass that amount.

"One Class at a Time" honors Castle Rock Middle School teacher

Q2, Western Security Bank, City Brew Coffee, and the Education Foundation for Billings Public Schools have teamed up for "One Class at a Time." The program recognizes teachers who go above and beyond to help their students. "I hope they realize that band is something they can do their entire life." Meet John Goodheart, a band teacher who grew up around music. "My mom was a church organist," said Mr. Goodheart. "She had a piano in the house and I started kind of like messing around with the piano by the time I was three. My sister and I grew up singing together and she is also a music teacher in the district. Music is just kind of a family thing."

Flathead Electric Co-op offers $120k in scholarships

The Flathead Electric Cooperative is offering over $120,000 in scholarships in 2025, with applications due Feb. 23. The scholarships range from $1,500 to $6,000 and are funded through unclaimed capital credits. The Co-op is able to award capital credits that go unclaimed for five or more years for educational purposes.

Students from Montana School for the Deaf and Blind advance in STEM competition

The Montana School for the Deaf and Blind are one of five state finalists for a nationwide Stem competition. Erin Barr has taught at the Montana School for the Deaf and Blind for a decade. Barr, who teaches students with visual impairments, said, "I have been pretty much since I've been here promoting STEM. And I'm just in love with STEM" And she's not new to the Samsung STEM competitions. Barr said, "This is actually the third year that I've had students that have, become state finalist[s]. We've gone on two times to be state winners." However, there is a twist. Barr said, "This is my first time doing this project, however, with middle school students." The Solve for Tomorrow STEM Competition inspires young students to come up with innovative solutions to the world's problems. The young students at MSDB chose a topic close to home.

Beagle tapped to lead Libby Middle High School

Scott Beagle was named the interim principal at Libby Middle High School last week following the resignation of former Principal Jim Germany, who was accused of assaulting a student in December. Beagle was given the reins at a Jan. 6 special meeting of the Board of Trustees at the Central School building. Germany, who allegedly assaulted a student during class on Dec. 9, is expected to be arraigned in Lincoln County District Court on Jan. 13 on a felony charge of assault on a minor. Beagle is the director of curriculum and special services for the school district. He also helps coach the Libby Loggers boys varsity basketball team and is the first assistant fire chief for the Libby Volunteer Fire Department.

UM gets $9.4 million gift from Washington Foundation for K-12 educators

The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation has given $9.4 million to UM's College of Education to fund an initiative that will both address declining youth mental health and incentivize newly graduated UM teachers to stay in Montana. "This gift has the potential to transform K-12 education in Montana, giving our children the support they need to thrive and empowering our educators," UM President Seth Bodnar said in a press release. The new Phyllis J. Washington Children and Educators Initiative is twofold. First, it funds a new Institute for Positive Education, which will create a curriculum emphasizing positive psychology. Positive psychology is a practice aimed at nurturing positive beliefs and behaviors rather than suppressing negative ones, the release said. The institute will create new courses such as "Evidence-Based Wellbeing for Educators" and "Applications of Positive Psychology for Families, Communities, and the Media," as well as offering continuing education, training and conferences, according to the release. This new institute is aimed at addressing rising depression and anxiety among young people, it added. According to the most recent Montana Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 43% of students reported periods of depression lasting two weeks or more.

Deep Roots: Billings Public Schools awarded $37,000 for tree planting project

Billings Public Schools has been award a $37,000 grant to plant trees on 14 school campuses to increase natural shade, act as a natural safety barrier and boost education. Ponderosa Elementary School is one of the schools that will benefit from this. The head custodian at the school, Rollie Gramley, remembers when some of the first trees were planted on campus.

Columbia Falls High students back under 1 roof despite previous challenges

A summertime roof project at Columbia Falls High School resulted in part of the high school being damaged, causing students to attend classes in different district buildings. After months of work repairing the damage, students from the high school finally returned. It was not the way students and faculty wanted to start their year. At the start of the school year, 690 students were spread out between three different schools, including the salvaged rooms in the high school. "We had to utilize three different campuses," said Principal Josh Gibbs. "We were able to move away from the Hungry Horse campus to just using four classrooms at Glacier Gateway around Thanksgiving." While crews repaired the roof, Gibbs was grateful for how faculty and teachers adapted to the changes.

Montana High School Students Build Much-Needed Housing for Glacier National Park

On the Friday afternoon before Christmas, as some in the Flathead Valley left work a little early or rushed to the store to do some last-minute holiday shopping, a small group of students were hard at work inside the woodshop at Columbia Falls High School as if it was any other day of the year. While a long holiday break awaited them when the final school bell rang, there was no desire to cut corners or put their tool belts down a little early. Since 2019, students at Columbia Falls High School have helped build cabins for employee housing and other important structures for Glacier National Park. This school year, the students are finishing their sixth two-bedroom cabin for the park and their 13th structure overall. They have also constructed entrance kiosks and tool sheds.  Glacier officials said the student-built homes have helped the park deal with a shortage of employee housing in recent years, especially on the east side of the park.

Beartooth Elementary School teacher receives "One Class at a Time" award

Q2, Western Security Bank, City Brew Coffee, and the Education Foundation for Billings Public Schools have teamed up for "One Class at a Time." The program recognizes teachers who go above and beyond to help their students. Meet Haddy Wanner, an educator who has been showing her teaching chops ever since she was a little girl. "My favorite toy growing up was my chalkboard," said Ms. Wanner. " I taught my dolls, my mom said, when I was like three or four so it's just what I've always wanted to do. I love it." She's a 4th-grade teacher and really enjoys that grade level.

Superintendent Gum reminds taxpayers of Innovative Education Tax Credits

I would like to remind everyone about the Innovative Education Program Tax Credit opportunity here at Havre Public Schools. You can get a dollar-to-dollar tax credit for donating up to $200,000 per year for the Havre Public School District. Montana House Bill 279 allows taxpayers to donate up to $200,000 to the public school district of their choice, to support innovative educational programs. Please refer to our website for more information on this program or you can swing by the Robins Administration Building to pick up your form. On January 15th at 10am, Havre Public Schools will submit all information regarding this opportunity. Please contact Moses Deanon at (406)-395-8550, ext. 6713 for further details.

Baldwin Junior High students travel the country from their desks

Baldwin Junior High School geography students are mastering geography skills, learning about school life in other states, and demonstrating hometown pride in a writing project connecting them with students across the country. The students recently took part in the Great American Mail Race and wrote letters to students at middle schools in almost all 50 states. The writing project provides the opportunity to learn about U.S. geography and everyday life in other communities across the country. The project began when the Baldwin students received a letter from a seventh grade student from Billings, Montana. The letter contained instructions on how to participate in the Great American Mail Race and a questionnaire seeking information about school life in Baldwin. The Montana student's letter described middle school life in Montana, including classes, after school activities and unique places to visit. 

Bozeman schools offer hands-on construction skills program

Bozeman School District is launching a new program to provide students with practical construction skills. The initiative, led by Career Outreach Coordinator Karl Schwartz, aims to prepare students for careers in construction by offering hands-on experience. Students at both Bozeman high schools will have the opportunity to enroll in a year-long class focused on carpentry and construction. This program allows them to earn dual enrollment credits from Gallatin College. By the end of the course, students could graduate with three college credits. Schwartz emphasized the importance of this program, stating, "When we get students into career technical education classes where they have the opportunity to work with their hands and create, they all of a sudden realize that that's something they're passionate about. 

Book vending machines spread through Billings schools, improving literacy and good behavior

Book vending machines are now implemented in at least five Billings elementary schools. Their purpose it to make literacy and education more engaging. Administrators in Billings School District 2 believe these vending machines have been an effective strategy. The vending machines may not look like the ones most of us were used to when we were in school. But they are a lot healthier. Instead of junk food, the vending machines provide food for thought and for the soul. MTN asked first grader Luke Stevenson on Friday what book he wanted from the vending machine.

Billings Public Schools accepting tax-refundable donations through mid-January

Billings Public Schools will be accepting tax-refundable donations from the public through Jan. 15. Donors will receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit on their 2025 state taxes, through the state's Innovative Educational Tax Credit. These donations can be used for advanced learning opportunities, technology, expenses for students with disabilities, work-based learning and pre-apprenticeship programs, and career and college-ready programs.

'Over the moon': Darby senior accepted into Vanderbilt University on full-ride scholarship

The incoming freshman class at Vanderbilt University will feature students from all over the world - including Lilly Bennett from Darby.  Lilly got the email with the news she was accepted at the basketball gym in Victor - just before her varsity team played their rival. She was so overwhelmed in the moment, she didn't understand what the email was saying, she told the Ravalli Republic on Thursday. "I was like, 'no way, this is not real,'" she said. The Darby Tigers won the game. Lilly will be going from a graduating class ofclass of 23 kids to a campus of more than 7,000 undergraduate students in Nashville, Tennessee - a nerve-wrecking change but one she's "over the moon" about.

 

December 2024 Great News

FFA returns to Havre High in a big way

After a few decades of being missing-in-action, FFA - Future Farmers of America - has returned to Havre High School with tremendous success. Havre High chapter members just returned last week from an event in Fort Benton where the Blue Pony FFA'ers placed first in every event. The chapter has been busy all year - and for the last three - at events and competitions with the Havre students excelling in their work. That included attending the 97th National FFA Convention this year in October in Indianapolis. Havre had 16 students in the grand total of just fewer than 73,000 members at the convention.

 

Florence School celebrating student donations with assembly featuring Monte

Florence-Carlton Middle School is hosting an assembly Thursday to celebrate student-organized donations to local nonprofits through a new school initiative. Representatives from each of the nonprofits will receive donations collected by the students, and explain how they will be used at an assembly at 1:15 p.m., according to a school press release Wednesday. As part of the first annual SOAR to Support Community Service Project initiative, students in sixth, seventh and eighth grades each chose a local nonprofit to support throughout December.

 

Program brings Butte's young and young at heart together

This is a tough time of year for elementary school teachers. To paraphrase a line from "Twas the Night Before Christmas," the famous Clement Clark Moore poem of 1823, visions of sugar plums have been dancing in students' heads and with just days before the Christmas break, it gets harder to keep the kids engaged. Kara Remsen and Alex Colvin, kindergarten teachers at Margaret Leary School, had come up with a solution to counteract that malady. The project included two learning experiences that would hopefully keep their 33 students focused, all the while teaching them crucial life lessons - the joys and benefits of interacting with Butte's older population and the importance of giving. Remsen and Colvin decided to partner with a residential facility for older adults, The Springs of Butte, and start an intergenerational program.

 

Stockgrowers scholarships offered

Montana Stockgrowers Foundation is accepting applications for its annual Education Heritage Scholarship Program. Scholarships will be awarded to three students in the amounts of one $5,000 scholarship and two $2,500 scholarships. Each year, MSF awards college students, who are seeking a career beneficial to ranching, with a scholarship. To be eligible applicants must be enrolled in college and have completed at least one semester in college, be a member of Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA), or have at least one parent/guardian who is a member, and demonstrate a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants enrolled in vocational and out-of-state schools will be accepted.

 

DMS eighth graders dominate stock market game

The Montana Council for Economic Education (MCEE) announced on Monday the winners of the Fall 2024 Stock Market Game, a statewide competition that challenges students to build financial literacy, teamwork, and investment strategy skills. While over 1,800 students from more than 50 schools competed and 85% of the 650 teams were high school representatives, Dillon Middle School produced the champion team, three of the top 10 teams, and a fourth team just out of the top 10. Dillon Middle School eighth graders Kolton Karlsgodt and Nathanial Romkema topped the earning chart to win the contest and split $250 in first prize money. Karlsgodt and Romkema grew a $100,000 starting balance into a portfolio worth $142,305.57.

 

Art students canvas Plains to spread holiday cheer

Early on a recent December morning, around 30 art students from Kristen Coles' class descended on 14 Plains businesses. Their canvases for the day were the windows along Railroad Avenue. Their goal: Bring color and cheer to the business district for all to see.  Many of the art students participated for the first time in what has been a tradition for almost 20 years. The budding artists broke up into groups of two and three, with painting supplies in hand and designs in mind, ranging from Christmas trees and Santa's sleigh to the Grinch.  Art students LeAnna Demars, Emma Dimond, Brady Tucker, Atlas Owens and Shay Nelson shared their talents on the windows of the Circle. The effort had the added benefit of temporarily freeing them from the classroom, they said.

 

Bozeman welcomes Copper, the new K-9 at local schools

The Bozeman Police Department has introduced Copper, a two-year-old yellow lab, as the newest member of their K-9 team. Thanks to a successful fundraiser by the Bozeman Police Foundation, the community raised $10,000 to launch the School Resource Officer K-9 Program. Copper, who will be based at Gallatin High, is trained in detecting explosives, firearms, and ammunition. She will rotate through other schools in the district, providing comfort and safety to students and staff. Copper's handler, SRO Foley, is wrapping up their training, and they will officially start on January 6 when classes resume after winter break.

 

Riverside Middle School teachers design beaded graduation caps for Indigenous seniors as free gift

For the first year, teachers at Riverside Middle School are designing original, intricate beaded graduation caps for Indigenous students that special day they get to walk across the stage. "We make these for anybody," said middle school teacher and the club's founder, Allison Grosskop. This new girls-club at Riverside Middle School is made exclusively of teachers and staff rather than students. "We just started beading what was in our heart, and just started creating what we had, so it would be there for the last-minute student," Grosskop said.

 

Billings Public Schools, health department expanding in-school clinic model

This isn't your typical exam room or clinic. The magazines haven't been there for years and there's no "Good Housekeeping." Students can stop by and add pop culture words on a bulletin board of intergenerational slang. And when they go into the exam room, there's a traditional exam table, or a large bouncy ball, not so unlike the kind you'd find at a gym - take your pick. It has a machine that takes vitals, like blood pressure and temperature, but it's what you'd expect when you merge a medical clinic with a high school. The small, in-house clinic looks and feels like it's been there for longer than a few months, and the concept has been around for years, even in Billings Public Schools, which opened its first school-based clinic at Orchard Elementary a decade ago with its partner, RiverStone Health, the county's public health agency.

 

Flathead High School alumni help current students through donations

When Carol Lechner saw a Facebook post from the Heart Locker last year asking for donations for teens for Christmas, she wanted to help. A year later, it has officially grown into a tradition for Lechner and the Flathead Alumni and Friends. The Heart Locker, also called the Kalispell H.E.A.R.T. Program, partners with Kalispell and Evergreen school districts to support children, youth, young adults and their families who are facing housing insecurity or homelessness by connecting them with resources to meet their basic needs. "It can't be overstated how much community donations mean to our program," said Janelle Willett, the team and young adult case manager and homeless liaison for Heart Locker.

 

Director leads meal service for thousands of students

Serving thousands of hungry kindergarten through 12th-grade students is no easy feat, yet it's done on a daily basis in Kalispell Public Schools, overseen by new Food Service Director, Christine Thelen. Outside the Central Kitchen on a fall November morning, the cold air gives way to the warm aromas from all the cooking and baking inside. Standing next to a wire rack stacked with dry ingredients, Thelen got an update when dozens of turkeys were set to arrive to prepare for a Thanksgiving-themed meal.

 

Lockwood Schools proposes Lion's Path Academy charter school for at-risk students

The Montana Board of Public Education reviewed charter applications on Wednesday, including for the Lion's Path Academy in Lockwood. Lockwood Schools' alternative charter school would help students who may be falling behind. It will be inside Lockwood High School so those students will still have that connection. Lily Gill is a sophomore at Lockwood High School and has dreams of becoming a pediatrician. "I love kids first off and this school really helped me a lot," Gill said. And last year she needed help.

 

Scholarships available for Polson High School graduates

Any student who is currently enrolled as a senior at Polson High School or as a previous PHS graduate are eligible for these scholarships; provided by Polson Scholarship and Education Foundation (PSEF). Fifteen different $1,000 scholarships are geared for high school seniors. Fourteen different scholarships up to $2,000 are available for PHS students enrolled in college. These scholarships are for any accredited four-year, two-year, community college or vocational program. Qualifications vary with each scholarship. All students are encouraged to apply as these scholarships are for every type of student with various GPAs.

 

Jeremy Harder reflects on 25-year career at Big Sky School District

The night before Jeremy Harder's interview at the Big Sky School District in August 2000, the then 27-year-old bathed in the Gallatin River and camped at Red Cliff. After his interview, the BSSD team encouraged him to see Big Sky, so Harder drove to the base of Lone Mountain and back down again. By the time he returned from the scenic tour, BSSD was ready to give him a job offer, which Harder accepted, starting a career that's spanned a quarter century.

 

Nuggets from Helena: Local schools, 1969-1975 – We're all shook up!

In February of 1969, the Catholic Diocese of Helena announced they would close all first-12th grades at the end of the 1968-1969 school year. This action would send an estimated 1,000 students into Helena Public Schools. The Helena School Board had six months to plan for the large increase in students. The board began by considering the purchase of Helena Catholic Central High School, the land and the building. The land and building sat on 24.5 acres that the Catholics bought in 1964 for $13,000. The building itself, finished just before the 1965-1966 school year, cost $1.4 million. The building location is near the intersection of Custer Avenue and Green Meadow Drive.

 

Montana Ag Network: Students experience bison harvest and Blackfeet traditional ceremony

A bison harvest is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that recently became a reality for Great Falls and Helena students. Giving these students an opportunity for cultural and agricultural education, Blackfeet organizers asked MTN to film during the ceremony to help educate the public. "We are taking this animal's life, but this animal is also going to be providing life," said Larry Ground, a Blackfeet elder.

 

Missoula-area teachers explore the use of artificial intelligence in schools

About two dozen Missoula-area teachers pondered the uses and risks of artificial intelligence in the classroom at a first-of-its-kind AI "playdate" Thursday night. Montana Digital Academy executive director Jason Neiffer introduced the concept of the "playdate" format to the teachers before they broke into groups to discuss and practice with artificial intelligence tools. Neiffer says the informal, hands-on seminar is a new way his organization is hoping to get teachers talking about how AI is transforming education. "If we can just turn that into a larger conversation about teaching and learning, I think we will do some amazing things with it," Neiffer said in an interview with MTPR. "But, the future seems to be happening so quickly all of a sudden, that it is certainly something to catch up to."

 

Dutton/Brady school board receives state award

The Dutton/Brady school board this fall was awarded the Montana School Board of the Year Award by the School Administrators of Montana (SAM). According to a SAM press release, the award recognized DBPS for its exceptional dedication and innovative contributions to education. The board was honored at the annual Montana Conference of Education Leadership (MCEL) in October in Missoula. The award celebrates the board's accomplishments in board policy, infrastructure development and support for educational programs that enrich the community and foster student success. DBPS Superintendent Jeremy Locke nominated the board, citing the board's commitment to progressive policies, enhanced learning environments and community-centered programs, the release reads.

 

Montana State education department works to address statewide teacher shortage

At the end of November in Montana, there were 51 openings for special education teachers, and a report on the state's teacher shortage last year identified special education as one of the top three critical shortage areas in Montana. At the same time, many Montana children need and benefit from the services that special education teachers provide, according to Leslie Rogers, assistant professor in the Montana State University Department of Education and an expert in special education. Those include both children on individual education plans, or IEPs, and the general student body. "What special education teachers do is great for students with disabilities, as well as for the entire school community and other students in that school," Rogers said. To help address the state's need for special education teachers, MSU will soon begin offering a special education teaching certificate after receiving approval from the Montana Board of Regents. The certificate is for undergraduate students majoring in education who wish to develop teaching skills that will help them better support all students, including those with disabilities, according to Sarah Pennington, an associate professor in MSU's Department of Education who helped develop the certificate.

 

Havre High FFA gain sees success at Ag Expo

A total of 33 Havre FFA members traveled to Bozeman November 13-16th. The chapter spent their time competing at Ag Expo, sponsored by John Deere. This is single-handedly the largest competition offered to all chapters across the state besides the State Convention in April. Ag Expo provides opportunities for the next generation of leaders to improve their personal and professional skills, while interacting with peers of the same interest. This Expo also offers leadership workshops and a motivational speaker to inspire members. Ag Expo offered 41 competitions in all, and Havre FFA competed in 19 of those competitions. The results are in, and we are very proud of our success this year.

 

Helena students participate in the district's first bison harvest

Last month, about 40 Helena high school students loaded onto a school bus at 6:30 a.m. and departed to the Big Sky Bison Ranch in Cascade County.  With snow falling later that day, the students gathered around Blackfeet elders to watch, learn and, for some, reconnect to their cultural history through the harvest of a bison - a classroom first for Helena's students. The district's Indian Education academic specialists Terri Johnson and Joe Pichardo spearheaded the harvest project, which they began planning last year. Johnson told Montana Free Press the harvest was a unique learning opportunity for everyone who participated.  "It was a completely different way of viewing education," Johnson said. "I think it just showed how education can leave the classroom."  Helena students and teachers were able to join a Great Falls student group on the ranch for the harvest, something that the Great Falls district has been doing for several years. 

 

Taking life to give life: Montana students connect to culture through ceremonial bison harvest

A bison harvest allowed Montana high school students to engage in Indigenous traditions, while taking a life to give life through ceremony in Vaughn at the Big Sky Bison Ranch. Students from Great Falls and Helena public schools visited the ranch on Nov. 22 to participate in a pipe ceremony, buffalo stories and the hunt, all of which were led by Blackfeet elders. There were 39 Helena Public Schools students in attendance, 21 were Indigenous, nine culinary students and nine Advanced Placement environmental classmates. Sage and cedar burned, filling the air with a distinctive scent while students listened to speeches from Larry Ground, a Blackfeet elder. "When an animal gets taken, it's sad, but then you guys remember about the things that happen in the future of days that will have gone by. You guys will be providing food to a lot of people," Ground said.

 

University of Montana program tackles counseling shortage in rural schools throughout the state

As a matter of routine last spring, University of Montana graduate student Erin Dozhier would settle into their home office on the north end of Missoula and prepare for a barrage of questions about houseplants and parrots. The queries came from public school kids hundreds of miles away, their worlds temporarily connected to Dozhier's through a version of Zoom often utilized by therapists for virtual counseling. Usually, Dozhier would start with their most tried-and-true strategy for building rapport with young clients. "Number one, if you want students to talk to you, ask them about their pets or show them your pet," said Dozhier, whose parrot Alfie often made appearances in such sessions.

 

Bozeman schools prepare for 5k Santa Run

This is one of the school district's biggest fundraisers, building grants for teachers, aiding kids with food insecurity, and more, connecting the whole community.

 

Hellgate Elementary gets grant to expand abuse prevention program

In a classroom on Nov. 26, Hellgate Elementary counselor Catie Cook talked to kids about what to do in scenarios ranging from a bully pushing a friend on the playground to a stranger wanting to pick them up after school, asking the kids for input. The kids' responses ranged from "tell a teacher" to "use violence." Catie took all the suggestions in stride, directing the kids back to some core safety rules at the center of the Speak Up Be Safe program. The program teaches kids that they have the right to make choices about their own bodies and to ask safe adults for help. Cook has been teaching the Speak Up Be Safe program, a curriculum aimed at preventing various kinds of child abuse, to kindergarten and first-grade students at Hellgate Elementary for 10 years. Now, thanks to a $7,000 grant from the Gianforte Family Foundation, the program will be offered to all grades at Hellgate Elementary, kindergarten through eighth grade.

 

Lincoln Elementary School marks first full year in modular classrooms

Administrators, teachers and students at Lincoln Elementary School recently marked the first anniversary using the modular classrooms after shutting down the 1909 portion of the facility. Although a unique temporary arrangement, school officials appreciate the functionality of the modular complex. In June of 2023, the Glendive Unified School Board approved the purchase of prefabricated modular classroom units to establish on the blacktop outside of LES as a temporary solution to issues with the facility's aging infrastructure. Classrooms were eventually shuffled around in order to shut down the oldest part of the elementary school and now, one year later, administrators reflect on how the new temporary facilities are faring for teachers and students.

 

Superintendent's column: Helena students blend tradition and science in bison harvest

Field trips are some of the most cherished memories of our school years. I'll never forget watching salmon spawn at the outlet of Lake McDonald when my third-grade class at Noxon Elementary took a trip to Glacier National Park. Today, I want to highlight a first-ever, unforgettable field trip for our Helena Public Schools. Our outstanding high school Title VI Indian Ed Tutors – Terri Johnson of Helena High and Joe Pichardo of Capital High – recently took a group of nearly 40 students to a ranch near Great Falls to participate in a traditional bison harvest led by Blackfeet tribal elders. There was a lot of anatomy and a whole lot of learning. Students and adults were enthusiastic throughout the day, even as wet, heavy snow numbed their fingers and toes. The group was comprised of Native American students from both schools as well as students from culinary and AP Science courses.

 

Students in Poplar connect and create with 'Buffalo Unity Program'

At Poplar Middle School, students are reconnecting with their culture and community through the Buffalo Unity Program. Designed as part of Montana's "Indian Education For All" program, the project combines hands-on-learning with traditional teachings using the buffalo as a foundation. "This is how Native American people survive," said Poplar Middle School educator, Joseph Hammar. "Unless we teach these kids about the buffalo and the importance of the buffalo to their people, they're not going to know it." This year, the program focused on engaging students in workshops, storytelling sessions, and field trips out to Turtle Mount Buffalo Ranch on the Fort Peck Reservation, where the students learned about the buffalo's role within tribes.

 

Career Center welding students prepare UFO float for Billings' holiday parade

The 39th annual holiday parade took place in downtown Billings on Friday night; among the floats was one created by the students of the Career Center. "We decided to have the welding kids create us a welded UFO, and we're gonna have aliens and people walking around with UFO umbrellas," said Aurora Anttila, the president and founder of Career Center's student advisory board. This year's parade theme was "out of this world.”

 

Internet-capable learning bus connects Crow students to higher education

Pryor Public Schools is enhancing educational access with the help of a 2021 USDA Rural Development Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) grant. Located within the Crow Nation in southeastern Montana, the district is using the grant to connect students and teachers to new learning and job-training opportunities through distance learning technology. The district serves about 145 students, all of whom identify as American Indian, and faces challenges such as limited access to educational resources and economic growth. The DLT grant is funding technology to support remote learning, career development, and professional growth for both students and teachers. The project includes a hybrid approach with mobile and fixed learning stations. A mobile learning station, equipped with internet access, will travel to various locations, allowing students to take online courses, participate in job training, and engage in educational field trips. This initiative aims to overcome geographic barriers that have previously limited educational access.

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November 2024 Great News

Skyview High School's 'Blue and Silver' program highlights student stories through journalism

At Skyview High School, a new class allows students to explore the world of journalism while uncovering the untold stories that make their school unique. Students are learning to find stories in their everyday surroundings and sharing them with their peers through Blue and Silver, a student-produced weekly video news program. Course instructor Jehremy Felig, who is normally a chemistry teacher, took on the role of leading the program after volunteering his free time to help students produce the program in the past. Initially, it was just a couple of students meeting him during lunch to film, while Felig wrote scripts and edited the footage after hours.

 

Ekalaka Public Schools' in-house daycare a model for rural communities

Ekalaka Public Schools has taken a significant step towards addressing the critical need for quality childcare in rural communities. The district's in-house daycare, located within the elementary school building, opened its doors in August 2022. This initiative was made possible by a $163,000 Child Care Innovation Grant, awarded to Ekalaka as one of only two public schools (alongside Browning) among 31 grantees across Montana. The grant funding spanned from September 2022 to August 2024. The closure of the town's last daycare provider in May 2022 presented a significant challenge for many families, particularly working parents employed by the school district. "I couldn't work if there was no childcare available in town," expressed Drake Burch, a district employee. "Having both of my kids in the same building is incredibly comforting," she added, highlighting the convenience offered by the in-house facility.

 

Evergreen School District focuses on community connections

The Evergreen School District is in its 122nd year of continuous operation and is the 48th largest school district in Montana (of almost 400 districts). The district has approximately 650 students and 120 staff. The district operates three schools: East Evergreen Elementary School (preschool through fourth grades), Evergreen Junior High School (fifth through eighth grades), and the Evergreen Crossroads Program (kindergarten through eighth grades). With a strong history of working with and supporting students and their families, many of whom attended the Evergreen School District themselves, below are several ways we continue to partner with our community to help provide additional opportunities and support outside the traditional classroom. 

 

'Just blown up': Billings Career Center offers new drone class

From firefighting to journalism, drones have been an invaluable tool in many industries in recent years. It's why the Billings Career Center is now offering a drone class, giving students the chance to get drone-certified. With aspiring dreams to become an architect, 17-year-old senior Tommy Tracy jumped at the chance to be a part of the new curriculum. "Drones are always fun. And what's cool about this class is it's more than just a drone class," said Tracy at the Career Center Wednesday. "Sure, we have a lot of fun, but it's teaching us skills to use in a growing industry. And I think that's really important because drones is, I mean, the past five years, it's just blown up."

 

Corvallis High School hosting 79th annual lighting of Marty Litvin Memorial Tree

Corvallis High School is hosting the 79th annual lighting of the Marty Litvin Memorial Tree on Dec. 3. The event will feature horse-drawn trolley rides, visits with Santa and performances by the high school choir, orchestra and jazz band after the tree lighting. The tradition started in 1945 when Bob and Alice Carmichael started the community singalong right after World War II, the Ravalli Republic previously reported.  A Douglas fir tree is used as the community Christmas tree and was planted in 2000 to honor the passing of Corvallis High School biology teacher Marty Litvin, who died in an avalanche in 1989.

 

Montana nonprofit awarded $1 million toward violence prevention in schools

ore students in Montana will have access to mental health resources thanks to $2 million in federal grants headed to the Treasure State. The U.S. Department of Justice awarded the Lolo-based Montana Professional Learning Collaborative (MTPLC) $1 million toward violence prevention in schools, one of two entities awarded in Montana. The collaborative is looking to expand mental health resources to underserved schools in remote rural and tribal communities in Montana, and one school district already using their services said it's been a useful tool for them in helping their kids. The organization has online trainings and holds conferences for teachers. It also runs Montana Cares, a program that allows students to submit anonymous reports to their district and connects users to help if they are struggling with depression or bullying. MTPLC Executive Director Jessica Johnson told the Ravalli Republic that smaller school districts may not have a school administrator or a counselor, but 65 schools are already onboarded to Montana Cares, translating to about 30,000 kids having access to mental health resources. With these extra funds, that number is expected to grow, she said.

 

Glacier High School speech and debate triumphs at Missoula invitational

Glacier High School's speech and debate team brought home the hardware in a decisive win over the weekend in Missoula.   The Class AA team racked up 178 overall points at the Nov. 15 and 16 tournament, surpassing Bozeman's 129 points. Flathead High School placed third with 118 points.  "What a battle from our team," Glacier head coach Greg Adkins said. "This was truly a team effort, and we ended up in first place because of the balance across all the events."

 

USDA awards $5 million in grants for tribal students

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is providing $5 million in grants to support tribal students at land grant colleges and universities across the nation. This funding is part of the New Beginning for Tribal Students (NBTS) program, which aims to eliminate barriers to workforce entry for tribal nations and enhance tribal workforce development. In Montana, the NBTS program is available to students at Montana State University and Salish Kootenai College. The program focuses on increasing retention and graduation rates for tribal students. In addition to the NBTS program, there are two other scholarship opportunities available for tribal students in Montana. These are the USDA 1994 Tribal Scholars Program and the Terra Preta do Indio Tribal Fellowship.

 

After-school program helps Missoula students bring dream projects to life

It can be hard for families of teenagers to find something for them to do after school. Families First is trying to fill that gap with the Dream Bigger Afterschool Program that launched in September, which is aimed at helping seventh through 12th graders pursue their passion projects at Missoula and Lolo's public libraries. For the kids, that means time, mentorship and resources to work on anything from SCUBA certification to filmmaking. The goal is that they'll create something that'll do more than just gather dust, teen program director Nick Ehlers said.

 

Angel Fund online fundraiser underway to help Helena-area students

Angel Fund's online silent auction is live and has a goal to raise $20,000. There are more than 60 items up for bid to help students in the Helena area. Go to: https://go.helenair.com/y1k0sa. Between 5-9:30 p.m. on Dec. 2, On Broadway will donate 50% of its proceeds to The Angel Fund (gift certificate purchases not included). Doors at the restaurant at 106 Broadway St. open at 4 p.m. with dinner seating starting at 5 p.m. Auction items will be available for viewing at On Broadway from 4-8 p.m. Angel Fund is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation that helps children in need. It began 35 years ago at one school helping a few students with winter coats and field trip fees.

 

MSU receives $3M grant to boost STEM education in underserved areas

A $3 million grant will support a six-year project at Montana State University to expand access to STEM education in rural parts of Montana. The grant, from the Science Foundation's Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program, will support a project that will develop a group of 26 experienced STEM teachers to serve seven high-need school districts. The project, known as RAISE STEM Leaders, will support the Browning, Colstrip, Cut Bank, Hardin, Polson, Pryor, Ronan, St. Labre and Superior communities. Program participants are eligible to receive a stipend of $12,000 per year for up to five years, which could be applied to graduate degrees.

 

Miles City finds progressive way to attract teachers: an in-district daycare

MILES CITY - Elementary school teacher Miranda Stevens is living out her dream job as a teacher at the same elementary school she attended years ago. "It's something that I've wanted to do since I was in first grade," she said.

 

Students put finishing touches on mural for Libby's Peace Officer Park

The mural in Libby's Peace Officer Park has been completed. Students and teachers from the Libby Central School battled a wide variety of weather conditions during the past year to finish the work of art, adding to the city's fine tradition of scenic murals. The 10-foot diameter mural sits behind the metal wings that the late Todd Berget made, and commissioned by the Kootenai Valley Rotary Club, before his death in 2019.

 

Columbia Falls takes top spot at speech and debate tournament

Columbia Falls High School speech and debate swept up the competition on home turf this weekend. The Class A team amassed 209 overall points for the first-place finish. Whitefish High School speech and debate finished second with 92 points. Fifteen schools attended the Saturday tournament hosted by Columbia Falls, which featured 228 entries.

 

'Touches the heart:' Billings elementary school delivers handwritten letters to veterans

BILLINGS - Billings students from Arrowhead Elementary School wrote and hand-delivered letters to Billings military veterans for Veterans Day. The drop-off happened Friday at Mission Ridge at St. John's located on Rimrock Road but began with an idea from second grade teacher Marci Schieno.

 

Service members share stories at Billings middle school's Veterans Day assembly

BILLINGS - Will James Middle School held its annual Veterans Day assembly on Monday, welcoming veterans from around the country. "I spent 22 months overseas in southeast Asia. It was a wonderful experience, one I will never forget, and I would never change – it was for you," said Kent Thompson, a sergeant E-5 veteran of the Marine Corps.

 

Hamilton Schools honor local retired military in Veterans Day assembly

Four Hamilton High School Seniors - set to enlist in the military upon graduation - set up a table for one to represent members of the armed forces who are no longer with us. In front of the high school gymnasium full of students, parents and retired veterans, Army Sgt. 1st Class and Student Resource Officer Chris Lueck described the symbolism behind each part of the table setting - a white cloth to represent the soldiers' pure intentions, a single rose to represent the faith they will return, a slice of lemon on the plate for their bitter fate. "They are commonly called POWs or MIAs, but we call them brothers," said Lueck. "They are unable to be with us today, and so we remember them."

 

TEACH Academy in Missoula offers unique early education approach

TEACH Academy, a charter school in Missoula, is offering a fresh take on early education. Since opening in August, the school has been exploring new ways to engage with the community and enhance its educational offerings. TEACH Academy is an arts integration K-5 charter school and one of two charter schools within the Missoula County Public Schools (MCPS) system. In January, the school will open enrollment again and gauge community interest for potential new classes. Currently, the school serves around 85 students.

 

Glasgow School District Awarded Golden Gavel Award

The Glasgow Schools Board of Trustees, comprised of Blaine White, Stan Ozark, Chrissa Nelson, Derek Beadle (incoming May '24), Ryan Fast (outgoing May '24) and Chair Angie Page (outgoing Oct. '24) was awarded the 2024 Golden Gavel Award by the Montana School Boards Association. 

 

GFPS superintendent honored for Career & Technical Education efforts

In the video above, Brianna Juneau reports on Heather Hoyer, the Great Falls Public Schools superintendent, who was recently recognized for her efforts to bring Career & Technical Education programs and resources to the forefront of 10,000 enrolled students across Great Falls.

 

Glacier speech and debate wins first tournament of the season

The Glacier High School speech and debate team earned its first win of the 2024-25 season over the weekend at the Kalispell Kickoff.  Glacier defeated crosstown rival and defending Class AA state champion Flathead High School with a score of 277 overall points. Flathead took second place with 223.5 overall points. Missoula Hellgate placed third. In Class A, B and C, Columbia Falls High School speech and debate edged out Whitefish High School with an 82.5 to 77-point victory led by Carson Settles and Reed Wollenzien's first-place finish in Duo Interpretation. Overall, the two teams ranked fourth and fifth, respectively, among all competing schools. Frenchtown took third place. 

 

Bitterroot Valley schools to host Veterans Day assemblies

chools throughout the Bitterroot Valley are planning to hold assemblies to mark Veterans Day and honor local veterans. The holiday was first known as Armistice Day, recognizing the end of World War I on Nov. 11, 1918. Congress in 1954 expanded the day to honor everyone who had served and changed the name to Veterans Day. The national ceremony is held at Arlington National Cemetery at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, honored with the laying of the presidential wreath. States and municipalities honor local veterans with events around the country.

 

Harlem High School is competing for sports upgradeHarlem High School is currently in a national competition to receive new lighting for their football field as well as a new track so the school can host track meets. While the Wildcats hosted three night games this football season, the current lighting includes 4.3- foot candles as opposed to the recommended 50-foot candles. The track is made of cinder; it has not been used for a meet since the late 1900s. Coach Lyle Faulkinberry said, "Our outdated lighting system, installed in the late 1970s, is holding our athletes back. New energy efficient lighting would transform our facilities, extend practice hours, and allow us to host evening events and bring our community together."

 

Capital High Senior football players honor teachers that "Made an Impact"

A large portion of senior year is about looking into the future, but on Friday Capital High seniors reflected on their pasts, honoring the teachers who made a lasting impact. Twenty-two Capital High School football seniors visited their former elementary schools and middle schools to give a teacher who inspired them a Bruins t-shirt. Players described their former teachers as "energetic, great, awesome and exciting." One player visited his former teacher and she barely recognized him because he had grown so much since the fifth grade. Although years have passed, many of the teachers expressed the same feelings about their students.

 

Big Sky High School to put on production of Arsenic and Old Lace

Drama and fine arts have always been an important part of Missoula County Public Schools, and Big Sky High School is opening its fall production this week. The students at Big Sky have been working on the production because of the importance of the program. "This is where they feel safe. This is ... they don't have sports, they don't belong to anything else. This is where they come and this is where they thrive all through high school," noted Big Sky High School drama teacher Melissa Briner. "And a lot of our students do go on to succeed professionally, whether it's in the theater or not, because of the skills they learn here in the theater, the arts are so important."

 

Browning Middle School book fair encourages community support

Browning Middle School is hosting a book fair starting Monday, November 4, 2024. The school is inviting the community to help make this event a positive experience for all students, regardless of their financial situation. To support this initiative, donations can be made to the librarian's e-wallet account. These contributions will provide books for students who may not be able to purchase their own. The school emphasizes the importance of young people having the freedom to choose their own reading materials. "Young people who are given the freedom to choose their own reading materials and who have the luxury of having books at home are at a huge academic advantage," the school stated.

 

Plains School Board earns statewide recognition

Plains School Board members have received statewide recognition from the Montana School Boards Association. School Board member Ellen Childress received the Marvin Heintz award for earning the highest level of individual certification in the Montana School Boards Association's School Board Academy.  Plains Public Schools received recognition for completion of the certification requirements by every member of the board of trustees in the Montana School Boards Association's School Board Academy.  The awards were presented at the October school board meeting.

 

"You are stronger than you think": Gallatin High senior youngest American woman to summit Himalayan peak

Asha Noor Shehryar, a Gallatin High School Senior and the youngest American woman to summit Manaslu, is seen in her home on October 31, 2024, in Bozeman. "It was so tiring, but when I got to the summit, I got a little teary-eyed, I kind of couldn't believe I made it. It just felt surreal," Shehryar said. Asha Noor Shehryar, a Gallatin High School Senior and the youngest American woman to summit Manaslu, is seen in her home on October 31, 2024, in Bozeman. "It was so tiring, but when I got to the summit, I got a little teary-eyed, I kind of couldn't believe I made it. It just felt surreal," Shehryar said. That all changed Sept. 23 when the Gallatin High School senior reached the summit of 26,781-foot Mount Manaslu in the Nepalese Himalayas at 4:10 a.m.

 

Kalispell speech and debate teams ready to talk the talk

Flathead High School is looking to defend its state championship title in speech and debate against top rival and 2024 state runner-up, Bozeman, and fellow Kalispell team, Glacier High School as a new season begins. The Class AA speech and debate teams will speak their mind in the season-opener, Kalispell Kickoff, Saturday, which will be held at Flathead, 644 4th Ave. W., Kalispell. The first round starts at 8 a.m. with finals set to begin at 4:30 p.m. Flathead launches the competitive season on home turf with about 110 team members with more Braves set to join after fall sports wrap up. Flathead head coach Shannon O'Donnell anticipates this year's team will be strong in debate events, despite losing most of last year's state members competing in interpretive events.

October 2024 Great News

Hamilton High seniors host mock election at Daly Elementary

merica is less than a week away from deciding who will serve as the next president and Montana voters could determine the party majority in the U.S. Senate, but at Daly Elementary the vote was between Skittles and Starburst.

 

Hamilton High School government students on Tuesday used the two candies as a way to teach elementary students in kindergarten and fourth grade about the importance of voting in light of the upcoming election - one some seniors will be voting in for the first time. Kiah Nisly, who teaches U.S. Government at Hamilton High School, told the Ravalli Republic she got the idea to host this lesson on democracy when her fourth-grade daughter told her she didn't know what it looked like when she said she was going to vote.

 

MTHS Announces Montana History Teacher of the Year

The public is invited to attend the celebration for Jenifer Powell as the 2024 Centennial Bell Montana History Teacher of the Year.

Before retiring in June 2024, Powell was the seventh-grade social studies teacher at Corvallis Middle School, where she demonstrated an exceptional dedication to teaching and a profound passion for imparting knowledge of the history of Montana to her students.

She and her former students will come to Helena on Nov. 8 – Statehood Day – for a ceremony to celebrate her commitment to teaching Montana history.

 

Board approves Hamilton Keystone after-school program expansion

Affordable childcare is hard for parents to find across Montana, but the Keystone after-school program in Hamilton is looking to expand and could help meet the demand in the Bitterroot. The Hamilton school board last week voted unanimously to allow for the expansion of the program to include 4-year-old early literacy learners. The program has more than doubled in participation in recent years in a county deemed a "childcare desert."

 

Driven by learning: Flathead High School automotive program navigates into 75th year

The automotive program is cruising through its 75th year at Flathead High School.  

Going along for the ride have been generations of graduates who have gone on to work and own shops and businesses, many of which were and are local.  

 

Billings Public Schools saves more than $1 million on energy

Billings Public Schools decreased its energy bill by 26.3 percent or $1,056,033 last year with energy-efficient equipment and practices. It's projects such as installing solar panels at Riverside Middle School that have allowed School District 2 to save money on energy. Scott Reiter, the district's facilities director says with solar panels, the meter can run backwards, not enough for credit, but still a savings to the district each year. Reiter says the 50-kilowatt solar panels cost more than $300,000. With about $230,000 in grants, Reiter expects the system to pay for itself in less than 10 years with savings of about $10,000 annually. The savings is one of several for the Billings public schools which adds up to more than $1 million in energy savings over the last year.

 

Bozeman High School prepares to bring vibrant "Singin' in the Rain" production to stage

Bozeman High School's Hawks Theatre Company is set to debut a vibrant rendition of "Singin' in the Rain" next weekend. The production aims to bring the lively energy and vivid colors of the classic Hollywood film to life on stage. "The sets are going to look amazing, like, we're both wearing extremely bright colored costumes, and I think just all of those colors are just going to pull together really nicely," said senior Levi Pufahl. "Like, when it's officially under the lights, you know," he said. The company has been preparing diligently, ensuring that their performance captures the essence of the story, which takes place in Old Hollywood during the transition from silent films to "talkies."

 

Applications open for Kalispell high school student scholarships

High school seniors and current undergraduate students in Kalispell have a chance to secure scholarships through Flathead Electric Cooperative (FEC). FEC, in partnership with Basin Electric Power Cooperative (BEPC) and the Montana Electric Cooperatives' Association (MECA), is offering these opportunities. BEPC provides a $1,000 scholarship annually, while MECA offers a $500 scholarship. Both awards are available to dependents of FEC members. Applicants will be judged on various criteria. Academic strength, including courses, GPA, and national testing scores, accounts for 20%. School and community activities, awards, and honors also represent 20%. Employment, volunteerism, and community service contribute another 20%. Finally, a personal statement is weighted at 40%.

 

Montana Youth Vote starts for K-12 students

Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen and Superintendent Elsie Arntzen announced the 2024 Montana Youth Vote opened Monday. Students in kindergarten through 12th grades will be able to vote for candidates on the Montana ballot. Older students will be able to vote for Montana's Supreme Court races and the proposed ballot initiatives. The younger students will get age-appropriate ballots. The results will be shared on Nov. 1. The results have predicted Montana's elections in the past. The Montana Secretary of State's office sent out the following: The 2024 Montana Youth Vote opened to all Montana students in grades K-12 on Monday, announced Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen and Superintendent of Public Instruction Elsie Arntzen.

 

Teacher at Broadwater Elementary earns "One Class at a Time" award

Q2, Western Security Bank, City Brew Coffee, and the Education Foundation for Billings Public Schools have teamed up for "One Class at a Time." The program recognizes teachers who go above and beyond to help their students. This week, we honor a teacher who knows the importance of learning how to read early on in life. "Read to kids when they're babies, read to them when they're older and there's nothing they can't do if they can read. It's such an important skill." Meet Taylor Vanderby, a first-grade educator at Broadwater Elementary School who comes from a teaching family and knew from a young age that's exactly what she wanted to do with her life, too.

 

Montana high schoolers show off global knowledge at annual competition

Dallas Doney and Marie Hogan, students from Harlem High School, participate in Academic WorldQuest competition at the University of Montana in Missoula on Tuesday. Nearly 500 students from high schools all over Montana gathered in Missoula this week to meet with diplomats, learn about global cultures and explore professional pathways abroad. The three-day event included roundtable discussions led by former ambassadors, a performance by African dance group Djebe Bara, and visits with representatives from the Central Intelligence Agency. Students enjoyed global cuisine prepared by refugee chefs through United We Eat, the food program of a local nonprofit that supports refugees and immigrants. They also created a mosaic project that helped them learn about the Arabic language and that will be displayed at the Wren hotel. But the hallmark event, the reason why hundreds of students traveled from every corner of Montana, was the Academic WorldQuest, a team-based competition that tests how much students know about international relations, the globe and current events. Winners travel to Washington D.C. to compete nationally.

 

New vending machine lets C.S. Porter students swap tokens for books

For most kids, school vending machines are a place to exchange allowance money for salty snacks. But since the week of Oct. 8, the students at C.S. Porter Middle School can cash in good deeds for good books at an LED-lit vending machine outside of the library. Last spring, the school raised funds for the Inchy the Bookworm Book Vending Machine, which is meant to help kids build a personal library. The LED-lit interior displays rows of covers, from drawings of historical events to faces of creepy dolls. "The kids really love scary books," librarian Brianna Lipke said. "They're always asking for scary books in the library." The books are bought with tokens, and the tokens are purchased with "Cougar Coupons," which teachers give to students for good deeds and positive behavior. Between the machine's installation and Oct. 15, 34 books were bought with inchworm-embossed tokens. Since a token costs 10 Cougar Coupons, that's 340 good deeds. "We just wanna get books into their hands that they get to keep," librarian Kim Rieley said. "Not every kid can get a new book very often.”

 

Billings school district opens 'Cafe Protege' kitchen at Lincoln Center

Billings Public Schools opened a new food-service facility aimed at training budding restaurateurs on Thursday at the Lincoln Center. Café Protégé Kitchen is a one-year culinary course through the Lincoln Center that accepts 40 students a semester. It offers an introduction to the restaurant and food service industry, including workplace safety, using equipment, and culinary skills. The original kitchen at MSU Billings' City College flooded in 2023 at the end of the school year, forcing the class to move. Chef Bill Jensen has been the program's teacher for nearly 10 years and was excited for the new space. For over a year, the program was temporarily on the second floor of the Lincoln Center building in an old chemistry classroom with one stove, four burners, and regular tables for prepping.

 

Kalispell school brings Indigenous Peoples project into the curriculum

Fifth grade students at Edgerton Elementary School in Kalispell are in the midst of a project focused on learning about the history of Indigenous tribes across the United States. Education on Indigenous culture is important for Kalispell students due to the Flathead's deep roots with Indigenous people. "There are so many different tribes that are native to Kalispell. I didn't know this until actually doing this project, that the name Kalispell itself is a Native American tribe. But it's really important because there are kids in the valley that have roots to different tribes all around," said Edgerton Elementary School fifth grade teacher Katie Haas. Students are creating posters that highlight the history, art, culture, housing and daily life of Indigenous tribes across the nation.

 

Missoula teacher hopes high schools will help give Montana housing

This April, about 300 Montana FFA students worked together to build a tiny house out of a shipping container at the state FFA convention in Billings. Now, Big Sky High School agriculture teacher and FFA adviser Tom Andres has his eyes on the next step: a full program where shop classes build tiny homes for affordable housing. At the convention, students worked long shifts to complete the house within five days, doing everything from wiring to plumbing. On Oct. 16, the tiny house sat perched in the Missoula Public Schools agricultural center for a visit by Gov. Greg Gianforte, who came to highlight the work done by the students. "We wanted it to be perfect for whoever's in there," Spencer Hielle, a senior at Frenchtown High School, said.

 

Billings Public Schools equipped with life-saving tools

Fentanyl continues to be a problem all across the country, the state and in Billings. To combat that and to help save lives, Narcan has been put in many places. As a precaution, School District 2 has placed trauma kits in all the schools and those kits include Narcan in case of a fentanyl overdose. "It is a true life-saving measure that we can take," said Joe Halligan, school safety & emergency management coordinator for the Billings Public Schools. "Very simple to administer. Relatively cheap." Halligan says some school workers have been trained to administer Narcan.

 

Great Falls students step up to rebuild Little League Dugout after windstorm

Recently, 70 mile-an-hour winds swept through Great Falls, causing significant damage, and demolishing a Little League dugout at the West Side baseball fields. Pete Pace, the high school house instructor for Great Falls Public Schools, led a group of about 35 students from both C.M.R. High School and Great Falls High School to rebuild the dugout. "We had a little break in our action on the high school house and we decided to come over here and not only use our skills, the students' skills to rebuild this, but also help out the community," said Pace. For many of the students, this effort is a chance to connect with the community and give back to a place that holds special memories.

 

Darby Schools hosting book drive for donations to African libraries

The Darby School District is hosting a book drive until Nov. 8, with donations going toward both the local community and to libraries in Africa through the African Library Project. The goal is to collect 500 books by Nov. 8. The district is asking parents and guardians to send gently used children's books for ages 3-10 with their children to school. There are donation boxes in Darby at Daly Elementary, Washington Preschool and at Curious Minds Children's Center. Syble Solomon, Ravalli County coordinator for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, is helping to organize getting the books to Africa - and she's getting some help from students as well. Solomon said Parton's nonprofit, which donates one book per month to participating children's families until they are 5 years old, wants the books to continue to be donated if families are looking to pass them on.

 

Great Falls Public Schools Foundation hosts raffle to win Toyota truck

Great Falls residents have a unique opportunity to win a brand-new Toyota Tacoma while supporting education. The Great Falls Public Schools Foundation, in partnership with City Motor Company, is hosting their annual fundraiser to benefit student groups and provide school grants. This community-driven initiative has been running since 2013, providing much-needed resources for local schools. This year, participants can purchase tickets for $10 and enter a raffle for the chance to win the new car.

 

Helena high school students bringing literature to life for kids

Helena High students are set to bring joy to young children today. They will perform original pieces at several elementary schools in Helena, including Jefferson, Central, Smith, Warren, and Bryant. These performances, inspired by children's books, aim to engage first graders in reading and potentially spark their interest in theater.

 

Montana's Indigenous education curriculum sets bar nationwide

From shining a light on dark times in American Indian history to showing today's students how to build a teepee facing the rising sun in the east while withstanding strong western winds on the plains, Montana's Indigenous education curriculum is setting the bar nationwide. At Lewis and Clark Middle School in Billings on a brisk October day in 2024, just a few days before Columbus Day, also widely known as Indigenous People's Day, it is a cultural and structural lesson day for 7th-grade students as they learn how to set up a teepee properly. It's all part of the Billings Public School system's Indigenous Education program.

"One Class at a Time" awards teacher at West High

Q2, Western Security Bank, City Brew Coffee, and the Education Foundation for Billings Public Schools have teamed up for "One Class at a Time." The program recognizes teachers who go above and beyond to help their students. This week, we are honoring a math teacher at West High who emphasizes the importance of learning critical thinking early on in life. "I think it's more the logic and reasoning of math. I always tell kids it's not the specific math you're learning, but it's more the logic and reasoning skills that you take with you for the rest of your life." Meet Kate Delavan, an educator who uses many methods to engage her students in critical thinking including having them work often in groups.

 

Emerson students in Butte get free winter coats as part of 'Operation Warm'

Students in Butte got the gift of warmth as local volunteers distributed free coats to students Friday morning. "They are ecstatic, they are smiling and jumping up and down. I've had more hugs today than I can even count because they're just so excited. They have a new coat," said Emerson Elementary Principal Erna Gallagher. Volunteers with FedEx helped distribute 450 free coats to students at Emerson as part of the national coat giveaway, Operation Warm. "To be warm, you know, that's what our goal is to have every kid have a coat, a pair of gloves, and a pair of socks," said FedEx representative Greg Peters. Students enjoyed picking out their favorite coats.

 

Flathead High School automotive teacher receives national recognition

It was cause for celebration Tuesday morning at Flathead High School in Kalispell as automotive teacher Rob Hunter took center stage. "It's crazy seeing that a small town like us in Kalispell is getting recognition around the world, it's just super cool to see that," said Flathead High School student Cole Butler. Hunter was one of 25 teachers across the country and the only teacher in Montana to receive the Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence. He earned a $50,000 check, with $35,000 going directly to his school program. "It totally caught me off guard, took me several minutes to get my composure back, never had that much attention in my life," said Hunter.

 

Flathead High School auto teacher surprised with $50,000 prize

More than 20 people showed up to Flathead High School Tuesday morning to surprise automotive teacher Rob Hunter with $50,000 from the Harbor Freight Tools for Schools program. After the third-period bell rang, the group of students, administrators, school board members, Kalispell City Councilor Chad Graham and U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke gathered and walked across the street from the high school to the auto shop carrying balloons and banners into his classroom. Hunter is one of 20 skilled trades teachers nationwide, and the only Montana teacher to receive the award. Of the $50,000, $35,000 goes to the FHS skilled trades program and $15,000 goes to Hunter.  "What I love most about teaching is watching my students grow from beginners to highly skilled professionals after graduation. I love to hear about their success in the skilled trades," Hunter wrote in his application.

 

Montana's Teacher of the Year on the challenges and rewards of teaching

Education leaders in Montana select a Teacher of the Year to recognize achievement and innovation in the classroom. This year's winner hails from the small town of Power, Montana, where she teaches middle school English, Spanish and Art. MTPR's Austin Amestoy sat down with Montana Teacher of the Year Dawn Sievers to talk about the award and how teaching has changed in the nearly three decades since her career began.

 

Hamilton High senior recognized as National Merit Scholarship semi-finalist

When Chloe Greek was in the fifth grade her grandmother gave her a jade tree, which she has kept alive ever since. In keeping that tree alive, Greek learned small acts of kindness can make a difference in people's lives - a lesson she included in her personal essay that led her to be selected as the only National Merit Scholarship semi-finalist in Hamilton this school year. Greek is one of 45 semi-finalists in Montana and over 16,000 semi-finalists nationwide for the scholarship. Winners will be announced next spring for the 6,870 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $26 million.  To qualify to be a semi-finalist, applicants have to first score high on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, which she took in October of her junior year. Greek said she scored a 1420, with the highest possible score being 1520. Kaplan, an education company which provides test preparation materials, considers the score to be in the top percentile of test results.

 

Montana College Application Weeks encourages high school seniors to apply

As one door closes, another one opens. High school seniors throughout the state are getting ready for that next chapter in their lives by filling out an application that's applicable to 16 universities and colleges throughout the state as part of the Montana College Application Weeks. On Thursday morning, students at PAL were putting the puzzle pieces together with the help of Helena College Admissions staff to complete their application.

 

ADF and partners introduce welding careers to students

As the demand for skilled workers in trades like welding continues to grow, industries across Montana and the U.S. are struggling to fill critical roles. Recognizing the shortage, companies like ADF International, along with other industry partners, have started outreach initiatives aimed at educating and recruiting high school students into these in-demand careers. At the heart of this effort is an out-of-the-box approach by welding teacher Mr. Weber of Capital High School in Helena, who has been instrumental in bringing his students to ADF International for hands-on learning experiences.

 

Students learn about career options at Montana Knife Company

Students from a pair of Mineral County Schools were given a tour of Montana Knife Company's manufacturing facility as part of National Manufacturing Day, "I think it's important with high school kids to have them understand that there's a different path in life between maybe the traditional college route and the route a lot of people make," said Montana Knife Company CEO Josh Smith. "I think this is an opportunity for these students that I never got to see in school." It may seem hard to find a good-paying job without a college degree these days but Montana Knife Company showed some high school students what can be done without one.

 

Kalispell Schools Debut New Charter Programs

In between class bells and student announcements, the Kalispell Public Schools (KPS) on Thursday unveiled the two in-district charter schools that opened at Flathead and Glacier high schools at the beginning of the school year. "We're really proud of the work that we've done," Peter Fusaro, KPS assistant superintendent, said, addressing a handful of reporters, students and staff at Glacier High School. Fusaro called on teachers, administrators, students and community leaders to share how the two charter programs - Rising Wolf Charter at Glacier High School and Flathead PACE Academy at Flathead High School - have brought increased flexibility to a historically regimented learning schedule, and further developed the district's relationship with local industry. Both programs are a product of House Bill 549, a law passed by the state Legislature last year that allows public school districts to create in-district charter programs and provides them with additional state funding to do so. The charter schools are governed by the existing local school board, as well as an advisory council made up of parents and community members.

 

Power Public Schools teacher Dawn Sievers honored

Power Public Schools teacher Dawn Sievers was awarded the 2025 Montana Teacher of the Year Award by the Office of Public Instruction last week.

Sievers teaches grade seven English and grades seven through 12 Spanish and art. The other finalists for the award were: Billings Senior High School's Jennifer Fleek Airne, Missoula Hellgate Elementary's Jordan Capp and Livingston East Side Intermediate School's Megan Brenna. Superintendent of Public Instruction Elsie Arntzen joined Power students and staff in presenting Sievers with the honor at an assembly on Sept. 25.

The Teacher of the Year Award was first presented in 2019. Arntzen said the award was opened into 10 separate regions. The regions include nine non-tribal and one tribal region. The tribal region was added because 10% of Montana students live in tribal communities. Arntzen said the application process was opened in an easier manner so more people could apply. She said she wanted to recognize the award as a state-designated honor and not an organizational one.

 

Alberton teacher being nationally recognized for innovative approach to STEM

For a rural school like Alberton, access to technology can make a huge impact on kids' lives. McKenna Akane - a teacher in only her second year as an educator - has earned three awards in the past year for the creative ways she's implementing technology. Mahlon Manson is a student in Akane's class with aspirations high as the moon. He told MTN, "My dream job is being an engineer for NASA." Manson continued, "I think it's really cool to look at the planes and see how they work." Due to Akane's dedication as a teacher, kids in Alberton like Manson are getting ready for take-off. "Finding those controls and pedals and yokes; being able to explain how everything works together," stated Akane. "The fighter jet. It's the easiest to operate from what I've found," added Manson. Plus Akane is receiving national recognition including the Outstanding Teacher Award from Project Lead the Way for using exploratory methods.

 

Russell Elementary in Missoula honored as National Blue Ribbon School

Russell Elementary School in Missoula has been awarded the prestigious National Blue Ribbon School for Excellence. This honor is given based on exemplary test scores and academic achievements. Principal Peter Halloran emphasized it as a collective achievement.

 

Missoula County Public School shares resources for school shooting prevention

We are only a few weeks into this school year and already there has been an uptick in shooting threats both here in Montana and across the country. Schools have to have a plan ready in the event a threat becomes real violence. MTN spoke with Missoula County Public Schools (MCPS) and a local expert to learn how they navigate these alarming situations and what steps to take to spot trouble before it turns tragic.

 

Missoula school district offers free gun locks to support community safety

MISSOULA, Mont. - Missoula County Public Schools is distributing free gun locks to the community. The initiative comes at the end of Suicide Prevention Month. The distribution is part of the Safe Storage Campaign by MCPS. Superintendent Micah Hill explained that the drive aims to support the community by limiting access to firearms, hoping to enhance safety in homes.

 

Darby Schools host Powwow Exhibition for American Indian Heritage Day

The jingles from dancers' regalia echoed through Darby High School's gymnasium Friday as students gathered to watch a Powwow Dance and Song exhibition for American Indian Heritage Day. Ignace Quequesah, 17, told the Ravalli Republic he was wearing his grandfather's outfit dancing in the Men's Traditional category - which features movements that mimic battle action - wearing the traditional bustle on his lower back. "I can feel him in my heart every time I dance," he said. "It makes me feel proud of who I am." Quequesah was one of 10 dancers who were accompanied by more than a dozen other students from high schools in Arlee and Ronan, as well as Mission High School and Twin Eagle River School, to teach about and perform traditional dances for K-12 students in Darby.

September 2024 Great News

Power School District teacher recognized as Montana Teacher of the Year

The Montana Office of Public Instruction announced Power School District teacher Dawn Sievers as the state's 2025 Teacher of the Year on Wednesday. Sievers has been instructing students for 28 years and teaches seventh grade English, as well as Spanish and art for students in seventh to 12th grade. She told the Ravalli Republic Thursday she was "humbled" by the recognition and said she doesn't feel she's the best of the best, but rather she's willing to step up and act as an advocate for teachers. "Teaching is in crisis," she said. She noted low pay for teachers, especially in Montana compared to other states, as well as young people not choosing to pursue teaching as issues needing to be addressed. Sievers said the school surprised her with the award at a school assembly yesterday, where her family joined faculty and students to celebrate her achievement, which she said was an emotional moment.

 

OPI announces Montana Teacher of the Year winner

Superintendent Elsie Arntzen announced Dawn Sievers, a 7th-12th grade teacher at Power Schools, is the winner of the 2025 Montana Teacher of the Year. Sievers teaches Spanish, art, and English. She earned her minors in Spanish and Art Teaching at the University of Great Falls and attended the Montana Writing Program at the University of Montana. The selection was made by the Office of Public Instruction, the Governor's Office, the School Administrators of Montana, the Montana Board of Public Instruction, the Montana Advisory Council on Indian Education, and the 2024 Montana Teacher of the Year, Kevin Kicking Woman.

 

CHIEF JOSEPH ELEMENTARY RECEIVES NATIONAL RECOGNITION

Chief Joseph Elementary School has again been named a National Blue Ribbon School. The U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona recognized 356 schools in the 2024 cohort, highlighting schools that excel in academic performance or make significant strides in closing achievement gaps among different student groups. Chief Jo last received a National Blue Ribbon award in 2005, according to the school's application. "The National Blue Ribbon Schools Award is a testament to the exceptional achievements of students and educators at each of these schools," Cardona said in a release. "The 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools are raising the bar for our nation's students, serving as models for effective teaching and intentional collaboration in their schools and communities. As we celebrate their achievements, let us look to these schools for inspiration as we champion education as the foundation of a brighter future for every child."

 

Three Forks High School embraces growth of girls flag football

High school girls flag football is on the rise across Montana. Last year, there were only five schools that offered girls flag football. Now there are 17 programs statewide. Three Forks is one of the newcomers this year for girls flag football in Montana. This team is working their tails off to show other schools they're ready to flex their teeth. "It's been an awesome season. It's been fun, it's been kind of hard to get used to but it's fun and I love it and I just want everyone to come out next year," said Devynn Judd, Three Forks girls flag football athlete.

 

Missoula's Russell Elementary named National Blue Ribbon School

The U.S. Department of Education named Russell Elementary School in Missoula a National Blue Ribbon School in recognition of its academic excellence on Monday. Principal Peter Halloran says that since the announcement just came in, most of the school community has not heard the news yet. He can't wait to celebrate the achievement with the community. "The kids are gonna be excited Oh Yeah, the kids are gonna be excited. I look forward to sharing with them what it is and what it means. And I look forward, we, we will receive a flag that says we're a Blue Ribbon school and we'll raise that up our flag pole and I'm sure we'll have the whole school community around the flagpole. "When that happens and it's gonna be a big deal."

 

Chief Joseph Elementary School earns 'National Blue Ribbon Award'

Andee Thares is in her second year as the principal of Chief Joseph Elementary School in Great Falls. She said, "What struck me last year walking around was just how much positive things are going on in this building, and so my goal was really just to, really get us all paddling in the same direction." The school is always looking to improve and adapt its ways for their 244 students. "Really where we tried to push the envelope is by putting the onus back on kids," Thares said. The hard work of the faculty has paid off. The US Department of Education recognized 356 schools with their prestigious Blue-Ribbon Award, and Chief Joseph was on the list for the first time since 2005.

 

Billings Public Schools celebrates opening of multilingual charter school

Billings Public Schools officially cut the ribbon for the Billings Multilingual Academy on Tuesday night, one of three new charter schools in the district. It's a first-of-its-kind school in Montana that offers students the opportunity to receive instruction in their native language while learning English at the same time. Superintendent Dr. Erwin Garcia calls the new school a great thing for the community. "We have a number of people that come to our community-nurses, civil engineers and others who come to Billings for a better future and sometimes their kids don't speak the language, and we want to make sure we give them an opportunity to learn the language and learn about American culture, so they can be active members of society," Garcia says.

 

Zero-waste program reaches last MCPS middle school

Lunch looked bit different Wednesday at Missoula's Meadow Hill Middle School as the school launched a zero-waste station. The program allows students to sort their leftovers into a variety of bins including compost, recycling and a container for liquids. Meadow Hill is the last of Missoula's public middle schools to receive the station. Evey Snyder took part in the school's zero-waste planning team last year. "I think we did really good with this, and I think it was very well thought out," Snyder, a seventh grader, said. "And it was definitely good that we weren't one of the first schools to do this, so that we knew a little bit about what was going to happen and how it might be better to like get it more public."

 

Billings Public Schools see increase in AP enrollment and scores

Billings Public Schools high school students took a record number of AP exams last year and scored higher than ever before, due to an increase in course offerings, more financial aid for exams and training opportunities for teachers to align courses to the AP curriculum.  The data was presented during a recent meeting of the district's Performance Monitoring Committee. There were 1,859 enrollments in AP courses last year, up from 660 in the 2014-2015 school year. The number of exams taken was up to 1,283 from 320 in the same period. Meanwhile, the percentage of exams in which students scored at least a three - the threshold for college credit for many schools - was up to 76.1% from 55.3%.

 

Nine students named 2025 National Merit semifinalists

Seven Kalispell high school students and two Whitefish students have been named National Merit semifinalists for the 2025 school year. These students are among 16,000 students to reach semifinalist status in around the U.S., according to a press release. Kalispell students include - Danica Luehr of Flathead High School; Mark Ahner, Samuel Engellant and Jack Syverson of Glacier High School; Carson Miller of Stillwater Christian School and homeschooled student Tirien Bodonyi-Kovacs. Whitefish students are Lincoln and Noah Schroeder, who are homeschooled. The high school seniors entered the 70th annual National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying test as juniors. The PSAT/NMSQT serves as the initial screen of entrants. 

 

Missoula early literacy programs get added capacity as new school year starts

Missoula County Public Schools' new early literacy program has more students registered this year than last year, meaning nearly 150 local children who meet requirements are getting a boost in educational support before starting kindergarten.  The program gets students who aren't on track to be literate by third grade enrolled into classes to jump-start their reading and writing skills. The district was able to increase its capacity for the 2024-25 school year in how many early literacy sections it offers, MCPS Superintendent Micah Hill said. In 2023, MCPS partnered with the University of Montana to add three early literacy classrooms through a grant program. State law funding changed for literacy programs in 2024, Hill said, and the district decided to add four new sections. "It was good to see that our enrollments stabilized in K-5 this year and that we have increased enrollment overall thanks to the early literacy program," Hill said in an interview with the Missoulian.

 

GFPS BOARD APPROVES PAY INCREASE, INCENTIVE FOR SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS

The Great Falls Public Schools board voted unanimously during their Sept. 9 meeting to increase compensation and maintain incentives for substitute teachers. The previous compensation for substitute teachers was $100 per day for those who don't hold a current Montana teacher license and $110 for those with a state license. After 40 days of work, non certified substitutes received $110 per day and licensed substitutes received $120 per day until the end of the school year.

 

From the Superintendent: Public invited to get involved in Helena's 'exciting' new school year

Our students are already doing great things as our 2024-25 school year hits full speed.

If you took advantage of Sunday's beautiful weather to attend the Carnival Classic event at Memorial Park, you were able to see our student clubs, Parent Teacher Organizations and community partners in action. We're grateful to the Helena Education Foundation for hosting this annual day of family fun and fellowship. In that spirit, I would like to extend you an open invitation. Whether or not you have kids or grandkids in the district, I invite you to get involved as we start an exciting new school year – take in a game or concert, volunteer for a student club, or arrange to visit a school to talk about your career or another area of expertise. You'll help kids in our community grow and expand their horizons in an area that's important to you. And I can guarantee you'll have a lot of fun!

 

Butte, Anaconda, Helena students visit Washington, D.C. as part of TRIO summer program

Twenty students from Butte, Anaconda, Helena traveled to Washington, D.C. this summer as part of Montana Tech's TRIO summer program. TRIOis a federally funded program that provides academic tutoring, counseling, mentoring, financial guidance, and other support to assist first-generation and low-income students in obtaining post-secondary higher education and career training. For the first five weeks, students participated in paid research on Montana Tech campus and took classes in math, writing, and foreign language. For the final week of the program participants traveled to the nation's capitol, where they saw important historic landmarks like the White House, participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, toured several museums, met U.S. Senator Jon Tester, and toured three universities.

 

Checkmates - Kalispell youths take on national chess competition

Three state chess champions hailing from Kalispell represented Montana at the national level competing in U.S. Chess Federation-sponsored tournaments in Norfolk, Virginia in July. David Wilson, who is a fifth grader at Edgerton Elementary this year, competed at the John D. Rockefeller III National Tournament of Elementary School State Champions where he placed 32nd. Homeschooled siblings, Tirien Bodonyi-Kovacs, placed 35th at the Ruth Haring National Girls' Tournament of Champions and Eliel Bodonyi-Kovacs, 35th at the Dewain Barber Tournament of Middle School Champions.

 

'It kind of becomes an extended family:' Embracing tradition and community in Montana's one-room schoolhouse

From I-90, near the halfway point between Bozeman and Livingston, Malmborg Elementary might seem like a blur of redwood and distant playground equipment. But up close, this one-room schoolhouse pulses with energy, a stark contrast to the anonymity of the highway it parallels. Alison Bramlet made name tags so the students knew where to put their bags. During the science curriculum this year they will be focusing on physics so Bramlet made the name tags designed as atoms. Built in 1905, Malmborg seems frozen in time, with its original hexagon shape still standing beside the old stables where children once boarded their horses. Although the exterior feels untouched by the centuries, stepping inside reveals a more modern story. Nearly 120 years later, Malmborg - one of nearly 60 one-room schoolhouses in Montana, the state with the most in the country according to the National Trust for Historic Preservation - still opens its doors as the new school year begins.

 

Bozeman schools help families with free supply kits, easing high back-to-school costs

The cost of school supplies has been steadily increasing. The National Retail Federation reports that families are expected to spend almost $200 more on back-to-school items this year compared to 2019. One group in Bozeman is working to alleviate this burden for families in the Gallatin Valley. Teachers in Bozeman have created a program to help with school supplies for students from elementary through middle school. They have designed school supply kits that can be ordered through the Bozeman Schools Foundation. The Bozeman Schools Foundation makes a small profit from these orders, which is then used to buy supplies for families who may not afford them.

 

Browning Schools welcomes the community to lunch

The weather couldn't have been more perfect at the old football field in Browning, next to Napi Elementary, on Friday, Aug. 20. Skies were clear and cool, with refreshing breezes that carried the aroma of cookery in progress as Browning Schools welcomed the community to lunch. The entire administrative staff was on hand, not only to dish up burgers and dogs, but also to meet and greet folks who happened by for the Community Luncheon. Browning's new Superintendent, Rebecca Rappold, made one of her many appearances since taking responsibility for the District, accompanied by her new assistant, former Browning High School Principal Jen LaFromboise-Wagner. Each building principal was on the scene, as well as an assortment of School Board members.

 

St. Regis travel pillow tradition continues

For the past 23 years Rose Gotcher, from St. Regis has taken to her sewing machine each school year to provide homemade green and gold patterned travel pillows for the high school student athletes. This treasured fluff filled tradition provides some comforts of home during long bus rides to and from games. What started back when her granddaughter was playing volleyball, has now culminated with Gotcher's great granddaughter now receiving a pillow of her own as she plays for the Tiger's.

 

New Alberton superintendent ready for school year

Alberton School District this school year welcomes Monte Silk as the new superintendent.   Silk brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to education, having been an integral part of the growth and development of outstanding school districts in Montana and Arizona.  His career spans several decades, during which he has held pivotal roles ranging from classroom teacher to district-level administrator. He is a native of Nebraska and earned a bachelor's degree in economics and a teaching certificate in history and political science from Iowa State University. This was followed by a Master of Education degree from Montana State University and an Education Specialist degree from the University of Wyoming.

 

CSKT Education Department Organize Another Successful Tour of Back to School Kickoff Events

On August 22, over 200 families enjoyed sunny skies, music by Foreshadow, dinner by Simply 406, face painting, and Dew Crew Inflatables' bouncy houses at the Back-to-School Kickoff Event at the Ronan Middle School parking lot. Free backpacks with school supplies were distributed to youth as local, tribal, and educational organizations shared resources with the community. Drawings for door prizes ranging from fishing poles, balls, craft kids, and more were held throughout the evening.

 

Literacy numbers up in Billings elementary schools; Superintendent Garcia aims even higher

It's back-to-school week for Billings Public Schools, and when it comes to the summer slide you don't have to get too far away from a school zone to see this community backs the books. And you don't need to be a detective like Nancy Drew to know just how much. But it is helpful to keep your eyes open for clues, like little free libraries located just steps away from many Billings elementary schools like Poly Drive Elementary.

 

Bozeman Reads literacy program expands with new funding

The Bozeman Reads early literacy program has received significant support this year, thanks to House Bill 352. This bill, passed in the 2023 legislature, provided crucial funding to expand and improve the program. Bozeman Reads is hosted at Morning Star Elementary and aims to help three- and four-year-olds develop basic skills. The goal is to prepare children for kindergarten by focusing on key literacy skills. "When they head to kindergarten, we'd like them to know 18 uppercase letter names, 15 lowercase letter names, and to be able to isolate the first sound in a word," Megan Roth, the Learning Center Coordinator, said. "So, if you said, 'what do you hear at the beginning?' that they would be able to say, 'buh.' So, those are some of the cornerstone literacy skills we're looking for."

 

Ronan schools providing housing options for teachers

Ask anyone what's the biggest issue facing our communities and chances are, they'll say 'affordable housing'. Finding a place to live in the district where they work can be nearly impossible for teachers - especially new ones. The Ronan School District plucked an idea seen more often in eastern Montana and brought it home to create a home for its educators. It comes just as a new school year is underway. One hundred twenty teachers are on the job for Ronan schools. There are eight new eductors this year, and one came to Montana from Kentucky. They all need to live somewhere, preferably in Ronan.

 

Senior High teacher finalist for Montana Teacher of the Year award

On a Tuesday in late August, 35 teenagers in paint-splattered T-shirts convened in the cafeteria of Billings Senior High School for a teambuilding workshop which included conversations about strategies to make alienated peers feel seen, to welcome the class of incoming freshmen, and to be positive role models in school. Overseeing this meeting of Senior's student council was Jennifer Fleek Airne, student council advisor, AP Literature and Composition teacher and recent finalist for the state's 2025 Teacher of the Year award.  A state committee will interview Fleek Airne and the three other finalists before selecting a winner in mid-September. Winners in recent years have hailed from Browning, Bozeman, Arlee, Polaris, Baker and Bonner.

 

Commentary: Elected trustees – 1,500 champions for public education

Late summer marks the beginning of the back-to-school season, as teachers, students, parents, staff and administrators eagerly prepare for the upcoming school year. Parents equip their children with backpacks, clothing and school supplies, while teachers refine their lesson plans and set up their classrooms. Similarly, staff and administrators gear up for the return of thousands of students in pre-K, elementary, middle and high schools after the summer break. Volunteer elected trustees also play a crucial role in ensuring quality public schools in each community.

 

Belgrade kindergartener excited to learn about animals and make new friends

For many families, the start of the school year is a significant milestone, especially when sending children off to kindergarten. In Belgrade, one kindergartener is embracing this new chapter with enthusiasm. Claire Green is now in her second week at school, adjusting to new friends, a new teacher, and the world of learning. Claire is busy learning her numbers, letters, basic math, and how school functions overall. Claire started school last Wednesday, and she is especially excited to learn more about animals this year. Her favorite book is "Little Owl's Love," and she dreams of becoming a veterinarian someday. For her first day of kindergarten, she picked out a new backpack adorned with octopuses, fish, and crabs, which also glows in the dark. Even her favorite jokes are about animals.

 

Marching band returns to Billings after decade long absence from schools

The first performance in 12 years for a Billings high school marching band debuted during the first football game of this year's local high school season on Thursday night. "The whole band is really excited. I think it's great that we're bringing back something old," said Cort Kaufman, a Skyview senior who marches tenor saxophone with the Billings Public School Marching Band. The last of Billings' marching bands were previously dissolved because of Montana's short window of opportunity for marching season due to weather and a lack of enough interest from students at each school, according to Amy Schendel, the fine arts education coordinator for Billings Public Schools. "We're still trying to give a little bit of taste of what they're getting into. We're learning some ra-ra cheers, some drum cadences, and now we're actually doing some drill at half time," said Sam McKenzie, the band's director.

 

Billings School District 2 KinderREADy program intends to improve childhood literacy before Kindergarten

Billings Public School classes will start on Tuesday, September 3, and as teachers prepare their classrooms, a small group of teachers are preparing for the start of the new KinderREADy program. "KinderREADy is available to any child that will be four years old by September 10, and that scores in a way on literacy screening that shows they're not currently on track to reach grade level proficiency by the end of third grade," Amy Schendel, the fine arts education coordinator for the district, said on Thursday. In 2023, the Montana legislature passed an Early Intervention Act (HB 352), opening up funding at the state level for early intervention literacy programs. The KinderREADy program was one that School District 2 started.

August 2024 Great News 

Billings School District 2 unveils Washington Innovation Center charter schools

Three of the 17 new charter schools in Montana are in Billings and School District 2 unveiled two of the new schools on Wednesday afternoon. The Washington Innovation Center will have two charter schools: the Billings Early College School and the Billings Opportunity School. The school has not started yet and students are already grateful for the new charter schools. School District 2 celebrated the opening of the Washington Innovation Center with a ribbon cutting. "I'm very, very excited to just have this opportunity," said Aidrian Lindley, who will attend the college school.

 

Missoula TEACH Academy opens doors for first day of kindergarten

The new TEACH Academy in Missoula began the school year by welcoming its first class of kindergarten students. The school is part of the Missoula County Public Schools' new charter schools initiative. "I think in the spring it was like, 'Ooh what is this and is it really going to take off' and now parents are talking to other parents at playdates and community events and saying, 'Hey you should think about this school as an option for your kiddo,'" Principal Barbara Frank said.

 

Billings SD2 launches Innovation Center, offering students early college credits & tech training

Billings School District Two hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Washington Innovation Center on Wednesday, August 28, 2024. The center aims to provide new opportunities and advancement for students. The Innovation Center will host two new public charter schools: Billings Opportunity School and Billings Early College School. Billings Opportunity School focuses on hands-on, project-based learning. It aims to expand career opportunities through certifications in technology and criminal justice. Billings Early College School is designed to allow students to earn credits up to an associate degree while still in high school.

 

Missoula schools embrace AI while tackling academic integrity concerns

As AI technology develops rapidly, its use among students is increasing. Teachers in Missoula County are integrating AI into their classrooms while addressing concerns about academic integrity. As the new school year begins, students and educators are focusing on AI and its place in education. Hellgate High School Principal Judson Miller highlighted the ongoing adaptation to new technology. "For a long time people said, well, you got to learn how to do math this way because you're not going to have a calculator in your pocket. Right? And then we all have calculators in our pocket - but there's still the need to understand how the math is done," said Miller.

 

Back to School

My kids' new backpacks have arrived, we've shopped for school supplies (with extras for me because this forever student loves notebooks and pens), and we're waiting until the last minute to buy new shoes because their feet grow an inch a week. The school year has arrived, and my family is ready to return to their classmates and teachers. I'm also ready to hand over my kids to their classrooms after a summer filled mostly with good times at the lake, but also some challenges with sibling bickering and experiments with scissors and hair. We will not get back-to-school haircuts this year, instead proudly displaying our budding hair styling skills. Don't doubt for one second that an 8-year-old can reconfigure toenail clippers for shears.

 

Sievers finalist for teacher of the year award

Dawn Sievers, who teaches seventh-grade English and seventh- through 12th-grade Spanish and art at Power Public Schools is one of four finalists for the 2025 Montana Teacher of the Year Award, according to a press release from the Montana Office of Public Instruction. The other finalists are: Jennifer Fleek Airne, who teaches 12th-grade English, Advanced Placement Literature and Composition, and a student council leadership course at Billings Senior High School in Billings; Jordan Capp, who teaches fifth grade at Hellgate Elementary in Missoula; and Megan Brenna, who teaches fifth grade at East Side Intermediate School in Livingston. On Sept. 20, a committee will meet to interview the finalists and choose the 2025 Montana Teacher of the Year. Superintendent of Public Instruction Elsie Arntzen will announce and honor the finalist during a celebration ceremony at their school.

 

New Alberton superintendent ready for school year

Alberton School District this school year welcomes Monte Silk as the new superintendent.   Silk brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to education, having been an integral part of the growth and development of outstanding school districts in Montana and Arizona.  His career spans several decades, during which he has held pivotal roles ranging from classroom teacher to district-level administrator. He is a native of Nebraska and earned a bachelor's degree in economics and a teaching certificate in history and political science from Iowa State University. This was followed by a Master of Education degree from Montana State University and an Education Specialist degree from the University of Wyoming.

 

Whitefish schools to use artificial intelligence program

Whitefish School District classrooms can use the artificial intelligence program Magic School Inc. this school year. "Magic School is an all-encompassing AI program with a ton of different tools in it that can be tailored to each class and assignment," said Jacob Phillips, district director of technology. The Whitefish School Board on Aug. 13 approved a contract for the program. Phillips said that Magic School is the best option for AI because the contract is relatively affordable and includes a signed privacy agreement not to share any student or employee data. The Magic School program can offer instantaneous resources and guidance for answering math and writing questions without doing the work for the student. The program is used by over 4,000 districts worldwide. Several Whitefish teachers are already familiar with the program after using the free version last year. 

 

Students get new haircuts for start of classes at Franklin Elementary event

Dozens of Missoula elementary students trickled in and out of Franklin Elementary School on Wednesday sporting fresh haircuts, ready to start the fast-approaching school year with new looks. About 120 registered students, plus many more walk-ins, stopped by the school for a day of free haircuts hosted by Altruist Salon and other community stylists. Rita Coates brought her kids, Rawley and Ramona, to Franklin on Wednesday. She said she was thinking of skipping haircuts altogether this year because of time constraints and availability of appointments around the city. She walked in with both her kids and they got their hair done simultaneously. "There's so much to do for back to school," Coates said. "So we've been feeling the time crunch this week of getting school supplies and all of that."

 

Choteau Elementary welcomes four new teachers

The Choteau Elementary School staff will welcome Monette Dahle, 44, a new fourth-grade teacher; Hailey Kemp, 32, who will teach first grade; Cole Smith, 37, the new middle school special education teacher; and Cole's wife, Dusti Smith, 34, who will teach kindergarten. Dahle is originally from Indiana, where she spent her childhood years. From middle school on, she lived in Colorado. She earned a bachelor's degree in German language education and teaching English to speakers of other languages and shortly after added a math teaching endorsement to her teaching license from Brigham Young University in Utah. "I love to teach. I love to learn and I love kids and teenagers. I love their openness and exuberance and personalities and questions and humor," Dahle said. "I especially love the joy of watching students 'get it.' When it comes after a struggle, and the student was willing to put forth the effort to figure it out, it is all the sweeter. This world is full of wonder and it is a joy to search and discover alongside students."

 

Passport to the future: New Moore School superintendent prioritizes learning

When Moore students flooded through the school's front door last week for the first day of classes, they were greeted by a new face: Superintendent Justin Barnes. Before school began his office surrounded by boxes of IT supplies, surplus items for a coming sale, and desks and chairs being switched from one classroom to another, Barnes calmly discussed his semester plans, ignoring the frenzy of activity in the hallway outside. "My passion is for education," he said. "After the pandemic year I was feeling kind of burned out, and I took two years off to do other things, but found I was missing it. I was looking for a position somewhere in Central Montana, and when the Moore job came open I applied for it and was accepted."

 

New Montana public charter schools get ready for school year

As this school year gets underway, school districts across Montana are set to open more than a dozen new public charter schools, under a state law enacted last year. Each of the 17 charter schools set to start operating this year is going to look a little different – and that means the work it takes to get them ready is going to look different as well. "The engagement with the parents is really a lot more involved in explaining their options, because they're so new and so different that it takes a little more time – but it's really, really exciting," said Josh McKay, assistant superintendent for Helena Public Schools. In January, the Montana Board of Public Education approved 19 proposed charter schools from 11 school districts – though two aren't scheduled to open this year.

 

'Dreamin' For Darby' aims to raise money for school playground equipment

Bitterroot Valley residents can help raise money for new playground equipment for the Darby School District at the third annual "Dreamin' For Darby" school fundraiser this Friday. The event will feature auctions, a barbecue dinner, activities for kids and live music from cowboy musician Justin Lawrence and the Double Average Band. The family-friendly fundraiser at the Richard Cromwell Memorial Rodeo Grounds (200 Rodeo Rd.) is open to the public, with a suggested $25 donation per family at the door. All event proceeds will be invested into new playground equipment for Darby schools, which is estimated to cost $60,000. This event was organized by the Darby Community Partners (DCP), a nonprofit made up of local parents, teachers and community members.

 

Eight Flathead Valley School Districts to Serve Free Breakfast and Lunch

Students across the Flathead Valley will be able to access free breakfast and lunch this year, thanks to a federally funded meal service program for school districts with a high percentage of low-income families. The Kalispell, Columbia Falls, Evergreen, Fair-Mont-Egan, Helena Flats, Smith Valley, Marion and Swan River school districts will provide breakfast and lunch at no cost to their entire student bodies. Families in these districts will not need to apply or fill out paperwork to participate. Run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Community Eligibility Program (CEP) allows school districts with high populations of low-income students to serve free meals without soliciting applications from families. USDA says the program streamlines meal service operations, reduces paperwork for school administrators and minimizes stigma for students in need of subsidized meals. To be eligible for the program, 25% or more of a district's student body must qualify as low-income.

 

'How do we create your kid's success story?' Hamilton unveils charter school program

Parents and prospective students received an introduction to a new charter school offering in the Bitterroot Valley during a presentation last week from administrators at Hamilton High School and the University of Montana Bitterroot College. Polytech Programming and Pathways was made possible after Hamilton High received charter school status from the Montana Board of Public Education in January. The Polytech program will provide seventh- through 12th-grade students in the Hamilton School District with opportunities to take specialized classes including dual enrollment classes that would allow students to earn college credits and/or trade school certification while either in high school or middle school.

 

Team effort: East Helena High School's new principal strives to move forward, be better

East Helena High School's new principal has a thorough background in competitive sports, which drives his belief that improvement in students is key. Paul Condon, 57, is from Christchurch, New Zealand, where he grew up around Polynesian culture and was raised in a Māori household. He said Māori people tend to be the smallest of the Polynesians, while Samoans are the biggest and strongest and Tongans are the most aggressive. Condon learned this through his day-to-day life, but understood it when he played rugby. The sport with a ball slightly smaller than a National Football League football and goal posts at each end of a pitch filled with physicality and speed became a part of Condon's life. The new principal managed to climb the ranks of the sport and made it one level below professional rugby.

 

U.S. Senate youth scholarships being accepted

Montana Superintendent Elsie Arntzen is accepting applications for the 2024-25 United States Senate Youth Program Scholarship. Applications are due by Oct. 7 and two students will be selected in January 2025, to receive a $10,000 college scholarship with a week trip to Washington D.C. Students will get the opportunity to meet with senators, the president, cabinet secretaries, a Supreme Court Justice and members of the national media. Juniors and seniors in Montana high schools interested in applying can contact Kristen Bokovoy at Kristen.Bokovoy2@mt.gov or (406) 444-2417.

 

Here's back-to-school advice from elementary to high school students

As students prepare to head back to school, they may feel a range of emotions. Many may feel excited or anxious about starting a new grade or school. When it comes to having a successful school year, no one knows what they need more than students themselves. That's why we asked kids across the U.S. to share their best tips on going back to school - and they delivered. Read on for advice from a second-grader all the way to a kid almost done with high school.

 

Champions for Public Education

Late summer marks the beginning of the back-to-school season, as teachers, students, parents, staff, and administrators eagerly prepare for the upcoming school year. Parents equip their children with backpacks, clothing, and school supplies, while teachers refine their lesson plans and set up their classrooms. Similarly, staff and administrators gear up for the return of thousands of students in pre-K, elementary, middle, and high schools after the summer break. Volunteer elected trustees also play a crucial role in ensuring quality public schools in each community. In May 2024, around 250 new trustees statewide were elected among 1,500+ trustees overall. Nonpartisan trustees form the largest group of elected representatives in Montana, working to provide education to every person in the state to help them reach their full potential. These are locally elected, unpaid positions on boards with sizes ranging from three to 11 trustees. Elected school boards have been governing local schools in each community for nearly 160 years, dating back to the creation of Virginia City School District in January 1866, 24 years before Montana became the 41st state in the Union. Supervision and control of community schools have been entrusted to these elected school boards ever since.

 

Helena Public Schools acquires tech grant

Helena Public Schools was one of eleven districts chosen in the country to receive a $24,000 tech grant known as the American Federation of Teachers Innovation Fund Grant. This K-12 grant will impact all participating schools in the district. This upcoming school year, 12 teachers will be chosen to educate themselves and each other on emerging AI and tech that can be utilized for teaching purposes. They will then be able to utilize some of the grant money to invest in such tech and hope to continue this process in the following years. Kyla Owen, a kindergarten teacher at Broadwater Elementary, is the one who applied for the grant. She says that through her connections with the Headwaters Tech Hub, leaders there have suggested implementing more of this tech-related learning in the classroom.

 

Free breakfast and lunch for some students this school year

The entire student body of many schools in Flathead, Lake and Lincoln County school districts will be able to access free breakfast and lunch for the 2024-25 school year under the federally funded Community Eligibility Provision.  Families do not need to sign up or fill out paperwork to participate.  The following are the participating school districts in Flathead and Lincoln counties. All schools within these districts will serve free meals.  Columbia Falls School District, Eureka School District, Evergreen School District, Fortine School District, Fair-Mont-Egan School District, Helena Flats School District, Smith Valley School District, Kalispell Public Schools, Marion School District, Polson School District, Ronan School District, Swan River School District and Troy School District.

 

Loy Elementary School hosts 'back to school' fair

To help new military families who might be new to the area feel prepared for the upcoming school year, Great Falls Public School district hosts an annual military information fair. "As we have families that have moved in and are trying to get everything coordinated, it's really hard to go from school to school, especially if you have children at multiple levels. This allows people to see what services are available all in one spot," said Shanda Brown, principal at Loy Elementary School. Colette Getten, administrator at Skyline Early Learning Family Center, said this fair allows families to see and understand the tools available to navigate the Great Falls school district.

 

Kalispell Gears Up to Open Inaugural Charter Schools

As the academic year nears, Kalispell Public Schools (KPS) is preparing to open two charter schools, joining a handful of districts across the state who will pilot the state's first public charter program. Kalispell Rising Wolf Charter and Flathead PACE Academy Charter will open within Glacier High School and Flathead High School, respectively. The "school within a school" model will allow the district to leverage existing resources for the charter programs while, ideally, bringing in additional funding from the state. At Flathead PACE Academy, 10th, 11th and 12th grade students will be able to take their core courses in a flexible block schedule through a combination of in-person and online learning. PACE stands for "Personalized Academic and Career Exploration." The program seeks to give students the opportunity to fit internships, electives, work opportunities and International Baccalaureate courses into the school day. Rising Wolf Charter will also offer a block schedule model. Students will be able to take a variety of classes in a block schedule, meaning that many yearlong courses could be completed in one semester through a daily double period. Course offerings under the Rising Wolf block model will include biology, algebra, outdoor education, art and Western civilization.

 

Bozeman SRO team wins award

Peace officers assigned to ensure the safety of staff and students at Bozeman Public Schools were hailed for their efforts this month at a summit. The school resource officer team attended the Jeremy Bullock Safe Schools Summit in Butte from Aug. 6-7 and received the 2024 School resource Officer of the year award. "Handling an average of 230-260 calls monthly, they support students, families, and staff through various crises, including child abuse reports and high-level threats," reads a statement from Jeremy Bullock Safe Schools Summit. "Their proactive measures include student threat assessments, safety plans, and multi-agency preparation events. Their compassion, professionalism, and visibility make them invaluable to the district and Bozeman community." The combined Jeremy Bullock Memorial Trust and Charities Through Jeremy were established in memory of Jeremy Bullock in 1994 following his death at Margaret Leary Elementary School in Butte.

 

East Helena Public Schools' first student representative seeks to give classmates a voice

East Helena Public Schools swore in its first student representative on Aug. 12 after the idea of such representation was brought to the superintendent by a former high schooler. Brooke Harris, a 17-year-old senior at East Helena High School, was excited for her new role on the board of trustees in the school district, while keeping her composure knowing she was the first. "It feels good to be somebody that can make a change in the community and in the high school," Harris said. She said she wants to make sure other students' opinions are heard by the board, which is what made her interested in the position. Superintendent Dan Rispens said a former high school student approached him about the idea, so the board discussed it and ultimately approved the new policy.

 

Family donates daughter's wheelchairs to Great Falls schools

In the video above, Owen Skornik-Hayes reports on the family of Kathryn Lynn Hill, who passed away in April at the age of 19. Kathryn was born with GNA01, a genetic neurodevelopmental movement disorder. Kathryn graduated from Great Falls High School in February 2023 in a personal ceremony due to her medical circumstances. Now, her family has donated her two wheelchairs to Great Falls Public Schools.

 

The Big J Show Cares "Books for Kids" donation drive raises over $135K for SD2 students

In the Magic City, sponsors and members of the community recently united to support elementary students from twenty-one different schools in a special and educational way. For the third year now, The Big J Show Cares celebrated their "Books for Kids" donation drive. They raised over $135,000 to provide students with a new book every month of the school year. - That's nine books per year for over 7,500 young readers. Despite these impressive numbers, Justin Hutchinson, Director at The Big J Show Cares, said the organization hopes to help even more students in the near future.

 

An introduction to Montana's state trust lands

A trailhead off Mount Ellis Lane a few miles outside Bozeman may look like any other across Montana, but it's on a very particular class of public lands that are managed in a very specific way. The trailhead is located on what the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation calls the Bear Canyon Block, about 6,200 acres of state trust lands. "We have the absolute privilege of having these lands, especially close to an urban center like Bozeman, and taking care of them is absolutely our highest priority," said Kara Huyser, DNRC's Bozeman unit manager.

 

2024 Montana Early Childhood Tribal Language Summit "Passing on the Gift of Language: Multi-Generational Learning" Set for September 19-20 in Pablo

Tribal organizations, educators, Native language and culture advocates, elders, and individuals working in support of Native children and their families are invited to come together to share each other's work in teaching Native languages and cultures. Early childhood education is the foundation of the work, but the walls are built with passionate individuals from early childhood to the family, college/university, political, community level and beyond.  This event provides time and space to collectively share challenges and paths to success in Native language and culture acquisition. Educators from Montana early childhood programs, Tribal Colleges, immersion schools, and nationwide language advocates plan to discuss the best practices that help language and culture flourish within tribal communities.

 

Preparing students for the world of finance

For more than a decade, high school students in the eastern Hi-Line town of Saco have had to immerse themselves in lessons on debt management, budgeting and financial investing on their path to a diploma. What began as an elective course quickly morphed into a two-semester requirement for graduation, one that Saco Public Schools Superintendent Tanya Funk described as a perennial hit among students and parents alike. "Some students are lucky enough to come from a home where the parents take time to talk to their kids about these things and teach them, but a lot of our kids don't come from homes like that anymore," said Funk, who taught the course herself for years prior to becoming superintendent. "So the burden has kind of shifted to the school to create responsible consumers and to create students who can go out and be productive members of society and not get themselves so deep into debt that they can never get out."

 

A grand entrance - Glacier High School art students build truss for parking lot

People may have noticed a new feature to the Glacier High School campus, a truss over one of the main parking lot entrances designed and created by students.  The timber truss spans 43 feet and is 26 feet high at the peak. It features a metal sign and concrete footings with a mountainscape motif. Started in March and installed July 18, the truss is the culminating first-year project of Outdoor Art, a class taught by C.J. Cummings. In the class, students studied artists, materials and techniques intending to design a large-scale sculpture or structure. Then, students walked around campus thinking of ideas that would beautify or improve different spaces before coming up with designs and proposals.

 

Jeremy Bullock Safe Schools Summit honors award recipients

Advocates working to improve school safety across Montana have been honored for their efforts. The fifth annual Jeremy Bullock Safe Schools Summit came to an end on Wednesday at East Middle School in Butte, but not before a handful of awards were handed out. Havre High School assistant principal Jeremiah Nitz Received the Champion of School Safety Honor, Great Falls Public Schools Peer Mentoring Groups took home the Youth Safety Spotlight Award, and Scott McCormick and the Bozeman schools SRO team were named the School Resource Office of the Year.

 

Great Falls rallies for 'Stuff the Bus' to support kids with school essentials

The Great Falls community is gearing up to help students as they return to school. Kim Skornogoski, the Marketing Director of United Way of Cascade County, discussed their efforts to support children in need through "stuff the bus". This initiative involves the community gathering to collect school supplies and basic living essentials for local kids. Kim explained that the event collects classic school supplies like notebooks, pencils, crayons, and colored pencils. However, as education evolves, new supplies like earbuds are now essential so students can engage in individual learning on computers. The initiative also gathers basic necessities such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, toilet paper, and diapers. "We can make sure that every kid starts school ready to succeed," said Skornogoski.

 

Safe Schools Summit returns to Butte 30 years after Jeremy Bullock shooting

In the thirty years that have passed since 11-year-old Jeremy Bullock's tragic death, the mission of school safety has been an ever-present issue--but one that Montana parents and educators alike have never been more prepared to tackle, thanks to things like the Safe Schools Summit. Kate Stetzner, the principal at Margaret Leary Elementary who took the gun away after Bullock was shot and killed in 1994, says it best. "My child is going to school, and guess what, the number one thing I want?" Stetzner said. "I want them safe." That's what the Jeremy Bullock Safe Schools Summit sets out to do, using communication as the key tool to get parents and educators on the same page for keeping kids safe and secure, both physically and mentally.

 

Terry teacher among five educators to join MTHS Teacher Leader Program

Terry High School teacher Chris Dantic is among five educators from across Montana who are now "history missionaries" as part of the Teacher Leaders in Montana History Program. The other teachers include Vicky Nytes of Superior, Mary Zuchowski of Frazer, Heath Nordquist of Missoula and Kim Konen of Dillon. They're in addition to 11 existing history Teacher Leaders in Montana, who help write lesson plans, mentor teachers in best practices in history education and share Montana and Indian education-related resources with fellow educators. They do this in one-on-one sessions, as well as by presenting at regional and statewide conference presentations.

 

GFPS NURSE NAMED MONTANA SCHOOL NURSE OF THE YEAR

A nurse in Great Falls Public Schools has been named school nurse of the year. The Montana Association of School Nurses named Courtney George as the school nurse of the year for the 2023-2024 school year and she will be recognized at the National Association of School Nurses. Jackie Mainwaring, assistant superintendent, said that GFPS is the only AA district to have nurses in every school. She said the provide a range of services, beyond just bandaids. They provide basic health care for students in case of injury or acute illness; develop health plans for students with chronic illnesses and/or disabilities; educate students and staff on healthy habits; detect health problems early through regular screenings; update student medical histories; ensure safe school environment; and refer students to pediatricians or other health specialists; among other services.

 

Solar panels help save money for Helena schools

Over the past few weeks, 128 solar panels with a 30-year life span were installed at Bryant Elementary School. They were paid for with a $50,000 Northwest Energy E+ Renewable Energy Program grant, $20,000 from the Helena Sun Run, and $56,000 from Helena Public Schools' Building Reserve Fund. "Number one is the energy savings for the school district, but also we're being good stewards of taxpayers' money and we're also being good stewards of the environment," says Todd Verrill, Facilities Director for Helena Public Schools. The solar panels provide the school with up to 50 kilowatts of power. This alternative source of power will save the district about $500 per month, which over the 30-year life span of the solar panels will save the district nearly $200,000.

 

New Helena student reps want to promote a better understanding of their world

Helena Public Schools board of trustees newest representatives want to promote student mental health and give appreciation to teachers by being a voice for their fellow students. Seniors Adella Harris of Helena High School and Charles Snellman of Capital High School said they want to play a bigger role outside of student government to help the board and public have a better understanding of their world. Harris has been involved in student government since elementary school and was Central Elementary School president in the fourth grade. She went on to be a part of student government through middle school and into high school while participating in other clubs and activities. "I am a two-sport varsity athlete for my women's golf team and track and field team, student council president at Helena High School and I work at Touchmark as a dining room server," Harris said.

 

Back-to-school toys can help level up learning and brighten spirits

A variety of toys for youth have hit the market in recent months that could help kids get ready for the annual return to school. Examples include Snap Circuit's offerings, which teach kids elements of STEM education, or a stuffed toy that shows different faces, helping young people understand and express emotions. James Zahn, a senior editor with The Toy Insider, said it "teaches little ones how to express their emotions, which is so important, especially with the world we live in today."

 

Fairfield Schools receives tobacco prevention grant

Fairfield Public Schools was awarded a $5,000 grant from the Montana Tobacco Use Prevention Program of the Montana Office of Public Instruction. FHS was one of 14 districts in the state to receive a financial grant from OPI. Fairfield Superintendent Dustin Gordon said the district will use the grant for a variety of costs associated with tobacco and nicotine prevention, including: funding events and speakers, funding the district's teen tobacco prevention coalition and the red ribbon week promotion. Superintendent of Public Instruction Elsie Arntzen awarded the 14 Montana Tobacco Use Prevention grants, totaling $117,025 to Montana schools. The program provides funds to the Office of Public Instruction to provide grants to Montana schools for strategies to reduce youth tobacco use. Grant recipients were awarded up to $10,000 per school or up to $20,000 per school district to support student tobacco-use prevention strategies.

 

Safe Schools Summit to be held at East Middle School

National, regional, and state experts in school safety will gather Tuesday and Wednesday at East Middle School for the 5th annual Jeremy Bullock Safe Schools Summit. This year marks the 30th anniversary of Jeremy Bullock's tragic death, making this summit particularly poignant as it aims to honor his memory while advancing systemic approaches to school safety. The 11-year-old Bullock died April 13, 1994, one day after being shot on the Margaret Leary School playground. The two-day event will unite K-12 school superintendents and principals, counselors and mental health practitioners, teachers and school staff, school resource officers and school-based law enforcement, school safety teams, youth, and affiliated professionals. The focus will be on exploring and implementing comprehensive strategies that foster safer school environments.

July 2024 Great News 

Kapptie's Korner

Imagine a classroom bursting with chaos. A clown juggles in one corner, balloons twisting into improbable shapes. Students huddle in another, competing in a game of cornhole, beanbags flying through the air. Meanwhile, a student uses a giant whiteboard to broadcast messages, both kind and cruel, to the entire class. In the center, others pose for pictures, their cameras flashing like miniature lightning storms. The teacher, amidst this whirlwind, tries desperately to maintain focus and guide learning, but success seems like a distant dream. As we head towards Fair Week and Days of '85, I know a few things. I have never ridden a bull, never roped a calf, nor wrestled a steer. I can't imagine anyone putting me on a horse, handing me a rope, and telling me that once the gate opens, to grab my cell phone and figure it all out. Neither of these situations are going to end well, but they serve as a stark reminder of the potential distraction that cell phones can pose in the classroom or rodeo arena, especially for students at a developmental stage already prone to divided attention.

 

Laurel Public Schools provides lunches for kids out of school

Every year, starting in June, from 11 in the morning till 12:30 Monday through Friday, volunteers are ready to serve. Nutritious and delicious lunches for those under 18 at Nutting Park. Each day has a different menu and are -all completely free. The lunches span the summer months, and end in August as school begins to begin again. While these lunches are sponsored by Laurel Public Schools, they do accept cash and check monetary donations to help keep the program going.

 

West Valley campers explore the lunar landscape

Some West Valley students explored what it would take to turn the moon into a future home for astronauts through a mini-mission camp modeled after NASA's Artemis program.  West Valley School seventh-grade teacher Matt Honcoop said to think of the moon as the next International Space Station but creating more advanced systems to sustain life long-term.   "That's NASA's Artemis mission in a nutshell," he said. July 22 through 26, Honcoop and math teacher Laura Browning led the free camp inspired by the Artemis II mission for fifth- through eighth graders. According to NASA, the Artemis program seeks to advance scientific discovery and technology under the extreme temperatures and radiation of space to better prepare for manned missions to Mars. 

 

Billings student donates $45K to Senior High special needs program

On Wednesday, a recent Billings Senior High graduate donated $45,000 to the special needs program at his old school.  The funds came from Demetrios Salarais' nonprofit called Limitless Kids, which aims to bring better opportunities to special needs students in Yellowstone County. Salarais founded the organization as part of his senior project with the first goal focused on raising money for a multipurpose room at Senior High. The room will give special needs students the ability to practice important things like cooking, cleaning, and sewing. "We'll have a kitchen, and we'll have other utilities," Salarais said Wednesday. "All of it will hope to bring better opportunities for special needs students." Both Billings Skyview and West High already have one of these multipurpose kitchen areas, which is part of what motivated Salarais to work towards bringing one to his school.

 

Havre Public Schools' Russell receives Spirit of Montana Award

Havre Public Schools Special Services Director Cheryl Russell received a special award from the top elected official in the state while he was in Hill County recently. Gov. Greg Gianforte presented the Spirit of Montana award to Russell at Robins School Administration Building, giving the award in packed room. "We created an award, and you're the recipient and they're all here to celebrate you," Gianforte said to loud applause. Russell said after the presentation it came as a complete surprise. "It means a great deal to me," she said. "It's an incredible honor, and I am proud every day to serve our students, our families and our community. She added that she is privileged to work with the faculty, staff and administration of the Havre Public Schools district.

 

Montana schools will get more $744,000 more in federal funding to help low-income families

Superintendent Arntzen announced that 398 Montana school districts will receive over $72 million in federal Title funding for fiscal year 2025. This is an increase of $744,000 from the previous fiscal year. Federal Title funding is used to provide supplemental services to boost academic success in students who are: From low-income families, Homeless, Neglected and delinquent, English language learners, and Migrant. "Federal, state, and local tax dollars are precious," said Superintendent Elsie Arntzen. "The flexible use of these funds reflects the unique needs of our communities. Utilizing these federal dollars through local control strengthens the opportunity for all Montana students to achieve educational excellence."

 

Montana middle school educators invited to apply for QuantumGirls STEM program

Educators of middle school-aged girls are invited to apply for QuantumGirls, a new education and outreach project developed by Montana State University and the National Girls Collaborative Project. The program is supported by MSU's Applied Quantum CORE. Montana programs that operate outside of school time – such as after-school programs, museums, camps and clubs - are eligible to apply. The 10 programs or educators chosen will receive free virtual training on an engaging new science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM, curriculum designed for middle school girls ages 11-14. Selected sites will also receive virtual support to help implement the curriculum and a $150 stipend for program materials. No STEM background or prior knowledge of quantum science is required to lead or participate in the program.

 

Student project provides key component for new history museum exhibit

A train is on its way to the Northwest Montana History Museum in Kalispell.  Arrival time will be announced as the museum assembles crews together to design a new permanent exhibit - a model railroad and locomotive display highlighting the timber industry, namely Somer's Sawmill, the largest in the valley in the 1900s. The Great Northern Railway came to town to build an 11-mile railroad line to the sawmill. In return, the railroad was supplied with railroad ties. "It was a spur line that went from Somers up to Kalispell," museum volunteer curator Jane Renfrow said, with timber one of the first major commodities in the valley. "There was a timber famine going on in the rest of the United States."  The display will also include models of Kalispell's iconic historic buildings including Central School and the historic Flathead County Courthouse which recent Glacier High School graduate Brec Gibson designed as part of an internship through Kalispell Public School's work-based learning program.

 

County schools receive grant to support mental health assistances

A scholarship from a nonprofit education organization serving schools in Montana will help offset costs accrued by Richland County schools receiving mental health assistance. According to a statement released by the Richland County Health Department, the Coordinated School and Community Partnerships Scholarship was awarded by School Services of Montana. This scholarship is awarded through the organization's Safe and Healthy Schools Project, supported by a STOP School Violence grant award from the Bureau of Justice Assistance.  Through the Cook Center for Human Connections, a national organization which works to support children, families, and schools in eradicating suicide, as well as offering resources and support for those with mental health issues and their caregivers, a number of sessions - free and at cost - relating to mental health support will be available to parents and students in the area schools, explained Richland County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Tim Tharp. The purpose of the grant is "primarily to help offset some of the costs associated with the Cook Center," Tharp added. "It's kind of pricey, so it might be difficult for schools to find funding out of their general fund."

 

Harlem schools break ground on two new projects.

Harlem schools held a ground breaking ceremony this passed Thursday for two new projects in the district. The first is for an expansion to Harlem's Junior High / High Schools Cafeteria, which will also overhaul and replace their current kitchen facilities. The elementary school is starting construction on a new area for phys ed classes, including an updated gym. The current gym is not regulation size, and the new one will include locker rooms and bathrooms along with brand new bleachers. The spaces left over when these new areas are completed will be presupposed, according to the school. The current elementary school gym will be converted into a library, and the expansion of the Junior/Senior High Schools cafeteria will also include a remodel of the secretary’s office.

 

Regalia closet allows Billings students to check out cultural attire for Pow Wows and presentations

Pow wows are a way of life for many Montana Native Americans, but the regalia can often be cost-prohibitive. That's not the case though for Billings public school students, thanks to a partnership that's producing handmade cultural attire. Any given pow wow in Montana showcases multiple regalia styles, each matching a specific dance, each time-consuming and costly to make, some ranging into the thousands of dollars. Estimates are from $2,000 to $10,000 for each piece of regalia, with each taking 10 to 14 hours to hand-make. Volunteer clothing designer and Billings beading shop owner Lisa Hawley with 406 Native Roots is spending her 2024 making six styles of regalia in seven sizes to accommodate growing kids. That's 42 separate outfits including girls fancy dance and shawl, jingle, elk tooth, and boys fancy feather, grass and hot dance.

 

With federal money available, Montana aims to make schools more energy efficient

Later this summer, states will find out if they'll get millions of dollars to reduce planet-warming pollution. The money comes from the Inflation Reduction Act the Democrats and President Biden pushed through Congress two years ago. Earlier this year, states submitted plans for how to lower emissions, but every state has a different idea of what that looks like. In one conservative state, the plan is largely about schools. Here's Ellis Juhlin with Montana Public Radio. The high school in Big Sandy, Mont., was built in the 1930s and is in desperate need of upgrades to make it energy efficient, including a new boiler.

 

Power Schools receives MFU Foundation award

The Montana Farmers Union Foundation has awarded Power Schools with a $2,999 award that will be used on a butcher beef cut model. The MFU Foundation has awarded more than $33,000 in grants to 24 community projects centered on agriculture. "This year was harder than ever to select the grant awardees," MFU President Walter Schweitzer said. "For every grant we awarded there were two great projects that we were not able to fund. The word is out and I hope we can continue to grow our foundation to be able to fund more projects next year." In total, the MFU Foundation awarded $33,349 in July across 24 projects with more than 70 projects applying for funding. Grant recipients' projects advance the Foundation's mission to create new opportunities and contribute to the growth and enhancement of Montana agriculture and rural communities.

 

Operation School Supply accepts donations to help kids be ready to learn in Yellowstone County

United Way of Yellowstone County is collecting school supplies that will go directly to kids who need them for the upcoming school year in Yellowstone County. Operation School Supply will collect school supplies from direct donations that can be dropped off at UWYC's headquarters at 2173 Overland Ave or at any Mattress King store. We'll also be collecting from other participating businesses hosting employee supply drives and other organizations. Collection will run until Aug. 14, when we'll host a final drop-off day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. We'll then organize supplies into backpacks to be distributed to kids who need supplies, coordinating with Family Service and the Education Foundation for Billings Public Schools. On Aug. 19-21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., students and families can pick up the fully supplied backpacks at UWYC headquarters. Any additional supplies go to schools to supply students throughout the year.

 

Great Falls students can take three free college courses from University of Providence starting in the fall

High school students in Great Falls who are participating in one of the dual credit programs for the University of Providence will be able to take their first three college courses for free starting in the fall for the upcoming school year. Called the "Three-for-Free advantage," the opportunity aims to make college courses more accessible, according to a release from the university. Great Falls High School, Charles M. Russell High School, and Great Falls Central Catholic High School all participate in the dual credit program.

 

Kalispell and Columbia Falls get grants for ag programs

Kalispell and Columbia Falls schools will benefit from two grants awarded by the Montana Farmers Union Foundation for agriculture programs and projects. The H.E. Robinson Ag Education Center at Kalispell Public Schools received $750 to purchase a swather. A swather is a harvesting machine that cuts hay or grain crops, raking them into rows, called a windrow, for drying. Land to Hand Montana received a $2,500 grant to purchase training supplies for its Farm-to-School program that serves Columbia Falls School District students through projects including the Wildcat Garden and Fresh Snack Friday, which provides fresh produce for the Weekend Backpack Program.

 

Stuff the Bus raises money for students' school supplies

Stuff the Bus is back and taking donations to help hundreds of kids in Lewis and Clark County. "It's so important for students to start the first day of school on the same playing field as every other student. So, we're just trying to level the playing field for students so they have all the supplies and necessary items to do well in school," says The Angel Fund's Executive Director, Janet Riis. The Angel Fund's annual Stuff the Bus campaign is in its 18th year. The campaign brings hundreds of students in Lewis and Clark County school supplies to help them do well in school. "It's East Helena, Helena, Montana City, Lincoln, so kind of the Lewis and Clark area of public schools," says Riis.

 

Photo: Space camp under way at Bench Elementary

Students fly kites they made as science teachers Mike Walz and Desarae Detling hold Science Camp at Bench Elementary on Monday. The week long camp includes hands on building of kites, gliders, water rockets and Estes rockets.

 

Sew inspired - Flathead High student goes to nationals with repurposed sewing project

Flathead High School student Cassidy Hanson has a creative flair for her approach to sewing, baking and art projects. Recently she was the first FHS student to compete at the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America National Leadership Conference held in Seattle this year.  To win a spot at nationals, she first competed at the state level in March where she showcased her fashion and construction skills with an outfit made of repurposed clothes. 

 

Missoula hosts annual 'bus rodeo', teaching people how to drive buses

Every summer, Beach Transportation hosts their annual 'Bus Rodeo' in Missoula. The rodeo is free and open to the public, with CDL trainers around to help people get behind the wheel of a school bus in a safe environment, according to the web page on Beach Transportation's website. "Ever wondered what it might be like to drive a school bus? It might look big, but honestly it's no big deal," the webpage reads. Missoula County Public Schools has already hired 10 new bus drivers to start this fall semester, but they are looking to hire 10 more.

 

Corvallis teen receives 2024 Serve Montana Award

Corvallis High School junior Morgan Bisel was recently honored as a 2024 Serve Montana Award recipient. Bisel was presented with the award on Friday, June 21, in Helena by Lt. Gov. Kristen Juras and the Governor's Office of Community Service. She is the only Montanan under age 18 to receive the award. Bisel said the award focused on her Morgan Bisel's Helping Hands project. The project is two-fold; gathering warm clothing and blankets for the community in the winter, which she started at age 11, and collecting food for Haven House Food Bank in the summer, which she started three years ago.  "I didn't know that is a thing," Bisel said. "It is so cool that there are so many parts of the government. I'm thrilled to know there is a branch in the governor's office just for community service."

Lewistown school district approves lease for skill training program

The Lewistown Public Schools Board of Trustees approved a building lease agreement to allow local manufacturer Allied Steel to use the Central Montana Education Center's shop building for a "rapid skill development" training program at a special meeting Wednesday evening. According to the terms of the lease, the district gave permission for Allied Steel to install electrical service and air particulate mitigation systems, along with "equipment sufficient to power and service welders and the byproduct smoke" in the roughly 5,900 square foot shop building. Those upgrades will allow adult learners to learn trade skills through a three to six week program.

Kalispell Public Schools gets grant to help homeless students

Kalispell Public Schools has received a $98,000 grant to identify and help homeless students stay on track in their education. The Office of Public Instruction distributed $424,800 total in reallocated funds from the American Rescue Plan Homeless Children and Youth program through the U.S. Department of Education to 12 Montana school districts. School districts may use the funds to support homeless students by providing comprehensive wraparound services due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and assistance to enable homeless youth to attend school activities such as in-person instruction, spring and summer learning programs, and enrichment programs. In Kalispell Public Schools, 136 K-8 students were identified as homeless under the federal McKinney–Vento Homeless Assistance Act in 2022-23, according to the latest data collected by the state. Another 125 high school students were identified as homeless.

June 2024 Great News

Corvallis educator named Montana History Teacher of the Year

The Montana Historical Society has selected Corvallis Middle School seventh-grade social studies teacher Jenifer Powell as the 2024 Centennial Bell Montana History Teacher of the Year. Powell has "demonstrated an exceptional dedication to teaching and a profound passion for imparting knowledge of the history of Montana to her students," the Montana Historical Society said in a written statement. In an interview on Friday, Powell said teaching history is valuable. "Kids need to study history and culture, so they know their roots," she said. "I want them to know where we all came from and the path we all took to get here. We study history to learn from our mistakes, so we don't make the same mistakes. I want them to know their heritage, background and how we came to be who we are."

Kalispell Public Schools gets grant to help homeless students

Kalispell Public Schools has received a $98,000 grant to identify and help homeless students stay on track in their education. The Office of Public Instruction distributed $424,800 total in reallocated funds from the American Rescue Plan Homeless Children and Youth program through the U.S. Department of Education to 12 Montana school districts. School districts may use the funds to support homeless students by providing comprehensive wraparound services due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and assistance to enable homeless youth to attend school activities such as in-person instruction, spring and summer learning programs, and enrichment programs.

Corvallis educator named Montana History Teacher of the Year

The Montana Historical Society has selected Corvallis Middle School seventh-grade social studies teacher Jenifer Powell as the 2024 Centennial Bell Montana History Teacher of the Year. Powell has "demonstrated an exceptional dedication to teaching and a profound passion for imparting knowledge of the history of Montana to her students," the Montana Historical Society said in a written statement.

Glacier High School grads receive Montana seal of Biliteracy

Twenty recent Glacier High School graduates received the Montana Gold Seal of Biliteracy during their senior year, recognizing their proficiency in two or more languages. Recipients received gold diploma seals in Spanish, French, German, and American Sign Language. Recipient Abby Sneeden received two seals in French and Spanish and was honored at the International Languages Recognition ceremony in April to receive pins bearing the official seal from the Montana Board of Public Education. French seal recipients also include - Ethan Grant, Quindy Gronley, Tyla Nelson, Hunter Snyder.

Junior high wraps up year with 8th grade awards

Kamry Young was named most outstanding eighth grader during the junior high's year-end awards ceremony last week. She also was recognized in several other categories as well.

Making Their Mark: Art students, instructor complete three murals beautifying Glendive this summer

Dawson County High School art students, past and present, and their instructor Charity Schreibeis finished the final of three summer break mural projects last week with a stunning outdoor scene welcoming visitors to Glendive. A group of about eight artists completed the mural on the east wall of the Glendive Pawn building in West Glendive on Thursday. This summer, DCHS artists also painted the building at the entrance of the Glendive Girls Softball Association complex and completed the triple mural on the side of The Attic in downtown Glendive. The Attic murals feature logos from DCHS art shows.

'We've been wanting this': Tester announces $10.2M grant for Valley Drive in East Helena

Valley Drive running past East Helena High School and Highland Meadows Subdivision will be widened and redone after a $10.2 million federal grant was awarded to East Helena, Sen. Jon Tester announced Friday. The crowd of engineers, Helena-Area Habitat for Humanity representatives and local government employees burst into whoops and applause when Tester broke the news. It was a welcome surprise to most in the room, who had only heard the Montana Democrat was going to announce something about housing. "This is a super exciting day for East Helena," East Helena Public Schools Superintendent Dan Rispens said at the press conference, which was held at the high school.

DBPS welcomes UM, MSU students

Dutton/Brady Public Schools hosted students from the University of Montana in Missoula and Montana State University in Bozeman for part of the universities' Rural Mental Health Preparation and Practice Pathway (RMHP3) grant. According to the MSU website, RMHP3 focuses on recruiting and retaining qualified mental health professionals in rural areas because of below average numbers.

 

Starting teacher pay $9K higher in Montana than national report, state says

The Office of Public Instruction bungled a key program to boost starting teacher pay, and the number of districts using it recently fell by nearly half, according to a report Thursday to a legislative committee. One problem is that a hard deadline in state law means it would be nearly impossible to make adjustments now given the fiscal year concludes in about a week, according to OPI.

 

Private ranch gifts $500k to Shields Valley schools

Crazy Mountain Ranch donated $500,000 to Shields Valley Public Schools to support a facilities improvement project. The project calls for the remodel and modernization of school facilities and would create space for more students. The gift is contingent on a school bond initiative that will go to voters early next year.

 

Great Falls Public Schools hold annual book giveaway

GREAT FALLS, Mont. - Calling all book worms in the Great Falls area, the Great Falls Public School District is holding their annual book give away on June 19 and 20, 2024. 

It is all books and curriculum that is out of date, obsolete, or no longer needed for reference material within the district. 

 

Gengers reflect on experience in education, look forward to retirement

Husband and wife Tres and Barb Genger will retire from their respective positions in the Cut Bank School District at the end of the 2023-2024 school year. Tres, retiring as principal of Cut Bank High School, began his teaching career at Box Elder in 1977. He comes from a family with many educators, and believes teaching "must be genetic." Barb is retiring from her position as a math teacher at Cut Bank High School. She had also served as an assistant girls' basketball coach for four years and the head volleyball coach for two years.  The duo plans to move to Columbia Falls and are excited to have more time to spend with their grandkids. Barb plans to fill her days with outdoor activities like golfing, hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Tres has plans to restore an old pickup truck and is considering becoming a substitute teacher to stay in touch with the younger generations.

24 seniors graduates with Plains' class of 2024

Twenty-four students from Plains High School received their diplomas Sunday afternoon, including a Vietnam veteran. The graduation ceremony started off with the Plains VFW Post 3596 color guards, accompanied by a rendition of the national anthem sung by student Abigail Wessley.  This year's salutatorian address was delivered by Peyton Wasson, who gave an inspiring speech. "Some of us want to become entrepreneurs, or pilots, or electricians, teachers, engineers, and some of us have absolutely no idea what to do after today," Wasson said.  "Wherever we all end up, I am proud of us all for making it to today." 

Hardin High School Award Ceremony

Some of the graduating class of 2024 at their award ceremony at Hardin High School. 

Troy Public Schools gets grant to keep kids fed during summer

The Troy Public School District is among the organizations who will receive $75,000 from No Kid Hungry to help ensure Montana kids get the food they need to grow and thrive this summer. For kids who receive school meals, the summer months can be the hungriest time of year. But this year promises to be different, thanks to newly expanded guidelines that will give school districts and community organizations the flexibility to offer non-congregate meal service in many more rural communities. To support the rollout of this effort, No Kid Hungry Montana recently announced $75,000 in grants to help eight organizations across the state reach even more kids with summer meals.

Middle school lists May students of the month

Havre Middle School's Sixth-Grade Student of the Month for May is Ivan Whiteman-Grant. Ivan is the son of Brueshana and Sunny Whiteman-Grant. He has two siblings, Ely and Brityn Whiteman-Grant. Ivan plays the trumpet in the middle school band. Outside of school, he is involved in track. In his free time, Ivan likes to play video games and spend time with his family. In the classroom, Ivan is a hard worker who excels in his academics. He is driven to do his best and challenges himself to do more. These attributes make him stand out as a respectable student at HMS. In the future, Ivan plans to attend college and become a doctor. May's Seventh-Grade Student of the Month at HMS is Tabitha Mocko. Tabitha is the daughter of Mik and Samantha Mocko. She has five siblings. 

Heart Butte School District welcomes a new superintendent

After a trying year, the Heart Butte School District will have a new leader. Nestled beneath the Rocky Mountain Front, Heart Butte anchors the southern end of the Blackfeet Reservation. The town is home to 621 people, about one-third of whom attend or work at the school district. In January, an audit revealed the school faced $2.5 million in debt. The superintendent, caught in a scandal, was put on leave. And the board laid off 30 employees to cut costs. Classes were disrupted. Students didn't laugh or joke with each other in the hallways. Work piled up for administrators. Teachers didn't know if they'd have a job by the end of the week, let alone the end of the school year. Nevertheless, four months after the audit hit, Interim Superintendent Greg Upham told Lee Montana the Heart Butte budget had been stabilized and the school would remain open in the fall. In May, he said the school had hired two new leaders - Marcy Cobell will be the next superintendent, and Christy Day Chief will serve as principal. 

Reading Rocks is back again this summer to promote reading among kids!

The Reading Rocks program is back again this summer to promote reading and literacy among children during the summer months. Hosted by the Education Foundation for Billings Public Schools, the Reading Rocks program offers seven weeks of free books, storytelling, and mentored reading to kids with the goal of keeping their reading skills strong during summer break. Shelley Pierce, the Development and Community Relations Manager with the Education Foundation, said that the program has had a great impact over kids since it first began in 2008.  

Montana State science summer camp is teaching middle school students about more than just science

Something's slithering on the Montana State University campus as the school's Explore Earth & Space Science Camp marks its return. "Are you excited about the reptiles in there?" I asked Talon, a 7th grader from the Flathead reservation. He told me, "I am, actually. I'm excited to learn about them, how they live. I never knew about that". Talon is one of the many students participating in this year's five-day summer camp. "What made me want to come to this camp is the awesome opportunities that they give. The teachers give us opportunities that I've never really had at school," says Talon. The goal of this camp is to encourage middle school students to learn more about science, technology, engineering, and math in a fun way.

12 Montana school districts to receive grant funding.

Superintendent Elsie Arntzen announced that 12 Montana school districts will receive $424,800 in reallocated funds from the American Rescue Plan Homeless Children and Youth (ARP-HCY) program. The Office of Public Instruction says districts across Montana will receive funds to provide services to over 1,000 homeless students, with the stated goal of helping them stay on track with their educational goals and aspirations. According to The 2023 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report (AHAR) to Congress, by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, about 11% of Montana's homeless population consists of unaccompanied youth. 

Grants will fund to-go summer lunches for kids

National nonprofit No Kid Hungry is giving $75,000 to local organizations that can deliver meals to kids. The nonprofit's Montana manager, Brianna Guerrero, says new federal regulations now allow families to take summer meals to-go "Some of these schools have kids coming from 40, 50 miles away in really rural areas," Guerrero said. There's no way those kids could come Monday through Friday, sit down and eat and then go home," Guerrero said. Eight Montana schools and nonprofits received grants to feed kids this summer. Grants range from $5,000 to $15,000. Districts in Helena, Polson, Power, Somers, Stanford and Troy are among the recipients, as are nonprofits based in Butte and the Flathead Valley. Another summer food assistance program has been delayed. 

Free summer meals available for children and teens

Free meals are available to youths 18 and under in Flathead County over the summer months when school is not in session. Meals will be served at schools, parks and other locations in Evergreen, Kalispell, Somers-Lakeside and Whitefish starting June 17. Columbia Falls locations have already started serving meals. No registration, proof of income or identification is required to participate at any location and all youths are welcome to participate at any site. The Summer Food Service Program works to ensure that youth from low-income families and neighborhoods get nutritious meals when school is on summer break. The school district receives federal and state reimbursement for the number of meals served. Somers-School District also received grant funding from No Kid Hungry, a national program run by nonprofit Share Our Strength.

Lewistown Public Schools celebrates growth in music program

A year ago, Lewistown Public Schools adopted a new music curriculum and, already, it appears the renewed investment in the program is paying dividends. "With changes, I always feel it's a few years down the road between any changes and results," said FHS Band Director Chase Auger. "There's a lot of excitement that we're already seeing results." Those results were on full display this spring, with LPS hosting nine performances across the months of March and April alone. In addition, 55 LPS students qualifyied to perform at the state music festival this spring. Of the district's 21 ensembles that competed at state music, 17 earned a "superior" rating.

Billings' free summer lunch program starts Wednesday

Billings Public Schools and Sodexo will host the children's free summer lunch program every weekday of summer starting on Wednesday, providing lunches across the city at local parks and school buildings. The program will start on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at Castle Rock Park, Central Park, Hawthorne Park, North Park, Pioneer Park and Veterans Park, according to the Facebook post by RiverStone Health. Lunch will also be available at Medicine Crow School, Orchard School and Lewis & Clark School. The meal program will continue every weekday through August 16, 2024, excluding July 4 and 5. Everyone who is 18 years old or younger will receive one free meal from the service every day, and adults can purchase a meal for $5.25. 

'I loved all of it': Helena High School principal retires after 35 years in public education

Helena High School's principal has called it quits at the school after serving for 35 years in public education, but he isn't ready to retire fully just yet. Steve Thennis, 58, said he didn't feel like the retirement had set in yet because he will be busy until the end of the month helping the school plan for different situations due to the levy failures in May. He will also be helping Brian Kessler, the newly appointed principal, transition into the position "as much as he can." Thennis said he was already missing hanging out with his students as he sat in his office with a desk covered in papers. 

Seeley grad headed to UM for environmental studies, documentary majors

With an impressive handful of extracurriculars under her belt, Seeley-Swan High School graduate Hattie Batchelder is headed to UM this fall to pursue environmental studies and documentary film. Batchelder, raised in Seeley Lake, capped off her time at the high school as she graduated alongside 20 of her peers last weekend.

 

Epilepsy does not deter Sentinel High grad from receiving diploma with honors

Josie Allred wouldn't say she loves school, but she likes it a lot. The learning part, specifically. "I feel like sometimes even when I was in like junior, sophomore, freshman year, I would dread going," Allred said. "It's just, I didn't learn how important school is until I actually was unable to go to school."

 

Eight Montana schools getting federal money for clean buses

Eight school districts across Montana were awarded $5.49 million in federal dollars to buy clean school buses, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced recently. The money comes from the EPA's Clean School Bus Program rebate competition, and is getting parceled out to schools to purchase clean buses in an effort to transition more school transportation services to zero-emission.

Belgrade student orchestra performing at 80th anniversary of D-Day in France

Belgrade's student orchestra has traveled to Normandy, France, and will perform as part of events commemorating the 80th Anniversary of the June 6 D-Day invasion during World War II. The local school orchestra - which is made up of middle school and high school students - will perform at Normandy and raised approximately $100,000 for the trip.

Billings students transform prejudice into pride

Ysabelle Ruiz told classmates that her name was Bella Smith.

That was just easier. It was easier not to explain the spelling of her name (yes, it begins with a Y, followed by an S). It helped avoid conversations about the last name Ruiz, too. Those things often led to a conversation about her Mexican heritage and some of the associated hostility that goes along with that. And her experiences weren't so different than those of her fellow students who gathered before the unveiling ceremony at Billings' South Park on Saturday.

 

Field school introduces Crow students to prairie ecosystem

Racing ahead of his fellow students, Jeremyah Kindness began running around the prairie dog burrow, arms outstretched as if he were an owl circling in to capture one of the large rodents.

Ripple leads students in collecting approximately 200 bags of trash around Butte

Ripple: The Center for Education and Ecosystem Studies led students at Butte schools in picking up trash around the city in late May and early June. More than 520 students participated in the cleanup. They collected 194 bags of trash. Participating schools included: West Elementary, Butte High Career Center, Butte Central Elementary, Margaret Leary, Emerson Elementary, East Middle School, Kennedy, and Whittier Elementary.

Helena Public Schools free meal program starts next week

Now that it is June, it is officially summer, and Helena Public Schools is starting its free summer meal program next week. "There's nothing worse than the last day of school and a kid comes up to you [and] says, 'what am I going to eat tomorrow?' There's nothing worse, it's like 'oh my gosh.' That's why I get the program going as soon as I can. We stop school Thursday; I give my team one day to get prepped for Monday, and we start feeding kids on Monday," said HPS Food Service Director Robert Worthy. All children ages one to 18 can receive the free meals regardless of income.

DEQ recognizes 10 Montana schools for energy efficiency and waste reduction work

The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) recently recognized 10 Montana schools as the winners of the 2023-2024 SMART Schools Challenge. Each school will receive a $2,000 award to support their ongoing efforts.  SMART (which stands for "Saving Money and Resources Today") Schools is a friendly competition to encourage Montana's K-12 schools to integrate lessons and projects relating to resource conservation, efficiency and healthy schools into existing curricula. 

How Dutton schools solved their teacher shortage: by opening a daycare

This school year, Montana, a state with fewer than 8,000 teachers, had 1,000 unfilled teaching positions. Meanwhile, Dutton-Brady Public Schools, a rural district about an hour from the Canadian border, easily filled its three vacancies. Administrators credit a blue-hued room strewn with toys and highchairs: Little Diamondbacks Daycare, which is located inside the district's K-12 school, steps from the cafeteria and the library. On a chilly Monday morning, children were trying on costumes, riding rocking horses and enjoying a rowdy game of musical chairs.  Eight-month-old Rowan watched the action from the arms of a staffer. Rowan's mother, Jessica Toner, is a rookie teacher who heads the third-and-fourth-grade classroom down the hall. Though Toner was offered four higher-paying positions in Great Falls, where she lives, she could neither find nor afford decent child care. "I called probably 15 different daycares," she said, but they either didn't have openings or were too expensive. "It was a nightmare."

'Mad scientist?': Townsend middle schooler gets DEQ involved after science fair project presentation

A poster board, two containers, knowledge and curiosity were all a sixth grade student needed to gain state agency attention after he presented his science fair project at his school that included a look at arsenic levels in the water. In March, Townsend Middle School student Isaiah Lowry decided to create a science fair project around the importance of water testing. This went hand in hand with his original hypothesis of whether rocks, sand and filter paper made better filtration than just filter paper alone. In a report by the Broadwater County-based newspaper MT43, Julie Lowry Sheridan, Isaiah's mother, she said she spoke with a chemist at the state of Montana environmental laboratory in Helena. The chemist recommended Isaiah add the importance of water testing to his project by testing the school's drinking water for lead.

'Mad scientist?': Townsend middle schooler gets DEQ involved after science fair project presentation

A poster board, two containers, knowledge and curiosity were all a sixth grade student needed to gain state agency attention after he presented his science fair project at his school that included a look at arsenic levels in the water. In March, Townsend Middle School student Isaiah Lowry decided to create a science fair project around the importance of water testing. This went hand in hand with his original hypothesis of whether rocks, sand and filter paper made better filtration than just filter paper alone. In a report by the Broadwater County-based newspaper MT43, Julie Lowry Sheridan, Isaiah's mother, she said she spoke with a chemist at the state of Montana environmental laboratory in Helena. The chemist recommended Isaiah add the importance of water testing to his project by testing the school's drinking water for lead. 

PAL celebrates the graduation of students

Thirty-three PAL graduating high school seniors were celebrated on Friday by family, friends, classmates, and teachers. The graduation took place at Helena Middle School. This graduation kicked off the other commencement ceremonies happening this weekend for Helena High, Capital High, and East Helena. PAL (Project for Alternative Learning) is an alternative high school education program. It is a path to help students who may struggle with a traditional high school education or environment to get their diploma, start a career, or pursue a college education.

Billings' new superintendent reflects on school year as summer break begins

School is officially out for summer in Billings and kids ran out of the school buildings on their last day, eager to begin their summer vacations. Fifth grade students at Boulder Elementary School hi-five younger students as the students exit the school for the last time on the last day of school for School District 2 on Friday, May 31. The 2024-2025 School District 2 academic year will begin for all K-12 students on Wednesday, Sept. 4. The end of the school year also marks the completion of Erwin Garcia's first full school year as superintendent for Billings Public Schools. In reflection, Garcia considered the year a success. Many accomplishments were made during his first year at the helm of the district, he said, and he looks forward to meeting the challenges to come, to make BPS the best in the state.  "Overall, it was a very successful year," Garcia said. "I want to continue serving the community. I know right now we are increasing the quality of education overall and I want to continue in that direction." 

Great Falls and CMR high schools conduct graduation ceremonies

On Saturday, June 1, 2024, CMR High School's graduating class received their diplomas at the Pacific Steel & Recycling Arena at the Montana ExpoPark. "I hope all of us here today continue to strive to succeed, embodying our CMR spirit as we look back on our time together," said AJ Wells, the CMR student body president. 276 graduates walked across the stage and celebrated their achievements. The DuFresne Foundation Award was given to the late Jamie Williams, who passed away from cancer in May. The Golden Flame Award was given to Shyrae Yellow Owl, who maintained a 3.95 GPA and will go on to study neuroscience at Dartmouth College.

GFPS' CORE SCHOOL FILLING UP AFTER STUDENT LOTTERY

The Great Falls Public Schools' new charter school is on track to open in the fall. After the lottery for seats at the new CORE School, which is at Morningside Elementary, kindergarten is full. Jackie Mainwaring, assistant superintendent, told The Electric that there were more applicants that projected available seats for some of the other grades. First grade was full.

Havre High School Graduation; Principal Kraske: "They've earned it"

Havre High School's graduation ceremony is set to take place on June 1st. New Media Broadcasters spoke with Dustin Kraske, Principal of Havre High School, to get his comments on the upcoming celebration. "Yeah we're really excited to have commencement this coming Saturday, the first of June at Blue Pony Stadium at 2 o'clock in the afternoon. We have a wonderful senior class that has earned it, so we're looking forward to that. If the weather folks are all accurate it's going to be a beautiful day so it's going to be fun." This years commencement speaker will be School Resource Officer Tanner Donovan, chosen by the graduating class themselves.

Box Elder's MacDonald Says Farewell to Hometown

Box Elder Public Schools has wrapped up the 2023-24 school year. With that, it was a soft goodbye to school superintendent and high school basketball coach Jeremy MacDonald. The 1997 graduate of his alma mater, amongst other prestigious diplomas he holds, will be moving to Michigan, where his wife Julie is from. He will be pursuing other opportunities in a school district for that state as well as coaching on the side. MacDonald has had a prestigious coaching career with the Bears. His accolades include three MHSA State Class 'C' titles, most recently coaching his Box Elder boys to another perfect season in 2023-24. Along the way, he told New Media Broadcasters that his success was his community's success.

Bozeman Public Schools awarded $2M for electric school buses

The United States Environmental Protection Agency awarded the Bozeman School District and its contractor First Student $2 million Wednesday to purchase new electric school buses and chargers, according to a press release. The award comes from the EPA's Clean School Bus Program, which is designed to accelerate the deployment of electric school buses across the U.S., the release stated. The district has applied for similar awards in the past, according to Executive Director of Business Operations Mike Waterman, but this was the first year that it won the award.

Darby High School senior spotlight: Sierra Reed

Darby High School has chosen to highlight graduating senior Sierra Reed. Reed has attended school in Darby since preschool, experiencing ups and downs along the way. Through her own grit, determination and personal resilience, she is now second in her class. "It's a tight community, it is small, and the teachers stay the same for the most part," Reed said. "I TA [Teacher Assistant] in the elementary school and the teachers remember me. It is like a family. The teachers know everybody, and you get a lot of one-on-one help. It's nice." Her favorite subjects are English and science. She has joined almost every club at DHS and competed in volleyball, basketball and track.

Corvallis High School senior spotlight: Abigail Buoy

Corvallis High School has chosen to highlight Abigail Buoy. Principal Cammie Knapp said Buoy is active in her education and development. "She has worked as one of our representatives on the Bitterroot Health Junior Board of Directors, participated in our American Legion contest and received funds for her essay, and participated in community service this year with our school calendar," Knapp said. Abigail Buoy has attended Corvallis schools for 13 years and plans on going into a career in nursing. Buoy has attended Corvallis schools since kindergarten, for 13 years, mostly with the same classmates. "It's really funny because sometimes people move and come back years later and it is fun to re-connect," Buoy said. "Not everyone stays but a lot of them do, so I'm really close to a lot of kids in my grade. I love the people here. I'm close with the teachers and they do a lot to help us out. Here everyone looks out for each other and wants to help each other."

Florence-Carlton High School senior spotlight: Hailey Sutton

Florence-Carlton High School has chosen to highlight graduating senior Hailey Sutton. Principal Scott March said Sutton always works hard and always has a smile on her face. "We really love your passion," March said. "You're always bringing in your brother and always have a positive attitude." He said Sutton is involved in a lot of activities - she is a state champion wrestler, participates in FFA and 4-H and plays right field on the softball team. Florence-Carlton High School Senior Hailey Sutton is a state champion wrestler with a goal of becoming a large animal veterinarian. Sutton said she moved to Florence and started attending school there her sixth-grade year. Her favorite subject is English. "I like writing and reading, and my English teachers have been really great," she said.

'Job well done': Capital High School graduates are ready for the future

Capital High School graduates celebrated the conclusion of their high school stories on Saturday with thrown caps filling the air. The 295 graduates wearing brown-and gold caps and gowns walked toward their seats in the middle of the Carroll College PE Center and were met with rounds of applause, speeches and tears. There were 38 valedictorians and six salutatorians during the high school's 49th annual culmination. Speeches talked about why graduates should appreciate the aspect of time because it goes by all too fast. Capital graduates were represented by three student speakers who talked about that topic. Grace Mattern, Zoe Schneider and Lilly Rippingale told attendees they learned about inclusion through their years in high school and told their fellow graduates to be fulfilled and happy in their future lives.

'You Are My Sunshine': Helena High School graduates receive diplomas

Helena High School graduates showed their appreciation for their time at the school through speeches and applause as they walked across the stage Saturday, concluding their high school journey. The 205 graduates received applause from the crowd during a ceremony at Carroll College, but also continued a tradition by principal Steve Thennis where he lead attendees in singing "You Are My Sunshine" for the final time. The ceremony also had 19 valedictorians and six salutatorians. Thennis and assistant principal Willie Schlepp are retiring, so graduates placed leis around their necks when they walked across the stage and received diplomas. 

East Helena High School graduates complete milestone in their journey

East Helena High School graduates walked across the stage Friday in the school gym and tossed their caps in the air as they completed their high school journey and move onto their next chapter. The 96 graduates all had various passions and paths, but some have already started on their desired paths. Graduate Jordynn Nye was recognized as a magna cum laude, which means she had between a 3.5 GPA and 3.9 GPA in high school. She aspires to go to paramedic school and has already started on the education portion of her career.

PHOTOS: Flathead and Glacier class of 2024 graduation ceremonies

Photos from Flathead and Glacier high schools' class of 2024 graduation ceremonies on Friday, May 31 and Saturday, June 1.

Glacier High School grad finds the sweetness in life despite chronic illness

Glacier High School's Andrea Chandler lives each day embracing what energy and mobility her body provides to move toward achieving her aspirations and ambitions while living with chronic illness. Throughout high school, the soon-to-be graduate has found the spice of life in the theater, culinary arts and French horn. In theater, Chandler recalled landing her first lead role as Madeline in "Madeline's Christmas" at 8 years old.

Big Sky grad hopes to make difference in courtroom

Sienna Helms has been captivated with court cases ever since she could remember. While some of Missoula's graduating seniors are still figuring out their next steps, Helms has her sights on the law and helping victims of crimes.  "I've always loved looking into crime and how people deal with it and reading what verdicts are," Helms said. "I've always loved watching court cases and hearing about them." Helms graduated from Big Sky High School on Saturday. Sienna Helms, who graduated from Big Sky High School on Saturday, June 1, 2024, plans to attend the University of Montana this fall to study criminology and sociology.  Her time at Big Sky started with mask mandates and Zoom classes, but she said support from her teachers and classmates made her school experience unbeatable. Helms was born and raised in Missoula. She attended Target Range School from kindergarten through eighth grade. The pandemic arrived in her last year of middle school, making the jump to high school daunting.

Nearly 900 MCPS students graduate

"You'll never know your limits until you find them," said Justin Angle, University of Montana business professor. "And they're generally well beyond what you expect." It's a message Angle wanted to drive home to Hellgate High School's 308 seniors walking across the stage at the Adams Center. Angle was the keynote speaker for one of three Missoula County Public Schools graduation ceremonies hosted at the Adam's Center on Saturday.  MCPS staff, along with families and friends of graduates, watched Hellgate, Big Sky and Sentinel High School students accept their diplomas.   Angle encouraged Hellgate's fresh graduates to build skills that will continue to propel them upwind, like taking hard classes, learning how to deal with conflict and being curious as they navigate the world. Staying upwind means staying on top of getting things done, Angle said, but also trying things you're not sure you can do.

 

May 2024 Great News

Whitehall 5th Grade Wax Museum

The Whitehall fifth graders put on a Wax Museum on Thursday, May 23rd, in the Tia Kober Gym. Attendees were invited to travel around the room, pressing the button of the historical figure to see them come to life.

 

Musical and acting talents showcased at Valier Schools spring concert and reader's theater

Parents and community members enjoyed an evening of entertainment Tuesday night as Valier students showcased their performing talents in music and theatrics. Elementary classes first offered up some laughs through reader's theater acts that were then followed by choir and band numbers from all grades.

 

Reed Point art students beautify town with murals

Jessica Haldenwanger, the art teacher at Reed Point, began looking to start this project last May but had difficulties finding where to get the permit from. "It was very quick when I was in the right place," Haldenwanger said. "But the state websites sure didn't make it easy."

 

AWESOME ADVENTURE

Thompson Falls first-grade students traveled all over town last week for their annual scavenger hunt. The day started with a field trip to the Thompson Falls Airport (above). Pilots Dan Schulz, Dan Normandeau and Bob Rice talked to the class about flying, showed off their airplanes and a flight simulator.

 

Plains graduate is last Paradise student

High school graduation was a historical event for the 24 students who received their diplomas from Plains High School last week, but it was also a different kind of history for graduate Brenden Vanderwall. The 17-year-old Vanderwall is the last student that left Paradise Elementary School before it closed its doors in 2013, when he was merely a first grade student. His older brother, Josiah, attended Paradise School from kindergarten to sixth grade, and older brother Conrad went through the school from kindergarten to fifth grade, but both have already graduated from Plains High School.

 

T. Falls students dive into poetry

The Thompson Falls fourth graders were treated to a poetry writing coach from Missoula during a 12-week session. Alicia Watkinson from the Missoula Writing Collaborative came to the school each week to teach students about poetry and coach them in their writing experiences. This is the first year that teachers Sarah Naegeli and Amy Gilbert have had the opportunity for a professional poet to spend time with their students teaching them the art of writing poetry.

 

Columbia Falls Senior Profile: Helland sets her sights on music and the skies

It all started with a tuba back in sixth grade. Lotus Helland was enamored by her music teacher's ability to play the sousaphone - she decided a tuba would be good enough for her.

 

Columbia Falls senior profile: For Soyland, the mountains are calling

The summer between his sophomore and junior year at Columbia Falls High School, Anders Soyland figures he climbed about 40 peaks in Glacier National Park.

 

Superintendent Arntzen presents WMS with Purple Star School award

Montana Superintendent of Public Instruction Elsie Arntzen attended the Glendive Unified School Board meeting earlier this month to present Washington Middle School officials with the Purple Star School award.

 

Area Students Achieve Superior Rating At State Music Festival

After achieving the highest rating of Superior during the District 12/13 Music Festival in Culbertson at the end of April, vocal and band students from Glasgow, Lustre, Hinsdale and Nashua School traveled to Billings at the beginning of May.

 

Ice Cream Day

Mrs. Varner's second graders had a sweet "Ice Cream Themed Day" planned for them on May 21! In celebration of the warm spring weather, their teacher arranged a variety of delightful activities that revolved around the concept of ice cream.

 

Cooper Anderson receives Alumni Cup

At the recent graduation, BCHS Assistant Principal Rob Hankins announced, "The recipient of the Alumni Cup is chosen based on four characteristics: scholarship, leadership, service and character." Since 1930 this award has been given to the graduating senior that the Beaverhead County High School staff believes best embodies these four characteristics and their name is added to the Alumni Cup that enjoys a permanent home in the entryway of the high school. Every year the recipient is awarded a plaque at graduation.

 

Superior student hit a high note at state festival

The seven student from Superior High School who competed in the state music festival in Helena earlier this month have raised the bar for student musicians. "The most awesome part was that these students also received superior (score) ratings at the state district level, which is the first time all of my students have done that," said Debbie Merrill, music instructor for Superior School District. "We celebrated at a fun restaurant in Helena when we got the news before we headed back to Superior."

 

Bridger students donation surprise to seniors

The Bridger High School FCCLA Chapter surprised members of the senior center last week when they presented a check to them for $2,000 and then matched the amount to bring it to $4,000. The Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FFCLA) were able to do this after winning a National Lead4Change grant. Bridger is the only group in the 5 state area to win these awards.

 

DEQ Recognizes Red Lodge among 10 Schools for conservation efforts

The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) recently recognized 10 Montana schools as the winners of the 2023-2024 SMART Schools Challenge Awards.

 

Chinook's Meadowlark and junior high students complete second "new" Sparkle Clean-up event

A group of Chinook's Meadowlark and Junior High students recently joined the Chinook Lions to celebrate a second replay of a nearly century old event in the town. Last week classes from kindergarten to junior high picked up litter on selected city streets in Chinook. Students got to experience firsthand what happens when trash is not properly discarded.

 

Belgrade High School senior walk through

Graduating students from Belgrade High School did their traditional senior walk through Wednesday, May 29, at the local middle and elementary schools.

 

Great Falls seniors conduct 'graduation walks' for younger students

Graduating seniors across three Great Falls schools had a blast from the past Tuesday morning as they walked through the halls of their old elementary schools, being an inspiration to the future graduates who will follow in their footsteps. Graduating seniors from Great Falls High School, C.M. Russell High School, and Paris Gibson Education Center spent the day traveling to fifteen elementary schools in Great Falls, visiting with their old elementary teachers and spending time with the school children. The seniors began by walking through the halls of the school, met with applause and high fives from elementary students lining the halls, many wearing 'future grad' t-shirts. Each school had a different activity planned, including playing on the playground and talking with students about future career goals.

 

FHS senior overcomes obstacles to make academics a priority

When Austin Sanchez started high school, he never pictured himself graduating with an outstanding grade point average, let alone with plans to attend college the following year.  Now a senior at Flathead High School, Sanchez is doing exactly both of those things.  "You can always turn things around," Sanchez said. "That's kind of cliche. But it's true." Born and raised in Kalispell, Sanchez's life has been a myriad of inconsistencies and challenges. From an absent father to a mom who struggled with addiction, Sanchez lived with his grandparents for the majority of his life. No one in his family had gone to college before, and growing up low-income, Sanchez just assumed he wouldn't either.

 

This Montana school solved its teacher shortage by opening a day care

This school year, Montana, a state with fewer than 8,000 teachers, had 1,000 unfilled teaching positions. Meanwhile, Dutton-Brady Public Schools, a rural district about an hour from the Canadian border, easily filled its three vacancies.  Administrators credit a blue-hued room strewn with toys and highchairs: Little Diamondbacks Daycare, which is located inside the district's K-12 school, steps from the cafeteria and the library. On a chilly Monday morning, children were trying on costumes, riding rocking horses and enjoying a rowdy game of musical chairs. Eight-month-old Rowan watched the action from the arms of a staffer. Rowan's mother, Jessica Toner, is a rookie teacher who heads the third-fourth grade classroom down the hall. Though Toner was offered four higher-paying positions in Great Falls, where she lives, she could neither find nor afford decent child care. "I called probably 15 different day cares," she said, but they either didn't have openings or were too expensive. "It was a nightmare."

 

Bigfork senior inspired to travel the world

Everywhere Bigfork High School senior North Nollan has visited was a new adventure, thus fostering a love of travel in him.  "I really like a change in things. Let's go see what this different place looks like and how they act," Nollan said. The son of Ryan and Michelle Nollan, he has attended school in Bigfork since first grade. The family made trips to Washington to visit his grandparents and New York during his childhood. Taking his travel beyond the U.S., his second semester of junior year, Nollan decided to take on study abroad, the first Bigfork student in recent memory to do so. Norway was his original target, as his family has Nordic ancestry. Nollan had been teaching himself German and taking French classes at Bigfork, building a love for language. He figured Norwegian is a Germanic language, and would be easier than some to learn as an English speaker, so he began to practice. But last second, plans changed.

 

Helena PEAK students take over the Capitol

Helena Public Schools PEAK students took over the Capitol on Tuesday for the PEAK Leadership Conference where they explored career options and found new passions. Students third through 12th grade in the PEAK Gifted and Talented program went station to station exploring engineering, artistic, electrical and more opportunities. This was the 24th annual conference for students. Presentations were offered inside and outside the Capitol, which Jeremy Slead, PEAK educator, said was important to students.

 

Winslow Nichols Leadership Award winner prepares for future as US Army combat medic

Flathead High School senior Chloe Anderson is preparing to test her limits as she embarks on the path to becoming a combat medic in the U.S. Army. She leaves for Fort Sill in Oklahoma for basic training on June 16. "I'm excited and nervous," Anderson said during an interview at the high school. "It's such a weird thought to think that it's literally happening so soon. It's one of those things where you know it's coming but it kind of feels like it's a dream." Anderson, a Winslow Nichols Leadership Award recipient, enlisted in the Army to pay for college to become a physical therapist, a career she spoke passionately about. The award, sponsored by Logan Health in collaboration with the Daily Inter Lake, recognizes the academic achievement and community involvement of high school students who contribute to improving the lives of others. "To me a good leader is someone who understands what needs to be done and can teach others and guide them on how it has to be done in order for it to work well," Anderson said.

 

2024 high school grads: 'If we can survive a pandemic, we can survive anything'

Billings West, Skyview and Senior high schools all held their 2024 graduation ceremonies at Metra Park on Sunday. "You can be a little discouraged about what's going on," said Jeremy Carlson, West High School's principal, "but at the same moment, the future is bright for our country, for our state, for our city because of these graduates and what they've had to go through." This year's graduating students began their high school education during the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

SD2 student-built home is ready to hit the market

The juniors and seniors from three high schools in SD-2 have put the final touches on the house that they have been working on since the beginning of the school year.  Kimberly Welzenbach – Executive Officer CEO for Home Builders Association said over the last several decades, students who have participated in the project have gained fundamental skills through their education and were able to apply it immediately.  According to the Montana Construction Association, there is an extreme labor shortage in the industry – and allowing students to get experience at a young age can help contribute to the pool of qualified workers.

 

Helena area honors Native American High School graduates

Star quilts and an honor song were a few of the traditions that graduating Native American High School seniors experienced at a special celebration Thursday night. "It reminds me of almost like a powwow, how all families come together for a gathering and a celebration of graduating on to the next life. It's very big for Native Americans - saying, 'Now they are done learning, they can go on [and] Explore the new," said Helena High School's Trenton Salway. He was one of roughly 50 students that were honored. Salway plans to attend Montana State University next fall to study civil engineering.

 

Sentinel students help lay new gardens at county fairgrounds

On a rainy Missoula Wednesday, about 20 Sentinel High School students carried boxes of plants around the county fairgrounds, meticulously placing each one in measured plots where they'll grow. Sentinel's Advanced Placement environmental sciences class spent the last week getting 10,000 square feet of what used to be a parking lot ready for hundreds of new plants. The time in the garden fills in the weeks after the students wrap up their AP test, but before they graduate. Last week, the students watched their hard work pay off as they measured and dug through dirt to lay seeds and plants. They'll soon bloom into a myriad of produce at the Rocky Mountain Gardens, a new addition to the Missoula County Fairgrounds. "I love that this used to be a parking lot, and that they completely tore it apart and made a beautiful garden," senior Ava Meyer said. "There are so many effects of climate change it's helping and preventing."

 

'Super excited to see them fly': Local Indigenous graduates celebrate ahead of formal graduation

Indigenous graduates were celebrated Thursday afternoon with star quilts, applause and words of encouragement as they were honored for their achievements ahead of high school graduation next weekend. All 47 of the graduates were recognized for finishing their high school years within Helena Public Schools and spanned across the district. There were 12 graduates from Capital High School, 19 from Helena High School, five from the Project for Alternative Learning, one from the Career Training Institute through Youth Build and 10 from East Helena High School.

 

Whitefish senior uses personal experience in pursuing medicine

When Brooke Osburn was a freshman, a long-lasting nosebleed sent her to the emergency room. To be safe, doctors ran tests and immediately flew her to Spokane. Diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, Osburn's kidneys had stopped functioning. It would begin a more-than-year journey of undergoing two different types of dialysis while she waited for a kidney transplant.  "I was in the ER and then an ambulance and then at the airport," the Whitefish High School senior said. "The uncertainty of not knowing what was happening was scary. The disease had destroyed my kidneys in a matter of days to weeks."

 

Columbia Falls debate state champ relies on family strength to overcome

Eleanor Hollingsworth was only two days old when she came under the care of her great-grandmother.  Her biological parents were tied up in drug addiction. But she never got near their world - growing up with great-grandmother Rae Hollingsworth, great-uncle Jeff and great-great-grandmother Thelma Hollingsworth in Columbia Falls. "I know that a lot of kids that are adopted, going through foster care and stuff like that can be traumatic. But for me, I've all I've ever known is my great-grandmother, she's always just been my mom. She's just so incredible, she's this really spunky lady that has purple hair," Hollingsworth said. The Columbia Falls senior, who is looking to turn her skills as a state championship debater into a career as a lawyer, has endured hardships, but she said her loved ones helped her through it all.

 

Billings Public Schools summer "Reading Rocks" program is 22 years strong

The Education Foundation for Billings Public Schools is excited to offer another summer of Reading Rocks! Reading Rocks is a free summertime reading program designed to keep children's reading skills strong while away from school and held in conjunction with School District 2's free lunch program in the city parks. Beginning in June, Reading Rocks offers seven weeks of free books, storytelling, and mentored reading to children across Billings. Research shows that children who read just six to seven books over the summer can maintain their reading skills while away from school. Reading Rocks helps children build a personal library; every time a child attends they get to choose a book to take home. Popular book titles as well as classics are available for the choosing. Excitement is built around reading through exciting storytelling, weekly themes, and golden tickets hidden in select books.

 

Billings Public Library features 150 School District II student authored books to encourage literacy

The Billings Public Library is partnering with School District II (SD2) to showcase 150 student-authored books to encourage reading and literacy. As part of the writing project at Billings Public Schools, students focus on improving their writing through specific, genre-focused coaching. "Writing project is a project that Hillary Ginner, myself and Tracy Piltz are a part of and what we do is we fund the writing project through the education foundation grant. We want writing to feel so connected that once they get to those advanced levels it shouldn't be as much of a struggle as it is right now," explained Kristi Martin, a literacy coach at SD2.

 

Great Falls High School students 'pull their share' of noxious weeds

In Giant Springs State Park Monday morning, Great Falls High School biology students teamed up with land management to learn about the detrimental effects of noxious weeds, and to pull their share. The students worked with land management professionals from the Montana Department of Agriculture and Giant Springs State Park to identify noxious weeds and learn about different career paths within the land management field. The students were specifically identifying and pulling spotted knapweed, a non-native to Montana that overtakes natural forage, grasses, and rangeland. 2.5 million acres of Montana land is infested by spotted knapweed.

 

How Free School Meals Went Mainstream

Kurt Marthaller, who oversees school food programs in Butte, Mont., faces many cafeteria-related challenges: children skipping the lunch line because they fear being judged, parents fuming about surprise bills they can't afford, unpaid meal debts of $70,000 districtwide. But at nearly half of Mr. Marthaller's schools, these concerns have vanished. At those schools, all students get free breakfast and lunch, regardless of their family's income. At one school, West Elementary, children grab milk cartons, cereal bars and bananas from folding tables on their way to class, with almost 80 percent of students eating breakfast there each school day. "We've done a lot of good things to feed kids here in Butte," Mr. Marthaller said. But introducing universal free meals, he added, was "probably the best thing we ever did."

 

Hamilton High School programs to represent Montana on the international, national stages

The Hamilton High School Broncs have heard their name called to the stage to be announced as State Championships for the Science Olympiad team for six years. Senior Hamilton High student Brooklyn Brown says that although science has always been her favorite subject, it took a little bit of convincing to join the extracurricular. "So I was actually asked by my teachers all through middle school and the start of high school to join Science Olympiad. I was always like, I took all the engineering classes and science was always my favorite subject. And finally, Miss Haflich just convinced me to join it. And it did help a lot that my best friend was also training it," Brown said. When it comes to preparing for the state competition, Brown says that the design of the events was her favorite part of the preparation.

 

Dynamic decade: Students bring '60s to life at Bozeman High

A timeline of major events in the 1960s are seen inside a tent as part of the Bozeman High School '60s Museum. Sonny and Cher greeted guests in the halls of Bozeman High School this afternoon as students hosted the 20th Annual 1960's Museum. Teachers Derek Strahn and Jennie Tranel played the iconic duo while juniors from Advanced Placement United States History/Honors English III combo courses filled halls, classrooms and parking lots with historical displays and costumes spanning the decade - an annual project begun by former teacher Jim L. Thompson. "It's especially interactive this year," Tranel said. "There is an escape room where you have to avoid a nuclear bomb, a haunted house based on '60s horror movies, and VR simulated surfing."

 

Meet Rebecca Rappold, Browning Public Schools' new superintendent

Starting July 1, Browning Public Schools will have a new superintendent. Rebecca Rappold came to the district about seven years ago and has served in various roles, including special education teacher, assistant principal and most recently the director of curriculum instruction. Rappold earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education from the University of Montana Western and a master's degree in educational leadership from the University of Montana. Prior to working at Browning Public Schools, she taught at the Kingsbury Colony Attention Center, Dupuyer Elementary School and the Choteau School District.

 

Willard Alternative High School students help in Missoula river restoration

Willard Alternative High School students helped out at an almost decade-long restoration project at the site of the old Rattlesnake Dam. The field trip on Tuesday, May 14, was a part of the school's river education course. Each spring quarter at the Willard Alternative High School, social studies teacher Carolyn Grimaldi and English teacher Matthew Quinlan lead a course on river education. Students learn about the watershed and human interaction with Missoula's rivers. They participate in fly fishing, they read "A River Runs Through It" and learn from published authors how to write about nature.

 

Free Little Library to elevate book access at Bench Elementary

Bench Elementary students and other curious young readers will have the opportunity to keep up with their summer reading, thanks to a Free Little Library to be installed at the front doors of Bench Elementary in Billings Heights. After the Little Library's ribbon cutting event on May 22, it will be open for book borrowing. Bench Elementary Reading Interventionalist Talia Super-Byram facilitated the new mobile library project which will be installed in front of the school next week. The permanent fixture will be stocked with a variety of book donations from the community and from the school. The project aims to encourage interest in reading year-round for both students and adults in the community.

 

Public invited to school for forum on safe-learning environments

Capital High School will host Secure Environment Consultants  at 6 p.m. Wednesday to discuss how the community can create safe-learning environments for students. The Helena Education Foundation and the Helena Education Association sponsored the event. Superintendent of Helena Public Schools Rex Weltz brought SEC into the district in 2022 and the company reviewed the district's safety. The Michigan-based company also consults and does audits on organizations across the country including child care centers, workplaces, schools, houses of worship, medical centers, municipalities and public spaces.

Ag Day educates Jim Darcy students in the Helena Valley

Jim Darcy Elementary School hosted Ag Day on Friday, a 26-year tradition at the school, educating students on what agriculture offers the community. The day was filled with animals, seeds, flour and bees. Students walked inside the school and outside viewing different presentations from participants around Helena. The event had 19 participants who showcased multiple forms of agriculture that some of the students did not know were a part of agricultural careers. Deacon, a second grade student, said he enjoys Ag Day because of the different activities. "We got to lasso a cow and we learned about bees," Deacon said. He added that he did not know that agriculture was not just farming and growing plants, which surprised him.

Helena Middle School students join with United Way cleaning up the community

Helena Middle School seventh grade students helped a Helena resident Friday in collaboration with United Way by cleaning up around the resident's home. The students got away from their desks and books to lend a helping hand, which students said they enjoyed. In bright-colored shirts the crew was on ladders, sweeping porches and clipping branches at the home of Janet Snovelle. "I was going to sit down and have a cup of coffee this morning, but I haven't even seen coffee," Snovelle jokingly said. She said she was grateful to United Way and the kids because she was not originally picked by the organization to receive the help.

 

Kalispell FFA shines at state, multiple teams advance to nationals

Kalispell FFA was recognized as the overall state champion team for its top placements in five career development events at the Montana FFA Convention in Billings. The award recognizes the combined achievement of FFA teams that had students in the top placements in five events. Several Kalispell FFA state champion teams advance to the National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis in October. They include the Ag Sales team, Forestry team, Agricultural Technology and Mechanical Systems team, Farm and Agribusiness Management team, and Parliamentary Procedure team. State champions Dani Wister, advances in FFA Creed Speaking and in Agriscience Fair Environmental and Natural Resources Presentation, Addisyn Jensen and Aubree Gerber.

 

Lessons learned - Kindergarten teacher wraps up 40-year career at Lakeside Elementary

For 40 years, Lakeside Elementary kindergarten teacher Coleene Torgerson has been "at the beginning" of students' education, sending hundreds of children off on a path of learning and discovery. This year, she has reached the destination of her teaching journey as she begins a new one in retirement. During a May 13 interview at the school, Torgerson shared the joys and challenges of teaching Lakeside–Somers School District's youngest students.

 

The ecololgy behind sidewalk murals

Paintbrushes, frog wizards, pollution and Whitefish Lake - if you're wondering what the missing link is here, a Whitefish High School advanced art student might be able to tell you. 

For the past few weeks, unpredictable spring weather pending, advanced art students have spread out across downtown Whitefish to revitalize sidewalk murals that were painted above storm drains in 2022. The murals can be found on Railway, First and Second streets.

 

Nye School donates to Absarokee Food Bank

The Absarokee Area Food Bank received a wonderful $820 donation from Nye School. The money was raised at the school's pie auction. Absarokee Area Food Bank representative Kathleen Barch said she is grateful for the donation and said it will go a long way.

 

Wind farm impact fees help schools, roads and county projects

The Reed Point and Rapelje Schools, roads and infrastructure will get a boost from the Beaver Creek Wind Farm that is being constructed between the two Stillwater County communities.

 

Park City ag teacher receives high honor

Each year during the Montana FFA State Convention, the Montana Association of Agricultural Educators (MAAE) recognizes an agricultural teacher… 

 

Potomac teacher wins statewide award

It certainly wasn't a bus evacuation assembly, which was the reason Potomac School Principal Sarah Schmill gave to her staff and students for gathering in the community center on May 6.

 

Bear Fair teaches Seeley Elementary students how to be good neighbors

Danielle Oyler has worked across Montana teaching kids and adults about living in bear country in her role as the wildlife stewardship outreach specialist with Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks. 

In front of a group of Seeley Lake Elementary School third graders at the Bear Fair, she said students in Seeley Lake have seen more bears on average than any other students at schools across the state that she's talked to. The next closest school is Lincoln.

 

Ranger Excellence

More than 100 students and parents attended a ceremony celebrating student awards and collegiate scholarships at Park High School on Tuesday, May 14. "The total this class has earned in scholarships is $1,431,105," said Lori Dust, principal at Park High School, at the end of the ceremony. Dust explained due to Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) delays and un-factored GI bills, this year's total scholarship amount could approach $1.7 million. The awards ceremony celebrating graduating seniors was co-sponsored with Park High School by the American

 

"Little Women" graces Polson High School stage

Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy March took possession of the stage at Polson High School on Friday night and Sunday afternoon in a play presented by the PHS Theatre Program.

With hoop skirts making them glide across the floor, the March girls starred in the play "Little Women," an adaptation by Scott Davidson of the classic novel by Louisa May Alcott.

 

Spa Day, Mrs. Stevenson's Way

Hobson kindergarten teacher Beth Stevenson and her students treated mothers like queens on Monday. Shown here are Justin Miller and his mom. The 10 kindergartners began the special event with a song to their moms. Stevenson then provided students and moms with mirrors, nail polish, brushes and combs, hair clips and scarfs. Before this, she taught the little ones how to nicely paint nails, which they did. They were also very gentle combing out a room full of long haired ladies. The finale was the scarf and bouquet of flowers. 

 

Helena Public Schools' Free Summer Meals Program aims to 'feed kids who need it'

Helena Public Schools Sodexo Manager Robert Worthy and his team are focused on their goal: to "feed kids who need it" through the district's Free Summer Meal Program.

Meals will be provided starting June 10 through Aug. 16, with no meals served on July 4 and 5.

 

Choteau elementary wax museum celebrates history

Choteau Elementary School fifth-grade students recognized numerous historical figures at the class's wax museum in the elementary gymnasium. The 30 students each chose a person who played a prominent role in American history and created a detailed presentation for the display day on May 9. 

 

Harlem Students Brighten The Community With New Planter

The Harlem Post Office planter, situated in the outside front entry way of the Harlem Post Office, was in need of repair and replacement, the lone plum tree has survived for over two years without a proper planter in need of replacement.

Chinook Schools Commemorate Teacher Appreciation Week

Not only across the country but also in area schools, people celebrated Teacher Appreciation Week from May 6-10. In a proclamation on Friday, May 3, President Joe Biden said: "Teachers are the heart and soul of our Nation. They care for our Nation's students, pass on knowledge to rising generations, and inspire our children to dream up new possibilities for their futures."

 

Students march to end violence against Native Indian women

Over 60 Native American Students from Hardin High School walked in the MMIW (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women) parade, May 3.

The parade was to draw attention to ending the violence against Native women and the high rate of disappearances and murders of Native American women in the Crow Indian Reservations and surrounding reservations.

 

Manhattan teen named one of Montana's top students

A Manhattan High School senior was a semifinalist in this year's U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.

The student, John Reynolds, was among six Montana semifinalists, two of whom were eventually accepted into the program: Ellis Walker-Keleher and Grace M. Wandler, both of Missoula. There were 625 semifinalists from across the nation. Up to 161 Presidential Scholars are chosen annually.

 

Art students touch up sidewalk murals in Whitefish

Paintbrushes, frog wizards, pollution and Whitefish Lake - if you're wondering what the missing link is here, a Whitefish High School advanced art student might be able to tell you. 

For the past few weeks, unpredictable spring weather notwithstanding, advanced art students have spread out across downtown Whitefish to revitalize sidewalk murals that were painted above storm drains in 2022. The murals can be found on Railway, First and Second streets.

 

Hamilton teacher honored with award in DC

Hamilton High School educator Jeanette Carmody is Montana's 2024 recipient of the National Education Association (NEA) Foundation Award for Teaching Excellence. Carmody received her award in Washington D.C. last week. Carmody said she is "proud and humbled to receive this award thanks to a nomination from my former principal and teaching partner, Dan Kimzey." "I am grateful for my teaching journey that continues to grow thanks to my own teachers, my students, my colleagues, and my family who support me in this life dedicated to education," she said. "It was a stunning experience to journey to the capital, see all the history of D.C. and meet other inspiring teachers." Montana Federation of Public Employees President Amanda Curtis said that Carmody was presented the award during the Montana Professional Teaching Foundation's Celebration of Education Dinner.

 

Capturing the magic of the one-room school in Montana

In early spring, the morning sun casts long shadows across the vast expanse of open land in Glen, a small ranching community in the Pioneer mountains of south-west Montana.  On Schoolhouse Road, where pavement meets gravel, clouds of dust obscure my perspective as I head toward Reichle School, a two-room schoolhouse with two teachers and 15 students. I've been a professional photographer in Montana for more than 20 years, and some places continue to call me back; I was last here for an assignment in 2013. On this return trip, I hope to learn more about the rural school experience, especially in light of the many challenges faced by children in American schools.

 

Pride on their faces': Bryant Elementary School fifth graders get joyous send-off from Helena College

Helena College played host to Bryant Elementary fifth graders on May 10 for their graduation from elementary school to middle school. The two classes became honorary Helena College students for their work at the college throughout the year. Taylor Hassler, a fifth grade teacher at Bryant, said she always enjoys the event because it excites the students to be in a college atmosphere. "I think you definitely see the pride on their faces. The excitement of learning is something that is really fun to see as their teacher," Hassler said. The room was filled with parents, family and friends as the students got their opportunity to go up, receive their certificates and shake the hands of Helena College Dean Sandra Bauman, Hassler and Jesika Fisher, fifth grade teacher at Bryant.

 

Looking to help Glacier senior joins AmeriCorps

Seanna Dube loves to help people and her country, a sentiment she is extending past high school as she joins the AmeriCorps. "I definitely am proud. I'm really excited to experience all these different places and things," said Dube, a senior at Glacier High School. The National Civilian Community Corps, or the NCCC, through the AmeriCorps program is catered to young adults aged 18 to 26. The program sends volunteers to a home base, where from there they travel to different states to work with climate change mitigation, building affordable housing, disaster response and more. Each year, volunteers serve full-time on teams of about 10 people. The team will travel to a series of different six to 12 week projects in various places throughout a 10-month term. 

 

Students step back in time for Archaeology Day in Helena

Students from the surrounding area stepped back in time about 10,000 years on Thursday for Archaeology Day at Montana WILD. This year's event, hosted by the Montana Historical Society, is the first since 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent construction of the Montana Heritage Center forced the four-year hiatus. "The point is to get kids hands-on experience with archaeology and learning how people in the past did things and understand what life was like," said Laura Marsh, community engagement specialist for the historical society. The students rotated through five different stations highlighting ancient ways of life and the archaeological discovery process.

 

Kalispell Public Schools administrators set to take on new roles

Kalispell Public Schools will see a shift at the administrator level beginning next school year.  The board of trustees have approved hiring current staff for positions including K-8 assistant superintendent, Kalispell Middle School principal, Flathead High School activities director and work-based learning director. Sara Cole has been hired as the new K-8 district assistant superintendent at a $131,749 salary. She replaces Matt Jensen who recently took over the superintendent position. Cole will finish out the school year in her current position as the district's director of special services, a position she's held since 2017. She's worked in education since 2001 as a special education supervisor, special education teacher, literacy teacher and preschool teacher.

 

Victor School receives grant for feminine hygiene products

The General Foundation of Women's Clubs (GFWC) Bitterroot Women's Club is working to help provide feminine hygiene products to students at Victor School through a grant from Crescent Montana. Victor School Counselor Ben Rutherford said the donation is a "huge win for our school."  Victor School receives grant for feminine hygiene products

Victor Principal Jamie Standaert stands with GFWC Bitterroot Women's Club project chair Adriann Monson and President Sarah Fryer to show the feminine hygiene products baskets donated by Crescent Montana. "We have a lot of students who have the need throughout the day," he said. "We have teachers who have gone out of their way and paid out of their pockets to help support their students who have needs flare up at school and need to be taken care of. Principal Standaert reached out to the Bitterroot Women's Club and within a week we had a box of tampons."

 

UM teaching graduate jumps aboard AI education train

Growing use of artificial intelligence is hurtling toward American classrooms like a freight train. You can try to ignore it or get out of the way, but one University of Montana student has firmly stepped onto the tracks to embrace AI.  "We all know this train is not stopping," said Simon Hill, who will graduate May 11 from UM with a bachelor's degree in biology. "It's a new and a very rapidly developing technology. I know there are a lot of concerns with AI, but I also think it can help a lot of people - especially teachers."

 

Rural educator given University of Montana teaching excellence award

Whether it's 1,000 kids, or 100, teaching can often be an underappreciated profession, but during Teacher Appreciation Week, some organizations take the time to show some extra gratitude. Abby Stitt - a fourth and fifth grade teacher at Potomac School - was awarded $4,000 from the University of Montana College of Education on Monday, May 6.

 

Project Engage provides pathways to diplomas for Billings students

Project Engage is part of BPS' new Superintendent Erwin Garcia's "systemic approach to avoid dropouts." It's an initiative to "get the kids engaged," so they "don't lose sight of their futures," Garcia said at the event. The Lincoln Center Board Room in downtown Billings was filled with close to 50 students and family members, eager to learn about the variety of options available to them to earn their diplomas and achieve graduation.  "We want to make sure that we communicate directly, face-to-face, that there are pathways," Garcia said. "For them to hear that we have pathways available, that we believe that they can achieve, that the sky's the limit. Now, they need to do their part." "Today was a great connection with the most vulnerable kids," he said. Five different options were posed to hopeful students: Billings Opportunity School, Billings Early College School, Adult Education Program, Montana Youth Challenge, or reenrolling back into their high school.

 

Park student newspaper places 2nd in state

High school students from around Montana went to the Montana State University's School of Journalism in Missoula on April 18 for workshops and recognition. Among Class A schools, the print edition of "The Geyser," the student newspaper at Park High, placed 2nd place overall in the state for on-the-page content. An article written by Kyle Meservey about aviation students pursuing careers placed 3rd place as a feature writing piece. "It is quite the honor," said Meservey, a graduating senior who is taking the class for an English credit.

 

Hamilton students win Science Olympiad championship for sixth consecutive year

The Hamilton High School Science Olympiad team recently brought home the state championship for the sixth year in a row. The team is now fundraising to pay for the trip to Lansing, Michigan, for the national competition on May 24 and 25. Science Educator and Science Olympiad coach Vanessa Haflich said she is proud of the "talented and dedicated students" who are on the team. "Every one of them, on both the JV and Varsity teams, put numerous hours into their events becoming experts on their particular science and/or engineering topic," Haflich said. "Their hard work and perseverance paid off, and I am excited to see what they can do at Nationals." HHS Science Olympiad team earned the title of state champions for the sixth year in a row with their success in 14 science and engineering events at the state level.

 

After tumultuous year, Heart Butte School is 'open for business'

When the Heart Butte School Board announced in January that the school faced millions of dollars in debt, that nearly half of all full-time employees would be laid off and that the school might not open in the fall, community members were distraught. They knew more than just a school was at risk. The future of the community was on the line. Nestled beneath the Rocky Mountain Front, Heart Butte anchors the southern end of the Blackfeet Reservation. The town is home to 621 people, about one-third of whom either attend or work at the school district. The school is the largest employer in town. It feeds students breakfast, lunch and dinner.  The school also promotes Blackfeet culture and language and houses important mental health services and after-school programs. It's the hub for community activities, like powwows, Easter egg hunts and cultural camps.

 

East Helena school superintendent: Take some time this week to thank a teacher

May 5-11 is Teacher Appreciation Week across the nation. It's a time to formally recognize the incredible contribution made by teachers to the overall well-being of our nation. Without teachers, there would be no other professions or trades. Lessons learned in today's pre-K through college classrooms are preparing tomorrow's doctors, engineers, welders, machinists, scientists, leaders, carpenters, nurses, entrepreneurs, mechanics, journalists, business managers, and the list goes on. Can we really ever thank or appreciate our teachers enough?

 

Thank you for the sidewalks, Evergreen

For the past 11 years, I have had the honor of serving as the very proud superintendent of the Evergreen School District. On behalf of the Evergreen Board of Trustees, staff, students, families, and community, I would like to thank everyone for their work to help our geographically small, rural, unincorporated community see the dream and vision of sidewalks for safe routes to school become a reality. In 2005, almost 20 years ago, Evergreen Community Partners spearheaded Safe Routes to School in this community, which saw one mile of sidewalks installed from U.S. 2 to East Evergreen Elementary School in 2009. In 2021, Evergreen Community Partners initiated Phase I of sidewalks for U.S. 2, and, three years later, after more meetings, discussions, and navigating challenges than I can list here, we have broken ground on sidewalks that will provide safe routes to school from Evergreen Junior High School to the intersection one mile south, and we are in the process of planning for Phase II, which will see sidewalks going north toward Reserve Street.

 

Students work to breathe fresh life into Vigilante Day Parade

The 100th Anniversary of the Vigilante Day Parade is this Friday, May 3. According to Helena Public School, 99 floats are under construction with the celebration starting at 12:00 p.m. on Friday. Thanks to the work of student journalists, the crowds may see some new float themes this year. Over the last hundred years, countless floats have made their way through Last Chance Gulch for the Vigilante Day Parade. Although the final designs vary, there are a fair number of repeat themes over the years as Helena High Principal Steve Thennis can attest.

 

School officials say new nutrition standards a win

Dieticians at Bozeman Public Schools said new nutrition standards - recently announced by the federal government - will be a win for children's nutrition because they will require reduced sodium and less added sugars in school meals. In a press release, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service announced the changes won't take effect until between 2025 and 2027 to allow "flexibility with menu planning." Bozeman Schools' food services director Brittany Selvig said the changes are a good thing because manufacturers will have to pay more attention to what is going into the food they sell to schools.

 

Whitefish and Glacier rank in Montana's top three high schools in US News rankings

Whitefish High School ranks second in the state and Glacier High School third, according to the U.S. News & World Report 2024 Best High Schools list. The schools consistently rank in the state's top 10. In Montana, 171 public high schools were evaluated by U.S. News and the nonprofit research institute, RTI International, and 38 were eligible to be ranked. That's down from 2023 when 87 Montana high schools earned rankings.

 

Billings Public Schools deploy electric buses to improve health and well being of students

Billings Public Schools are introducing new electric buses to improve the health and well-being of students and the community. The electric school buses are a first for the district and their transportation partner, First Student in Montana. A grant of 3.2 million dollars from the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) covered the cost of purchasing the buses and constructing the charging infrastructure. Lindsay Gran, the Transportation Director with Billings Public Schools, said that the new set of wheels benefits not only the students but staff who also use the buses, and even the district's bottom line.

 

Gallatin High speech and debate students raising money to attend national competition

The dining area at The Jump was crowded with families filling out bingo cards and answering trivia questions on Monday evening. Proceeds from the event will go toward sending students from the Gallatin High School Speech and Debate Team to a national tournament. Students on the team sold bingo cards and raffle tickets for people to win various donated prizes at the event. Head coach Shelby Jackson estimated there were around 100 people at the fundraiser. After the bingo night, the team has raised about $6,000 of its $10,000 goal to pay the travel expenses for nine qualifying students to get to the tournament in Iowa this June, she said.

 

Vigilante Parade celebrates 100th anniversary Friday in downtown Helena

The 100th anniversary of the Vigilante Parade will be celebrated Friday with nearly 100 floats getting ready to roll along the streets of downtown Helena. The parade begins at noon at the intersection of 11th Avenue and Last Chance Gulch. Floats will roll through downtown along Last Chance Gulch to Broadway; northeast on Broadway to Park Avenue; and north on Park Avenue to the parade's end point at Gilbert and Benton Avenue. People are encouraged to plan ahead for restricted parking and downtown access along the parade route beginning Friday morning. The parade, also known locally as the Vigilante Day Parade, was started in May 1924 by Helena High Principal Albert J. Roberts to put an end to escalating and increasingly dangerous class rivalry stunts.

 

2024 District Music Festival results

Northwest Montana's student musicians showcased their talent at the District 1 Music Festival. Bands, orchestras and choirs from 10 schools participated in the festival held at Flathead and Glacier high schools. Entries were judged as either superior, excellent, good, fair, or poor on a 1 to 5 scale. Solos and ensembles receiving superior ratings qualify for the State Solo and Ensemble Festival scheduled May 3-4 in Helena.

 

April 2024 Great News

 

National German Exam touts Billings' West High students as best in the nation

Billings West High students are some of the best German language-learners in the nation. Every year for the last three years a West student has nabbed a spot to travel to Germany for three weeks on scholarship - current senior Lola Sheridan accomplished the feat last year, and senior Hudson Wyss, the year prior. This year, sophomore Johanna Smith will go for the three weeks, with 37 other top-ranking students from across the country. German teacher Paul Asleson starts a lesson in the popular language program at West High School. The class has students winning awards and trips to Germany. "Less than 50 students qualify nationally, and the fact that we have three who are currently still West High students is incredible," West High School German teacher Paul Asleson said. "My colleagues and I pour so much into the program. So, to see these results, it gives us validation in what we're doing-we're elevating students to the highest level."

 

Shelf Life: Big Sky High art exhibit and 'Trashformations' at Missoula Public Library

On May 2 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the spectrUM Discovery Area on Level Two of the library enjoy a special First Friday event for Big Sky High School's Climate Art Exhibition. Join us for special treats from Big Sky High School's culinary students and featured music by their jazz band.

 

Montana students signing up for public charter schools

Students already are signing up to attend Montana's new public charter schools - the Board of Public Education approved a whopping 19 of them this year, and more are on the way. Doug Reisig, with the Montana Quality Education Coalition, said more applications will be submitted this summer to the Montana Board of Public Education. "It's an exciting development for Montana education and for us to meet the needs of students in Montana," Reisig said this week. In Billings Public Schools, Superintendent Erwin Garcia said the largest district in the state is opening three new schools, and the new law that allowed them to be created ensures districts can be competitive and stay "at the edge of innovation." Just one of the schools has drawn 85 students so far.

 

Bozeman High debate team to hold fundraiser to fund travel to nationals, Tanzania

Students and teachers from Bozeman High School are welcomed at an airport in Mwanza, Tanzania on a previous trip abroad. The Bozeman High School Speech and Debate Team is holding its third annual fundraiser to help pay the team's travel expenses to a national tournament and travel to teach a debate workshop to Tanzanian students. Hawkers Make History will feature speech and debate performances from students and a jazz ensemble of team members. Team coach Adam Thane, an English teacher at the school, said there will also be a Q&A with Bozeman High alumnus Judge Sidney Thomas, a U.S. circuit judge and former chief judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

 

New Three Forks High journalism program publishes 'Paw'dcast' and school newsletter

A new journalism program at Three Forks High School is wrapping up its first year after starting a podcast and a newsletter to report on school happenings. The class only has seven students right now and has been hard at work to track down news stories to share with their community. Earlier this month, students began posting episodes for their "ThreeForks Paw'dcast," which is available on Spotify. So far, the short episodes feature things like interviews with student athletes. The class also publishes a newsletter called "The Pack Quarterly," which is sent to members of the community.

 

Billings Public Schools introduce electric buses to fleet, aim to better quality of life

Billings Public Schools held a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Billings Career Center in honor of its introduction of eight electric buses to its school bus fleet on Monday. "We are carrying the most precious cargo on the road," said John Mckinney, a school bus driver with First Student Incorporated. The introduction of the electric vehicles was funded after Montana's Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) won a settlement with Volkswagen. "When you know better, you have to do better," said Superintendent Erwin Garcia with Billings Public Schools.

 

First Student Announces on Earth Day Deployment of First Electric School Buses in Montana

First Student, the leading operator of electric school buses in North America, is transforming the way students in Billings Public Schools (BPS) in Montana are transported to and from school. The company is deploying eight new electric school buses in Billings, delivering an innovative, sustainable and cleaner transportation solution to better serve the district, its families and the community. "Electric school buses are revolutionizing the bus ride for students, and First Student is proud to be paving the way for a greener school transportation system for Billings Public Schools," said First Student Head of Electrification Kevin Matthews. "Every EV that is deployed has an immediate impact on reducing carbon emissions, improving air quality and creating a healthier environment for students and communities. We appreciate the district's support and partnership in adopting a forward-thinking approach to transportation that prioritizes sustainability, efficiency and safety."

 

Photos: Electric school buses unveiled Monday

Billings Public Schools and First Student show off the district's first electric school buses during a ceremony on Earth Day Monday afternoon. First Student is deploying eight electric buses this week with a commitment to transition 30,000 diesel buses to electric by 2035.

 

Hamilton students put science knowledge on display at Envirothon showcase

The Hamilton High School Envirothon Team recently held a showcase night sponsored by the Bitterroot Climate Action Group. Two Envirothon Teams of five students each and one alternate, all female this year, gave oral presentations on "Renewable Energy for a Sustainable Future" followed by question-and-answer sessions and time for audience feedback. Advisor Marie Antonioli called the showcase "a huge success."

 

Superintendent Rex Weltz: Vigilante Parade celebrates its 100th anniversary

It's hard to believe we're only two weeks out from the 100th anniversary of the Vigilante Parade on Friday, May 3. No spoiler alerts here, but I can say that our students are working hard to make this year's parade worthy of a centennial celebration. Special thanks to the Montana Historical Society, which teamed up with the journalists of "The Nugget" student newspaper at Helena High to create a list of history-based themes to help inspire this year's floats. Our former Bengal and Bruin parade participants may enjoy checking out their ideas, which are on our website at www.helenaschools.org.

 

Montana students get an up-close look at trades industries

An initiative driven by the Superintendent of Public Instruction was at the forefront in Central Montana on Thursday, April 18, 2024. More than 500 7th through 12th grade students from around north central Montana left the comforts of their classrooms for a chance to explore career pathways for Montana Ready Trades Day. The program focused on technical education with an emphasis on agriculture, business, health care, industrial technology and family consumer sciences. Montana Ready is designed to help students be ready for college, career and community. "So everything from not just their technical skills, but the soft skills that employers need to make a quality employee once they get finally into the workforce," said Montana Ready Coordinator Mary Heller.

 

Valley View Elementary School hosts flag dedication ceremony

The Great Falls Association of Realtors donated a large US flag to Valley View Elementary School on Thursday as part of their flag project. "This is our 40th year of being a non-for-profit in our community; we donated this flag today for Valley View and our goal is to donate a flag to every elementary school by the end of 2024 in Great Falls, Montana," said Zac Griffin, CEO of the Great Falls Association of Realtors. The non-profit is aiming to raise awareness in honoring what the flag symbolizes for the community. Students at Valley View are learning the importance of freedom and courage and expressed what they have learned in the flag dedication ceremony.

 

Corvallis Future Farmers of America named 'Program of the Year'

Corvallis High School Future Farmers of America was named the 2024-2025 "Program of the Year" at the 94th Montana State FFA Convention. CHS Agricultural Educator and FFA Adviser Neela Hammerstein said the award is an honor for every CHS FFA member as it represents their hard work and dedication. "This award is unlike any other we have won in the past because it truly is something every student can hang their hat on," Hammerstein said. "Our fair projects, our nationals' teams, our fundraiser, our service, classroom labs and field trips - everything we do in Corvallis FFA is summarized in this award. That's what makes it so special."  The honor is even more meaningful because it comes from FFA peers, she said.

 

People hear a Taste of Jazz at Havre High

Havre's Friends of Music Thursday again held its Taste of Jazz fundraiser, with Havre High School band and choir students joined by the Montana State University-Northern Community Orchestra for a night of jazz, refreshments, pie and cake. Friends of Music President Samm Nimmick said the night was a success, with more than $9,500 raised and some donations still coming in, more than $1,000 more than last year. Students were among the audience during the performances serving the food and refreshments. Nimmick said Friends of Music provides scholarships at the event each year, with $500 scholarships this year going to Havre High seniors Boyle, Devin Kovacich, Marlee Thivierge and Grey Brady. She added that the funds raised will be used to support music eduction in Havre Public Schools, with Friends in the process of revising its bylaws to support the programs in the entire school district, not just Havre High.

 

Darby school's SkillsUSA team sees success at state conference; Biesiot named administrator of the year

The Darby SkillsUSA team dominated in 18 different competitions at the "No Limits" state competition March 24-27 in Helena. Advisor Courtney Bennett said Darby took 18 students and competed in 18 different competitions. "We placed in the top three in 16 of those events," Bennett said. "We also had Tanner Shavers elected as a SkillsUSA Montana state officer. Eleven Darby students will be fundraising and traveling to Atlanta, Georgia, in June to compete at nationals." At the state competition, the Darby SkillsUSA team placed first in chapter display, middle school pin design, high school pin design, middle school job skill demonstration, middle school prepared speech, crime scene investigation, first aid/CPR, and middle school T-shirt design.

 

Sixth graders experience career options in Helena

Helena Public Schools' "6th Grade Career Exploration Experience" finished its final day on April 9, showing middle schoolers career options in Helena. The second day of the district's event included sixth graders from C.R. Anderson Middle School going to different locations around Helena to experience different careers. One of those locations was St. Peter's hospital, where they learned about areas within the hospital they may not have known about. LaKya, a student from C.R. Anderson, said the experience was more fun than they expected.

 

Columbia Falls Boys and Girls Club moves into former school

The Boys and Girls Club in Columbia Falls has moved into a new location at the former Glacier Gateway Elementary School. Through the generosity of the building owner and a new nonprofit, the club will lease the upper floor of the spacious building, doubling the club's capacity and moving it out of the old church that had been home for years, but has seen better days. Freedom Bank President Don Bennett and other community members recently formed a new nonprofit, the Columbia Falls Kids Foundation, which is a 501(c)3 corporation. Building owner Mick Ruis and his wife, Wendy, are in the process of donating the former elementary school building to the foundation. Ruis originally bought the building on Fourth Avenue West for $550,000 in 2021 from the Columbia Falls School District. At that time, he planned on renovating it for senior and teacher housing.

 

Corvallis to partner with military program, other agencies, for charter school program

Public education in Montana may look very different in the coming years, thanks to the approval of charter schools by the Montana Office of Public Instruction (OPI). The Corvallis School District was approved for two new charter schools starting next fall. The new programs will offer families more school choice while preparing students to make an educated career decision. The two programs under Rise Charter of Corvallis are a distance academy and a pathways academy.

 

A figure of speech - Flathead High School teacher named Speech Coach of the Year, Flathead High School teacher wins coach of the year, reflects on season

To say it's been a whirlwind year for Flathead High School speech and debate head coach and English teacher Shannon O'Donnell is an understatement. O'Donnell still seemed to be on cloud nine during an interview in her classroom Tuesday - coming down from what she describes as a "Cinderella win" at the Class AA State Tournament in January. In March, her peers selected her for the AA Steve Reardon Speech Coach of the Year award at the Montana Forensic Educators Association and Montana High School Association Coaches Conference. O'Donnell is the second coach in Montana to win the award three times. Fellow coach, Susan Dykhuizen, was also nominated for the award.

 

Hundreds of MT students compete in statewide science fair

Gillian Honzel, a junior at Big Sky High School in Missoula, has long wondered whether the huckleberries her family picks every summer have the same antioxidant content when she eats them fresh versus when she takes them out of the freezer months or even years later. These musings from her home kitchen led her to devote much of the last few months to a science project that would answer this very question. "I know they taste good," Honzel said. "But I wanted to see if they had as many antioxidants. I learned they have some, but not the same amount."

 

Flathead High speech and debate member wins Student of the Year

Flathead High School senior Rachel Ottman received top accolades, being named the 2024 Student of the Year for the Montana West District of the National Speech and Debate Association. To be considered for the award, coaches in each district of the National Speech and Debate Association are invited to nominate a graduating senior, "Who best represents the tenets of the association's Code of Honor: humility, equity, integrity, respect, leadership, and service," according to the association. Ottman was honored to be selected for the award by a committee of coaches who select a winner each year.

 

Foundation names Middle School Educator of the Year

Taylor Ferda is the recipient of the Kalispell Education Foundation's 2024 Middle School Educator of the Year award. Ferda, social studies department head and teacher at Kalispell Middle School, was selected by a student board from among 143 nominations submitted by students, parents, staff and community members. During the selection process, teachers' names were separated from their nominations to allow students to focus on a nominee's actions, commitment to students and leadership. In addition to teaching, Ferda coaches middle school track and field and cross country with his wife, Marie.

 

Big Timber students compete at Academic Olympics in Bozeman

Schools from across Montana traveled to MSU-Bozeman March 13 to compete in the Academic Olympics, including students from Sweet Grass County High School. Thirty-one schools ranging all class sizes competed. Fourteen students made up three teams from Big Timber. The team of Zoey Aller, Roman Wagner, John Hasbrook, and Abbi McManamen made it to the 11th round.

 

Students get silly during celebration for Read-a-thon and Penny Wars at West School

Not every principal would agree to be duct-taped to the wall and have students shoot silly string at them. But that's just what happened last week at West School. West School principal Bethany Fuchs played it cool with a big smile on her face when first grade students who collected the most pennies in the Penny War fundraiser for the PTA duct taped her to the wall. Students lined up and were each given a length of duct tape to tape Fuchs to the wall in the school gym while other students chanted, "Tape her up." It was a fun way to celebrate student achievement and support at the West School assembly on March 27. Several PTA moms were on hand to help out, including Bethany Haan who organized the Penny War fundraiser and Janeil Anderson, president of the Laurel Elementary PTA, who talked Fuchs into participating in the fun celebration.

 

Forsyth school business manager earns elite certification

The Forsyth Schools Business Manager, Stacy Montgomery, recently completed the Montana Certified School Business Official coursework and certification process. The program includes 120 hours of coursework along with certification tests in topics relative to school business management. With this certification, Stacy joins an elite group of school business professionals across the state. On behalf of the Montana Association of School Business Officials, Rita Huck, the business manager/district clerk for Huntley Project Schools, presented Stacy with her certificate during the March school board meeting.

 

Forsyth FCCLA students attend leadership conference in Bozeman, MT

Annika Sorenson, Brynna Schacht, Abigayle Fay, and Ryleigh Seleg from Forsyth High School FCCLA attended the Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) 2024 State Leadership Conference (SLC) in Bozeman, MT March 14-15, 2024. FCCLA's 2024 SLC drew over 575 members, advisers, and supporters from across the state with opportunities for personal development, career exploration, and community service. The event was made possible through a sponsorship by the Montana State University College of Education, Health and Human Development. Throughout SLC, attendees participated in a variety of activities. The keynote speaker was Cody Byrns and workshop session presenters Included Chef Eduardo Garcia of Montana Mex, Campgrounds of America CEO/President and former Montana FCCLA State President Toby O'Rourke, and Brooklynn Gross of FCCLA's Leadership Training Team.

 

Sundberg connects kids to education and community

Students and staff want Tamara Sundberg to be recognized for her efforts at Columbia Falls High School.  "She provides hope for people, and I think that's probably the biggest thing that she does so well…," Columbia Falls High School Principal Jon Konen said of Sundberg. Students like to go to her to learn what resources are available to them. Sundberg, the school district's Student and Family Advocate Coordinator and high school MTSS Intervention and Homeless Liaison, has been with the district since 2018. The position did not exist before she arrived, and its original goal was to provide resources for upperclassmen to make sure they graduated and provide an academic plan for incoming freshmen. Now, Sundberg is the glue that holds together a myriad of programs designed to decrease barriers to education and build a community that students actively want to be a part of.

 

Bright lights greet Browning High School Choir members at Carnegie Hall

The answer to the age-old joke, how do I get to Carnegie Hall, is, of course, practice! And for two seniors, three freshmen and a trio of sophomores from Browning High School, the proof was in a whirlwind trip to New York City and a place in the National Concerts at that famed national venue. "It all feels so surreal, that this extraordinary thing occurred just but a few days ago," remarked BHS Choir Director Adrian Wagner. "There were many weeks and months of preparation and work, and it's hard to believe it's all over." While the trip itself was a journey of an epic nature, making it all possible was the result of months of fund raising and community organizing.

 

Shakespeare at Ekalaka Public Schools

Born from aspirations to bring the timeless tales of William Shakespeare directly to rural and under-served communities, Montana Shakespeare in the Parks has been enriching the lives of people in Montana for fifty-two seasons. Montana Shakes! was created in 2008 and is the only Shakespearean elementary school theater program designed for rural communities.

 

Plains students collaborate on storytime program

A mixture of computer science, reading and storytelling took place last week with kindergarten, second, third and seventh grade students at the Plains elementary school. Kati Mitchell, the school's business and computer science teacher, organized this year's children's stories program with the help of second-grade teacher Cindy Gumm, third-grade teacher Rhonda Leeper and kindergarten teacher Danielle Crowe. Each of the stories were written and computer generated by the eight seventh-grader groups. Also on hand, was longtime volunteer Bill Beck, who stops by the school each week to read with the students. Beck is also involved in a program that donates dictionaries to all the third graders.

Plains students organize Super Senior Prom

Plain's school students outdid themselves on the decorations for the first Super Senior Prom that took place in the gymnasium last Wednesday. What better way to honor the valley's senior citizens than to celebrate with them during an afternoon of fun, socializing, dancing and snacking? The idea of having an event to honor area senior citizens was first envisioned by Plains School Superintendent Kathleen Walsh. The plan blossomed into including help from student council members, teachers, aides and both kindergarten classes. Invitations went out community wide, including the Plains Senior Center and the long-term care facility at Clark Fork Valley Hospital.

 

Electric bus charging station OK'd

During the Monday evening Thompson Falls Zoning Committee meeting, Mosher Transportation owner John Mosher requested a zoning variance for a proposed electric bus charging station on his current school bus barn location. Mosher Transportation is in the process of applying for grant money to acquire 11 electric school buses. Completing the grant application requires that all federal, state and local regulations be in compliance.  The Zoning Committee gave Mosher a conditional variance to proceed with their grant application, but have not voted on the final variance approval.

 

Mineral County Community Foundation awards scholarships

The Mineral County Community Foundation last month made decisions on its 2024 scholarship awards. Students from all three school districts applied and the board chose to award all seven applicants. The scholarships of $2,000, awarded to three students with exemplary community volunteerism, were awarded to Owen Doyle and Lanie Crabb from Superior, and Brooke Filek from St. Regis.  Four scholarships of $1,000 were awarded to Chloe Williams, Jason Merrill, Micah Acker from Superior, and Lacey Zimmerman from Alberton. Selections are made based on community service, leadership qualities, scholastic achievement, extracurricular activities and overall character. 

 

AI story-telling app engages students

Choteau Public School's first and seventh graders in March stretched their creative writing chops as they experimented with a software application that used artificial intelligence (AI) to help them develop and illustrate short stories. Software engineers and entrepreneurs Andy Rowse and Jack Whitehouse of Bozeman, founders of the startup Wordwise Learning, brought their Tall Tale Club app to first graders in Heather McCartney-Duty's classroom and seventh graders in Will Dewey's English language arts classroom. They offered the teachers a crash-course in using the app on March 7 and then rolled out the app in the classrooms on March 8. Their visit to Choteau aimed to get feedback from teachers that will inform adjustments to the beta application to make it more useful and efficient.

 

Jefferson County schools prepare for HB203 transfers

Of the 125 education bills passed during the Montana Legislature's 2023 session, House Bill 203, which will allow parents to freely enroll their children into any public school district adjacent to the one they're living in, is causing Jefferson County schools to more carefully articulate their transfer policies in anticipation of upcoming enrollment changes for the next academic year. Montana City School, the largest in Jefferson County, adopted such changes at its most recent March board meeting, and Clancy Elementary intends to convene its policy committee this June. 

Montana BPA 2024 State Leadership Conference

The 2024 Montana BPA State Leadership Conference was held in Billings on March 12-15. One thousand three hundred and thirty-five students and local chapter advisors from the middle level and secondary level attended in a spirit of friendship and goodwill. BPA Montana Association assisted the members through participation in the areas of competitive events, leadership, community development, and professionalism. Students from 101 Montana schools demonstrated their knowledge in business and technological skills and abilities in 93 different competitive events from within the five core assessment areas of Finance, Business Administration, Management Information Systems, Digital Communication & Design, Management, Marketing & Communication and Health Administration. Montana BPA was pleased to donate $10,000 to Special Olympics Montana as their state-wide philanthropic organization. Our Lincoln BPA chapters raised $300 for the organization.

'It's not about teaching Hamlet': Golden Apple highlights Billings educators

Six educators from across the Bilings school district were awarded with a Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Education on Tuesday. "They're in early. They're staying late," said Lynn Jensen, an organizer with the Golden Apple program. "They give so much of their own personal time. It's not just an eight-to-four job with two months off in the summer." One of those educators was Shea Mangold, an English teacher at Billings Senior High School.

'Pure entertainment': High schoolers prep for annual talent show this weekend

Students from Bozeman and Gallatin High Schools are gearing up for the return of an annual two-night talent show this weekend. Bozeman Night Live, one of the school district's biggest fundraisers for its music programs, will start at 7 p.m. on April 5 and 6 in the Willson Auditorium. As of Tuesday, there are still plenty of seats available, with online prices ranging from $12 to $20 per seat depending on the section. At an April 1 dress rehearsal - one of several planned for the student performers throughout the week - students took turns practicing a variety of acts for the friendly competition.

Sweet Grass County could be a model for energy efficiency efforts in schools

The federal government is giving out more than $4 billion to lower greenhouse gas emissions. State officials have written a grant proposal that includes funding for energy efficiency in schools. MTPR's Ellis Juhlin visited one high school that's already done this kind of work.

March 2024 Great News

 

Belgrade School District completes solar project at elementary school

A Belgrade elementary school receives a large upgrade of new 50-kilowatt solar panels to help offset energy costs,. The panels are installed at Ridge View Elementary School and can produce the equivalent energy of over six houses in one year. It's expected to offset the school's energy cost by around 20% to 25%. The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation awarded the Belgrade School District a $115,046 grant in 2021 to cover the cost of installing the solar panels. District staff say this is a big deal not only for the elementary school, but district wide.

 

Belgrade finishes grant-funded solar project at Ridge View

Belgrade School District finished outfitting one of its school buildings with solar panels this month, a project that was paid for by a state grant. People driving past Ridge View Elementary School can now see an array of solar panels on the building's roof. The panels are 50 kilowatts, which is enough to power more than six homes in a year, a district press release said. The solar project could help offset the building's energy usage by more than 20%, facilities director LeRoy Lundell said.

 

Sweet Grass County could be a model for energy efficiency efforts in schools

Along I-90 between Bozeman and Billings, a field of solar panels borders the interstate under the backdrop of the Crazy Mountains. Those panels help power Sweet Grass County High School for its 160 students. "Here's our solar panels. They're next to the interstate. It's a 50 kilowatt ground-mount system," says Sam Spector. Spector is the school facilities manager. He started doing energy upgrades almost a decade ago like retrofitting lights in the gym, optimizing heating and ventilation systems and he oversaw the solar panel installation in 2020. "That solar array right now is producing 25% of our consumption needs." Spector says the school consumes the same amount of energy as around 45 houses, so it's a big utility bill. Inside the school, he walked through the hallways, pointing out LED bulbs that reduce lighting energy use by 90%, and a timer knob that automatically turns off the exhaust hood in a cooking class. From changes big and small, he's whittled away at the school's energy consumption. "All the energy efficiency upgrades we're saving based on the prices. And where we were, we're saving $48,000 a year. So that's an extra teacher," Spector says.

 

North Star Schools students win gold in state-wide conference.

The Family Career and Community Leaders of America held their 2024 State Leadership Conference in Bozeman recently, and in attendance this time around were seven students from North Star Schools. Ashleigh Barrett, Ecko Fraser, Quincy McCormick, Madelyn Myers, Svannah Schaumloeffel, Quinn Trueax, and Jordan VanWechel were among the 575 members in attendance this year. While at the conference these students competed in career-oriented events, with some students taking home gold ranking in the event management and food innovation competitions, moving on to represent North Star in the National Leadership Conference in Seattle this July.

 

21 electric buses headed to Bitterroot Valley schools

Twenty-one new electric school buses will soon be transporting students in the Bitterroot Valley thanks to a bus grant, and a willingness to take a risk and make a commitment. Mike Krout, owner of Majestic Bus Services, provides transportation for seven school districts in Montana including Hamilton, Victor and Florence. He will receive 11 electric school buses in Hamilton on Aug. 15 and 10 in Florence in the spring of 2025. He said having electric school buses is exciting and "there will be all sorts of positive hoopla about it." "What's exciting are the green energy ideas and also these new buses will come with full lap/shoulder belts for the kids, which is a new safety thing," Krout said. "They'll come with improved audio/video systems and all brand-new surveillance systems. They will be the safest buses out there coming to these communities."

 

Neither mainstream nor charter: Hutterite schools chase fair education

When Lona Running Wolf started working with Hutterite schools, she was struck by what she saw unfolding on the colonies. She felt it was reminiscent of what transpired among her own community, the Blackfeet Nation. She saw a group with rich culture and language traditions that, she felt, risked being disenfranchised, bit by bit, by a system designed without their specific needs and history in mind. "I was one of those people that, you know, believed the stereotypes of Hutterites," Running Wolf said. "I just didn't realize the similarities between the disparities we have both faced. I told them, 'I don't want what happened to us and our language to happen to you guys.'" Running Wolf oversaw American Indian Student Achievement at the Office of Public Instruction before she became an educational consultant with a focus on instruction support. She's dedicated much of her career to building programs that use language and culture lessons to help students from different backgrounds learn more. Her hope, she says, is that this type of structure leads to increased success and prevents students' identities from being diminished.

 

Billings Public Schools offer 'KinderReady to help preschoolers for an easy transition to Montana schools

Billings Public Schools are now offering an opportunity for kindergarteners to start their learning early and be more prepared through their new "KinderReady" early literacy intervention program. In 2023, the Montana Legislature felt the need to make a way for early learning programs when they passed House Bill 352, providing Montana school districts the opportunity to offer early literacy intervention. Rhonda King, an Interventionist at McKinley Elementary, said that early intervention is helpful in making an easier transition into Montana schools. 

 

North Star students attend FCCLA leadership conference in Bozeman

FCCLA's 2024 conference drew more than 575 members, advisers, and supporters from across the state with opportunities for personal development, career exploration, and community service. The event was made possible through a sponsorship by the Montana State University College of Education, Health and Human Development. Throughout the conference, attendees participated in a variety of activities. The keynote speaker was motivational speaker, entertainer, author and minister Cody Byrns, and workshop session presenters Included Chef Eduardo Garcia of Montana Mex, Campgrounds of America CEO/President and former Montana FCCLA State President Toby O'Rourke and Brooklynn Gross of FCCLA's Leadership Training Team.

 

Magic City Fly Fishers teach Rose Park students how to tie files

Magic City Fly Fishers Director Patrick McNelly teaches Rose Park Elementary School students how to tie flies during the club's two-week-long workshop at the school. Each winter, the Magic City Fly Fishers rotate between local schools and teach two-week-long courses on tying flies. The club aims to support conservation by getting kids outside and into nature.

 

A 'Common Grounds' partnership brews up opportunity for Billings students

retty soon, high school students in Billings will have the chance to gain hands-on experience and accreditation in culinary and business education by running and maintaining a coffee shop located in the St. John's United Gainan Commons, in downtown Billings. The program is part of an effort to expand Billings School District 2's longtime partnership with St. John's Lutheran Ministries. SD2 trustees approved the endeavor during their board meeting Monday. "We're looking at getting students into the St. John's facility to have experiences similar to the greenhouse partnership," BPS Career Outreach Director Bo Bruinsma said.

 

Disabilities advocate speaks to Broadwater Elementary students in Helena

Broadwater Elementary School hosted a disabilities advocate on Thursday who spoke to a second grade class about the importance of understanding disabilities during Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Theresa Gardner, 49, spoke to Gabe Furshong's class, where students prepared questions and had an opportunity to learn about disabilities. Gardner was diagnosed with Spastic Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy at 15 months old and said she has never let he disability define her. Growing up, she faced bullying from other students in her classes, but did not let it get to her and understood that she was born that way. This is for people to be aware and learn about disabilities, Furshong said to the class. In 1977, Furshong's father taught Gardner in preschool at 3 years old in 1977. She graduated from Helena High School in 1994.

 

Dyslexic students in Billings Public Schools will join national program

Stacker compiled a list of the best school districts in Montana using rankings from Niche. Niche ranks school districts based on a variety of criteria including academics (SAT/ACT scores and state proficiency tests), teacher salaries, expenses per student, and access to extracurricular activities. Billings' elementary school students who struggle with dyslexia and other reading disabilities, will have more help to keep up with their peers by transitioning from learning to read, to reading to learn. Billings Public Schools' trustees voted unanimously this week to partner with the American Institute of Research to utilize its dyslexia service and participate in a research study within the district's elementary schools starting next fall. BPS will be one of three school districts in the nation to participate in the study, K-5 Director of School Leadership Kim Anthony said.

 

Seniors at Helena high schools receive scholarships for volunteer work

Seniors from Capital and Helena high schools were awarded scholarships for their volunteer work through the Youth Serve Montana Scholarships program. Across the state, seniors are offered an opportunity to acquire the scholarship during each fall semester. The students are awarded their scholarships in two groups. The first group requires students to volunteer between 50 hours and 99 hours for a $1,000 scholarship and the second group of awardees served 100 hours or more for a $1,500 scholarship. The seniors in Helena who received the scholarships for $1,000 are Deven Birkeland from Capital High School and Ryan Maus from Helena High School. Seniors who received the $1,500 scholarship for serving 100 hours or more are Kylee Gardipee and Qayl Kujala from Helena High School, and Philip Patten from Capital High School.

 

Little kids, big questions - and dinosaurs!

We're doing something a little different for this episode. After a year of taking questions from our adult listeners across Montana and beyond, The Big Why team thought it would be fun to see what kids are curious about. Our journey on this first episode of 'The Little Why' starts in Ms. Baroch-Wallin's third-grade classroom at Daly Elementary School in Hamilton. Our Community Engagement Specialist Katy Wade and I visited the class for the first time in mid-October. The room was plastered with colorful artwork, drawings and words of encouragement, coats and backpacks hung from hooks on the back wall and lurking in the corner.

 

High school students cook up 5-star meals at 2024 Montana ProStart invitational

Caeser salad, blackened shrimp, steak with root vegetables, and tanghulu-that's what the Laurel High School team of culinary students cooked up for the ProStart culinary arts competition at Montana State University. "We're cooking a three-course meal in an hour. And we don't have any electricity. So we only have camping stoves, water, and ice," says Raylea Brown, a Junior at Laurel High School competing in the Montana ProStart competition.

 

Joliet Public School students win Congressional App Challenge for Montana's 2nd District

When they were in middle school, freshmen high school students Bailey Shettel, Madigan Sullivan, and Jade Forsman came up with an idea for an app to help in finding possible water contamination throughout Montana. The app, called "Know H20," allows users to report and study on what they see are concerning areas where contaminated water could exist. "Joliet is a small area with wells all around our population, so we thought it would be good for people whose job it is to check to have a GPS to find sources for where there could be contamination of water," said Shettel.

 

Miles City and Bozeman schools receive national award

Two Montana schools received the 2023-2024 National Distinguished School Award: Anderson 7-8 School in Bozeman and Garfield Elementary School in Miles City. The National Distinguished School Program has 3 categories, Anderson received the award for Category 1 and Garfield received the award for category 2. Category 1 is for schools exhibiting exceptional student performance and academic growth, and Category 2 schools have closed the achievement gap between student groups, according to the NDS Program.

 

Havre High Winter Guard performs a showcase

Havre High Winter Guard performed for a crowd Thursday evening in the high school auditorium. The Winter Guard has five members, senior Megan Boyle, juniors Jalia Haley, Julian Nast and Ashlyn Schmidt and sophomore Paige Anderson. The Montana State University Bobcat Color Guard was in attendance to support and cheer on the Winter Guard for their performances. "I should give credit, these kids are very talented," Advisor Serena Dawson said. "... Our captain and our other more seasoned guard have been coaching the beginners the basics and eventually evolving into their performances. The captain took on a lot of the choreography."

 

Belgrade High serves up savory repeat victory at culinary competition

Family members were on the edges of their seats watching culinary students from Belgrade High School in the final moments of a cooking competition. There were just 10 seconds left, and the team had one final dish - the entree - that wasn't on the platter yet. People anxiously watching joined in counting down the final seconds. Just as the timer hit zero, the students rushed to carry the plates over for presentation. A collective sigh of relief was quickly followed by applause for the high schoolers' hard work.

 

In Hardin, students weigh future with Army recruiters

HARDIN - Walking 48 miles in 48 hours isn't easy, especially if you're carrying a 35-pound rucksack. It's what two soldiers from Billings Army and Army Reserve Recruitment are trying to do over the next three days at several area high schools, with the goal of showing how the military has strengthened them. Their first stop Monday was Hardin High School, hoping to tap into Montana's Native American population.

Billings students ready for early college school, district may extend application deadline

The registration deadline may be extended for the Billings Early College School.The early college is one of three public charter schools coming to Billings next year, providing students the opportunity to earn both their high school diploma and college credits.

 

High school students descend on MSU for statewide culinary competition

Teams of Montana high schoolers will test their skills in a cooking competition judged at Gallatin College this Thursday for a chance to compete at a national event. The 2024 Montana ProStart Invitational is part of the National Restaurant Association Education Foundation's effort to attract future food service professionals and develop their skills. The event, which is open to the public, will be from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on March 14 in Hannon Hall on Montana State University's campus.

 

Homeless students to find help with district's new Family Resource Center

Billings Public Schools' new Family Resource Center, to be housed in the basement of the Lincoln Center downtown, will open for service in April. Using grant money, BPS has established the center as a more centralized resource for the district's growing number of students experiencing homelessness. The Family Resource Center will act as a connection between students, their families and outside community resources, and provide basic and emergency needs for students in need. "The ultimate goal is to keep students attending school regularly and ensure their needs are met, so they are able to focus and achieve in school," said BPS spokeswoman Melanie Willardson. BPS has historically provided supplies and resources for students in need utilizing a homeless student liaison and school pantries throughout the district. The recorded number of homeless students in BPS has risen from 457 in the 2019/2020 school year, to 567 in the 2022/2023 school year.

 

Stevi fifth grader wins Ravalli County Spelling Bee; State Bee Saturday

Eighteen students in grades 3-8 tried to calm their nerves and concentrate on winning the Ravalli County Spelling Bee on Tuesday while on stage, and using a microphone, in the Hamilton Middle School Auditorium. The contest rounds took 45 minutes, with Stevensville Middle School fifth-grade student Neil Hancock winning first place, and Corvallis Middle School sixth-grade student Brennan Schneider securing runner up. Hancock and Schneider each received a medal. Stevensville fifth-grade student Neil Hancock, right, won first place in the Ravalli County Spelling Bee. Corvallis Middle School sixth-grader Brennan Schneider, left, was runner up. Both advance to the 57th Annual Treasure State Spelling Bee in Bozeman on Saturday, March 9.

 

Carter County Spelling Bee and Geography Bee winners

Keli Melton took 1st in the spelling bee, Waylon Wilson 2nd, Joby Owen 3rd, Tylinn Thomas 4th, and Vera Strub and Ayla Yates tied for 5th.

 

Fun and games fill final day of Love to Read program.

Plain's Elementary School students last week received recognition and prizes for their participation in the Love to Read program. The day's celebration included fun games and a chance to find out who are the better basketball players, students or teachers. This is the first year a student-staff basketball game has taken place, thanks to the idea first presented by the Plains Elementary Student Council. This is the 16th year the program has taken place.

 

St. Regis' Daisy Sansom wins county bee

At the start of the competition to determine which student would represent Mineral County in the state spelling bee, about three dozen students sat nervously in the Superior High School gymnasium last Thursday evening. The setting had folding chairs facing two tables at center court which were seated with the officials. The three judges were Katy Cannon of Alberton, Kelsey Clark of St. Regis and Chelsea Nygaard of Superior, along with the pronouncer, Angie Hopwood, from Superior. In the stands were friends and family who were there to support and then console as almost one-half of the contestants were eliminated in the first round. Another half of the contestants left after the second round, but everyone was in good spirits with some chuckling at the simple mistake that took them out of the running.

 

HS artists recognized

Several art students from Augusta, Power and Fairfield high schools have been chosen for the top finalists for The Young Masters Juried art show March 1-13 at the Horizon Credit Union, 1500 River Drive, Great Falls. The show will then be moved to the Out West Art Show in The Young Masters Gallery at the Heritage Inn March 14-16. Twenty-nine finalists were drawn from different schools including Augusta, Power, CMR, Great Falls High, Foothills and Cascade.

 

Two Eagle River School Graduates Of Early Years

Two Eagle River School is trying to update their list of graduates from the early years. In those early years a GED/diploma was awarded for those finishing the requirements. Following are the names we have on file for the first few years (1975-1980) but records are scarce so if anyone thinks a name has not been included, please contact the school and we will do research to check it out.

 

Lone Rock teacher helps raise $50,000 for heart association

Lone Rock teacher Art Perez has had his kids jumping rope for the last 25 years, and in the process they have raised over $50,000. Starting in 1998, Lone Rock students from kindergarten to 6th grade have participated in the Jump Rope for Heart event, which raises money and awareness for the American Heart Association (AHA). This year's event on February 2nd raised around $2,200, putting the overall total over the years above $50,000.

 

The Helena Education Foundation holds "Trading Places" event

On Tuesday, after a four-year hiatus, the Helena Education Foundations Trading Places program returned. We spent the day at Jim Darcy Elementary and the Archie Bray Foundation to get a glimpse into this program. "It's just a really great way to do like a mini deep dive and see what's really happening," said Rebecca Harvey, The Executive Director of the Archie Bray Foundation. The day starts with playing builders and bulldozers with second graders at Jim Darcy Elementary and ends surrounded by ceramic arts at the Archie Bray.

 

Corvallis FFA discusses food labeling for competition

On Monday, the FFA group presented to the Ravalli County Right to Farm Board. Corvallis High School FFA members Kenzie Weis, Gia Bumgarner, Morgan Bisel, with substitutes Beauden Therrien and Emelia Schairer gave the presentation. "The people represented in the script are everyday people," Bisel said. "A lot of people don't know anything about the labeling and what is in their food." The consumer in the skit purchases food based on whether it says the word "healthy" on the wrapping. Bumgarner, portraying the coffee barista, said few consumers understand what is meant by 100% organic and how it affects their health. Hormones, free-range, allergens, soy and nutrition are also discussed in the labeling presentation.

 

Montana high schoolers show off global knowledge at annual competition

Nearly 500 students from high schools all over Montana gathered in Missoula this week to meet with diplomats, learn about global cultures and explore professional pathways abroad. The three-day event included roundtable discussions led by former ambassadors, a performance by African dance group Djebe Bara, and visits with representatives from the Central Intelligence Agency. Students enjoyed global cuisine prepared by refugee chefs through United We Eat, the food program of a local nonprofit that supports refugees and immigrants. They also created a mosaic project that helped them learn about the Arabic language and that will be displayed at the Wren hotel. But the hallmark event, the reason why hundreds of students traveled from every corner of Montana, was the Academic WorldQuest, a team-based competition that tests how much students know about international relations, the globe and current events. Winners travel to Washington D.C. to compete nationally.

 

Preparation for Washington Innovation Center's inaugural fall semester is underway

Enrollment has begun for Washington Innovation Center's Early College School and Opportunity School, and the deadline to apply is March 11. The center's inaugural semester is set for this fall. Billings Public Schools will have all of summer break to make the building and grounds ready. BPS Superintendent Erwin Garcia stated during a walkthrough of the grounds Friday that the district anticipates costs for the project totaling between $65,000 to $70,000. Funding for the transformation will come from to the district via the state legislature's budget for charter schools, which equals close to $600,000 for BPS, said Garcia.

 

Record number of Montana high schoolers taking CTE courses

Montana leaders say a record number of high school students have enrolled in Career and Technical Education (CTE). According to the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education, 3,371 students received college credit in a CTE program in 2023. That is an increase of 600 students from 2022.

Helena Education Foundation awards 18 grants

The Helena Education Foundation awarded 18 grants this week to teachers throughout Helena Public Schools. One award went to Warren, one to 4 Georgians, three to Capitol High, one to Helena Middle School, one to PAL, 4 to Helena High School, and one to Jim Darcy. These awards benefit kindergarteners through high school students. Some of the projects selected include bilingual books for Helena High's Library, a field trip to the Rich Ranch for Environmental Studies students, another to UM for Journalism students, and materials to build "Rocket Stoves" for a welding class.

 

Bryant Elementary and Helena College partner together to show kids a world of possibilities

Bryant Elementary is right across the road from Helena College. Two groups of differently aged students, learning very different things. Or so you would think. Two sisters, one working at Helena College and the other at Bryant, created a program that gets fifth-graders into college classrooms. "They think it's a ways off but it comes up before they know it. And so, just seeing that education is so accessible to them and there are so many different routes they can take is really just the most amazing thing to see," says fifth-grade teacher at Bryant Elementary, Taylor Hassler.

 

State, Kalispell School Board Green Light Charter School Agreements

Two public charter school programs will open within the Kalispell Public Schools this fall, after the school board on Tuesday night approved contracts with the Montana Board of Public Education.  The board voted unanimously to approve charter contracts for Flathead PACE Academy, a career-focused charter program within Flathead High School, and Rising Wolf Charter, a flexible, block-schedule learning model within Glacier High School. Both schools will operate within existing Kalispell Public Schools buildings and will utilize existing staff, with the exception of one career coach who will be hired at Flathead PACE Academy. Each charter programs is set to bring in $274,786 in state funding, a much needed boost for the district in the wake of a looming budget crisis and numerous failed levies.  "This is giving our students and parents more choice," board chair Heather Asher said "I back this. I like this idea. I think this is the route we're headed with our schools."

 

Career fair hosted at North Star High School

Multiple businesses from the region participated at the North Star High School career fair Wednesday afternoon, with students from multiple schools attending.

The fair was set up in the high school's gymnasium in Rudyard, and was organized by North Star students Quinn Trueax and Ecko Fraser. "Pretty much, it's a vendor show but with jobs," Trueax told Havre Daily News before the show. "We want students to know that there are more careers than just farming."

 

Helena school district offers students 'real world' career opportunities

Helena Public Schools is rolling out a 6th Grade Career Exploration project offering students an opportunity to experience the job options Helena and Montana have to offer. In Superintendent Rex Weltz's weekly superintendent update on Feb. 23, he said for two days in April every sixth grade student in Helena will participate in finding fields of work they are interested in. April 3 Helena Middle School students will participate in the project and on April 9 C.R. Anderson Middle School students will participate. He said the addition of the project allows the district to offer seven consecutive years of career exploration for students. The project has no cost to students or parents with all of the district's partners volunteering their time to promote these efforts.