Dear Helena Public Schools Families,

As we say goodbye to another school year, I’d like to share a final thanks to all who made it possible – teachers, staff, parents, our partner organizations, volunteers, community service clubs, fans of theater, music and sports, and so many more.

I want you all to know how much you are appreciated.

It’s been a great year, with activities ramped back up, parents re-engaged in school activities and students making gains in reading and math. I look forward to all we can accomplish together again in 2023-24.

In the meantime, the district will continue to work over the summer to bring our students another great school year. As I shared last week, it won’t be without its challenges. However, we won’t let those challenges define us. We will continue to put students first, maintaining a positive learning environment where kids have opportunities to learn and grow.

Over the course of the summer, the district will continue coordinating with the Helena Police Department to hold safety trainings for staff and administrators. In addition, in August, the district will host the Jeremy Bullock Safe Schools Summit, which will bring together educators, administrators and school security experts to share best practices for keeping students and staff safe.

The district will also continue our work to expand mental health support for students through grants and community partnerships.

And, as always, our educators will participate in professional development trainings during the summer on everything from math fluency, to high school language arts, to strategies for keeping students engaged in the classroom. In early August, the district will host the 2023 Education and Literacy Institute offering a day of expert workshops on teaching reading and writing at all levels.

Our staff and students worked hard this year. To witness a child moving through a school year – from start to finish – is to witness the miracle of growth, learning and blooming potential. On this last school day, please take a moment to thank and congratulate your student and their teacher for their amazing accomplishments.

I wish you a summer of much love, laughter and fun with your families.

Respectfully,

Rex Weltz, Superintendent
Helena Public Schools

Student & Educator Recognitions

Capital High School Principal Brett Zanto named MASC Administrator of the Year

Capital High School Principal Brett Zanto is the Montana Association of the Student Councils Administrator of the Year for 2022-2023! CHS graduates presented him with the honor Saturday morning before the commencement ceremony.

From the student nomination:

Mr. Brett Zanto deserves every bit of praise and acknowledgement that is afforded to High School Administrators. It is hard enough to manage 1,400 kids, but Mr. Zanto exemplifies fun, involvement, and character. Mr. Z is active in the school community, where he works closely with our student council and club leaders’ organization. Mr. Zanto’s engagement with the student body is second to none. He has an open-door policy and is easily approachable in any situation, including in his office, in the hallway, or in the classroom. He knows the names of students at our school, and he makes connections beyond the school halls. Besides attending every event that Capital High has to offer, Mr. Zanto is actively involved in events at the school. For our pep assembly, Mr. Zanto wrestled an undefeated state champion wrestler… in front of the whole school… in full uniform. He is involved far beyond his job description, and that is why he has truly earned this honor!

Mr. Zanto has worked tirelessly to make his students feel safe and comfortable in Capital High School both during and after the pandemic. He allows students (and funny ones, at that) to do the daily announcements, says hello to us in the halls, and makes us feel at home. The list of things Mr. Zanto does well runs far too long for me to list everything, but the idea is received: Mr. Zanto IS the administrator of the year; this award just puts it on paper!

Capital High’s Rex Hageman named SHAPE MT Teacher of the Year

Congratulations to Reg Hageman, “Capital High School PE Teacher and SHAPE MT Teacher of the Year”. The award recognizes the outstanding individuals dedicated to students in the fields health enhancement and physical education. Honorees serve as an inspiration for their peers to continue the pursuit of professional excellence. The award will be presented in August at the annual SHAPE MT Conference at Hellgate High School in Missoula.

CRA’s Madeline Wolter named 105.3 KMTX Teacher of the Month

Congratulations to 105.3 KMTX April’s Teacher of the Month, Mrs. Madeline Wolter of C.R. Anderson Middle School!