Dear Families,

The holiday season is here and that means it’s time for winter performances. Please join me in giving a big round of applause to our music teachers, from kindergarten through high school, who are working hard to make magic and memories happen on stage.

When we’re wowed by a high school band, choir or orchestra concert, we’re seeing the results of music education that began in kindergarten, when students practiced clapping and tapping out rhythms. Thank you to our music teachers for giving our students the academic, social and emotional benefits that come with music education.

The district’s new Fine & Performing Arts web page now lists all K-12 music concerts (watch for more arts information to be added soon). K-5 concerts are open to student families only, while middle school and high school concerts are open to the general public.

The holidays also mean spending time in the kitchen, and I’d like to share an exciting opportunity coming up for young cooking enthusiasts.

The district’s food services vendor, Sodexo, is seeking entries for its annual “Future Chefs National Challenge.”

Third, fourth and fifth grade students are invited to submit their favorite recipes by Feb. 2. Local finalists will be invited to prepare their recipes – donning a real chef’s coat and hat – at the Helena School District Base Kitchen. The young chefs will work alongside high school culinary students and professional chefs to present their dishes at a public tasting event March 9.

Printable entry forms are available at this link. Entry forms are also attached to the back of the December school lunch menu. The top recipe will be submitted to Sodexo’s regional competition, from which a finalist will be chosen for the national competition. A Warren Elementary student was once named the National Grand Champion and I think it’s time that we reclaim the title!

And best of luck to our Speech and Debate Competitors who are participating today and tomorrow in the Valley of Gold Tournament. We appreciate the volunteer judges from across our community who stepped up to make the competition happen. I look forward to sharing results next week.

Finally, I want to say a belated thank you to all of the staff and volunteers who made it possible for the Helena community, including our schools, to host the 2023 Special Olympics Basketball Tournament. Congratulations to our Tornadoes and their fans on some excellent play!

Have a wonderful weekend with your family,

Rex M.Weltz, Superintendent
Helena Public Schools