Dear Families and Staff,

It’s midsummer and we’re in the midst of transitioning to the upcoming school year.  I’m so proud and appreciative of efforts underway this summer that are creating a positive future for Helena’s young people.

This August, trustees will be voting on a final budget that benefits all students in our district.  Every elementary student will once again receive two PE and two music classes per week including our beloved winter music programs. Middle school students and educators will benefit from an increase in staffing in our middle schools.  And, at the high school level, teachers will once again be able to teach five of seven periods instead of the increased workload of last year with six of seven teaching periods, providing students with additional opportunities and support.   Serving all students in our district despite our fiscal challenges continues to be a top priority.

Our long term future is also a top priority this summer as we continue to work to provide factual information to the community about the upcoming bond election to build a new Kessler Elementary School and Helena High School/PAL as well as remodel and upgrade Capital High School.  Helena’s students deserve quality facilities that expand educational opportunities and help them prepare for their futures as successful and productive citizens.  Extensive information has been added to the homepage of our website https://helenaschools.org in order to offer voters details on the current state of our facilities as well as our proposed building plans and timeline.

I want to thank Callie Aschim, Chamber of Commerce President CEO for organizing the following events.  It means a lot to me that the Chamber leadership and membership has stepped up to help get the word out and, further, that the Chamber understands and supports the importance of strong schools to a vibrant and strong community.

To get a closeup look at these schools, please join any of the Brown Bags & Bonds Lunch and Facilities Tours which run from 11:30-1:30.  Please RSVP to 406-442-4120 or info@helenachamber.com so we can make sure we have a sack lunch for everyone in attendance.

July 22 – Helena High School
July 29 – Kessler Elementary School
August 5 – Capital High School
August 12 – Helena High School
August 19 – Kessler Elementary School

The Chamber of Commerce is also organizing Brews & Bonds from 4-6 pm at the locations listed below. These events are casual opportunities to talk to school district personnel, ask questions and learn more about the school bond and its effects on not only education, but also local businesses and the broader Helena economy.

July 22 – Ten Mile Creek Brewery
July 29 – Ten Mile Creek Brewery
August 5 – Brothers Tapworks
August 12 – Speakeasy 41
August 19 – Ten Mile Creek Brewery
August 26 – Speakeasy 41

Please view the calendar at https://www.helenaschoolbond.org/election-day-september-9th for more details on these events.

As a school district and as a community, we are continuing to demonstrate our commitment to a bright future for Helena.  Thanks for joining me in this quest.

Respectfully,

Rex M. Weltz, Superintendent
Helena Public Schools