Friday Update from Superintendent Weltz | May 2, 2025
In today’s newsletter:
- Bankers, blacksmiths, preachers and teachers: Celebrating Helena History on Vigilante Day
- Ballots are due Tuesday
- Summer SACC Lottery now open
- High School Families: Get the scoop on Summer School 2025Ā
- Free Summer Meal program schedule & locationsĀ
- District seeks coaches, parasĀ
Good Afternoon Families and Staff,
Today at high noon, we’ll gather downtown for the Vigilante Parade to celebrate Helenaās history as we have every spring for over a century.
Decade after decade, new generations of students love to explore the colorful tales that make Helena unique, starting with four men trudging through a lonely stream in what is now downtown Helena.
From the moment the Four Georgians saw flashes in their pans in July 1864, the rush was on. Over the next decade, miners and all who supported them flocked to Last Chance Gulch ā bankers and blacksmiths, furriers and farriers, preachers and, of course, teachers, to name a few.
Our community has placed a high value on public education since thoseĀ earliest days. In July 1875 ā just 11 years after the Four Georgians struck gold ā Helena broke ground on Montana Territoryās first graded school. Our founders choseĀ the most prominent site available for the modern brick building ā the perch whereĀ Central School now stands overlooking the Gulch ā becauseĀ they knew it would take great schools to attractĀ further wealth and prosperity to their growing city.
While the gold is gone, our public schools still shine. Today, Helena has one of our stateās most respected and high-achieving school districts.
Our high school juniorsĀ consistently perform among Montanaās best on the ACT college prep exam in math, science, reading and English, scoring above the state average for the past five consecutive years
And each year, dozens of students graduate from our district with college credit and/or certifications in areas such as welding, automotive, nursing orĀ IT.
Helena Public SchoolsĀ is proud to graduate students who are prepared to thrive in college, career, military service or wherever their paths should take them.
This is our communityās legacy, built by the wisdom, foresight and support of generations before us.
As we see the joy on our studentsā faces this afternoon, may weĀ be ever-more committed to protecting and preserving this legacy for generations to come.
Respectfully,
Rex M. Weltz, Superintendent
Helena Public Schools
District News & Events
How would the Technology Levies be spent?
Helena Public Schools hasnāt updated our technology levy since 2004. In the last 20 years, technology has become vital for education and workplace function. It is everywhere. This is an investment in the future of our community: Students need technology skills to be ready for careers and college.
Funds from the Technology Levy would be distributed as follows:
Device replacement:Ā The district has an extremely conservative replacement schedule for core technology,Ā such as student Chromebooks.The target lifecycle for these devices is seven years, although the district often keeps them running longer. Other device and hardware replacement needs include projectors, smart boards, battery power supply systems, emergency notification speaker clocks for classrooms, cameras, building acess devices for security, routers, wiring and much more.
Software licensing, cybersecurity and cyber liability insurance. These are all growing costs that didn’t exist (or were very limited) when Helena passed its first school technology levy in 2004 (Remember when software came on a CD?). Today software such as our PowerSchool student information system, content filters to keep students safe online, security cameras and automated security doors all require annual licenses to operate.
IT staff: The technology levies would pay the salaries of the district’s 12-member tech support team. These 12 individuals support more than 8,000 end users across 16 campuses!
Learn more about the Technology Levy and the Elementary General Fund levy atĀ https://helenaschools.org/2025-technology-levy/
Ā
– What is the difference between a levy and a bond?
– Why is the district seeking a Technology Levy?
– What will the Elementary General Fund Levy be used for?
– How can the district have a budget shortfall, when I’m paying more than ever for property taxes?
– What happens if the levies fail?
Find answers to these questions and more in our 2025 Election FAQ!
Registration is now open for 2025 Summer School
Click here for details and registration!
Dive into Summer Fun with SACC!
Get ready for a summer packed with creativity, playĀ and learning at the Summer SACC Program! Open to Helena Public Schools students entering grades 1ā6, this full-day program offers exciting weekly themes and enriching activities in a safe, supportive environment.
š Location: Central School
š
Dates: June 16 ā August 15
š¢ Hours: 7:30 amĀ ā 5:30 pm
š« Closed: July 3 & 4
The registration lottery opens April 30 and spots fill up fast!
Visit the SACC websiteĀ for registration details, tuition rates, and a sneak peek at weekly themes.
Have questions about measles? VisitĀ https://helenaschools.org/measles-information/
Helena Public Schools is seeking coaches!
Do you love working with kids? Are you passionate about sports, teamworkĀ and mentorship? Helena Public Schools is hiring coaches, and weād love to have you on the team!
Coaching is more than just a job ā itās a chance to inspire, encourage, and help students grow on and off the field. Whether youāre a seasoned coach ot zĀ is a rewarding opportunity to give back to your community and make a real impact.
- HHS – Assistant Girls Soccer Coach
- HHS- Assistant Speech and Debate
- HHS- Head Dance Coach
- HHS- Assistant Football Coach
- HHS- JV Cheer Coach
- CHS- Head Speech and Debate Coach
- CHS- Head Wrestling Coach
- CHS- JV Cheer Coach
Student & Educator Recognitions
Kathleen Cook, 2025 Presidential Scholar Semifinalist
Capital’s Cook named Presidential Scholar Semifinalist
Congratulations to Capital High School SeniorĀ Kathleen Cook, who is among only 621 students nationwide to advance to the final round of the 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.
Established by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964, the program recognizes the nationās most academically distinguished graduating high school seniors. Each year, approximately 4,000 students become candidates based on their SAT and ACT test scores.
Of those, 621, including Kathleen, are selected as semifinalists. Best of luck to Kathleen as we await the announcement of the 2025 Presidential Scholars!
HHS Bio 2 students get their hands dirty on the ranch
Helena High School Bio 2 studentsĀ recently spent three days at the Rich Ranch near Seeley Lake. Students learnedĀ about eco-systems, helped build fences andĀ worked alongside the ranch owners and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks rangers.