In today’s newsletter:

• HEA Teacher and Paraprofessional of the Year
• HHS and CHS Track State Championship Achievements
• Central and Kessler Community Tours
• Community Music, Tech, Reading and Special Olympic Offerings
• Request for Kindersprout Donations
• Details on free summer meals, Summer School, and summer SACC

Dear Families and Staff,

Everywhere I’ve looked this week, I’ve seen joy.  Joy on the faces of our 426 graduating seniors who went back in time – returning to their elementary schools, this time in their caps and gowns – to parade the hallways to the claps and cheers of the younger students.

Joy for the 470 Rossiter students who can apply for a $3,000 Rossiter Visit and Apply Grant to commemorate 2018 — the year they were displaced from their elementary school due to flooding and instead finished their year as “Honorary Saints” at Carroll College.

“Handing out ‘Honorary Saints’ certificates to the Rossiter fifth graders was the very first thing I did as president of Carroll College back in the summer of 2018,” said President John Cech. “To now offer them this special grant as graduating seniors feels like a beautiful full-circle moment. They were part of our community then, and it would bring me great joy to see some of them return to campus as Carroll students.”

Joy on the faces of Lauren Gustafson who was named our Teacher of the Year and Shiloh Corcoran who was named our Paraprofessional of the Year this week.

Joy and appreciation for the nine foster grandparents who have collectively volunteered 2,775 hours this year at six of our elementary schools and the fifteen Carroll College work study students who provided 5,400 hours of reading and math assistance across all of our elementary schools.  That’s the equivalent of almost seven school years!!  What incredible examples of the many collaborations that exist between the people in our schools and our community.

Joy in the benefits to our students of finalizing and adopting a new Social Studies curriculum that incorporated many hours of analysis and hard work by dozens of staff.

Joy on the field, in the classroom and in the community.

Let’s take a moment and feel the joy…celebrate the achievements…and appreciate the many people and experiences it takes to build to these moments.

Respectfully,

Rex M. Weltz, Superintendent
Helena Public Schools

Principal Letitia Wilkins with HHS graduating seniors who, years ago, were her kindergarten students!

Student & Staff Recognitions

HEA Teacher and Paraprofessional of the Year

Congratulations to HEA Teacher of the Year Lauren Gustafson pictured here with her family.

Congratulations to Paraprofessional of the Year Shiloh Corcoran pictured here with her mom.

State Championship Track and Field

Congratulations to the Helena High boys and girls teams who both finished second in the team standings and brought home trophies.

In individual events, congratulations to:

• Helena High student Madi Todorovich who won a state championship in 4 events (Long Jump, Triple Jump, 400 meter dash, and the High Jump)
• Helena High  eam members Travis Ryland-Davis, Trey Peterson, Luke Ruch and Pacer Lybbert who won a state championship in the 4 x 100 meter relay
• Helena High student Jaxan Lieberg who won a state championship in the High Jump
• Capital High student Brayden Brisko who won a state championship in Pole Vault
• Capital High student Tyler Crum who one a state championship in Javelin

Army Reserve Chef Christine Stanley instructs a HHS student in Cassie Koch’s Culinary III class in creating a Craquelin Cream Puff filled with Diplomat Cream and fresh Strawberry Rhubarb Compote.

HHS and CHS Culinary Arts Students join Army Reserve Chefs in Improving MREs
With the goal of boosting troop morale in the field by providing better tasting meals, Army Reserve chefs challenged HHS and CHS students with upgrading MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) using fresh ingredients and spices, and experimenting with preparation and heating techniques.  Students also learned about career opportunities in the Army Reserve and the Culinary III students were treated to a special class in dessert preparation by Chef Christine Stanley.

(l-r) Ryan Cooney (teacher), Shelby Larsen, Lexi Bonogofski, Governor Gianforte, Juliah Maharg, Akira Maynard, Ben Makowski

Project For Alternative Learning Students Gain International Experience
PAL students had the opportunity to visit the Capitol and meet members of the visiting delegation from Ireland in recognition of 150 years of Montana and Ireland friendship. Students enjoyed traditional Irish music and mingled with delegates of the Ancient Order of Hibernians  and Governor Gianforte.

Central School Community School Tours

Central School is excited to welcome families and community members to tour our campus as the school year comes to a close. These guided tours are a wonderful opportunity to explore our classrooms, learn about our programs, and meet some of the dedicated staff who make Central such a great place to learn.

Upcoming Tour Dates:

• May 22 | 3:30–4:30 PM
• May 27 | 9:00–10:00 AM
• May 28 | 3:30–4:30 PM
• June 4 | 10:00–11:00 AM

Please use the Sign Up Genius below to save your slot!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F044EAFA82CA2FB6-56936600-explore#/

Kessler School Community Tours

Kessler School is excited to welcome families and community members to tour our campus during the final weeks of the school year. These guided tours offer a great opportunity to learn more about our programs, see our classrooms and campus, and meet some of our fabulous Kessler Staff. Each tour is available for 1 hour. Please use the Sign Up Genius below to save your slot!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040F4EABA723A7F85-56935740-kessler

Community Events and Activities

Join the Summer Reading Challenge and get a free book to keep!  Books are new and chosen from today’s hottest titles!  Kids ages 7-18 can stop by the Lewis and Clark Library, pick up a Summer Reading Challenge tracker, and read 1,500 minutes between June 1 and August 16 (about 20 minutes a day, or 25 hour total).