Friday Update from Superintendent Weltz | November 7, 2025
Dear Families, Staff, and the Helena Community,
How is it November already? This will be an extremely busy month for the district. Our bonds projects are moving rapidly along, which means about 11 special board meetings among the onslaught of planning meetings.
Today, the Board confirmed Slate + RTA architecture firms as the firms designing the Capital High School Addition and Renovation Project. Over the past two weeks, a panel of seven administrators and board members reviewed eight design firms and identified the three most qualified to interview for the Capital High School Addition and Renovation Project. The process was extremely competitive, and Slate + RTA impressed the panel with their deep school design experience, their outstanding professional reputation, and their vision for a new and improved campus at CHS. We were delighted with their presentation, and it is evident that they will develop and deliver a wonderful facility to our students, staff, administrators, and the community of Helena.You can view more bonds projects updates below.
The Board also confirmed Keith Meyer as the new Helena Public Schools Trustee member. He took the oath of office right after the Board voted to confirm his appointment, and he will serve until May when the seat is up for election. Keith was chosen because of his extensive background and understanding of public education, which the Board agreed to be a valuable asset during this short tenure. We look forward to working with Keith over the next few months and we are grateful for his willingness to serve in a crucial and extremely busy time for our district. I also want to thank each of the seven applicants for answering the vacancy call and for taking the time out of their own schedules to interview. The job isn’t easy, and is often thankless, but the community support and engagement we have seen has knocked us off our feet.
Beyond bonds and the board, there are an incredible amount of events happening during and outside of the school day for our students and their families. Some events are even community partnered, like this weekend’s display and celebration of the Fall of the Berlin Wall, hosted by CHS and HHS German Club students at the Holter and the Special Olympics Basketball Tournament that will finish up tomorrow. Soon, holiday music programs will take place and then it will be holiday break. You can see what is happening throughout Helena Public School below.
Respectfully,
Rex Weltz, Superintendent
Helena Public Schools
BONDS PROJECTS UPDATES
Bonds: Bond Notice Ad (referred to as a Tombstone in the finance world) for $31.5 million Helena ESD and $130.0 million Helena HSD has been issued per the bond projects – you can expect to see the ad in the Independent Record on Monday, November 10; Thursday, November 13; and Saturday, November 15, as well as on our website.
HHS + Project for Alternative Learning (PAL) Project: Confirmation and Week 1 and 2 (10/24-11/9) Recap
- A&E + SMA Design confirmed as the firm for the HHS project.
- Kickoff meetings with District Admin, HHS Campus Master Plan Committee, HHS Building Committee and PAL Building Committee.
- Educational Specifications Meetings & Surveys with Programming Groups at HHS and PAL.
- HHS Campus Master Plan – Site Analysis & Programming.
- HHS GCCM RFQ/RFP Notice #1 posted 11/8
CHS Project: Confirmation (11/7)
- Slate + RTA confirmed as the partner firms for the CHS project.
Kessler Project: Ground Zero
- Kessler RFQ open.
UP NEXT:
HHS + Project for Alternative Learning (PAL) Project: Week 3 (11/10-11/16)
- HHS Campus Core Admin Meeting.
- Educational Specifications & Programming for PAL & HHS – Area Model/Concept Review.
- HHS GCCM RFQ/RFP Notice #2 posted 11/15
CHS Project: Week 1 (11/10-11/16)
- Planning meetings – more to come.
CHS Project: Ground Zero (11/10-11/16)
- Kessler Architect RFQ Due 11/10
- RFQ Submissions reviewed 11/11
If you have questions or want to chat about the choice and what’s next, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us!
Keep up-to-date on the bonds projects as we enter into each
phase of the processes:
phase of the processes:
COMMUNITY CORNER
Resources for Families Affected by the Government Shutdown
Yesterday, an email was sent out to the HPS community and beyond, highlighting initiatives being implemented by HPS in effort to provide support and assistance to our HPS families and Helena Area affected by the government shutdown in a community connective way. We are thankful for the partnerships of Helena Food Share and Helena Area Chamber of Commerce to combine our strengths and work into programs already in place.
These initiatives are:
- THREE WAYS TO DONATE
- Community food pantries at each HPS school, in partnership with Helena Food Share
- Helena Food Share – food, money, volunteers
- HPS RevTrak Donations
- RUNNING RESOURCE LIST ON OUR WEBPAGE
- FOOD DRIVE AND OTHER RELATED EVENT LISTINGS (also listed on WEBPAGE)
- CONTACT CENTER FOR QUESTIONS AND TO GET CONNECTED
For more information about the Kid Packs, what’s in them, and how to get a Kid Pack for a child: CLICK HERE
To donate or become a Kid Pack Champion: CLICK HERE
In addition to meals, participation in the Free & Reduced Lunch program helps the district identify students who may benefit from additional assistance with school expenses including:
- School supplies and clothing
- Sports and activities fees
- Instrument rentals
- Field trip fees
- Fees for academic tests such as the Advanced Placement exam
- And more!
Families across a wide range of income levels may qualify based on a variety of factors, including the number of people in your household. If you believe your family may qualify, please apply now, even if you don’t plan to take advantage of this benefit.
Click HERE for to apply.
Click HERE for more information OR contact your school’s office.
Amy’s Mess provides homeless families with school-aged children with nourishing meals and supportive resources, directly addressing their immediate needs and helping to pave the way to a brighter future.
THEIR PROGRAMS
Join Us in Nourishing Our Students: Support the School Pantry Initiative
At Amy’s Mess, we believe in the power of community to make a profound difference in the lives of those around us—especially our youngest members. We are excited to announce a new initiative to ensure no student goes through their school day hungry or lacking necessities. We are establishing a Needs Pantry in every school within the Helena School District.
What is a Needs Pantry?
A Needs Pantry is a dedicated space within each school that provides snacks, quick meals, and basic hygiene necessities—free of charge—to students in need. These resources are crucial for students who might otherwise go without, helping them focus on their studies, not their hardships.
How Can You Help?
We are calling on our incredible community to come together and support this vital initiative:
- Monetary Donations: You can easily contribute financially via our website. Every dollar helps us keep the pantries well-stocked.
- Direct Donations: If you’re local and prefer a hands-on approach, you can purchase items and donate them directly to the school of your choice. This personal touch makes a big difference!
- Consolidated Drop-offs: If not, you can hand over your items to me, and I will organize a combined delivery to the schools. This method helps streamline the process and ensures all contributions are distributed efficiently and effectively.
- Spread the Word: Share our mission with friends, family, and local businesses. Encourage them to contribute if they can.
Coats for Kids Program
The Helena Exchange Club Coats for Kids program is dedicated to ensuring that every child in the Helena area stays warm during the cold months. From October to March (or until the snow stops!), they provide new coats and boots to elementary school children in need.
Their program is administered through local elementary schools, with limited items available for middle and high schools, as well as select outside organizations. They collaborate closely with school counselors, teachers, and secretaries who identify students in need and submit requests on their behalf.
The Angel Fund is a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting Helena School District children in need by providing essential school items such as clothing, shoes, and more.
The program application deadline is November 13. To qualify, families must complete the Application for Free and Reduced-Price School Meals. Submitting this application may also make your family eligible for additional support services. The Angel Fund is also providing $200 for school clothing to qualifying elementary students (double that for students experiencing homelessness) and $250 to qualifying middle and high school students (double that for students experiencing homelessness).
HEF’s annual fall event, Great Conversations is SOLD OUT!
But wait, they have added TWO new tables!
If you missed your chance to register, now’s your moment — grab one of the few seats left for the November 19th event and check out these new, just added, topics:
Trade: Who Wins, Who Loses? – Dr. Alex Street
Global trade shapes everything from the prices we pay to the jobs we depend on. But who really benefits, and who bears the cost? Join a lively discussion about trade wars, globalization, and how international economics impact our daily lives.
Let’s Talk About School Design! – Tim Meldrum
What does it take to design a safe, inspiring, and future-ready school? Get an inside look at the new Helena High School project and explore how thoughtful design can shape better learning and community spaces.
Join HEF on November 19th – register today!!
They will also be celebrating nine incredible educators that evening: Terri Johnson (HHS), Joe Pichardo (CHS), Barb Ridgway, Michael Madsen (CRA), Jessica Vallincourt (HHS), Jamie Toivonen (CHS), Andrea Tucker (Rossiter), Sheridan Marr (Bryant), and Michele Zentz (PAL).
Are we missing anyone?
Please send an email to tlassiter@helenaschools.org so we can include them in the Q2 segment.
WHAT’S COMING UP THROUGHOUT THE DISTRICT?
November 8 – November 22, 2025
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Saturday, November 8:
Sunday, November 9:
Tuesday, November 11: Rock Your Mocs Spirit Week – Wear Orange to Honor Boarding School Survivors, Families, and children lost
Wednesday, November 12: Rock Your Mocs Spirit Week – Wear your Ribbon Shirt/Skirt
Thursday, November 13: Rock Your Mocs Spirit Week – Wear mismatched shoes to honor Jim Thorpe
Friday, November 14: Rock Your Mocs Spirit Week – Rock Your Mocs
Saturday, November 15:
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Sunday, November 16:
Tuesday, November 18:
Wednesday, November 19:
Thursday, November 20:
Friday, November 21:
Saturday, November 22:
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If we missed something, please let us know – helenamtschools@helenaschools.org. As a good rule of thumb, always check with your school on what they have going on. You can also find upcoming event information and more in this year’s calendar online at https://helenaschools.org/25-26-calendar-flipbook/.
Fall of the Berlin Wall Celebration
For the third year in a row, HHS (4 students) and CHS (9 students) German Clubs are hosting a celebration to commemorate the fall of the Berlin Wall. Students at both high schools come together to design a mural, reflecting on themes of unity and division, and paint it on a 6′ x8′ wall at the Holter Museum.
In our mural, our students explore the concept of unity without conformity. The two upper flower boxes represent the two high schools and the unity and identity within them. Helena High, shown in the upper left hand box, is represented with flowers symbolizing rebirth, passion, perseverance, and hope and trust in the future. HHS students chose these flowers to show their feelings about the new school building and the road ahead for the school. CHS, represented by the upper right hand box, chose flowers symbolizing creativity, pride, and sarcasm. They chose this to show their wonderful sense of humor and personalities.
The bottom two flower boxes are filled with an assortment of flowers of varying meanings, sizes, and colors. The mixing of flowers from HHS and CHS, alongside other flowers and plants, symbolizes diversity within a unified, wider community. Having all of our planters in a greenhouse represents a desire to cultivate both individualism and unity in one place. It is up to us to be active gardeners, working to maintain peace and community.
The mural will be on display November 7th during the annual Helena Art Walk at the Holter. German Club students will be there as well selling cookies and raffling a club T-shirt. On November 8th we’ll have guest lecturers from MSU give a talk on German Reunification at the Holter at 4:00 PM. German Clubs will provide pizza and drinks at 5:00 PM, and the wall will come down at 6:00 PM.
For more information click HERE.
