Helena Public Schools > Supt. Weltz Friday Flyer | April 17, 2026
Supt. Weltz Friday Flyer | April 17, 2026

Dear Families, Staff, and the Helena Community,

I am excited to announce that Nick Radley, current Principal of Central Elementary, has been selected as the new Principal of Helena Middle School. We are confident that his leadership style and dedication to student success will be a tremendous asset to the HMS community.

With this transition, we will begin the next steps in searching for Central Elementary’s next leader. Congratulations, Mr. Radley!

I also want to bring attention to some lunch menu changes from our partners at Sodexo- Starting May 1st, school lunch menus will officially transition to a paperless communication system. For more information on this change, go to https://helenaschools.org/departments/food-services/.

And, Sodexo wants to hear from you! Families can participate in a survey about menus, the meals being served, and how our Sodexo kitchen team is doing. You can scan the QR code located on the flyer in the “Did You Know” section below.

Have a good weekend!

Respectfully,


Rex M. Weltz, Superintendent
Helena Public Schools

Huge Community Shoutout

On March 7th, the Helena ping pong party “Paddles Blazing with Love” raised $6,615 for our students who may need some extra help.

The event was not just about bringing more than 100 people together to play table tennis. It was about community kindness and helping students who are struggling with hunger and poverty.

Helena Public Schools is deeply grateful for the incredible community who planned and executed a fabulous event and to those who showed up to support our students through ping pong and friendship. The sense of responsibility to our students to help them access what they need for daily necessities is incredible. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for showing up for them!

BONDS PROJECTS UPDATES

04/12-04/18 Recap:

HHS + Project for Alternative Learning (PAL) Project: Week 25

  • A&E + SMA Design Updates:
    • HHS/PAL Design Development 100% Complete
    • District Kitchen Construction Documents – Week 1
    • Board of Trustees Meeting
    • Brews & Blueprints
  • Dick Anderson Construction Updates:
    • Weekly Meetings

CHS Project: Week 23

  • Slate Architecture + RTA Updates:
    • School Department Meetings Monday and Tuesday
    • Facility Meetings
    • Leadership Meeting
    • School Board Meeting
    • Brew and Blueprints
    • Phasing Coordination
  • Langlas & Associates Construction Updates:
    • Leadership Meeting
    • School Board Meeting
    • SD Review and Pricing
    • Phasing Coordination

Kessler Project: Week 21

  • Mosaic Architecture + Cushing Terrell Updates:
    • 4/14: Structural Check-in with GCCM & Owner’s Rep
    • 4/14: Civil Check-in with GCCM & Owner’s Rep
    • 4/14: Board of Trustees Meeting
    • 4/15: Brews & Blueprints Event
  • Golden Eagle/Swank Construction Updates:
    • Continuous Constructibility/Budget Support
    • Mechanical Preselection RFQ/P Draft

 

On Monday, April 13, Gretchen from Mosaic Architecture and Artist/Architect Paul Blumenthal unveiled the mural that Paul has been working on since the early days of the project. When Gretchen met with all Kessler students to get their insight of what is important to them for their new school to have, Paul was there to put their input to canvas. The mural will be hung in the current gym and will be moved into the new school when the time comes.

Up Next: 04/19-04/25

HHS + Project for Alternative Learning (PAL) Project: Week 26

  • A&E + SMA Design Updates:
    • HHS/PAL Construction Documents – Week 1
    • HHS/PAL Design Development Pricing Begins (3 weeks)
    • District Kitchen Construction Documents – Week 2
  • Dick Anderson Construction Updates:
    • Weekly Meetings

CHS Project: Week 24

CHS Project: Week 24

  • Slate Architecture + RTA Updates:
    • Leadership Meeting
    • SD Contract Questions and Pricing Review
    • Phasing Coordination
  • Langlas & Associates Construction Updates:
    • Leadership Meeting
    • SD Review and Pricing
    • Phasing Coordination

Kessler Project: Week 22

  • Mosaic Architecture + Cushing Terrell Updates:
    • 4/21: OAC Meeting
    • 4/22: Meeting with City Fire Marshal
    • 4/23: Weekly District Update Meeting
    • 4/24: School Site Plan Review Meeting with City of Helena
    • Exterior Wall Assembly Analysis
  • Golden Eagle/Swank Construction Updates:
    • Exterior Wall Assembly Analysis
    • Continuous Constructibility/Budget Support

Upcoming Community Events:

  • RESCHEDULED – Thursday, May 7: HHS + PAL Community Meeting, 5:30 p.m. – HHS Little Theatre

 

If you have questions or want to chat about 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:

DID YOU KNOW?

TAKE SURVEY

 

MONTESSORI LOTTERY

ATTENTION INCOMING KINDERGARTEN FAMILIES!  

If you have a student enrolled to start kindergarten in Helena Public Schools this fall, now is the time to join the lottery for a kindergarten Montessori slot!

It’s simple to apply:

  1. Print and complete the Montessori Lottery application form.

  2. Submit your completed form by 3 pm, April 24, 2026, at any Helena Public Schools elementary. You may also email a completed application to Lisa George at lgeorge@helenaschools.org.

  3. Make sure you get a “received” receipt when you turn in your application!

DATES TO NOTE:

  • Names will be drawn April 27, 2026.

  • An informational meeting will take place on April 29, 2026.

  • Selected applicants will be contacted April 30, 2026, for acceptance.

  • Those not selected will be contacted via email on May 1, 2026, and be put on the waitlist.

Please note: There is not a 1st grade Montessori application. If your child is selected for 2026 kindergarten Montessori, they will automatically go into 1st grade Montessori. If you are interested in 1st grade Montessori but your child was not in Kindergarten Montessori, you can put their name on the waitlist – contact kboedecker@helanaschools.org.

 

MORE INFO & REGISTRATION FORM

 

This year, in the weeks leading up to the Vigilante Parade, the Student Councils from Helena High and Capital High are going head-to-head in a friendly food drive competition! Students can bring donations directly to school, or contribute online:

2026 FOOD FIGHT DONATION LINK

Every item and every dollar counts toward the final total. The competition runs Monday, April 20th through Friday, May 1st.

Both high schools are fired up and ready to fight for the win! This is a prefect chance to get into your school spirit and make a meaningful impact for our Helena community at the same time. Let’s rally together, show school pride, and bring home a record amount of donations!

 

MORE ELECTION AND LEVIES INFORMATION

 

FROM THE GROUND UP WITH HELENA PUBLIC SCHOOLS

We’ll have a new episode for you next week! Until then, get caught up on the seven episodes we have uploaded!

LISTEN OR WATCH WHEREVER YOU’RE AT IN YOUR DAY:

LISTEN ON RSS

LISTEN ON APPLE PODCASTS

WATCH ON YOUTUBE

 

COMMUNITY CORNER

Resources for students, families, and the HPS community.

  • HPS THREE WAYS TO DONATE

  • RUNNING RESOURCE LIST ON OUR WEBPAGE

  • HPS SCHOOLS’ FOOD DRIVES AND OTHER RELATED EVENT LISTINGS

  • CONTACT CENTER FOR QUESTIONS AND TO GET CONNECTED (WEBPAGE)

 

VIEW WEBPAGE

 

 

WHAT’S COMING UP THROUGHOUT THE DISTRICT?

April 18, 2026 – May 2, 2026

Saturday, April 18:

  • Montana Conservation Youth       Expo, 10: a.m. – Lewis & Clark County Fairgrounds
  • Central Earth Day “Clean Up Meet Up,” 10:30 a.m. – Central Playground
  • CHS Spring Theater Show, 6:00 p.m. – CHS Auditorium

Sunday, April 19:

Monday, April 20:

**WEEK OF THE TIPI

** Public School Volunteer Week

**Smith Love Your Library Week

  • Central Lower Montessori to Historical Museum
  • Rossiter Open Forum w/ the Principal, 9:00 a.m. – Microsoft Teams: Join the meeting now
  • Smith Volunteer Reception, 3:00 p.m. – Smith

Tuesday, April 21:

  • Rossiter Parent Council Field       Day Meeting, 5:00 p.m. – Rossiter Library
  • Smith PSS Meeting, 6:00 p.m. – Smith Library

Wednesday, April 22:

**Secretary Appreciation Day

  • Youth Symphony Field Trip 4th and 5th grades – Civic Center
  • Teaching and Learning Committee Meeting, 12:00 p.m. – LC
  • Warren Family Night – Warren
  • Rossiter Family Night, 3:30 p.m. – Rossiter

Thursday, April 23:

  • CHS Spring Theater Show, 6:00 p.m. – CHS Auditorium
  • Broadwater PTC Meeting, 6:00 p.m. – Broadwater
  • HHS National Honor Society Induction, 6:00 p.m. – HMS
  • PEAK Community Bingo Night, 8:00 p.m. – The Confluence

Friday, April 24:

  • Montessori Applications Due
  • CHS Spring Theater Show, 6:00 p.m. – CHS Auditorium
  • CRA 6th & 7th Orchestra Solo and Ensemble – Our Redeemers Lutheran Church
  • Central 5th Grade Popsicle Fundraiser, 3:15 p.m. – Central

Saturday, April 25:

  • CHS Spring Theater Show, 6:00 p.m. – CHS Auditorium

Sunday, April 26:

Monday, April 27:

  • Broadwater 5th Grade Cohesion Dance

Tuesday, April 28:

**Rossiter Gov Cup Training Begins

Wednesday, April 29:

  • West Side 5th Grades Visit to C.R. Anderson
  • Jefferson Kindergarten Orientation, 3:45 p.m. – Jefferson

Thursday, April 30:

  • Broadwater 3rd Grade Field Trip to Fire Wise, 12:30 p.m.

Friday, May 1:

**Vigilante Day: 9th-12th NO SCHOOL, K-8th Dismissed at 11:00 a.m.

  • State Music Festival
  • Broadwater Exploration Works Assembly 3rd-5th 9:00; k-2nd 10:00
  • Central Third Grade Helena History Walking Tour: Week 1 – Introduction to Helena & Central History

Saturday, May 2:

  • State Music Festival
  •  MET Live PIR Opportunity: Eugene Onegin, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (Live!) – Helena Cinemark

 

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.]