Dear Families, Staff, and the Helena Community,

After an almost 25-week selection process to hire our architects and General Contractor/Construction Managers (GCCMs), we have officially confirmed the final partner for our three-school construction project. Earlier today at a Special Board Meeting, our Trustees approved Golden Eagle/Swank as the GGCM team for the Kessler project. They were chosen for the quality of work both companies have presented in their past projects and for the level of knowledge they bring to the table.

As we move from the selection phase into active planning, our North Star remains clear. We are committed to delivering these facilities in the right way, on time, and on budget. Our seven teams share the same goal and it is clear they care deeply for not only the execution of these projects but also the people who will walk their halls.

A project of this scale requires more than just our teams’ planning; it requires partners of the Helena community. This past week, we held our first of many meetings with key players from the City of Helena. This initial sit-down was about more than just introductions—it was about laying the groundwork for the road ahead. We began discussing preliminary plans to start aligning our timelines to ensure our progress is seamless and transparent.

We are incredibly fortunate to have a long-standing, productive relationship with the City. As we look toward the future, we remain dedicated to maintaining that high standard of collaboration. The support of our community partners is the bedrock of Helena Public Schools. It is this collective vision—shared by the district, the city, and our residents—that ensures a strong foundation for our students today and for generations to come.

Have a relaxing weekend and enjoy the weather – and, of course, GO HAWKS!

Rex Weltz, Superintendent
Helena Public Schools

BONDS PROJECTS UPDATES

02/01-02/07 Recap:

HHS + Project for Alternative Learning (PAL) Project: Week 15

A&E + SMA Design Updates:
- HHS Building Committee Meeting
- City of Helena Meeting
Dick Anderson Construction Updates:
- Cost Analysis Meetings

CHS Project: Week 13

Slate Architecture + RTA Updates:

- Design Option Cost Analysis with Langlas and Hulteng
- Selection of the Preferred Concept Design
- Development of Refined Plans in Preparation of DAG-5
- Outlining renovation scope plans

Langlas & Associates Construction Updates:
- Cost Analysis Meetings

Kessler Project: Week 11

Mosaic Architecture + Cushing Terrell Updates:
- GCCM selection was completed
- Student Engagement board delivered
- Draft Ed Spec work
- Physical site model and program pieces completed
- 2/5: District Progress Report Meeting
- 2/5: Kessler Building Committee Meeting
- 2/6: Programming Meeting with kitchen consultant and Robert Worthy
The recommendation of Golden Eagle/Swank as the Kessler project’s GCCM was confirmed by the Board at a Special Board Meeting on Friday, February 6.

Up Next: 02/08-02/14

HHS + Project for Alternative Learning (PAL) Project: Week 16

A&E + SMA Design Updates:
- PAL Building Committee Meeting
- SD Deliverable Sent to the District
- Board of Trustees Update
- DD User Group Meetings
Dick Anderson Construction Updates:
- Cost Analysis Meetings

CHS Project: Week 14

Slate Architecture + RTA Updates:
- Kiwanis Presentation 2/9
- DAG-5 work session
- Design Cost Analysis with Langlas and Hulteng
- All Staff meeting
- Outlining the summer work scope
- Starting Schematic Design
Langlas & Associates Construction Updates:
- Cost Analysis Meetings

Kessler Project: Week 12

Mosaic Architecture + Cushing Terrell Updates:
- Kiwanis Presentation 2/9
- Student Engagement board delivered
- Parent-Teacher Conferences to engage parents in site planning exercises (2/11 & 2/12)
- 2/10: Board of Trustees Update
- Draft Ed Spec deliverable
- Schedule weekly meeting with GCCM
Golden Eagle/Swank Construction Updates:
- Preliminary Meetings

Upcoming Community Events

Kiwanis Presentation (02/09)
HHS + PAL Community Meeting (02/19 at 5:30 pm)
Brews & Blueprints (02/25)

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:

VISIT SITE

HHS + PAL Community Meeting

February 19 at 5:30 p.m.

Join us in the Helena High School cafeteria, where architects from a&e + SMA will present designs and floor plans for the reimagined campus, including the new Helena High School, new PAL, district athletics facilities, and the new district kitchen. A Q&A session will follow. This meeting is open to the entire Helena community!

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

SUN Bucks

DID YOU KNOW?

KinderSprout screenings begin this month, and we have opened more screening slots in February!

If you would like to book a screening or if you have already signed up but would like to move your screening date up, please contact ksalois@helenaschools.org at 406-324-2032.

For more information on KinderSprouts and eligibility, see the graphic below.

WE STARTED A PODCAST!

In an effort to keep up with the ever growing communication methods, Helena Public Schools joined the podcast train. Introducing “From the Ground Up with Helena Public Schools” – a resource to get information about the nitty gritty, answers to some of those hard hitting questions, and guests from within the district and the Helena Area community

Our second episode will be available soon!

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

LISTEN ON RSS

LISTEN ON APPLE PODCASTS

WATCH ON YOUTUBE

WHAT’S COMING UP THROUGHOUT THE DISTRICT?

Febrary 7, 2026 – February 21, 2026

Saturday, February 7:

CHS and HHS World Language Clubs & CHS Nations Club hosting World Culture Day, 1:30 p.m. – Lewis and Clark Library
CHS Winter Formal, 8:00 p.m. – Lewis and Clark Fairgrounds

Sunday, February 8:

Monday, February 9:

Rossiter Open Forum with the Principal, 9:00 a.m. – Teams
Facilities & Technology Committee Meeting, 12:00 p.m. – LC
Kiwanis Architecture Groups Presentation, 12:00 p.m. – DoubleTree
CRA Concert Band w/ CHS Bands, 7:00 p.n. – CHS Auditorium
JD PTO Meeting, 6:00 p.m. – JD
HHS Rising Junior or Senior Parent Night, 5:00 p.m. – HHS Little Theater

Tuesday, February 10:

HEF: Boeing Grant Press Event – Crosstown Robotics Coalition, 10:00 a.m. – CHS Library
Budget & Finance Committee Meeting, 12:00 p.m. – LC
Bryant Parent/Teacher Conferences – Bryant
- Bryant Scholastic Book Fair – Bryant Panther Purpose Room
Broadwater Parent/Teacher Conferences – Broadwater
JD Parent/Teacher Conferences – JD
Smith Parent/Teacher Conferences – Smith
BOT Meeting, 5:30 p.m. – LC

Wednesday, February 11:

Montana Electricians Union Day at PAL – PAL
CRA Meadowlark Team Ski Trip – Great Divide
Teaching & Learning Committee Meeting, 12:00 p.m. – LC
Kessler Parent/Teacher Conferences – Kessler

Thursday, February 12:

Central Sweetie Pie Fundraiser – Central
Kessler Parent/Teacher Conferences – Kessler
Bryant Parent/Teacher Conferences – Bryant
- Bryant Scholastic Book Fair – Bryant Panther Purpose Room
Broadwater Parent/Teacher Conferences – Broadwater
JD Parent/Teacher Conferences – JD
Smith Parent/Teacher Conferences – Smith
PAL Info Night, 4:00 p.m. – PAL Commons
Rossiter Parent Council Meeting, 6:00 p.m. – Rossiter Library
4Gs PTO, 6:00 p.m. – 4Gs

Friday, February 13:

PAL Archery at State Competition – Great Falls
Trades Day Registration Deadline

Saturday, February 14:

MET Live PIR: Cendrillon, Jules Massenet(Live!)- Cinemark Helena

Sunday, February 15:

Monday, February 16: NO SCHOOL

District Office Closed

Tuesday, February 17:

33^rd Annual Night to Shine with HHS and CHS DECA – Civic Center
Smith PSS Meeting, 6:00 p.m. – Smith Library

Wednesday, February 18:

CRA Elkhorn Team Ski Trip – Great Divide
Broadwater Knitting at Lunch – Broadwater
CRA PTO Meeting, 12:00 p.m. – CRA Room 200
Rossiter Parent/Teacher Conferences – Rossiter
- Rossiter Book Fair
Central Parent/Teacher Conferences – Central
4Gs Parent/Teacher Conferences – 4Gs

Thursday, February 19:

2026 State Science Olympiad Tournament
HHS + PAL Community Meeting, 5:30 p.m – Helena High School Cafeteria
Rossiter Parent/Teacher Conferences – Rossiter
- Rossiter Book Fair
Central Parent/Teacher Conferences – Central
4Gs Parent/Teacher Conferences – 4Gs
Broadwater PTC Meeting, 4:00 p.m. – Broadwater
CRA Choir Concert 6^th, 7^th, & 8^th, 6:00 p.m. – HMS Auditorium

Friday, February 20:

Saturday, February 21:

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.

CHS and HHS world language clubs and CHS Nations Club are hosting World Culture Day at the Lewis and Clark Library February 7th from 1:30 to 3:30 PM. Come down for games, food and learn about the exciting programs and club opportunities they provide!

If your student is interested in participating, please see the attached flyer below. The district has decided to pick up the tab for the registration fees for the students again- use discount code CAPITAL2026

FROM HOLTER MUSEUM OF ART: