Dear Families, Staff, and the Helena Community,

Yesterday, many of our administrators had the privilege of participating in the Helena Education Foundation’s Trading Places event. Stepping into the shoes of community partners and vice versa is an invaluable experience that fosters mutual understanding and strengthens the relationships between our classrooms and local industries. Thank you to those who were able to participate, and thank you to HEF for their tireless work in organizing events designed to support students, educators, and our schools.

We saw this same energy throughout our schools this week as they celebrated Read Across America Week. The activities ranged from vibrant spirit weeks inspired by the world of Dr. Seuss to Jefferson Elementary’s Reading with Dogs literacy night. Warren and Broadwater started their Read-a-thon fundraisers and Smith held Book BINGO. I got to take part in 4Gs’ celebration as a guest reader in Mrs. Johnston’s 2nd grade class this morning, which was a true highlight of my week.

While these events were filled with fun and reminds us the power of reading and making connections, our commitment to literacy is a year-round mission. Literacy is the foundation of learning, and its impact is greatest when it transcends the classroom. I encourage all our families to continue these efforts at home through books, articles, or journaling of your own. Engagement at home helps unlock your child’s full potential down the line.

Have a great weekend, and pick up a new book while you’re at it!

Respectfully,

Rex M. Weltz, Superintendent
Helena Public Schools

03/01-03/07 Recap:

Up Next: 03/08-03/14

Upcoming Events:

• Wednesday, March 18: Mosaic Community Night, 4:30 p.m. – Kessler
• Wednesday, March 25: Brews and Blueprints, 5:30 p.m. – Brothers Tapworks

If you have questions or want to chat about what’s next, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us!

• 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

Join us on Saturday, March 7 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for Ping Pong Paddles Blazing with Love: A Community Ping Pong Party Fundraiser for Food for Helena’s 400 Homeless Students!

If you can’t be there in person, you can donate at: https://www.givelify.com/donate/first-christian-church-helena-mt-2j7wy5MjAzMTM=/donation/amount (Make a note on the donation: “Homeless Students Fund”).

OR send a check to First Christian Church/Disciples of Christ in Helena (311 Power Street, Helena, Montana 59601).

You can find more details at the Helena Table Tennis Club Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064492822277

OR contact Frank Kromkowski at 406-422-6303 or fkromkowski@gmail.com.

SUN Bucks

Join us for spring fun and activities!

We’ll provide a mid-morning breakfast and an afternoon snack. Families are required to provide a ready-to-eat lunch with a beverage and a water bottle. Send your child with appropriate clothing for an active day of play inside or out in our ever-changing MT weather.

Interested families can contact Jamie at jmerrill@helenaschools.org for registration information. Registration will close once full or on March 25. No refunds due to illness, no-shows, or cancellations. No late registrations at the door.

AND

Join SACC Summer Camp for a Summer full of fun activities! Registration for CURRENT SACC families will be open March 2 – 9. General registration for any HPS families will open on March 9

Children must be a Helena Public School student entering 1st-6th grades. Find more info and the registration link at https://helenaschools.org/departments/school-age-child-care/.

LAST CHANCE MUSIC CAMPS

For older students with previous musical experience:

_________

And for younger students wanting to learn an instrument or how to sing in a formal ensemble. The discovery camp (from the green poster below) is the one that will be free to all current 5^th graders thanks to a Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation grant.

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.]