Dear Families, Staff, and the Helena Community,

As we wrap up a vibrant week, I want to take a moment to reflect on the energy and community spirit that has been on full display across our district. From May Day baskets being delivered throughout the Warren, Smith, and Bryant neighborhoods; the hot air balloon assembly and launch at Rossiter; our HMS 8th grade students getting ready to join high school next year by putting on their own hallway Vigilante Parade; to the competitive spirit of the CRA 7th grade staff vs. student basketball game hosted at CHS; and much more.

Of course, the pinnacle of our week was the historic Vigilante Day parade today. Each year, I am left in awe by how our floats become even more unbelievably detailed and entertaining; the level of creativity is truly world-class. Our students put an immense amount of time and effort into making their floats, and it showed in every stretch of the parade route. I want to extend a massive thank you to our students, our educators and staff who make these experiences possible, and to the entire Helena community for your unwavering support.

Today is also Principal Appreciation Day- I want to take a moment to thank these leaders for the time and hard work they put into the job each day. Principals, we are grateful for you!

Looking ahead, the May 5th election is now just shy of four days away. If you haven’t had the chance to vote yet, we encourage you to show up and be engaged citizens in this important process. For more information regarding the proposed levies and how they impact our schools, click here. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions you may have.

Also, it is Teacher Appreciation Week next week – make sure to let the teachers in your life know how incredible they are!

Have a great weekend and take time to reflect on a truly memorable week in Helena.

Respectfully,

Rex M. Weltz, Superintendent
Helena Public Schools

04/26-05/02 Recap:

Up Next: 05/03-05/09

Upcoming Community Events:

• Wednesday, May 6: Brews and Blueprints, 5:30 p.m. – Brothers Tapworks

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

• Wednesday, May 13: Mosaic Community Meeting, 5:30 p.m. – Kessler Gym

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

FROM OUR SODEXO KITCHEN TEAM

REGISTER FOR 2026 SUMMER MEALS PROGRAM

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TAKE SURVEY

Thanks to a donation from the Civil Air Patrol Educator program, HMS (Helena Middle School Library) received a flight simulator for its Aviation Club, however, the software needed could not run on our current laptops or Chromebooks, so the district needed to invest in a computer to run this program so the students could utilize this amazing and exciting resource. The purpose of increasing the Operations, Infrastructure, and Licensing technology mill levy for both the elementary and the high school districts is to maintain the district’s existing technology infrastructure and secure learning environment. This includes the routine maintenance and scheduled replacement of current devices, renewal of software licenses and cloud-based services used by staff and students, and upkeep of the network and security systems that support daily instruction.

Pictured are members of the Aviation Club at HMS enjoying learning how to fly using the flight simulator and here is what their awesome librarian Ms. Friez has to say about the tech: “The HMS library works really hard to keep up to date on the technologies that are interesting to our students and that will help them pursue their own learning interests. We have enjoyed broad community support for our Aviation Club with volunteers from Flying Tigers, CAP and other groups working with our students. It is wonderful when students get support for their own learning interests from their school and community”

And Jack, a 6th grade Aviation Club member wants you to know:

“I love coming in and flying on the simulator. It is fun, and it teaches me to fly a real plane.”

MORE ELECTION AND LEVIES INFORMATION

MORE INFO

LAST CHANCE MUSIC CAMPS – DEADLINE MAY 1

For older students with previous musical experience:

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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.

• 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/Summer EBT household applications are currently being accepted by Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS)!

MORE INFO AND APPLICATION

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.]