Dear Families, Staff, and the Helena Community,

This last week brought opportunity to pause and celebrate the educators and staff members who have dedicated much of their lives to our students and school. 

On Wednesday evening, we gathered for our annual Retirement Celebration to honor the individuals who are wrapping up their final chapter with the district. To our retirees: thank you. Collectively, you represent an unwavering commitment to public education. You have helped to shape minds that will lead us into the future. We will miss you, but wish you the world in retirement. 

A celebration like this doesn’t happen on its own. A huge thank you to those who worked behind the scenes – from our planning and setup crews to those who supported and sponsored. 

As we shift gears into the final weeks of school, keep an eye on your school calendars, because jam-packed schedules of milestone event are happening. Have a great weekend!

Respectfully,

Rex M. Weltz, Superintendent
Helena Public Schools

05/17-05/23 Recap:

Up Next: 05/24-05/30

Upcoming Community Events:

• Tuesday, June 16: Brews and Blueprints Special Helena High + PAL Groundbreaking Event, 5:30 p.m. – North Side of Helena High Campus

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

HELENA EDUCATION FOUNDATION 2026/27 EDUCATOR AND PARAEDUCATOR OF THE YEAR

EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR: Cassie Koch

Cassie’s colleagues recognize her as an education leader in the district. Cassie is an amazing culinary teacher and math teacher. One colleague shared: Cassie “is never one to shy away from trying something new and is always doing community service projects with her culinary classes. She has been working with Bryant doing really cool culinary projects.” Another said, “she has completely revitalized our culinary classes, she feeds us all the time, and she is the best CTE department chair ever. She works so hard!” And a third shared, “Cassie goes to great lengths to give her students unique opportunities out in the real world. The culinary skills she is teaching her kids will last them a lifetime. Cassie is amazing!”

PARAEDUCATOR OF THE YEAR: Molly Meyer

Molly’s colleagues her as an education leader in the district. Just a few of the comments we received about Molly include: “She is hard working and always has a smile on her face. She moves from school to school and is still able to build relationships with not only the students she works with but also the teachers at the school. She is always ready to jump in assist.” Another colleague shared, “Molly is an incredible asset to our students, teachers, and our school district. Is there another job that changes more than Molly’s? She could be at one school in the morning, and another in the afternoon, and pivots between buildings over a weekend plus takes it all in stride. When I have had a hard time with a student and Molly walks into my room, it feels like a breath of fresh air, I feel supported, and I feel like we can get where we need to go.”

MT. ASCENSION ACADEMY

Registration to book an enrollment meeting for 2026/27 is now open and will run through the month of May. *Please note: Facilitators will respond as soon as they are able.

MORE INFORMATION

FROM OUR SODEXO KITCHEN TEAM

REGISTER FOR 2026 SUMMER MEALS PROGRAM

• 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

The students of the CRA Band Program cordially invite you to attend our Spring Band Concert on June 4th, 7 pm, at the Helena Civic Center. “Not Your Typical Middle School Band Concert!” is a chance for the community to witness the incredible things that band students achieve. The concert will last about 90 minutes – it will be a memorable event!

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.]