May 1, 2018
Hello Montana parents, students, educators, and community members,
With summer around the corner, we at the OPI wish you all a successful end to the 2017-2018 school year! Here is the latest in Montana education:
Montana Hope Schools Tour:
We wrapped up our 2017-2018 Montana Hope Schools Tour with Jason DeShaw in April. Since last fall, country music artist and mental health advocate Jason DeShaw has spread the message of hope to students in nearly 20 schools across the state. We will continue finding innovative ways to work with schools and students to promote mental health awareness and suicide prevention.
School Safety
Congress passed the STOP Act which provides competitive grants to law enforcement agencies and districts to bolster school safety initiatives. Montana communities might be able to successfully apply for a grant if they have a strong partnership between their local law enforcement and school leadership.
Teacher of the Year
Nominations have come to a close. If you know a teacher who has been nominated, please encourage them to apply! Applications are due June 1st and any teacher can apply even if they weren’t formally nominated. More info can be on the OPI’s website.
Superintendent’s April Events
- ASVAB score interpretation with Belgrade students
- Montana Ready event with Hellgate High School
- Meeting with Missoula College to discuss Big Sky Pathways and dual enrollment
- Montana School Counselors Association conference
- Purple Up Day at Loy Elementary in Great Falls
- State Library Board meeting
- Monthly Land Board meeting
- Montana Hope School Tour events in Browning, Libby and Huntley.
- Visits with administrators in Browning, Columbia Falls, Whitefish, Libby, and Huntley
- Montana Association of County School Superintendents conference
- Montana Missing Children Poster Contest awards ceremony with Attorney General Tim Fox and Gardiner Elementary students
- Council of Chief State School Officers School Safety Steering Committee
- Radio appearances on KGEZ-Kalispell and Voices of Montana
Check out Superintendent Arntzen’s recent opinion editorial on the need for broadband in modern classrooms.