2017-2018 great falls public schools community calendar

All kids engaged in learning today… for life tomorrow. 2017-2018 Great Falls Public Schools District Calendar

BUILDING FOR TOMORROW

A Message from GFPS Superintendent Tammy Lacey The 2017-2018 school year is literally a “building year.” During this 129th year of Great Falls Public Schools, our community will build a new school for the first time since 1970! Last school year, Great Falls made history by passing a $98.8 million bond levy to build, reinforce, replace, and improve our school facilities. We made a commitment to ensure that the community’s 1.9 million square feet of building space will be viable for educational endeavors for years to come. This school year, history will again be made as projects commence and some are completed! We invite all community members to follow along with the “building for tomorrow” progress. Be sure to check out this website for up-to-date information on all projects: http://

gfps.k12.mt.us/content/facility-projects-timelines. Of note are the new learning spaces to be built from the ground up this school year. Those include the building of the Roosevelt Replacement School which you can follow at this website: http://gfps.k12.mt.us/content/roosevelt-replacement, and additions to CMR High School which you can monitor here: http://gfps.k12.mt.us/content/cm-russell-facility-additions. Your school district also “builds for tomorrow” as it provides educational opportunity through both an instructional core and comprehensive programming. We maximize operational efficiency and public accountability. The District does this by meeting the diverse needs of a changing student population, adapting to uncertain revenue streams, and managing the escalating costs of doing business. To find out more about

your school district, check out this webpage: gfps.k12. mt.us/content/about-us. You can find the GFPS Strategic Plan that outlines how we plan to “build for tomorrow” as well as school and district accomplishments that outline points of pride. This calendar provides a glimpse of some of the comprehensive programming components offered by your school district. Thanks to the Great Falls Tribune and other contributors who make this publication possible as we work together to BUILD FOR TOMORROW! Sincerely, Tammy Lacey Superintendent

VISION:

Goal: Increase student achievement for all students while closing the achievement gap.

All kids engaged in learning today — for life tomorrow.

The Board is committed to ensuring that all students graduate and are college and/or career ready. Every school must improve teaching and learning with a focus on the Montana Content Standards (MCS). Our expectation is that every student will make at least one year of academic growth in each school year.

MISSION:

We successfully educate students to navigate their future.

Goal: Provide prudent stewardship and accountability of public resources to best support educational opportunity and student success.

WE BELIEVE:

• All students deserve teachers and staff who thrive on student success.

The Board is committed to directing District resources to providing educational opportunity through both an instructional core and comprehensive programming while maximizing operational efficiency and public accountability within a sustainable budget. The District must recognize a need for a 21st Century learning environment, changing student population with more diverse needs, uncertain revenue streams and escalating costs.

• Each student will have fair and equitable opportunity for quality instruction and academic success. • All students learn when their individual needs are met through a personalized school experience. • All students and staff learn and work best in a safe, secure, and nurturing environment.

Goal: The District will provide all students a healthy, safe, and secure school environment in which to learn.

• Highly skilled and committed personnel are our greatest asset. • Quality education is a partnership of student, staff, family, and community engagement.

The Board recognizes its responsibility to protect the health, safety and welfare of all students within the District. The Board is committed to ensuring that plans and supporting resources are available to carry out this important responsibility.

• Dedication to acknowledging, affirming, and including diversity enriches the educational experience for all.

Contacts: Ruth Uecker Tom Moore Dale Lambert Mindy Kiser Brian Patrick Tom Hering

• District resources, programs, and staff are flexible, adaptable, and provide choices to meet the changing needs of all students. • A well educated community is the foundation of our democracy. • District resources and staff are public assets requiring responsible stewardship and community involvement.

Assistant Superintendent K-6 Assistant Superintendent 7-12 Director of Student Services Director of Human Resources Director of Business Operations Director of Information Technology

406-268-6006 406-268-6008 406-268-6777 406-268-6010 406-268-6050 406-268-6068

• All students will graduate college, career and citizenship ready.

School Board Members

Jan Cahill – Chair

Jeff Gray – Vice Chair

Bob Moretti

All school board members are elected volunteers. Board meetings are usually the second and the fourth Mondays each month – see calendar for actual dates. The public is always welcome!

Laura Vukasin

Ann Janikula

To learn more about school board processes, check out this webpage: www.gfps.k12.mt.us/content/school-board

Don Ryan

Jason Brantley

Great Falls Public Schools Foundation “The mission of the GFPS Foundation is to enhance the high‐quality teaching and life‐long learning for the students in the Great Falls Public Schools by funding innovative educational programs and scholarships.” The Great Falls Public Schools Foundation (GFPSF) is a 501 (c) 3 organization governed by an independent Board of Directors. The Foundation is fortunate and grateful to have broad community support. GFPSF Board of Directors Andrew Davidson (Chair) Karen Brandvold (Vice-Chair) Jerry Lehman (Treasurer) Gerry Jennings (Secretary) Linda Caricaburu (Immediate Past President) Drew Blewett Beth Britton Al Getten Jeff Gray Kyle Herda Amy Konen Stacey Lamy Brian Loucks

Anne Martinez Jon McCarty Bethann McGregor Laura Merchant Stu Nicholson Leslie Oakland Nancy O’Brien Doug Sexe Beth Thomas Peggy O’Leary Tremper Tammy Lacey - Superintendent Dave Crum – Executive Director Lyndsay Lettre – GFPS Foundation Administrative Assistant

Foundation board members understand tax payers must pay for the basics of public education. But the reality is many teachers have ideas for improving learning in their classrooms that go beyond the basics. Often teachers’ pay for materials out of their own pockets; often the ideas just die. Our board is committed to helping educators in our community. Through our many programs we are enhancing teaching and learning from Pre-K through under graduate. GFPSF has three major programs: Discovery Grants, Excellence in Education, and scholarships. Discovery Grants: • School staff apply for grants to fund programs or equipment that enhance education • For the 2017-2018 school year, GFPSF is funding 33 individual projects and 3 group projects for a total of $93,188 • Since the program started in 2011, the GFPSF has funded 182 projects for over $400,000, impacting almost 50,000 students Excellence in Education: • Honors distinguished scholars, achievers, and educators • Each scholar and achiever selects a distinguished educator • Students and teachers are recognized at a ceremony and through a publication Scholarships: • In 2017, GFPSF awarded over $250,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors • GFPSF manages the Heisey Teacher Scholarships and awarded $22,000 to 22 teachers this year • In 2016-17, we funded almost $17,000 in dual credit scholarships to juniors and seniors

Staff & Student Awards and Recognitions Staff Awards & Recognitions Staff Member

School

Position

Award

Presenting Organization

Bobby Ingalls

Chief Joseph

Principal

2017 Distinguished Service Award - General Educator

MT Council of Administrators of Special Education

Brenda Huston

CMR

Finance Officer

Mildred Adams Award

MT High School Association

Gary DeGooyer

DOB

Supervisor of Health Enhancement

Outstanding Contributor/Sustainer of the Year

MT Traffic Education Association

Gary DeGooyer

DOB

Supervisor of Health Enhancement

National Athletic Director of the Year Award

National High School Athletics Association

Heather Hoyer

GFH

Principal

Community Service Award

MT Jurisdiction Church of God in Christ

Jamie McGraw

DOB

College and Career Coordinator

2017 Future Administrator Award and Scholarship

MT Association of Secondary School Principals

Jan Mader

GFH

Science Teacher

State-level Finalist for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching

MT Professional Teaching Foundation

Joe Wilkins

Paris

IT (auto tech)Teacher

2016 David Strong Award

MT Association fro Career and Technical Education

Jordann Lankford

CMR/ PGEC

IE Academic Achievement Coach

2016 Governor’s Award for Excellence in Performance

Governor Steve Bullock

Jordann Lankford

CMR/ PGEC


Indian Education Teacher of the Year

MT Indian Education Association

Karen Spencer

CMR

Teacher

Chemistry Teacher of the Year

MT Science Teachers’ Association

Kim Ray

Loy

Principal



Lance Boyd

SS

Principal

Region II 2017 Leadership Award

MT Office of Public Instruction

Michelle Brown

GFH

Math Teacher

Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Member of the Year

Great Falls College - Montana State University

Michelle Mitchell

GFH


Outstanding Specialist

Jobs for America’s Graduates

2016 Award of Excellence

Montana Native Youth Conference

InterTribal Strong Indian Youth Group Paul Hogan

CMR

Welding Teacher

EMT of the Year

Great Falls Emergency Services

Rachel Cutler

VV

Principal



Randy Remsen

GFH

Special Education

Retirement Recognition

MT National Guard

Russ Kellogg

CMR

Band Teacher

Quarterfinalist for 2018 Music Educator Award

Recording Academy and the Grammy Museum

Ruth Uecker

DOB

Assistant Superintendent

Adrian Langstaff Award

MT Association of Elem and Middle School Principals

Tammy Lacey

DOB

Superintendent

Person of the Year Legacy Award

The History Museum

Tammy Lacey

DOB

Superintendent

Distinguished Service Award

MT Society of Health and Physical Educators

Corri Smith

Paris

Director of Indian Education

Board of Directors

Great Falls Community Food Bank

Jon Konen

Lincoln

Principal

SAM President 2016-17

School Administrators of Montana

Lisa Von Bergen

District

Student Services Coordinator

Regional Director


Paul Culbertson

EMS

Associate Principal

2017-18 MASSP Vice President

Montana Association of Secondary School Principals

These lists may not be all inclusive.

Example of Student Awards & Recognitions

Kenzy Buttrey Mountain View Elementary 2017 Charles M. Russell Essay Winner

Isaac Woldtvedt East Middle School 2017 Cascade County Spelling Bee Winner North Middle School Science Academic Bowl Team Advisor – Mary Somerfeld 2017 Regional National Science Bowl Champions Colton Rasmussen and Trent Cavanagh Advisor – Travis Crawford Montana Teenpreneur Challenge Honorable Mention and People’s Choice Award (Urban) – New Business Idea Terryn Premo C.M. Russell High School Montana Student Journalist of the Year Alexandra Madsen North Middle School Center for the Book/Library of Congress Letters about Literature State Winner Molly DeMarco C.M. Russell High School The Montana Board of Public Education Student Representative 2016-17 School Board Student Representatives C.M. Russell High School –Trevor Funseth, Mackenzie George, and Max Sechena Great Falls High School –Jennie Gresham, Sean Robinson, and Kody Torgerson Paris Gibson Education Center –Rosie Beisecker, Alyssa Johns, and Sabia Reiche

Elementary Schools Chief Joseph Elementary School 5305 3rd Ave S Principal: Bob Ingalls [email protected] Admn Asst: Paula Hruska Phone: 268-6675

Meadow Lark Elementary School 2204 Fox Farm Rd Principal: Teresa Sprague [email protected] Admn Asst: Donna Thunstrom Phone: 268-7300

Sacajawea Elementary School 630 Sacajawea Dr Principal: Rae Smith [email protected] Admn Asst: Deidre Martinko Phone: 268-7080

Lewis and Clark Elementary School 3800 1st Ave S Principal: Jackie Mainwaring [email protected] Admn Asst: Alison Kromarek Phone: 268-6705

Morningside Elementary School 4119 7th Ave N Principal: Kim DeFries [email protected] Admn Asst: Stephanie Major Phone: 268-6960

Sunnyside Elementary School 1800 19th St S Principal: Lance Boyd [email protected] Admn Asst: Lisa Wiley Phone: 268-7115

Lincoln Elementary School 624 27th St S Principal: Jon Konen [email protected] Admn Asst: Tamra Johnson Phone: 268-6800

Mountain View Elementary School 3420 15th Ave S Principal: Carole McKittrick [email protected] Admn Asst: Linda Donovan Phone: 268-7305

Valley View Elementary School 900 Ave A NW Principal: Rachel Cutler [email protected] Admn Asst: Linda Lawson Phone: 268-7145

Longfellow Elementary School 1101 6th Ave S Principal: Ryan Hart [email protected] Admn Asst: Debbie Bibb Phone: 268-6845

Riverview Elementary School 100 Smelter Ave Principal: Luke Diekhans [email protected] Admn Asst: Cathy MacDonald Phone: 268-7015

West Elementary School 1205 1st Ave NW Principal: Michelle Meredith [email protected] Admn Asst: Tracy Martello Phone: 268-7180

Loy Elementary School 501 57th St N Principal: Kim Ray [email protected] Admn Asst: Marylee Theus Phone: 268-6885

Roosevelt Elementary School 2501 2nd Ave N Principal: Rhonda Zobrak [email protected] Admn Asst: Jen Hartnell Phone: 268-7045

Whittier Elementary School 305 8th St N Principal: Corri Smith [email protected] Admn Asst: Willow Loney Phone: 268-7230

Middle Schools

East Middle School 4040 Central Ave Principal: Brad Barringer [email protected] Associate Principal: Steve Yates [email protected] Admn Asst: TBD Phone: 268-6500

North Middle School 2601 8th St NE Principal: Tara Rosipal [email protected] Associate Principal: Jamie McGraw [email protected] Admn Asst: Kathie Sybrant Phone: 268-6525

High Schools Paris Gibson Education Center 2400 Central Avenue Principal: Drew Uecker [email protected] Admn Asst: Judy Atkison Phone: 268-6600

C.M. Russell High School 228 17th Ave NW Principal: Kerry Parsons [email protected] Associate Principal: Nate Achenbach [email protected] Associate Principal: Paul Soldano [email protected] Associate Principal: Anita Raneri [email protected] Admn Asst: Becky Anderson Phone: 268-6100

Preschool Great Falls High School 1900 2nd Ave S Principal: Heather Hoyer [email protected] Associate Principal: Brian Held [email protected] Associate Principal: Geoff Habel [email protected] Associate Principal: Paul Culbertson [email protected] Admn Asst: Sherri Clark Phone: 268-6250

Early Learning Family Center 3300 3rd St NE Coordinator: Colette Getten [email protected] Admn Asst: Patty Higgins Phone: 268-6400

Great Falls Public School Nutrition Service Great Falls Public Schools provides healthy, nutritionally balanced meals through its participation in the federal USDA meal program. Families who wish to apply for reduced cost meals may pick up the applications in any school office; applications are also available online. Families need to complete only “ONE” application for their family if they list all of their children on the application.

Complete a Free & Reduced Application online at: https://lunch.gfps.k12.mt.us/ Breakfast is served in the cafeteria at: Lewis and Clark, Morningside, Sunnyside, North Middle School, Paris Gibson , East Middle School and Great Falls High School Breakfast is served in the classroom (BIC) at: Chief Joseph, Lincoln, Longfellow, Loy, Mountain View, Roosevelt, Skyline, West, Whittier, and Valley View

Manage your students meal account at: Myschoolbucks.com Breakfast Prices Students: Regular: $1.55 Reduce: $0.30 Lunch Prices Elementary Regular: $2.50 Reduce: $0.40 Secondary Regular: $2.60 Reduce: $0.40 Adult: $3.60

CALL 406-268-6047 if you have any questions! http://gfpsweb.weebly.com/foods-home.html

A Day in the Life of Our Kids K-6 Elementary School Schedule • First bell is at 8:25 a.m. • Prior to the beginning of school day: supervised playgrounds and some schools have a breakfast program. • 375 minutes per day for grades K-6 programs • 15-30 minutes per day for planned recess • 40 minutes per day for lunch • On different days of the week, students receive instruction from specialists in music, library, art, physical education, and guidance and counseling • Common dismissal times: Regular day is 3:20 p.m.; Wednesdays are 2:40 p.m.; End of Quarter Fridays are 1:15 p.m. 7-8 Middle School Schedule • 7:50 a.m. – 2:55 p.m. • Prior to school: breakfast programs, supervised school grounds, extracurricular/co-curricular activities • 47 minutes per day for each core academic subject • 47 minutes per day for each exploratory subject, including PE and music • 30 minutes each day except Wednesday for home base (advisory/activity period) • 30 minutes per day for lunch • After school: extracurricular/co-curricular activities • An opportunity to take study hall, related art classes or receive extra help in reading and/or mathematics • Student early out is every Wednesday at 2:10 to allow for teacher professional development * End of Quarter Early Release at 12:00 noon 9-12 High School Schedule • CMR: 8:05 a.m. – 3:15 p.m. GFHS: 8:00 a.m. – 3:10 p.m. • Several opportunities to take 7:00 a.m. classes • 53 minutes per day for each core academic class • 53 minutes per day for each elective or study hall • 35 minutes per day for lunch • Prior to and after school: extracurricular/co-curricular activities and club activities • Club activities throughout the year • Student early out EVERY Wednesday at 2:30 for teacher professional development * Schools will notify parents of semester test schedule changes.

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This project is funded in whole or in part under a Contract with the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services. The statements herein do not necessarily reﬂect the opinion of the Department. This project was funded with 100% federal funds at a cost of $0.08 eac h for publicaon.

SEPTEMBER 2017 Sunday

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Please see the GFPS on-line calendar for location and times of events and an update on all activities. www.gfps.k12.mt.us

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Locally Owned and Operated Store Hours Mon thru Sat 9am - 8pm Sun 10am -7 pm

GFHS - Homecoming Week

Attendance Notification It is the student’s responsibility to come to school on time and prepared each day. Daily notification to the school from either a parent or legal guardian is necessary when a student is absent or late. Any absence must be verified within 48 hours of the absence or the absence will be recorded as unexcused. All absences will be recorded on the report card.

Activities or Preplanned Absences Participation in school activities is an important factor in a student’s success in school. It is the parents’/guardians’ and student’s responsibility to notify the school prior to being absent. Absences for the participants in schoolsponsored activities are excused, but students are responsible for the work missed.

• Medical or legal appointment which cannot be scheduled outside the school day • Weather related absence when the schools remain in session but parents deem it unsafe for the student to attend school • Necessary absences approved by the parent or guardian • Participation in school activities

In order to participate in an extracurricular activity, including practice, students must be in school during the afternoon of the date of the event or in the afternoon on the last school day prior to the activity, if the activity falls on a non-school day. Exceptions may be made by the administration.

Unexcused Absences Unexcused absences are absences that have not been verified or approved by a parent/guardian or the school administration, attendance officer and/ or SRO. Staff will not be expected to recreate the educational experience for students who have unexcused absences

Excused Absences A student may be excused when the absence is due to: • Illness • Bereavement

For more information, please visit the GFPS website at: http://www.gfps.k12.mt.us/content/3000-series-students#3122R

Elaine Barbieri, M.D.

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District-wide Homework Expectations Following are recommended average time guidelines (based on a student’s cumulative daily assignments) for the student homework (Board Policy). • Kindergarten and Grade One: 5-15 minutes per day for two to four days • Grade Two and Three: 15-30 minutes per day for three to four days • Grade Four and Five: 30-60 minutes per day for three to four days • Grade Six: 45-60 minutes per day for four to five days • Grade Seven and Eight: 45-90 minutes per day for four to five days • Grades Nine through Twelve: 60-180 minutes per day for four to five days

105 Smelter Ave NE Great Falls, MT 59404 (406) 761-0134

401 15th Ave. S. Ste. 104 Great Falls, MT 59405 (406) 771-9050

ALLERGY & ASTHMA CENTER OF MONTANA WWW.ALLERGYASTHMAMT.COM

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Graduation Matters for Our Kids Elaine Barbieri, M.D.

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With the help of our community partner, The United Way of Cascade County, Great Falls Public Schools is proud to announce that over the last six years 569 more students have graduated thanks to the efforts of Graduation Matters Great Falls. Now the focus is to assist all students in graduating from our schools with a diploma that matters to each student. From preschool and continuing through elementary school and on to high school, the emphasis is to challenge each student to set achievement goals that will prepare them for their next steps in life. Here are the Graduation Matters - Great Falls BOLD GOALS for 2017/2018: •BOLD GOAL: Through educational opportunities for preschool-aged children and their families, Graduation Matters will increase the percentage of students who are prepared to succeed in kindergarten (as measured by the Boehm Test of Basic Concepts) to 80 percent by fall 2020. •BOLD GOAL: To increase the percentage of proficient and advanced readers in 3rd grade to 80 percent as measured by the spring 2020 assessment data. •BOLD GOAL: To decrease the number of high school students who are chronically absent from school and demonstrate poor school performance to less than 3% by spring of 2020. •BOLD GOAL: Increase the number of students who graduate on-time and ready for college or career to 92 percent by 2020.



Credits Required for Graduation

The minimum requirement for graduation from Great Falls Public Schools is twenty-three (23) credits. Students may choose to pursue one (1) of three (3) diploma options. All three options meet the Montana Board of Public Education minimum requirements for graduation from an accredited High School program (10.55.905, ARM) and all of the minimum requirements for graduation from Great Falls Public Schools. Students shall work with their high school guidance counselors, teachers and parents to determine which option best meets their individual needs. For more information, please contact your local high school or see below.

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OCTOBER 2017 Sunday

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Make learning a part of every day… Sharing information about your child is essential, and both teachers and parents are responsible for making it happen.

Start Preparing for College Early!

For more information about GFPS graduation requirements, differentiated diplomas, dual credit programs, and scholarship information, please visit our webpage. The Vision Newsletter is published twice a year and is designed to help students and parents stay current with planning for high school and college. A PDF-version of the newsletter can be found on the webpage: www.gfps.k12.mt.us/content/visions-newsletter For all the up-to-date information please visit the following web-link: http://gfpsweb.weebly.com/graduation-requirements.html

October 13 & 14, 2017 Presented by Great Falls Tribune




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t n a W n e m o P W EX O T WHA

American Indian Education Programs

• Designing, developing, and delivering ongoing professional development for all district personnel in order to recognize the distinct and unique cultural heritage of American Indians within the framework of cultural proficiency • Training and supporting educators to be highly knowledgeable about American Indian culture, history, and contemporary issues in each building in order to provide teacher-to-teacher support for the infusion and implementation of IEFA within every classroom in GFPS • Developing, implementing, and reviewing curriculum that infuses American Indian content, with an emphasis on Montana American Indians, in a meaningful and authentic way

Title VI Indian Education

The Title VI Indian Education program supports the efforts of the School District to meet the unique educational and culturally related academic needs of American Indian and Alaskan Native students. Program services include: credit recovery, homework assistance, Native American Club, parent involvement and social activities. The Native American Resource Library was established under the Title VI Indian Education Program. The collection of materials in the Native American resource Library includes: books, periodicals, audio-visual materials, posters, maps, teaching aides, bibliographies, reservation newspapers, artifacts and models. Materials are available for in-district teacher check out.





Great Falls Public School District Policy 2450 / Recognition of Native American Cultural Heritage

In compliance with Article X of Montana’s Constitution: The District recognizes the distinct and unique cultural heritage of Native Americans and is committed in its educational goals to the preservation of their cultural integrity. It is the goal of the district to establish a system of education that will develop the full potential of each person through equality of educational opportunity as guaranteed by the state.



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In furtherance of the District’s educational goals, the District is committed to:

1) Working with Montana tribes in close proximity to the District when providing instruction, when implementing educational goals, or when adopting rules related to education of students in the District. 2) Periodically reviewing its curriculum to ensure the inclusion of the cultural heritage of Native Americans, including adoption of materials reflecting authentic historical and contemporary portrayals of Native Americans. 3) Working to depict an accurate and unbiased account of individual and cultural diversity and differences among students; and 4) Providing training for school personnel, with the objective of gaining an understanding and awareness of Native American culture. The Board may require certified staff to satisfy the requirements in American Indian studies, set forth in 20-1-503, MCA.

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GFPS employs two K-12 instructional coaches for Indian Education for All. These coaches support classroom instruction by:

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Indian Education for All


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NOVEMBER 2017 Sunday

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Make learning a part of every day… Show children how you use math in your daily life. This will help children develop a positive and meaningful attitude toward math.

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“Every Montanan…whether Indian or non-Indian, will be encouraged to learn about the distinct and unique heritage of American Indians in a culturally-responsive manner, all school personnel should have an understanding and awareness of Indian tribes to help them relate effectively with Indian students and parents….Every educational agency and all educational personnel will work cooperatively with Montana tribes…when providing instruction and implementing an educational goal.” Montana Codes Annotated 20-1-501

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Curriculum and Assessment

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The office of Curriculum and Assessment is focused on providing updated research, materials, and data to support GFPS staff. This support provides the necessary tools so all GFPS students achieve excellence today and every day to navigate their futures.

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“Our Community”


Curriculum Great Falls Public Schools offer a comprehensive K-12 curriculum incorporating all content and performance standards in compliance with Montana Standards of Accreditation. All accredited schools in Montana must have written curricular documents stating what students will know, understand and be able to do, in each program offered. The District has established a curriculum and assessment development process which reviews curricula in all subject areas at intervals. This cooperative process involves members of the community including teachers, administrators, parents, trustees, specialists, and when available, tribal representatives and state resource people. Please contact the curriculum director if you are interested in participating in this process.


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Assessment Assessment provides meaningful data regarding student achievement using multiple measures. Utilizing the assistance of the Office of Public Instruction, Great Falls uses a wide variety of assessments to inform our public. Teachers use multiple measures within their classroom to ensure learning. District tests provide information to teachers, administrators, and parents regarding how well the students have learned the approved curriculum. The state standardized tests are state mandated and are proctored from March to May of each year.





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“Our Future”

GFPS and State Standards Each year, GFPS presents to the school board standards and curriculum that have been under review for adoption. Standards are designed to ensure that students graduating from high school are prepared to go to college or to enter the workforce and that parents, teachers, and students have a clear understanding of what is expected of them. The standards are benchmarked to international standards to guarantee that our students are competitive in the emerging global marketplace.


All GFPS Curricular documents are available online at: http://www.gfps.k12.mt.us/departments/curriculum If you have any questions regarding curriculum and assessments in Great Falls Public Schools please contact 268-6020

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Make learning a part of every day… Children need to learn they will have to be willing to work hard and wait for good things to come.

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You are your child’s first teacher. A successful journey of academic success begins at home.

Good attendance matters! Please send your child to school consistently for these reasons:

•Partner with schools and teachers.

•Lessons within a unit are tied together – missing one lesson impacts knowledge of the whole unit.

•Ask your child questions about learning everyday. •Listen closely to your child about today’s events. •Be positive about school and its purpose. •Set goals with your child for learning. •Get involved by attending school functions, organizations, and/or volunteering.

•Hands on activities usually cannot be made up. •Participation plays an integral part in retaining skills. •Attending school is an important habit for future employment skills. MT-0000392558

Technology is Our Future! Learning in a digital world. Great Falls Public School District’s technology standards for prekindergarten through twelfth grade encompass the “success skills” needed to navigate their futures as they leave our educational system. There are six standards with four benchmarks each to ensure students are adequately prepared for strategic and responsible use of technology in their personal, educational, and professional lives. MT-0000392558


Standard 2: Technology Operations and Concepts recognizes the need for a strategic, scaffolded approach to developing proficiency with technology in various settings. Students will learn basic navigation skills, formatting and organizing procedures, basic troubleshooting protocols, the use of peripheral equipment, and the application of software programs before progressing to higher levels of implementation as they transfer knowledge to new technologies and gain independence in selectively using the best tool for a given task. This standard will also naturally integrate with the other technology standards, but will require explicit direct instruction to allow students to reach proficiency.


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Standard 3: Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision Making challenges students to higher levels of thinking and application by developing quality questions and conducting critical analysis of problems in search of solutions. It sets the stage for the next standard of Standard 4: Research and Information Fluency, in which students must determine a plan, effectively search for and evaluate applicable information, collect and analyze data, and summarize their findings.


Standard 5: Creativity and Innovation supports students’ creative thinking and inspiration through the use of technology. Students will not only create new products, projects, and models, but they will also utilize simulations, identify trends, and predict outcomes based on identified trends to support their thinking and creating of new ideas.


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Standard 6: Communication and Collaboration lays the foundation for students to effectively share and receive information beyond the classroom walls. As students gather information to produce an original work or solve a problem, they will learn how to interact, connect, create, and publish as a team, while reaching out to experts and the global community to inform their thinking, communicate their conclusions, and respectfully learn from others.




2017-2018

Paying tribute to Northcentral Montana’s finest athletes, teams, coaches and sports performance of the year.

May 21, 2018

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Standard 1: Digital Citizenship focuses on the safe, legal, and responsible use of both information and technology, by addressing the issues of safety when navigating on the Internet, cyberbullying, and the use of copyrighted material. This standard is integrated across all technology standards, as well as providing opportunities for explicit direct instruction.

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We believe every child deserves a successful future!

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We’ll help you FIND, PROVIDE, or PAY for quality child care!

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The Great Falls Public School’s adopted Mission Statement for PreK-12 Technology Curriculum states: “We strategically use technology to promote greater academic success and achievement” To see grade level specific standards, please visit the following websites: http://www.gfps.k12.mt.us/departments/curriculum/elementary http://www.gfps.k12.mt.us/content/middle-school-curriculum http://www.gfps.k12.mt.us/content/high-school-curriculum

Early Childhood and Family Programs for Our Kids

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Family Engagement Support through Great Falls Public Schools Title 1 & 3 Programs: Great Falls Public Schools believes family involvement enhances “Our Kids” education and personal development. A child’s future can be strengthened and enriched when families are involved. Partnerships between “Our Community” and GFPS have created awareness and opportunities for parents to be informed, involved, and capable of supporting their child’s success. Parents as Teachers: Home visitation, offering information on child development and parent support, for families with children ages 3-5 years. Little Buddies: An interactive play group, meeting weekly, for families with children ages 2-4 years old. Learning Lunches: Parents are invited to join their children for lunch and learning as teachers share with families a variety of opportunities to support their child’s school success.

Middle School Transition Parent Meetings: East Middle School and some of the Title 1 elementary feeder schools provide parents of 6th graders the opportunity to meet their student’s future counselor and learn about differences between elementary school and middle school. Family Advocacy: Welcome service to new families, Family Resource Centers, community resource support, children designated as Educational Homeless Nutritional support through Food Pantries. Homeless Program: The Great Falls Public School Homeless Program provides services to families of children enrolled in our schools. Homelessness is defined as: a) living in substandard housing, such as a garage, or being doubled up with two families living in a single dwelling; b) having no fixed home, such as living in a car or in another public area such as a park. The homeless program is designed to link children and families to services in the community including agencies providing shelter, food, clothing and access to medical services. For more information call 268-6607.

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Preschool at the Early Learning Family Center Great Falls Public Schools Preschool opened in January 2010 at the Early Learning Family Center, located in the Skyline Building. This preschool offers a full-day free program to preschoolers whose families reside in the Valley View, Mountain View, Longfellow, Whittier, West, Sunnyside and Roosevelt school areas. Students from throughout the city with disabilities ages three to five are also enrolled. Federal funding made the GFPS Preschool a reality and has helped broaden the early childhood opportunities in Great Falls, allowing more preschoolers to begin their education successfully. For information call 268-6400 or 268-6438

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Make learning a part of every day… Make reading a part of regular family life - it sends a message to children that it is important, enjoyable, and a great way to learn.

GFPS cares about literacy and community partnerships: Read 2 Me Book Giveaway & Challenge! sponsored by Graduation Matters Great Falls every February. Annual Valentines’ Day Book Drive — sponsored by elementary literacy teachers. United Way Graduation Matters Parent Quadrant Book Drive — collects thousands of books each year! Community Bookshelf Project — in coordination with the Early Childhood Coalition, GFPS employees work to stock bookshelves around our community with donated books. Books for Babies — GFPS employees and the Great Falls Early Childhood Coalition partner with Benefis to give a free book to all newborns born at Benefis. Number delivered annually: 1600. Summer Read 6 Program — See the June page of this calendar to learn more about this innovative literacy program.

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761.6010



Music in Our Community Makes Us Proud!


Music Program March is Music in Our Schools Month—a time to celebrate the value of music and music education for all children and to encourage public support for quality school music programs like the one we have here in Great Falls!

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Our Philosophy: Music is a life-long endeavor, and changes lives for the better. It communicates emotions above and beyond the written word, and unites people as no other discipline can with the magical elements of melody, harmony, and rhythm. The making of music engages the entire brain, which allows for deeper thinking skills to be used, promotes individual expression, and is one of the best illustrations of cooperative learning and team building in a school setting. Music is vital to a complete and comprehensive education! Grade K-12 Music Program • Certified Music Educators that are also practicing musicians teach students at all grade levels. • Diverse Ensembles available in Band, Choir, and Orchestra settings at the Middle and High School levels. • General Music programs K-8 prepare students to understand and interact with Music in their lives and our society. Guitar Programs are available at the High School to offer even more music to students that are not in traditional Band, Choir, or Orchestra programs.

• High School and Middle School Ensembles are frequently selected to perform at state and regional Festivals, Conferences, and Honor Concerts.

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Get connected.




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• Partnership Programs with the Great Falls Symphony to bring quality instruction and high level musicianship into the classrooms, as well as Youth Matinee concerts at the Mansfield Theater to expose Elementary students to the wonder of live musical performances.

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March is Music In Our Schools Month (MIOSM) In 2017, GFPS was once again selected as a “Best Community for Music Education” by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM). GFPS has been awarded this title many times, most recently in 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016. GFPS recognizes the connections between a strong Music and Art program and increased student problem solving, critical thinking, and innovative skills. This award also reflects the strong connections between the public schools, the Great Falls Symphony, the music business organizations in Great Falls, and the private teachers in the area, as well as our wonderful Summer Music Program that keeps students active and playing during the summer months.

2017-2018


May 21, 2018

Project - Based Learning The GFPS Annual Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) Exposition Event is held on every spring and drew 288 student entries and many STEAM professionals from 32 community partners. The Junior League of Great Falls has continued to be the major sponsor of the event and committed to providing funds to keep the program moving forward. The Expo is designed to encourage interaction and collaboration between our kids and our community. The purpose is to apply knowledge and understanding of science, technology, engineering, art and math to conduct in-depth real-world investigations, through mentorships, demonstrations of classroom science explorations and extensions, and extensions of the inquiry process posed in student note booking. The Exposition offers a venue for students to demonstrate the results of their STEAM studies, professionals to show how STEAM is used to better our community and our future, and spectators to participate in hands-on experiments. The STEAM Exposition event generates interest and excitement for “Our Kids, Our Community, Our Future”.

The GFPS Foundation’s first Dream Big Grant is inspiring both students and teachers. The $100,000 competitive grant has allowed all 450 Great Falls High School freshmen a field trip to First Peoples Buffalo Jump in a multi-discipline exploration of Montana prairies. Other elements include a mountain bike expedition down River’s Edge Trail and a visit to the American Prairie Reserve south of Malta. The Reserve reintroduced bison to former cattle ranches purchased by a private conservation organization to create a wildlife conservation area. Project-Based learning culminates with authentic applications of student knowledge is all areas of the curriculum. English teachers are assigning students to write argumentation papers on what they experienced. Students apply math skills in the field through measurements. The grant encourages fitness as well as academics with science, history, and physical education activities.

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May 21, 2018


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To participate or receive additional information, please call 268-7337.

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Get connected.

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CMR/North MS Native American Awards at Paris Gibson Education Center

GFH/East MS Native American Awards at Paris Gibson Education Center


National Autism Awareness Month

April is National Autism Awareness Month to promote autism awareness, and acceptance, and to draw attention to the tens of thousands facing an autism diagnosis each year. For local resources, please visit the Great Falls Friends of Autism website at: http://friendsofautismgf.blogspot.com/

Purple Up Day: April is the Month of the Military Child Please join schools across our nation as we wear purple as a way to thank, honor, and to recognize the many contributions that military kids make to our country as members of a military family. Why purple? Purple is the color that symbolizes all branches of the military, as it is the combination of Army green, Coast Guard blue, Air Force blue, Marine red and Navy blue. Please look for your school’s announcement as to what day they will celebrate this important event.

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APRIL 2018

Career Technical Education: What do we make? Careers. GFPS Career Technical Education (CTE) programs served more than 2232 high school students last year. Career Technical Education concentrators (497 seniors with three or more credits in CTE courses) in Great Falls have a 97.5% graduation rate as compared to our increasing 84.5% district wide graduation rate. Clearly, CTE Pathways provide students with a successful transition to college and career through an established educational plan and thoughtful career guidance. Not only do CTE Pathways improve student achievement, they also • utilize more than 38 dual credit opportunities • lead to stackable credentials, certificates, licenses, or degrees • provide work-based learning experiences through 30 local registered apprenticeships, and more than 20 internships and 307 job shadows • encourage leadership through student organizations (CTSO’s) • connect industry and education to meet current economic needs. Our Career Technical Education programs include the following departments: Health Sciences- 9 courses including: health occupations, human body systems, and certified nursing assisting (CNA) Business- 16 courses including: management, entrepreneurship, computer science, and marketing Family Consumer Sciences- 11 courses including: interior design, culinary arts, and early childhood development Industrial Technology- 29 courses including: welding, carpentry, automotive, agriculture, drafting, electronics, and engineering. Essential to Career Technical Education and fostering work readiness and leadership skills are the student run organizations (CTSO’s) in each department that compete nationally each year including:

In order to further prepare students for both college and career, Career Technical Education also encourages entrepreneurship by fostering student run businesses. Not only do students manage production in many of these businesses, they also participate in invoicing, ordering, designing, marketing, accounting, advertising, and management. Our middle school and high school student run businesses include: Bison Wear Bison Welding Works The Alternative Coffee Shop Paris Gibson, Bison, and Rustler Catering Lynx Grafix GrizzBiz Bison Business Bison Baristas Rustler Gear Each of these businesses teach team work, business management, and customer service— all skills essential for career and college readiness. Our community’s future depends on educating a viable workforce that meets local industry needs. Career Technical Education coordinates programs in our school district with both post-secondary education and local employers to ensure we are delivering students educated and ready to be productive Great Falls citizens. Career Technical Education provides “vital support for innovative, practical, and effective programs that keep students engaged in school and ready for real world jobs” (Torlakson, 2015). We are in the business of making careers!

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2017-2018


May 21, 2018


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Please review our CTE webpage for more information http://gfpsweb.weebly.com/ctehome.html

HOSA- Health Occupation Students of America BPA- Business Professionals of America DECA- Distributive Education Clubs of America FCCLA- Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America FFA- National FFA Organization formerly known as Future Farmers of America Skills USA- Formerly known as VICA (Vocational Industrial Clubs of America) EdRising – Educators Rising program for future teachers

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MAY 2018 Sunday


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Make learning a part of every day… Support your child’s education and explain what your family’s expectations are regarding school. Talk about attendance, homework, daily schedules, and how you will be involved at school and at home.

Our community’s future depends on educating a viable workforce that meets local industry needs. Career Technical Education coordinates programs in our school district with both post-secondary education and local employers to ensure we are delivering students educated and ready to be productive Great Falls citizens. Career Technical Education provides “vital support for innovative, practical, and effective programs that keep students engaged in school and ready for real world jobs” (Torlakson, 2015). We are in the business of making careers! Please review our CTE webpage for more information http://gfpsweb.weebly.com/cte-home.html


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Summer Programs Keep Our Kids Engaged Summer Read 6! Research shows children who read at least six books over the summer have a better chance to maintain current reading skills. However, children who don’t read or do not have access to books they want to read can lose as much as three months of reading skills over the summer. Through partnership with the Great Falls Early Childhood Coalition, the United Way of Great Falls, and the Great Falls Public Schools Foundation thousands of free books are available to children across Great Falls to read. Dates are scheduled throughout the summer for the books to be given away or students may trade for books in the collection. There are no costs to the child thanks to generous contributions. Over 150 volunteers made up of teachers, principals and community members visit eight sites over 12 nights and have conversations with students about books they like to read. Thousands of books are shared with elementary students in an effort to help them maintain or improve reading skills over the summer.

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For more information, contact Carol Paul at 268-6779.

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761.6010



JUNE 2018 Sunday


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School Board Meeting 5:30 p.m. • Swimming lessons at Great Falls High School run June through August for all ages. Contact the GFH pool at 268-6281. • The summer music program is available for students in 4th grade through high school. Contact the music department at 268-6081. • Special Education extended school year programs enhance student learning throughout the summer months. Contact the Student Services office at 268-6027.

• Indian Education Transitions Events integrates native culture into the content area and focuses on teaching students strategies to be successful in middle and high school. Contact the Title VII office at 268-6003. • High School Summer School, offers students the chance for credit recovery. Contact the Secondary Assistant Superintendent’s office at 268-6008.

• The virtual academy online summer program provides several courses where students can earn high school as well as college credit. Contact the Secondary Assistant Superintendent’s office at 268-6008. • Summer activities designed to enrich the academic and social/emotional needs of gifted students are available. Contact the Curriculum office at 268-6020.




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Healthy, Safe and Secure Schools Great Falls Public Schools recognizes its responsibility to protect the safety and welfare of our students. A webpage is dedicated to this responsibility: www.gfps.k12.mt.us/students/safety. On this page, parents can find information about: • Winter weather tips • School disruptions and closures • Edulink notifications • The Crisis Manager App • Cyberbullying • Safety procedures • .. And more! Student wellness is also very important. To find out more about student health and wellness, please access these websites: http://studentwellnessgfps.weebly.com/ and http://www.gfps.k12.mt.us/content/school-nursing-services.



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JULY 2018 Sunday


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Make learning a part of every day…

Motivate your child by being a good role model. Don’t worry that your children never listen to you, worry that they are always watching you.



Great Falls School District cares about its students, and it shows by the effort being made to instill in them life-long healthy habits

Which foods are addressed by the guidelines? The guidelines are designed to address “competitive foods” available to students during the regular and extended school day outside the school food service program, such as: • School stores • Vending machines • Fund-raising during the school and extended school day • Rewards, incentives, and snacks provided by staff for hungry students • Classroom celebrations, except birthdays in grades K-6 Which foods are not subject to the guidelines? Areas which are not subject to the guidelines include: • Brown bag lunches

• Snacks from home for individual student consumption • Teacher workrooms • Concessions and other fund-raising outside the school day where student consumption can be monitored by parents All Students through Extended School Day Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, combination products, snack foods, nonfat and low-fat dairy products, per portion as packaged: • 200 calories • 35% total calories from fat ( < 3.5 grams per 100 calories) • 10% of calories from saturated fat (< 1 gram per 100 calories) • Trans-fat free • 35% total calories from sugars (sugar grams divided by total weight in grams of serving) • 480 mg sodium • Nuts, seeds, trail mix: •1.75 oz serving with 7 grams (trail mix) or less of fat and 5 grams or less sugar.

• Yogurt: Low– or non-fat • 30 gr sugar per 8 oz. Cheese:100% real, partskim, reduced fat • 1.5 oz serving Beverage Guidelines • Juice: 8 to 12 oz servings of 100% fruit juice with no sugar added up to 120 calories per 8 oz • Milk: 8 to 12 oz servings of low-fat or non-fat regular or flavored milk up to 150 calories per 8oz. • Flavored water/diet soda up to 10 calories per 8 oz with no serving size limit. • Sports drinks and light juices: Limit 12 oz serving with no more than 66 calories per 8 oz. • Coffee: Up to 12 oz serving caffeinated or de-caffeinated, single shot drinks made with non-fat milk, sugar-free flavoring


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Nutrition Guidelines have been adopted by the School Board to decrease the amount of unhealthy food and beverages available to students during the school day.



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Giving Back to Our Community GFPS students partnered with the GF Police departments and local GF Firefighters to support holiday giving. GFPS supported programs such as the Fight Childhood Hunger Week (April), the Race to the Table (November), and the Backpacks4Kids Program to support those in most need. GFPS staff and students have raised awareness of the growing hunger rates of the Great Falls community by creating a food pantry in all schools to support students in need all year long. The Holidays are also a major time of giving back as students and staff partnered with their local PTAs, Lions Club, Meals on Wheels, the Great Falls Food Bank, and the Woman’s Junior League of Great Falls to prepare and donate food baskets to families in need. Schools also organized canned food drives, supported the coat giveaway, and made blankets throughout the year. The GFPS staff is dedicated to giving back to our community by donating $53,919 to the 2016 Fall United Way/Montana Shares Giving campaign.


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Each year Great Falls Public Schools students and staff donate and volunteer their time, skills, and resources to our community. Here are just a few examples from last school year:




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AUGUST 2018 Sunday

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First Day of School 2018

Stuff the Bus The annual Stuff the Bus event has helped to collect thousands of items each year including backpacks, crayons, markers, colored pencils, notebooks, pens/pencils, cash, and gift cards. Through innovative community partnerships, GFPS, the United Way of Cascade County, Target, Walmart, Big Sky Bus Lines, and local donors do their part to help local students in need. Please contact the Superintendent’s Office at 268-6001 for more information about the August 2018 event.


Get connected.




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This is Great Falls Public Schools The District: Basics

• Established in 1888 • Only 10 superintendents (avg. 12.7 yrs.) • 2nd largest district in Montana

• 1 of 7 AA districts in Montana

• (Billings, Bozeman, Butte, Kalispell, Helena and Missoula)

• 3rd largest employer in Great Falls • 1.9 million square feet of building space • 295 acres of land

This is Great Falls Public Schools The District: Students • 10,394* students • Ages 3-21 * 2016-2017 Information

• By Level: • Pre-School = 112 • K-6 = 5768 • 7-8 = 1506 • 9-12 = 2995 • Lifeskills (Age 19-21) = 13

This is Great Falls Public Schools The District: Students Programs* 51.18% 3.16% 0.50% 9.91% 0.97%

Free/Reduced Lunch Eligibility LEP ESL Special Education Homeless

Ethnicity* 2.30% 10.51% 0.41% 1.05% 74.67% 11.06%

African American Native American Pacific Islander Asian White Multiracial * 2016-2017 Information

This is Great Falls Public Schools The Staff: 1926 People People* Teachers 772 Hourly Classified 166 Engineers 100 Food Service 84 Aide-Library/Teacher 71 Clerical 76 Coaches-out of district 53 Principals 28 Medical Related 25 Support Personnel 28 District Administrators 15 Crafts (carp, paint, elec, plumb) 11 Technology Specialists 12 Psychologists 8 Supervisor 7 Warehouse 6 MH/Addiction Counselors 2 1464

FTE** 767.30 120.70 100.00 57.20 49.00 75.50 14.60 28.00 24.00 20.30 15.00 11.00 12.00 8.00 7.00 6.00 2.00 1323.60

Teacher Sub Aide Sub Para Educator Sub Food Service Sub Hourly Classified Sub Clerical Sub

***54 duplicated people

*2016-2017 Information ** Full-Time Equivalency

296 60 40 20 11 34 ***462

This is Great Falls Public Schools Teachers*

2017: 767.3 or 772 people 2016: (769.26 or 717) 2015: (765.83 or 771) 2014: (751.03 or 761) 2013: (762 or 768) 2012: (768.67 or 774) 2011: (796.8 or 807) Grade Levels 1% Pre-School 54% Elementary 15% Middle School 30% High School Ages: 23 to 65 76.4% Female 537 or 71% have a Masters degree or higher 3 with a Doctoral degree

* 2016-2017 Information

This is Great Falls Public Schools HOW OLD ARE OUR SCHOOLS? CURRENT SCHOOL BUILDING ROOSEVELT ELEMENTARY GREAT FALLS HIGH SCHOOL WHITTIER ELEMENTARY PARIS GIBSON ED CENTER LINCOLN ELEMENTARY LONGFELLOW ELEMENTARY WEST ELEMENTARY LEWIS & CLARK ELEMENTARY EAST MIDDLE SCHOOL MEADOW LARK ELEMENTARY MORNINGSIDE ELEMENTARY RIVERVIEW ELEMENTARY SUNNYSIDE ELEMENTARY

DATE BUILT 1928 1931 1938 1948 1951 1952 1952 1953 1957 1960 1960 1960 1960

AGE 89 86 79 69 66 65 65 64 60 57 57 57 57

VALLEY VIEW ELEMENTARY CHIEF JOSEPH ELEMENTARY SACAJAWEA ELEMENTARY LOY ELEMENTARY C. M. RUSSELL HIGH SCHOOL MOUNTAIN VIEW ELEMENTARY SKYLINE CENTER NORTH MIDDLE SCHOOL

1960 1962 1962 1963 1965 1970 1970 1970

57 55 55 54 52 47 47 47

GFHS - SOUTH CAMPUS

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SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION BY DECADE: 1920’s 1 1930’s 2 1940’s 1 1950’s 5 1960’s 9 1970’s 3 1990’s 1 2017-2020 In Progress

To learn about the GFPS Facility Action Plan and related projects, pleas go to this webpage: www.gfps.k12.mt.us/content/facility-action

This is Great Falls Public Schools

This is Great Falls Public Schools

To learn more: • Website:

www.gfps.k12.mt.us

• Facebook: Great Falls Public Schools •Twitter:

@TammyLLacey @GFPublicSchools

Non-Profit Organization U.S. POSTAGE Great Falls Public Schools Dept: Calendar P.O. Box 2429 Great Falls, MT 59403

Great Falls Public Schools would like to give a BIG THANK YOU to the Great Falls Tribune for their support and creativity. No tax dollars were spent on this publication. If you have any questions regarding this calendar, please contact Superintendent Tammy Lacey at 268-6001.

PAID

GREAT FALLS, MT Permit No. 169