A newsletter delivered each month after the Regular School Board meeting to update parents, students, and our Philipsburg community.
High School Corner:
What It Means to Be a Prospector
“PROSPECTORS is a hefty load to carry, but if someone is truly a PROSPECTOR they will do it with a smile even when nobody's watching.” — Zach Waldbillig
Enrollment Update
Current enrollment remains steady and positive:
High School (9–12): 38 students (+1 Job Corps = 39 total)
Junior High (7–8): 29 students
Combined Onsite Enrollment: 67 students (68 including Job Corps)
Breakdown by grade:
7th – 16
8th – 13
9th – 9
10th – 10
11th – 11 (+1 Job Corps)
12th – 8
Enrollment remains consistent, supporting stable programming and class offerings.
Infrastructure & Facilities
There have been no major issues since the last board update, and several positive improvements are underway:
The new high school hallway door frame and doors have arrived, with installation expected before the end of the third quarter.
Favorable winter weather (no snow) has significantly reduced maintenance demands.
Custodial teams at both buildings are effectively maintaining regular cleaning routines.
Mr. McGuire completed several improvements:
Installed a new back door at the high school.
Removed a non-functioning sink from the HS boys’ bathroom, improving space and usability.
Replaced the elementary gym heater motor after damage; the cost will be reimbursed by the outside group responsible.
The new home economics/concessions classroom has been a great asset, particularly supporting the Explore America group’s fundraising efforts.
Overall, facilities are in good condition, and improvements continue to enhance functionality.
Academic Initiatives & Recognition
7th–8th grade students are working through MAST Window #2 (ELA & Math) through March 6, 2026.
Third Quarter ends March 24, 2026.
Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences: April 1, 2026.
High Honor Roll and Honor Roll recipients were recognized and shared publicly.
Attendance awards were distributed, including four students earning perfect attendance and receiving $50 gift cards.
Academic Interventions
All 7th– 12th-grade students participate in EdReady twice weekly during advisory:
7th–9th: Algebra Prep
10th–11th: ACT Prep
12th: College Math Readiness
This structured intervention strengthens math skills and supports readiness for Algebra I, the ACT, and post-secondary success.
Students who complete Algebra I Prep will transition into MAST Prep, and next year’s 7th/8th graders will begin with MAST Prep to better align preparation with state testing.
These targeted supports reflect a proactive, college- and career-focused approach.
Shout Outs this month:
Junior High Girls' Basketball is wrapping up its season, with a few games remaining before concluding in February. Thank you to coaches Jackie Walter and Hans Bohrnsen for their dedication, and to the players and parents for their hard work and positive support throughout the season.
High School Basketball is preparing for the District Tournament in Frenchtown, February 19–21. Senior Night will be held on February 14, marking the final home game of the season. The teams and coaches have had a strong and exciting year—Go Prospectors!
Student Council continues to recognize excellence through its weekly Prospectors of the Week program, honoring one to two students or staff members each Thursday for going above and beyond.
Winter Fest was held on January 16 and was a great success. Special thanks to Friday Night Pizza for supporting the dinner, Melissa Kienitz for organizing the event, and Mr. Hansen, Mrs. Burch, and Mrs. Babbitt for chaperoning. Mr. Hansen also served as DJ, helping make the evening a fun and memorable event.
Mrs. Maggie Tallon, Assistant Principal, has accepted a new position in curriculum sales. Her final day with Philipsburg Public Schools will be February 19, 2026. We thank Mrs. Tallon for her service and contributions to the district.
Elementary Corner:
January Highlights
January 16 – Second Quarter Awards Assembly
We celebrated the end of the second quarter with an awards assembly recognizing students for attendance, Honor Roll, and High Honor Roll achievements. Congratulations to all of our students for their hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence.
January 20 – Random Words of Kindness
Students participated in Random Words of Kindness, exchanging positive and encouraging notes at the end of the school day. This meaningful activity promoted kindness, strengthened connections, and reinforced a positive school culture.
January 27 – LEGO Build-Off
The Student Council hosted a LEGO Build-Off, where students demonstrated impressive creativity and problem-solving skills.
Congratulations to our winners:
🥇 Sean – Spider Mobile
🥈 James – Boat with a Working Motor
🥉 Cooper – Turtle
February Activities
Throughout February, students in grades 3–6 have been participating in afternoon cross-country skiing, which has been a highlight for many. Students have thoroughly enjoyed the experience. A special thank you to Levia Shoutis and the Georgetown Lake Trail Association for helping make this opportunity possible.
February also marks the kickoff of I Love to Read Month. A variety of activities are planned to encourage students to read at home and foster a lifelong love of reading.
Deeply Thankful - This is my final principal's report, as I have accepted a new professional opportunity. I am deeply thankful for my time here and grateful for the amazing staff, wonderful students, and supportive families who make this school so special. I encourage everyone to support our staff and students - they work hard every day and truly deserve it. - Maggie Tallon
And don't forget to check out 6th Grade News!
Booster Corner:
Maggie Tallon is stepping down from her role with the Booster Club. At this time, Margie Lee remains the sole active member and is currently seeking additional volunteers to help support the organization.
We’re proud to support our students, but we still need more Booster Club members! If you're interested in helping with events, fundraising, or student activities, please reach out. Every helping hand makes a difference!
Thank you for your continued support of our Titans and Prospectors!
PTO Corner:
Crista Beattie reported that the 50/50 drawing at last week’s basketball game was a great success. In a generous gesture, Stephanie White donated her winnings back to the PTO. The PTO will continue its fundraising efforts at the upcoming car show.
Thank you for your continued support of our Titans and Prospectors!
February 2026 – I Love to Read Month! 📚
February 4: JH Girls Basketball vs. Butte Central (Home)
February 5: GHS Basketball vs. Valley Christian (Home – Granite)
February 7: GHS Basketball vs. Seeley (Away)
February 9: JH Girls Basketball at Potomac
February 10: JH Girls Basketball vs. Lincoln (Home)
February 12: GHS Basketball at Charlo
February 13: PPS Outdoor Classroom Day #1 (Grades 3–12) – Discovery Skiing & Butterfly Insectarium; JH Girls Basketball vs. Drummond (Home)
February 14: GHS Basketball vs. Lincoln (Home – Senior Night)
February 19–21: District Basketball Tournament at Frenchtown
February 26–28: Divisional Basketball Tournament at Butte Civic Center
March 2026 – End of 3rd Quarter & Parent-Teacher Conference Month
March 10: School Board Meeting @ 5:30 pm
March 11–14: STATE Class C Basketball Tournament
March 13: PPS Outdoor Classroom Day #2 (Grades 3–12) – Discovery Skiing & Museum of the Rockies
March 24: End of 3rd Quarter
More events are listed on our Events Calendar.
Get the School App and Stay Informed:
Download the school app onto your phone and receive notifications about what's happening at Philipsburg Schools!
Useful Links:
Our website has a bunch of information for students, parents, and our Philipsburg community. You can access our Events calendar on the home page. The Elementary Secretary Brandi Morales issues a weekly newsletter that you can find under News. These Monthly Newsletters will also be located under News. If you get the School App, you'll receive push notifications when a newsletter has been posted to the website.
You can find the Printable Academic Calendar on the website in the top-right-hand corner. You can access your Parent Portal in Infinite Campus and Student Portal in Infinite Campus on the website, as well as the School Store. All three links are in the top-right-hand corner of the website.
If you need to find information on Graduation Requirements, Assessments, Academic Rewards, "How to Help" Strategies, Career-related Exploration, Standardized Testing, or the Course Catalog, click on Academics in the website's Menu.
You can also click on College & Career Pathways to get scholarship information, FAFSA information, apprenticeships, and more.
Facility Information:
We'll be creating a facility information page soon for our website that will have helpful links to our new facility user agreement, volunteer form, facility user calendar, and more. Keep an eye out!
Out-of-District Enrollment:
Check out our Out-of-District Enrollment on our website to stay abreast of policy, application links, and requirements. Application deadline with ALL SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION is due by 4:00 p.m. on the First day of June and MUST be hand-delivered to the Superintendent/Principal, Assistant Principal, or District Clerk at 407 Schnepel Street, Philipsburg, Montana during regular school hours, Monday through Thursday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
New Attendance Policy:
Make sure to read the Parent/Student Handbook on the new attendance policy and how it affects your student's grades. Here are three key points:
Excused absences are caused by illness, danger to health from serious exposure (weather), or imperative necessity (emergency medical and dental appointments, death or funeral in the family). Students are allowed three (3) days to make up missed work.
Unexcused absences are with parent/guardian knowledge but for reasons not listed above or due to no prior notification. A parent/guardian can apply for a waiver for an upcoming lengthy absence with the principal.
Missing nine (9) or more days per semester per class, the student receives a 2% reduction per class for each additional absence on the 9th and subsequent days. Ex: a student misses a total of 12 days and has a 74% at the end of the semester, an additional 2% x 4 days = 8% points off 74% = 66% for a final semester grade.
Social Media:
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Board Meeting Information:
The Philipsburg School District No. 1 School Board consists of the following members: Chairperson Genevieve Kulaski, Vice Chairperson Margie Lee, and Trustees Joy Lucero, Connie Schiedermayer, and Jennifer Graham. You can find their Contact information here.
You can access school board messages, minutes, and policies here.
The School Board meets every Tuesday of the month at 5:30 p.m. in the High School Library. If a scheduling conflict arises and the meeting time/day changes, a notice will be posted around town in public areas, on the website, and on the school app. A notice will also be posted on both school front doors. We hope you're able to join us!