Back-to-School Newsletter | August 2026
What It Means to Be a Prospector
“A PROSPECTOR is a symbol of class, hard work and character.”
— Zach Waldbillig
As we prepare to welcome students back for another school year, a lot is happening throughout Philipsburg Schools! From facility improvements and new curriculum to summer camps, fall athletics, and new staff, we are excited about the year ahead.
School Website: Philipsburgschools.org
🏫 Infrastructure & Summer Improvements
Our buildings and grounds have been busy this summer as staff works to prepare for the return of students.
Elementary Roof:
Installation of new roofing and shingles on the Elementary School is underway.
GHS Concessions:
A new concrete pad has been installed outside the GHS concessions room.
Building Cleaning:
Classrooms at both schools have been thoroughly cleaned, and carpets have been shampooed.
Gravel Improvements:
New gravel has been placed in front of both the Elementary School and GHS to help reduce mud and improve drainage.
Elementary Gym:
Window trim has been freshly painted.
GHS Hallway:
The main hallway has been repainted, with door painting currently underway.
GHS Gym:
The gym floor has been refinished and oiled in preparation for the new school year.
Trophy Cases:
GHS trophy cases have been cleaned and reorganized, with trophies proudly displayed.
Grounds:
Grass has been regularly mowed and watered throughout the summer.
GHS Roof Maintenance:
Bob and Charlie have been caulking areas of the high school roof where water entered during the heavy rains in early July. The work is nearly complete, and remaining materials may be used for additional work at the Elementary School.
Upcoming Projects
We are currently gathering bids for replacement of the bus barn metal roof and looking at possible upgrades to the football crow’s nest.
✏️ Instruction & Curriculum
Our teachers and administrators are preparing for the year with professional development, new curriculum resources, and changes designed to maximize instructional time.
Curriculum Updates
Wit & Wisdom: Teachers and administrators in grades 3–8 are beginning professional development for the Wit & Wisdom English Language Arts curriculum.
Math: Elementary teachers and administrators are participating in professional development for the District's math curriculum as they prepare for implementation this school year.
More Time for Learning
New K–6 Lunch Schedule: All K–6 students will have lunch from 11:15–11:55 a.m. Having one lunch period will help increase instructional time throughout the elementary grades.
Fewer Classroom Transitions: Students in grades 4–6 will remain in their regular classrooms rather than transitioning between classrooms for Reading/Grammar, Science, and Social Studies. Reducing transitions will provide additional instructional time and consistency for students.
🌟 Culture & Professional Development
Summer Camps Were a Success!
Our summer camps have been amazing! A special thank-you goes to Brandi Morales, Shannon Huckfeldt, and Libby Jorgensen for their help managing and supervising camps throughout the summer.
Thank you also to Mr. Blume and Mr. Hanson for helping with a fantastic hiking camp. We appreciate everyone who helped provide fun and meaningful summer opportunities for our students!
Administrator Professional Development
Administrators are participating in professional development with Bea Kaleva in Missoula. The annual training focuses on legislative updates, new laws, and other important information affecting Montana school districts during the upcoming school year.
August 20 Professional Development Opportunity
Staff will have the opportunity to attend an optional professional development session at the University of Montana in Missoula. Randy Russell will serve as the keynote speaker and will discuss the importance of relationships and their impact on both students and staff.
Continuing education credits will be available, and our Philipsburg team is looking forward to learning together!
Thank You, Community Hospital of Anaconda!
The Community Hospital of Anaconda generously donated $250 to Philipsburg Elementary to assist with back-to-school supplies for students.
We greatly appreciate this support and look forward to continuing partnerships that benefit our students and families. Thank you for investing in our kids!
🏈🏐 Fall Athletics Are Here!
Fall athletics officially begin August 14!
We are excited to welcome our student-athletes back for another season of Prospector Volleyball and Flint Creek Titans Football.
The Granite/Drummond Volleyball Tournament will be held at GHS on Saturday, August 29, beginning in the morning.
The Flint Creek Titans will also take on Lame Deer in Drummond on August 29.
Go Prospectors! Go Flint Creek Titans!
A HUGE SHOUTOUT to the Ranch at Rock Creek for their incredibly generous donation to help launch our Junior High Tackle Football program! Their support is helping make this exciting new opportunity possible for our students. We are so grateful for their generosity and investment in our young athletes and can’t wait to kick off the season! Go Prospectors! 🏈💛💗
👋 Staffing Updates
Welcome to Philipsburg Schools!
We are excited to welcome several new staff members and congratulate staff members beginning new roles:
Jake Kelly
– K-12 Principal
Madison Lewis
– Kindergarten
Robin Rose
– 4th Grade
Anne Ostler
– 5th Grade
Justin Gordon
– 6th Grade
Lillie Giono
– Grades 7–12 English
Kendra Kanduch
– K–12 Counselor
Cody Scholler
– Paraprofessional
Seana Scholler
– Paraprofessional
Sam LaTray
– Elementary Custodian
Coral Miller
– Concessions Manager
Welcome to the Prospector family!
📅 Mark Your Calendars
August 13 – Fall Prospector Volleyball Parent Meeting, 6:00 p.m.
August 14 – First Day of Football & Volleyball Practice
August 19–21 – Teacher PIR Days
August 20 – Open House, 3:00–6:00 p.m.
August 24 – 🎒 First Day of School!
August 29 – Granite/Drummond Volleyball Tournament; Titan Football vs. Lame Deer in Drummond
September 7 – Labor Day – No School
September 8 – September School Board Meeting
September 11 – Friday School; Titan Football vs. Park City at Park City
September 22 – First Quarter Midterm
September 28–October 2 – 🎉 Homecoming Week!
October 9 – 📸 Picture Day
October 13 – October School Board Meeting
October 15–16 – No School – Teacher Conferences
October 27 – End of First Quarter
October 31 – Friday School; 🎃 Halloween Parade at 12:50 p.m.
💛 What It Means to Be a Prospector
“Prospectors approach any situation with a positive attitude and never back down.”
As we begin another school year, we want our students to remember what it means to represent Philipsburg Schools. Being a Prospector is about more than academics, athletics, or activities. It is about class, hard work, character, perseverance, and approaching each day with a positive attitude.
We look forward to seeing those qualities throughout our classrooms, hallways, athletic events, and community this year.
A Message from Jake Kelly
I want to take a moment to thank everyone again for the opportunity to help lead Philipsburg K–12 Schools. Everyone has been incredibly welcoming and supportive as I learn more about the District and settle into my new role.
I especially want to thank Tom, Catherine, and Brandi for being helpful, kind, patient, collaborative, and supportive of new ideas as we begin this new chapter together.
I am excited about what lies ahead. We have an awesome team, and I believe Philipsburg K–12 Schools will continue moving in a positive direction.
The future is bright!
Go Prospectors!
Thanks,
Jake
“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
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📱 Stay Connected with Philipsburg Schools
Get the School App
Download the Philipsburg Schools app from your device’s app store to receive real-time notifications about school events, announcements, newsletters, and updates.
Download for Android https://aptg.co/0FLGH1
Download for iPhone https://aptg.co/Pd43CS
Watch this video for more information about our school app.
🌐 Website Resources
Our school website offers valuable information and resources for students, families, and the Philipsburg community, including:
You can also find:
Graduation Requirements
Assessments and Academic Rewards
“How to Help” student support strategies
Career exploration resources
Standardized testing information
Course Catalogs
Scholarship and FAFSA resources
Apprenticeship and College & Career Pathway information
📲 Follow Us on Social Media
Stay connected by following Philipsburg Schools on:
Please note: Social media accounts are not monitored for direct messages. If you need assistance, please contact the school directly:
🏛️ School Board Information
The Philipsburg School District No. 1 Board of Trustees includes:
Chairperson Genevieve Kulaski
Vice Chairperson Margie Lee
Trustees Karl Kanduch, Connie Schiedermayer, and Jennifer Graham
Community members can access:
Board messages
Meeting minutes
District policies
Academic calendar and district resources
School Board Meetings
Regular board meetings are held on Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. in the GHS Board/Concession Room. Click here for more information.
If meeting dates or times change, notices will be posted:
Around town in public locations
On the school website
On the school app
On both school front doors
Community members are encouraged to attend and stay involved.
🏫 Facility Information
A facility information page is available on the district website.
The page will include:
Facility user agreements
Volunteer forms
Facility calendars
Helpful facility-use resources
📝 Out-of-District Enrollment
Families interested in out-of-district enrollment can find:
Policies
Application links
Important Deadline
Applications and all supporting documentation are due by 4:00 p.m. on the first day of June.
Applications must be hand-delivered during regular school hours to:
Superintendent/Principal
Assistant Principal
District Clerk
Location:
407 Schnepel Street, Philipsburg, Montana
✅ Attendance Reminder
Families are encouraged to review the Parent/Student Handbook for updated attendance policy information and how attendance may affect student grades.