Fall is in full swing, and there's plenty to celebrate at Philipsburg School District! From Homecoming festivities and student achievements to exciting academic opportunities and community generosity, our Prospectors are making the most of the school year.

Our students and staff continue to demonstrate what it means to be a Prospector through hard work, determination, kindness, and school pride. Here's a look at what's been happening in our schools and what's coming up next!

Celebrating Our Prospectors!

September Prospectors of the Month

Congratulations to our very first Elementary Prospectors of the Month! These students were nominated by their teachers for demonstrating the qualities that make our school community special.

These students have demonstrated outstanding character, positive attitudes, and a commitment to being great Prospectors. We're proud of each of you!

Staff VIP of the Month: Bob McGuire!

A huge congratulations to Bob McGuire, our September Staff VIP of the Month!

Bob has gone above and beyond keeping our facilities safe, functional, and ready for students and activities. From maintaining our boilers to preparing the football field and improving the crow's nest, his dedication never goes unnoticed.

Bob, you're AWESOME! Thank you for everything you do for our schools!

Academic Excellence & Opportunities

Building Strong Readers

Our elementary students have completed their beginning-of-year DIBELS reading assessments. These benchmarks help teachers identify strengths, monitor progress, and provide additional support where needed.

We're exploring supplemental reading resources to help close learning gaps and strengthen literacy skills. On October 21, Wit & Wisdom trainers will provide professional development to help teachers further implement the curriculum and enhance classroom instruction.

MAST Testing & Curriculum Alignment

Teachers have been working together to align instruction with Montana's MAST assessments, helping students build the skills and knowledge they need before testing.

The statewide MAST testing window for grades 3–8 opened October 19 and continues through December 11. Our elementary fall benchmark testing is scheduled for November 16–19, with additional time available for make-up assessments.

EdReady: Personalized Learning for Grades 7–12

Our junior high and high school students are using EdReady to strengthen essential academic skills and prepare for future success. Teachers are using assessment results to identify individual learning needs, establish appropriate learning pathways, and set achievable goals.

These personalized learning opportunities will help students build confidence, close academic gaps, and prepare for their next steps.

Exciting Dual-Credit Opportunities at GHS!

We're thrilled to announce that Mrs. Kaley Hansen is teaching an in-person dual-credit mathematics course in partnership with Helena College!

This is a wonderful opportunity for Granite High School students to earn college credits while still in high school.

Students participating in dual-credit and online learning opportunities have the potential to earn 44 college credits during the fall semester alone!

A special thank-you to Mrs. Hansen for continuing her education and taking on this exciting opportunity for our students.

Career & College Readiness

Our juniors and seniors completed the military ASVAB assessment on October 6, providing valuable insight into career interests, skills, and future opportunities.

We're also grateful to Counselor Kendra Kanduch for her work supporting students with college planning, career exploration, and academic success!

Homecoming 2026!

Homecoming week, September 28–October 3, was filled with school spirit, creativity, and fun! This year's theme, “Niche Sports,” inspired some fantastic class floats and memorable celebrations.

Thank you to the students, staff, families, and community volunteers who helped make Homecoming such a special celebration. Your creativity and enthusiasm made the week one to remember!

Bikers Against Bullies Visit PPS

On September 11, our students welcomed Bikers Against Bullies for a special school assembly. We appreciate their visit and their commitment to encouraging kindness, respect, and standing up for others. Building a supportive school culture is an important part of what it means to be a Prospector.

Community Kindness Makes a Difference

A heartfelt THANK YOU to Amy and Rick Byrum for their generous donation of winter coats, snow pants, gloves, and hats for students in need!

As Montana's colder weather approaches, these items will help keep our students warm and comfortable. We're incredibly grateful for community members who continually step up to support our students and families. Your generosity makes a difference!

Welcome to Our New Head Cook!

Please join us in welcoming Brea Crncevich to the Prospector family!

Brea is a trained chef and a spring 2026 graduate of Le Cordon Bleu. She brings culinary knowledge, enthusiasm, and exciting ideas to our school nutrition program.

We're especially excited to see so many students enjoying school meals! With participation nearly doubling, our kitchen team is adjusting menus and food orders to meet the growing demand.

We also want to extend our sincere appreciation to Lucinda Christensen for her dedication and service to our district over the past two and a half years. Thank you for your hard work and for helping make this transition a smooth one. We wish you all the best!

School Safety & Facility Improvements

Keeping our students and staff safe remains one of our highest priorities.

Emergency Preparedness

On October 2, students and staff participated in several important safety exercises, including a lockdown drill, elementary bus evacuation training, and a districtwide evacuation to Philipsburg City Hall.

The drills provided valuable opportunities to practice emergency procedures, strengthen communication, and identify areas for continued improvement.

Our district also utilized the E3 emergency communication app, which helped staff communicate quickly and effectively throughout the exercises.

Thank you to our transportation team, school staff, City of Philipsburg, and local emergency partners for helping us prepare!

Facility & Technology Updates

Our maintenance, custodial, and technology teams have been busy!

• Bob McGuire completed extensive football field preparations, improvements to the crow's nest, and critical boiler maintenance.

• Jason White and Sam LaTray continue to keep our facilities clean and ready for students, practices, and athletic events.

• Blackfoot Communications updated school cabling and telephone systems.

• K12 Montana, Inc. assisted with classroom technology and resolved issues with the Verkada door access system.

• Additional camera repairs and security improvements are being planned for school entrances.

A huge thank-you to everyone working behind the scenes to keep our schools running smoothly!

Prospector & Titan Athletics

Fall sports are in full swing, and we're proud of our student-athletes and coaches for their hard work and dedication!

Let's pack the stands and show our student-athletes what Prospector and Titan pride is all about!

Mark Your Calendars!

Athletic playoff dates are tentative and depend on tournament results. Please check the school calendar for changes.

Picture Retakes — December 2

Legacy Photos will return on Wednesday, December 2, for student picture retakes, staff pictures, and winter sports photos.

Board members are also welcome to join staff pictures at 8:00 a.m.

A Message from Our Administration

September flew by, and October is already filled with wonderful learning experiences, celebrations, and opportunities for our students!

We're proud of the positive culture taking shape throughout our schools and grateful for the dedication of our teachers, support staff, students, and families.

Whether it's a student demonstrating kindness, a teacher going the extra mile, a staff member keeping our buildings safe, or a community member lending a helping hand, every contribution helps make Philipsburg School District a special place.

We look forward to continuing this momentum throughout the fall and celebrating even more Prospector achievements.

Go Prospectors!