IN THIS EDITION...Scholarships - Apply Now, Implement in 24-25 SY | MT STEM Summer Institute Wants Your Presenter Proposals!; Early Bird Registration OPEN | Co-op Food Program Announcement | SSoM of our Favorite Good Reads & Podcasts | SSoM Program Overviews | SSoM NEW Partner Resources | Joke of the Week | Additional Resources feat. MOR FREE Montana Day Feb. 24 | About SSoM | |
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Apply now, implement in 24-25 SY
CARING SCHOOL COMMUNITY SCHOOLWIDE SCHOLARSHIPS
Make your plan now - request resources for implementation in the 24 - 25 school year for a Caring School Community Schoolwide Program at your district. One of our project goals is to provide resources and support for schoolwide programs focusing on Whole Child skill development. We are offering Scholarships to Montana schools serving grades K-8.
You'll find complete details on our Montana Safe & Healthy Schools Project webpage, including scholarship details, application instructions, resources, brochures, and an FAQ.
Project Director: Melissa Tovaas | mtovaas@mt-schools.org | (646) 831-7264
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Montana STEM Summer Institute 2024
CALL FOR PRESENTERS & EXHIBITORS
Presenter Proposal Deadline: March 31
We would love to have you present at our 6th annual STEM Summer Institute! Leverage your expertise to share an innovative project, a tool or strategy for implementing STEM education, or a new way to think about STEM in the classroom.
We encourage Presenter Proposals from K-12 teachers, informal and home school educators, school leaders, teacher educators, and other STEM enthusiasts! This year's conference theme of "STEM Across the Curriculum" is build around 3 strands:
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- Planning STEM Learning Environments
- Implementing Ready-To-Use STEM-Based Projects
- Reimagining STEM Learning
Questions? Please contact our Executive Director:
Melissa Tovaas | mtovaas@mt-schools.org | (646) 831-7264
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🍎 EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION NOW OPEN 🍎
MONTANA STEM SUMMER INSTITUTE
"STEM Across the Curriculum"
August 5 - 7, 2024 | MSU - Bozeman
School Services of Montana and the MSU Science Math Resource Center are hosting the 6th Annual Montana STEM Summer Institute at MSU - Bozeman campus. We welcome presenters and attendees interested in STEM learning at any grade level, in any discipline!
SSoM Member District Discounts Available
CONFERENCE WEBSITE LIVE
Conference Details | SSoM Member Districts | Or contact our Executive Director:
Melissa Tovaas | mtovaas@mt-schools.org | (646) 831-7264
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SSoM CO-OP FOOD PROGRAM:
FIND US AT FAIRMONT APRIL 6th
In an effort to combat the rising costs of food for nutrition programs serving children in Montana, SSoM is proud to announce that our Co-op Food Program is now OPEN to Licensed Early Child Care Education Centers & Child Care Providers!
This program has served school districts across Montana for 8 years and features ZERO access fees, incredible savings, and the same low prices for ALL participants.
UPCOMING CONFERENCE: Stop by the School Services of Montana table at the 2024 Montana Family Childcare Network Conference at Fairmont Hot Springs April 6th for details about the program, or just to say hi!
HELP US HELP YOUR K-12 Community! Spread the word to your local Child Care Providers about this NEW opportunity, share the Program Details link, and ask them to contact Jennifer:
Jennifer Brekke, Co-op Food Program Manager | jbrekke@mt-schools.org | (406) 580-7547
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SSoM OF OUR FAVORITE GOOD READS
Genevieve Thomas has been loving the digital issue of Perspectives on Language and Literacy, the trade publication of the International Dyslexia Association. This issue, titled "The Power of Practice", is all about the role of intentional practice in developing proficient readers. You'll get insights on the use of decodable texts, different types of practice, and matching practice types to learner needs.
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SSoM OF OUR FAVORITE PODCASTS
Melissa Tovaas is a big fan of The Happiness Lab, with Dr. Laurie Santos, Psychology Professor at Yale. Laurie has studied the science of happiness and found that many of us do the exact opposite of what will truly make our lives better. Based on the psychology course she teaches at Yale — the most popular class in the university’s 300-year history — The Happiness Lab will take you through the latest scientific research and share some surprising and inspiring stories that will change the way you think about happiness.
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CUSTOMIZED PROFESSIONAL LEARNING | DETAILS
SSoM provides PD customized to the needs of your staff and students, both in-person & online, and will work with you to create a plan that fits your needs. Contact us for pricing, member discounts, and multi-day contract discounts.
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MECC CURRICULUM CONSORTIUM | DETAILS
Updated resources include the 23-24 Meetings & Events Calendar, 7-Year Curriculum Review Cycle, and Curricular Frameworks.
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Program Contact: Jake Chipps | jchipps@mt-schools.org | (818) 481-6788
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CO-OP FOOD PROGRAM | 23-24 SY DETAILS
Are rising food costs getting you down? This program is available to ALL Montana Schools (public, private, county, state), child-based educational organizations, early childhood learning centers, and after school programs. Join at any time during the year!
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Do you know a childcare provider who'd like to cut costs? Call Jennifer today!
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Program Contact: Jennifer Brekke | jbrekke@mt-schools.org | (406) 580-7547
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MEDICAID BILLING PROGRAM | DETAILS
Over 900 providers currently log services online in the SSoM Service Portal, and our program serves students from 105 Montana districts! Zoom training now available! Click DETAILS for more info.
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Program Contact: Lisa Waterman | Lwaterman@mt-schools.org | (406) 272-0073
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INFINITE CAMPUS SUPPORT | DETAILS
You can switch to SSoM Infinite Campus Support at any time during the school year and your support fees will not increase! Our dedicated support team works closely with OPI and understands Montana District SIS needs. Contact us today!
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IC 2024 Y.E.S. Series PD: Mar 6 & 20 | April 2 - 3 | May 7 - 8
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Program Contact: Mary Anne Skinner | maskinner@mt-schools.org | (406) 256-7306
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SSoM PARTNER OPPORTUNITIES | |
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MSU SCIENCE MATH RESOURCE CENTER
BRAINSTORMS! February 2024 Newsletter Edition
Welcome to Brainstorms!, the monthly e-newsletter of the MSU Science Math Resource Center, where we share cool opportunities for Montana STEM educators of all grade levels, subjects and settings. Upcoming PD workshops through MSU and our partners, grant applications and STEM resources, STEM events and contests for students, and more!
The February Edition features: World Quantum Day April 14; NEW MSU Math Circle newsletter; free Land Use Explorers curriculum for grades 3 - 5; Paid summer Nanoscience Workshop for Middle School Teachers; NASA internships for HS students; and more!
For complete details and links to resources, click here.
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COLLABORATIVE CLASSROOM
UPCOMING EVENTS
Events Calendar
Introducing Being a Writer, 3rd Ed. - Comprehensive Writing Instruction for Grades K-5
FREE | March 6 | 2 - 3pm MST | Zoom | Learn More/Register
Being a Writer is the only research-based program that integrates essential components of comprehensive writing instruction and explicit social skills development; launches summer 2024.
Building Educators' Sense of Belonging: How a Caring Adult Community Ensures a Caring School Community
FREE | March 7 | 2 - 3pm MST | Zoom | Learn More/Register
In this panel webinar featuring leaders from Chesterfield County Public Schools in VA and Romeo Community School District in MI, we discuss effective insights and best practices to support the adults in their school communities.
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MCEC CONFERENCE 2024
April 3 - 5, 2024 | Missoula, MT
Conference Website: Details & Registration
MCEC is the Conference for Montana's Special Education administrators and teachers, general education teachers, school specialists, leaders, paraprofessionals, and pre-service teachers. This year features a great line up of keynotes, evening entertainment, and session experts to provide a well-rounded professional learning and FUN collegial networking conference!
Hybrid CPI Training Available April 2 with CPI Instructor Genevieve Thomas!
Our own Genevieve Thomas will be facilitating several professional learning opportunities on Dyslexia and Intensive Reading Instruction. Register today!
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WMPLC 26th ANNUAL AUGUST INSTITUTE
July 31 - August 2, 2024 | Missoula, MT & Virtual
Call for Presenters Now Open
Submit Presenter Proposal
Deadline is April 1
2024 CONFERENCE FOCUS: technology integration and safety in core content areas
SPECIAL INTEREST TOPICS
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Technology: including A.I., Cybersecurity, Internet Safety, and Classroom integration;
- Indian Education For All
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Social/Emotional Learning: including Mental Health, Suicide Prevention, and Substance Abuse Prevention
KEYNOTES: Jeff Crews & Dean Phillips
CO-SPONSOR & SCHOLARSHIPS: Blackfoot Communications
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providing a limited number of registration scholarships to member schools!
ENTER THE 2024 TAGLINE CONTEST! We are accepting suggestions for this year's conference tagline. Submit the winning tagline and receive a gift from WMPLC!
Enter Tagline Contest | Entries Due NLT March 1
Please contact the WMPLC Continuing Education Course Manager with questions:
Erin Lipkind, Ed.D. | elipkind@wmplc.org | 406-218-0186
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My kid thinks I'm so old he asked
if when I was a kid, ancient Egypt
 was just called 'Egypt'.
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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES & INFO | |
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Montana OPI F/T Job Opening: Indian Education Specialist
Please help us find our new team member! We are looking for someone passionate and inspired to join Zach Hawkins, Mike Jetty, Joan Franke, and Jennifer Stadum to fulfill the mission of Indian Education for All at the Montana OPI.
First review of applications: Feb. 8, 2024 | IEFA Job Description & Application Instructions
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MUSEUM of the ROCKIES
MONTANA DAY - FREE ADMISSION TO MOR
Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024 | 600 W. Kagy Blvd, Bozeman
Explore MOR for free on Montana Day for this 2nd annual event for all Montana residents. Join thousands of visitors to see special exhibits, planetarium shows, natural history displays, and more!
SCHEDULE
9am - 5pm | Explore MOR
9:30am - 4:30pm | Taylor Planetarium shows
12pm - 4:30pm | Hager Auditorium shows
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SAVINGS FOR HEROES PROGRAM
by MANN MORTGAGE - BOZEMAN, MT
Don’t let a down payment stand in your way of owning a home!
Are you a teacher or employee serving in a public or private school in Montana? Mann Mortgage - Bozeman would like to say thank you with our Savings for Heroes Program that can provide 100% financing.
Apply Here | Program Flyer to Share
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PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Up to 5% Assistance | No Income Limits | No First-Time Buyer Requirement | Provides 3.5% of the Purchase Price to cover down Payment | Up to $1,700 for your Appraisal
CONTACT: Millie Berger, Mortgage Advisor, 406-220-0799, millie.berger@mannmortgage.com
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ABOUT SCHOOL SERVICES of MONTANA | |
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OUR MISSION
School Services of Montana commits to providing equitable support and services designed to leverage school resources, enhance curriculum and instruction, and offer economically sustainable solutions. Through collaboration with government, public, and local entities, SSoM provides personalized, innovative programs to empower and connect Montana’s diverse school communities.
SSoM Members educate nearly 60,000 students across the state. Membership is open to all K-12 school districts, public or private, and education-based organizations primarily serving Montana’s youth. While membership is not required to participate in the vast majority of SSoM programs and services, membership does have its perks.
Newsletter Archives
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