February 21, 2024 Edition | |
IN THIS EDITION...CASEL-Designated SELect Program Scholarships | MT STEM Summer Institute Day 1 Keynote | Infinite Campus Spring User Groups | MECC Review Date Changes | Black History Month Resources | SSoM Programs | SSoM Partner Resources | Joke of the Week | Addt'l Resources | 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
Complete details can be found on our Montana Safe & Healthy Schools Project webpage: scholarship info, application instructions, resources, brochures, and FAQ.
Project Director: Melissa Tovaas | mtovaas@mt-schools.org | (646) 831-7264
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DAY 1 KEYNOTE: PAUL ANDERSEN
"Reimagining STEM: Evolving Instruction in
an Ever-Changing World"
Join Paul Andersen as he delves into the topic of reimagining STEM education. Drawing from his experience as both a Montana teacher and an international science consultant, he will share strategies that have worked and a vision for the future. Read more about Paul and a plethora of conference details on the STEM Summer Institute webpage.
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EARLY BIRD RATE ENDS 3.31.24
General $295 | Early Bird Discount 15% off | SSoM Member Rate $245
The 6th Annual STEM Summer Institute is a one-of-a-kind, Montana-made showcase for STEM integration across all grades and subject areas. You’ll enjoy exemplary K-12 STEM instruction and resources, inspiring national speakers, and the best of Montana! We welcome attendees interested in STEM learning in any discipline - register today!
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CALL FOR PRESENTER PROPOSALS
Leverage your expertise to share an innovative project, a strategy for implementing STEM education, or a new way to think about STEM in the classroom. We are looking for proposals from K-12 teachers, informal & home school educators, school leaders, teacher educators, and other STEM enthusiasts!
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- Save the Date -
INFINITE CAMPUS SPRING
USER GROUPS 2024
Registration & Details Coming Soon!
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🍏 Apr 15 | Missoula
🍏 Apr 16 | Kalispell
🍏 Apr 17 | Choteau
🍏 Apr 18 | Livingston
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Questions? Please contact us directly:
Mary Anne Skinner, Director of IC Support Services
maskinner@mt-schools.org | (406) 256-7306
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REMINDER: MECC REVIEW
2024 DATE CHANGES
February | March | April

Feb 23 | Health Enhancement | 1 - 3pm | Virtual
Mar 6 | Arts & CTE | In-person | Anaconda
Mar 18 | Counseling | 1 - 3pm | Virtual
Mar 20 | Science | In-person | Bozeman
Apr 8 | Health Enhancement | 1 - 3pm | Virtual
Contact the SSoM Executive Director with questions:
Melissa Tovaas | (406) 272-0021 | mtovaas@mt-schools.org
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CELEBRATE BLACK
HISTORY MONTH
with The Best of PBS - On Air in February
Join PBS in a celebration of stories, culture, and community - a celebration of black excellence. Stream new and beloved programs like GOSPEL, Finding Your Roots, Gospel Live!, and more. The collection includes POV, Independent Lens, American Masters, and NOVA.
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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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Program Contact: Genevieve Thomas | gthomas@mt-schools.org | (406) 300-2561
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MECC CURRICULUM CONSORTIUM | DETAILS
Please note the MECC Review date changes for February, March, & April. Details and registration links can be found on the 2023 - 2024 Meetings & Events Calendar.
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Program Contact: Melissa Tovaas | mtovaas@mt-schools.org | (646) 831-7264
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CO-OP FOOD PROGRAM | 23-24 SY DETAILS
Are rising food costs getting you down? Save time and money with this program, available to ALL MT Schools, child-based educational organizations, early childhood learning centers, and after school programs. Join at any time!
- Program now open to licensed childcare centers - contact us for details : )
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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 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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WMPLC UPCOMING EVENTS
Western Montana Professional Learning Collaborative, serving all Montana Schools, supports improved student achievement by providing state supported high-quality professional development in core academic areas and education related topics.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT SUMMER INSTITUTE 8am - 4pm MDT | June 2024 | VIRTUAL | APSI 2024 Flyer | 2 UM Grad Credits or 30 OPI Renewal Units available
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Week One, June 17 - 20: AP English Literature & Composition; AP World History: Modern; AP US History; AP Calculus AB (6/18 - 6/21); Register by June 14; Early Bird ends March 31
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Week Two, June 24 - 27: AP Psychology; AP Precalculus; AP English Language & Composition; AP Biology; Register by June 14; Early Bird ends March 31
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Contact: Anna East | aeast@wmplc.org
26th ANNUAL AUGUST INSTITUTE July 31 - August 2, 2024 | Missoula, MT & Virtual
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Conference Focus technology integration & safety in core content areas, social / emotional learning, and IEFA
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Now Accepting Presenter Proposals! Submit Proposals here | Deadline: April 1
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2024 Tagline Contest Submit the winning tagline for this year's conference and receive a gift from WMPLC! Enter Tagline Contest | Entries Due NLT March 1
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Contact: Erin Lipkind, Ed.D. | elipkind@wmplc.org
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MSU SCIENCE MATH RESOURCE CENTER
BRAINSTORMS! February 2024 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!
February 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!
Complete details & resource links can be found on the SMRC webpage.
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🌟Revolutionize Your Teaching with Facilitated OPI Online Courses🌟
3D Learning in Your Classroom | 6-weeks Feb. 25 - Apr. 7 | Register Here
"Deepen your understanding of Science & Engineering Practices by engaging in lively discussions, applying concepts through job-embedded practice, and exploring enriching videos. You'll reflect on your teaching methods and contribute to ongoing improvements through surveys."
Crosscutting Concepts: Making Learning Real Through the Big Picture
Facilitated by Chris Pavlovich | 4-weeks Feb. 25 - Mar. 24 | Registration & Details
"Delve into the intricacies of Crosscutting Concepts (CCCs), guiding you to seamlessly integrate them into your existing curriculum. Witness your students grasp the big picture, applying their learning and ascending Bloom's Taxonomy."
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FREE - IEFA Best Practices Conference Mar. 8 - 9, 2024 | Billings, MT | Registration | Session Descriptions & Agenda
"Join us for an immersive experience where we will explore and celebrate the rich tapestry of Montana's tribal cultural heritage. You'll experience engaging workshops, inspiring keynotes, resource sharing, and more!"
And be sure to stop by to say hi to Melissa Tovaas and Genevieve Thomas at the SSoM table!
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2024 IS A LEAP YEAR Almanac.com
Learn How Leap Years Keep Our Calendar Accurate
Simply put, a leap year is a year with an extra day—February 29—added nearly every 4 years to the calendar year. Adding an extra day every 4 years keeps our calendar aligned correctly with the astronomical seasons, since a year according to the Gregorian calendar (365 days) and a year according to Earth’s orbit around the Sun (approximately 365.25 days) are not the same length of time. Without this extra day, our calendar and the seasons would gradually get out of sync. Check out the article to learn more!
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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.
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