August 29, 2018 Edition
IN THIS EDITION: SWMSS Welcomes New Staff | Common PIR Day Sept. 28 | Fall 2018 Co-op Food Delivery Schedule | CPI Workshops Fall 2018 | Save the Date for SWMSS Events | Joke of the Week! | Additional PD Opportunities | 2018-19 Business Sponsors
Tom Franta
Please extend a warm welcome to our
NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Tom Franta formally took over as the SWMSS Executive Director on July 1, 2018. Tom is truly committed to improving student outcomes across Montana, and operates with the belief that all students, regardless of their economic status or disability, are capable of tremendous success in our public schools.
A Marine Corps veteran and education attorney, Tom brings a wealth of experience to this role having represented school districts, superintendents, educators, students, and education-focused nonprofits from rural upstate New York to Seattle. Throughout his career, he has successfully developed countless meaningful partnerships between public schools, governmental agencies, and nonprofit organizations to share best practices, reduce redundancy, and improve the quality of services available to children.

Feel free to contact Tom directly:
Tom Franta | [email protected] | cell (612) 360-7930
Please extend a warm welcome to our
NEW SWMSS STAFF MEMBER
Melissa Tovaas joined the SWMSS team this summer as Co-Director of Education. She will be planning regional professional learning opportunities and school-based professional learning, and facilitating the curriculum needs of MECC (MT Educational Curriculum Consortium).
Melissa is an education consultant with a passion for Social & Emotional Learning, literacy, and STEM. She began her 19+ years in education as an elementary school teacher, continuing her work with schools as a professional learning and curriculum consultant through education organizations. Melissa enjoys providing learning that builds community and collaboration around best practices in curriculum and instruction.

Feel free to contact Melissa directly:
Melissa Tovaas | [email protected] | cell (646) 831-7264
COMMON PIR DAY SEPT. 28
- Hosted by SWMSS and Region IV CSPD -
"a day of professional learning for your entire district,
open to attendees from all Montana schools"
8:30 am - 3:45 pm | Willson School | Bozeman, MT
REGISTRATION & DETAILS
COMING NEXT WEEK :)
For more information please contact:
Melissa Tovaas | [email protected] | cell (646) 831-7264
TECH SUPPORT TIP OF THE WEEK
...because back to school brings back
"Why won't this program work like last year???"
We can help! Did you know there's an EASY WAY to
ask and submit your Infinite Campus questions?

  1. Log into Campus Community
  2. Select the Support drop down in the top right corner
  3. Choose the direct link to SUBMIT A CASE for all of your
wild and wonderful questions!
"We're listening. We're here for your district. We're up to the challenge."

Mary Anne Skinner | [email protected] | (406) 522-6069
Attention Participating Districts!
FALL 2018 CO-OP FOOD PROGRAM DELIVERY SCHEDULE
The first delivery period for the Fall 2018 Co-op Food Purchasing Program began on Monday, August 27, and will conclude by Friday, September 14. Here is the schedule for deliveries 2, 3, and 4 and two few VERY IMPORTANT DATES to add to your calendar:
Delivery 2: begins Sept. 24, ends Oct. 12
Delivery 3: begins Oct. 22, ends Nov. 9
Delivery 4: begins Nov. 19, ends Dec. 14

Advisory Committee Meetings: week of Oct. 29
Spring 2019 Order Window Dates: Nov. 15 - Dec. 11

Stay tuned for an exciting announcement coming in September about enhanced features to our Marketplace online ordering website! You asked; we listened; we're delivering.


For more information please contact:
Cindy Giese | [email protected] | cell (406) 366-9829
Jennifer Brekke | [email protected] | (406) 522-6024
JOKE OF THE WEEK
ADDITIONAL PROFESSIONAL LEARNING & RESOURCES



  • FREE from Region IV CSPD
  • Visual Phonics, by Meg Cech: Sept. 20 in Bozeman; Details
  • Creating a Climate Closing the Achievement Gap, by Horacio Sanchez: Sept. 24 in Bozeman; Details
  • Breaking the Behavior Code, by Jessica Minahan: Oct. 29 in Bozeman; Details




  • SWMSS 2018-19 Indian Education for All (IEFA) Offerings - Flyer
THANK YOU TO OUR BUSINESS SPONSORS
Pine Cove