04/18/25 

A Montana spring seems to be in full swing given the past few days! Thankfully, the weather hasn’t seemed to impact our educational experiences much, if at all, this week as our students and teachers have been working diligently this block. The plants students in Emily Petersen’s class have been utilizing the green house outside the building as well as our vestibule entry way. Many of the crops have already started to sprout and are well on their way to becoming delicious produce. The class has been as engaging as any this year, thanks to Emily for continuing to help our students develop their green thumbs. Similarly, our orientation students have been out of the building several times for PE with Isaiah as they work on lifetime fitness activities. If I’m lucky, I might join the crew next week before the block ends! 

Our other eventful activity this week was the Reality Fair hosted by Rocky Mountain Credit Union. We’ve brought them in for several years to run the simulation and I think our students really get an eye-opening experience to all the different things that need to be planned for as adults. A lot of students see the impact of owning something like a sports car compared to a sedan and the impact a lavish purchase can do to a budget. The goodie bags given out with swag and candy probably help with keeping our kids engaged! 

Best Wishes, 

Matt Carey 

mcarey1@helenaschools.org 

406-324-1632 

LAST CHANCE FOR YEARBOOK PURCHASE.

Use this link, https://link.entourageyearbooks.com/my/PAL2025 to purchase yearbooks for $35. Must order by Monday, April 14, to reserve your students’ copy.

Already purchased – Jacie, Angel, Elle, Akira, Lilly L., Aryana, Kensey, Devin, Maze, Penny, Bella, Halo, Sey, Ava, Natalie, Shelby, Gabe, Leah, Jolea, Cassidy and Madden

Parental Opt-Out Form Our school’s participation in the 2025 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) is crucial. For the past 34 years, the Montana Office of Public Instruction and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have sponsored this biennial survey, which plays a vital role in understanding and addressing students’ health behaviors throughout Montana in grades 7 through 12. The survey will ask about unintentional injuries and violence, tobacco use, including vaping, alcohol and other drug use, sexual behaviors, nutrition and dietary behavior, and physical activity. The YRBS, a credible survey, has not only been approved by state and local school officials but also garnered the support of many esteemed national organizations. These include the National Parent Teacher Association, American Association of School Superintendents, American Academy of Pediatrics, National Association of State Boards of Education, National Association of Secondary School Principals, National Catholic Educational Association, National Education Association, and National School Boards Association. Their endorsement underscores the importance and reliability of this survey. It’s important to note that completing this survey poses little or no risk to your child. The only potential risk is that some students might find some questions sensitive. Survey procedures have been designed to protect your child’s privacy and allow for anonymous participation. While all selected classes are expected to participate, the decision to do so is entirely voluntary under § 20-7-120, MCA. We want to assure you that there will be no action against you or your child if your child does not join, as it is your right as a parent to opt your child out of testing under § 40-6-7, MCA. The high school survey and the 7th and 8th grade survey may be viewed at the link below or a copy is in your school: YRBS Website Please read the information on the reverse side of this form. You only need to return this form if you do not give your child permission to take the survey. If you have any questions, please contact your schools office to reach the Youth Risk Survey Coordinator or Genie Zeeck, 406-444-3178, at OPI if you have further questions. Thank you for your cooperation. Student’s Name: Grade: ___________ I have read and understand this form concerning the YRBS: [ ] My child does not have my permission to participate. Parent’s Signature: ___________________________________________ Telephone Number: Date: ___________________