Panther News

At Bryant Elementary, we are a dedicated and resilient team committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment where every individual can thrive. We advocate for our students with care and compassion, creating a nurturing space that empowers growth and transformation. Guided by grace and intentionality, we embrace each moment as an opportunity to learn, grow, and inspire—both personally and professionally. Together, we strive to build a community rooted in flexibility, resilience, and a shared commitment to excellence.

Happy April, Bryant Community!

It’s hard to believe we’ve already entered the third trimester of the school year. What a joy it has been to focus on kindness—our Bryant students truly are top-notch humans! Be sure to ask your child(ren) how they’ve been showing kindness to others lately.

Our Bryant PTA is gearing up for the Spring Fundraiser. If you’d like to donate an item or two, your generosity would be greatly appreciated! Please ensure all donated items are non-perishable and unused. Examples of great donations include (but are not limited to):

• Gift cards (for experiences, restaurants, etc.)

• Themed gift baskets

• Memberships or passes

Please donate items by May 1.

This month, we’re turning our attention to physical movement and activity! April activity calendars have been sent home with all students. Students who complete and return their calendars will be entered into a prize drawing—encourage your child to stay active and have fun!

Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm. Let’s make it a fantastic spring!

Wishing you all the best,

Mrs. Wilkins

LWilkins@helenaschools.org

SACC also has some openings in the afterschool program. Two-, three-, and five-day options may be available. For more information, please reach out to Jamie at jmerrill@helenaschools.org,

Bryant Families -

I hope this letter finds you well! I’m reaching out to share two powerful concepts that we are focusing on in Social Skills: growth mindset and goal setting. These ideas play a big role in helping students succeed both academically and personally—and your support at home makes all the difference.

🌱 What is a Growth Mindset?

A growth mindset is the belief that intelligence, talents, and abilities can be developed with effort, learning, and persistence. When children adopt this mindset, they are more likely to:

• Embrace challenges
• Learn from mistakes
• Stay motivated even when things get tough
• See effort as a path to mastery

You may hear your child say things like, “I can’t do this yet,” instead of “I’ll never get this.” That one little word—yet—makes a big difference!

🎯 Why Goal Setting Matters

We’re also working on goal setting, and the importance of setting goals that are specific, challenging, motivating, and doable.

In class, we’ll be guiding students to:

• Reflect on areas they want to grow
• Set clear goals (academic and personal)
• Create simple action steps to reach those goals
• Monitor their progress regularly

🏡 How You Can Support at Home

Here are a few easy ways to encourage a growth mindset and goal-setting habits:

✅ Praise effort, strategies, and persistence—not just results
✅ Ask questions like “What did you learn from that mistake?” or “What could you try differently next time?”
✅ Help your child talk through their goals and brainstorm steps to reach them
✅ Celebrate small wins together—growth takes time!

By working together, we can help your child develop confidence, resilience, and a love for learning. Thank you for being an essential part of their journey!

If you have any questions or want to know more about how we’re exploring these concepts in class, feel free to reach out. Take care! -Mrs. Ozburn-

This full-day, five-day-a-week program helps four-year-olds develop the pre-reading and social skills they need for a successful start to kindergarten.

Based on the success of the program’s launch last year, KinderSprouts has been expanded from half-days to a full-day program, Monday through Friday.

“This will give students more time to work on social skills and areas such as alphabet knowledge, vocabulary and listening comprehension, all of which are early building blocks of reading,” said Kaitlyn Hess, Helena Public Schools Data and Assessment Administrator. “That strong foundation and early success can carry through a child’s entire K-12 career, setting them up for long-term academic achievement.”

Screening is required for this free, full-day program. Call 406-324-2047 or visit https://helenaschools.org/kindersprouts2025/ to schedule a screening today!

If you have a current kindergartner enrolled in Helena Public Schools, now is the time to join the lottery for a first-grade Montessori slot!

It’s simple to apply:

1. Print and complete the Montessori Lottery application form.
2. Submit your completed form by 3 pm, April 7, at any Helena Public Schools elementary. You may also email a completed application to Holly Vauter at hvauter@helenaschools.org
3. Make sure you get a “received” receipt when you turn in your application!

Names will be drawn April 8, 2025. Selected applicants will be called that evening. All others will receive an email the next day.

Please note: Vacancies in 1st, 2nd and 3rd Montessori grades are filled from the waiting list for their lottery year. Placements may be made in the 4th or 5th grade, upon administrative approval.

Learn more about the district’s Montessori Charter School at https://helenaschools.org/departments/montessori/

Kindergarten Registration Open!

If your child will be five years old on or before September 10, 2025, they are eligible to start kindergarten in Fall 2025.

To register, drop off your completed registration form at your neighborhood school’s main office. Be sure to bring:

• The completed K-12 Enrollment Form (available at this link)
• Proof of current address (utility bill, lease, etc.)

We can’t wait to welcome your little learners to a year of growth and discovery!

Registration materials and further details are available at https://helenaschools.org/2024-2025-kindergarten-information/

April ~ School-Wide Outdoor Movement Focus~

22- StarBase Family Night Event (5:30- 6:30)

25- Coffee with the Principal (8:00 am)

May

1- May Day, neighborhood May Day baskets delivery

2- Vigilante Day~ 11:00 dismissal

8- Bryant PTA (5:30- 6:30)

22- Kindergarten Roundup (2:00- 3:00)

28- Graduation Walk~ Graduating Seniors who attended Bryant will parade through the hallways

29- End of the year Family BBQ

June

10- Last day of School ~ 12:00 dismissal