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.

Bryant families,

Happy March! This month our school-wide focus is kindness. We are collectively working towards celebrating kindness at Bryant. When students meet certain benchmarks, we will have school wide celebrations (hat day, extra recess, and popsicles). Ask your child/children about kindness and how they are showing kindness to others.

A few weeks ago, I was able to highlight the work of our Bryant team at Helena Public School’s board meeting. Below is the brochure I shared with attendees and HPS board members.

Highlights I shared included:

· Staff teamwork and camaraderie

· Student academic growth (winter growth surpassed annual goals!)

· Students and families report that they enjoy coming to school and feel supported by the school

· Some of our program students are transitioning to the general education setting

Sincerely,

Mrs. Wilkins

LWilkins@helenaschools.org

Bryant Gear Store OPEN-https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpanthergear25.itemorder.com%2Fshop%2Fhome%2F&data=05%7C02%7Clwilkins%40helenaschools.org%7Ce3fa83b242b24b70c93708dd4a2e3da3%7Cf4b4f9cdc4174e65814310d0fe789053%7C0%7C0%7C638748284705783983%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=fAzDtSt9Z%2FXlL6UtOrelONWo8D5FrRFT08XTaq18GqE%3D&reserved=0

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,

I hope this newsletter finds you all well! For the next several weeks, our focus in Social Skills is going to be centered around Kindness. At Bryant School, we believe that teaching kindness at a young age is essential in fostering respect. Our goal is to create a learning environment where every child feels valued and appreciated for who they are.

Why is Teaching Kindness Important?

Kindness in the classroom helps students:

• Develop empathy and respect for others.

• Learn about different cultures, traditions, and backgrounds.

• Recognize the value of unique perspectives.

• Build friendships based on kindness and acceptance.

How You Can Support at Home

Families play a crucial role in reinforcing these lessons. Here are a few ways to continue the conversation at home:

• Encourage open discussions about differences and similarities among people.

• Model inclusive behavior and kindness in daily interactions.

As always, please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns!

K-2 Strand, March

• I am learning to visually identify and name classroom percussion instruments.
• I am to recognize same and different parts of music.
• I can speak and play patterns of long and short sounds.

3-5 Strand, March

• I am learning to identify treble clef notes (4th and 5thonly).
• I can read, write, and perform rhythmic notation.
• I am learning to describe the feeling and mood of a piece of music.
• I am learning to identify and use Italian musical terms within musical contexts.

K-2 Strand, April

• I can speak and play patterns of long and short sounds.
• I am learning to identify different sound sources.
• I am learning to describe the feeling and mood of a piece of music.

3-5 Strand, April

• I am learning to visually identify instruments.
• I am learning to use the top number in a time signature to identify the number beats in a measure (4th & 5th only).
• I am learning to perform and improvise using known rhythms.
• I am learning to audiate and perform the relationship between pitches.

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/

March~ School-Wide Kindness Focus~

5- 5th grade Ski trip

13- PTA Meeting, 5:30

13- Grades 4 and 5 Family Folk Dance event

19- Indian Education Event (5:30- 8:00 @ Jim Darcy)

21-Bryant Alliance Movie Night (6:00)

31- April 4- Spring Break

April ~ School-Wide Outdoor Movement Focus~

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

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

May

2- Vigilante Day~ 11:00 dismissal

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