Non-Profit
US Postage Paid
Permit #3
Simms, MT 59477
SUN RIVER VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT
NEWSLETTER
~ From the Desk of the Superintendent ~
The school year is off to a good start, and I would like to thank the parents, staff, and students for making
the first month of school a productive one. Our fall sports programs have started the year with success as
football and volleyball teams have competed well! Keep up the great work.
Sun River Valley Public Schools
PO Box 380
123 Walker Street
Simms, Montana 59477
BOXHOLDER
AND/OR RR
Phone: (406) 264-5110
Fax: (406) 264-5189
WWW.SRVS.K12.MT.US
FACEBOOK.COM/SRVSD
2016
For all of us, time has become one of our most rare and valued resources; time is a prized commodity. When
you think about where your time is spent, we invite you to spend some of your time and become involved with
our schools. Attend your board meetings, events and become a partner in educating our youth. If you have
any questions or comments please feel free to call, email or stop in the office.
As the weather changes the Sun River Valley School District would like to remind the community at-large of
the importance of winter safety for both student drivers and students who ride the bus. As the cold weather
approaches, please be sure that students dress appropriately for school, recess and extracurricular
activities. Elementary students need to be prepared for various types of weather during recess. In the event
a bus should happen to break down, sandals and open toed shoes are not going to be appropriate in winter
weather.
Parents, please discuss the following with your children:
Save the Date
October
1
3
4
6
7
8
10
11
12
13
13-14
14-15
14
15
17
17-22
18
19
20
21
24-27
27
JH/V FB vs. Centerville 4:30/7:00—Homecoming
JV FB @ Centerville 4:30
Elem. GBB @ Centerville 6:00
JVC VB @ GFCC 6:00
FFA @ Choteau
FAFSA Parent Night 5:30
JH/V FB @ Belt 4:30/7:00
JH/HS VB vs. Sunburst 3/4/5/6 +20
V HS VB @ Augusta 6:00
Elem. GBB @ GFCC 9:00 AM
Elem. GBB @ Fairfield 6:00
School Board Meeting 7:00 PM
JVC VB vs. Cascade 5:00
ASVAB—Juniors 8:00 AM
HS V VB vs. Power 6:00—Senior Night
Elem. GBB 5th @ Lady of Lords
JH VB End of Seasons Tournament TBA
JH/V FB vs. Hays-Lodgepole 4:30/7:00—Senior Night
HS VB @ Dutton 6:00 + 20
HS VB @ Heart Butte 1:00 + 20
Elem. GBB @ TBA
JV FB @ Hays-Lodgepole 4:30
HS VB vs. Belt 6:00 + 20
National FFA @ Indianapolis, IN
HS VB vs. Valier 6:00 + 20
6-8 Spelling Bee @ SHS 9:00 AM
PSAT—Juniors 8:00 AM
No School—Teacher In-service Day
JH/V FB @ Cascade 4:30/7:00
Red Ribbon Week
End Quarter 1
27-29
29
November
1
3
4-5
5
8
10
11-12
12
17
17-19
19
21
21-22
23-24
29
District VB Tournament @ Dutton/Brady TBA
V FB First Round Northern C Playoff
Speech/Drama @ Browning 8:00 AM
Elem. BBB vs. Fairfield 9:00
Elem. BBB vs. Belt 6:00
Elem. BBB vs. Foothills 6:00
Divisional VB @ Conrad
HS FB Qtr. Final Playoffs
Elem. BBB vs. Fairfield 9:00 AM
JH BB Jamboree @ Augusta
School Board Meeting 7:00 PM
Parent Teacher Conferences—Early Release 12:45
Veteran’s Day Program @ FSE 2:30
State VB @ Bozeman
Speech/Drama @ Conrad 8:00 AM
HS FB Semi Final Playoff
Elem. BBB @ Centerville 10:00
JH BB Jamboree @ Simms
6-8 Geography Bee @ SHS 9:00 AM
HS Basketball & Wrestling Practice Begins
Speech/Drama Family Night @ SHS 6:00
FFA—John Deer @ Bozeman
HS FB Championships
Elem. BBB @ Lady of Lords 10:00
JH BB Jamboree @ Cascade
Elem. BBB @ Belt 6:00
Science Olympiad
No School—Happy Thanksgiving
Elem. BBB vs. Foothills 6:00
• Dress appropriately for cold, icy weather.
• Allow extra time to get to your bus stop.
• Stand away from where the bus stops. Buses need extra room when there is ice and snow on the roadway.
• Use the handrails when boarding or exiting the bus to prevent slipping.
• Do not stand or play on snow piles at the bus stop.
• Do not throw snowballs at the bus or at anyone.
• Never try to retrieve an item that falls around or underneath the bus. Instead, always report such an incident to
the bus driver
• Remind student drivers in your house to keep windshields and roofs clear of snow and ice.
• Remind student drivers to allow extra time to get to school in the morning when there is inclement weather.
• Parents, talk to your students about seatbelt safety and remind them to always buckle up!
Visit http://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/seatbelts/facts.html for more information!
~ A Message from the Simms Principal ~
Start of School Year
The 2016-2017 school year is off to a positive start. Remember students grades are being tracked through the eligibility system
on a weekly basis. Quarter 1 will expire October 27 th. If you have questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to contact your
child’s counselor or teacher(s).
Schoolwide Behavior & Safety
Our MBI program (Montana Behavior Initiative) is currently working to achieve GOLD status within our K-12 SRVS district. The
list below indicates our social skills taught by students/staff through schoolwide assemblies and classroom lessons during (study
hall) “Tiger Time.” We are happy to report that regular scheduled fire drills & safety procedures are in place and will be
practiced. Our 6-12 staff has successfully implemented our new evacuation codes. Posted directions are in each classroom and
high traffic areas within the Simms facility.
Social Skills 16-17 & MBI Gold
SeptOctNovDecJan-
Safety & Environment
Integrity
Helpfulness
Dependability
Assertiveness
FebMarAprMayJune-
Communication
Cooperation
Anger Management
Positive Behavior
Respect
SUN RIVER VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWSLETTER—October/November 2016
SUN RIVER VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWSLETTER—October/November 2016
~ Homecoming ~
RUMBLE IN THE BIG TOP
Academic News
Block Schedule Report
Through discussions and observations of various students and staff members I’m happy to report that the current class schedule
changes are increasing student potentials at Simms. Longer time in core content areas has drastically changed our current week
by week eligibility reports. This is a positive step forward and we encourage feedback from parents. Keep in mind the junior high
students are still operating on a seven period day and will look to implement the block schedule possibly next school year.
Measured Annual Progress (MAP) testing was conducted the first week of September. Our teachers here at Simms are doing an
excellent job of accommodating students’ needs for their academic success.


6th-8th Spelling Bee @ SHS 9:00 AM
6th—9th Geography Bee @ SHS 9:00
Luke McKinley,
6-12 Principal, Athletic Director
September 30, 2016 JH/HS VB vs. Heart Butte 4:00
Join us for some exciting activities, games and food October 1, 2016 at
Simms High School
1:00-2:00 Parade
2:00-4:00 Carnival—SHS Gymnasium, $0.25 per game
4:00 JH Football vs. Centerville
7:00 HS Football vs. Centerville
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
You can rent a carnival booth from the Student Council for $5.00
If interested contact jrohrer@srvs.k12.mt.us or lmckinley@srvs.k12.mt.us or
call 264-5110
ALL FLOATS ARE WELCOME!
~ A Message from the Fort Shaw Elementary Principal
It is hard to believe we are already a month into the school year. The faculty and students are working diligently in their
individual instruction.
I would like to welcome Mrs. Mishler and Mrs. Huffman to our Fort Shaw staff. Mrs. Mishler is our new Librarian and Mrs.
Huffman is our new Early Kindergarten teacher.
Fort Shaw Elementary School held their annual Open House on August 22 nd. We had an exceptionally good turnout. The staff and
I would like to thank all those parents and guardians who came and participated in that event.
Fort Shaw Elementary is proud to be a Montana Behavioral Initiative (MBI) School, recognizing that the students of today are
the citizens of tomorrow. MBI is designed to facilitate school systems and attitudinal changes to meet the needs of today’s
students. Since implementing, the staff, students, and administration have seen many positive results that have promoted a safe
and healthy learning environment. We are asking parents to join with our staff in supporting our students in making good choices.
~ 2015-2016 Yearbooks ~
The 2015-2016 yearbooks have arrived. Why not purchase a book of memories for you and or your children. They
are $25.00 each. Need to remember a prior year? Past yearbooks are also available. Money can be brought to the
office or sent with your child. Contact Jenny Rohrer to make your purchase today at jrohrer@srvs.k12.mt.us,
264-5110 X 102
R – Respect yourself and others
O – Own your behavior
~ Booster Club ~
A – Always move in a safe manner
R – Responsibility for your actions
This month’s social skill:
How to Get the Teacher’s
Attention
The Fort Shaw Elementary staff has been very busy working towards our new MBI
(Montana Behavioral
Initiative)
goal
in
achieving Gold Status School recognition for the 2016-2017 school year. We have been
holding
workshops
during
our
staff
meetings to implement the “Great 8” teaching strategies into each classroom. These “Great 8” goals emphasize best teaching
practices to assure success in all grades.
The Ft. Shaw staff has also been introducing our school wide “Teach To’s” so that all students know the positive expectations for
our classrooms, hallways, playground, buses, and cafeteria.
The staff has, again this year, held job interviews for our Tiger Club Employment Agency. Those elected individuals have been
busy the past two weeks performing their daily duties.
This summer Fort Shaw Elementary added some exciting improvements to the playground and interior improvements to the
school. The sprinkling system and sod was added to finish the play area giving the students plenty of grass to play on. New
wiring was added throughout the building giving the building a much stronger infrastructure for a more stable computer use. The
sidewalk outside the front entrance was upgraded and resurfaced to provide a more safe walking area. Also, a new
drinking fountain with a bottle filler was added.
I welcome anyone into my office to discuss concerns, ideas and feedback that will assist in meeting the needs of our students.
Principal Danelson
Hi everyone! Before I get started on what’s new with Booster Club, I just want to take this opportunity to
say thank you to the 40+ families and businesses that bought Booster ads for 2016-2017 school year.
Your generosity and support are very much appreciated.
Not only did Booster Club get a new logo this year, we are getting a whole new wardrobe...ok, not a whole
wardrobe, but pretty close! If you’ve been able to get to any volleyball or football games, you may have
noticed we have some hats, shirts, and jackets on display. We also have different designs we can have
embroidered on them. If you are interested in some new “Tiger Gear” please don’t hesitate to contact me.
I’ve been putting an order in about once a week, and it takes an average of 2 weeks to get your order
back to you.
Also for sale, are some temporary tattoos, pom-poms, and some “Simms Tigers” window decals! We have 2
different styles of decals to choose from and they are $8.00 each! We will have all items for sale at
most home games, and at our booth at the carnival on October 1st. But if you just can’t wait to show off
your school spirit, Leslie Thomas will have the window decals in her shop at “Valley Cuts” in Ft. Shaw.
Our next Booster Club meeting is scheduled for October 11 th at 5:30 PM, in the Simms High School
Library. Hope to see you there!
Kristy Leach, Booster Club President
406-899-2386
kristykesler_leach@hotmail.com
SUN RIVER VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWSLETTER—October/November 2016
SUN RIVER VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWSLETTER—October/November 2016
Counselor’s Corner
~ Friends of the Sun River Valley Helping Hands News ~
It’s so hard to believe “summer” is technically over, and our school year is off and running. With that in mind, Barb Frye and
I wanted to let everyone know that our organization works to raise money at this time of the year. We also work diligently
with our school counseling services to help identify students and families that might need some assistance during the
upcoming holiday season. To some, it might sound like we are rushing the season, but it sure helps us if we have a good idea of
the number of households in our area who may want to contact us and receive some assistance during the holidays.
With that in mind, I would like to remind the parents of our elementary-aged students that Mrs. Green will
continue to sell Otter Pops after school through October to help raise money for our Helping Hands
organization. The Otter Pops cost 50 cents apiece, and we greatly appreciate your support with this fundraiser.
During Homecoming this year, October 1st, the valley Helping Hands group will be holding a rummage sale at the
Lions Hall in Simms. If you would like to donate items to this sale or assist in anyway, please contact Barb Frye
at 264- 5164 or Colleen Green at 406-660-1901. Thank you in advance for your support of this fundraising
event.
For the past two years, we have held our annual food drive at Fort Shaw Elementary during October. That tradition will continue this year. We have modified the format slightly this year, and more information will be given to
the students during the last week in September regarding the Food Drive. All food items gathered during this
month will be distributed here in the valley during the Christmas Season. Your support of this activity has greatly helped the
less fortunate in our area each year.
Testing dates you need to know:


April 19th- all juniors take the ACT test @ 8:00- this determines placement in college classes
College Reps visiting/ FAFSA Parent Night/College Fairs:



Oct. 6th – FAFSA Parent Night 5:30 in the library- bring last year’s taxes and have your FSAID numbers ready
Oct. 6th Trades Rodeo in Great Falls from 9:30-12:00 for juniors and seniors interested in trade jobs
Oct. 10th- 7th period MSU Billings Rep. will be at the school
ACT National Testing Dates- sign up online- if planning to retake earlier is better!
Cost: $39.50 w/o Essay $56.50 w/ Essay Late Fee is $25
Test date





Last and by no means least, if you know of any family in valley that might need assistance this Christmas,
please contact Barb Frye immediately. You can also contact the counselor at Simms Schools, Mrs. Boucher at
264-5111, ext.106. At Fort Shaw Elementary, contact Miss Stephens at 264-5651, ext. 615. If your child
participates
in
the
Alta
Care
program
at
either
district building, you may refer a family through them, too. All referrals will remain confidential, and when
referring a family, it would help immensely to have clothing sizes for all children. All families seeking assistance
will
be
taken
care
of
this
holiday season, but the sooner we have the referrals, the better we can assist those in need.
If you have any questions about any of this information, please contact Colleen Green at Fort Shaw Elementary. As always,
thanks for your continued support of our organization. Together, we can truly make a difference for those who need our
help!
October 19th- all juniors take the PSAT @ 8:00- National Merit Scholarship determined by this test
Deadline to register
Oct. 22, 2016
Sept. 16th- no late fee or Sept. 30th- with late fee
Dec. 10, 2016
Nov. 4th –no late fee or Nov. 18th- with late fee
Feb. 11, 2017
Jan. 13th - no late fee or Jan. 20th – with late fee
Apr. 8, 2017
Mar. 3rd - no late fee or Mar. 17th -with late fee
Jun. 8, 2017
May 5th –no late fee or May 19th with late fee
SAT National Testing DatesCost: $43.00 w/o Essay
sign up online
$54.50 with Essay and Late Fee is $28
Test date






~ New Staff ~
My name is Meghan Huffman. I am the new Pre-K teacher. I have my associates degree in general education and am
looking to pursue my bachelors degree in elementary education. I have been working in the SRVS district going on
six years now. I started out as a substitute and fell in love with teaching. When I am not at school I am enjoying
time with my family making memories with my kids. I have two daughters who keep me busy. I am looking forward to what the
year will bring with Pre-K. I am thrilled to be apart of the SRVS staff.
Hi! My name is Windie Goldhahn, and I am teaching high school math. I have taught high school math and elementary special
education at CJI in Chester for the last six years. For ten years before that, I taught a variety of subjects, including junior
high and high school special education and 4th-7th grade math in Park City. I am originally from Fairfield and will be living
there with my family. I am very excited to be a part of Sun River Valley School District.
♫ Mark Your Calendar for Music! ♫
The music classes have been busy preparing !
The Simms High School Band and Choir are performing at many Varsity Home Games.
♫ Simms Middle School Band will perform at Half-time of the Varsity Homecoming Football Game on October 1st at 7:00 pm.
♫ Our Veterans Program will be Thursday, November 10th at 2:30 pm at Fort Shaw Elementary
Fort Shaw School students and some of the Simms High students will perform.
♫ Simms Holiday Program will be at Simms High School on Tuesday, December 13th at 6:30 pm
♫ Fort Shaw Holiday Program will be at Fort Shaw Elementary School Tuesday, December 20th at 6:30 pm
Hope to see you at one of our many performances. If you have any questions, please call Miss Enger at 406-264-5110, ext. 108
Deadline to register
Nov. 5, 2016
Oct. 7th -with no late fee or Oct. 25th -with late fee
Dec. 3, 2016
Nov. 3rd – with no late fee or Nov. 22nd – with late fee
Jan. 21, 2017
Dec. 21st –with no late fee or Jan. 10th – with late fee
Mar. 11, 2017
Feb. 10th- with no late fee or Feb. 28th - with late fee
May 6, 2017
Apr. 7th – with no late fee or Apr. 25th –with late fee
Jun. 3, 2017
May 9th – with no late fee or May 24th – with late fee
Scholarships/ free money for college
Date








Name
Application
Amount
Oct. 2
Wendy’s Heisman
online
up to $10,000
*Oct. 3
US Senate Program (11th-12th)
online
up to $10,000*
Oct. 5
AES Engineers
online
$500
Oct. 31
Coca-Cola
online
$20,000
*Nov. 1
Voices of Democracy (9-12)
online/ audio essay
$30,000*
Nov. 1
Ron Brown
online
$ not listed
*Nov. 8
Prudential Spirit of Community(5-12)
online
trip to D.C and $1,00-$5,000*
*Dec. 1
Daughters of American Revolution (5-8) and (9-12) essay
$1,200*
*- means more than seniors can apply
Reach Higher Montana has paid so that the seniors in the state have free access to a scholarships database called Scholly. They can use
the following code: RHM406$
27
20
14
13
Chicken Fajita, Corn
Science Olympiad
Elem. BBB @ Belt 6:00
Lasagna, Broccoli
Chicken Drummies, Mashed
Potatoes, Gravy, Carrots
26
Corn Dog, Nachos with
Cheese Sauce, Carrots
19
PSATs—Juniors 8:00 AM
FFA National
Pancakes or Biscuits and
Gravy, Sausage Links, Hash
Browns
12
ASVAB—Juniors 8:00 AM
End of 1st Quarter
Pizza
District VB @ Dutton/Brady
27
20
No School—Teacher’s PIR
FFA National
Chili Dog, French Fries
Elem GBB 5th @ Lady of Lords
HS V VB vs. Power 6:00
Senior Night
Super Nachos, Corn
FAFSA Parent Night 5:30
13
6
Thu
Teacher’s PIR
JH/V FB @ Cascade
4:30/7:00
District VB @ Dutton/Brady
28
21
JH/HS FB vs. Hays-Lodgepole
4:00/7:00 Senior Night
HS VB @ Dutton 6:00 +20
JH VB Tournament TBA
Elem GBB 5th @ L of L
14
7
JH/HS FB @ Belt 4:00/7:00
VB vs. Sunburst 3/4/5/6 +20
Fri
Early Release 12:45
Country Fried Steak,
Potatoes, Green Bean
Casserole, Roll
Science Olympiad
Goulash, Corn,
Bread Sticks
Pig in a Blanket, Macaroni
Salad, Baked Beans
Elem. BBB vs. Foothills 6:00
29
22
15
Sloppy Joe, Green Beans
School Board Mtg. 7:00 PM
Parent./Teach. Conference 1-7
8
Cheese Burger, French Fries,
Carrots
30
23
Chicken Drummies,
Potatoes, Roll, Veggies
No School
Thanksgiving Break
Turkey Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Rolls, Veggies
16
Spaghetti & Meatballs, Peas,
Bread
9
Chicken Pot Pie, Biscuits
2
1
Elem. BBB vs. Belt 6:00
Wed
Tue
24
No School
Thanksgiving Break
Tuna or PBJ Sandwich, Veg. Beef,
or Chicken Noodle Soup
HS BB & Wrestling Practice
Speech/Drama Family 6:00
Geography Bee @ SHS 9:00
FFA—Jn. Deer @ Bozeman
17
Turkey Sandwich, Salad Bar,
Macaroni Salad
10
Veteran’s Program @ FSE
2:30
Pretzel & Cheese, Tomato
Soup
3
Elem. BBB vs. Foothills 6:00
Thu
SUN RIVER VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT
25
18
FFA—Jn. Deer @ Bozeman
State VB @ Bozeman
Divisional VB @ Conrad
11
4
Fri
The kitchen staff does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.
Pancakes, Sausage Links,
Hash Browns
28
Chicken Nuggets, Rice, StirFry Vegetables
21
Chicken Strips, French Fries,
Carrots
7
Mon
25
Macaroni &Cheese, Little
Smokies, Veggies
18
HS VB vs. Valier 6:00 + 20
FFA National
6-8 spelling Bee 9:00
Chicken Haystack, Rice, StirFry Vegetables
VB C vs. GFCC 6:00
School Board Meeting 7:00
11
Hamburger Gravy, Mashed
Potatoes, Green Beans, Roll
5
Wed
The kitchen staff does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.
Halloween
Red Sauce & Worms, Green
Eyes, Baked Fingers
31
Chicken Fajita, Corn,
Black Beans
Red Ribbon Week
College Application Week
24
Meatball Sub, Broccoli,
French Fries
FFA National
JV FB @ Hays-Lodgepole 4:30
HS VB vs. Belt 6:00 +20
17
Taco Salad, Corn, Refried
Beans
6
All meals are served with milk,
vegetable bar and fruit.
Alternate Elementary lunch
choice is PB & Jelly or Yogurt
Menu is subject to change
Sun
30
23
16
10
Elem GBB @ Fairfield 6:00
Pigs in a Blanket, French Fries,
Broccoli & Cauliflower
9
Chicken Patty on Bun,
Macaroni Salad, Veggies
Elem GBB @ Centerville 6:00
4
Tue
VB C @ GFCC 6:00
FFA @ Choteau
Speech/Drama Practice
3
JV FB @ Centerville 4:30
Mon
2
All meals are served with milk,
vegetable bar and fruit.
Alternate Elementary lunch
choice is PB & Jelly or Yogurt
Menu is subject to change
Sun
SUN RIVER VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT
HS VB @ Heart Butte
1:00 +20
JH VB Tournament TBA
Elem GBB @ TBA
V VB @ Augusta 6:00
Elem GBB @ GFCC 9:00
HOMECOMING
JH/HS FB vs. Centerville
4:30/7:00
JH BB Jamboree @ Augusta
Divisional VB @ Conrad
HS FB Qtr. Final Playoff
Elem. BBB vs. GFCC 10:00
FFA—Jn. Deer @ Bozeman
26
JH BB Jamboree @ Cascade
HS FB Championships
Elem. BBB @ Lady of Lords
10:00
19
Elem. BBB @ Centerville 10:00
JH BB Jamboree @ Simms
State VB @ Bozeman
HS FB Semi Final Playoff
Speech/Drama @ Conrad
12
5
Sat
District VB @ Dutton/Brady
HS FB 1st Round Play Off
Speech/Drama @ Browning
Elem BBB vs. Fairfield 9:00
29
22
15
8
1
Sat