Superintendent Updates

1.30.26

Dear EHPS Parents,

Here’s an update from Superintendent Rispens    

East Helena Community Survey

East Helena is launching a Community Review coordinated by Montana Economic Developers Association and the Montana Business Assistance Connection in partnership with the Western Community Assessment Network.   The East Helena Schools are participating in this process to improve our community!

A Community Review is a strategic planning process that brings together residents, businesses, local leaders, and community partners to better understand a community’s needs, challenges, and opportunities. It helps communities experiencing growth or change identify shared priorities and build a strong foundation for future planning, funding, and investment. 

The community review will bring community development professionals from all over the state to gather information and facilitate community discussions about the vision for the future of East Helena. 

We want to hear from you! Your input directly shapes the priorities and recommendations that come out of this process, and broad participation ensures the results reflect the entire community. Please help by taking a few minutes to complete the Community Review survey. All responses are confidential.

Link to survey:  https://montana.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_dhV6im1z8G2mnr0

You may also find a paper copy of the survey at the East Helena City Hall (Room 103) and Lewis & Clark Library (16 E Main St). A single page, front and back, survey is available with a small drop box to submit your survey when complete. For questions about the project, please email fellow@medamembers.org 

Safety Lessons Learned

It’s been a lively couple weeks in the schools with a some odd security concerns.   In each case, we learned that the old security guidance, “if you see something, say something” rings true.  We also were reminded that our partnerships with the East Helena Police Department and the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff's Office are indispensable in our ongoing efforts to keep our schools safe.  We are grateful for our two full time School Resource Officers and a supportive school board as we were reminded keenly this week of how valuable it is for us to have law enforcement on our campuses helping with decision making and keeping us informed. There are a lot of moving parts and pieces to a school system like ours, and sometimes decisions made in the heat of the moment draw scrutiny or criticism. But I want parents to know that your kids are our top priority, and we appreciate your support.

 

Non Resident Applications

• A new application must be submitted every year,
• Admission is approved on an annual basis - There is not a year to year guarantee. 
• Get your application in as soon after January 1 as possible.
• You can find the tuition application here.  
• Send your application to Jen Cordell at Central Office.
• Our procedure requires the Board to consider class sizes and quality education for resident children.
• There is a priority that considers staff children and students with other siblings in the district ahead of other applications.

LINKS

• Free/reduced Lunch Form
  • To submit an online application do the following:
  • 1. Click on the link:  Free & Reduced Lunch Online Application   
• 2. Click the RED Get started Button
• 3. Follow the prompts  - you will receive and emailed response after your application has been reviewed
• Bus Routes 

Mr Rispens

1.23.26

Dear EHPS Parents,

Here’s an update from Superintendent Rispens    

EHHS Parking Lot Incident

There was an incident that occurred in the EHHS parking lot this week. An individual was found to be breaking into student cars while class was in session.  A student happened to notice something unusual and reported it to adults in the building.  Our School Resource Officer, Deputy Stoltz, approached the individual and arrested him.  Several law enforcement agencies responded and there was a high number of police vehicles at the high school.  The officers did obtain permission to search the man’s vehicle and found a stolen gun, various paraphernalia, and other stolen items. 

This was clearly a very serious incident that could have had a much different outcome.  When I discussed it with Deputy Stoltz he re-iterated that this was a great example of “if you see something, say something.”  We are thankful everyday for our partnership with the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff's Office and the two full time SRO’s assigned to our district.  Usually they are working behind the scenes maintaining order, helping kids, and keeping us safe.  But this week, the benefit of on-site law enforcement became crystal clear.  It is also a  good reminder for our staff and students to report unusual activity or behavior if they notice it.  The student report in this situation made all the difference. 

Early Release

Monday is Early Release allowing time for staff work, training and collaboration.  School is dismissed at 12:30 PM on the 26th.

Women in STEM Careers Day at EHHS

This week we held our first ever Women in STEM Careers day at EHHS.  The event was organized by our Advanced Opportunity Facilitator, Mrs. Hayter.  “STEM” Stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. 

At our Women in STEM event, students had the opportunity to interact with women from our community who are engaged in work in highly sought after fields such as medicine, engineering, lab research and a variety of other STEM careers.  It was a great event and we appreciate Mrs. Hayter's efforts to help kids see the opportunities that await them.  We are also very appreciative of the volunteers who took time away from work to talk with our kids and share their work experience with them! 

Get Out of the Cold - Girl’s Basketball Saturday at EHHS

Most of our high school teams are traveling this week.  Speech and Debate is in Billings for Class A Divisionals.  Our Swim team is in Great Falls.  Wrestling is out in Miles City.  And the Boy’s basketball team travels to Billings to play Billings Central.  But our Girl’s basketball team (ranked 2nd in the Eastern A) is home to face Billings Central Saturday.  games are at 1:00, 2:30, and 4:00 PM.  Come on out and enjoy some local sports!

Non Resident Applications

• A new application must be submitted every year,
• Admission is approved on an annual basis - There is not a year to year guarantee. 
• Get your application in as soon after January 1 as possible.
• You can find the tuition application here.  
• Send your application to Jen Cordell at Central Office.
• Our procedure requires the Board to consider class sizes and quality education for resident children.
• There is a priority that considers staff children and students with other siblings in the district ahead of other applications.

LINKS

• Free/reduced Lunch Form
  • To submit an online application do the following:
  • 1. Click on the link:  Free & Reduced Lunch Online Application   
• 2. Click the RED Get started Button
• 3. Follow the prompts  - you will receive and emailed response after your application has been reviewed
• Bus Routes 

Mr Rispens