The Mighty

September flew by-- I can't believe we are in October! It's fun to be solid in expectations, routines and academics--we are starting to celebrate some growth already!

Here are some important school events coming up:

• Parent-Teacher Conferences (teachers sent out sign ups on Monday)
• Earthquake Safety drill
• 2nd grade field trip to the West Valley Fire Station (teachers will send out details)
• 5th grade field trip to StarBase (teachers will send out details)
• Round #1 of MAST Assessments for g3-4-5 begin (teachers will send out details)
• PTO meeting
• Picture re-takes and class pictures
• Trunk or Treat

To all of our Mustang Families: You’re an important part of our team! Thank you for partnering with us for this fantastic year of learning, growth, and community. Together we are MIGHTY! 🐎💙💛

October

10/12-23 Parent Teacher Conferences

10/12 JD PTO 6:00

10/15-16 Educator Conference- NO SCHOOL

10/19-12/11 MAST Assessment Round #1 (g3-5)

10/26 Picture Re-takes and Class pictures

10/31 Jim DarcyTrunk or Treat

November

11/9 JD PTO 6:00

11/11 Veterans Day

11/25-27 Thanksgiving break- NO SCHOOL

Please call the front office if you have questions! (406)324-1410

Jim Darcy PTO has decided to hold a Read-A-Thon this year!

Read-A-Thons actually get your reader excited about reading and it gives friends and family the opportunity to encourage your child to read even more.

Our Read-A-Thon starts Monday October 12, 2026.

About one week before our Read-A-Thon starts we will send home instructions on how to activate your reader's personal page. This is where you will be able to view and record their progress.

We encourage you to activate your reader’s account today by clicking on https://www.read-a-thon.com/readers/r/hLKStC/1?utm=email and following the simple instructions.

We've chosen Read-A-Thon because it will not take much of your time, gives your child a reason to read and helps in the development of stronger reading skills.

We hope EVERYONE participates.

Thanks so much,

Jim Darcy PTO

A HUGE thank you to those who were able to attend last weeks meeting. We are excited for a great school year and are grateful for everyone's' involvement to make it happen.

Below you will see our monthly newsletter with upcoming events, spirit wear information, and treasurer report.

If you are interested in being a voting board member please email us at jimdarcyelementarypto@gmail.com. Some important voting board details:

1. October-June commitment
2. Stay after each meeting for ~20 minutes to vote on fund requests
3. Ideal if you can make most meetings
4. Will be voted in during October meeting

We hope to see you all at our next meeting, Monday, October 12th, from 6-7PM in the Jim Darcy Library.

Your Jim Darcy PTO Executive Board

Welcome back, Jim Darcy families! I am so excited for another wonderful year of learning, growth, and connection. As your school counselor, I look forward to supporting students and families throughout the year.

This year, students will continue building important social, emotional, and life skills through PurposeFull People by Character Strong (informational video attached). This year's lessons will help students develop skills such as building positive relationships, managing emotions, making responsible choices, and strengthening character.

I encourage families to visit the JD's School Counselor website to learn more about what's happening at Jim Darcy, upcoming lessons, resources, and ways we can work together to support your child. Reach out anytime with questions or concerns.

I can't wait for a fantastic year with our Jim Darcy students and families!

Mrs. Ferguson

https://sites.google.com/view/jdschoolcounselor/lessons?authuser=0 in case it doesn't pop up with link.....

Trimester 1: Throughout the unit, students developed various physical skills, including locomotor movements, tossing, catching, and foot skills like dribbling, passing, and shooting. They practiced these in modified games, applying strategies and teamwork, especially in basketball. Throwing and defending were also emphasized. These activities aligned with physical literacy standards, fostering motor skills, knowledge of movement, and recognizing the value of physical activity for health, enjoyment, and social interaction.

K-5 October Music Focus

Kindergarten Music Focus - October

I am learning to keep the steady beat.

I am learning to visually identify and name classroom percussion instruments.

I am learning to describe the feeling and mood of a piece of music.

1st Grade Music Focus - October

I can sing a short song.

I am learning to describe the feeling and mood of a piece of music.

I am learning to identify different sound sources.

2nd Grade Music Focus - October

I am learning to describe the feeling and mood of a piece of music.

I am learning to recognize same and different parts of music.

I can echo a short melody.

3rd Grade Music Focus - October

I am learning to hold my own part in a group.

I am learning to describe the feeling and mood of a piece of music.

I can visually identify and name classroom instruments.

4th Grade Music Focus-October

I am learning to describe the mood and feeling of a piece of music.

I am learning to hold my own part in a group.

I am learning to visually identify instruments.

5th Grade Music Focus-October

I am learning to describe the feeling and mood of a piece of music.

I am learning to hold my own part in a group.

I can visually identify instruments.

Treasure State Runners invite all 5-12 year olds to participate in the 5th Annual Just for the Helena of It and Inaugural Mini Mile. Join the fun on October 18, 2026 at Spring Meadow State Park for a short and sweet roughly one-mile loop around the lake, perfect for young runners ages 5 - 12. To guarantee a race shirt, you must register BEFORE October 1st. Register online at runhelena.com. ALL PROCEED from this event are donated to our two nonprofit beneficiaries, The Friendship Center and Girls Thrive. Come out to support a great cause and enjoy beautiful fall Montana!

This checklist outlines the required steps to become an approved volunteer eligible to work one-on-one with students AND attend or assist with field trips.

Steps for Volunteers Requiring Fingerprinting

1. Complete Required Form

• Fill out the Applicant Rights and Consent to Fingerprint form obtained from the building secretary or HR.

• Email the completed form to JYoung3@helenaschools.org .

• Jacque will then email you the Volunteer Verification Form and the DOJ Scheduling Document

2. Volunteer Verification Form and DOJ Scheduling Document

Important: Volunteer Verification Form must be presented to the DOJ at the time of fingerprinting

To Complete Fingerprinting

• Follow all instructions provided by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to schedule an appointment.

• Give the Volunteer Verification Form to the DOJ staff at the scheduled appointment.

3. Background Clearance & Approval

• HPS Human Resources will review the results

• Once approved, the volunteer will be added to the district-approved volunteer list

• This list is accessible to all school secretaries

• HR will not be contacting you with the results. You will need to contact the school secretary.

4. Follow-Up (If Needed)

• If clarification is required, Human Resources will contact the volunteer directly

Validity: Background clearances are valid for five (5) years and expire on June 30 of the final year

Questions? Contact

Jacqueline Young, Human Resource Specialist

(406)324-2010

JYoung3@helenaschools.org