The Mighty

What a wonderful week at Jim Darcy! 💙💛

Monday's Fabulous Firsts was such a special reminder of what happens when our heads, hearts, and hands come together. Our first graders had the opportunity to receive new books with their families and staff, and seeing their smiles, excitement, and pride was the perfect way to celebrate learning to read!

We are so grateful for the families, staff, and community partners who help make experiences like this possible. A huge thank-you to the Helena Education Foundation and their generous sponsors for helping us create a night filled with connection, joy, and a love of reading. What a MIGHTY community we have!

To all of our Mustang Families: You’re an important part of our team! Thank you for partnering with us for a fantastic year of learning, growth, and community.

It’s going to be a MIGHTY year! 🐎💙💛

September

9/21-9/25 Character Strong SEL Screener

October

10/12-23 Parent Teacher Conferences

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

10/12 JD PTO 6:00

10/15-16 Educator Conference- NO SCHOOL

10/26 Picture Re-takes and Class pictures

10/31 Jim DarcyTrunk or Treat

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

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 September Music Focus

Kindergarten Music Focus - September

· I am learning to echo a short melody.

· I am learning to demonstrate the difference between my speaking voice and singing voice.

· I am learning to keep the steady beat.

1st Grade Music Focus - September

· I can echo a short melody.

· I am learning to demonstrate the difference between my speaking voice and singing voice.

· I am learning to keep the steady beat.

2nd Grade Music Focus - September

· I can demonstrate the difference between my speaking voice and singing voice.

· I am learning to keep the steady beat.

· I am learning to identify vocal timbres.

3rd Grade Music Focus - September

· I can sing a short song.

· I can keep the steady beat.

· I am learning to identify vocal timbres.

4th Grade Music Focus-September

· I am learning to read, write and perform rhythmic notation.

· I am learning to audiate and perform the relationship between pitches.

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

5th Grade Music Focus-September

· I am learning to audiate and perform the relationship between pitches.

· I am learning to read, write and perform rhythmic notation.

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

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