The Mighty

Due to the weather forecast, the Helena Education Foundation Carnival Classic is being moved to the Helena Middle School Gym.

The date and time are the same: Sunday, September 13th 11:00-3:00

Place: HMS Gymnasium

Our own Jim Darcy PTO and staff will be there with popcorn and to share in the fun!

What a great week at Jim Darcy! Our Mustangs are settling into routines, connecting with staff, and diving into learning. With benchmarking wrapping up, our teachers are turning their attention to instruction and growth.

There’s a lot happening every day all day—and we’re so grateful to be doing it together. We’re bringing our heads, hearts, and hands to the work, while making plenty of room for curiosity, connection, hard work, and fun along the way!

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! 🐎💙💛

A local grandparent by the name of Pam Gimnich and some of her friends made quilts for each elementary school health room. Pam came by Jim Darcy this week and presented the quilts to our wonderful new nurse, Christie Cox.

We are so thankful- always- for the generosity, support and thoughtfulness of the Helena community! 💙💛

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

September

8/31-9/25 iReady/Acadience Benchmarking

9/13 HEF Carnival Classic @ Memorial Park 11:00-3:00

9/14 Fabulous Firsts 2:00 (grade 1)

9/14 JD PTO 6:00-7:00

9/17 Picture Day

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

Each year, we work to ensure every student in our school receives the support they need to succeed and experience positive outcomes. Ongoing screening of academic and social, emotional, and behavioral functioning can identify students who may need additional support to improve academic performance and overall well-being. Screening tools help school staff develop effective plans and allocate resources at the school, class, and individual levels. The week of September 21st, we will administer the Strengths & Needs Screener (K-5). We will use the results as one data point in a proactive process that supports students with mentoring, organizational strategies, social skills, coping strategies, and other supports that help them fully engage in their learning.

We encourage families to allow the Strengths & Needs Screener administration, as it gives us important information about how well we are doing at the school level and how best to support each student in our school. We also know it is important to give families and caregivers the option to have their child not participate in the screening process.

Following the screening, families will be notified if our team identifies your child as needing additional support. Additionally, screening results are available for review. If you would like to review them, please contact the building principal or school counselor to set up a time to review the results.

If you do not want your student screened using the Strengths & Needs Screener, please notify me via email jnyman@helenaschools.org by September 18th. An opt out form is also available at the front office.

We appreciate the ongoing partnership with our families to ensure all students receive what they need and can experience success at Jim Darcy.

Sincerely,

Jill Nyman, Principal

Jim Darcy Elementary

(406) 324-1413

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.

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