Lewis and Clark August Newsletter

Welcome Back, Lewis and Clark Families!

As we begin another exciting school year, I want to extend a warm welcome to both our returning families and those joining the Lewis and Clark community for the first time. Middle school is an incredible time of growth, discovery, and opportunity, and we are excited to partner with you in helping every student reach their full potential.

This year, Billings Public Schools is placing an intentional focus on our Graduate Profile—a vision that defines the knowledge, skills, and dispositions every student should develop before graduating. While graduation may seem far away for our middle school students, the journey begins now. Every lesson, project, activity, and relationship helps build the foundation for future success.

At Lewis and Clark, we are committed to helping students become curious learners, effective communicators, critical thinkers, responsible citizens, and resilient problem-solvers. These qualities are developed not only in the classroom, but also through athletics, fine arts, clubs, service opportunities, and the everyday interactions that shape character.

Our dedicated staff works each day to create engaging learning experiences that challenge students academically while fostering confidence, responsibility, and a sense of belonging. We also know that our strongest partnerships are with families. Together, we can encourage students to persevere through challenges, celebrate growth, and develop the habits that will serve them well throughout high school and beyond.

Thank you for trusting us with your children. We look forward to a year filled with learning, growth, and meaningful experiences as we continue preparing every Lewis and Clark Scout for a bright future.

Here's to an outstanding school year!

Jody Sulser
Principal, Lewis and Clark Middle School

Hello Families of Lewis and Clark Middle,

I’m excited to begin this next chapter of my career as the Associate Principal at Lewis and Clark Middle School. Throughout my career in education, the part of the job I have valued most has always been the opportunity to work with students, to get to know them, support them through challenges, celebrate their successes, and hopefully make a positive difference in their lives. That is what first drew me to education as a science teacher, and it is what has continued to motivate me throughout my years in school administration. I’m especially excited for this role as it allows me to be closely connected to students, families, and the daily life of a school community.

I grew up in Frenchtown, Montana, just west of Missoula, where I graduated from high school. After high school, I attended Montana State University and earned my bachelor’s degree in Science Education. I began my career as a science teacher and quickly found that one of the most rewarding parts of teaching was getting to know students, supporting them through challenges, and seeing the impact that a caring adult can have on a young person’s life.

As I gained experience in the classroom, I began to feel that I could make an even greater impact by supporting students in a broader role. That led me to pursue my master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Central Washington University, which I completed in 2017. Since then, I have had the opportunity to serve students and school communities as an administrator, first in Washington state and, since 2020, here in Billings.

When my wife and I returned to Montana in 2020, we settled in Billings, her hometown. Since returning, I have been fortunate to serve as an Assistant Principal at Senior High School and, for the past three years, as the Director of the Billings Career Center. Each of these experiences has given me the opportunity to work with incredible students, families, and educators and has reinforced for me just how meaningful it is to serve in education.

Now, I am excited to begin this next chapter at Lewis and Clark Middle School. I’m looking forward to returning to a more student-centered role, getting to know our students and families, and having the opportunity to support students during such an important time in their lives.

At Lewis and Clark Middle School, we believe that every school day is an opportunity for growth, learning, and connection. Whether it’s exploring new subjects, engaging in classroom discussions, or building relationships with teachers and peers, being present makes a world of difference.

The Impact of Daily Attendance

Did you know that students who miss school regularly are at a higher risk of falling behind academically? Missing just a few days each month can add up quickly, leading to gaps in learning that become difficult to fill. When students attend school every day, they’re more likely to stay on track with lessons, complete assignments on time, and fully engage in their education.

More Than Just Academics

Attendance isn’t only about grades—it's about being part of a community. Each day brings opportunities for social and emotional growth, teamwork, and building skills that help students succeed both in and outside the classroom. Consistent attendance helps students develop strong habits of responsibility and perseverance, qualities that will serve them well in the future.

How You Can Help

Parents and guardians play a vital role in supporting daily attendance. Here are a few tips to ensure your child is at school and ready to learn:

• Set a routine: Help your child establish a consistent sleep schedule so they’re rested and ready each morning.

• Address issues early: If your child is struggling with school or feeling hesitant about attending, communicate with teachers, school counselors, and administrators. We’re here to support.

• Plan vacations wisely: Try to schedule family vacations or appointments during school breaks to avoid missing valuable class time.

Let’s work together to make this school year one of success by ensuring that every student shows up, learns, and thrives every single day.

Every day counts—let’s make them all count!

Parents and students are welcome to attend from 4:00-5:30pm and walk the student’s schedule, meet teachers, and acquaint themselves with the building and their locker combination prior to the first day of school. This is a great time to bring school supplies and get your lockers organized. 😊

• Phones and wearable devices, i.e. Apple Watches, AirPods and similar devices are to be turned off and put in lockers during school time
  
• Cell phones cannot be used in the classroom for any reason, including teacher led activities
• Cell phones, even those on silent or turned off, cannot accompany students to class

Parents and Guardians: Please make sure you have submitted your student's updated immunization record to the front office! We currently have more than 80 7th graders who will not be able to begin class on the first day due to a missing Tdap booster record! We want ALL of our students present and learning from day one! Please call the main office with questions. 406-281-5900

Join with our community in celebrating a new era for Daylis Stadium!

Middle School forms and schedules can be found here.

Football Practice will begin September 2 at 3:30pm. Practices are held on the football field behind the school. Program information will be handed out at the first practice. Football Camp will be August 18-22 from 8-11am. Please email Coach Duneman dunemank@billingsschools.org to register.

Cross Country Practice will begin September 3 from 6:30-7:30am. Practices will be in the morning until the weather cools off. There will be a parent meeting September 2 at 3:30-4:00pm in the hallway outside the gym. Program information will be handed out at the parent meeting and first practice. Please contact Coach Elkin at elkinh@billingsschools.org, or Coach Boseman at bosemane@billingsschools.org

Practice will begin September 2 at 3:30pm on the softball field behind the school. Program information will be handed out at the first practice. Please meet in the bleachers at the softball field. Equipment needed for softball: glove, fielders mask, softball pants or loose athletic pants. No shorts please. Contact Coach Erekson at huskerfan232@hotmail.com or Coach Barcus at danny_barcus@msn.com with questions.

Participation fees for all sports is $55. Football jerseys are $40 and shirts for Softball and Cross Country are $16. Fees can be paid in the main office prior to the start of the season.

Middle School physicals are good for two years. Please make sure your athlete has an updated physical prior to the first practice. Students without an updated physical on file will not be able to participate in the first practice and all students are required to have 10 practices concluded prior to competition.

Retakes will be November 6th.

Here are five routines or habits parents can implement to help their middle school student prepare for a successful school year:

1. Establish a Consistent Sleep Schedule
   Help your child get back into a healthy sleep routine before school starts. Aim for 8-10 hours of sleep each night, which supports their focus, mood, and energy levels throughout the school day.

2. Organize School Supplies and Materials
   Get everything ready ahead of time—binders, notebooks, backpacks, and other supplies. Involve your child in setting up their study space and organizing materials to foster a sense of responsibility and readiness.

3. Create a Homework and Study Routine
   Set a consistent time and space for homework each day. Encourage regular check-ins to stay on top of assignments and test prep, creating a habit of organization and responsibility.

4. Review and Set Academic Goals
   Sit down together and set realistic academic goals for the year. Discuss the importance of staying focused and working toward achieving those goals, whether it’s improving in a specific subject or participating more actively in class.

5. Practice Time Management
   Teach your child time management skills, like breaking tasks into smaller chunks and using planners or digital calendars to track important deadlines. Help them learn to balance schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and downtime.

These habits help create a strong foundation for success and provide students with the structure and support they need to thrive throughout the school year.

• August 28 Student Schedules visible in PowerSchool 🙂
• August 31 Open House- 4:00-5:30pm
• September 2 First day of school for 6th grade and new students
• September 2 First day of practice for football and softball/Cross Country Parent Meeting
• September 3 First day of school for 7th and 8th grade students/First day of practice for XC
• September 7 No School/Labor Day
• September 15 Picture Day
• October 15-16 No School for students/MEA Conference
• October 22 Student Led Parent Conferences 12-6pm (Early dismissal @11:00am)
• October 24 Early Dismissal @11:00am
• November 6 Picture Retakes

We use Parent Square to communicate with our families! Please download the app or get signed up for an account today! We don't want anyone to miss out on fun and important information!

Lewis and Clark Middle School

Asst. Principal: Mr. Matt Clouser 406-281-5902

Main Office: Mrs. Amanda Groblebe 406-281-5900

Attendance Office: Mrs. Christy Mayer 406-281-5913

Website: https://www.billingsschools.org/our-schools/middle-schools/lewis-clark

Location: 1315 Lewis Avenue

Phone: (406) 281-5900
Facebook: facebook.com/lewisandclarkscouts