December Stampede

The boys took second place in the championship game at the

Trinity 5th Grade Boys Basketball Tournament on December 10th!

It’s time to celebrate! We’re thrilled to announce this week’s Flathead Special Education Cooperative Staff of the Week is Holly Ringhofer from Cayuse Prairie! Known to her students as “Mrs.

Lovely,” Mrs. Ringhofer truly lives up to the name, bringing warmth, compassion, and a spirit

of inclusion to everyone she meets.

School staff nominated Holly for her incredible dedication and her gift for

building trusting relationships. Mrs. Ringhofer, thank you for the joy, care, and excellence

you bring to our entire co-op. You make your school community stronger every

day!

Please email Betsy Gibson, bgibson@cayuse.k12.mt.us, to volunteer with setup, cleanup or book fair sales! Look for Scholastic Book Fair information to come home with your student soon!

Cayuse Prairie School is using PTCFast.com again this year to make sign-ups as convenient as possible. Please click the button below to begin the registration process. If you do not have internet access, would like assistance scheduling your appointment(s), or have any questions, please contact Jody Harp in the office at 406-756-4560 ext. 210. We sincerely hope to see you there!

Cayuse Prairie has two Board of Trustees positions up for election. Both positions are for three-year terms. Those interested must be a currently registered voter and must reside within the boundaries of the Cayuse Prairie School District. All candidates must fill out the Declaration of Intent and Oath of Candidacy form and return it to Heather Mumby by Monday, February 9th. If you have any questions or need more information, please contact Heather Mumby at heatherm@cayuse.k12.mt.us or 406-756-4560 ext 211.

Thank you to ALL who participated! We love seeing your ART shine! These covers will be featured as the front cover, back cover, and title page in the 25-26 Yearbook!

Dear Cayuse Families,

November and December are two of my favorite months of the year because they tend to invite us all to pause and express gratitude. I’d like to take a moment to share mine with you.

My appreciation for the Cayuse Prairie community began back in February 2012, when I first learned about this wonderful school. After researching Cayuse Prairie online, I was immediately impressed by what I discovered and decided to apply for the superintendent position. I was fortunate to be offered the job, and from that moment, my focus shifted toward truly understanding what makes Cayuse Prairie so special.

Before I even arrived on campus, I began corresponding with staff, asking questions and learning more each week. Those early emails gave me such valuable insight into the heart of this school—its people. I quickly discovered a team that is dedicated, thoughtful, and caring. That same spirit continues today, and it remains one of the greatest blessings of working here.

When I officially joined Cayuse Prairie, I was welcomed with incredible warmth—complete with cake, flowers, a horseshoe pendant necklace, and the chance to meet so many wonderful staff, trustees, and community members. It was one of the best days of my career, and that sense of welcome has never faded. Each day, as I interact with students, staff, parents, and community members, I’m reminded how fortunate I am to be part of such a supportive and engaged community. I truly love my job!

Cayuse Prairie stands for everything that makes a school great—support, encouragement, positivity, generosity, and engagement. It feels like an extended family, and I am so thankful to have been part of this amazing Cayuse Family for nearly 14 years. I will be retiring at the end of this school year, having 33 years in education.

Thank you for entrusting us with your children. May this holiday season bring you time to reflect on your blessings and enjoy your loved ones.

With gratitude,
Mrs. Amy Piazzola
Superintendent/Principal, Cayuse Prairie School

Pictured: Hattie Smith, Jack Ringhofer, Lily Korchmar, Eli Trunnell, Representatives from Bigfork VFW, Starla Cox, Olivia Hadley, Taylor Horton, & Lyv Gladden

8th grade:

1st place - Lyv Gladden, 2nd place - Taylor Horton, 3rd place - Olivia Hadley

7th grade:

1st place -Jack Ringhofer, 2nd place - Starla Cox, 3rd place - Tyler Benson

6th grade:

1st place - Hattie Smith, 2nd place - Lily Korchmar, 3rd place - Elijah Trunnel

If you’ve ever wondered what the heck Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is and why schools devote time to it, here’s the short answer: SEL teaches kids the skills they need to manage emotions, build positive relationships, and make responsible choices—skills that are just as important for future career success as reading or math.

According to the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL, 2016), strong SEL programs help students develop five key competencies: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. These lessons give students practical tools for handling challenges, working well with others, and setting and achieving goals.

Research shows that SEL improves academic performance and leads to better outcomes in college, careers, and life. In short—SEL helps students grow into capable, caring, and confident humans ready to thrive in the real world."

Leigh Clausen

School Counselor

Office: (406) 756-4560, ext. 230

lclausen@cayuse.k12.mt.us

Mr. John Babcock, long-time principal/superintendent of Cayuse Prairie School (1979-2004) passed away on November 15th. Mr. Babcock was a wonderful man. He was a dedicated leader at our school and in the community. He had a huge heart and will always be fondly remembered by Cayuse students, parents, and staff. If you didn't know Mr. Babcock from his years at Cayuse Prairie, you may remember him from teaching Drivers Education, working at the Creston Fish Hatchery, helping Santa cover Kalispell at Snappy's, teaching you about rocks at the fair, or attending Canvas Church. Mr. Babcock will always be a HUGE part of Cayuse Prairie School.

A number of scholarships are available on a first-come basis, contact mtbrookfoundation@gmail.com to receive one and register!