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Dear Colleagues,
W have an exciting announcement! We have renamed the Compass to the Current and have also updated our logo!
Last week we also announced our 2026 Teacher of the Year! Kortney Douma, a Family and Consumer Sciences teacher at Belgrade High School! Kortney’s work in Career and Technical Education shows the power of hands-on learning and strong community partnerships. She inspires her students to dream big and achieve their goals, while also helping them gain practical skills that lead to lifelong success.
As you're aware, the federal government is still shut down. Although there are no new updates at this time and operations are continuing as usual, we recognize that concerns may increase especially as it is the end of the month. Regarding school nutrition reimbursements, carryover funding and recoveries are available to continue to reimburse schools as well as child and adult care providers for meals served in September and October. In addition, the Child Nutrition Programs are largely funded by the Section 32 transfer from Treasury, which can be made available in advance of annual appropriations acts. Impact Aid payments to districts may begin seeing disruptions if the federal shutdown continues. We continue to stay in touch with our federal and state partners and will share information as we have it.
As a reminder the OPI has a legislative packet which can be found here: Summary of Legislation Related to K-12 Education
Additional Information
Achievement in Montana (AIM)
Assessment
Career, Technical and Adult Education
Coordinated School Health
Gifted and Talented
Indian Education for All
Montana Autism Education Project
School Finance
School Nutrition
Special Education
Standards, Instruction & Professional Learning
Title & Federal Programs
Traffic Education
Tribal Relations & Resiliency
Data Modernization
As you are aware, the data modernization initiative has been steadily advancing. Since the Superintendent assumed office, the timeline for implementation has accelerated. The OPI data modernization team is excited to share that they are currently in the process of testing the OPI version of the PowerSchool data analytics and insights tool for release! This version of the product is hosted by the OPI and uses the data that all schools and districts already report. It therefore requires no additional data entry or implementation. The goal is to start granting access to school and district administrators in the first quarter of 2026.
Districts may choose to opt in to set up direct connectors that enable full utilization 130+ dashboards and modules. This includes the MTSS module allowing educators to assign and monitor supports at the student level. While an implementation process is required, there are no additional data entry requirements. This option will be available to both Infinite Campus and PowerSchool districts at no cost to all. We have launched pilot programs in select districts to ensure a thoughtful and effective rollout and will continue expanding outreach to additional districts over time. If your district is interested in being considered for future participation, please contact us to be added to the outreach list.
These products have been purchased by the state using funds allocated by the legislature, there will not be any costs to use them when they go live.
If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the direct connectors option, please reach out to Lucas.Rowsey@mt.gov.
Montana Office of Public Instruction Partners with Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center Foundation and Fight Child Abuse to Bring Student Safety Educational Materials to Schools Statewide.
The BSCC materials provide educators with free tools to address critical issues that affect children’s well-being. By incorporating these resources into classrooms, Montana schools will be able to educate students on how to protect themselves, make safe choices, and recognize warning signs of exploitation, while also promoting social-emotional health and resilience.
Montana educators and administrators interested in implementing these materials can access resources and training through the OPI website: https://opi.mt.gov/Families-Students/Family-Student-Support/Human-Trafficking-Sexual-Abuse. This partnership underscores OPI’s commitment to student health, safety, and success across the state. OPI in partnership with the Sinatra Foundation will work throughout the school year to further integrate these resources into OPI’s professional development and family and educator outreach.
New AI Guidance for Montana’s K–12 Schools
Superintendent of Public Instruction Susie Hedalen announced the release of Montana’s K–12 Artificial Intelligence (AI) Guidance, a first-of-its-kind resource designed to help schools and districts across the state navigate the opportunities and challenges of integrating AI in education responsibly.
Developed in collaboration with the Montana Digital Academy (MTDA) and education stakeholders statewide, this living document provides practical principles, policy alignment, and classroom strategies for schools as they explore AI’s potential to support teaching, learning, and operations while maintaining a strong focus on student privacy, and local control.
Be Part of Montana’s Innovative MAST Science Assessment!
Become a part of MAST Science—a new, Montana-grown through-year science assessment.
Pilot testlets, share feedback, and help build a system that supports powerful classroom learning in grades 6–8.
MAST Science Pilot Participation Form
About the Small-Scale Pilot:
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When: Spring 2026
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Who: 6th, 7th, and 8th grade science classrooms across Montana
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What: Students will complete two short NGSS-aligned testlets (about 30 minutes each) covering:
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Purpose: Provide teachers with formative information about student understanding of key science concepts. Gather data to inform future assessment design and development.
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How: The pilot will be administered via the KITE Portal, the same platform used by 3rd–8th grade students for MAST ELA and math assessments.
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Support: Text-to-Speech accommodations will be available for students who require them. Other accommodations will not be a part of this initial pilot.
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Participation Commitment:Each participating classroom will administer two of the three testlets, taking approximately 60 minutes that can be broken up into separate sessions.
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Other Details:
- Score Reports for Pilot Year 1 will include raw score reports (showing the number of points a student earned)
- There is a short educator and student survey after completion of the two assessment testlets (~7 Multiple Choice/Likert Scale Questions)
To learn more visit the MAST Science Webpage
MAST Science Contacts:
Erin de Graw, Assessment Specialist
Marie Judisch, Senior Manager of Academic Outcomes & Instruction
Outside Opportunities
Civics Bee
The Mansfield Center is partnering with the National Chamber of Commerce Foundation to host the 2026 Montana Civics Bee for middle school students. Students who participate will strengthen their civics, writing, and public speaking skills, and form friendships with other young leaders along the way!
A brief overview of the Montana Civics Bee:
- 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students must submit a 750-word (max) essay proposing their ideas for improving their community by February 3rd, 2026.
- Top-scoring essays will be invited to participate in a regional bee near them in spring 2026 for the chance to win cash prizes. Finalists from each regional bee will be invited to compete in the Montana State Civics Bee in Helena in late spring/early summer 2026 for the chance to win cash prizes at the state level.
- The winner of the State Bee will be sent on an all-expenses paid trip to Washington, DC to compete in the National Civics Bee in fall 2025 for the chance to win $100,000 towards college.
The United States is experiencing a crisis in civic education among younger generations, and the Mansfield Center is working to combat this issue by offering opportunities for young Americans to engage with civics and strengthen our democracy moving forward. We are thrilled to gather students from across the state for these exciting events!
To apply, visit the National Civics Bee webpage [my.reviewr.com] and create an account to access the application portal.
For additional resources to prepare your students visit our resource platform [drive.google.com].
Reach out to Kate Koenig at kate.koenig@mso.umt.edu with questions!
2026 Civics Bee Flyer
Gilder Lehrman Is Recruiting for Their Student Advisory Council (SAC)
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If you have a student who's passionate about history, encourage them to apply to the be a member of the Gilder Lehrman Student Advisory Council.
Created in 2014, the Gilder Lehrman Student Advisory Council (SAC) is a diverse group of high-achieving middle and high school students (grades 8–12) interested in history who apply to join this elite community of like-minded individuals. The SAC now has more than 200 members nationwide and internationally. Some students have served on the SAC for over four years and extended their relationship with the Institute beyond high school graduation.
Virtual meetings are held during the school year on the second Saturday of each month at 1 p.m. ET. During each meeting, students provide valuable feedback on the Institute’s programs and materials, helping the Institute refine its outreach with the needs of young people in mind. Students are also educated about a critical document in American History from a curator in our Collection and hear presentations from guest speakers or fellow members of the SAC. Past Student Advisory Council meetings included special presenters such as Eric Foner (DeWitt Clinton Professor Emeritus of History, Columbia University), Rhodes Scholar Jasmine Brown on her new text Twice as Hard: The Stories of Black Women Who Fought to Become Physicians, and General Michelle Johnson (US Air Force).
Student Advisory Council members also often serve as speakers at the Institute’s four book prizes, Board of Trustees meetings, and the annual Gala, among other special events. Students have attended book talks with notable historians such as Annette Gordon-Reed and participated in virtual Q&As with the Broadway cast of Hamilton.
Student Advisory Council membership is also a notable achievement to include on a college application. SAC alumni have gone on to attend such colleges and universities as Barnard College, Brown University, Columbia University, Georgetown University, Harvard University, Middlebury College, Princeton University, Smith College, the University of California, Berkeley, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Yale University.
Learn more about a few of our members here. If you have any questions about the SAC, please email studentadvisorycouncil@gilderlehrman.org.
Apply Here
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Montana Meth Project
Record Montana overdoses highlight need for Fentanyl prevention
- Montana Meth Project, Attorney General and State Superintendent call for teen Fentanyl education.
- Red Ribbon Week student and teacher contests incentivize engagement with Fentanyl prevention resources available at MontanaMeth.org.
October 21, 2025, Missoula, Mont. — It’s National Red Ribbon Week, a time when leaders and partners come together to raise awareness about the importance of drug prevention. The Montana Meth Project, Attorney General Austin Knudsen and Superintendent of Public Instruction Susie Hedalen are urging teachers, parents and community members to take action. They’re calling on Montanans to educate teens about the deadly risk of Fentanyl poisoning, as the state's overdose rates from the opioid are higher than ever.
“Opioid overdoses in Montana are trending toward record highs in 2025, largely due to illicit Fentanyl. The dangerous drug is being laced into drugs of all kinds, including Meth and counterfeit pills that look like common prescription drugs, causing users to unknowingly consume a fatal dose,” said Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen. "Younger generations must learn to never take a pill not prescribed by their own doctor and that experimentation with drugs of any kind has never been more life-threatening. As Attorney General, I will continue to do everything I can to get this poison off our streets and hold drug traffickers accountable.”
In response to the dire need for Fentanyl prevention, last year the Meth Project launched their new Fentanyl Prevention Lesson for middle school and high school students. The free 10-minute video lesson and accompanying resources at MontanaMeth.org/Fentanyl-Lesson share the facts about Fentanyl teens must know — where it’s found, what an overdose looks like and how to respond, including tips to always carry naloxone (commonly known as Narcan). The lesson has recently been endorsed by the Red Ribbon Campaign. The national prevention organization has also endorsed the Meth Project’s Meth Prevention Lesson at MontanaMeth.org/Lesson-Video.
“Young Montanans are increasingly at risk of accidental overdose as these deadly, synthetic opioids become more common in our communities, often disguised as other drugs. I urge teachers, parents and students to take advantage of these life-saving educational resources,” said State Superintendent Susie Hedalen, head of the Office of Public Instruction. “Drug prevention and community safety is everyone’s responsibility, and we must ensure that every Montana teenager has the tools and information they need to make safe decisions for themselves and their peers.”
From now through October 31, 2025, the Meth Project is holding two contests to encourage both students and teachers to engage in Fentanyl education. Montana teens who take the #NotEvenOnce #OnePillCanKill Pact at MontanaMeth.org — pledging never to take a pill not prescribed to them — will be entered to win a genuine LABUBU©, the collectible plush toy popular among teens. Multiple genuine LABUBUs wearing #OnePillCanKill t-shirts are available to entrants.
Additionally, Stockman Bank is joining the Meth Project to thank teachers who are actively engaging in Fentanyl prevention. Montana educators who use the Fentanyl Prevention Lesson at MontanaMeth.org/Fentanyl-Lesson in their classes can enter to win a $500 Visa gift card. Teachers simply enter by emailing the Meth Project a photo of their class engaging in the lesson by Friday, November 7, 2025.
“We’re grateful for all of our partners who share our urgency in getting the facts about illegal Fentanyl in front of teens,” said Amy Rue, executive director of the Meth Project. “When teens understand the real dangers of experimenting with drugs, they can make informed choices, and lives can be saved.”
About the Montana Meth Project The Montana Meth Project is a large-scale prevention program aimed at reducing teen Meth and Fentanyl use through public service messaging and community outreach. The nonprofit was founded in 2005 by businessman and philanthropist Tom Siebel as a private-sector response to Montana’s critical public health issue. Named the 3rd most effective philanthropy in the world by Barron’s in its global ranking, the organization has been credited with significant declines in teen Meth use. Both its Meth and Fentanyl prevention curriculum have been endorsed by the national Red Ribbon Campaign. MontanaMeth.org
Help Us Celebrate Montana’s School Nurses!
Each year, the Montana Association of School Nurses (MASN) honors one outstanding registered nurse with the School Nurse of the Year award — chosen from nominations submitted by families, coworkers, and healthcare providers. These nominations help us recognize the incredible work happening in schools across Montana. Please help us spread the word and encourage nominations! You can submit a nomination using the online form here: https://masn.nursingnetwork.com/page/98618-mt-school-nurse-of-the-year-nomination-form-due-dec-1-annually [masn.nursingnetwork.com]. Submissions due by December 1st.
Questions? Contact:
McKenna Gregg, Communications Director
The OPI is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation, require an alternate format, or have questions concerning accessibility, contact the OPI ADA Coordinator, 406-444-3161, opiada@mt.gov, Relay Service: 711.
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