January 10, 2024 Edition

IN THIS EDITION...CRDC Training Registration Extended to 5pm Jan 11 | Co-op Food Program Announcement | MECC Curriculum Reviews | SSoM Program Overview | Montana Educator Mortgage Program | SSoM Partner Resources | Joke of the Week | Additional Resources | About SSoM

CRDC REGISTRATION DEADLINE EXTENDED TO 5PM THURSDAY, JANUARY 11

CRDC PREPARATION &

DATA MAINTENANCE

A 3-PART SERIES FOR

INFINITE CAMPUS USERS


brought to you by Mary Anne Skinner & Tammy Blanchard,

from the School Services of MT Technical Support Team

This training series is for districts that utilize Infinite Campus District Edition to set up, collect, verify, and maintain the results as they relate to the CRDC Federal Reporting Data Collection Period. This workshop series is intended for Administrators and Reporting Staff responsible for CRDC Federal Reporting.


COST: $450 for SSoM Member Districts | $600 for Non-Member Districts

SCHEDULE: Jan - Feb 2024 | *TBD after the 2351 update

Please reach out to our Director of Infinite Campus Support Services with questions:

Mary Anne Skinner | maskinner@mt-schools.org | (406) 256-7306

📢 SSoM CO-OP FOOD

PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT


In an effort to combat the rising costs of food for nutrition programs serving children in Montana, SSoM is proud to announce that our Co-op Food Program is now OPEN to Early Child Care Education Centers & Child Care Providers!


We've recently partnered with Raise Montana & their Child Care Referral & Resource Network, and Zero to Five Montana to spread the word about this cost-saving program. Details will be shared with Child Care Providers in a special Zoom info session this week, and the recording will be available to providers who couldn't attend the session live.


This program has served school districts across Montana for 8 years and features ZERO access fees, the same LOW prices, and incredible savings for ALL participants. Program details can be found on the SSoM website.


How can the K-12 Community Help? Spread the word to your local Child Care Providers, about this NEW opportunity, and have them contact us today!


Jennifer Brekke, Co-op Food Program Manager | (406) 580-7547 | jbrekke@mt-schools.org

UPCOMING

MECC CURRICULUM

REVIEW SESSIONS

MECC Meetings & Events Calendar


In January we begin reviewing the standards we've already prioritized and vertically aligned and start the discussion on potential modifications. This process ensures a comprehensive understanding and incorporation of the required skills, concepts, and knowledge. At the end of each session, we'll discuss our next steps and address any misconceptions or challenges in our work.


JANUARY FEATURES MONTANA WHOLE CHILD SKILLS

ARTS | January 19, 2024 | Virtual

CTE | January 19, 2024 | Virtual

SCIENCE | January 24, 2024 | Virtual

HEALTH ENHANCEMENT | January 26, 2024 | Virtual


Agenda & Registration available next week! Questions? Contact:

Jake Chipps | Director of Curriculum & Assessment | jchipps@mt-schools.org | (818) 481-6788

SSoM PROGRAMS & SERVICES

CUSTOMIZED PROFESSIONAL LEARNING | DETAILS

SSoM provides PD customized to the needs of your staff and students, both in-person & online, and will work with you to create a plan that fits your needs. Contact us for pricing, member discounts, and multi-day contract discounts.

MECC CURRICULUM CONSORTIUM | DETAILS

Updated resources include the 23-24 Meetings & Events Calendar, 7-Year Curriculum Review Cycle, and Curricular Frameworks.

  • Program Contact: Jake Chipps | jchipps@mt-schools.org | (818) 481-6788

CO-OP FOOD PROGRAM | 23-24 SY DETAILS

Are rising food costs getting you down? This program is available to ALL Montana Schools (public, private, county, state), child-based educational organizations, early childhood learning centers, and after school programs. Join at any time during the year!

  • Exclusive Savings for Opt-in Districts: Copy Paper @ $39.99 / 10-ream case DELIVERED
  • Program Contact: Jennifer Brekke | jbrekke@mt-schools.org | (406) 580-7547

MEDICAID BILLING PROGRAM | DETAILS

Over 900 providers currently log services online in the SSoM Service Portal, and our program serves students from 105 Montana districts! Zoom training now available! Click DETAILS for more info.

  • Medicaid Service Portal Newsletter January 2024 Edition
  • Program Contact: Lisa Waterman | Lwaterman@mt-schools.org | (406) 272-0073

INFINITE CAMPUS SUPPORT | DETAILS

You can switch to SSoM Infinite Campus Support at any time during the school year and your support fees will not increase! Our dedicated support team works closely with OPI and understands Montana District SIS needs. Contact us today!

  • IC 2024 Y.E.S. Series PD: Feb 6 - 7 | Mar 6 & 20 | April 2 - 3 | May 7 - 8
  • Program Contact: Mary Anne Skinner | maskinner@mt-schools.org | (406) 256-7306

MONTANA EDUCATOR OPPORTUNITY

SAVINGS FOR HEROES PROGRAM

by MANN MORTGAGE - BOZEMAN

Don’t let a down payment stand in your way of owning a home!


Are you a teacher or employee serving in a public or private school? Mann Mortgage - Bozeman would like to say “thank you” with our Savings for Heroes Program that can provided 100% financing. Click here to apply | Program flyer to share


PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Up to 5% Assistance | No Income Limits | No First-Time Buyer Requirement | Provides 3.5% of the Purchase Price to cover down Payment | Up to $1,700 for your Appraisal


CONTACT: Millie Berger, Mortgage Advisor | cell (406) 220-0799 | millie.berger@mannmortgage.com

SSoM PARTNER OPPORTUNITIES

MSU SCIENCE MATH RESOURCE CENTER (SMRC)

Brainstorms! January 2024 Edition | Subscribe Here


Welcome to Brainstorms!, the monthly e-newsletter of the MSU Science Math Resource Center. We share cool opportunities for Montana STEM educators of all grade levels, subjects and settings, including upcoming PD workshops through MSU and our partners, grant applications, STEM resources & events, contests for students, & more. 


JANUARY HIGHLIGHTS

  • FREE Citizen Science Kits Available for Libraries or Classrooms
  • Sensing for Science: FREE Arduino Coding Kits Available for Teachers
  • Science Olympiad 2024 Tournament is Friday, April 19, at MSU - it's not too late to start a team!
  • Summer STEM Experience for Elementary Teachers - Applications Deadline: Feb. 4, 2024
  • Montana STEM Summit 2023 Report - or watch the presentation & learn about next steps for collaboration in Montana


Complete details and so much more can be found in the January 2024 edition!

View Collaborative Classroom January Events HERE


BREAKING NEWS: COLLABORATIVE CLASSROOM & FLUENTSEEDS ARE MERGING


Collaborative Classroom is thrilled to announce that they are merging with fellow nonprofit FluentSeeds! With this merger, Collaborative Classroom will provide seamless support for children from birth through early childhood and beyond, ensuring kindergarten readiness and long-term academic success.


Read the Press Release | Read an Interview with our Leadership | Learn More Here


What is FluentSeeds?

What does this merger means for the Educators we serve?

How will our growth will support your success?


- or contact your Collaborative Classroom Partner, Melissa Tovaas, at mtovaas@mt-schools.org -


Learn about this exciting new opportunity for

Montana educators, FREE through a partnership

with OPI until the end of the 2025 school year!



Math & Discovery Education Experience

Jan. 18, 2024 | 3:45pm | Zoom | FREE | Register Here


Motivate and inspire your students with active and engaging math resources, including timesaving, ready-to-use activities, fun interactives, and dynamic math-focused virtual field trips. Bring math learning to life with these engaging and useful instructional resources!


For additional details on how you can include Discovery Education in your school or classroom, contact their Manager of Statewide & Strategic Partnerships - Montana:

Allison Nys | anys@discoveryed.com | Discovery Education - Montana

JOKE OF THE WEEK

NEW RESOURCES & INFO

MT OFFICE OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION


Teacher Learning Hub - a FREE online learning platform providing

high-quality professional learning for Montana educators


OPI's January 2024 Compass | Individual Unit Updates

Seeking Qualified Individuals to Apply for the Montana ELA Standards Review Task Force

Led by the Montana OPI, this revision will include Literacy Standards for Science & Technical Subjects as well as Literacy Standards for History & Social Studies.

MONTANA PBS EDUCATION

FREE Educator Workshop Series - Earn OPI Credit!

Details | Register Here | Watch the Film


Hiding in Plain Sight: Youth Mental Illness

2-hour Virtual PD Series for K-12 Teachers

4 - 6pm on all Tuesdays, Jan. 16 - Feb. 13, 2024

Earn 2 OPI credits for each workshop you attend live!


FREE Virtual PD for Teachers

MTPBS Watch & Learn Catalog - Teacher Professional Development


Have you joined the MTPBS Teachers Facebook Group yet? Stay up to date on the latest technology and media integration resources & events.

All 5 Montana CSPDs Offer FREE Professional Learning in Their Regions

Region I - Eastern MT | Region II - North Central MT | Region III - South Central MT

Region IV - Southwest MT | Region V - Northwest MT

ABOUT SCHOOL SERVICES of MONTANA

OUR MISSION

School Services of Montana commits to providing equitable support and services designed to leverage school resources, enhance curriculum and instruction, and offer economically sustainable solutions. Through collaboration with government, public, and local entities, SSoM provides personalized, innovative programs to empower and connect Montana’s diverse school communities.


SSoM Members educate nearly 60,000 students across the state. Membership is open to all K-12 school districts, public or private, and education-based organizations primarily serving Montana’s youth. While membership is not required to participate in the vast majority of SSoM programs and services, membership does have its perks. Click here : )


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