IN THIS EDITION.. SSoM In-Service Day Feb 23 | IEFA Institute May 17 & 18 | Where to Find SSoM of Us | SSoM PD & Program Details | SSoM Partner Resources | Joke of the Week | Addt'l Resources | About SSoM

Vision | Mission | Strategic Plan

Wikipedia defines Strategic Planning as an organization's process of defining its strategy or direction, and making decisions on allocating its resources to attain strategic goals.

This Thursday, February 23, the School Services of Montana team will continue the process of developing and aligning our strategic goals to ultimately better serve our Member Districts and educators across Montana. Responses to emails, texts, and voicemail may be delayed. Thank you for your patience.

Join us for one or both days of IEFA learning with award-winning educators Jordann Lankford-Forster (Bright Trail Woman) and Miranda Murray.

The Flathead Valley IEFA Institute will provide foundational information concerning the seven “Essential Understandings Regarding Montana Indians” and tools to implement Indigenous content into your curriculum. Participants may not feel comfortable or know where to begin, and that is OK. The facilitators will provide you with the support and sustainable resources to advance cultural content and Native resources in your classrooms, no matter where you are in your IEFA implementation. Participants will gain instruction and crucial essential understandings as diverse perspectives are important for all students’ success.

COST: $20 per Participant per Day | Register for one or both days

Please contact our Executive Director with questions:

School Services of Montana participates in a wide variety of statewide and regional conferences and professional learning opportunities throughout the year. Whether in-person or virtually, you'll find us organizing, volunteering, sponsoring, presenting, or staffing a vendor table to share SSoM program details.

By educating ourselves on topics and issues that matter most to YOU, we strengthen our relationships with Montana educators and school districts and maximize our effectiveness as an organization. And it's always great to see you in person! Here's a sampling of upcoming events where you'll find SSoM of our staff:

We look forward to seeing you! For more information, please reach out to your favorite SSoM staff member, or reply directly to this newsletter.

SSoM PROFESSIONAL LEARNING Program Details

Self-paced Course: Dyslexia | available through June 30, 2023 | Details and Registration

Upcoming: MT STEM Summer Institute Jul 31 - Aug 2 | Registration opens in March :)

Program Contact: Melissa Tovaas | mtovaas@mt-schools.org | (646) 831-7264

MECC CURRICULUM CONSORTIUM Program Details

Next MECC Event: Advisory Council Meeting April 20

MECC Contact: Melissa Tovaas | mtovaas@mt-schools.org | (646) 831-7264

SSoM CO-OP FOOD PROGRAM Program Details, FAQ, & Resources

Next Event: MTSNA Annual Conference June 26 - 29, Great Falls, MT; MTSNA.org

Program Contact: Jennifer Brekke | jbrekke@mt-schools.org | (406) 580-7547

SSoM INFINITE CAMPUS SUPPORT Program Details

Next PD Opportunity: YES Series - Tracking Student Progress | March 8 & 22, 2023

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

SSoM MEDICAID BILLING PROGRAM Program Details

Medicaid Service Portal Newsletter: February 2023

Program Contact: Lisa Waterman | Lwaterman@mt-schools.org | (406) 272-0073

1) Three Essential Elements for a Classroom Writing Community: Read Part One

2) Using Collaborative Writing to Deepen the Classroom Writing Community: Read Part Two

2/16 Developing Confident, Competent, and Independent Writers: contact events@collaborativeclassroom.org for information

DATE TBD: Writing for Life: Exploring the Science of Writing Instruction

3/9 Webinar - Caring School Community, K-8: a year-long, comprehensive, school-wide SEL curriculum (a CASEL SELect Program), 2pm MT

OPI Education Compass - February 2023 Edition

OPI's Virtual Teacher Job Fair is in March-stay tuned for details.

Join MTPBS Teachers Facebook Group HERE and stay up to date on the latest technology and media integration resources & events.

All 5 Montana CSPDs offer FREE VIRTUAL PD in their regions. Click for details:

Region I - Eastern MT | Region II | Region III | Region IV - SW MT | Region V - NW MT

SSoM is a 501(c)(3) non-profit education service organization committed to unlocking the full potential of every child in each and every school we serve across the state. We accomplish this by providing a wide variety of professional learning activities and business services designed to meet the specific needs of Montana’s educators and administrators. Interested in supporting our work? Click here to make a donation, and be sure to read all about our organization on our website.

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