IN THIS EDITION.. Cyber-Security Tips | MECC Social Studies Reviews | SSoM Infinite Campus Support & User Groups | Food Program Highlights | Medicaid Billing Highlights | SSoM Program Updates | SSoM Partner Resources | Joke of the Week | Additional Resources | About SSoM

The Department of Homeland Security is recognizing Cybersecurity Awareness Month in conjunction with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and other organizations across the country. This year’s campaign theme – “See Yourself in Cyber” – demonstrates that while cybersecurity may seem like a complex subject, ultimately, it’s really all about people.

Everyone in the school community can ‘see themselves in cyber’ by taking action to stay safe online. That means supporting basic cyber hygiene practices through four key action steps:

By choosing SSoM as your support team, you're accessing a combined 20+ years of Infinite Campus expertise with a team certified in Support, Implementation Management, and Teaching Teams within Infinite Campus. Virtual and onsite collaboration and professional development is available for district staff at every skill level via one-on-one or group training. Discounted rates are available to member schools who use SSoM Campus support, including multi-day PD contracts. Click here for details.

Attendance is FREE, and we welcome all Infinite Campus users in your district: teachers, administrative staff, curriculum & special education directors, and more. Choose the date & location most convenient for you:

is open to ALL Montana Schools,

Program Details | Program FAQ | SSoM Organization Facts

Questions? Ready to OPT IN to the program? Contact our Purchasing Manager:

Over 800 Direct Care providers in Montana log services online in the SSoM Service Portal. School districts can be reimbursed for these services for students that have Medicaid. Our system sends claims to Montana Medicaid weekly based on services rendered and the completion of paperwork required for compliance, and schools receive reimbursements weekly. 

While any school or SPED Co-op may utilize this program, member districts receive an additional 20% discount off our service fees. Please note that your current SPED Director is a vital component in the success of your Medicaid Billing partnership with SSoM. We encourage your SPED Director to contact us directly.

For program details, CLICK HERE, or contact our Medicaid Billing Program Specialist:

UNDERSTANDING & SUPPORTING STUDENTS WITH DYSLEXIA & OTHER READING DISABILITIES, brought to you by SSoM

A Self-Paced, Online Course | Register Here

GOAL: to deepen your knowledge about dyslexia as it relates to Montana’s Dyslexia Screening and Intervention Act, the science of reading, and research-based literacy assessment and instructional practices in a multi-tiered system of support (MTSS)

FREE SSoM FOOD PROGRAM BONUS PERKS

Districts who have opted into our 22-23 Co-op Food Program have access to one of the most comprehensive K-12 purchasing portfolios in the US, featuring 300+ contracts in the following categories: Administrative, Financial, & Management Services | Facility Management & Maintenance | Food Service-Products & Supplies | Technology Services | Office Supplies & Furniture

"CHEAT CODES" FOR THE GAME OF LIFE THAT ACTUALLY WORK ; )

AKA the small things you can do throughout your day that drastically improve the quality of your life. Check out this compilation of a series of the very best of fun and informative posts to give you a boost in different parts of your life from relationships and cooking to parenting and health.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION LEGISLATIVE NEWS

MSU Research In Action Series

Wednesday, Nov. 2, 4 - 5pm | Virtual

FREE online workshop for teachers to connect K-12 classrooms with MSU researchers so teachers can bring cutting-edge research concepts & researchers’ personal STEM stories into the classroom. The presenter is Cailin Casey, a doctoral student in Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, who studies the mechanics of insect flight.

1 OPI Renewal Unit | Attendance capped at 30 | Details | Registration

[click here for more clever costume ideas]

OPI Education Compass - October 2022 Edition

Check out the complete list of 22 - 23 SY OPI MAEP trainings HERE, including registration links and details.

USDA Announces Additional $50 Million in Grants for schools to invest in new food service equipment that will allow them to continue serving nutritious meals. This is IN ADDITION to the $30 million provided earlier this year!

Press Release Oct 11, 2022

"Fresh Ideas for School Nutrition"

January 15 - 17, 2023 | San Diego, California

USDA Publishes Revised Whole Grain Resource - including the final rule establishing transitional standards for Child Nutrition Program requirements related to milk, whole grains, and sodium.

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 agency 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 excellent 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.