Big Sky Students & Families-

A huge shout-out to our Big Sky Boys’ and Girls’ Basketball teams and their coaches! You made us all so proud at State.  Also, a Big Sky thank you to our Cheerleaders and Band for being there to support our teams and to show off their talents as well.

Excellent work on behalf of the Big Sky Band as they performed very well during the AA Band Festival last week before heading off to State Basketball.  And amazing performances this past weekend by our On the Fly Improv team! So many amazing things happening right now at Big Sky! 

Now it’s time to switch gears and think about spring! I can’t wait to watch you all on the track, tennis court, and softball fields! Also a shout-out to our FFA team, they continue to rein at events all across the state! Can’t wait to see how you all do in State FFA! 

Semester 2 Attendance updates: The Big Sky administration team would like to thank the students and families for working hard to lower the federal absenteeism rate during the first seven weeks of the semester. We kept our promise to you, and want to reward the students for working hard to be in class and on time. The partnership we are creating at Big Sky to hold our students accountable for their attendance will only increase their academic success. 

Starting Monday, March 27th there will be a reset on unexcused tardies. As an administrative team, we are proud of your efforts and understand that this new policy took some time to adjust daily schedules and routines. A majority of the students at Big Sky leveled off their tardies and have created positive habits. The reset should not be viewed as an opportunity to start showing up to class late. Please continue to practice these good habits you have created. Use the reset on unexcused tardies for those emergency situations. 

The administrative team has also taken time for student feedback and has decided to open the boy's and girl's bathrooms in the commons. Please use this to your advantage and take pride in our facilities here at Big Sky.

Here are a few reminders as we head into the last week before spring break:

• Summer camp opportunity put on by the MSU Forestry School. This camp strives to enlighten students about natural resource career opportunities.  Students can have an enjoyable summer vacation experience at the same time.  The camp is open to students aged 13-18.  Check out the attached flyer or visit the website: https://forestry.msuextension.org/mnryc/
• Research survey for one of our Biomedical Students.  This is a research project on Castleman. With the data from this survey, she hopes to understand what people know about Castleman Disease. This will be an anonymous survey and no names or email addresses will be attached to filling this survey out. BI research project 
• ACT reminder-registration for 11th graders will happen over the next 2 advisories so please be sure to attend! The ACT is Tuesday, April 11th, this will be a remote day for all 9th, 10th and 12th graders. 

I hope you all have a great and restful spring break.  The next weekly update will be Sunday, March 26th.  Take care Big Sky…GO EAGLES!

Jennifer Courtney

Principal, jccourtney@mcpsmt.org

Dear Big Sky Students & Families-

A huge shout out to both our Boys and Girls Basketball teams for their winning place in Divisionals which will send them to the State Tournament!!! We will be cheering you on all the way and are so proud of your accomplishments.

I’d also like to take a moment to shout out Duran Caferro, our Native American Student Specialist and our RISE student group.  RISE is a youth leadership program through the state of Montana with one of the main focuses being connection with personal culture as well as heritage.  These students are committing time each week and will attend the Youth Days conference in April. 

This week is also School Social Worker Appreciate week, so I want to take a moment to thank Amy Weimer and Sam Arcand our Big Sky Social Workers for all they do to support students! 

• Spring break is right around the corner! March 20th-24th, if any families need support with food over the long break, please reach out to our FRC Erica Ramsey at edramsey@mcpsmt.org
• ACT is Tuesday April 11th, this will be a remote day for 9th, 10th & 12th graders.  More detail will follow after spring break. 

Have a great week Big Sky! Please be in touch if you have any questions and as always, GO EAGLES!!!!

Jennifer Courtney

Principal, jccourtney@mcpsmt.org

Dear Big Sky Students & Families-

We wish the best of luck this week to our Basketball teams as they head to Divisionals! We will be sending all of our Eagle pride your direction! 

This past week was National FFA week! These amazing students, teachers and advisors deserve a huge shout out for all of ther dedication to making a positive impact on local agriculture and providing our school community and Missoula community with such a strong program. 

Friday 3/3-Academic Support day:

• No new content will be covered and no new assignments posted
• Students who are passing, making progress or are not otherwise notified by their teacher are not required to attend
• This is an attendance reporting day, so if your child does not attend, you are still required to excuse their attendance. 
• Students will move through a regular bell schedule for this day, so if they only need to attend specific periods, they must provide their own transportation if they plan to arrive late or leave early. 
• Breakfast and lunch will be provided
• The Lifeskills program will run a regular day and all students should attend. 
• If your child is out related to medical or other school approved absence, they will be able to turn work in missed during their absences. 

Most important to note: NO LATE WORK will be accepted after Friday March 3rd and mid-term grades will be posted on Friday March 10th.  To clarify this means that any outstanding work will not be graded beyond this date. 

Big Sky has hosted support days since the 2020 school year, there was not a day this past fall due to district schedule conflicts, but based on the previous success of this day we were given permission to host this day.  We will do another day in April. 

Have a great week Big Sky! Also if you plan to play any spring sports (Tennis, Softball or Track) you need to make sure you have an updated physical.  If you have questions about paperwork please email the Big Sky Activities Secretary Becca at rpeterson@mcpsmt.org. 

Jennifer Courtney

Principal, jccourtney@mcpsmt.org

Dear Big Sky Students & Families-

This week’s update is filled with gratitude for our school community! During this past week our student body showed grace, pride, inclusivity and much much more.  Regardless of the outcome of the GOAT games, we are truly #1 and we don’t need a trophy to tell us that.

A huge thank you to so many people that helped pull off all of the events-to Ms. Erin Smith our Student Government Advisor for dedicating a great deal of time and energy to working every day for months to help pull off the bonfire, events at the games and the dance-it wouldn’t have happened without her. 

To our parents and Booster Club who helped plan, dance and encourage our students-thank you! To our Theater students, Art students, Student Government students, Media Design students and all of the student body who put in tons of time and planning to pull this halftime shows off, what an incredible job you did! 

To our basketball teams-let those scores speak for themselves! You left it all out on the court and there is no question that you have reclaimed your spot in the top.

To our Cheer team for always being right in front of our students and community inspiring school pride and showing leadership-thank you! 

I hope I haven’t left anyone out, there are so many people to thank for pulling this off that I hope you know who you are and you are appreciated. 

Lastly, a huge congratulations to Mr. Chris Jacaruso and  Mr. Jordan Featherman on winning the Eagle of Honor. Thanks to everyone who participated in the January staff member of the month. We received 126 nominations this month.  We look forward to continuing to celebrate staff and students.

Enjoy the remainder of the weekend, remember no school tomorrow.  We will see you all Tuesday.

Jennifer Courtney

Principal, jccourtney@mcpmt.org

Dear Big Sky Students & Families-

We have so much to celebrate Big Sky! This weekend our Swimmers and Wrestlers finished up their state events with great success, what an amazing season they all had! 

Going into this week are the GOAT Game Events:

Cost is $12 per person-they will honor family passes and activity cards but there is no senior discount. Child tickets ages 2-17 will be $7 each. 

GOAT GAME Food Drive, starting on Tuesday we will be collecting as many cans, boxed food or other non-perishables as possible to donate to the Missoula Food Bank. Look for those drop off locations near the front office!  

Bon Fire-

When:  Wednesday, February 15th from 6 to 8 PM.

Where: South West corner of South Avenue West and 31st Avenue/Guardsmen Lane. 

GOAT Basketball Game-

When: February, 17th  @ the Adams Center, University of Montana

Doors open to the arena at 5pm for the general public but students can get in at 4pm to help get pre-game going. Student section will then come out in a procession around 5:45pm for a 6pm tip-off for girls and then 8pm tip-off for boys. Our half-time show will be during the first game, girls at 6pm. Half-time around 6:45pm.

Sweetheart Dance-

When: Saturday February 18th from 7-9pm @ Big Sky 

Ticket sales will begin next week on Feb 1st. $10 a ticket and $15 for a couple. $5 discount if you buy a tee-shirt for the GOAT! After next week tickets will be on sale every Tuesday and Thursday in the main lobby during lunch and then the week of Valentine's day (dance and goat week) they will be sold everyday at lunch. 

Title 1 Updates-

Each year we send out our Big Sky Annual Title One Update, please take a moment to review this short update, and then we would appreciate your feedback on our annual Title 1 Family Engagement Survey-this is for parents and students to fill out. 

Student Surveys-if you have a moment and would help a student collect data for their senior AP project, it would be much appreciated-Personality Traits Survey & Parental Divorce Survey

Have an awesome week Big Sky! This should be a fun and exciting time for our students and community!

Jennifer Courtney

Principal, jccourtney@mcpsmt.org

Dear Big Sky Students & Families-

Please note-there IS school tomorrow 2/6, there is NO SCHOOL on Monday 2/13, and Monday 2/20! 

The GOAT Basketball game is right around the corner, along with many other activities that week.  Also please note to get into the game you either have to have your activity card, a family pass or it will cost $12 a person. 

Bon Fire-

When:  Wednesday, February 15th from 6 to 8 PM.

Where: South West corner of South Avenue West and 31st Avenue/Guardsmen Lane. 

If anyone has wood pallets they can donate for the bonfire, please drop them off at the AG Center on South Ave. 

GOAT Basketball Game-

When: February, 17th 

Doors open to the arena at 5pm for the general public but students can get in at 4pm to help get pre-game going. Student section will then come out in a procession around 5:45pm for a 6pm tip-off for girls and then 8pm tip-off for boys. Our half-time show will be during the first game, girls at 6pm. Half-time around 6:45pm.

Sweetheart Dance-

When: Saturday, February 18th from 7-9pm

Ticket sales will begin next week on Feb 1st. $10 a ticket and $15 for a couple. $5 discount if you buy a tee shirt for the GOAT! After next week tickets will be on sale every Tuesday and Thursday in the main lobby during lunch and then the week of Valentine's day (dance and goat week) they will be sold every day at lunch. 

Parent Volunteers Needed! If you are willing to help with chaperoning the Bon Fire,  pre-game set up, during the game support, post game cleanup or chaperoning the Sweetheart Dance please email esmith@mcpsmt.org. 

Class Registration Process-students-please make sure you have followed these steps, if you fail to get your courses requested, you may not get the electives you want. 

Registration Process:

1. Students will view the presentation below-explaining graduation requirements and considerations for course selection. They will then have time to think about the classes they would like to take for the 2023/24 school year before counselors come into English classrooms.
2. Throughout the month of February, counselors will be in English classes to answer questions, finalize course requests, and input courses into Infinite Campus.  
• Registration Presentation explaining graduation requirements and considerations for course selection. 
• It will be helpful for students and families to review and complete the Registration Planning Form and Planning Checklist before counselors come into English classrooms in February. Students are invited to write in their course selections for next year, think about their future goals after high school, and make sure they are on track to graduate. This will help students and parents have input and a draft of what they want to take for their counselors to review. 

 Helpful tip: review the registration presentation, and your student’s transcript in Infinite Campus, discuss goals after high school, and graduation requirements - see our website link below, and use the Course Offerings sheet to see what courses are offered next year.

Have a great week Big Sky! Please be in touch if you have any questions!

Jennifer Courtney

Principal, jccourtney@mcpsmt.org

Dear Big Sky Students & Families-

This week’s email is a long one, so please read to the end regarding important information related to attendance and the upcoming GOAT events! 

ATTENTION SENIORS-it’s time for you to start reporting scholarships earned.  Please use this link each time you have received an award or scholarship-

http://www.mcpsmt.org//cms/module/selectsurvey/TakeSurvey.aspx?SurveyID=141.  

Semester 2 Attendance updates: The Big Sky Administration team would like to outline the new expectations for attendance in response to the 17% Federal Absenteeism rate first semester. Big Sky will be working hard this semester to lower that absenteeism rate below 10%. Our promise to you is that we will track daily attendance and tardies. When your student is missing from school we will communicate with you to understand why they were absent and to identify barriers and supports available to overcome challenges you may face in helping your student attend school. 

 Attendance policy: Unexcused absences

• 2 days = Teacher will contact the student 
• 3 days = Dean communication (within 1 week)
• 5 days = Teacher email or phone call home
• 10 days = WRAP meeting, Grad coach, Child protective services, Youth Crisis, Withdraw
• 15 days = TABE test, CPS, Job Corp

Tardy Policy: Unexcused tardies (all periods)

•  4 tardies = Meeting with Dean (warning)
• 7 tardies = Meeting with Dean (final warning)
• 8 > tardies = Lunch detention for each tardy after 8 

 What you can do:

• Talk to your student about the importance of attendance
• Talk to your student’s teachers if you notice a change in behavior. 
• Set a regular bedtime and morning routine for your student
• Prepare for school the night before, finish homework and get a good night's sleep. 

We appreciate the partnership we have with parents and know that the success of all our students is a shared value. Big Sky will continue to update parents with specific information about the attendance of your child. 

Follow the Eagle Code: Be Respectful, Be Responsible, Be Resilient, Be an Eagle

 Resources:

https://www.leg.mt.gov/content/Committees/Interim/2017-2018/Education/Meetings/Mar-2018/attendancebrief.pdf

 Course Requests 23-24’ School Year: Please reinforce your child’s attendance during Advisory.  This week they will receive their course request sheets.  They will also be shown how to request courses for next year, this is a really important time to make sure they get the classes they need and want. 

 GOAT Event Updates:

Bon Fire-

When:  Wednesday, February 15th from 6 to 8 PM.

Where: South West corner of South Avenue West and 31st Avenue/Guardsmen Lane. 

If anyone has wood pallets they can donate for the bon fire, please drop them off at the AG Center on South Ave. 

GOAT Game-

When: February, 17th 

Doors open to the arena at 5pm for the general public but students can get in at 4pm to help get pre-game going. Student section will then come out in a procession around 5:45pm for a 6pm tip-off for girls and then 8pm tip-off for boys. Our half-time show will be during the first game, girls at 6pm. Half-time around 6:45pm.

Sweetheart Dance-

When: Saturday, February 18th from 7-9pm

Ticket sales will begin next week on Feb 1st. $10 a ticket and $15 for a couple. $5 discount if you buy a tee-shirt for the GOAT! After next week tickets will be on sale every Tuesday and Thursday in the main lobby during lunch and then the week of Valentine's day (dance and goat week) they will be sold every day at lunch. 

Parent Volunteers Needed! If you are willing to help with chaperoning the Bon Fire,  pre-game set up, during-the-game support, post-game cleanup, or chaperoning the Sweetheart Dance please email esmith@mcpsmt.org. 

Thank you as always for your support of your child’s academic success.  If you have any questions please feel free to reach out.

Jennifer Courtney

Principal, jccourtney@mcpsmt.org

Dear Big Sky Students & Families-

Remember-NO SCHOOL TOMORROW, Monday-it’s a records day for staff.  Semester 2 starts Tuesday so be sure to check your schedule for any changes. 

We are so excited to share a new opportunity with you all! Big Sky will be one of the first schools in the state to offer the Best Buddies program. 

Best buddies is an international non-profit organization. We work to empower people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities, known as IDD, by helping them develop meaningful peer relationships, teaching communication and self-advocacy skills, and helping them feel valued by their community. This is an inclusive program allowing people with or without IDD to join. Students with IDD can be paired with another student who doesn’t have IDD to create an amazing bond. This is a great way to get involved with your school or community and help out others. If you have further questions please feel free to contact Myleigh Kukay at 24kukmyl@student.mcpsmt.org, or visit their website at https://www.bestbuddies.org/.

If you are interested in joining please use this form to sign up! 

Best Buddies Sign Up

ATTENTION SENIORS-it’s time for you to start reporting scholarships earned.  Please use this link each time you have received an award or scholarship-

http://www.mcpsmt.org//cms/module/selectsurvey/TakeSurvey.aspx?SurveyID=141.   

The Senior Awards Breakfast will be Thursday 6/1 at 9am. Students earning awards or scholarships will receive an invitation. 

ALL STUDENTS-please take a moment to fill out this follow-up survey regarding attendance & absences:

Follow-Up Student Absenteeism Survey

The Eagle of Excellence is a student award program in which Big Sky staff nominate Big Sky students each month who demonstrates, exhibit, or exemplify what it means to be an Eagle. To be an Eagle means you are or are striving to be responsible, respectful & resilient. Here is how students earn this award:

In the last two week of each month, staff nominates one student who they believe did an excellent job of demonstrating or embodying the tenets of being an Eagle.   

• “Eagle of the Month”

• The administration sends out a Google Form asking for nominations

• Staff nominate one student that demonstrates/exemplifies what it means to be an Eagle
• In their nomination, staff tell us how their nominee exhibits being an Eagle
• Admin collects all nominations and compiles a final four list for each grade level to send out to staff
• These nominations will be included by grade level with their write up
• Teachers will vote for one student per grade
• The student with the most votes in each grade level will receive the Eagle of Excellence award
• Admin team will deliver a certificate and prize (BSHS shirt, BPA card, etc.) to students during class; they will also be acknowledged on the next Eagle TV (picture and write up read); those that were nominated will be given the write up the teacher submitted

This is a great way for our Big Sky staff to recognize a variety of Eagles from different walks of life who are striving to do their best each day. We look forward to celebrating your student!

Have a great week Big Sky! Don’t forget to be checking the Big Sky calendar for all upcoming events!

Jennifer Courtney

Principal, jccourtney@mcpsmt.org

A reminder of the upcoming finals schedule:

• Monday 1/16-no school
• Tuesday/Wednesday-regular 1-7 period
• Thursday-regular block (2, Adv, 4, 6)
• Friday-block (1,3,5,7)
• Monday 1/23-no school (records day for teachers)

Don’t forget to purchase your GOAT T-Shirt during lunch-shirts are $10 a piece and if you purchase a shirt you will receive a discount on your dance ticket. The Sweetheart Dance will be on Saturday 2/18 at Big Sky High School from 7-9pm.

Have a great week Big Sky-be sure to check out the activities calendar for all upcoming events-Big Sky Calendar.

Jennifer Courtney

Principal, jccourtney@mcpsmt.org

Dear Big Sky Students & Families-

I want to take a moment and give a shout-out to our Big Sky Swim team! They dedicate every Saturday to getting in the pool and dominating this sport.  This upcoming Saturday 1/14 Big Sky should show up and make some noise, at Griz Pool at the University of Montana starting at 11 am!  

 Upcoming Finals Schedule:

• Monday 1/16-no school
• Tuesday/Wednesday-regular 1-7 period
• Thursday-regular block (2, Adv, 4, 6)
• Friday-block (1,3,5,7)
• Monday 1/23-no school (records day for teachers)

Do you need some extra help studying for finals? Next week (January 9-13), seniors in the National Honor Society will be offering lunchtime help with studying and homework! We will have students available to help with any subject. Come down to room 33 at lunch to get paired up with a tutor.

Let’s give a shout-out to Officer Cameron our School Resource Officer, tomorrow, Monday is Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, Officer Cameron is a kind, compassionate member of our school community and we are lucky to have him in our school. 

GOAT GAME!!! Is right around the corner! 

February 17th, 2023

The GOAT game is a yearly battle that Big Sky will finally be part of (or as I’d like to say taking the trophy).  This year we will battle Hellgate for the Golden Goat. This series of events is all about participating and sportsmanship.  The school that demonstrates these qualities (including winning the basketball games at the Adams Center) will have the Golden Goat for the next year and will take on Sentinel in 2024. 

Things to think about right now are:

• Student shirts will be on sale for $10 in the next few weeks, our goal is to sell at least 500!
• Foam fingers and blue/gold crowd towels will be on sale for $3/$2 (we want every student to have something in their hands during the game)
• We are looking for someone that can mix some music for us, we can’t share the theme yet, but if you have the ability to mix old & new together please reach out to me directly! 

Have a great week Big Sky! As always if you need anything, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Jennifer Courtney

Principal, jccourtney@mcpsmt.org