Big Sky Students & Families-

We have so many exciting events happening every week, but it’s time to get excited about the upcoming GOAT game on February 7th! Students please be listening to the announcements for upcoming opportunities to get involved and purchase your GOAT shirt! Also there is a Booster Club meeting tomorrow, Monday at 7pm in the Commons, this is open to all parents that want to be involved in the planning, so please come and join us, even if you are not a Booster member! 

Here are additional updates for this week:

***Semester 1 will end on Friday January 24th, please note there is no school Monday 1/20 for the holiday and 1/27 there is also no school as this is a teacher work day. 

• If you fail any class needed for graduation, you will need to plan to attend Summer Programming, so reach out to your teachers, counselor or admin if you need help to successfully complete your classes. 
• Friday January 24th will be a Semester Wrap up Day…this means that if you pass your classes and finish your finals, you will not need to attend unless otherwise communicated by your teachers. Please note that we will adhere to all of the missing work deadlines we have had throughout the semester, so you cannot use this day to turn in work missing from early in the semester.  Parents/Guardians-this is an attendance day so you will need to call in and excuse your child if they are not attending. 

Reminder about surveys for both parents & students! 

This is a friendly reminder that the 2025 MCPS School Climate Survey will close on January 17th at 4 PM. 

Student Survey

Parent/Guardian Survey

Thank you for taking the time to take these surveys, this is providing a lot of good feedback for myself and the district! 

STUDENTS…PLEASE READ-

We continue to have issues with students violating  the school's VPN policy by,  or the account being compromised by outside/foreign sources. Our network monitoring systems detect unauthorized VPN usage originating from students' Google accounts.

The use of unauthorized VPNs can pose security risks to the school network and compromise the integrity of our systems. As per our established policies, such violations may result in disciplinary actions, including account suspension.

If you are using a VPN app, on the school WIFI your account will be suspended to mitigate any potential security threats. To reinstate the account, the student will need to work with the school library to change the account password. 

We know the WIFI isn’t great, but you cannot use an VPN to make it work better, this is taking a ton of time and energy to deal with daily, so please just don’t use them! 

All that said, have a great week Big Sky, you are such an amazing school community and I continue to be so proud of each of you for your hard work and efforts! Go EAGLES.

Jennifer Courtney

Principal, jccourtney@mcpsmt.org

Big Sky Students & Families-

Welcome into 2025! I hope the break brought you rest, fresh air and time with friends and family. It’s hard to believe we are only 3 weeks out from the end of semester 1…so here are a few important things to remember as we end the semester:

• If you fail any class needed for graduation, you will need to plan to attend Summer Programming, so reach out to your teachers, counselor or admin if you need help to successfully complete your classes. 
• Friday January 24th will be a Semester Wrap up Day…this means that if you pass your classes and finish your finals, you will not need to attend unless otherwise communicated by your teachers.  Parents/Guardians-this is an attendance day, so you will need to call your child in to excuse their attendance if they do not attend. 

As we start the new year, we are excited to introduce a new safety initiative aimed at enhancing school security and controlling public access to our building.

Changes to Commons Entrance:

• Beginning Monday, January 6th, the East main entrance door to the commons will be closed from 8:35 AM (the start of the school day) until the lunch release bell.
• During this time, all visitors and students must enter through the main entrance and check in with the attendance secretary.
• Students will NOT be permitted to exit through the Eastside commons doors during passing periods. A caution strip labeled DO NOT ENTER will be placed to remind students of this policy.

Post-Lunch Access:

• After lunch, the Eastside commons entrance will be locked, and access will be restricted to the south entrance by the main office, where visitors must check in with the attendance secretary.

We are committed to continually improving school security to ensure a safe learning environment for all students and staff. Thank you for your cooperation and support in this important initiative.

We want to give a huge congratulations to Big Sky Senior Garrett Cleveland who is one of 16,000 students to reach the National Merit Scholarship semi finalist status around the country! Garrett entered the National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying test as a junior. To become a finalist, a semifinalist must submit a detailed application that provides information about the student’s academic record, school and community involvement, leadership abilities, employment and awards received. Additionally, students must have high SAT or ACT scores, write an essay and be recommended by a high school official.  This is a huge accomplishment that many students in Montana do not achieve, so a huge congratulations to Garrett on this impressive accomplishment!

New to our newsletter are postings about positions available in the MCPS district.  Right now MCPS is looking for: 

• Plumber - District
• Custodial Staff - Full time, part time, and substitutes
• Substitute Teachers and Para Educators

If any of you parents or guardians are interested or would be willing to pass along the information, we would all greatly appreciate it! More information can be found on: MCPS Employment.

Have a great week back Big Sky, please be in touch if you need anything! Go Eagles!

Jennifer Courtney

Principal, jccourtney@mcpsmt.org

Big Sky Students & Families- As we wrap up this last week before we head into the break, I want to share my appreciation for each of you. This is my 23rd year in Missoula County Public Schools, and while each year brings new challenges and opportunities, the thing I am most proud of and lucky is to work with each of our Big Sky students and their families. So please enjoy the 2 week break, be in touch if you need anything and I’ll see you all in 2025! Here are a few reminders for this week: Still need to finish your Christmas Shopping? Booster Club Retail will be open on Wednesday, December 18 at 6:30 (during the dodgeball tournament) to help you finish your list! Last chance to buy before the holidays! ***Also a huge thank you to Booster Club and to all of the families and community members that attended the Blue & Gold Gala and our members, you are supporting the Big Sky staff this upcoming week in some really fun activities, give-aways and prizes! Without you these fun events for our staff wouldn’t be possible! We're going to Spain and France for Spring Break 2026 and your student is invited! Our World Languages program is planning a trip to Paris and Madrid, and we would love to fill the trip with students who are excited about traveling abroad! Come hear all the details, including the itinerary, activities, academic opportunities, and the cost of our trip at our upcoming informational meeting on December 16th at 6:00pm in room 31! Please click here to RSVP! The meeting will also mark the official opening of enrollment! We would love to have you attend this meeting to learn more about this exciting opportunity. If you can't attend the meeting, please complete the RSVP and click "no but please send information" to hear about this amazing trip! It’s that time for our 24-25 Annual Title I Meeting Screencast for our Big Sky families. This is so important for the future of our funding, so please take just a couple of minutes to click on the link and learn more about Title 1 at Big Sky. Title 1 Screencast-Big Sky Lastly, I want to remind parents and visitors that Big Sky is a smoke free campus, we have had several instances where adults are vaping right before they enter our building to enjoy a show or game…yes, this is happening right outside our administrative and SRO offices, so please remember #1 we model for our students, and #2 this is not allowed on school property, thank you in advance. Have a great week Big Sky, GO EAGLES! Jennifer Courtney Principal, jccourtney@mcpsmt.org

Big Sky Students & Staff-

We will be celebrating our Fall sports & activities this Thursday during our Advisory, so please plan to attend, and cheer on your classmates! Here are a few additional reminders:

• Booster Club meeting-tomorrow, Monday at 7pm in the Commons.  You do not need to be a member to attend and help us plan upcoming events such as the GOAT game!
• We're going to Spain and France for Spring Break 2026 and your student is invited! Our World Languages program is planning a trip to Paris and Madrid, and we would love to fill the trip with students who are excited about traveling abroad! Come hear all the details, including the itinerary, activities, academic opportunities, and the cost of our trip at our upcoming informational meeting on December 16th at 6:00pm in room 31! Please click here to RSVP! The meeting will also mark the official opening of enrollment! We would love to have you attend this meeting to learn more about this exciting opportunity. If you can't attend the meeting, please complete the RSVP and click "no but please send information" to hear about this amazing trip!

Additional FAFSA information sessions - 

• 12/10 @ Hellgate in the Knights Hall computer lab, 5:30-6:30pm
• 12/11 @ Sentinel in the library, 4-6pm

The Health and Public Service Academy Ambassadors have organized a giving tree this holiday season for BSHS teachers. In the front entry area at BSHS there is a tree over by the attendance office windows with ornaments displayed that show some items that teachers here at Big Sky have requested for their classroom. If you would like to purchase an item from the tree please follow the instructions below: 

1. Take the ornament with the item you want to purchase. 
2. Purchase the item on the ornament. 
3. Wrap the item / place it in a gift bag with the ornament clearly shown on the OUTSIDE. (So that we know where to deliver the wrapped gift). 
4. Then bring the gift back and place it under the giving tree at BSHS. 

On December 19th and 20th right before the Holiday break ambassadors will deliver the items to the teachers that requested them. 

         Thank you and let Hannah Houser at hhouser@mcpsmt.org know if you have any questions. 

Thank you again for all the help and support for the Big Sky Giving Tree, we were able to help all of our families plus some with having a great holiday season! Also a huge thank you to DECA and their advisor Jenn Keintz for their donations to add to the Giving Tree bags! 

Have a great week Big Sky, GO EAGLES!

Jennifer Courtney

Principal, jccourtney@mcpsmt.org

Big Sky Students & Families-

Welcome back! Hard to believe only 3 weeks until our next break! Be sure to check out the activities calendar for all of our upcoming games and performances! Big Sky Activities Calendar

Your help is still needed for the Big Sky virtual Holiday Giving Tree! Many slots are already filled by so many amazing people in our Big Sky community, but there are a few left. By helping us bring a little extra magic, we embrace the spirit of giving and community. With this generous act of kindness the light of the holiday season will shine bright for all of us. 

BSHS Virtual Giving Tree 2024

SENIORS!!! FAFSA is now open for all! Get started on the FAFSA website

Need help? Attend the FAFSA work session at Big Sky HS on Dec 4 at 6pm in the Theater!

This year, we have a couple of DECA members hoping to give back to the Big Sky community for the holiday season as a part of their Community Giving Project for DECA. Their goal is to raise enough money to provide a bag filled with clothes, food, hygiene products, cleaning supplies, and anything else deemed necessary during the long winter break for each family signed up for the Giving Tree. To do this, they are booking mini holiday photo shoot sessions on December 8th with Mrs. Dunfee's photography business. All of the money raised will go right back to our project of providing support to these families. There are currently 18 spots open, and depending on demand we may be able to have an extra hour for first come first serve families. Below is the link to the booking site.

https://monroelucillephotography.pixieset.com/booking/santaminis-bigskyhighschool?timezone=America/Denver

It will be great to see you all back after this holiday break, please be in touch if you need anything! Go Eagles!

Jennifer Courtney

Principal, jccourtney@mcpsmt.org

Big Sky Students & Families-

Remember we only have school Monday & Tuesday this week.  I hope you all have a restful break, it’s hard to believe we only have 6 weeks until the end of semester 1! That means seniors you are rounding the corner of being done with high school! 

Here are this week’s updates:

• The Big Sky Virtual Holiday Giving Tree is a wonderful tradition that helps bring joy and support to our Big Sky families this holiday season. By helping us bring a little extra magic, we embrace the spirit of giving and community. With this generous act of kindness the light of the holiday season will shine bright for all of us. 

BSHS Virtual Giving Tree 2024

• DECA is concluding their week of giving on Monday & Tuesday, check out all the ways DECA will be giving back to our community. Let’s help support our Big Sky families! 

• We will be hosting the 2nd Annual International Week in February! We would like to collect feedback to help improve this week and make sure all students have a chance to view the films and participate in the events.  We want student feedback, so please take a moment to fill out this Student Feedback Form! 

SENIORS!!! FAFSA is now open for all! Get started on the FAFSA website

Need help? Attend the FAFSA work session at Big Sky HS on Dec 4 at 6pm in the Theater!

Have a great week Big Sky, see you back on Monday December 2nd!

Jennifer Courtney

Principal, jccourtney@mcpsmt.org

Big Sky Students & Families-

Hard to believe it’s time for winter sports to start!! Don’t forget the Winter Sports meeting, tomorrow, Monday at 6pm in the Big Sky Theater.  This is for any students interested in participating in Swim, Wrestling and Basketball.  All participants and parents in winter sports are expected to attend.  Also remember physicals must be turned in before practice begins on Monday November 25th! 

Big Sky Cabaret is coming up on the 22nd and 23rd! 

• Key Club is planning on hosting a food drive next week (the 18th - 22nd),There will be boxes for drop of located in the front entrance, be sure to put your items in the box with your English teacher on it, there will be treats for the winning teachers box! Let’s fill those boxes to help our community! 

• The Big Sky Booster Club needs your help with feedback!  Please complete the short (3 min) survey on the 2nd Annual Big Sky Blue & Gold fundraising event.  We need feedback from EVERYONE, those who attended and those who did not.  Please provide your anonymous response by Wednesday, Nov. 20th so we can start planning for next year!  Thank you! ~Big Sky Booster Club

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MXJGB85

SENIORS-it’s time to think about ordering your caps & gowns for graduation! Jostens was just here this past Thursday to provide order forms, but if you need support in purchasing or can’t purchase your cap & gown, please use this Cap & Gown order form and we can help! 

• The Big Sky Holiday Giving Tree Program is a Big Sky community event designed to help spread joy and support during the festive season. We are grateful to be able to provide gifts and essential items to our students and families in need, ensuring that the spirit of the holidays reaches everyone, regardless of their circumstances.

If you are interested in receiving holiday support through our Giving Tree, please complete the request form by Monday, Nov. 18th.

Please fill out this link: Big Sky Giving Tree Requests

Or you can reach out to the Big Sky FRC: 728-2400 ext:8038

Wishes will be available for pick up the Week of December 16th through the 18th

One more way to give back to Big Sky…Draught Works is making donations for purchases made on Monday November 18th from 4pm-8pm! 

Have a great week Big Sky!

Jennifer Courtney

Principal, jccourtney@mcpsmt.org

Big Sky Students & Families-

Don’t forget these important upcoming dates:

• Join me on November 13th from 6-7pm in the Big Sky Theater for a town hall regarding cell phones.  I’ll be sharing data related to the recent district surveys as well as answering questions about how things are working at Big Sky and next steps with the School Board.  Please come out and make your voices heard! 
• Winter Sports meeting for Swim, Wrestling and Basketball will be on Monday November 18th starting at 6pm in the Big Sky Theater.  All participants and parents in winter sports are expected to attend.  Also remember physicals must be turned in before practice begins on Monday November 25th! 

Students-we will be having grade level assemblies on Tuesday to check in about cell phones, winter sports sportsmanship and community expectations (such as cleanliness of the parking lot). 

*You will go to your class period and then be dismissed over the intercom.

• 9th grade: 8:55-9:24
• 10th grade: 9:50-10:20
• 11th grade: 10:45-11:14
• 12th grade:11:40-12:08

SENIORS-it’s time to think about ordering your caps & gowns for graduation! Jostens was just here this past Thursday to provide order forms, but if you need support in purchasing or can’t purchase your cap & gown, please use this Cap & Gown order form and we can help! 

• The Big Sky Holiday Giving Tree Program is a Big Sky community event designed to help spread joy and support during the festive season. We are grateful to be able to provide gifts and essential items to our students and families in need, ensuring that the spirit of the holidays reaches everyone, regardless of their circumstances.

If you are interested in receiving holiday support through our Giving Tree, please complete the request form by Monday, Nov. 18th.

Please fill out this link: Big Sky Giving Tree Requests

Or you can reach out to the Big Sky FRC: 728-2400 ext:8038

Wishes will be available for pick up the Week of December 16th through the 18th

One more way to give back to Big Sky…Draught Works is making donations for purchases made on Monday November 18th from 4pm-8pm! 

Have a great week Big Sky, hope to see parents and students at the town hall Wednesday! 

Jennifer Courtney

Principal, jccourtney@mcpsmt.org

Big Sky Students & Families-

A huge thank you goes out to the Big Sky Booster Club for hosting the amazing 2nd Annual Blue & Gold Gala.  Events like this take time, dedication and for all their hard work we are so appreciative.  Also thank you to the parents, coaches, community members and staff that attended, donated, and made purchases that give back to our school athletics and activities! 

With the election on Tuesday, we recognize that discussions around current events and politics are a natural part of our school community. Tomorrow and the days following the election, we want to remind everyone of our commitment to a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment.

We encourage students to engage in discussions that are thoughtful, open-minded, and respectful of diverse perspectives. It's important to remember that each individual may hold different views, and we ask all students to treat each other with kindness, even when opinions differ. Bullying, harassment, or disrespectful language or behaviors will not be tolerated, as we strive to ensure that everyone feels safe and valued at school.

Thank you for supporting our efforts to foster a positive environment where every student can learn and express themselves respectfully.  Please also remember if you see something, say something so we can ensure that our school remains a safe and productive learning environment. 

Here are additional updates:

Senior students and parents/guardians - The FAFSA application will be opening on December 1 this year.

Get your questions answered and get help filling out the application at one of these informational nights. December 4th, Big Sky High School, 6-7pm in the Auditorium

**Before the application can be started, your student must create an account and receive an ID number. Create your account at this link

Questions? 

Contact Leslie Guerreri, School Counselor for the Class of '25

lguerreri@mcpsmt.org

• Join me on November 13th from 6-7pm in the Big Sky Theater for a town hall regarding cell phones.  I’ll be sharing data related to the recent district surveys as well as answering questions about how things are working at Big Sky and next steps with the School Board.  Please come out and make your voices heard! 
• Winter Sports meeting for Swim, Wrestling and Basketball will be on Monday December 18th starting at 6pm in the Big Sky Theater.  All participants and parents in winter sports are expected to attend.  Also remember physicals must be turned in before practice begins on Monday November 25th! 

That’s it for this week, please take care of yourself and others! Reach out if you need anything! 

Jennifer Courtney

Principal, jccourtney@mcpsmt.org

Big Sky Students & Families-

I want to kick this week’s update off with a huge congratulations to our FFA team for their outstanding performance at the National FFA convention! Our NATIONAL FFA Vet Science Team WON at the National FFA Convention. Not only did they win the state competition earlier this spring, but they have now competed against all 50 states and 3 territories to win the National Championship! This is a huge deal for Montana FFA, and an even bigger deal for Missoula. 

Team Members were: 

• Collin Yoshimura (Big Sky)
• Mary Cate Nagel (Big Sky)
• Ivory West (Big Sky)
• Kinzey Clark (Hellgate) 

Our Environmental Natural Resources team competed at the National Convention as well and placed in the Silver Division. 

Team Members were: 

• Joel Standley (Big Sky) 
• AJ Sharkey (Big Sky)
• Amy McGrath (Big Sky)
• Laynie Jensen (Big Sky Alumni) 

If you see these students, please congratulate them on this accomplishment! 

Here are additional updates for this week:

• Ticket or Treat event-we have our 2nd Annual Trick or Treat event, Wednesday from 5:30-7pm.  Please spread the word, this event is open to kids of all ages! 

• HOSA is Hosting a school wide PINK OUT Wednesday the 30th. It is breast cancer awareness month and we would love all Eagles to show their support!  

Have a great week Big Sky! Please reach out if you need anything or have any questions! 

Jennifer Courtney

Principal, jccourtney@mcpsmt.org