Back To School Guide 2023

GUIDE

Prepping for BACK-TO-SCHOOL SUCCESS

Written by Abby Weingarten

Heading back to school after a long summer of screen time and sleeping in is no swift feat for students. But administrators and counselors are more than prepared to help these learners as they navigate the 2023-2024 schoolyear.

Natasha Fraker, a counselor at Longfellow Elementary and Sacajawea Middle Schools in Bozeman, knows kids will inevitably encounter obstacles as they transition back to the academic setting in late August. Some students have been immersed in their online social worlds for the majority of the o season, while others have gotten accustomed to the leisure of late morning wakeups. It’s always an undertaking to get reacclimated to the structure and schedule of the fall.

“Returning to school after a long break can bring challenges for students on multiple levels. The most common challenge is adjusting from a leisurely summer to an academic routine that requires a lot of energy

and focus,” Fraker said. “Other common challenges are reestablishing connections with peers, and stress around academic performance and expectations.”

How can these challenges be tackled e ectively? Fraker suggests that students adjust their sleep times to ease into the school routine and create healthy meal plans to match their school’s dining schedules. Students should take time to re ect on how they feel about going back to school and share those thoughts with family, friends, and teachers to help alleviate anxiety. They can organize distraction-free study spaces, prioritize self-care, and begin setting academic goals.

Families can also contribute to the success of new and returning students.

“The change from summer to back to school is an opportunity to practice how to shift gears that will help children and young adults as

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A Message from Bozeman and Belgrade Superintendents ABOUT THE NEW SCHOOLYEAR

Written By Abby Weingarten

Supporting the academic, social, and emotional success of students and their families is a top priority for administrators every fall. So the superintendents from the Belgrade and Bozeman public school districts are ushering in the 2023-2024 schoolyear with a fresh perspective on how to make this semester the best one yet.

As the new superintendent for the Belgrade School District, Dede Frothingham is thrilled to welcome students back to the school halls this August.

“Belgrade schools are full of exceptional young people who are already making a di erence in their community. Knowing that I can support their learning and support the sta members who are making that happen each day is incredibly rewarding,” Frothingham said. “There is nothing more exciting than seeing a child learn something new, or watching a young adult take that next step toward adulthood.”

Casey Bertram, the superintendent for Bozeman Public Schools, is equally excited to help students in his district take those fundamental steps.

“The public education system is a powerful and foundational component of our society, and we take great pride in providing all students with a well-rounded and rigorous educational opportunity,” Bertram said.

Certainly, the launch of the schoolyear always presents its share of challenges—from class scheduling to social hurdles—but both

superintendents have stellar teams in place to meet students’ needs.

“We see going back to school through the lens of opportunities rather than challenges,” Bertram said. “Bozeman Public Schools employs a talented and dedicated team of professional educators who are excited to partner with families in ensuring high levels of learning for all students.”

Learning has undoubtedly evolved, however, since the rise of the COVID-19 pandemic. There are residual e ects of fully remote learning that public school administrators like Bertram and Frothingham are facing.

“As we move further away from the direct impact of COVID, we are still seeing an indirect impact. We all see a lot in the news about the negative impact of overuse of screens and social media, which increased during the isolation of

COVID,” Frothingham said. “We also continue to see young adults struggle with mental health issues. We share a common goal of working together to make sure students have lots of opportunities to connect with others in person, and to participate in clubs and activities that get them away from their devices.”

Opportunities for growth and enrichment continue to abound at the Belgrade and Bozeman public schools, and each institution is evolving to better accommodate the needs of students and teachers.

“This year, for example, we are excited to launch big changes in our middle schools. Both Sacajawea and Chief Joseph Middle Schools are moving to block schedules, with time built into the day for teachers to collaborate around the needs of students and student learning,” Bertram said. “The new schedules add important minutes daily for core instruction in math and English Language Arts, as well as maintaining a variety of elective program o erings.”

The Bozeman Charter School, Montana’s only public charter school, is o ering remote core instruction, in-person opportunities for social interaction and interventions/extensions, as well as weekly expeditionary learning opportunities in which the community becomes the classroom, Bertram said.

“Bozeman public schools also have a growing population of multilingual English learners (ML/ EL),” Bertram said. “With the generous support of our community via the passage of safety and

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operating levies, we are able to expand support for ML/EL students and families this fall.”

Last fall, in the Belgrade School District, the RULER program was introduced to help students with the social and emotional component of the backto-school transition. The acronym stands for Recognizing emotions in self and others; Understanding the causes and consequences of emotions; Labeling emotions accurately; Expressing emotions appropriately; and Regulating emotions e ectively.

“The RULER approach is designed to be implemented by teachers the rst year and then introduced to students the second year. Belgrade teachers participated in training last year and worked together to learn and implement the strategies,” Frothingham said. “This year, they will be working with their students to introduce the strategies.”

Skills include naming emotions, managing emotions, and contributing to a positive learning environment. The RULER program is designed to help reduce con icts in schools (like bullying), which ultimately improves outcomes in reading and math. Beyond RULER, other programs are being implemented to help students prosper academically, Frothingham

said.

“We have adopted new math materials for students in kindergarten through 8th grade. We are excited about the engaging learning opportunities that the programs provide and the impact that will have on student math success,” Frothingham said. “We are also participating in the state’s new assessment program. Instead of testing students at the end of the schoolyear, the new program provides four smaller tests over the course of the year. This gives us ongoing information about student progress in learning the grade-level material.”

All of these programs and resources combine to make the Bozeman and Belgrade districts friendlier, warmer and more student- and family-centric.

And, both Bertram and Frothingham know that the learning environment will only continue to improve with more openness and understanding. As students return to the classroom, they need the support of the sta at school and the caretakers at home.

“It’s important to have an open dialogue with children about their feelings related to going back to school,” Bertram said. “Ensure students know it is okay to feel anxious and uncertain about

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2023-2024 SCHOOL CALENDARS

Beating Screen Time OVERLOAD

Written By Abby Weingarten

Face-to-face interactions took a downturn during the height of the pandemic, when kids switched to remote learning and majorly amped up their screen time. Even though inperson learning has resumed, young students haven’t put down their phones and tablets

(and summertime has led to a bit of screen time overload).

Elizabeth Clark, a counselor at Irving Elementary and Bozeman Charter Schools, said it may not be easy for students to part with their screens as the 2023-2024 schoolyear

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begins. But there are ways to mitigate the struggle, and families can help.

“If your student has spent a lot of time on screens over the summer, gradually reducing the number of hours they are in front of one can help with transitioning back to school,” Clark said. “If you are able, setting up playdates with classmates before school begins can help reintroduce the social aspects of school. Encourage your teens to do something screen-free, like having a bon re night or oating in the Madison before the water level goes down.”

It is important to focus on encouraging these healthy habits during the weeks leading up to the start of the fall semester. Still, nding balance can be tricky when it comes to screen time, no matter what time of the year it is.

“This may be a cliche-type of answer from a school counselor, but waiting as long as

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the transition. Acknowledge their feelings of apprehension and o er support or tools that will help them process the feelings.”

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they start a job, go o to college, or later in life get married or start a family,” said Dede Frothingham, the superintendent of the Belgrade School District. “It’s an opportunity to talk with students about what it will look and feel like when school starts, and to discuss who they can go to for help if there are any

you can before allowing your student to have access to social media is one of the best things you can do for them. However, I don’t think shielding them from it completely is

The week or so before classes resume is an ideal time for togetherness at home, too.

“To help kids get ready for their new schoolyear, increase physical activity by taking a family walk, or playing a pickup game of

the answer either,” Clark said. “There is a balance between protecting students and preparing students for the future world they will live in, and that will more than likely be a world with screens and social media. Preparing your student for what your family expects of its members in regard to using social media is key.”

How can this be done? Clark said that creating family “Rules of Engagement” can help the entire clan navigate screens and social media. Ask questions like: How will you show up on social media? What are the boundaries of privacy? For how long will you be allowed to use screens/ social media each day?

“In my family, one of our rules for screens is that chores are completed before any screen is on. Sometimes, I don’t like that rule either, but it helps us keep our core values in place,” Clark said. “There are exceptions, of course. But, for the most part, we stick to the rules.”

basketball or whi e ball,” Frothingham said. “Read together. Read to each other. Write stories to each other. Play games.”

With all this support, students can begin to savor the schoolyear with con dence and joy.

challenges.”

Casey Bertram, the superintendent of Bozeman Public Schools, similarly encouraged families to get involved in their students’ school experiences from the get-go.

“Communicate with the school any needs or accommodations that are important for school

sta to know about your child. Explore options to ensure your children are connected to their school community (extracurricular activities, clubs, etc.),” Bertram said. “Attend orientation and schedule pickup opportunities. Having walked the halls, connected with teachers, and located classrooms ahead of the rst day is a big anxiety reducer for most kids.”

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GETTING SOCIAL: Friendly Advice from a School Counselor

Written By Abby Weingarten

Making friends at the start of a new schoolyear can come with a host of obstacles, especially for students transitioning from elementary to middle or middle to high school. But, when equipped with the right people skills, students can view this adjustment through a much less intimidating lens.

Natasha Fraker, a counselor at Longfellow Elementary and Sacajawea Middle Schools, knows the importance of encouraging students to build healthy social relationships in school settings.

“For all students, making new and seeing old friends can be an exciting part of going back to school,” Fraker said. “But, remember, friendship is a two-way process. By appreciating di erent perspectives, practicing empathy and active listening, and participating in communitybuilding activities, a kind and supportive environment can be created where students feel more connected and have a sense of belonging.”

Everyone plays an equally important role in fostering this dynamic, she said, and following certain rules of etiquette will make the process smoother.

“Be a good listener by actively listening and showing interest in what is said. Be kind and respectful with a simple compliment or inviting others to join an activity,” Fraker said. “Be yourself and let others be themselves. True friendships are based on acceptance and appreciation for each other’s unique qualities.”

Every schoolyear, with the introduction of more screen time and social media, students encounter di culties with authentic human connection. It takes work to break the habit of keeping one’s eyes glued to a smartphone instead of having an eye-toeye conversation.

“Technology has become part of our everyday lives, and adjusting to new screen time schedules

can feel overwhelming for some students,” Fraker said. “As students return to school, teachers and parents can help lessen these challenges by promoting healthy screen time habits, modeling responsible use of technology, and providing alternative social and recreational activities.”

Many families are aware of how distracting technology can be, so it is critical to establish routines during which screens are put away during studying, dinnertime and bedtime routines.

“I’ve had so many students share how di cult it is to fall asleep when they have their phones in their rooms,” Fraker said. “To avoid the possible side e ects of inadequate sleep, irritability, lack

of attention, di culty managing emotions, and overall health, students would bene t from establishing a routine of leaving their phones outside of their bedrooms before they go to sleep.”

Using simple strategies like these, students can wake up each morning with a refreshed mindset—one that will make them magnets for fun, new friendships at school.

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Plans for Afterschool Enrichment

Written By Abby Weingarten

kidsLINK—an afterschool program for students in the Bozeman and Belgrade public school districts—continues to be a booming initiative that helps kids thrive socially and academically.

Run by the Greater Gallatin United Way, kidsLINK o ers homework help, healthy snacks, and outdoor activities for students in a highquality environment. More than 1,500 kids from 11 area schools participate in the program, which provides enriching opportunities for STEAM, literacy, math and coding projects.

“Afterschool programs not only support children and their success but also working families. For many families, kidsLINK means that parents and caregivers can remain in the workforce, knowing their kids have a safe place to go,” said Amy Revious, the Youth Success Program Manager for kidsLINK. “We often hear from parents that, without kidsLINK, they would have no place for their children to go after school.”

This year, kidsLINK will go one step further to help working families by hosting all-day programs on school holidays, and all-day camps during winter and spring breaks. Before-school care is also available at select locations.

Over the summer, the Greater Gallatin United Way launched the kidsLINK Summer Camp, which welcomed more than 255 kids in four summer camp programs for 350 hours of education. The objective was to help students stabilize the summer slide, and to provide a jumpstart for preschoolers in reading and socialemotional skills.

“This year, we are also adopting an inquirybased learning model for all of our programs. Each month, we will explore kid-friendly topics such as creating movies, playing with circuits, music and movement, building and construction, nature and outdoors, and cooking,” Revious said. “The children will select the approach they want to take within the theme and help us shape how we approach each one.”

Not only does this approach empower students, but it empowers families to maximize their work-life balance. Parents have shared overwhelmingly positive thoughts with the kidsLINK sta , such as “Your program has helped my daughter learn right from wrong and to properly communicate. She has had some behavioral issues in the past but, since joining kidsLINK, I have seen such a di erence in her.”

For the kidsLINK team, the program is about so much more than childcare.

“Our programs o er unique experiences for kids to develop lifelong skills and have fun while learning. We teach resiliency and

teamwork, foster growth and self-esteem, and support healthy living,” Revious said. “Our community is coming together to ensure that everyone everywhere has the opportunities to thrive.”

Parents interested in registering their children for kidsLINK can visit greatergallatinunitedway. org. Scholarships are also available.

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Building a HEALTHY ROUTINE

Written By Abby Weingarten

Saying goodbye to over-snacking, late sleeping, and idle sitting are all part of the end-of-summer routine. Returning to school is the perfect time to reset and resume a healthy lifestyle.

Amy Horner, a registered dietitian and the owner of Homegrown Nutrition & Wellness of Montana, has plenty of proactive tips for families as they enter the fall school semester.

“Time management is a problem for teens and adults alike, but especially as we head back into fall. Gone soon are the lackadaisical days of sleeping in, and eating when and what we want,” Horner said. “We are all so busy with school, work, and extracurricular activities that we often forget that good nutrition is what fuels us to do all of those things.”

Young kids, speci cally, are prone to the pitfalls of poor eating habits and lack of movement. Their smaller bodies require excellent nutrition for growth, as well as help ghting o colds. To promote regular activity, the general guidelines suggest at least 60 minutes per day of exercise for all kids, Horner said.

“But think more loosely on that, considering active play like biking, walking or hiking provide the same bene ts as organized sports,” Horner said. “And getting outside to do it is a big bonus. We’re nding out more and more about the positive e ects of just being outside. Allowing a kid to just be a kid and do what kids have always done is often all we need to really encourage.”

Beyond activity, meal planning is one of Horner’s most recommended strategies for health and wellness.

“One of my favorite quotes is ‘failing to plan is planning to fail.’ I’m a huge proponent of meal planning and making the majority of our meals at home with simple, basic ingredients,” Horner said. “I talk a lot about setting aside some time each week to meal plan for the upcoming week. Write down a list of meals you plan to have at various times throughout the upcoming days, make your

grocery list o of those ideas, get your groceries, and prep ahead any of it that you can.”

This process may seem time-consuming at rst but it gets easier with practice, Horner said. Families are often shocked when they realize how much time they actually save when they come home late from activities with pre-prepped, healthy meals ready to go in the fridge. And teaching this method to the next generation early can prevent future time wasting.

“Instilling good eating and activity habits from a young age can help not only prevent childhood obesity, but it can also set kids up for success as adults (possibly preventing the dangerous adulthood

diseases like diabetes, heart disease and cancer),” Horner said. “The research shows that healthy habits are more likely to stay with you if you learn them as a child. And parents will de nitely notice a di erence in their child’s ability to focus, learn, and perform when they are eating right, participating in daily exercise outside,

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