Back to School 2021 by Bozeman Daily Chronicle

Back to School RESOURCE GUIDE 2021

BOZEMAN DAILY

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Table of Contents Preparing For a Return to School

A More Normal Year?

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-17 Ages 14

Vaccine Requirements

Content by Nora Shelly

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Healthy School Lunches

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YOU

2021-2022 School Calendars

Kidslink Plans for this Year

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Covid-19 Vaccines Q&A

Advice From a Pediatrician

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BACK TO SCHOOL 2021 / 3

Written By Nora Shelly Some kids will feel nervous before the start of the school year no matter what, be it due to concerns over who is in their class or whether they will be any better at math this year. But since the COVID-19 pandemic took hold in March 2020, kids have also had to worry about what their school will look like, whether it will be online or in-person, when they have to wear a mask, or if they’ll get exposed to the virus. With another school year set to begin in the coming weeks while COVID-19 remains a concern, the message from Bozeman interim Superintendent Casey Bertram and a local pediatrician, Dr. Kristen Day is to talk to your kids about what to expect. “I think talking to their kiddos about expectations for the year and making sure that you’re addressing any - if they have any - anxieties about going back to school with COVID, just talking openly about that,” Day said. “ Just kind of re-emphasizing that in general COVID in kids is not a severe illness and just helping them process some of the feelings that they’re having about maybe going back to school.” Day also recommended parents be prepared to be flexible with changing guidelines. Bertram echoed that sentiment, noting that the Board of Trustees is ready to make decisions quickly as things change in the community or within schools. Bertram acknowledged how difficult the situation is. “I think , as a community and as a country we have a bit of COVID fatigue. I think people are frustrated,” Bertram said. “So … I’m hopeful that parents will approach their students with patience and with grace, that and the school district with patience and grace.”

PREPARING YOUR KIDS FOR A RETURN TO SCHOOL

Though whether masks will be required is still a question, Day suggested parents flip the script if they do become required. “Rather than the perspective of feeling like, ‘oh, we have to wear masks again,’ I think it would be, ‘oh, we get to go to school again. We’re lucky that we get to be in person,” Day said. For his part, Bertram sounded a hopeful tone. “I feel disappointed on where we’re at, I wish we were in a better spot COVID-wise moving into the school year,” Bertram said. “But I also feel hopeful that we have a very supportive community, and if we work together we can keep kids in school and keep folks healthy.”

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Bozeman, Belgrade Superintendents Hopeful For More Normal Year, But Covid Protocols Still In Place Written By Nora Shelly After a school year unlike any other, many were hoping the 2021-2022 school year would be more normal, with COVID in the rear-view mirror rather than in the driver’s seat. Though the roll-out of the vaccine and subsequent drop in cases this spring and early summer were promising signs that that might be the case, COVID-19 has been on the rise in recent weeks nationwide and in Gallatin County. So, though both Bozeman and Belgrade are planning to have as much a typical year for students as they can, COVID-19 will still be front and center. Bozeman interim superintendent Casey Bertram said they are prepared to manage COVID through the school year. “We learned through various instructional models that hybrid instruction and remote instruction works for some, but not for the masses, and so we’re excited about keeping our schools open five days a week,” Bertram said.

“We’re not excited about all of the rising COVID numbers.” Still, Bertram said they are hopeful they can manage to keep schools fully open. The Chronicle interviewed Bertram and Belgrade Superintendent Godfrey Saunders the week of August 2 on what school will look like for their students. As with everything related to COVID-19, things can change quickly, so stay tuned to your districts’ latest policies. Bozeman School District The district is planning a return to the typical five-days a week model for all schools, Bertram said. Bozeman is starting an online charter school for grades K-8 that registration is currently open for. The school will be partially remote and partially in person, Bertram said. High school students unable to be in the classroom this year also have a remote option. With a return of all students, five days a week, Bertram said social distancing will not

always be feasible, but will be done when possible. Other COVID-19 protocols will be in place, like increased cleaning and disinfection protocols and frequent hand washing. The district upgraded filters in their ventilation system as a result of COVID-19, and will continue with the upgraded filters, Bertram said. One major difference from last year is that volunteers are anticipated to be allowed back into buildings. Still up in the air is whether masks will be required or optional. Though the district’s COVID task force’s current recommendation is to make them optional, the group is scheduled to meet again on August 11 to reconsider their recommendation. Bertram said they will look at all the changing recommendations since they last met in early July, and will consult data and Gallatin City-County Health Department professionals. Any change in recommendations would likely be considered by the school board at their August meetings, Bertram said.

BACK TO SCHOOL 2021 / 5 “Masks continue to be a CDC primary COVID mitigation strategy and so it’s something we have to take seriously,” Bertram said. “The challenge is it’s become very politicized and very polarizing.” Though vaccines are now available for kids 12 and older, Bertram confirmed that a COVID-19 vaccine is not required. Based on legal guidance they’ve received on state legislation, Bertram said the district cannot differentiate between unvaccinated and vaccinated students in any recommendations. “However, you know, we’re in a tricky spot because the CDC often makes recommendations based upon vaccination status so we have to wade through that look at the CDC guidance but our recommendations can’t include language specific to vaccination status,” Bertram said. The district helped coordinate vaccine clinics for staff and eligible students during the school year, and Bertram said he’d anticipate they would work to support families in getting vaccines for their children. The district is also looking at what testing they need to have in place. Overall, Bertram said he’d hope they’d be in a different place, COVID-wise, by now. But, the only thing to do is manage the situation.

“I can tell you that you know on July 8 when we were looking at our lowest COVID numbers in over a year and a half and some steady data there, that that was a much different conversation than we’re having now and so unfortunately with the Delta variant, COVID is not going away,” Bertram said. “And so we’ve wrapped our mind around that we’re going to be managing COVID-19 again during this school year.” The first day of school for most grades is August 30, and kindergarteners will start Sept. 2 Belgrade School District Superintendent Godfrey Saunders said the district’s plan is to open “as normal as possible” this school year, while still following some of the COVID-19 protocols they adhered to last year. The Board of Trustees is set to consider whether masks should be optional or mandatory at an upcoming meeting, Saunders said. At this point masks are optional. “I know that they will use the best information available to them when discussing and making a decision on this issue,” Saunders said. The district will do its best to keep students three to six feet apart, Saunders said, and continue cleaning protocols like cleaning

frequently used shared items. The district is trying to get to a 1:1 ratio for students and technology items, Saunders said. The district has a remote option for students who cannot be in the classroom, Saunders said, and have remote learning ready to go should there be a widespread school closure. Saunders said he feels hopeful for the school year, though he knows COVID-19 will continue to be an issue. “COVID didn’t go away. We realize that, we know that,” Saunders said. “And my fears are that … we may have to shut down or, heaven forbid, close schools at some point, we may be mandated to do that, that’s my greatest fear.” Saunders cautioned that people should be prepared for there to be a certain level of COVID-19 cases in schools and the need for contact tracing and quarantines. “We’re going to have to do the things that we’ve always done, no matter how close to normal we get, COVID is still going to be an issue for everyone,” Saunders said. “We’ll do our best to lessen or reduce the effects of COVID on our system and our community. That’s our goal. We believe that the best place for students is in school.” School starts on August 26.

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BOZEMAN PUBLIC SCHOOLS 404 West Main, PO Box 520 Bozeman, MT 59771- 0520 www.bsd7.org Phone: 406.522.6001 ~ Fax: 406.522.6091

BOB CONNORS Casey Bertram Superintendent

Interim Superintendent

bob.connors@bsd7.org

WELCOME BACK!

August 6, 2021

Dear Students and Families,

What an incredible opportunity for all of us here in Bozeman; we are, and will continue to redefine

these ideals in mind that we will be and social emotional needs and will have The start to the school yearFisKennedy always fullstated, of with education. John “Children are the world’s most valuable resource and its best hope for intentional in working towards our Long additional intervention support to assist anticipation and promise. theisdowns the future.” OurAfter desire to get students and staff back into the actual five days perschool week as Range Strategic Plan goals which includeclassrooms students. A supportive return will and upsquickly of last and year,safely we are approaching as the COVID-19 pandemic allows. Wetargets are working with GCCHD to come up with specific and measurable around help students accelerate their learning in BSD7’s first day of School school, August withpoints. Bozeman District30,data optimistic energy and a renewed focus on early literacy, grade level reading, and order to master grade level standards. community and engagement as we offer our collaborative planning. For more information August, 2021 marks the beginning of I would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their patience and understanding during this students a premier educational experience. about our goals, please visit the Long Range Montana’s first on-line charter school unprecedented time. While this school year looks different than any we have experienced in the past, it will Strategic Plan area of our website. our I very BOCS (Bozeman On-Line definefamilies, the future. We take read own somewhere that we may Our students, education teamour androle in educating our students very seriously. is certainly lots of exciting, positive School). BOCSWe includes a never know went tooplace. slow asThere we re-enter school this year, but we willCharter know if we go The too fast. all community make BSD7ifawe most special momentum in the district right now: competency based approach, expeditionary have aour responsibility to do our We welcome returning students andvery best to make our schools as safe as possible. It is the responsibility of all learning, in-personmeasures, opportunities for families of and staff as well families, as over 850 new our students, and staffLiteracy to workskills together individually appropriate are and fundamental to to allpractice intervention, socialization, studentsincluding and over wearing 50 new members of our cloth face coverings, washing hands often,employment, and practicing social distancing. These music, and curriculum areas, future health enhancement, and is available to K-8 education team. While enrollment is quite practices are what we need to do to care of ourselves and each andtake civic engagement. In PreK-5, weother. are students who reside in our district. We still fluid during the summer months, current focusing on Tier One Instruction - “First Best haveyear. space Patrick availableMcClellan for interested students! data indicate total enrollment exceed The District will havemay a few changes in administrators as we enter the school moved Instruction” so that all students experience Please contact Cale Van Velkinburgh (cale. 7,400 students when school starts this from Longfellow Elementary School to Chief Middle School. Laura Conwell is now the Longfellow targeted and Joseph direct instruction in core vanvelkinburgh@bsd7.org) if you would fall, an Elementary 8% increase over last year. Wemoving also literacy principal after from Helena last year. Cate Suit will be the new principal at Hawthorne skills, teacher professional learning like more information. happily Elementary welcome our School. family volunteers and Cate comes to from She replaces Casey Bertram, who moved over onBozeman the science of Belgrade. reading, taking into community partners back into our to the Central Office as schools. the Deputy Superintendent of learns Curriculum Technology. We are excited about the account how the brain to read.&Our Approximately 20 students from Bozeman

these and their school communities. elementary schools are engaged in a three- and Gallatin High Schools have selected Our big,opportunities audacious goal for guides ourfour work:educators year literacy project focused on teacher the remote option for the 2021-22 school The Bozeman Public Schoolhave District is knowledge andthe thecommitment science of reading. year. has School These past months also reminded me of that Bozeman in ourcounselors school will build an student-centered and known a vibrant, individualized schedule for of each community. Thank as you for all of your positive comments and interactions; it humbles one to think all student of We know that organizations thrive when flexible,thepurposeful, and progressive to ensure theircomments academic to interests and lives BSD7 touches. Please continue to Zoom in on our Board meetings and email our groups of people work together to achieve graduation requirements are met. Remote educational system that values diversity, trustees (trustees@bsd7.org). We may not completely understand how COVID-19 will affect us as we reshared goals. Middle and high schools students will be enrolled in courses models enter, community provides pleaseengagement, know we will continue to try to make the best decision with the information that is available at numerous opportunities to generate will begin the exciting work of consensus delivered by the Montana Digital Academy that time. individual student growth, and engage discussions to determine the best ways (MTDA) and Edgenuity online platforms. teachers can successfully collaborate around Each high school has an online learning studentsAs to succeed we all know, itand takespositively a village to raise aoutcomes. child. We need our village to make sure “our most valuable student contribute in a global community. coordinator who will opportunity. help support the resource” can get back to our new normal. Together we can make the most out of this unique students and monitor their progress as they The ideals of student-centeredness and Across our entire district, we will be work through their online courses. engagement are vivid in this goal and it is purposeful in assessing student learning

BACK TO SCHOOL 2021 / 7 In facilities news, Gallatin High School is 100% complete and Bozeman High’s exciting and substantial renovation project is nearing its completion. During the summer, contractors demolished B-Wing, one of the last remaining portions of the original high school. The new classroom wing, which can be seen most clearly from 11th Ave., is nearly finished and will be ready for teachers to move in on August 23. The auditorium and commons, both connected to the new classroom wing, are scheduled to open later this fall, along with the new attendance office and student entrance at the end of Ruth Thibeault Way. The South Gym renovation, including a newly surfaced floor with the new Hawk logo and modernized bleachers, will open for volleyball practice on August 13. The renovated Main St. entrance, including a

newly paved oval driveway and revamped parking area, will open by the start of school. The project also includes the addition of an outdoor classroom along 11th Ave. and, eventually, a beautiful green space stretching along 11th Ave. toward the Main St. corner.

newsletters, that focus on important District themes and highlight school activities.

On behalf of our incredible team of educators and support staff who serve the students in the Bozeman Public Schools, thank you for trusting us with your children. Thank you for supporting our schools. Thank you for As your interim superintendent, I’m placing your engagement. Let’s do this together. a priority on transparency, communication Students, we can’t wait to see you. and engagement so that our education team can do its best work to educate students. Best, There will be unanticipated challenges. There will also be compelling and inspiring opportunities. Know that we will work hard to meet the challenges and embrace the opportunities so our students can thrive. Casey Bertram, Interim Superintendent As the school year gets underway, please look for my weekly updates on Friday afternoons, as well as our monthly District

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8 / BACK TO SCHOOL 2021

Covid-19 Vaccines and School: What You Need to Know

Q &A Written By Nora Shelly There are currently three approved vaccines for COVID-19 in the country, Pfizer, Moderna and the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccines.

ARE COVID-19 VACCINES REQUIRED? No. The Bozeman and Belgrade superintendents confirmed students are not required to get a COVID-19 vaccine.

Both the Moderna and J&J vaccines are only approved for those 18 and older, but the Pfizer vaccine is approved for kids as young as 12. The Pfizer vaccine requires two separate shots three weeks apart, and those who get it are fully vaccinated two weeks after the second dose.

WHEN CAN MY CHILD GET VACCINATED? Vaccines are available through local pharmacies and healthcare providers, as well as regular clinics. Information is on the Gallatin City-County Health Department’s website: https://www.healthygallatin.org/covid-19-vaccines/

County Health Officer Lori Christenson said the availability of vaccines will be a huge help for this school year.

The health department is holding their regular back-to-school vaccine clinics at their office at 215 W. Mendenhall Street in the coming weeks, and will offer the Pfizer vaccine to kids 12 and up, and the J&J vaccine will be available for kids over 18 or parents and guardians.

“Really vaccines remain the best tool for controlling the virus and keeping kids in school and staff in school so that they can be in person and learn in those classrooms,” Christenson said. Though there are cases of vaccinated people experiencing “breakthrough” cases of COVID-19, the vaccines are effective in preventing severe illness and death from the variants, according to the Centers for Disease Control. More information from the CDC is available here: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/index.html HERE ARE SOME QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT VACCINES AND SCHOOLS: WHAT KIDS ARE ELIGIBLE? The Pfizer vaccine is available to kids 12 and older. HOW MANY KIDS ARE VACCINATED? According to Christenson, 40.5% of kids 12-18 in the county have received at least one dose, and 30.7% are fully vaccinated.

THE DATES ARE: AUGUST 17: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. AUGUST 19: 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. AUGUST 23: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. AUGUST 24: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. WHEN WILL VACCINES OPEN UP TO CHILDREN YOUNGER THAN 12?

Christenson said they don’t yet know when more age groups will become eligible for the vaccine, but they are keeping an eye on it and are preparing to provide vaccines to younger kids when they are able to. MY CHILDREN AREN’T YET VACCINATED BECAUSE I HAVE CONCERNS. WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Christenson suggests reaching out to a healthcare provider to talk about your specific questions and concerns you have about getting your child vaccinated.

BACK TO SCHOOL 2021 / 9

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Bozeman Public School District

2021-2022

SCHOOL CALENDARS

Aug 30 Sep 2 Sep 6 Sep 27 Oct 21-22 Oct 28-29 Nov 24-26 Dec 20-31 Jan 17 Jan 24-25 Feb 21 March 14-18 April 7-8 April 7 April 7 May 27 May 30 June 5 June 9

First day of school grades 1-12 First day of kindergarten NO SCHOOL – Labor Day NO SCHOOL (K-12) – PIR Day NO SCHOOL (K-12) – Flex PIR Day K-5 Parent/Teacher Conferences NO SCHOOL – Thanksgiving Break NO SCHOOL – Winter Break NO SCHOOL (K-12) – MLK Jr. Day, PIR Day NO SCHOOL (9-12) – PIR Day NO SCHOOL – Presidents Day NO SCHOOL – Spring Break K-5 Parent/Teacher Conferences NO SCHOOL (K-8) – PIR Day NO SCHOOL (K-12) – PIR Day NO SCHOOL (K-12) – PIR Day NO SCHOOL – Memorial Day High School Graduation Last Day of School

Monforton School District Aug 26 Sep 3 Sep 6 Oct 21-26 Nov 4-5 Nov 24-26 Dec 21-31 Jan 17 Feb 21 March 4 March 14-18 April 8 May 30 June 3

First Day of School NO SCHOOL NO SCHOOL – Labor Day NO SCHOOL – Teacher MEA Days NO SCHOOL – Parent teacher conference NO SCHOOL – Thanksgiving Break NO SCHOOL – Winter Year’s Break NO SCHOOL – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day NO SCHOOL – Presidents Day NO SCHOOL – Parent teacher conference NO SCHOOL – Spring Break Early release NO SCHOOL – Memorial Day Last Day of School – Early release

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Blegrade Public School District Aug 26

First Day of School

Sep 6

NO SCHOOL – Labor Day

Sep 28

NO SCHOOL (K-12) – PIR Day

Oct 21-22

NO SCHOOL (K-12) – PIR Day

Nov 24-26

NO SCHOOL – Thanksgiving Break

Dec 20-31

NO SCHOOL – Winter Break

Jan 4

Return to school

Jan 18

NO SCHOOL – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Feb 15

NO SCHOOL – Presidents Day

March 14 -18

NO SCHOOL – Spring Break

April 5

NO SCHOOL – Teacher PIR

May 30

High School Graduation

May 31

NO SCHOOL – Memorial Day

June 4

High School Graduation

June 8

Middle School Graduation

June 10

Last Day of School

Manhattan School District Aug 25 Sep 6 Sep 24 Oct 15-16 Nov 24 Nov 25-27 Dec 10 Dec 21 Dec 22-31 Jan 3 Jan 14 Jan 17 Feb 18-21 March 11-18 April 15-18 May 29 May 30 June 2

First Day of School NO SCHOOL – Labor Day NO SCHOOL – PIR Day NO SCHOOL – PIR Day NO SCHOOL – PIR Day NO SCHOOL – Thanksgiving Break Early release Early release NO SCHOOL – Winter Break NO SCHOOL – PIR Day Early release NO SCHOOL – PIR Day NO SCHOOL – Presidents Day Weekend NO SCHOOL – Spring Break NO SCHOOL – Easter Break Graduation NO SCHOOL – Memorial Day Last Day of School

Gallatin Gateway Three Forks School District Aug 25

First Day of School 1-12

Aug 30

First Day of Kindergarten

Sep 6

NO SCHOOL – Labor Day

Sep 24

NO SCHOOL – PIR Day

Oct 21-26

NO SCHOOL – Teacher MEA Days

Nov 24-26

NO SCHOOL – Thanksgiving Break

Dec 24-Jan 3

NO SCHOOL – Winter Year’s Break

Jan 17

NO SCHOOL – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Feb 21

NO SCHOOL – Presidents Day

March 17-18

NO SCHOOL – Spring Break

April 14-18

NO SCHOOL – Easter Break

May 22

High School Graduation

May 25

8th Grade Promotion

May 26

Last Day of School – Full Day

Aug 30 Sep 6 Oct 21-22 Oct 29 Nov 11 Nov 24-26 Dec 17 Dec 20-Jan 3 Jan 21 Feb 18 Feb 21 March 14 -18 April 1 April 14 May 30 May 31 June 49

First Day of School NO SCHOOL – Labor Day NO SCHOOL – PIR Day Early release PIR-Parent teacher conferences NO SCHOOL – Thanksgiving Break Early release NO SCHOOL – Winter Break Early release NO SCHOOL – PIR Day NO SCHOOL – Presidents Day NO SCHOOL – Spring Break Early release NO SCHOOL – Parent teacher conference NO SCHOOL – Memorial Day Last Day of School – Early release

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Advice From a Pediatrician for the School Year Written By Nora Shelly Keeping kids healthy in school is a priority any year, but it is particularly important this year, as the COVID-19 pandemic still remains a threat in the community. We talked to a Bozeman Health pediatrician, Dr. Kristen Day, to ask for her advice on what parents should be keeping in mind as the school year starts. Here is what Dr. Day had to say: What should parents be keeping in mind in regards to COVID-19? Dr. Day: I think obviously this is going to be a big and exciting year, actually getting to go back to school at the beginning of the year instead of doing the hybrid model or the cohort model or whatever model. Just being aware that COVID is increasing again in the community and in the nation. And with a Delta variant we’re seeing a lot more transmission, even among kids and so I think being prepared to restart mask wearing, hand washing. Just being aware of - I’m not sure what all the COVID protocols will be - but just being aware of whatever school COVID protocols are decided upon based on transmission at the time of school starting.

And I think just being honest about just making sure that if your kiddo is sick, recognizing that it is important to get them evaluated so that we can make sure that we’re not contributing to transmission of COVID in the community. Any more advice on how to prepare your kid for another school year with COVID-19? Dr. Day: Be flexible, be prepared. I think that everybody recognizes now how important it is to keep kids in school. And I think that following the guidelines that whatever the school system sets out is going to be very important to helping keep kids in school. So anything we can do to prevent outbreaks and transmission within the school system is going to be critical to kids, mental and educational well being. I guess I would look at it from that perspective rather than the perspective of feeling like, oh, we have to wear masks again, I think it would be, Oh, we get to go to school again. We’re lucky that we get to be in person. What is your advice re: COVID-19 vaccines? Dr. Day: I would highly recommend getting the vaccine. We’re seeing, like I said, an increase in hospitalization rates in kids with this delta variant as compared to previously. (It’s) still so low rates

BACK TO SCHOOL 2021 / 13 overall but increased in comparison to prior forms. The vaccine has overall been shown to be very safe in children and they’re doing extensive studies right now in the younger age groups to make sure that they find the right dose, and the right number of shots. And so, I think they’ll have some really good data for us here in the next couple of months in terms of what’s going to be the best use of the vaccine for the younger age populations. And I think they are going to be really critical, getting kiddos vaccinated can be really critical to really stopping the transmission of this virus. Do you have any advice that differs for parents of kids who have been vaccinated compared to those who have not been vaccinated? (Kids 12 and older are eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccine) Dr. Day: So currently the actual recommendation from the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics is that everybody, whether they’re vaccinated or not, be wearing a mask because they are finding that the delta variant is transmissible even in patients who are who are vaccinated, so the current recommendation is to wear a mask whether you’re vaccinated or unvaccinated. And so from that perspective, there’s not going to be much change in terms of the recommendations for the different age groups. Besides COVID, are there other things you are seeing that parents should know about? Dr. Day: We are seeing just lots more viral illness, again, now that people have taken off their masks. We’re seeing more RSV, (and) the virus that causes croup. I think that we had a really nice year last year in terms of no flu and almost no RSV and no croup and I think this year, we’re going to definitely see an uptick in that. So just all the things that we’re doing to help prevent COVID are also going to be very helpful to prevent all these other viruses. And so, you know, washing hands, wearing the mask all of that is going to be helpful for all the things we see all winter long. Anything else? Bozeman Health reminds parents to get sports physicals scheduled soon, if needed. Dr. Day: Any kiddo who has had COVID, it’s going to be particularly important that they get a sports physical this year to make sure that we don’t need to do any extra cardiac screening just because of the known cardiac risks of having been sick with COVID.

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KidsLINK KidsLINK Plans for this Year

Written By Nora Shelly Much like K-12 schools in the area, kidsLINK - the after school program run at Bozeman and Belgrade schools - shut down in March of 2020. After operating under strict COVIDprecautions in January, the program is hoping to open this school year closer to normal. But, much like schools, the program is watching the changing COVID-19 situation with a wary eye. The program’s director, Karen DeCotis, said they will follow the school districts’ lead. “If they mandate masks, we will mandate masks. If they have a need for any kind of closure, we will too,” DeCotis said. “We really are an extension of the school day and work in a close partnership with schools.” The program is run by the Greater Gallatin United Way.

As much as possible, DeCotis said they’ll go back to how the program operated preCOVID, with a nutritious snack, outdoor activities, homework help and enrichment activities. They also have organizations come in to visit schools to hold activities for the kids. The goal isn’t to make kids feel like they have to do extra school, DeCotis said, but to let them have fun through enrichment activities while their parents finish up their work day. kidsLINK employees stay in touch with teachers at the school, so they know if a kid needs extra help with reading or math, DeCotis said. Then, they can work on those subjects in a more relaxed environment. “It’s not so much like school as it is an opportunity to be with peers, be with caring adults and have activities that are

engaging and help support them in their academics and also support their bodies,” DeCotis said. “And also help them find their spark, find something that they are interested in and love to do.” The program operates in the elementary schools in the Bozeman and Belgrade school districts. They also have a program at the Belgrade Middle School. DeCotis said staffing is also a challenge this year as positions are open for the programs at each school. The program tries to have a ratio of one staff member for every 12 to 15 kids. DeCotis said those interested in working can email her at karen@gguw.org or call at 587-2194. Parents interested in registering their kids can visit the website: greatergallatinunitedway.org. Scholarships are available.

BACK TO SCHOOL 2021 / 15

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16 / BACK TO SCHOOL 2021

TIPS FOR PACKING HEALTHY SCHOOL LUNCHES

Written By Nora Shelly Back to school means back to planning school lunches for your kids. Though lunch is available at schools, if you’re partial to packing a meal for your kids instead, we talked to Laura Pinnick, a registered dietician and owner of Pediatric Nutrition Solutions in Bozeman, about what to keep in mind. The short message: Provide a balanced lunch with foods your kid will actually eat. “One of the great things about school is that they’re on a schedule, and they can’t be snacking all day long like they do in the summer so it’s actually a great opportunity to build these really healthy balanced lunches,” Pinnick said. A balanced lunch includes a fruit, a vegetable, an item with protein that can include starches and a snack item. The snack

item could be crackers, a cookie, a granola bar or another type of “fun food,” Pinnick said. For the fruit and vegetable component, Pinnick said variety is important. “So it’s not like you get apples and carrots every single day. Kids get really burned out on it, and apples and carrots start coming home from their lunch every day because they’re sick of it,” Pinnick said. Pinnick suggests cutting up a few different fruits and vegetables for the week so lunches are easier to throw together. Mondays could be cucumbers and apples, and Tuesday could be carrots and strawberries, for example. The protein item can include a starch with it and can be anything from lunch meat to a piece of chicken, hard-boiled eggs or a peanut butter sandwich, a piece of children or beans. Greek yogurt and cheese would also work, Pinnick said. Kids

don’t have to eat a sandwich every day. Pinnick encourages parents to make use of leftovers for lunches. Components from taco night can be thrown together into a deconstructed taco for a protein-filled lunch, for example The most important part of the meal is the protein element. Also important is making sure there is a good carbohydrate-protein balance. Not doing so can cause a blood sugar spike, then crash, that makes paying attention in class difficult. Having a healthy lunch is crucial for kids, but Pinnick said breakfast can’t be forgotten. Getting protein into kids in the morning sets them up for success. “It’s what keeps kids full longer, and provides them with lasting energy and prevents them from getting hangry,” Pinnick said. “None of us wants a hangry kid.”

BACK TO SCHOOL 2021 / 17

T U ESDAY SC IE NC E

oin MOSS for Tuesday Science! Each month-long session revolves around an exciting science topic. Kids can discover what’s beneath their feet as a Junior Geologist, go from ‘ewwww’ to ‘awwwwe’ with Incredible Insects, and meet the newest spring residents with Animal Babies. Perfect for homeschool students or families looking for an afterschool program!

HAVE PICKY EATERS? HERE’S HOW TO KEEP THEM HAPPY AND FULL We all know kids can be picky eaters.

WWW. O UTDOOR S CIENCE.ORG

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SCHOOL’S OUT (PIR) CAMPS

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Sometimes, that means grumbling when broccoli is served at dinner. But for other kids it can mean only eating a few types of food.

eep the learning up, even when school’s out! 2021 PIR Camps will be based fully outdoors on the MOSS Campus and we’ll return to Museum of the Rockies for 2022, allowing kids to tie each MOR exhibit to a different related science topic. For details and to register visit www.outdoorscience.org/ pir-camps.

K-5 3:30 - 5:30 LOCATION: MOSS Campus COST: $95 per session for MOSS members; $100 for non-members GRADES: TIME:

This can make packing lunch a daunting task. Laura Pinnick, a registered dietician and owner of Pediatric Nutrition Solutions, said parents should recognize that even though they pack their kids lunches, they aren’t always going to eat all of it.

K-5 9:00 - 5:00 NEW LOCATION: MOSS, THIS YEA R! MOR, Livingston PIR CAM PS RUN COST: $70 per day 9AM-5PM ! for MOSS members; $75 for non-members GRADES:

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“We’re in charge of deciding what we’re going to send for their lunch and then it’s really up to the kids what they are going to eat from what we’re sending,” Pinnick said.

HERE ARE SOME TIPS FROM LAURA ON PACKING LUNCHES FOR YOUR PICKY EATERS: • Make a list of the things you know your kid will eat in the different categories of a balanced lunch: fruit, vegetable, protein, carbs and snack • Form a few lunch combos from that list. For example, maybe strawberries, bell peppers, spaghetti with meat sauce and some crackers will work. • Recognize that some kids may get the same thing for lunch every day if it’s the only food they will eat. • Accept that your kid may not eat all of their lunch. • Try sending a new or “exposure” food so your kid gets used to seeing different things in their lunch, even if they don’t eat it every day.

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BACK TO SCHOOL 2021 / 19 22

BACK TO SCHOOL 2019 •

BOZEMAN DAILY CHRONICLE

MONTANA VACCINE REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD CARE ATTENDANCE MONTANA VACCINE REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD CARE ATTENDANCE MONTANA VACCINE REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD CARE ATTENDANCE By 3 Months

By 5 Months

By 7 Months

By 16 Months

By 19 Months

By 6 Years

By 12 Years

By 3DTaP Months

By 5DTaP Months

By 7DTaP Months

By 16DTaP Months

By 19DTaP Months

ByDTaP 6 Years

By 12 Years Tdap

1 dose B Hepatitis 1 dose By 3 Months Hib

2 doses B Hepatitis 2 doses By 5Hib Months

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2 doses B Hepatitis By216doses Months Hib 3 or DTaP 4Hib doses1 3 or3Polio 4doses doses1 2Polio doses B Hepatitis doses 22 doses PCV

3 doses B Hepatitis By 319doses Months Hib 3 orDTaP 4Hib doses1 4 Polio doses 3 or 4 doses1 3Polio dosesB Hepatitis 3 doses PCV

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Revised September 2018

Administrative RuleSeptember of MT: 37.95.140 Revised 2018 One dose must be given on or after the 4 birthday. When following the ACIP schedule, children will have at least 5 doses of DTaP and 4 doses of polio vaccine. 4 Administrative Rule of MT: 37.95.140 A child 7 years or older who has not completed the DTaP requirement must receive additional doses of Tdap or Td vaccine to become current per the ACIP Schedule. 3

First dose be given on or afterabout the 1st birthday. Formust more information the vaccinations

you child needs for the upcoming school year, visit www.healthygallatin.org For more information about the vaccinations you child needs for the upcoming school year, visit www.healthygallatin.org

Note: A four-day grace period may apply, as appropriate, per the ACIP recommendations

Revised September 2018

Administrative Rule of MT: 37.95.140

For more information about the vaccinations you child needs for the upcoming school year, visit www.healthygallatin.org