Greetings From East Helena
 | Author:
Dan Rispens, East Helena Public Schools Superintendent
Nancy Marks: MT43 News Secretary and News Editor |
Greetings from East Helena!
Dan Rispens
East Helena Public Schools Superintendent
I want to start off with a giant CONGRATULATIONS to our neighbors in the Helena Public Schools and the Helena community for the recent passage of the Elementary and High School Bonds. This historic investment in school facilities in Helena will benefit generations of students in so many ways. Having witnessed firsthand the positive impact school facilities have on a community, I have to say, I am excited for what is coming in Helena. Congrats!
Now, here's what’s happening in EAST Helena!
Homecoming - The week of September 22-26 is Homecoming week in East Helena. Most of our fall sports programs will have home events that week. You can find details on our EHHS website or by calling 406-227-7730. You won't want to miss the Homecoming Parade, Friday, September 26, at 2:00 PM on Main Street in East Helena. Students will be riding their floats and celebrating EHHS as we prepare for home football that evening versus Park County. Local businesses interested in sponsoring a parade float, can contact the school office at the number above.
Enrollment Growth - Across our district, classrooms are near capacity as our student population increases with the build-up of residential homes in surrounding neighborhoods. The word is out that this is a great place to live and raise a family. A bit of research in August revealed that (based on last year's student count) East Helena is the 10th largest school system in Montana and second largest in Class A after Columbia Falls. Our current enrollment is 2018 students. That’s 69 more students than we had when school dismissed last June. We expect continued growth as plans for additional large-scale subdivisions unfold for the Rose Hills and Prickly Pear Estates neighborhoods. Fortunately, we have a facility master planning document that was drafted in 2024 with the help of SMA Architects. You can find it on our website under the District Facilities tab. This document is intended to guide the board and community as we navigate growth in East Helena. It provides options for the board and community to consider.
Our Long-term Infrastructure Committee serves as an advisory group to the board on topics related to facility planning. The group will meet again in October and consider the fall enrollment numbers, reports from building principals, and projections for future developments. If you would like to be part of this working group, please drop me a line and let me know.
Public Health Flu Shot Clinic - Lewis and Clark County Health Dept is partnering with the district once again this fall to hold a Flu Shot Clinic in the EVMS cafeteria.
What - Flu Shot Walk-in Clinic
Where - EVMS Cafeteria
When - Oct 9, 3:30 - 6:00 PM
Pre-registration is not required, but can save you time. You can pre-register at this link: https://www.jotform.com/252376824001148.
Dan Rispens can be reached at drispens@ehps.k12,mt.us.
