Welcome to the Rattlesnake Elementary School PTA updates page for the 2025–26 school year! Below is a complete overview of our meetings, major school initiatives, community events, and leadership discussions held throughout the year.
Fall 2025
September 18, 2025 – Leadership & General Meeting
Principal's Update: Principal Kammy Meyers introduced the school-wide "Climb Your Mountain" branding initiative, promoting an "agile thinker" mindset and consistent grade-level naming (including "Trailblazers" for the 4-year-old Early Learning cohort). Fall assessments were rolled out at a slower pace to prevent student fatigue.
Multi-Tiered Support Systems (MTSS): Presented the redesigned student support model featuring Basecamp—a central support space providing academic assistance, calming corners, a motor lab, and conflict resolution managed by interventionists and community liaisons.
PTA Business & Approvals:
Approved increased para-educator funding ($11,117) to support student needs.
Debriefed the Back to School Night table and the successful Animal Wonders event on September 11.
Discussed plans for the Read on Rattlesnake fall fundraiser (October 1–15) and student reading incentives.
November 20, 2025 – Leadership & General Meeting
District & State Collaboration: Principal Meyers hosted over 40 visitors from the Montana Board of Education and MCPS Administrative Cabinet on campus, with 5th-grade student leaders serving as tour guides.
Staff Professional Development: Teachers engaged in an "Ask Me About This" peer-sharing activity to collaborate on classroom strategies and alignment.
Recent Events Review:
Movie Night at Ogren Park: Joint event with 9 local elementary schools featuring The Wild Robot.
Read on Rattlesnake Fundraiser: Raised approximately $8,000 ($7,000 via Pledgestar and $1,000 via direct donations).
Book Fair & Bingo for Books: The Book Fair had strong community attendance. The inaugural "Bingo for Books" night was a major success, with plans to make it an annual event where every participating child takes home a book.
Community & Holiday Support: Community Liaison KP Nichols coordinated holiday resources and bison meat deliveries for families in need, alongside the ongoing holiday gift card drive.
Winter & Spring 2026
January 15, 2026 – General Meeting
Guest Presenter: School Nurse Lisa Flanagan presented on the positive impact of male mentors and role models in student well-being, sharing research insights from Richard Reeves.
MCT Residency Updates: Announced auditions for Missoula Children’s Theatre's production of Little Red Riding Hood (open to 2nd–5th graders) for February 23, with public performances scheduled for February 27.
Staff Support: Thanked the Teacher Appreciation committee for ongoing efforts, including hosting a trail mix bar for staff.
February 5, 2026 – Leadership Meeting
Battle of the Books: Reviewed competition progress and arranged PTA-sponsored treats for participants, alongside planning a post-competition pizza party.
MCT Play Logistics: Finalized arrangements for director housing, accompanist funding ($500 for Renie Gibson), student snacks, and volunteer shifts between Friday performances. Announced a $500 grant award from the Washington Foundation toward residency costs.
Spring Event Planning:
Spring Bike Rodeo: Culture & Climate team expressed strong interest in a May Bike Rodeo, potentially aligned with the campus Tipi setup and Native American Student Services.
Run Club & Boosterthon: Targeted Boosterthon kick-off for late April, leading into the annual Fun Run on May 1, 2026.
May 20, 2026 – General Meeting
Budget Approval: Lucia presented the proposed 2026–2027 school year budget, which was officially moved, seconded, and approved by the board.
School Garden Partnership: Anna shared updates on the partnership with Garden City Harvest and Farmer Henry, organizing a summer volunteer sign-up sheet for garden upkeep.
School Yard Spruce Up: Kirsten discussed upcoming campus cleanup and community engagement efforts.