School Administrators of Montana

SAM Update 11-15-24

Hello SAM Members,

Thank you to all those who participated in our webinar this week.  The topic of IEFA implementation continues to be a focus for schools as evident by the requirements under the new accreditation process. If you have a need for staff training on this important topic, I would encourage you to use the webinar recording. The information was relevant and of high quality. Thanks to OPI staff for helping to deliver the most recent SAM webinar.

SAM Webinar Followup

11-14-24 Webinar Resources:

Evaluation and Renewal Unit Certificate:  Do you want to receive an OPI Renewal Unit Certificate for your participation in the webinar?  Did you miss the live webinar but want to earn renewal unit credits for watching the video?  Follow this link and submit the short evaluation. Your certificate will be generated and emailed to you upon completion of the evaluation form: SAM Webinar 11-14-24 Evaluation and Renewal Unit Certificate

All webinar resources are housed in the new SAM Online Learning Center and accessible to all SAM members.  Once logged in to the SAM website, you will be in the Members Only area.  To locate the webinar resources, click on Resources >Online Learning > Courses >2024-25 SAM Monthly Webinars.  We will continue to add resources as webinars are completed.  Experiencing difficulties?  Contact Kim at the SAM Office (samks@sammt.org)

Be sure to mark your calendars for Thursday, December 12 at 10:00 for the webinar about CTE and Work Based Learning opportunities.

Join the SAM Legislative Network (SAMLN) and Amplify Your Voice in Education Policies

The upcoming legislative session is just around the corner, and the role of the School Administrators of Montana (SAM) in advocating for education policies that matter to our schools, students, and communities is more critical than ever. We’re calling on you, our members, to join the SAM Legislative Network (SAMLN) and be part of the essential work of shaping Montana’s education landscape.

Why Join SAMLN?

The purpose of the SAM Legislative Network is to foster effective communication between SAM leadership, its members, and legislators. SAMLN members provide a direct link between the concerns of school administrators statewide and SAM’s representation in Helena, ensuring that every region’s voice is heard.

Who Makes Up SAMLN?

SAMLN is designed to be representative of SAM’s diverse membership, with a regional representative from each of our six SAM affiliates: MASS, MAEMSP, MASSP, MACSS, MCASE, and META. With this structure, we achieve a statewide reach, and our members are equipped to address and advocate for the specific issues impacting every corner of Montana.

What Will You Do as a SAMLN Member?

As part of the SAMLN, members play an active role in our legislative efforts by:

  • Reviewing requests and updates from the SAM Executive Director or SAM Delegate Assembly Steering Committee.
  • Collecting and communicating feedback from your region, ensuring local concerns are passed onto SAM leadership.
  • Leading regional responses during critical moments, such as coordinating "Calls to Action" to reach out to legislators.
  • Working with representatives from your region to testify in Helena at pivotal points during the session, advocating for the issues that matter most to Montana’s schools.

Why Your Voice Matters?

The issues impacting our schools, from funding and special education to student mental health, need advocates who understand the unique challenges faced by administrators in Montana. By joining the SAMLN, you contribute to a proactive, unified voice for education across the state.

How do I sign up to be part of SAMLN 2025?

Just complete this short google form. SAMLN25 Registration Be sure to include your personal email and your cell phone for texting purposes during calls of action.

Now Accepting 2025 MPC Call for Presenter Submissions and Principal Award Nominations

Principals shape the future of education! Whether sparking innovation, fostering inclusivity, or championing resilience, every principal has the power to lead with purpose. Join your colleagues at the Redefining Education: In My Principal Era conference, where you'll learn from keynote speakers Darrin Peppard, Allyson Apsey, Tracy Vic, and Laurie Barron and engage in breakout sessions focused on innovation, inclusion, and inspiration. 

This is your chance to explore fresh ideas, build a supportive network, and lead with purpose. Register now and celebrate redefining education in your principal era!  Follow this link for more information:  2025 Montana Principals Conference Information and Registration

Interested in sharing your expertise? We invite you to present a breakout session at the conference. Presentations should align with one of these key themes:

  • Innovation: Embracing change and pioneering new approaches.
  • Inspiration: Showcasing passion and resilience in overcoming challenges.
  • Inclusion: Fostering a school climate that supports every student.

Complete the Call for Presenters Form to be considered as a conference breakout session presenter.  

MASSP and MAEMSP awards will be presented at the 2025 Montana Principals Conference.  Nominations will be accepted until Friday, December 6.  Visit the SAM Awards webpage for more information about each award.

CAMPS Great Work of MT Public Schools Publication Released

The Coalition of Advocates for Montana's Public Schools (CAMPS) is a partnership of public education advocates including MASBO, MREA, MTSBA, MQEC, and SAM, and is focused on ensuring success for each child in Montana’s public schools. United by a shared vision, CAMPS focuses on advancing quality education across the state, aligning with Montana's constitutional goal to develop each child's educational potential.

The 15th annual volume of The Great Work of Montana's Public Schools captures the spirit and mission of the K-12 Vision Project, a collaborative initiative involving over 500 education leaders and stakeholders across Montana. Together, these advocates have crafted a strategic vision to enhance the bonds between schools and communities, ensuring a safe, inclusive, and enriching environment for all students. Beyond education, Montana’s public schools are vital to community and economic growth, fostering a well-rounded public education that supports academics, arts, athletics, and more.

To explore the latest CAMPS publication, visit http://www.coalitionofmtk12advocates.org/home.

Public School Districts' Opioid Recovery Trust Grants Deadline Approaching

The deadline for the Public School Districts’ Opioid Recovery Trust (PSDORT) grant application is on December 15, 2024. This grant program offers an opportunity for public school districts to secure funding to address the impact of the opioid epidemic on students and communities. PSDORT anticipates awarding approximately $25 million in grants during its first phase in spring 2025. Districts can apply for funding for up to three types of grants, each with a maximum grant value of $500,000: District Improvement Grants, Model Programs and Best Practices Grants, and Innovation Grants. These funds can support a wide range of initiatives, including mental health services, instructional innovations, and community-based approaches tailored to students harmed by the opioid crisis. Detailed guidelines and application resources are available at www.SchoolDistrictOpioidRecoveryGrants.com

Discovery Education Experience for Montana

Discovery Education has partnered with the Office of Public Instruction to provide your district with Discovery Education's Award-Winning K-12 platform, ExperienceExperience boasts over 150,000 resources in the four core subject areas, the arts, career, STEM and more!  This amazing resource is free to all public schools in Montana! If you have any questions, please email Allison Nys anys@discoveryed.com

 Register here:  Discovery Education Experience for Montana Registration

Thanks for being a SAM member.

Please reach out to me directly if you have questions, comments, or if you need any assistance.

Rob Watson, Executive Director, SAM
email: samrw@sammt.org
cell phone: 406-570-4135
https://twitter.com/robwatson406

https://www.linkedin.com/in/robwatson406/

Rob

X LinkedIn Instagram Facebook
Twitter

Dr. Rob Watson
Executive Director

Kim Scofield
Director of Professional Learning and Member Services

Marcus Meyer

Director of Operations, Finance, and Membership