***ATTENTION CROSS COUNTRY***
If you plan to come to the state meet at the University of Montana Golf Course, there is no parking in the golf course parking lot. Fans, family, and spectators will be able to park at the UM Softball and Soccer field overflow lot, off of South Ave and Higgins. Hope to see you there...
GO DOGS!
The state has recently notified us that we must meet the minimum required number of instructional minutes per class for middle and high school students to maintain accreditation. In previous years, the expectation focused only on meeting 1,080 total hours, but the new guidance now requires minimum minutes per class.
I apologize for the change; however, after reviewing our schedule, this adjustment is the only way to meet the state’s requirements. We will re-evaluate the late-start Monday schedule with the Calendar Committee for next year to either add instructional days or develop a plan that balances accreditation standards with our need for PLC time.
I understand the importance of both meeting accreditation expectations and supporting our staff’s collaborative work, and we will continue working toward a plan that honors both. Thank you for your understanding and for your commitment to open and honest conversations as we align with the state’s expectations.
This morning, our lockdown alarm was accidentally activated while some tech work was being done to our alarm system. We want to assure everyone that there was no threat to our students or staff. The situation was quickly identified, and everything is safe and back to normal. There is NO THREAT to our students and staff.
We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as we worked to make sure all students and staff were secure. 💙🐾
10/27/25 - 11/01/25
GO BULLDOGS!
We’re excited to shine the spotlight on our awesome 4th grade teacher, Mr. Delaney!
📚 Teaching Experience:
Mr. Delaney has been teaching for 7 years — all of them in 4th grade.
🍎 What Inspired Him to Teach:
He was inspired by his own amazing 4th grade teacher, Mr. Miller, who made school fun and exciting. Ever since then, he knew he wanted to be a 4th grade teacher — and a coach!
📖 Favorite Book to Read with Students:
Holes — because Stanley teaches us that you can always make something good out of a bad situation.
🕵️ If He Weren’t a Teacher:
He’d love to be a Private Investigator, since he enjoys solving mysteries.
💬 Favorite Part of Teaching:
Mr. Delaney has countless great memories from his years in the classroom, but some of his favorites are catching up with former students — especially when he sees them during bus duty!
We’re so lucky to have you on our team, Mr. Delaney! 👏✨
Reminder:
Logan Health and CSKT Mental Health Mobile Units are on the St. Ignatius School campus today and every Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Both units are located in the center of campus.
These services provide convenient medical and mental health care options right on campus for students, staff, and community members.
To schedule an appointment:
Logan Health: (406) 858-3453
CSKT Mental Health: (406) 745-3525 ext. 5057
You may also contact the School Counselor for assistance.
We hope to see everyone there! Thank you for your support!
Wednesday Evenings Oct. 12-Nov. 19th ECS Family Resource Center, 358 South Main, St. Ignatius (Child Care Provided)
This week, we’re excited to highlight our wonderful kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Mandy Andres!
📚 Teaching Journey
Mrs. Andres is in her 5th year of teaching—and all five have been in kindergarten! She says she doesn’t plan on switching anytime soon, and it’s easy to see why. Her classroom is full of joy, energy, and a whole lot of laughter.
📖 Favorite Classroom Reads
Holiday-themed books are always her favorite to share with students—especially when she can pair them with fun, hands-on holiday crafts!
💡 Teaching Philosophy
One strategy Mrs. Andres swears by to keep both herself and her students sane is not taking things too seriously. “I just remind myself that the kids are five… they’re still basically learning how to be people. It’s best to join in on the silliness and go with the flow when needed!”
💭 If She Weren’t a Teacher
If Mrs. Andres had another career, she says she’d love to be a nurse in the mother/baby unit—because, in her words, “babies are my jam!” 😊
We’re so lucky to have Mrs. Andres sharing her kindness, creativity, and sense of humor with our littlest learners every day! 💛
Auditions will be held TODAY - Monday, October 20 at 3:30 PM in the elementary multipurpose room!
🌟 Open to students enrolled in St. Ignatius Public Schools - Kindergarten through 12th grade who are ready to shine on stage! 🎤🎬
The game in Seeley tomorrow has been canceled! Sorry for the late notice, but the game in Seeley for the JV football team has been canceled.
🌟 Staff Spotlight: Getting to Know Ms. Colleen Frey 🌟
We’re celebrating our Native American Studies teacher, Ms. Frey! Her teaching journey has been filled with adventure, dedication, and a deep connection to our St. Ignatius community.
📚 Teaching Journey
Ms. Frey has spent an incredible 33 years at St. Ignatius Elementary! She began her career teaching 2nd grade, which she loved, before moving through a variety of roles including 1st grade, Title I Reading (where she had the special opportunity to teach alongside her mom—the original Ms. Frey!), 3rd grade, 5th grade, and now Native American Studies. Each of these experiences holds a special place in her heart.
💡 Inspiration
Growing up as a “teacher’s kid,” Ms. Frey spent countless hours in her mom’s classroom, which sparked her love for education. Though she explored other paths—like Athletic Training—she ultimately found her calling in teaching. With many educators in her family, especially on the McDonald side, she’s proud to continue that legacy.
🤩 Surprising Facts
• Ms. Frey is the 5th generation in her family to live within four miles of Fort Connah, which was operated by her great-great-grandfather, Angus McDonald. Her grandson, Crue, is now the 7th generation. • Ms. Frey had the special opportunity to teach alongside her mom. Did you know Marsha McDonald Frey was the first Indigenous teacher at St. Ignatius Schools? So special for our Ms. Frey to carry on this legacy of teaching!
• She has been part of St. Ignatius Schools—as a student, family member, or teacher—since 1974! Both of her parents also graduated from St. Ignatius High School, and she has always proudly cheered for the Bulldogs! 🐾
🌄 Favorite Getaways
Ms. Frey loves spending time in the mountains, especially in the Jocko with Art and Crue. She also dreams of future beach trips to Mexico or Hawaii with her favorite travel companions—and wouldn’t mind a return visit to Disney, either!
💬 Advice for Students
“Always learn from your mistakes. Not one person is perfect, and life would be boring if we were all the same. Be proud of who you are and where you come from!”
We’re so grateful for Ms. Frey’s wisdom, warmth, and lasting impact on our school community! 💛
HUGE SHOUT OUT to our Cross Country team! The hard work and dedication they've shown throughout the year, not just individually, but as a team is what high school athletics is all about. Great way to end the MS season today in T-Falls! Final push next weekend at State for the high school. Looking forward to seeing everyone compete at their best! It takes place Saturday, the 25th, at the University of Montana Golf Course. The schedule is posted here in the live feed...
GO BULLDOGS!!!
