Good morning, Helena. This edition covers reactions to a proposed four-day school week at East Helena Public Schools. Also, the Original Governor’s Mansion is open for tours again, and downtown Helena is gearing up for Halloween festivities.
Weather Preview ☀️
Expect warmer temperatures this week, with a high of 67 degrees on Monday, reports National Weather Service meteorologist Julianna Glinskas. Tuesday’s high will reach 63 degrees, with a 20% chance of rain in the evening. Wednesday’s high will be 60 degrees, with overnight lows in the high 30s.
East Helena community, staff react to potential four-day school week
East Helena Public School District is contemplating a four-day school week, stirring community debate over its potential impact. At a recent meeting, the district’s calendar committee briefed the school board on plans to eliminate Fridays from the school week. Results from a survey of students and parents will guide a recommendation to the board in November or December, according to an IR article.
Four-day school weeks are gaining traction across Montana, especially in smaller districts like Lincoln and Three Forks, as noted in a 2024 school registry from the Montana Office of Public Instruction.
The proposal has sparked debate online. A commenter on a KTVH Facebook post called it “ridiculous,” citing challenges families face in taking the extra day off. Concerns about daycare for younger children have also been raised.
In a district staff survey, about 120 responses, primarily from teachers, showed 44% strongly favor a four-day week, while 17% somewhat favor it. Concerns about the impact on academic growth and student burnout are prominent, especially since the school day would extend until 4 p.m.
Concerns over students’ stamina and behavior have been noted in a school summary, though some parents appreciate the flexibility it offers.
Eye on Helena 👁️
The Helena Fire Department shared a video on social media showcasing swift action in extinguishing a car fire, accompanied by “Taking Care of Business.” The video, which shows firefighters taking just 40 seconds to control the blaze, is gaining online traction.
Public Notice 🧐
LCPH septic workshop
ℹ️ Lewis & Clark Public Health is initiating a septic system inventory project to evaluate wastewater disposal. A workshop will introduce a tool for residents to identify contamination risks as per the press release.
🗓️ Wednesday, Oct. 21
⏰ 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
📍 West Valley Fire Hall, 1165 Forestdale Rd.
🔗 Residents can view the septic map here.
HACF public grant evaluations
ℹ️ The Helena Area Community Foundation will review applications for the 2026 grant cycle. Grant-making decisions are set for next month.
🗓️ Monday, Oct. 26
⏰ Noon to 3 p.m.
📍 HACF office, 27 Neill Ave, Suite 102 or on Zoom
Helena Gutter Project
ℹ️ A new gutter system will be installed at Sunhaven neighborhood’s entrance. The affected area will be closed to aid concrete curing, with pedestrian access limited to one side of Benton Avenue.
🗓️ Through Oct. 26, weather permitting. Delays possible due to rain or snow.
⏰ Closed 24 hours
📍 Fairway Drive between Meadow Drive and Elmwood Lane at Sunhaven Neighborhood
Helena Happenings 🗓️
Historic Helena: The Original Governor’s Mansion has reopened after a year-long restoration, with free tours on Saturdays at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., as shared by the Montana Historical Society. Reservations are available on the MHS website.
Spooky Szn: Helena hosts numerous Halloween events. The Little Tykes Trick-or-Treat downtown is set for Oct. 31 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The Western Bar will celebrate Día de los Muertos with a costume contest on Oct. 30 at 8 p.m. The Painted Pot will hold a Crime Night on Oct. 30, inviting participants to decorate themed ceramics at 5:30 p.m. Additional events are listed here.
The post One less school day for East Helena? appeared first on Montana Free Press.
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