Fabulous Firsts Returns This Fall A generous donor has made possible the development of Fabulous Firsts, a celebration of reading and of first graders. Read the Full Story

2010 Carnival Classic The Helena Education Foundation’s annual Carnival Classic will take place on September 19th from 11-4:00 at Memorial Park, as kids and families enjoy their favorite carnival activities throughout the day. Read the Full Story

Fall Grant Application Deadline Applications for fall Great Ideas Grants are due Monday, October 4, 2010. The Great Ideas Grant Program is a cornerstone of The Helena Education Foundation's mission to enrich education in the Helena Public Schools. Read the Full Story

Upcoming Events

09/08 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Fabulous Firsts @ Broadwater

09/09 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Grant Writing Workshop @ The Red Atlas

See Our Schools

Recognize an Educator

Make a Difference

Hot Topics in Science

The Helena Education Foundation sponsors an annual event called Hot Topics in Science, scheduled this year for September 16th, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. "Staying in the Game: Resilience in the Face of Climate Change," on the 4th floor of the Compass Block in the Great Northern Town Center, is a follow-up to our Steve Running presentation last winter.

We can provide guest teachers for the the first 30 teachers who sign up. For more information, visit the Hot Topics in Science page.

The Celebration Continues for Distinguished SOS Employee

(Helena) – Employees in the Secretary of State’s Office are congratulating a co-orker this week Steve with Mrs. Buffy Smith

for receiving one of the Helena community’s highest student honors.

Steve Dighans, a student intern from Helena High School, was recently recognized as a Distinguished Achiever by the Helena Education Foundation.

Dighans was nominated for the award based on his exceptional accomplishments in the technology field. He hopes to one day turn his lifelong interest into a career.

“Steve is a remarkable employee and an invaluable asset to our staff. Not only is he a great person to be around, he’s smart and intuitive well beyond his years,” said Secretary of State Linda McCulloch.

Read the Full Story

Recognizing Excellence

When former student Gregory Elison chose Polette as his distinguished educator and the IR Photo by Alana Listoe teacher who most influenced his educational career, he began rethinking the retirement he was considering.

“After 26 and a half years, I was thinking of retirement, but when I get an accolade like this, I’m putting those plans a little in the future for now,” Polette said.

Polette was one of 48 educators and high school seniors recognized at Helena Education Foundation’s seventh annual Celebration of Excellence Monday night at the Great Northern Hotel.

Lisa Cordingley, HEF executive director, said the Celebration of Excellence is a special event.

“It’s very clear that although we started this for students, our wish is that it isn’t the most wonderful thing that happens in their lives, but for teachers it could be the most important thing in their professional career,” she said.rmer student Gregory Elison chose Polette as his distinguished educator and the teacher who most influenced his educational career, he began rethinking the retirement he was considering.

Read the whole story in the Independent Record and see photos, video and more from this year's celebration here.