Kalispell Public Schools

10/30/2026

Our 2nd graders are learning in the trees!

KPS partnered with the Montana DNRC to bring the Walk in the Woods program to our 2nd grade students as part of Forest Products Week last Friday. Students spent the day at Spring Brook Ranch exploring the forest as an outdoor classroom and learning directly from forestry and natural resource professionals.

Thank you to the Montana DNRC, Flathead Audubon, Flathead Rivers Alliance, Montana Forest Consultants, Spring Brook Yak Ranch, F.H. Stoltze Land & Lumber Co. and Back Country Horsemen for making this possible!

10/28/2026

Staff Spotlight: Laura Hawkins, Transportation Director, exemplifies what it means to put students first. She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure every student has access to safe, supportive, and reliable transportation, with particular care for students with specialized transportation needs and ELL newcomers who may be navigating our schools for the first time.

Laura is exceptionally responsive, solutions-focused, and compassionate, approaching even the most complex situations with patience and a commitment to finding what works best for students. She is an outstanding communicator who listens to and honors the perspectives of families, drivers, school staff, and students, bringing people together to find solutions. Laura’s dedication, flexibility, and genuine care make an incredible difference across our district, and we are so fortunate to have her leading our transportation team.

10/27/2026

Student Spotlight: Brave Pack Rising at FullScale

Students from KPS Brave Pack Rising recently traveled to Indianapolis for the national FullScale Symposium, joining educators and school leaders from across the country. Presenting alongside KPS staff, they shared their experiences and perspectives on student ownership and personalized, competency-based learning.
GHS student Z Belt was also invited to speak on the main stage during the opening session.

Every one of our students represented KPS exceptionally well, showing the confidence and leadership we hope to build in all learners. Their trip was a powerful reminder of what happens when students are given meaningful opportunities to lead, and a chance for their voices to be heard on a national stage. We couldn’t be more proud of Beth Janney, Roni Saavedra, Bella Hernandez, Xinnia Hansen, Claire Timm, Ben Boar, Bryson Wakefield, and Z Belt!

10/22/2026

Grateful for our partnership with Glacier National Park and the amazing rangers who make learning come alive right in our own backyard! Our KPS 4th graders study fire ecology on Glacier's Rocky Point Trail, learning about the fire triangle, forest succession, and fire's role in nature. Each student also gets to take home an Every Kid Outdoors pass for free national park access through August 2027!

10/20/2026

National honor for one of our own! 🏆

Congratulations to Trisha Carlson of Linderman Education Center, named Educator of the Year at the national FullScale Symposium in Indianapolis, Oct. 8–10!

This award recognizes Trisha’s exceptional work with students and her leadership in personalized, competency-based education (PCBE), helping learners take ownership of their learning and build the skills and confidence they need for future success.

“Trisha puts her heart into helping students find success, often in ways they may not have experienced before. She is a big part of what makes Linderman special.”
– Principal Jodie Barber Castro

“This level of national recognition is incredibly rare and represents one of the highest honors an educator can receive. It is a tremendous accomplishment for any teacher, and we couldn’t be more proud that one of our own KPS educators is being recognized at this level.”
– Superintendent Matt Jensen

“Trisha embodies the teacher who goes above and beyond to ensure her learners are equipped to fulfill the promise of their futures.”
– Robin Kanaan, Senior Director of Teaching and Learning, KnowledgeWorks

Trisha’s work reflects the growing leadership of KPS educators in personalized, competency-based education, as teachers across the district create classrooms where students own their learning, understand their progress, and take on new challenges with confidence.

True to who she is, Trisha sees this award as a reflection of the work her Linderman team does together. Please join us in celebrating her well-deserved honor. Congratulations, Trisha!

10/18/2026

Thursday night, Glacier and Flathead students came together to honor su***de awareness. Glacier students handed out yellow wristbands, Flathead students passed out yellow t-shirts, the FHS football team wore yellow ribbon helmet decals, the dance team sported yellow shirts and bows, and FCCLA represented at concessions.

The students' goal is to reduce the stigma of not being OK, raise awareness of resources, and build connections. Their message to everyone: you are not alone, and you are enough. 💛

Look for more yellow throughout the school year!

If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 to reach the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7.

United by yellow: Crosstown rivals stand together for su***de prevention https://dailyinterlake.com/news/2026/oct/18/crosstown-rivals-stand-together-for-su***de-prevention/?utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook

Students from Flathead and Glacier high schools used one of the valley’s top rivalries to send a visible message of hope and solidarity by wearing yellow for su***de prevention awareness in September and through October.

10/17/2026

https://flatheadbeacon.com/2026/10/14/wall-of-fame-induction-to-kick-off-kalispell-crosstown-football-rivalry/

10/17/2026

10/16/2026

All of our KPS first graders headed out to the H.E. Robinson Agricultural Education Center for Kalispell FFA Chapter's annual Heritage Day last week!

Students rotated through hands-on stations led by Flathead and Glacier High School Ag Ed students, learning how agriculture connects to our everyday lives and our community. Highlights included a hayride, petting zoo and corn maze as well as oxy-acetylene cutting and branding demonstrations.

A huge thank you to the Kalispell FFA Chapter members and advisors for hosting!

10/15/2026

Kalispell Middle School students headed to Scout & Gather to explore how local tourism works from behind-the-scenes. They visited the mercantile shop, played a round of mini golf, and made pizzas with Ranger Joe to see how local businesses welcome visitors and keep our community thriving.

The Farm to Table class ventured to Land to Hand for a culinary lesson in the garden, where students rolled up their sleeves and learned about cooking with fresh, local ingredients.

A big thank you to Scout + Gather, Ranger Joe's Pizza - Kalispell, MT, and Land to Hand MT for opening your doors and sharing your expertise with our students!