🎨💙 Mrs. Riech’s Kindergarten class spent Friday, September 19th, exploring the “Blue Zone” through art! As part of their learning with the Zones of Regulation, students created self-portraits using blue crayons, markers, and water blending to show what “blue zone” feelings might look like.
This creative project helped students connect how colors and art can reflect our feelings and moods. 🌧️➡️🖌️
Next up: the “Green Zone” 🌿 — art inspired by feelings of calm, happiness, and being regulated. We can’t wait to see what they create! 💚
The September meeting of the Somers/Lakeside School Board opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and a warm welcome to our newest trustee, Chelsea Spence, who introduced herself in her first official meeting.
The board approved the consent agenda, which included district requests, meeting minutes, warrants, and payroll. Key items highlighted were custodial and facility updates, additional football equipment for the unexpectedly high participation numbers, and an update on tuition adjustments related to Crossroads placements.
Community and Administrative Reports
Both Lakeside and Somers schools reported a smooth start to the year, with strong enrollment and activities underway.
Insurance walkthroughs at both schools identified minor safety and facility updates, including signage for playgrounds, securing ladders, and addressing storage areas. Staff are already addressing these recommendations.
Staffing Update
For the first time since before the pandemic, both schools are fully staffed across all positions, including custodial and music—a positive milestone for the district.
Committees
The board discussed forming more structured committees for Discipline and Public Relations, with representation from principals, staff leaders, and front office staff to ensure consistent input and strong communication.
Substitute Lists
The board approved the updated substitute teacher list and clarified long-term substitute pay rates. While the number of available substitutes is slightly lower than in previous years, the district is managing well and will continue recruiting.
Superintendent’s Report
Superintendent Ator provided a detailed look at enrollment trends, noting that while overall numbers remain steady, Montana as a whole is experiencing a decline in school-aged children despite population growth.
Work continues on website updates and staff biographies, which will improve accessibility and communication.
The district is also piloting a partnership with Dayton Elementary, providing school meals through our food service program—an innovative effort that both supports a neighboring school and strengthens our own program.
Other Board Actions
Approved support for continuing the district’s food service agreement with Dayton Elementary.
Approved a motion to move forward with shredding obsolete files, with staff looking into local services for efficiency.
Delegated approval of new classroom and library book purchases to the curriculum committee, which will review materials and provide recommendations.
Discussed upcoming policy updates related to recent state legislation, including classroom displays, holiday and recognition days, and other compliance requirements.
Board Goals
The board reviewed existing board goals and discussed ways to strengthen communication, recognition of staff, community engagement, and data reporting. A community/staff survey will be developed later this fall to gather input and help guide district priorities moving forward.
The meeting closed with appreciation for the positive start to the school year and recognition of the teamwork from staff, parents, and community members that continues to make our district strong.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the Somers/Lakeside School Board
Chance Barrett
Middle School Art.
Middle School Art.
Middle School Art.
Middle School Art.
Middle School Art.
Middle School Art.
Middle School Art.
Middle School Art.
Middle School Art.
Middle School Art.
Middle School Art.
Middle School Art.
Middle School Art.
Middle School Art.
Middle School Art.
Somers School District #29 has a vacancy on its Board of Trustees.
If you are qualified to vote in Somers District 29 and would like to serve your community in this capacity, please contact Superintendent Joe Price at 406-857-1022 or joe.price@somersdist29.org. by June 30.
Middle School Art.
From the Lakeside Elementary Art Show.
