I’d like to take a moment this month to share my perspective on a core value of the East Helena school system, a concept we call the tripod of students, staff, and parents. As detailed in the district’s strategic plan, this idea means that school officials and administrators are committed to ensuring that both teachers and parents are essential contributors to student success.
Some years ago, the district board, school faculty, and community members gathered in the East Valley Middle School library for strategic planning sessions in which we set down our core values. I remember well how the tripod, referencing the teacher-parent-student partnership, emerged as the first core value suggested by the group – which is why it appears first in the district plan.
This value reflects a commitment for which our schools have always been known – one we’ve held onto even amid rapid growth. Years ago we were an independent elementary district serving some 800 K-8 students. Now we have a high school and nearly 2000 students from toddlers to graduating East Helena High seniors.
Our community grows, yet we find ways to hold onto our small-town feel. It’s a connection that teachers and parents embrace to help our kids get the best start in life. Over the years I’ve seen the tripod take many different forms: a bake and garage sale organized by parents and teachers to replace funding lost via a failed mill levy; difficult board meeting discussions about student safety; band and choir concerts, parent-teacher organization events and more.
Some of the most critical work has occurred at parent-teacher conferences, which enable parents and teachers to discuss and address student issues and concerns. Parents have a chance to share their dreams for their child, giving teachers the opportunity to support that vision. These meetings also offer teachers a chance to help parents see their child in a new light.
Our second round of conferences for 2025-26 are here (Feb. 18-19 at EHHS; Feb. 24-26 for EVMS; March 10 & 12 for Eastgate, Prickly Pear, Radley) and I cannot stress enough the key role they play in your child’s education. Parents, please make your presence there a priority.
As for our strategic plan, which you can find on our website, it’s a living document periodically reviewed and updated by the board to reflect changes in our community and in the education landscape. We’ll begin doing just that on Feb. 24 (5:30-7:30 p.m., EVMS Library), with follow-up meetings March 3 and 10.
The public is invited to each gathering – and invited to participate. You can send questions and comments to trustees in advance via schoolboard@ehps.k12.mt.us. We welcome your input as we continue to build out and improve our tripod of students, staff, & parents – and deliver the best possible educational experience to the East Helena community.
Dan Rispens is the Superintendent of East Helena Public Schools. He can be reached at 406-227-7700 or drispens@ehps.k12.mt.us.
