Happy September and welcome to a great new school year! Here are a few need-to-know things as we kick off our work together as a cooperative for 22-23.

As most of you know, Beth Lambert, the co-op admin. asst. for 13 years, retired in June. The co-op board chose not to rehire for that position for this year, as one way to cut costs with our limited budget. We also decided to give up our office space at the Gateway Community Center. I am up for the challenge of handling all of the things; however, I do appreciate some grace as I learn to become more efficient with clerical tasks.

I am working from a home office and utilizing the Flathead County Supt. office for the majority of meetings and curriculum work committees this year. Other locations will be determined as we go for specific in-person training that happens in the evenings. I will also travel for on-site school visits throughout the year, based on specific district needs. If you need some in-person support, contact me and we can arrange for a meeting.

PHONE: The co-op's phone # has remained the same but is now on a cellular device, so you may call or text: 406.752.3302

MAIL: We are receiving our mail at the Co. Supt. office.

NMEC

290 C N. Main

Kalispell, MT 59901

NEW MEMBER DISTRICT: I'd like to give a special welcome back to Hot Springs Schools. It is great to add another K-12 system to our co-op, along with Eureka and Plains. We are so glad we are able to partner with you again.

STANDARDS REVIEW: Our two Standards Review areas this year are Library & Media Literacy and Technology Integration. If that describes your role and you think you should be on the review committee, let your admin. know! Our first of two work sessions are on October 4th, so save the date.

PD FOCUS AREAS: The co-op is excited to bring our member schools quality PD opportunities in Gifted & Talented Ed and Foundational Literacy (Science of Reading) this year! Watch for more information to come soon.

MATH IN MTNS: Thank you to the 75 participants who attended our Math in the Mountains K-8 Numeracy with Rhonda Birnie in August. I thought it was a very worthwhile day. I would love to hear your thoughts if you attended and how you plan to implement the new ideas into your math instruction.

Have an amazing 2022-2023 School Year!