HEARTS BUTTE — Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024, was supposed to be the first day of the school year for the Heart Butte School District.
Instead, teachers and staff sat at tables outside preparing school supplies for students who will be in remote learning mode for the new semester.
“The reason we have to move to a hybrid model of distance learning is because we have infrastructure challenges with not only our water system but our fire system,” explained Marcy Covell, superintendent of Heart Butte School District.
The hybrid learning model will include online learning via Chromebooks and in-person instruction, especially for elementary school students.
“They really need that in-person interaction. Many of our older students are able to connect with their teachers online and get instruction in an online model, but our younger students in kindergarten, first and second grade really need that in-person interaction,” Kobel said.
Despite the challenges associated with the distance learning model, teachers and administrators remain optimistic.
“I think when this is over, the bonds that have been made are going to be great, so I think only good can come out of this,” said Davey Lee Shortman, business manager office for Heart Butte Public Schools.
While students and their families will not be able to attend school every day, other resources, such as the Blackfoot Tribal Health Clinic, will remain available.
“Thankfully, surrounding districts have stepped up with some resources and we've definitely had support across the community,” Shortman added.
Not only did the community have to come together, but faculty and staff had to work together to make the best decisions and quickly pivot.
“Within a few minutes, everybody came together. I was really impressed with how quickly everybody adapted to that decision,” Shortman said.
The Heart Butte School District expects to resume regular in-person instruction in six weeks. MTN will provide more information and updates as they become available.
(August 21, 2024) The Blackfoot Business Council announced today that the Heart Butte School District will be implementing a “distance learning model” for approximately four to six weeks. Heart Butte School District Superintendent Marcy Kobel said in a news release posted to the Blackfoot Business Council's Facebook page that the reason for this is “unforeseen infrastructure challenges.”
The main issue is that the fire and water systems throughout the school are not up to date, making the school uninhabitable for the safety of students and staff until they are replaced.
Kobel explained, “We want to make sure that we're offering distance learning at the start of this school year that's engaging, thoughtful and actually meaningful to our students' learning. This is really important and we want to make sure that we're ready, so to speak, so that students can get the most out of it.”
The news release states:
Please join your student for a non-traditional school day on Thursday, August 22nd from 8:00am-1:30pm to register your child, receive an online schedule, meet with teachers, pick up school supplies, pick up a Chromebook, schedule an appointment with the Tribal Health Department, meet with the Blackfoot Tribal Health Department to set up mental health support, receive information about your home's internet capabilities, receive updates on fall sports, and have questions answered by Heart Butte Schools Administration.
Additionally, a Community Feed will be held at the Circle in Heart Butte on Monday, August 26th at 6pm with a question and answer session to help parents, students and families gain a clear understanding of the infrastructure challenges. The Heart Butte Board of Trustees, Blackfoot Tribal Business Council and Heart Butte School Administration will be present.
“Your children will receive distance learning in addition to the individualized instruction and field trips necessary to accommodate any learning model,” Kobel said. “We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, but we can assure you that we are taking every precaution to not only keep your children safe, but also to meet the educational needs of all children in our school system. You have entrusted us with your children and we do not take this responsibility lightly.”
She noted the district is receiving support from the Blackfoot Business Council, the Blackfoot Health Department, the Tribal Health Agency and Browning Public Schools. More details will be provided as they become available.