Hays Lodgepole School District

Today at Hays High School, we held a pep rally to recognize all of our student-athletes. We commend these students for the hard work and dedication they show not only in the classroom, but also in their athletic events. Being a student-athlete requires commitment, balance, and perseverance, and we are proud of each of them. Each grade level competed in a volleyball game, tug-o-war, and cheer off. They also got the staff involved in these events. Seniors won the tug-o-war, and the staff won the volleyball game.

We want to give a special shout-out to our Hays-Lodgepole Girls Flag Football Team and their coach, Shawn Mount! You are making history, and we wish you the best of luck at the State Tournament in Hamilton.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to the community members who generously donated and put together snack bags for our team as they travel. The girls will play their first game at 9:15 AM on October 1st against Wolf Point. If they win, they will advance to play the next day at 10:15 AM against the winner of Three Forks and Huntley.

To all of our teams—keep up the great work and dedication. We are proud of you and wish you continued success throughout the rest of your seasons. Go, Thunderbirds, go!

Fall Sports Senior Night Update.
Home Football game has been moved to 10/9/25 vs Big Sandy. JH 5:00pm, HS 7:30pm
All Fall Senior Sport Athletes will be walking out with families at 7:15pm. Please line up at the crow's nest at 7:05pm. Cross Country, Girls Flag Football, Football.

SENIORS!!!! COLLEGE APPS & FASFA 411

SEPTEMBER 22 – OCTOBER 3, 2025
College Application Weeks provides high school seniors the opportunity to learn about Montana colleges and universities and complete a college application during the school day, thereby opening the door for many students who might not otherwise take this important step toward college. Participating high school seniors not only have an opportunity to apply to a college during College Application Weeks, but also have the opportunity to utilize the central application to apply to any school in the Montana University System for FREE all year long. Montana’s tribal colleges and private universities also offer free applications during College Application Weeks.

Community Appreciation Preserving Cultural Heritage Through Education Today, the Hays Lodge Pole 3rd grade class had the privilege of learning from Mr. BigBow, who generously shared his knowledge and artistic expertise in the traditional art of Ledger Art. About Ledger Art Ledger Art is a significant Native American art form with deep historical and cultural roots. Through this artisan skill, stories, traditions, and cultural heritage are preserved and passed down to future generations. Mr. BigBow's visit provided our young students with an invaluable opportunity to connect with traditional artistic practices and understand the importance of cultural preservation. His willingness to share his craft demonstrates the power of community mentorship and the importance of keeping traditional skills alive. These hands-on learning experiences help our students appreciate the rich cultural heritage of our community while developing their own artistic skills and creativity. Thank you, Mr. BigBow, for inspiring our 3rd graders and enriching their education with your knowledge and artisan skills! Celebrating community educators who make a difference • Hays Lodge Pole School

Parent Teacher Conferences!! October 1st, 4:30pm - 7:30pm

Thunderbird Weekly Schedule 9/29 to 10/4

UDPATED SCHEDULES!

SPORTS UPDATE FOR 9/29-10/3!! JH/ HS Volleyball games for Tuesday have been moved up to tomorrow in Big Sandy. Students and coaches will depart at 2:00pm from Hays. JH girls 5:00pm, +20 mins Varsity girls. Games are in Big Sandy. Fall Sports Pep Assembly 11:00am. HS gym.

📣Come Cheer on the Thunderbirds! 🏈 Get ready to show your spirit, Hays Lodge Pole fans! The Hays Lodge Pole Thunderbirds are hitting the field in Absarokee, MT for the Class C Girls Flag Football Tournament, and they need your energy in the stands! 🕐 1:00 PM – Thunderbirds vs. Plenty Coup 📍 Location: Absarokee Football Field 🎉 Bring your signs, your school colors, and your loudest voices. Let’s pack the sidelines and show these girls what Thunderbird pride is all about! 💙💛 Whether you’re a parent, a student, or a proud community member — your support matters. Let’s make some noise. Let’s lift them up. Let’s GO THUNDERBIRDS! 🦅

Tomorrow, Thursday, September 25, 2025, we will have an early dismissal:
Elementary students will dismiss at 12:30 PM
High school students will dismiss at 1:00 PM
The Homecoming Parade will begin at 2:30 PM. 🎉
We look forward to seeing everyone celebrate and show their school spirit.
Happy Homecoming Week!

# 🚌 HAYS LODGEPOLE SCHOOLS
## Bus Route Notice

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**Dear Flats Bus Route Families,**

We hope everyone is having a great day!

**Please note:** There will be **no bus service** on the Flats route today.

**Flats route riders will need to be picked up from school today.**

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding and flexibility.

Thank you for your cooperation!

📚 Attendance Matters: Let's Start Each Day Strong!
Dear Highschool/Sports Families,
We want to ensure every student has the best opportunity to succeed, and it all starts with being here and ready to learn each day!
🕐 Important School Hours
School Day: 8:00 AM - 4:12 PM
Arrival Time: Please arrive by 7:50 AM to be in first period on time
Breakfast: Available starting at 7:15 AM for early arrivals
📋 How Attendance Works
On Time = Success! Students need to be in their classroom when the bell rings at 8:00 AM.
Running Late? Students arriving after 8:00 AM should check in at the main office for a tardy slip before heading to class.
After 10 Minutes: Students will be marked absent for that class period.
🎯 Why Punctuality Matters
Academic Success: Every minute of instruction counts
Life Skills: Punctuality is a valuable habit for future success
Activity Eligibility: Consistent attendance is required for sports and extracurricular participation
Building Responsibility: Being on time shows respect for learning and classmates
📞 Attendance Reminders
3 tardies = 1 lunch detention (also counts as 1 absence)
5 tardies = 2 lunch detentions
10 tardies = Parent conference to create a success plan
💡 Tips for Success
Set multiple alarms and prepare the night before
Allow extra time for traffic, weather, or unexpected delays
Take advantage of our breakfast program if you're an early riser!
📖 Important Notice
This attendance policy is detailed in both our Student Handbook and Athletic Handbook. Student handbooks will be sent home today - please review them with your child and keep them for reference throughout the school year. Please sign and send back the receipt of handbook page as soon as possible.
Questions? Contact our main office at 406-673-3120 or email jcochran@hlpschools.k12.mt.us.
Together, we can help every student develop the habits that lead to lifelong success!

🏃‍♀️ PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT 🏃‍♂️

HAYS LODGEPOLE SCHOOLS ANNUAL CROSS COUNTRY MEET
**TODAY - Little People's Canyon**

**⏰ SCHEDULE:**
- **2:00 PM** - Walk-through begins
- **3:00 PM** - Girls Junior High race
- **3:30 PM** - Boys Junior High race
- **4:00 PM** - High School Girls race
- **4:45 PM** - High School Boys race

🚨 IMPORTANT TRAFFIC NOTICE 🚨

**TRAFFIC WILL BE SHUT DOWN through Little People's Canyon during races for runner safety.**

**If you need to be at the Cross Country meet location (Powwow Grounds), please arrive by 2:45 PM.**

⚠️ ARRIVE BY 2:45 PM ⚠️

**Come cheer on our Thunderbird runners!**

Thank you for your cooperation and support of our student athletes.

September 23, 2025
Dear Thunderbird Parents and Guardians,
I am writing to inform you that this morning a yellow and orange toy squirt gun was brought onto the school bus and shown to other students. The bus attendant was immediately notified, and the toy was confiscated.
The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priority. We want to take this opportunity to remind everyone that no weapons of any kind are allowed on school property or school transportation—this includes toy guns, replica weapons, or play firearms of any kind.
Even when not real, these items can cause fear, confusion, and unnecessary alarm. Given the national climate surrounding school safety, it is essential that we maintain a secure and supportive environment where all students feel safe and respected.
We kindly ask for your help in speaking with your children about this important rule. Let them know that bringing any item that looks like a weapon—even as part of a game—is not acceptable and could lead to disciplinary action.
We appreciate your cooperation and ongoing support in helping us keep our schools safe. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s school or the district office.
Together, we can ensure a safe and positive school year.
Warm regards,
Corey Barron, Superintendent
Hays Lodgepole School District

Hello Thunderbirds,
Here is the weekly schedule. Full week of sports. Still looking for help with chains, gate and line judges. These are paid positions, please reach out. Have a wonderful week. Go Thunderbirds!

Elementary Native American Spirit Week!

Elementary Native American Spirit Week!

Strategic Planning Session Rescheduled. Hello Thunderbird Community, Due to Homecoming activities, our Strategic Planning Session will be rescheduled. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and will share the new date and time soon. Thank you for your flexibility and continued commitment. Best regards, Hays Lodgepole School District