Hardin School District was well represented at the 2026 Montana Office of Public Instruction (OPI) Indian Education for All (IEFA) Best Practices Conference held in Helena, Montana. This conference provides strategies and resources for integrating the Essential Understandings Regarding Montana Indians and fostering culturally sustaining pedagogy. Sessions highlight how educators build community connections and embed authentic IEFA content across all grade levels.
We extend our appreciation to the staff who attended:
Primary School – Amy Hanson
Crow Agency Public School – Sunny Gardner and Lavonna Little Owl - Real Bird
Intermediate School – Victoria Chavez
Big Horn Academy – Christy Morse
High School – Timothy Kaldahl and Laurel Hitchborn
Farm to School – Eleanor Ross and Keianna Cachora
Family Engagement Center – Tara Bird and Mary Leda Good Luck
Tara Bird and Mary Leda Good Luck of the Family Engagement Center delivered a presentation highlighting shared activities that support student and family connections. Their work reflects a strong commitment to building meaningful partnerships within the school community.
Lavonna Little Owl Real Bird of Crow Agency Public School served on the Knowledge Keepers panel, where she shared her expertise and contributed to important conversations centered on culturally responsive teaching and Indigenous knowledge.
Bianka Rock Above presented alongside Montana Digital Academy Tribal Relations and Education Fellow Anna East, Ed.D., and Lea Whitford. The presentation highlighted a cross-cultural partnership focused on Indigenous language revitalization through curriculum design and assessment, including the development timeline of the Apsáalooke language assessment created by our Class 7 Crow teachers.
During the conference, staff also visited the Montana Heritage Center, where they engaged in networking and reconnected with former students, further strengthening relationships beyond the classroom. In the evening, they also enjoyed performances by Indigenous musicians and learned a lot about the history of the fiddle and Native American flute.
We extend our appreciation to the staff who attended:
Primary School – Amy Hanson
Crow Agency Public School – Sunny Gardner and Lavonna Little Owl - Real Bird
Intermediate School – Victoria Chavez
Big Horn Academy – Christy Morse
High School – Timothy Kaldahl and Laurel Hitchborn
Farm to School – Eleanor Ross and Keianna Cachora
Family Engagement Center – Tara Bird and Mary Leda Good Luck
Tara Bird and Mary Leda Good Luck of the Family Engagement Center delivered a presentation highlighting shared activities that support student and family connections. Their work reflects a strong commitment to building meaningful partnerships within the school community.
Lavonna Little Owl Real Bird of Crow Agency Public School served on the Knowledge Keepers panel, where she shared her expertise and contributed to important conversations centered on culturally responsive teaching and Indigenous knowledge.
Bianka Rock Above presented alongside Montana Digital Academy Tribal Relations and Education Fellow Anna East, Ed.D., and Lea Whitford. The presentation highlighted a cross-cultural partnership focused on Indigenous language revitalization through curriculum design and assessment, including the development timeline of the Apsáalooke language assessment created by our Class 7 Crow teachers.
During the conference, staff also visited the Montana Heritage Center, where they engaged in networking and reconnected with former students, further strengthening relationships beyond the classroom. In the evening, they also enjoyed performances by Indigenous musicians and learned a lot about the history of the fiddle and Native American flute.
Reminder that there are Parent/Teacher conferences from 2:00-7:00 on Thursday, March 26th. Students will be released at 1:00.
Congratulations to Lavonna Little Owl - Real Bird of Crow Agency Public School on being named a 2026 recipient of the Teresa Veltkamp Advocacy Award for Excellence in Indian Education for All (IEFA).
Lavonna was honored at the 19th Annual Indian Education for All Best Practices Conference in Helena, recognizing her meaningful contributions to Indian Education for All.
Through her work in a dual-immersion preschool classroom, she supports language revitalization and creates early learning environments grounded in identity, culture, and belonging. Her efforts help ensure that Montana’s youngest learners begin their educational journey with a strong sense of who they are.
Presented by the Montana Office of Public Instruction, this award honors educators who demonstrate a deep commitment to IEFA and continue the legacy of Teresa Veltkamp.
We celebrate Lavonna’s achievement and the positive impact she continues to make for students, families, and the community.
Lavonna was honored at the 19th Annual Indian Education for All Best Practices Conference in Helena, recognizing her meaningful contributions to Indian Education for All.
Through her work in a dual-immersion preschool classroom, she supports language revitalization and creates early learning environments grounded in identity, culture, and belonging. Her efforts help ensure that Montana’s youngest learners begin their educational journey with a strong sense of who they are.
Presented by the Montana Office of Public Instruction, this award honors educators who demonstrate a deep commitment to IEFA and continue the legacy of Teresa Veltkamp.
We celebrate Lavonna’s achievement and the positive impact she continues to make for students, families, and the community.
Crow Agency Public School will be having Parent Teacher Conferences on Thursday, March 26th from 2:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Your Input is Important!!
Title VI Indian Education Formula Grant Program
The Title VI Indian Education Formula Grants program represents the U.S. Department of Education's largest investment in addressing the unique academic and cultural needs of American Indian and Alaska Native children. The program is aimed at supporting services that (1) are responsive to the unique cultural, language and educational needs of American Indian and Alaska Native students and (2) help these students meet academic standards.
Please fill this quick survey and let us know your thoughts.
Coming: Scholastic Book Fair @ Crow Agency Public School
Ms. Connie Michael, 5th Grade Teacher at Crow Agency Public School, presented at the 2026 Annual Montana Environmental Education Association (MEEA) Conference in Missoula, MT, where she shared innovative place-based environmental education projects that integrate Next Generation Science Standards with Montana’s Indian Education for All (IEFA) framework. Her work highlights how science learning can be strengthened through meaningful connections to the land and Indigenous knowledge systems, beginning with Yellowstone’s extremophiles as students explore energy flow and chemosynthesis while recognizing the cultural and spiritual connections of the Crow and Shoshone people. Through this work, Ms. Michael demonstrates that science is deeply rooted in the history and stewardship of the land, inspiring students to think critically, learn respectfully, and care for our environment.
School Board Agenda
🌟 2025–2026 Hardin School District Royalty! 🌟
These amazing young leaders are ready to shine as ambassadors for our schools during the upcoming spring powwow season. Join us in celebrating their leadership, pride, and dedication!
👑 Kindergarten Readiness Center Princess: Luna Meeks
👑 Crow Agency School Princess: McKenzie Charette
👑 Hardin Primary Princess: Coulee Brown
👑 Hardin Intermediate Princess: Ivory Walks Over Ice
👑 Hardin Middle School Princess: Lilly Robles Diaz
👑 Hardin High School Princess: Rosalee Morrison
👑 Big Horn Academy Princess: Shandi Harjo
These amazing young leaders are ready to shine as ambassadors for our schools during the upcoming spring powwow season. Join us in celebrating their leadership, pride, and dedication!
👑 Kindergarten Readiness Center Princess: Luna Meeks
👑 Crow Agency School Princess: McKenzie Charette
👑 Hardin Primary Princess: Coulee Brown
👑 Hardin Intermediate Princess: Ivory Walks Over Ice
👑 Hardin Middle School Princess: Lilly Robles Diaz
👑 Hardin High School Princess: Rosalee Morrison
👑 Big Horn Academy Princess: Shandi Harjo
All Hardin Intermediate School Parents Welcome
Parent Advisory Meeting March 23 at 5:30 pm.
Students from Big Horn Academy, accompanied by their teacher Mrs. Christy Morse, attended the Vision to Voice Youth Conference hosted by Western Native Voice: Expanding Horizons.
During the conference, students engaged with inspiring speakers, including keynote speaker Mr. Emmette Dustybull of the Blackfeet Nation, gaining valuable insights and perspectives.
This experience provided meaningful opportunities for students to connect with Indigenous leaders, strengthen their cultural identity, and explore pathways for leadership, education, and community engagement.
During the conference, students engaged with inspiring speakers, including keynote speaker Mr. Emmette Dustybull of the Blackfeet Nation, gaining valuable insights and perspectives.
This experience provided meaningful opportunities for students to connect with Indigenous leaders, strengthen their cultural identity, and explore pathways for leadership, education, and community engagement.
We had a fun night at our Cooking Class and ate some delicious food!
Our menu included:
• Bison Tamale Pie
• Pesto Grilled Cheese
• Bison Steak Fajitas
• Whipped Feta with Veggies
• Rainbow Pasta Salad
• Chickpea Peanut Butter Blondies
We have one more cooking class for the school coming up on April 29th at Crow School. Looking forward to ending on another great night! 👩🍳✨ We will have a flyer out so sign up!!
Congratulations to our six participants who successfully completed the Fatherhood is Sacred / Motherhood is Sacred parenting class and received their certificates!
Throughout the course, they gained valuable knowledge rooted in Native teachings and cultural values—an incredible curriculum that strengthens families and communities. We’re proud of their commitment to learning and growth!
Participant Reflections 💬
“Being a first-time mom, this class gave me a whole new perspective on relationships and family. Coming from divorced parents, it really helped me better understand.”
“I recommend this program to any adult because it’s not just a parenting class—it’s about learning life and who we are as a people.”
“I recommend this class to all parents and even non-parents. Very informative!”
“Fatherhood is Sacred / Motherhood is Sacred is an impressive program. I 100% recommend Tara & Leda as instructors—they make it fun, show no judgment toward anyone, and encourage everyone to learn and engage.”
"Understanding more to be a better and more efficient father to my kids."
We are grateful to hear these powerful reflections and proud of everyone who took part in this journey 🌿
Throughout the course, they gained valuable knowledge rooted in Native teachings and cultural values—an incredible curriculum that strengthens families and communities. We’re proud of their commitment to learning and growth!
Participant Reflections 💬
“Being a first-time mom, this class gave me a whole new perspective on relationships and family. Coming from divorced parents, it really helped me better understand.”
“I recommend this program to any adult because it’s not just a parenting class—it’s about learning life and who we are as a people.”
“I recommend this class to all parents and even non-parents. Very informative!”
“Fatherhood is Sacred / Motherhood is Sacred is an impressive program. I 100% recommend Tara & Leda as instructors—they make it fun, show no judgment toward anyone, and encourage everyone to learn and engage.”
"Understanding more to be a better and more efficient father to my kids."
We are grateful to hear these powerful reflections and proud of everyone who took part in this journey 🌿
HCAC update for 3/17
SPECIAL BOARD MEETING
Please see the attached notice for a Special Board of Trustees Meeting on Wednesday the 18th: https://sites.google.com/hardin.k12.mt.us/hardin-school-board/home
Please Note: This meeting will be at the District Office.
Bus 16 is having mechanical problems and will not run today.
The Billings Science Fair Expo that was scheduled for March 14th has been rescheduled due to the weather and road conditions. The new date is Saturday, March 21st.
Bus 15 will not be running today due to road conditions on Sarpy Creek Road.
Due to road conditions, the Fort Smith Bus Routes 10 and 11 will not run today Friday March 13th.