Superintendent Arntzen Reminds Montana Schools to Register for the 2024 Youth Days

• Brian O'Leary
• September 18 2024

HELENA – Superintendent Arntzen is encouraging Montana schools to register for the 2024 Youth Days in Great Falls on October 6 & 7, 2024, or in Butte on October 27 & 28, 2024. The Office of Public Instruction (OPI) has partnered with Special Olympics Montana (SOMT) to host this opportunity for Middle School and High School students of all abilities to develop their leadership potential. This fall’s conference theme, selected by students, is Be the BEST Version of YOURSELF. Youth Days focuses on youth voice and leadership development, community service and engagement, school safety, and mental health. Registration will close on September 30, 2024.

“Youth Days reflect my Montana Hope initiative, which focuses on student well-being and family and community engagement,” said Superintendent Elsie Arntzen. “Lifting up student voices builds on our constitutional promise to develop the full educational potential of all Montanans. I appreciate the ongoing partnership with Special Olympics of Montana that focuses on encouraging our children to be the best version of themselves.”

Youth Days consists of five breakout sessions that focus on developing leadership abilities and positive self-awareness. The keynote speaker and student leaders from nearby school districts will conduct the breakout sessions. This year, the Great Falls breakout sessions will be led by Great Falls Mayor Cory Reeves and students from:

• Belt High School
• CMR High School
• Great Falls High School
• Rocky Boy High School

The Butte breakout sessions will be led by former Bozeman teacher and counselor Kenny Bies and students from:

• Belgrade Middle School
• Dillon Middle School
• East Middle School in Butte
• East Helena School District

The SOMT invites all participating schools to become Unified Champion Schools and take advantage of funding opportunities, resources, and support. Through youth leadership, whole-school engagement, and inclusive sports opportunities, students can be the drivers in creating an environment of inclusion in their school communities and beyond. For more information visit www.somt.org/ucs or contact unifiedschools@somt.org.

For more information please contact Anne Carpenter, Program Support Specialist, at Anne.Carpenter2@mt.gov or Tammy Lysons, Continuing Education & Technical Assistance (CETA) Unit Manager at Tamara.Lysons@mt.gov.

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