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 Below are links to two pieces by GF City Commissioner, former State Senator, former GFPS Trustee, former Deputy Commissioner of Higher Education, former GFCMSU Dean, and former public school teacher Mary Moe. If you have any insights that might help Mary in writing these columns to educate citizens about how bad our school funding situation is, her e-mail address is at the end of each piece.
 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 10, 2019 CONTACT: Bob Funk | bfunk@mfpe.org | 406-461-6787 Western Montana Mental Health CSCT Staff in Missoula Join MFPE “Together, we have a seat at the table” (MISSOULA, MONT.) – July 1, CSCT staff employed by Western Montana Mental Health Missoula-Area voted to join the Montana Federation of Public Employees (MFPE). Joining MFPE means Missoula-area CSCT staff now have representation in the workplace and the right to collectively bargain with their employer. Comprehensive School and Community Treatment (CSCT) is a joint effort between Montana school districts and providers to deliver emotional and behavioral support to students at school. CSCT staff help students with a range issues that affect their ability to be successful in school as well as other areas of life. Support services include individual sessions, group sessions, family support, lunch group, and in-class support. “The decision to form a union was based solely on our desire to improve working conditions for employees and services for our clients,” said Patrick Shourd, Behavior Specialist. “Those who serve in the trenches deserve to have their voices heard as we can guide our programs in the most ethical manner. Collectively we can work with our organization to improve standards and quality of life for all stakeholders.” 72 CSCT staff employed by Western Montana Mental Health Missoula-Area cast ballots in the union election. The results were overwhelmingly in favor of joining MFPE, with 71 staff members voting for representation and collective bargaining rights. “Through our union, we have the strength in numbers to accomplish things we could not do alone,” said MFPE President Eric Feaver. “Together, we have a seat at the table. Together, we have the freedom to advocate for the highest quality services. MFPE members work is every corner of this state and are dedicated to the people and communities they serve. We’re excited to welcome by Western Montana Mental Health Missoula-Area CSCT staff to the family.” The total unit size includes 92 Western Montana Mental Health Missoula-Area CSCT staff. MFPE President Robert "Bob" Griffith and Executive Board member CHERIE Stordahl are attending NEA-RA this week as delegates! More updates to follow. Photos courtesy of Cheri.
 Tom Cubbage instructing students at CM Russell HS. Photo courtesy of Linda Ballew Six Montana Teachers Chosen as State Finalists for the Presidential Science and Math Teaching Award
For immediate release: June 25, 2019 Contact: Marco Ferro, MPTF, 406-442-4250 Six Montana school teachers have been selected as the 2019 Montana state finalists for the national prestigious Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) the nation’s highest honor for U.S. mathematics and science teachers in grades kindergarten through 12. A committee of Montana science and math teachers selected the six teachers from a pool of 42 applicants statewide. The 2019 state finalist award winners are: FOR MATH Jacob Warner, Capital High School, Helena Jordon Graves, Reed Point Schools, Reed Point Mary McMahon, Helena High School, Helena FOR SCIENCE Kimberly Popham, Belgrade High School, Belgrade Thomas Cubbage, CM Russell High School, Great Falls Robert Jensen, Hellgate High School, Missoula State finalists completed a rigorous application process that incorporates video footage of classroom lessons along with substantial written documentation of impacts of their teaching methodology on student achievement. The finalist’s applications have been submitted to the PAEMST where a national panel of highly distinguished scientists and mathematicians will review submissions to determine who will qualify for this esteemed award. Nationally, the awards program is administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF) on behalf of the White House. In Montana, the state recognition program is sponsored and administered by the Montana Professional Teaching Foundation in association with the Montana Association of Presidential Awardees. This fall the 2019 Montana state finalists will be honored at awards dinner. For more information about the PAEMST program, please visit: www.paemst.org  MFPE President Eric Feaver and GFEA President Bob "Griff" Griffith greet each other at the beginning of the 2019 Spring Fling. Feaver traditionally speaks and installs the new Executive Board members during the program. On Friday, May 17, GFEA hosted its annual Spring Fling, honoring members retiring from GFPS, as well as recognizing our outstanding teacher of the Year. GFEA's Faculty Representatives, nominated from members in their respective buildings, were also recognized. The Silver and Gold Key of Professionalism Awards were also given to two members. Silver Apple Awards honored the achievments and contributions to education of community members and groups. Stories about the honorees will follow this summer. The following lists the honorees:
Faculty Representatives Awards:
Silver Apple Awards:
Silver Key of Service Award
Golden Key of Professionalism Award
GFEA Outstanding Educator of the Year
 Voting at Paris Gibson Altermative Education Center on Thursday, May 16, 2019, members of GFEA ratified their proposed contract with Great Falls Public Schools for the 2019-2021 school years.
The vote was 129 members voting for the contract and seven (7) voting against. Thanks to all the members who attended to learn about the new contract and vote. The contract will now go to the GFPS Board of Trustees for final approval before going into effect for next school year. |
