Golden Apple Monthly Newsletter September 2025

Greetings!

I hope you all feel refreshed after summer break and have returned to your schools and classrooms with new ideas and the excitement of watching our students grow!

This summer, we were fortunate to have so many innovative and motivational teachers and administrators share their knowledge, experiences, and pedagogy in our GTCC Summer Institute classes. Two summers ago, I had the privilege of listening to Randy Russell and later reading his book, where he highlights the three “ships” essential to schools: leadership, relationships, and partnerships. These themes were woven throughout our Summer Institute as administrators and teachers worked toward the shared goal of continuous improvement.

The Japanese philosophy of Kaizen—continuous improvement through small, incremental changes by everyone at every level—captures this spirit well. While Kaizen is not unique to education, it resonates strongly with our collective work in schools. Each of us contributes to that ongoing improvement, and I am grateful to everyone who taught, attended, and participated with this purpose in mind.

Looking ahead, we have exciting opportunities this fall. We will continue our curriculum revision meetings for Health Enhancement, Library Media, and Science.

  • Administrators: Please recommend teachers whose expertise, content knowledge, and innovative ideas can enrich our curriculum and provide meaningful resources aligned with standards.

  • Teachers: If you are interested in joining a committee, please visit with your administrator. This is a wonderful opportunity to deepen your understanding of curriculum and sequences while collaborating with colleagues in your content area.

This year, the GTCC will also facilitate Professional Learning Communities (PLCs). PLCs provide dedicated time for educators to share expertise, exchange experiences, and collaborate for continuous growth in both content knowledge and instructional practices. These groups are designed to support educators, counselors, and school faculty while identifying strategies that strengthen student engagement and achievement.

Planned PLCs include:

  • Technology Coordinators

  • School Counselors and Psychologists

  • Honors/Advanced Placement/Dual Credit Teachers

  • International Teachers

  • Indian Education for All (IEFA)

  • Student Publications/Media

  • Book Studies based on educator interest and need

As the new Director of GTCC, I invite you to reach out anytime by phone or email if there are ways I can support you or your school. I have already appreciated the warm welcome in Winifred, where we worked together on writing and technology/standards goals. I am looking forward to upcoming visits in Belt and Augusta this month, and to connecting with more of our member schools in the future.

Together, we will continue to grow, support one another, and strengthen opportunities for our students.

Warm regards,

Kristi Calvery

Upcoming Fall Dates

Check out our calendar @ https://www.gtccmt.org/

  • Monday, Sept 29: Library Media Curriculum Revision Committee Meeting Details/RSVP

  • Tuesday, Sept 30: Science Curriculum Revision Committee Meeting Details/RSVP

  • Wednesday, Oct 1: Health Curriculum Revision Committee Meeting Details/RSVP

  • Thursday, Oct 2: GTCC Fall Advisory Council Meeting Details/RSVP

  • Wednesday, Oct 8: GTCC Technology Coordinators PLC Details/RSVP

  • Monday, Oct 27: Library Media Curriculum Revision Committee Meeting Details/RSVP

  • Tuesday, Oct 28: Science Curriculum Revision Committee Meeting Details/RSVP

  • Tuesday, Nov 4: School Counselor's Professional Learning Community (PLC) Details/RSVP

  • Wednesday, Nov 5: Health Curriculum Revision Committee Meeting Details/RSVP

  • Tuesday, Nov 18: Science Curriculum Revision Committee Meeting Details/RSVP

  • Tuesday, Dec 2: Health Curriculum Revision Committee Meeting Details/RSVP

  • Wednesday, Dec 3: Library Media Curriculum Revision Committee Meeting Details/RSVP

Prefer a paper copy of the calendar?
View printable calendar options @ https://www.gtccmt.org/202526-event

Golden Triangle Cooperative member schools enjoy exclusive discounted rates for stays at select hotels in Great Falls. Be sure to request the Golden Triangle Cooperative rate or use the booking code when reserving your room.

Hampton Inn

  • (406) 453-2675

  • Use booking code: 4356109

  • Seasonal rates: $139 / $159 + tax

Heritage Inn

  • (406) 761-1900

  • Request the "Golden Triangle Cooperative" rate

  • Rates starting at $109 + tax

Crystal Inn

  • (406) 727-7788

  • Request the "Golden Triangle Cooperative" rate

  • Rates starting at $99 + tax

    Note: These are starting discount rates. Prices may vary during peak seasons, summer months, and certain days of the week.

Kristi Calvery
Golden Triangle Curriculum Cooperative Director
1010 Oilfield Avenue
Shelby, MT 59474
Office (406) 424-8901 ext. 2104
Mobile (406) 450-1805
kristi@gtccmt.org