Head Start: Early Learning for Lifelong Development

Head Start is more than preschool. It’s a multi-generational approach to help children and families prepare for school and life by engaging parents and families to build the strong foundation children...

Library Lecture Series: The Roaring '20s, Evolution of Morals & Manners

MSU Billings has announced the 10th anniversary of its Library Lecture Series. To mark the occasion, the series will be looking back on the captivating and transformative era of the 1920s.

The Big J Show Cares & EFBPS Raise Over $75,000 for Books for Kids

The Big J Show Cares and the Education Foundation for Billings Public Schools joined forces to raise $77,451 to support literacy in local schools.

Welcome to Billings: Dr. Erwin Garcia Takes the Helm of School District 2

Erwin Garcia made a huge move this summer along with his family; his wife of 16 years and their two elementary-aged boys shifted from Houston to put down roots in Billings. Dr. Garcia took over offici...

A Love Letter to Teachers: Teacher Appreciation All Year Long

Dear Teachers: This is us wishing you a school year filled with growth, grace, and learning. May your students be sparkling sponges of learning readiness, your administrators offer the support you nee...

Stay Cool with a Hot Summer Read: The Ultimate Book Club

Have you ever wondered how to get your child interested in reading over the summer? I have the perfect plan to get your kids reading while still interacting with their peers.

Peer Pressure: Positive & Negative Impacts

When it comes to peer pressure, when should we intervene on our kids' behalf? Looking at positive and negative influences, let's talk about navigating this oftentimes tricky terrain.

City College at MSUB Awarded $1.9 million Grant to Expand Nursing Programs

City College and MSUB received a grant to expand both the RN and LPN programs to better serve rural Montana. With critical healthcare shortages, this is HUGE news for the region!

Fun Structure in the Summer

Not totally sure what to do to keep everyone busy during the Lazy Days of Summer? We’ve got you covered with a list of fun and educational ways to spend your time.

Time Off Well-Spent: Using Summer Break for College Prep

Summer is a great time to round out your college applications with some intentional activities. Check out our expert's ideas for spending time on things that will help your application stand out!

MSUB Delivers Fast Pass Registration & Orientation Events for Students Enrolling this Fall

Heading to MSU Billings this fall? These events will get you set with everything you need to be successful!

Volunteers Needed for EFBPS' Reading Rocks Program

Add a beautiful chapter to your "book" by signing up to volunteer at the Education Foundation for Billings Public Schools' summer 2023 Reading Rocks program. Held in conjunction with School District 2...

Grants for Teachers in Billings Public Schools

A small boost makes a HUGE impact when it comes to a classroom. The Education Foundation for Billings Public Schools recently awarded grants across 28 schools in the district, and the impacts are maki...

App Awareness & Online Safety

When it comes to learning about Internet safety, our work is never done. These resources can help parents and anyone who works with kids to feel more equipped to guide their children to make informed,...

2023 Reading Rocks Summer Reading Program Kicks Off in June

Check out the 2023 schedule for EFBPS' Reading Rocks summer reading program (in tandem with SD2's free lunch program).

MSU Billings Celebrates Student Success at Upcoming Commencement

MSU Billings' 96th annual Commencement Ceremony takes place May 6 at 10 a.m.

Getting to Graduation

Time flies, but it flies fastest during the senior year of high school. Check out our timeline for all the things you should be ready for as your kiddo roars toward one of their first big finish lines...

Flying High with Montana Aerospace Scholars

Do you have a high school student with an interest in space or aviation? The Montana Aerospace Scholars program is a free, NASA-affiliated educational opportunity for high school students in the Treas...

Rocky Mountain Kid Lit Festival Returns to Billings Public Library

Billings Public Library hosts its 2nd annual Kid Lit Festival on May 5th and 6th. Free and open to the public, get the details!

Breaking Down Walls and Building Up Space at Will James

Will James librarian Julie Whitworth is trying to raise money to make the library an even better place for students and teachers to collaborate. And students from the Career Center are helping to desi...

'I Am Montana' Student Poetry Project Releasing 4th Volume

Giving adolescent youth a voice is at the heart of the 'I Am Montana' student poetry project. The latest volume comes out soon and includes poetry by students at the Career Center as well as poetry fr...

Johnny’s Ambassadors: A Resource on Marijuana for Parents and Students

The more you know...Users of vapes and marijuana are often under the impression that they’re not as bad for your health as alternatives like smoking cigarettes or doing illicit drugs. Further, many ha...

Dr. Keith Edgerton Retires from MSU Billings

Dr. Keith Edgerton is an expert in Montana History. In honor of his Faculty Lifetime Achievement Award, he will give a lecture on April 19th at 6:30 p.m. on campus and the public is invited to join!

City College at MSUB Hosts Women in Automotive Workshops

Ladies, this one's for you! Get the scoop on basic car repair and maintenance of oil, coolant, and brake condition, and how to change a tire and measure tire pressure. This workshop is free and open t...

Taking a Proactive Approach at Ponderosa

Chad Jackson was recognized as the Montana Counselor of the Year this year, and a quick look at the work he's doing at Ponderosa Elementary School will show you why! His commitment to students and uni...

MSUB Minute: MSUB 2023 Powwow

The Billings community and surrounding areas are warmly invited to attend the Annual MSUB Powwow taking place April 21-22 in Alterowitz Gym on the campus of MSU Billings.

Planning for the Future: Laurel Public Schools

Laurel Public Schools is planning for the future of students in the community. As the population grows, aging facilities have become a dire situation impacting the educational environment.

Are We Hunting for Eggs Year-Round Now?

Egg sales typically soar in the days leading up to Easter. But this year, the ever-increasing costs and scarcity are leading some people to joke that they’ll be dying potatoes instead. What’s behind t...

Solving Problems for NASA

Did you have any idea that students, right here in Billings and across our region, are designing and engineering things to solve problems for NASA? NASA HUNCH, showcases some of the best and brightest...

Major Enrollment Boosts Reported at MSU Billings for Spring 2023

As the 2023 spring semester gets underway, MSU Billings reports major boosts in Native American and veteran and military affiliated student enrollment. The dual enrollment program skyrocketed reportin...

2023 Camp Guide | Academic

Let your child's curiosity run wild this summer!

Bullying: Empowering our Kids to Step Up and Step In

Is it bullying or is it just a fight? Should you get help for your child or let them sort it out themselves? Knowing when to get involved with your child’s disagreements can be hard, but local expert...

The Evolution of Weather Forecasting

Weather prediction has changed dramatically over the years, and the past few decades have seen unprecedented technological acceleration. Today, with supercomputers, artificial intelligence, and global...

Kids in Motion Keeps Kids in School

When a broken bicycle means the difference between getting to school or not, Kids in Motion helps to fill that gap with biannual bicycle tune-up clinics.

Get Your Goals: Setting Achievable Goals and Teaching Kids to Do It, too

Want to help your kids set and achieve their own goals? Whether it’s bringing up a grade, getting off screens, or simply getting them to brush their teeth without fighting, we’ve got some tips and tri...

Connecting Care Across the Treasure State Connecting Care Across the Treasure State

Though telehealth became more prominent during the COVID-19 pandemic, Montana had already been leading the charge since the early 1990s. With federal funding, the Montana Telehealth Alliance was launc...

2023 Early Education Guide

Simply Local's 2023 Early Education Childhood Directory.

Teaching the Whole Child Through Social-Emotional Education

Developing skills to advocate for themselves, students benefit from Whole Child Skill Development. Teachers and schools create common language and expectations to work together toward a common mission...

MSUB MINUTE: Registration for MSUB’s '23 Summer Classes Opens February 21st

With registration opening on February 21st, now is the time to get a jump start on college or put plans in motion to continue learning year-round at MSU Billings!

Three Students React to the Documentary 'Screenagers'

Recently, Will James Middle School hosted a free community screening of the documentary 'Screenagers,' check out the reactions of three pre-teens.

MSUB Student Applies His Education in High-Level Crow Tribe Position

Putting a degree to work in the real world, Levi Black Eagle balances family, education, and dedication to his Tribe as the secretary of the Crow Tribe of Indians and a representative on the Montana A...

Local Contractor, Langlas & Associates Complete Construction on Montana's First Medical School

We took you inside the new Rocky Vista University-Montana College of Osteopathic Medicine, now come behind the scenes with the contractors that delivered the project on time.

Inside Montana’s First Medical School: RVU-MCOM, part 2

Come explore Montana's first medical school, Rocky Vista University-Montana College of Osteopathic Medicine, with Simply Local Billings.

Inside Montana’s First Medical School: RVU-MCOM, part 1

Construction is officially complete on the new 138,000-square-foot Rocky Vista University-Montana College of Osteopathic Medicine campus. Simply Local Billings toured the facility and got the scoop on...

Kee Dunning to Present at SD2 Parent Resource Night

On January 26, 2023, Kee Dunning, MS, MEd, LCPC, LMFT, a licensed clinical professional counselor will present “The Three Big Emotions: Anger, Anxiety, and Depression” at SD2's Parent Resource Night....

MSUB Science Expo Hosts 2023 Kickoff Event

Calling all budding scientists in grades 1-12! MSUB is hosting its annual kickoff event on Saturday, January 14.

MSUB Hosts Annual Power of One Week, Jan 16-21

The community is invited to participate in MSUB's jam-packed Power of One Week, January 16-21.

Creating a Space for Everyone: Navigating the IEP Process

Navigating your students' rights is difficult, particularly if you’re unsure where to start. When securing the best academic experience possible for our children, we often lean on the schools to help...

Chasing a Long Winter’s Nap

Why do we all tend to want to bulk up and slow down when the days are short, and the temperatures drop? It turns out it’s a pretty universal condition. Read on to find out how to embrace this season a...

Creativity Retains Educators

There have been major changes - in the last few years especially - in how the workforce operates. Creativity has been unleashed, and that has served one classroom, its students, and two educators well...

Rockin’ Weather School Brings Science to Life

Wrestling, radio and… weather?! What do these things have in common? After following an unexpected path to becoming a Meteorologist, Q2’s Miller Robson shares his love of weather with classrooms throu...

MSUB Announces Chancellor’s Excellence Scholars

Higher education is a critical step for many pursuing a career and a well-rounded academic skillset, and scholarships can make that step much more accessible for students. The fall 2022 Chancellor’s E...

Birthday Kits Given to Students & Families in Need in School District 2

As a parent, it’s difficult to imagine not being able to celebrate your child’s birthday. Unfortunately, for many families, that is their reality. Even simple ingredients needed to make a boxed cake,...

NOVA Opens Enrollment for Spring '23 Classes

Enrollment has opened for NOVA Center for the Performing Arts spring 2023 Youth Conservatory classes (with classes starting as early as January 10). Get the class descriptions and schedule here!

MSUB Professor Pioneers ALS Research with Undergrad Students

“Instead of learning about science in the classroom, they get to actually perform science at the bench—they get to run their own experiments and participate in asking questions that have never been as...

MSUB Hosts Healthcare Career Summit for HS Students

On Friday, December 2, Montana State University Billings, in partnership with the Montana BioScience Alliance, is hosting a Healthcare Career Summit for local high school students interested in a care...

Gifts of Gratitude: Top Gifts for Teachers

It can be difficult to find the perfect gift for teachers. The stakes feel high: you want to show them how much you appreciate their work, but you may not know them well. Check out our Gift Guide writ...

MSUB MINUTE: Enrollment Up in Key Areas for MSU Billings

Montana State University Billings welcomed its largest freshmen class in three years this fall with increases in military-affiliated, Hispanic, and Native American student enrollment.

STEM Under the Tree

Making lists and checking them twice? This Christmas, consider giving gifts that will boost their brains. We’ve got you covered with our list of STEM-based toys and gift ideas.

One Class at a Time: Honor Teachers Who Make a Difference

Hardworking teachers and school staff deserve our thanks, and One Class at a Time is focused on doing exactly that. Check out the program that grants $500 to classrooms across the community and learn...

Backyard Exploration Series: Hit the Dino Trail

Rain, snow or sun, there are dinos all over Montana waiting to be discovered! Check out the Montana Dino Trail to learn more about dinosaurs found throughout the state in charming small towns and awes...

MSUB Partnership with Tribal Colleges Eases Student Transfer Process

MSU Billings continues making access easy! They’ve recently added Fort Peck Community College and Chief Dull Knife College to their partnership list, meaning graduates with certain degrees can transfe...

Thanksgiving How-To: Gratitude through Sharing, Food and Intention

Giving thanks is the name of the game this time of year, but sometimes we just go through the motions. Here’s a list of easy and impactful ways you can show gratitude - and encourage gratitude in othe...

ZooMontana Debuts Born Learning Trail

Come explore ZooMontana's new Born Learning Trail, making its debut on November 10. This new, interactive trail is brought to our community in a collaborative effort between the Zoo, United Way, and P...

MVSC at MSUB Connects Veterans & Military Affiliated Students to Resources

When Veteran and Military affiliated students come to MSU Billings, the Military and Veterans Success Center (MVSC) is not only a critical resource, but a warm welcome. And MSUB’s center is widely rec...

BPL Hosts 'Americans and the Holocaust' Traveling Exhibit

Billings Public Library is one of 50 public and university libraries included in the American Library Association's Public Programs Office traveling exhibition, the Americans and the Holocaust. The ex...

A Three-Legged Stool: Connecting Teachers, Students, & Parents for Success

A lesson Tegan Leffler learned early in her teaching career was the importance of communication and connection. Her teaching partner in her first year described building a three-legged stool for each...

Discovery Abounds at Wise Wonders

Wise Wonders, a local hands-on museum, has been growing and expanding since its inception. But did you know it is also home to a wide variety of educational science programming for students of all age...

National Bullying Prevention Month

October is National Bullying Prevention Month and we rounded up some information about the all-too-important topic of bullying.

The Two Roads Project

The Two Roads Project empowers students to take initiative and make a difference. With just $100 and 90 days, eighth-grade students not only change their lives, but they can also create a lasting impa...

MSUB Institute for Neurodiversity to Expand Services in Eastern Montana

Montana State University Billings’ Montana Center for Inclusive Education received, for the first time, a $25,000 grant from the Montana Healthcare Foundation to support the work of MSUB’s Institute f...

Raising Financially Savvy Kids

Raising financially savvy kids in the 21st century means recognizing that banking has mostly stayed the same, but technology has made things easier and more convenient. Let's use the tools available i...

Financial Lessons at Every Age & Stage

“Teaching kids about money should start from a fairly young age,” explained Melissa Yackley, Vice President of Stockman Bank. “As soon as they start asking questions or asking to buy things, it’s time...

Quoth the Raven

If you’ve ever had your spine tingle while reading The Raven, you’re not alone. But literature’s most famous bird isn’t a fair representation of how ravens and crows act in the wild. They belong to hu...

Physics on the Green

Do you know how golf balls got their distinctive shape? How does the force that keeps roller coasters on their tracks help your game? Read on to find out how you can use science to hit the ball farthe...

MSU Billings Helps Students and Alumni Move Forward

Career and Employment Services at MSU Billings helps with so much more than finding a job; they guide through work-study, part-time work, and internships while also working to help build exceptional r...

Local Reads & Can't-Miss Titles

As summer fades into fall, cozy weather will have us itching to curl up with a good book. Julie Schultz (This House of Books) has hooked us up with can't-miss reads for all ages.

Stuff the Bus Aug 5-7 to Help Students & Teachers in Need

Help teachers and students start the 2022-'23 school year on the right foot by joining in to "Stuff the Bus," August 5-7.

MSUB Minute: 30 to Finish

MSU Billings emphasizes its 30 to Finish campaign, encouraging students to take a course load of 30 credits per year, or 15 credits each semester, which allows students to complete most degrees at MSU...

Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument

Our national monuments are places where our nation's full history can be revealed, revered, and in many cases, mourned. Read up on one family’s road trip to Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monumen...

Life in the Extremes

No question, the bears, bison, and wolves in Yellowstone are impressive. But did you know that some of the most exciting life is actually inches away from your feet, quietly humming along in water tha...

Putting Pen to Paper

Whether you've got writer's block or you're just looking to engage the brain, we've gathered a few of our favorite writing prompts.

Backyard Exploration Series: Pompeys Pillar National Monument

For our 3rd installment in the Backyard Exploration Series, we're heading to Pompeys Pillar National Monument!

Backyard Exploration Series: Huntley Project Museum

For our next stop on the Backyard Exploration Series, let's visit Huntley Project Museum!

Learning Through Play with Billings Parks & Rec and the YMCA

The good news is that the summer slide is preventable. Billings offers summer programming that is both entertaining and high-quality, with thoughtfully developed schedules executed to ensure children...

MSUB Minute: Be a Montana 10 Scholar

Montana 10 is an exciting new opportunity for Fall 2022 freshmen at Montana State University Billings - get the details!

What Lies Beneath: Exploring Yellowstone

"Like a lot of people, when you go to Yellowstone, you wonder, where does all this water come from? How does it get there? Why is it here and not other places?" Finn said. "Yellowstone has the most th...

Backyard Exploration Series: Moss Mansion Historic House

For this first installment of the Backyard Exploration Series, let's stop at Moss Mansion!

Free Reading Opportunities in Billings

Trying to avoid the summer slump doesn't have to be a battle. Billings is fortunate to have oodles of opportunities to connect kids with books all summer long!

MSUB to Receive $1.9M Upward Bound Grant from US Dept of Education

To support low-income students seeking to become the first in their families to earn a degree, the U.S. Department of Education announced that Montana State University Billings will receive an Upward...

BPL Bike Library Hits the Road for the 2022 Season

Billings Public Library's Bike Library is ready to hit the road for the 2022 season!

Educating & Empowering Healthy Online Choices

Parents need tools and resources to help them navigate the ever-changing digital world and keep their kids emotionally, mentally, and physically healthy. One Billings-born organization has a passion f...

Exploring Careers & Making Student-Employer Connections

Statistics show that current kindergarteners will one day have careers not yet in existence. The requirements for careers are ever-changing, as are the institutions providing them. With so many choice...

MSUB Launches New Certificate of Health Administration and Leadership

MSU Billings has proudly offered the Master of Health Administration degree program for more than 20 years with a focus on rural-frontier healthcare delivery. The program provides the knowledge and sk...

Yellowstone Science: Acoustic Atlas

Auditory input is woven into our lives, but sounds can shift. Like the sounds of a prairie before people built cities, what was once ubiquitous can be changed or forgotten. And in a place like Yellows...

Get Acquainted with MSU Billings

Are you planning on attending MSU Billings in the fall as a new student? Then you won't want to miss out on the new student orientations that are conveniently held on multiple dates throughout the sum...

MSUB Announces Institute for Neurodiversity & Applied Behavior Analysis

The Institute will serve children in the region with mental, social, and behavioral differences associated with autism spectrum disorders, developmental disabilities, similar mental health disorders,...

Deep Dive into a Good Book with BPL's Summer Reading Program

Billings Public Library is ready to keep readers of all ages engaged with its 2022 summer reading program. Take a deep dive into a good book with this year's theme, Oceans of Possibilities.

1st Annual Montana Kid Lit Festival Coming to Billings

The festival is scheduled for June 8-11, 2022. Join in this celebration of children’s literature with chances to meet regional authors and illustrators.

EFBPS' Reading Rocks Summer Reading Program Returns in 2022

Check out the 2022 schedule for EFBPS' Reading Rocks summer reading program (in tandem with SD2's free lunch program).

MSUB

Montana State University-Billings (MSUB) offers a dynamic educational experience with both online and on-campus courses

EDUCATION-RELATED EVENTS:

Dec5Tue5:00 PM

Nature Nuts Preschool Program | Montana Audubon Center

10-11am, Tuesdays
Montana Audubon Center.
Ages 1-4 years old (and an accompanying adult). Guided nature exploration.
Nature exploration comes naturally, especially for kids! Join our teacher natural...

Dec9Sat5:00 PM

Basic Life Support CPR/AED Provider class | America First Response

10am-2pm, Nov 9, Dec 9 // 11am-3pm, Nov 14, Dec 12 // 6-9pm, Nov 29, Dec 27. America First Response, 3333 2nd Ave N, Ste 250, Billings. For medical professionals. Cost: $80. Register: www.amer...

Dec9Sat5:00 PM

Free! Monthly Car Seat Check (by appointment)

Free! Monthly Car Seat Check (BY APPOINTMENT). 10am-2pm. AMR, 1701 Montana Ave. Schedule your appointment: www.picktime.com

Dec9Sat9:00 PM

Heartsaver CPR/AED/First Aid class | AFR

For the general public. 11am-3pm, Dec 13 // 2-5pm, Nov 25, Dec 9 // 6-9pm, Nov 28, Dec 21. America First Response, 3333 2nd Ave N, Ste 250, Billings. CPR/AED/First Aid training for the general public...

Dec12Tue5:00 PM

Nature Nuts Preschool Program | Montana Audubon Center

Dec12Tue6:00 PM

Basic Life Support CPR/AED Provider class | America First Response

10am-2pm, Nov 9, Dec 9 // 11am-3pm, Nov 14, Dec 12 // 6-9pm, Nov 29, Dec 27. America First Response, 3333 2nd Ave N, Ste 250, Billings. For medical professionals. Cost: $80. Register: www.amer...

Dec13Wed1:00 AM

Yellowstone Valley Citizens Council Open Meeting | BPL

6-7:30pm. Billings Public Library Community Room. The Yellowstone Valley Citizens Council will be sponsoring an open public meeting to discuss the City of Billings' $1 million urban forestry grant. Tr...

Dec13Wed1:00 AM

Pediatric CPR/AED/First Aid class | America First Response

10am-2pm, Dec 2 // 11am-3pm, Nov 28, Dec 27 // 6-9pm, Nov 15, Dec 12. America First Response, 3333 2nd Ave N, Ste 250, Billings. Cost: $80. For daycare providers and anyone who works with children. Re...

Dec13Wed6:00 PM

Heartsaver CPR/AED/First Aid class | AFR

Dec14Thu1:00 AM

CASA Virtual Information Session

6pm | Nov 28, Dec 13.
Virtual. This is for anyone interested in becoming a volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocate for a child in foster care. RSVP to emily@yellowstonecasa.org.
More info: https:...

Dec19Tue5:00 PM

Nature Nuts Preschool Program | Montana Audubon Center

Dec20Wed6:00 PM

CASA Information Session

10am, Nov 9 // 11am, Dec 20. CASA office, 1201 Grand Ave, Suite 5. This is for anyone interested in becoming a volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocate for a child in foster care.

Dec22Fri1:00 AM

Heartsaver CPR/AED/First Aid class | AFR

Dec27Wed6:00 PM

Pediatric CPR/AED/First Aid class | America First Response

Dec28Thu1:00 AM

Basic Life Support CPR/AED Provider class | America First Response

10am-2pm, Nov 9, Dec 9 // 11am-3pm, Nov 14, Dec 12 // 6-9pm, Nov 29, Dec 27. America First Response, 3333 2nd Ave N, Ste 250, Billings. For medical professionals. Cost: $80. Register: www.amer...

Jan9Tue5:00 PM