2022 Simply Amazing Teen: Kaden Heller

Introducing 2022's Simply Amazing Teen: Kaden Heller.

Soaring Ahead with Roots and Wings

Hopefully, by the time teens transition from high school to college, the roots have been planted and cultivated, and students are ready to soar. Enter Headwaters Educational Consulting, which offers f...

Tween Coping Skills

“There’s a lot more anxiety for kids because of the unknown and unpredictability present in today’s world.” -Amber Ault, school counselor at Ben Steele Middle School

MSUB Holds 95th Annual Commencement Ceremony on May 7

Congratulations to MSUB's class of 2022 graduates!

Montana’s Dinosaur Country: Close to Home, Eons Away

In eastern Montana, rocky terrains span the horizon. Seemingly barren, the sandstones and shales underfoot tell a different story. Close to home, but eons away: this is dinosaur country.

Finding a Haven Through Summer Camp

The heartbeat of Haven Camp is outlined in the mission statement: "We want to provide a safe and fun camping experience for children in foster care where they will have the opportunity to build new fr...

Parenting the Heart

One of the greatest challenges I've experienced in parenting my children's hearts and not just their external behavior is getting my own heart in check. Do I have unrealistic expectations? Am I priori...

Prevent the Summer Slide

Camps, vacations, and lazy summer days are near, but so is a bit of boredom and a long stretch without the education system helping shape our children’s minds.

Keep on Learning

The tagline "Keep on Learning" drives everything that prolific science educator Craig Beals does.

2022 Summer Camps & Activities Guide

It's here! It's time to start planning for your Best Summer Ever!

Tiny Warriors

14 weeks early. 2 pounds, 12 inches long. 10 seconds before your baby is whisked away to the NICU. 1 global pandemic. 104 days in the NICU. Meet Luca and his mama, Anjali, NICU warriors.

Gratitude for School District 2 Educators

“Educators are burned out,” explained Kelly Edwards, one of the volunteers spearheading the effort. “There was a clear need to show appreciation for our teachers, given the hardship they face.”

MSUB Minutes: March 2022

With a competitive employment market and tons of opportunities for growth, now is the perfect time to consider a return to school.

Atomic Circus Takes the Show on the Road

With a vibe straight out of Nickelodeon’s You Can’t Do That On Television, the Atomic Circus’s mashup of magic show, dance performance, rock concert, and occasional explosions has been delighting stan...

The Changing Face of Childcare: Creativity and Flexibility

It's fair to say that we're experiencing something of a childcare crisis as we continue to navigate the changes brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. This month we're looking at some of the ways famili...

When Love Breaks Through

Youth Works, a CLDI program, has a team that works tirelessly to build meaningful relationships with kids on the South Side of Billings.

AWARE’s Early Head Start Services

Since its inception in 1974, AWARE has evolved and expanded to meet community and family needs across Montana.

The Dog’s Nose… Knows

Superheroes have nothing on canines. Dogs’ hearing is two to three times more sensitive than ours, and their paws can detect unstable ground, a lifesaving feat when potential avalanches threaten a mis...

Keeping the Calm at Home

This month we're looking at how creating routines at home can help it to be the calm center for our family to rely upon, regardless of what's happening out in the world.

High School History with a College Spin: Dual Credit with Mr. Jones

“With Dual Credit, students receive high school AND college credit at the same time. Students earn three college-credits in American History each semester of this course, which will assist them in com...

January 2022 MSUB Minutes

Checking in with MSUB as we head into the Spring semester!

Code Girls United

Today, Code Girls United groups are in 14 locations across Montana, including Red Lodge and Joliet, and two online groups, where several students from Billings participate.

Just the Girls: A Holiday Tradition

So often, our traditions are passed down from one generation to the next in our families. Perhaps it is extra special when our friends fold us into their own traditions.

Wraptastic: Beyond Boring Brown Paper Packages

This year, take your gift-wrapping skills to the next level and impress your recipients by coordinating wrapping paper, ribbons, and adornments for perfect holiday packaging.

Giving a Gift to Students in Need

The only Title high school in town, and with a student body surpassing 1,900 students, Senior has the largest homeless and At-Risk population. Nine years ago, a parent decided more help was needed for...

The Origin of Montana’s Treasures

Montana’s moniker, the “Treasure State,” dates back to the discovery of gold, when thousands of prospectors flocked to the state in the 1860s. But when the gold ran out, there were still billions in u...

Spreading Magic with Project Christmas Miracle

Project Christmas Miracle: Giving hope one tree at a time. Find out how you spread a little magic this holiday season!

A Voice for Those Who Can’t Speak Up for Themselves

Advocate: A noun. A person who publicly supports a particular cause or policy. In the case of CASA of Yellowstone County, an advocate means so much more.

A Passion for Animals: ZooMontana’s Jeff Ewelt

We settled in for a chat with ZooMontana's executive director, Jeff Ewelt, to learn more about his story and the Zoo, behind the scenes.

MSUB MINUTES: Scholarships

MSUB awards nearly $1.8 million in scholarships each academic year! Make sure to explore your options before the deadlines.

To Stave Off Cold and Flu, Eat the Alphabet

Your hard-working immune system is an absolute marvel of elegant complexity, with layer upon layer working together to keep you healthy. Let's look at how "eating the alphabet" can help stave off cold...

Beauty from Ashes

“My story is about beauty from ashes.”
-Chantina Pretty Weasel

One Woman’s Story of Embracing Apsaaloóke Culture

There is something incredibly beautiful and empowering about knowing oneself. Kaitlin Hugs shares her story of growing up as a member of the Crow Tribe.

Bats: Better Than You Think

As the air starts to chill, bats make their way to their winter homes, nestling in for winter hibernation. And while it's tempting to align them with all things creepy, the reality is they are more cl...

The Keepers of the Memories

Don't let just one person be the collector of your family's stories, be an active participant. May we all be the keeper and sharer of our stories.

Out of the Shadows, Into the Light

"The living owe it to those who no longer can speak to tell their story for them," wrote author Czeslaw Milosz. Given the staggering facts surrounding Alzheimer's disease, all of humanity owes a huge...

Making a Splash to Prevent Elder Abuse

The Rubber Duck Regatta fundraiser is crucial to Big Sky Senior Service's success. Join in the fun on September 26.

Sticking with the 406

Chad and Kelsea Schreiner have had many opportunities to leave for studies, work, and travel. Yet, their hearts have continuously resided in Montana. Their passion for Billings runs deep, both as prof...

MSUB MINUTES: Powwow Week (Postponed)

The MSU Billings Native American Achievement Center invites you to join in the celebration of the beginning of the school year and our community’s diverse culture by checking out Powwow Week!

Great Storms of Fire

Wildfires are dangerous, destructive, and a part of summer life for much of the Western United States. And they are incredibly complex.

Reimagining Youth Sports

It would take a massive reawakening to truly effect change in the way youth sports operate. Barring that, we're looking at ways we could challenge the current mindset.

AMPing up Athletic Performance

What does it take to be an extraordinary athlete? Talent for the sport certainly helps, but as basketball champion Magic Johnson said: "Talent is never enough. With few exceptions the best players are...

The Buzz of Back-to-School

Have you heard the buzz around MSUB? Classes and orientations have successfully taken place throughout the summer and after the uncertainties of 2020, the Yellowjackets are thrilled to be looking ahea...

What Killed the Dinosaurs? Go See for Yourself!

A 3-hour drive from Billings sits Makoshika State Park, which can give you a peek back in time (around 66 million years ago), offering an impressive physical reminder of the last days of some of Earth...

Changing the World Through the Lives of Children: Lacy Bradley

“I thought to myself, I just want to pour positivity into the world, and children are the future. Working with children will have the biggest impact to bettering our future.” -Lacy Bradley

Top 3 Mountain Hikes With Kids

While hikes with tykes require more work, strength, and determination, the reward outweighs it all!

Ka-Boom! The Science of Fireworks

Because fireworks are so common, it might be easy to overlook the hours upon hours of detailed, behind-the-scenes work needed to launch a dazzling display.

It’s More Than Just Hair Dye

Food for thought: When your kid wants to color their hair some shade of the rainbow, remember it's only hair, but it might be a whole lot more than just hair dye.

Connecting the Dots of Elderly Care

Born and raised in Montana, Avanlee developed the nationally available Avanlee app to fill a void that once existed in the world of caregiving.

#GirlDad

We're taking a deep dive into the importance of the father-daughter relationship. What does being a #girldad mean to you?

Bonding Through Babysitting

A dual perspective by a mom and teen babysitter on creating healthy, trusting, and lasting relationships between babysitter and family.

Discovering Laura’s “Little Town on the Prairie”

Far across the windswept plains and prairies of eastern Montana and South Dakota lies the tiny town of De Smet, the setting of the second half of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s “Little House” books.

The Growth Process

You can't always see progress while it's in process. My brain works by creating word pictures, analogies, and metaphors. I can find a theme in everything, and everything becomes a teaching topic. Bota...

Walt Disney World: Where Dreams Come True

When planning a trip to the most magical place on Earth, who better to take advice from than Walt Disney himself? “First, think. Second, dream. Third, believe. And finally, dare.” ~Walt Disney

2021 Simply Amazing Teen: Sophia Bohl

Meet 2021's Simply Amazing Teen, Sophia Bohl. Competitive, determined, hard-working and extremely deserving.

Life After High School: What's Next?

There is more than one path to take after high school, what's next for you?

Scents of Spring

The next time you decide to stop and smell the roses, you'll know the hows and whys of a flower's scent!

Rediscovering Wise Wonders

In April 2021 Wise Wonders Science and Discovery Museum reopened its doors for the first time since the pandemic-caused shutdown in 2020. The museum used the year for expansion, growth, and new ideas!...

Mountain Biking: The Hottest Growing Outdoor Adventure

The popularity of mountain biking has been growing across the country in recent years, and so too has its prominence in Billings.

A Stellar Camp Experience

Exploring all that Montana Learning Center has to offer your camper this summer!

2021 Summer Camps & Activities Guide

It's here! It's time to start planning for your Best Summer Ever!

No Party? No Problem

We're looking beyond the party with these non-party celebration ideas!

Ask the Author: 'What’s Missing Is You'

Chelsie Kerns, author of 'What’s Missing is You: A Creatively Happy Place to Journal and Document One of the Worst Times of Your Life' has created a guided workbook to help children in the aftermath o...

Showcasing the Treasure State’s Young Scientists

The MSU-B Science Expo's connecting of young scientists with scientific professionals in the community is one of the event's highlights, says Dr. Daniel Willems.

Social & Emotional Preparation for Preschoolers

Filling our littles' social and emotional toolbox.

Breaking the Non-Verbal Barrier with Baby Sign

When our littles are pre-verbal or are operating at the beginning stages of their vocabulary, frustration can easily set in as little and parent struggle to communicate. Enter baby sign language as an...

Preschoolers: Honest, Innocent, and Oh-So-Curious

Musings of Billings-area 2020-'21 preschoolers. (They are as precious as you might have imagined).

3 Powerful Components to Healthy Relationships

"What does love look like in a healthy relationship?" Therapist, Gwen Felten, explores that question in this piece.

Circling Up Over Math

Go behind the scenes with MSUB's Math Circle - a place that helps students to see math from a different angle while being creative and seeing how it connects with different games and puzzles.

Life Below the Freezing Point

Ever wonder what's happening beneath the frozen surfaces during winter? Like, where did everybody go? Turns out, not far.

The Gift of Community

Motherhood can be lonely, even though moms are almost never alone. The camaraderie of other moms is the perfect medicine to make it through the hard days.

Four O Six Nannies: Connecting Montana Families with the Care they Need

How does a Montana parent locate a passionate, reliable, honest, carefully-vetted person to watch their kids? This is where your Big Sky neighbor, Karissa Erickson of Four O Six Nannies, comes into pl...

Hindsight is 2020

Though 2020 might have come through like a wrecking ball, there were some changes that were ultimately for the better; hindsight is 20/20, after all.

Essential Life Skills at Every Age & Stage

There are lessons to be learned in every age and stage, skills to be taught that will ultimately prepare our precious beings for life out in the world. Along the way, before they leave the nest, these...

Filling the Emotional Toolbox

Model >>> Engage >>> Exercise Independence

Christmas Wreath Lane Celebrates 60 Years

Though neighbors have come and gone, Christmas Wreath Lane has managed to shine bright for 60 years.

Ask the Author: 'Jelly Bean Dean'

When Tracy Stanaway's mother Jerrine (nicknamed Jelly Bean Dean) passed away in 2019, she was inspired to write a book centered on her mother's beloved nickname.

Advent Traditions

Imagine a December filled with slow. With heart-awakening activity. A December whose gentle, beckoning winds invite us to beauty and majesty that enrich our days.
Consider a long-observed Christmas...

10 Ways to Celebrate the Holidays Old School

As if you were stepping right out of a Hallmark movie, check out these ideas for celebrating the holidays old school!

Creating Christmas at Every Stage

Let’s journey our way through a few of life’s stages and look at how to create – not perfect – but memorable, perfectly imperfect Christmas experiences at every stage along the way.

Our Brains on Nature

Taking care of your mental health, particularly when this season might feel less than merry, is critical. Scientists, physicians, and therapists know that repeated stress can...

Science at Home

As record numbers of families turn to home school and distance learning this year, many parents and caregivers are working their way up the steep learning curve of teaching around the kitchen table. S...

The Comfort of Care Close to Home

A look at how having a pediatric orthopedic surgeon in our community has made a difference to one local family.

Youth Empowerment Program

With resources of all kinds seeking to fill the gaps in times of difficulty, the Youth Empowerment Program strives to help young people participate in the things that they love most.

Keeping Schools Safe

During the pandemic it's become glaringly apparent that schools are not just a place for academics. Schools provide students a place that supports mental, physical, and emotional health, which is at t...

The Loneliness Epidemic: 3 Ways to Stay Connected

"Social isolation is as deadly as smoking 15 cigarettes a day." As coined by researchers, this "Loneliness Epidemic" can be even more deadly than the pandemic that continues to dominate our lives, 8 m...

Once Upon a Dream: Boxdrop Billings

Once upon a dream...Let Boxdrop Billings help you find the mattress that will deliver you to the sweetest of dreams!

Taking the Creepy Out of the Crawlies

Around this time of year, spiders start making their often unwelcome appearance inside as the weather turns cooler. But before you reach for the shoe, it’s important to know how beneficial these anima...

5 Halloween Celebration Ideas

Here are 5 ideas to make this the BEST Halloween yet, pandemic and all!

Family Themed Costumes

Fun family-themed costume ideas for Halloween!

Bittersweet

Allowing "sweet" to coexist in the face of "bitter."

Teens and their BIG Emotions

The teen years are brimming with ALL the emotions, so let's talk tips for helping parents understand them AND help their teen handle all of the BIG emotions.

Can You Be-Leaf these Colors?

It’s arguably one of the best offerings of fall: tree branches exploding with color in the delightfully crisp air. But why do leaves change color this time of year? We all know that it happens, but wh...

My Baby and a Backpack

A mom's thoughts on sending her "baby" to school.

Grace Drenched Words

Our words have more power than that little sticks and stones rhyme gives credit. Words can be world wreckers or healing balm.

Making Room for ALL the Emotions

2020 has been a dumpster fire rolling down a hill towards a cliff with a lake of acid at the bottom. If you are tired all the time, feeling more physical pain, crying more easily, or finding yourself...

21st Century Play at the Billings YMCA

The Billings Family YMCA, one of the largest youth programming providers in Yellowstone County, recently completed an extensive renovation project on the Mary Alice Fortin Youth Center

The Truth About Transitions

As another school year begins and many young children (and their parents or guardians) face significant transitions, here are some tools and resources that may help you and your little navigate what c...

5 Expert Tips for a Safe Return to School

As plans are finalized (in flux) for the return to school, there are things families can be doing to ensure a safe return to school.

Adapting Education Amid a Pandemic

The last three months of the 2019-’20 school year were like none other that we’ve experienced before, and Billings Catholic Schools adapted well amid the upheaval.