Kelly McCandless is a Billings native who loves a well-planned adventure, being outdoors when the weather is nice, historic fiction and hot coffee. She’s passionate about writing, cooking, education, travel and doing all of these things with her husband Ryan and their two incredible daughters

Reading Intervention for At-Risk Students

Reading is one of the most foundational skills for all children, and Billings Public Schools is working hard to adjust courses and support more students in their quest for literacy.

Feeding Students, Together

The Education Foundation for Billings Public Schools feeds over 800 students every single week. One group of women are making a huge difference in the lives of these kids by working together.

Exceptional Jewelry, Unforgettable Experiences: Yellowstone Jewelers

Local jewelry expert Matt Bonner ups the game with his new business, Yellowstone Jewelers. Read on to see how he makes your experience in his store totally different.

Keeping it Local: Billings Boasts the Hottest Gifts this Season

Shopping for our kids can be tricky. Keep it simple this year! Whittle your list down to things your kids want, need, wear and read. Then, shop local. Check out the hottest gifts we found around town!

Positive Outlook, Difficult Situations: Youth Peer Pressure

Kids begin experiencing peer pressure from an early age, but a local expert shares her experience with adolescents changing the trend. A growing respect for different value sets and boundaries means t...

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...

Head, Heart, Hands, and Health in 4-H

4-H brings the head, heart, hands and health into focus for kids of all ages, reaching beyond farming and ranching to projects rooted in science, art, and more. Check out why families of all kinds are...

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.

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!

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,...

Teacher Appreciation: How to Say Thank You

Say thanks to the educators in your life as the school year ends. We’ve got ideas both big and small to help you show your appreciation.

MSU Billings 2023 Wine and Food Festival

This year, the Wine and Food Festival event lineup takes place May 18-20. It has raised over $7.1 million (net) and engaged thousands of friends with MSU Billings through classes, tastings, dinners, a...

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...

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...

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.

Laurel Schools Seek Bond Support from Voters

Laurel Public Schools is asking for support for a bond to improve their entire district. Ballots will be mailed the week of April 10th; learn about the needs to help cast an informed vote!

Taste the World During the 18th Annual International Food Fair at MSUB

The public is invited to attend the 18th annual International Food Fair and enjoy international cuisine in a diverse atmosphere, as well as experience the world beyond Billings by engaging with MSUB’s...

Autistic Stand Up Comedian Michael McCreary Visits MSUB

Twenty-six-year-old Michael McCreary is an autistic comedian, actor, author, and TEDx speaker who’s been performing standup comedy since age 13. He’ll perform in Petro Theater of the MSUB Student Unio...

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...

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...

Part 2: 8th Grade Students from Lewis and Clark are Changing the Billings Community

In October '22, we told you about LCMS students participating in the Two Roads Project, today we're seeing those projects come to fruition. Come along and allow your heart to grow three sizes at the c...

Part 1: 8th Grade Students from Lewis and Clark are Changing the Billings Community

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...

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...

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.

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....

Celebrate Diversity and Honor the Legacy of MLK with MSUB

We all can learn more when we connect to cultures we’re unfamiliar with. Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. by celebrating diversity this week at MSU Billings! Dozens of events are available for the co...

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...

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,...

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...

Twinkling Lights at Holiday Nights

There’s even more to love this holiday season with the addition of Holiday Nights in Billings. A visit to ZooMontana for the event will immerse you in a world of twinkling lights and holiday cheer as...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

How to Make Cheap & Creative Halloween Boxtumes

With rising costs all around us, it’s always nice to find an area to save a few bucks. Eric Leggate with Two Men and a Truck shares his tips for making affordable – and easy – “Boxtumes”.

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...

MSU Billings Simplifies Credit Transfer

Now, more than ever, transferring from one college to another is easier than ever with the advent of the Interstate Passport program, which allows college students to transfer their courses from one 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...

MSUB Programs Focus on Mental Health and Wellbeing

National data demonstrates that today’s college students face significant mental health issues. Somber statistics emphasize the importance of providing mental health support, and MSUB offers a multitu...

Rocky Mountain College Represents International Students

We know the campuses in our community deliver a ton of value: amazing resources, exceptional jobs, attracting quality students to hopefully live and work in Billings, and so much more. We may not real...

MSUB Alumni Spotlight: Garrett Woodin

Garrett Woodin graduated from MSUB just two years ago after an impressive career as a college athlete for the university. Today, he is the assistant golf pro for Hilands Golf Club.

MSUB Welcomes Students to Campus for 2022-'23 School Year

It's officially back to school for MSU Billings! Fall 2022 Welcome Week festivities officially kicked off on September 4 with classes beginning later this week.

Seeking the Green

Both MSUB and Rocky Mountain College are proud to share the balance of academic skill with athletic prowess when it comes to their golf teams.

Backyard Exploration Series: The Historic Babcock Theatre and Art House

For our next stop on the Backyard Exploration Series, we're visiting two of the greatest treasures in downtown Billings.

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...

MSU Billings Students’ Grit Takes Her to the Finish Line

When life threw heartbreaking, life-changing challenges at Angelica Johnson, she found the fortitude to keep moving forward, working to earn an advanced degree in special education from MSU Billings.

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.

Adopt a Teacher Billings

“Teachers spend so much of their own money on getting supplies, snacks, and much-needed items for their classrooms. This is a group where you can adopt a teacher to help offset these costs!” -Adopt a...

Fighting the Shame and Stigma of Death by Overdose

Creating a safe space to grieve is what brought Carol and Kim together. Their tender stories include tragedy: Carol lost her 22-year-old daughter in November of 2016. She had been in treatment for 15...

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...

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.

MSUB Environmental Studies Graduate Making a Difference

Recent Montana State University Billings environmental studies graduate and pilot Sarah Cozart missed her recent college graduation for an extremely unique reason: She was flying a research mission fo...

Backyard Exploration Series: Pompeys Pillar National Monument

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

MSU Billings Student Takes Gold at National Competition

Congratulations to Dylan Miller who won gold at the 2022 Skills USA National Conference in Atlanta, GA!

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!

Backyard Exploration Series: Moss Mansion Historic House

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

Summer Slides & Slumps: Keep Our Bodies Active

Here are a few ideas to help you beat the slump and keep kiddos moving through the summer.

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!

Up Close with the Coaches & Athletes: MSUB Summer Camps

MSUB Sports Camps provide outstanding opportunities to develop youth athletic skills. In addition to fundamental instruction, campers will be exposed to sport-specific strategies and will have the cha...

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...

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,...

MasterLube Shows Up for Grads

In Billings, MasterLube is almost synonymous with graduation. Have you ever wondered about the backstory on MasterLube's Grad Day and the War of the Walls? Wonder no more...

Tech Savvy Pre-Schoolers: Solving COVID Gaps with Access to Technology

Today, even our littlest learners are being immersed in the latest technology – not for fun, but for their education. To best serve their students, Head Start. Inc., also known as Explorers Academy, r...

Normalizing Mental Health: Starting the Conversation in Kindergarten

A conversation with Kristin Colloton, LCSW, School Counselor at St. Francis for Kindergarten – 4th Grade, and private therapist through Kristin Colloton Counseling

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

$80,000 Awarded to Nearly 100 Teachers Across School District 2

The Education Foundation for Billings Public Schools surprised 96 teachers across School District 2 last week when they visited nearly 25 schools.

8 leaders Honored with MSU Billings’ Outstanding Alumni Awards

The Montana State University Billings Foundation & Alumni Association recently announced the 2022 Outstanding Alumni Award winners. Eight award winners will be recognized in five categories during the...

Life Skills for Kids: Bringing Personal Finance to the Classroom

April might have been designated Youth Month by credit unions across the country in order to shine a spotlight on financial literacy, but Altana strives to make this a year-long endeavor.

Andrew McDonald Named President of Billings Catholic Schools

Billings Catholic Schools names new president, Andrew McDonald. McDonald brings more than 20 years of experience in Catholic education as a teacher and administrator.

MSU Billings Offers Overwatch Project’s Suicide Prevention Training

The Military and Veterans Success Center at Montana State University Billings, in partnership with the Overwatch Project, will host a suicide prevention training on April 5 in Petro Theatre beginning...

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.

A Stroke of Genius: Central High Swim Team Dominates Both In & Out of the Pool

“We coach these kids to understand that swimming, the skills they master, it must come from inside us. We get outside support from parents and administration, coaches and fellow teams, but we also hav...

MSUB Hosts 17th International Food Fair on March 23

Back for the first time since 2019, don't miss MSUB's International Food Fair on March 23, 2022!

MSUB Sneak Peek

Wondering what your life could be like as a Yellowjacket? Don’t miss the opportunity to “try before you buy” during the 2022 Sneak Peek!

Experiment & Explore at the MSU Billings Science Expo

Kids throughout southeast Montana are preparing to put their brains to the test during the MSUB Science Expo on March 18-19 at MSUB.

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 Minute: March 2022

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

Unwind at Montana's Trailhead: The Possibilities are Endless

Come along as we explore 75 ways to unwind as you start 2022.