

October is National Principals Month, and I’d like to take a few minutes to recognize three people who make our schools work every day: Mrs. Heather Dunn at Eureka Elementary, Mr. Jonson England at Eureka Middle School, and Mrs. Cari Lucey at Lincoln County High School.
I spent 15 years as a high school principal, so I know what this job asks of a person. It’s one of the most rewarding roles in education, and one of the most demanding. Much of what a principal does is never seen by the public, and sometimes not even by the staff who work down the hall.
The school day is the visible part. Principals greet students at the door, step into classrooms, cover duties when someone is out, and answer a steady stream of questions from staff, parents, and kids. But the day is often just the beginning. Evenings and weekends are filled with ball games, concerts, plays, fundraisers, and board meetings. Then there are the phone calls and emails that come in after hours, the planning that gets done once the building is quiet, and the tough conversations that don’t wait for a convenient time.
A principal also carries a school with them, wherever they go. They think about the student who had a rough morning, the family going through a hard time, the teacher who needs support, and the safety of every child in the building. A principal who is doing the job well is connected to their school and their students around the clock. That connection is a sign of how much they care, and often is the most rewarding part of the job.
I feel blessed to work alongside three leaders who take that responsibility so seriously. Each has a different school, a different set of students, and a different set of challenges, but all three share a commitment to kids and to the staff who serve them. Our principals set the tone for their buildings. They build a culture where students feel safe, teachers feel supported, and families feel welcome. That is not the stuff that makes headlines, but it shapes the experience of every student who walks through our doors.
If you have a chance this month, I encourage you to say thank you. A short note, a kind word at a game, or a quick hello in the hallway means more than you might think. Principals hear plenty about what needs fixing, and a little encouragement goes a long way.
Mrs. Dunn, Mr. England, and Mrs. Lucey, thank you for your dedication, your long hours, and the heart you bring to this community’s students. Eureka is better because of you.
Joel Graves is Superintendent of Eureka Public Schools.



Notice of School Board Meeting on Monday, October 12 at 6:00pm in the LCHS Library.







Thank you!




Students must be 14 1/2 years old with a birthday on or before May 15, 2012 to be eligible to take. Students will be accepted with the oldest students qualifying first and class will be limited to 24 students. The Student/Parent Meeting will be September 2 at 6:00pm in the LCHS Auditorium, with classes beginning on September 3. Classroom portion is about 5-6 weeks with classes 2-3 times a week from 7:00am-8:00am with driving after school and the weekends. STUDENTS AND PARENTS WILL BE CONTACTED AUGUST 28 TO NOTIFY IF THEIR SON/DAUGHTER QUALIFIES FOR THE CLASS. Students will not miss any school athletics or activities, but may miss an occasional practice. Cost of the class: $320. Deadline to sign up: August 27. Please contact Mr. VanNess at wvanness@teameureka.net with any questions you may have. We will have 2 more sessions this year; one that will start in February 2027 and the other one in May 2027. Scan the code on the graphic or click this link to signup: https://forms.gle/xHEjC26SMi3bzLYc6 or visit www.lchigh.net.




Issue 10 - Lion Bytes
As we wrap up the school year, we want to leave you with one important focus: our kids and their relationship with technology.
Montana Governor Gianforte recently highlighted in his State of the State address the importance of taking a closer look at how early cell phone use is impacting children. It is a conversation worth having.
Research continues to show that delaying smartphones and social media can have a powerful impact on a child’s mental health, focus, and overall development.
If you are looking to learn more, two resources we recommend:
The Anxious Generation
This book explores how the rise of smartphones and social media has changed childhood, linking increased screen time to anxiety, depression, and decreased independence in kids.
The Social Dilemma
This documentary takes a behind-the-scenes look at how social media platforms are designed to keep users engaged, and the impact that has on behavior, attention, and mental health.
This is not about fear. It is about being informed and making thoughtful choices for our kids.
Click the links to learn more.
https://www.anxiousgeneration.com
https://jonathanhaidt.com/anxious-generation
https://news.mt.gov/Governors-Office/Governor_Gianforte_Outlines_Vision_To_Secure_Montanas_Future


Meal Pick-Up Days & Times
• Mondays from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM (3 days of breakfast and lunch)
• Thursdays from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM (4 days of breakfast and lunch)
Anyone interested in signing up for meals, please email Anita at awebb@teameureka.net.Thank you!

You will need to create an account on NFHS to watch the stream, but there is no charge to view the event. Congratulations to all the graduates.! We look forward to celebrating this special day with you all. Doors open at 11:00am!

