LARGE PROGRAMS

The art program at Morning Star is fully funded by PAC, providing students with a rich and engaging creative experience. Led by Mrs. Summerfield, an artist-in-residence who has taught at our school for many years, the program builds on the fundamentals of art as students progress through their time at Morning Star. Throughout the year, students complete five distinct art projects, exploring a variety of mediums. This hands-on approach encourages artistic expression and helps foster creativity in every student.

PAC is proud to fund a wide range of classroom enrichment activities, enhancing the learning experience for students throughout the year. At the start of each school year, PAC supports teachers with gift cards to help stock their classrooms and provide exciting, hands-on activities for their students. We also fund essential classroom material purchases, including books and subscriptions. 

Some notable enrichment activities include drumming with Chet Leach in Kindergarten, a honey bee observation hive and live ant farm in first grade, clay penguin creations with Arts on Fire and a Raptor Center visit in second grade, a ceramics master class in third grade, plant potting in fourth grade, and a Montana Shakespeare Workshop and Raptor Center visit in fifth grade. Additionally, PAC supports the Superkids Fair at the end of the year to celebrate reading and the Superkids program for Kindergarten, first, and second grades, as well as the fifth grade graduation party. These programs, funded by PAC, are an integral part of the educational experience, enriching the classroom and fostering creativity and learning.

Field trips at Morning Star are funded by PAC, including bus transportation, providing students with valuable hands-on learning experiences outside the classroom. 

Notable trips include:

• a visit to the Fire Station for Kindergarten

• a cultural art experience at the Emerson for first-grade

•  a trip to Amaltheia Farm for second-grade

• an educational tour of Sunset Hills Cemetery for third grade

• the Farm Fair and Cross Cut trip for fourth grade

• a government visit to Helena and a trip to Bridger for fifth grade 

PAC offers sponsorships for any field trip with a registration fee, including the skiing trips in fourth and fifth grade, ensuring that all students can participate and enjoy these enriching opportunities.

Each year, PAC volunteers work together to create an ice rink on school grounds, providing a fun and educational resource for students. The rink is used during Health Enhancement classes and is open for skating during lunch. After school, the rink is available to the community, often filled with hockey games and skaters on weekends. In 2024, PAC invested in an ice rink system that allows the rink to open earlier and provide an even better ice experience for all to enjoy.

School-wide events, organized by PAC, offer fun and engaging activities that bring our school community together. These events include lively activities like Bingo, which encourages school spirit and family participation. 

The year-end celebration is a highlight, featuring bounce houses, a DJ, face painting, ice cream for the kids, and food trucks. It’s a festive way to wrap up the school year and celebrate the accomplishments and memories made throughout the year.

The school-wide musical, led by the Bozeman Children’s Theater, gives students the opportunity to participate in a memorable theatrical experience. Fourth and fifth graders take on lead roles and perform in the main choruses, while students in Kindergarten through third grade make up additional choruses. Past productions have included The Lion King Jr. and Willy Wonka Kids, offering students a chance to develop their talents, build confidence, and be part of a collaborative, creative process.

PAC supports the Specials programs, including Music, Health Enhancement, and the Library, by providing funds to meet material and technological needs throughout the year. For the Library, PAC also covers subscriptions for Bookflix and PebbleGo, which are essential tools for student research and provide access to a broader range of books.

PAC organizes several events throughout the year to show appreciation for our dedicated staff. These include a monthly breakfast for teachers, a holiday lunch, and lunch and dinner during parent-teacher conferences. Additionally, during Teacher Appreciation Week, PAC hosts a week-long celebration to honor the hard work and commitment of our educators. These efforts help foster a supportive and grateful school community for the staff who make a difference every day.

PAC supports our school’s teachers and staff by supplementing the school’s budget to fund professional development opportunities. This funding enhances learning by providing educators with additional resources to refine their skills, stay current with best practices, and bring new opportunities into the classroom.