2026 - 2027 School Year
The first bell rings at 7:55 am, and school starts at 8:00 am. Teachers begin instruction first thing in the morning and teach throughout the day. The last bell rings at 4:10 pm for dismissal.
Please help support this by having students arrive at school on time and pick up your child at the end of the school day. Students who arrive late or are picked up early are consistently missing vital information and instruction.
If you have questions, please contact Ms. Kasuske in the main office.
2026-2027 School Year
Bus Route Schedule (Subject to Change)
Teaching Staff for 2026-2027
Kindergarten/1st Grade: Mrs. Duhinog
2nd Grade: Mrs. Neumann
3rd Grade: Mrs. Ballou
4th Grade: Ms. Tapayan
5th Grade Homeroom: Mrs. Wagner (Social Studies)
6th Grade Homeroom: Mrs. Werber (ELA)
7th Grade Homeroom: Mrs. Phillips (Science)
8th Grade Homeroom: Mrs. Rosipal (Math)
Art/Library: Mrs. Buley
PE K-8/Music: Ms. Bayabao
Music Apprentice Teacher: Mrs. Galloway
Special Education K-4: Mr. Luna
Special Education 5-8: Ms. Marreel
Hillcrest Colony: Mrs. Hasenkrug
Special Education Hillcrest Colony: Mr. Sagaral
Counseling: MT Small School Alliance
Dear Elementary School Families,
We are writing to inform you of an important change to our school meal program beginning in the 2026–2027 school year.
Over the past several years, our school has been able to provide breakfast and lunch meals to all students at no cost through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). CEP eligibility is determined through a federal application process that occurs every four years. Unfortunately, our school did not qualify for CEP for the upcoming cycle.
As a result, beginning in the 2026–2027 school year, meals will no longer automatically be free for all students. Families will need to complete a Free and Reduced-Price Meal Application to determine eligibility for meal benefits.
Please note:
Families who qualify for programs such as SNAP may be directly certified for free meal benefits and will not need to complete an application.
Families who are not directly certified should complete and return the application as soon as possible once forms become available.
Completing the application is important, as meal eligibility may also help support additional school programs and services.
Applications and additional information will be sent to families before the start of the school year. We encourage all families to review the information carefully and submit forms promptly.
The online application is now available using the following link: Application for Free and Reduced-Price Meals
Printable pdf format: Free and Reduced Meal Application
We understand this change may bring questions, and we are committed to helping families through the process. If you need assistance or have questions regarding meal applications or eligibility, please contact Loren Dunk or Kristi Kasuske at 406 965 2231 or ldunk@vaughnschool.com or kkasuske@vaughnschool.com
Thank you for your understanding and continued support.
Sincerely,
Loren Dunk, Superintendent
Vaughn Elementary School
Mobile Device and Dress Code Policies Summary
Cell Phones and Smartwatches
Devices may not be used during school hours unless a teacher approves.
Students must turn phones and smartwatches in to designated teachers at the beginning of the day for security.
On school trips or activities, students may carry devices only if the supervisor or coach permits it.
Devices capable of taking or transmitting images are prohibited in bathrooms and locker rooms.
Noncompliance can result in confiscation; the principal decides whether the device is returned to the student or parent/guardian.
Repeated violations lead to consequences determined by administration, consistent with school board policy 3630.
Dress Code
Headwear: Hats, caps, and other headgear are not allowed indoors without permission. Hoods may not be worn on the head; repeated issues may result in the hoodie being stored in a locker or held in the office for the day.
Bottoms: Shorts and skirts are allowed year-round but must extend beyond the wearer’s fully extended fingertips. Pants must stay at the natural waist.
Tops: Footwear is required. Tops may not expose shoulders or midriff; halter tops, tube tops, and straps narrower than three fingers are not permitted.
Pants and undergarments: Pants must be clean, worn at or above the waistline, and must not expose skin or undergarments. Pajama pants are allowed only on designated pajama days.
Prohibited clothing: Clothing promoting alcohol, drugs, tobacco, or vaping, or containing obscene, vulgar, or suggestive content, is not allowed.
Administrative authority: Staff may require a student to change if their clothing is disruptive or inappropriate, with administration making the final decision.
Vaughn School’s policies are designed to keep the school safe, respectful, and focused on learning.
The overall expectation is that students show respect, responsibility, and readiness to learn while helping maintain a positive school community.
