FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 09, 2025
Superintendent Hedalen Celebrates Montana’s 2025 National Blue-Ribbon School Awardees
HELENA, MT — For more than four decades, the U.S. Department of Education honored exemplary schools nationwide through the National Blue-Ribbon Schools program. While the Department has now retired the program to give states greater flexibility in celebrating excellence, the Montana Office of Public Instruction (OPI) remains committed to recognizing schools that have earned this distinction.
This year, Fairfield High School and Malta High School stand out for their exceptional commitment to student success. Though the national program is no longer awarding official designations, OPI is proud to acknowledge these schools for meeting the rigorous standards of achievement and improvement that once defined the Blue-Ribbon honor.
“We are incredibly proud of Fairfield High School and Malta High School for receiving this national distinction,” said Susie Hedalen, Superintendent of Public Instruction. “These schools deserve to be celebrated for the hard work, dedication, and collaboration of their students, educators, and communities.”
Paul Wilson Principal for Fairfield High school said "This recognition is a testament to the outstanding educators at Fairfield High School. Our teachers excel in their subject knowledge, their ability to connect with and engage students, and their commitment to holding students to the highest standards. This honor belongs first and foremost to them and to our dedicated support staff. We are also fortunate to have the steadfast support of our parents and community members. Without the community’s partnership, our work as educators would be far more challenging."
Shawn Bleth Principal for Malta High school said "Malta High School is very proud to receive this recognition. This award is truly a reflection of the professionalism and dedication of our teachers and staff, who work tirelessly every day to support and challenge our students. At Malta High School, we strive to help every student rise to the challenge of reaching the highest standards while meeting the expectations of our community. This honor belongs not just to the school, but to every student, teacher, staff member, parent, and community member who has played a role in building an environment where students can thrive."
The National Blue-Ribbon Schools Program, established in 1982, recognized schools that demonstrated high academic performance or made significant progress in closing achievement gaps. While the U.S. Department of Education will no longer host a national recognition ceremony, Montana will continue to celebrate schools like Fairfield and Malta for their excellence and leadership in education.
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Position Available: Junior High Boys Basketball Coach
Fairfield Schools is seeking a Junior High Boys Basketball Coach for the upcoming season.
Interested applicants should contact any/all of the following asap:
Mike Schmidt, Head JH Boys Basketball Coach
Marshall Lagge, Junior High Activities Director
Dustin Gordon, Superintendent
October is National Principals Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the incredible leadership that helps our schools thrive.
At Fairfield Schools, we are proud to honor Mr. Paul Wilson, Principal for grades 7–12, and Mrs. Courtney Bake, Principal for grades PK–6. Their leadership, dedication, and commitment to students, staff, and families make Fairfield Schools a great place to learn and grow.
Principals play a vital role in shaping school culture, supporting academic excellence, and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed. They guide teachers, inspire students, and strengthen the partnership between school and community.
This month—and every month—we extend our sincere appreciation to Mr. Wilson and Mrs. Bake for their hard work, care, and vision. Their leadership truly makes a difference in the lives of our students and the success of our district.
Strong schools start with strong leadership. Thank you, Mr. Wilson and Mrs. Bake, for all you do!
#ThankAPrincipal #PrincipalsMonth #FairfieldEagles
Students, you may pick up your Fall Semester Scholarships from Brenda Evans in the High School Office.
In order to receive your check, you will need:
1) Transcript (unofficial)
2) Current Class Registration
If you have any questions, please call or email Brenda Evans.
We want to thank our community for your ongoing concern and commitment to student safety. We are aware of the recent situation involving a student in the Choteau Public Schools and the public statement issued by their district.
Please know that Fairfield School District has been in constant communication with both Choteau School District leadership and local law enforcement throughout this process. Based on their coordination, discrete communication, and swift implementation of safety protocols, we have full confidence that Choteau has taken appropriate and thorough measures to ensure the safety of their students, staff, and visitors.
Law enforcement and school officials have assured us that the individual involved is not on campus and will not return while the investigation is ongoing. Their clear and proactive approach to safety—including increased law enforcement presence, secured facilities, and restricted access protocols—has made it clear that they are taking this matter seriously and responsibly.
As such, we are confident in our students' and staff's safety during any participation in scheduled activities on the Choteau campus. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and maintain open lines of communication with both Choteau Public Schools and local authorities.
Student safety is—and always will be—our highest priority. Thank you for your trust, support, and cooperation as we work together to keep our schools and communities safe.
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Fairfield School District Administration
As most of you have likely already heard, our high school football team's game last night against Florence was canceled. We had driven the team bus there already when we heard the tragic news of one of their young students who passed away as a result of an accident in the homecoming parade. Their administration made the right call to forgo the game in order to provide support for their students and community in a time of crisis. Upon hearing the news, many of our players and coaches were in shock and grieved alongside the members of the Florence community. Montana is a small town with very long streets, and , although we may be rivals during a competition, we all have connections and friendships with those from other towns. Our school and community should be proud of how our team stepped up to help get the field and concessions area cleaned up to give their staff the opportunity to get back to their families faster. However, this is not about us. Fairfield Public Schools would like to extend our most sincere condolences to Florence-Carlton High School, the community of Florence, and all of the families impacted by this tragic event. We try to teach our student-athletes that there is more to high school sports than winning or losing. Unfortunately, the entire state of Montana got a grim reminder yesterday that life is bigger than any game.
Junior High Students
WELCOME BACK OPEN HOUSE
Tuesday, August 18th at 5:00-6:00 PM.
Lockers are posted.
First Day of School Schedule
Meet in the Cafeteria at 8:10
You will get your class schedule and instructions .
Each student will receive an informational packet.
REMINDER: OPEN HOUSE~ WELCOME BACK TO SCHOOL~TONIGHT, AUGUST 19TH 5:00-6:00
PLEASE CHECK OUT THE SCHOOL'S WEBSITE, fairfield.k12.mt.us, for our beginning of the year NEWS LETTER and other information. If you are on Facebook, look on the Fairfield School site for updated information.
High School class registration day is Thursday, August 14. We will have class schedules available for students on that day The registration day schedule is as follows: Seniors 9:00-10:30, Juniors 10:30-12:00, Sophomores 1:00-2:30. Freshmen 2:30-4:00. Parents are not required to attend, but it is recommended for parents of freshmen if this is their first child in Fairfield High School. Please contact the office with any questions.
Fall scholarship checks will be ready for pickup starting Wednesday, July 23rd for those who are eligible.
Deadline for submitting transcript paperwork is November 1st.
