When a dumpster is picked up and the lid cannot fully close, the district is charged an “overage fee” each time. Last month, we experienced an excessive number of these overage charges — even during a time when we did not have school for two weeks — due to garbage being placed in school dumpsters.
This issue is especially costly when large items and cardboard boxes are thrown away without being broken down, causing dumpsters to overflow much faster than normal.
✅ We respectfully ask that you do not use school trash bins or dumpsters unless you have permission.
Your cooperation helps protect school funds so they can be used for what matters most: supporting students and staff.
Thank you for your understanding and support.
1/15 THURS.-- END OF QUARTER AND 2:30 RELEASE
1/16 FRIDAY--NO SCHOOL --PIR DAY
1/19-1/23 MONDAY THRU FRIDAY-- SPIRIT WEEK
1/30 FRIDAY --6TH GRADE ICE FISHING (TENTATIVE)
💡 How it works:
✔️ Make a cash donation directly to Fairfield Public Schools
✔️ Receive a 100% tax credit equal to your donation (up to $200,000)
✔️ Available to individuals and businesses
🎓 Your donation helps fund:
• Advanced and transformational learning opportunities
• Programs, services, and equipment for students with disabilities
• Work-based learning partnerships
• College credit and career certification opportunities
• Technology that enhances student learning
⏰ Act fast — this is FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED statewide!
The 2026 statewide cap is $7.2 million, and last year’s cap was reached within hours.
📬 How to donate:
• Make checks payable to Fairfield Schools
• Memo: “Innovative Education Tax Credit”
• Mail or deliver to:
Fairfield Public Schools
P.O. Box 399
Fairfield, MT 59436
📞 Questions or intent to give?
Contact Fairfield Schools at (406) 467-2528
Dustin Gordon, Superintendent – dgordon@fairfield.k12.mt.us
Denise Grant, Business Manager – dgrant@fairfield.k12.mt.us
👉 This is a powerful way to invest in our students and reduce your tax bill — don’t wait!
Please contact Brenda Evans in the High School Office with the necessary documentation and enrollment forms.
Thank you,
During construction, drivers will be able to travel as far south as Blackfoot Coulee Road from the north, and to within approximately 3 miles north of Simms from the south. There will be no through traffic until the culvert repairs are completed.
The project is expected to take 1–2 weeks, depending on weather and other variables.
Please help spread the word to anyone who may be affected by this temporary closure.
Athletic schedule update: Our wrestling team will NOT be continuing to Malta today. After consulting several school administrators between here and Malta, we made the decision to send the bus, but let everyone know that we would turn around if the driver felt the conditions were unsafe or if conditions further east got worse. Conditions got worse than expected, and the bus is turning around to come home from Havre now.
Also, the basketball schedule at the Coyote Classic in Shelby has changed. Our Girls' Varsity will now play Stillwater at 3:00 on Friday, followed by the Boys' Varsity at 4:30. The Boys' and Girls' JV will play at 6:00 that evening against Browning. The Boys' C will play against Eureka at 3:00. This schedule had to change due to teams from the eastern side of the state cancelling their trips.
We will keep everyone updated as soon as possible if there are any further changes in the schedule for the weekend. Thank you for your understanding.
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