
Senior parents: The FAFSA presentation is Wednesday, Oct. 7 at 6:30 in the high school commons.
Find all senior updates at https://www.columbuscougars.com/o/cps/page/senior-updates
Unfortunately, Shepherd sustained some injuries to some players on Friday night. They will be unable participate in our JV game tomorrow, Monday, 10/5. The game has been cancelled and will not be rescheduled.
Thank you to our amazing kitchen staff for all that you do!

Congrats to our Elementary School September Students of the Month and to our Cougar Way drawing winners!



🏀 IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN! 🏀
The ELKS HOOP SHOOT is right around the corner, and we’re excited to bring back our local shoot-off! 🎉
Last year, we set aside two afternoons after school for our local competition, and it worked so well that we’re doing it again this year!
If your child is interested in competing in the Elks Hoop Shoot Free Throw Competition, please mark your calendars for:
📅 Tuesday, October 7th at 4:00 PM
📅 Wednesday, October 8th at 4:00 PM
📍 Columbus Elementary
Participants will shoot 25 free throws during their selected time. You only need to attend ONE of the two days to complete your shots.
🏆 Advancing to the next competition:
• 8/9 Boys & Girls: Top shooter in each division will represent Columbus
• 10/11 Boys & Girls: Top 2 shooters in each division will represent Columbus
• 12/13 Boys & Girls: Top 2 shooters in each division will represent Columbus
The next level of competition will be held November 15th in Red Lodge! 🏀
Winners will be announced and additional information will be provided once our Columbus competition is complete.
We can’t wait to see our students step up to the line, compete, and give it their best! 💪🏀
Coach Coop, Mrs. Mendive, and I hope to see you there!
Let’s see who can SHOOT THEIR WAY TO RED LODGE! 🏀🔥
The ELKS HOOP SHOOT is right around the corner, and we’re excited to bring back our local shoot-off! 🎉
Last year, we set aside two afternoons after school for our local competition, and it worked so well that we’re doing it again this year!
If your child is interested in competing in the Elks Hoop Shoot Free Throw Competition, please mark your calendars for:
📅 Tuesday, October 7th at 4:00 PM
📅 Wednesday, October 8th at 4:00 PM
📍 Columbus Elementary
Participants will shoot 25 free throws during their selected time. You only need to attend ONE of the two days to complete your shots.
🏆 Advancing to the next competition:
• 8/9 Boys & Girls: Top shooter in each division will represent Columbus
• 10/11 Boys & Girls: Top 2 shooters in each division will represent Columbus
• 12/13 Boys & Girls: Top 2 shooters in each division will represent Columbus
The next level of competition will be held November 15th in Red Lodge! 🏀
Winners will be announced and additional information will be provided once our Columbus competition is complete.
We can’t wait to see our students step up to the line, compete, and give it their best! 💪🏀
Coach Coop, Mrs. Mendive, and I hope to see you there!
Let’s see who can SHOOT THEIR WAY TO RED LODGE! 🏀🔥

HELP WANTED: School Food Program Positions
Columbus Public Schools is actively seeking qualified applicants for the following immediate openings:
School Food Program Worker (Full-Time or Part-Time): Starting wage is $15.45/hr, with higher pay based on experience.
Assistant Manager – School Food Program (Full-Time): Starting wage is $15.95/hr, with higher pay based on experience.
Schedule & Benefits:
Positions run Monday through Friday during the school year, with summers and school breaks off! These roles offer competitive wages and excellent benefits, including:
Paid vacation and sick leave
Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS)
Health insurance (eligibility depends on hours worked)
Requirements:
All successful applicants must pass a state and federal background check as well as a pre-employment physical.
To Apply:
Apply online at www.columbuscougars.com or contact Superintendent Casey Klasna at 406-322-5373.
Columbus Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Columbus Public Schools is actively seeking qualified applicants for the following immediate openings:
School Food Program Worker (Full-Time or Part-Time): Starting wage is $15.45/hr, with higher pay based on experience.
Assistant Manager – School Food Program (Full-Time): Starting wage is $15.95/hr, with higher pay based on experience.
Schedule & Benefits:
Positions run Monday through Friday during the school year, with summers and school breaks off! These roles offer competitive wages and excellent benefits, including:
Paid vacation and sick leave
Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS)
Health insurance (eligibility depends on hours worked)
Requirements:
All successful applicants must pass a state and federal background check as well as a pre-employment physical.
To Apply:
Apply online at www.columbuscougars.com or contact Superintendent Casey Klasna at 406-322-5373.
Columbus Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Lunch on Friday (9/25) has changed due to ordering conflict, it is now:
Crispitos
Celery and Carrots
Fruit
Sun Chips
Tuesday's (9/29) Lunch has also changed:
Corn Dogs
Corn
Fruit
Dessert
Crispitos
Celery and Carrots
Fruit
Sun Chips
Tuesday's (9/29) Lunch has also changed:
Corn Dogs
Corn
Fruit
Dessert

In anticipation of the upcoming MS girl's basketball season, please sign up for SportsYou for more info and to help the coaches plan for numbers.
The Inflatable Race is October 7 during the community pep rally at the football field. It's open to all ages. Please fill out a registration form and return before October 5. Forms are available in the Middle School office or online at https://tinyurl.com/rdrka62m
HOCO parade is Friday, October 9 at 4PM in downtown Columbus. Please fill out a registration form and return before October 5. Forms are available in the Middle School office or online at https://tinyurl.com/2z9w2v35
All forms may be returned to the Columbus Middle or High School offices.
HOCO parade is Friday, October 9 at 4PM in downtown Columbus. Please fill out a registration form and return before October 5. Forms are available in the Middle School office or online at https://tinyurl.com/2z9w2v35
All forms may be returned to the Columbus Middle or High School offices.

Early Bird Special: Order a 2027 CHS yearbook at $40 now through Nov 30 before the price increases to $50. Give money to Mrs. Gorino or order online at https://yearbookforever.com/school-store/9eR5MT38g20Tr47qc5CvWBf7

Stillwater Youth Center is excited to once again be hosting their after school youth group programs for 3rd-5th grade and middle school. Students will be picked up after school and brought to the center for snacks, games, songs and a Bible lesson. If you're child is interested, please stop by the office for a permission form. For more information on SYC, please call, check them out on Facebook, visit their website or stop by for a visit.

Reminder: Senior parent/student meeting Wednesday, Sept. 16 at 6:30 in the high school commons.
Reminder: TOMORROW (Sept 9) all schools are released at 2PM. The buses will start at the High School & Middle School and travel down to the Elementary School. Lunch schedules are as follows: MS (6/7th) at 10:46AM, MS (8th) & HS at 11:25AM and ES has no change.

Mark your calendars - picture day is coming up! This year, we're happy to have Nancy O'Reilly as our photographer. CES pictures are Sept 18, CMS pictures are Sept 23, CHS pictures are Sept 25. Packets will go out with students or you can order online at https://v2.myproimages.com/nancy-oreilly-photography/60827/search?code=COUGARSFall2026 Online order cutoff is Sept 30.

Join the Columbus Public Schools Team!
Columbus Public Schools is actively hiring for the 2026–2027 school year! We are immediately looking to fill the following positions:
School Food Program Worker
Custodian
Excellent benefits package
Flexible work schedules available
How to Apply / Contact:
If you are interested or would like more information, please reach out to:
Contact: Superintendent Casey Klasna
Phone: 406-322-5373
Email: cklasna@columbus.k12.mt.us
Columbus Public Schools is actively hiring for the 2026–2027 school year! We are immediately looking to fill the following positions:
School Food Program Worker
Custodian
Excellent benefits package
Flexible work schedules available
How to Apply / Contact:
If you are interested or would like more information, please reach out to:
Contact: Superintendent Casey Klasna
Phone: 406-322-5373
Email: cklasna@columbus.k12.mt.us
Monday's lunch is Hamburgers, Honey Glazed Carrots, Fruit
Here is next month's menu.

We're excited to see you all tomorrow!

There will be a special school board meeting to hire custodial and school nutrition staff on Thursday, August 27, 2026 at 7:30am. See NEWS section for the agenda!
