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Big Sky principal highlights dual‑credit, IB growth and student supports; teacher urges therapy‑dog policy
Summary
Principal Jennifer Courtney told trustees that Big Sky High School is expanding dual‑credit access through a new Eagle Edge partnership with Missoula College, increasing IB participation and embedding Health Science certifications; a teacher urged trustees to adopt a therapy‑dog policy during public comment.
Principal Jennifer Courtney presented highlights from Big Sky High School on Nov. 11, describing academic, career‑technical and social‑emotional initiatives.
Courtney said the new Eagle Edge partnership with Missoula College aims to allow students to earn up to about 30 college credits during high school, and that the school has a record number of IB testers this year (101 students taking 249 exams). She described the IB Scholar recognition and the growth of DP candidates, the 14‑year Health Science Academy now offering an embedded certification course (CNA/CMA pathways) supported by local practicum sites including Saint Pat’s, and the Media/Business Academy’s upcoming advisory committee work.
On student support, Courtney said Big Sky screened 692 students this fall with the RBHI behavioral-health screener and has an on‑site therapist serving about 13 students with more referrals underway; an AWARE CSCT team is active with 10 students on the team. She also described new classes (Freshman Seminar, High School Seminar/JMG, Eagle Empowerment) designed to help students transition and build leadership skills.
During public comment immediately after the presentation, Big Sky teacher Sarah Kries asked the board to adopt a therapy‑dog policy allowing certified, insured therapy dogs by principal invitation. Kries described classroom interventions where her certified dog "Dale" supported a transgender student with autism through a panic attack, and she urged a policy that would permit therapy animals that have temperament testing, AKC Canine Good Citizen certification and insurance provided by organizations such as Wind River Kennels.
Trustees acknowledged the presentation and public comment and did not take action on the therapy‑dog request at this meeting.
Quote: "I saw the effect that Dale had on my students every day," Kries said, describing instances where the dog helped students remain in class and participate.
Next step: Trustees thanked Principal Courtney for the update; no formal policy change was made on Nov. 11.
