Strike by Strike!

As we prepare for the 2026–2027 school year and reflect on another successful year, I am again thankful to the incredible Joliet community for your support and partnership. The core values that define our school: pride, integrity, work ethic, empathy, and belonging are brought to life each day through the actions of our parents, families, friends, local businesses, and community members.

Your dedication and involvement helped make the past year a tremendous success. Whether volunteering your time, supporting school events, attending performances and athletic competitions, or simply encouraging our students each day, you continue to demonstrate what it means to be positive role models. The work we accomplish in our classrooms is only possible because of the strong partnership between our schools, our families, and our community.

The students and staff in Joliet continue to accomplish remarkable things. This past May, we celebrated another outstanding graduating class. The class of 2026 is now off pursuing careers in the skilled trades, engineering, agriculture, military service, collegiate athletics and other exciting opportunities. I thank them for Raising The Standard!

Academically, our students continue to demonstrate excellence. 100% of our 6th through 10th grades are above the national average in math achievement. In reading, our 6th, 7th, 9th, and 10th grade classes are above the national average. In our elementary school, 65% of students are on grade level in reading and 61% of our students are at grade level in math. The Class of 2026 outpaced their Montana counterparts on the ACT with an average score of 21.5, compared to 19.5 across the state. On top of that, our high school students sat for a total of 20 AP exams and many of our students earned college credit either through distance learning or dual credit courses offered by Joliet teachers in our classrooms. While we celebrate these accomplishments, we remain committed to continuous improvement and ensuring every student reaches his or her full potential.

I would also like to thank everyone who continues to support Joliet Schools through your involvement, your feedback, and your commitment to our students. Your partnership strengthens our schools and allows us to provide exceptional opportunities for every child. Our district remains committed to living out the first words of our mission statement: “In partnership with home and community.” The Board of Trustees will continue holding committee meetings on a regular basis to encourage thoughtful discussion and increased transparency. These meetings are open to the public, and we encourage everyone to attend in person or watch the livestream of the Regular board meetings on the District’s YouTube channel.

There are many ways to become involved in Joliet Schools. Substitute teaching provides a valuable opportunity to support our students while gaining a firsthand look at the outstanding work taking place each day. Community members interested in volunteering are encouraged to complete the volunteer application available on the District website and contact their child’s principal to learn about opportunities to serve.

The 2026-2027 school theme is Strike by Strike, inspired by the men and women who built America’s first transcontinental railroad. More than 1,900 miles of railroad were constructed across mountains, deserts, rivers, and open prairie, one rail at a time. Progress was not measured in giant leaps but in thousands of individual strikes of a hammer. Every spike driven into the ground represented perseverance, teamwork, craftsmanship, and an unwavering commitment to a shared vision.

The railroad builders came from different backgrounds, possessed different skills, and faced extraordinary challenges. Yet through determination and collaboration, they accomplished something that forever changed our nation. Their story reminds us that meaningful success is rarely achieved all at once. It is built through consistent effort, shared purpose, and countless small actions that, over time, create something extraordinary.

The same is true at Joliet Schools. Every lesson taught, every assignment completed, every practice attended, every encouraging conversation, every volunteer hour, and every act of kindness contributes to something much larger than itself. Together, strike by strike, we are building opportunities for our students and laying the foundation for their future success.

As we begin this new school year, let us embrace the challenges ahead with determination, celebrate each step of progress, and remember that great accomplishments are built through consistent effort over time.

Together, we will continue building something extraordinary.

Strike by Strike!

Clark Begger
JPS Superintendent