On January 9, 2026, Ron Gruber and Shelby Elementary School were awarded the Karen Cox Memorial Grant from the Montana Professional Teaching Foundation (MFPE). The Karen Cox grant is named after a dedicated Billings teacher and MFPE member/leader. This grant program honors her commitment to Montana children and their education.
Mr. Gruber used the grant money to purchase eight music stands for the elementary music program. These stands are used on a daily basis in the music classroom to allow students to see their music while sitting or standing to perform music. The fifth-grade beginning band really enjoyed having stands that belong to our school. The new stands replace old stands that were borrowed from the high school music program. Some of those stands were worn out and needed replacement.
Mr. Gruber and the music students are very appreciative of the support they receive from MPTF and our local community. You can see our students perform their Spring Programs on May 14 (3rd-5th grade) and May 19 (K-2nd grade). Both performances are at 2:00 PM in the Shelby High School auditorium.