Whitefish students head back to class

Most schools around the Flathead Valley start the 2023-24 school year this week, including Whitefish School District and Whitefish Christin Academy.

Whitefish School District

Muldown Elementary School

First day: Grades first through fourth start Aug. 30. On this date, kindergarten families are invited to a meet-and-greet from 9 to 11 a.m. or 1 to 3 p.m. The first day for kindergarten students whose last names begin with “A” through “L” is Aug. 31. Students whose last names begin with “M” through “Z” start Sept. 1. All kindergartners begin attending school together Sept. 5.

Projected enrollment: 650 kindergartners through fourth-graders.

New staff: Assistant Principal John Coyne has been promoted to the principal position with his previous position filled by Keli Miller. Miller joins Muldown from her former teaching position in Hamilton School District. Muldown also welcomes first-grade teachers Ali O’Donnell and Morgan Scholbrock and third-grade teacher Demi Sullivan, third grade; second-grade student services staff member Cynthia Ames; psychologist Marlene Anderson; paraeducator Grace Stonely, paraeducator; district support personnel Carissa Denning and Margaret Lawrence and crossing guard Randy Seymour.

The elementary is looking to fill two one-year general education paraeducator positions that would support Title I and intervention teachers in the intervention classroom.

Open house: 4 to 6 p.m. Aug. 29 for first, third and fourth grades at the elementary, 1118 E. Seventh St., Whitefish.

For more information call 862-8620 or visit https://muldown.wsd44.org.

Whitefish Middle School

First day: Aug. 30. Fifth- and sixth-grade students will meet their teachers on the playground. Seventh- and eighth-graders will have their homeroom teachers posted on the doors. During the regular school year, families are reminded that students are dismissed early on Wednesdays at 2:30 p.m.

Projected enrollment: 630 students.

New staff: Teachers Landon Henderson, history and technology; Victoria Buls, special education; Maria Tuschall, reading and math intervention; paraprofessional Michael Vergeront and custodians Devin Howke and Lou Hylton.

The school is still looking to fill paraprofessional and custodial positions.

Open house: A fifth-grade open house is scheduled from 6 to 7 p.m. Aug. 28 at the school, 600 E. Second St., Whitefish.

For more information call 862-8650 or visit https://wms.wsd44.org.

Whitefish High School

First day: Aug. 30. Students will follow a modified schedule. Freshman will attend a morning orientation from 8:30 to 11:45 a.m. followed by a free pizza lunch. The following grades should plan to arrive to get ID photos taken at the following times — seniors, 9:30 to 10:15 a.m.; juniors, 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. and sophomores, 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. All grades attend classes from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Projected enrollment: 625 students.

New staff: Teachers Alex Benz, business; Hillary Parker, art; Katie Robinson, special education; Carrie O’Reilly, special education and Thomas Waddell, math; custodian Ian McCumbers and part-time school nurse Allix Swalling.

New curriculum/programs: New courses offered this year include broadcast journalism, pre-Advanced Placement English 1, Advanced Placement Seminar, Intro to Horticulture, College Algebra and Music Theory.

Major maintenance projects: Safety blinds were installed, the parking lot was resealed and the gym floor recoated.

Open house: 6 p.m. Oct. 2, coinciding with the kick-off of Homecoming week, at the high school located at 1143 Fourth St. in Whitefish.

For more information call 862-8600 or visit https://whs.wsd44.org.

Whitefish Christian Academy

First day: Sept. 5.

Projected enrollment: 134 students.

New staff: Teachers Carrie Broughton, kindergarten and Rita Houston, third grade and aides Gillian Broughton, kindergarten and Allie McDade, preschool.

Major maintenance projects: Modular buildings at the school were placed on permanent foundations.

Open house: Two open houses are planned from 6 to 7 p.m. Aug. 29 for grades first through fourth and Aug. 31 for grades fifth through eighth. Families are invited to visit the academy located at 820 Ashar Ave. and Whitefish Church of the Nazarene, 1125 E. Seventh St., Whitefish.

For more information call 862-5875 or visit www.whitefishchristianacademy.org.