As Alberton Schools approaches its centennial year of education, faculty and staff are preparing for the school year which starts Friday, Aug. 23.

There will be an Open House on Thursday, Aug. 22 from 4-6 p.m. at Alberton Elementary School with a free BBQ for families. Parents and students can participate in a scavenger hunt designed to improve familiarity with new classroom locations and meet new staff.

Counselor Kara Berg will host an orientation at Alberton High School at 4:30 p.m. and District Secretary Ashley Schatz will teach parents how to navigate the Parent Portal in Infinite Campus at 5 p.m. Students can also pick up their class schedules at the open house.

Familiar faces have switched to new positions in Alberton. Jess Nagy will teach K/1, Christina Wekkin will teach second grade. Amy McAllister and Kristi Ray share fifth and sixth graders throughout the day. Cori Miranda will take over the librarian position. Nathan Morris will teach shop and offer various classroom support to all grade levels. Rachael Clevenger will now teach full days instead of half days with more history courses, physical education instruction and an annual/publications high school class.

New teachers

Peggy Schmidt will teach preschool this year after previous early childhood experience in Missoula and the Bitterroot Valley. She’s already immersed herself in Alberton’s community this summer and she’s eager to start teaching this fall.

Hailing from Nevada, Jennifer Robinson will teach fourth grade at Alberton Elementary and takeover as the tech director. She’s the former Program Director for the Sierra Nevada Journeys, a nonprofit outdoor science education organization.

With more than 30 years of experience, Janis Rafter will be the new special education teacher. She is a behavioral specialist and has expertise in Response to Intervention (RTI).

Stacey Bateman will teach Title I and will also offer high school level business course. She hails from Wyoming and most recently, Missoula.

School starts Friday, Aug. 23. Elementary PK to sixth grade will start at 7:45 a.m. and high school will start at 8 a.m. All grades are released at 4:03 p.m.

Before-school morning program begins at 7 a.m. for elementary students who need to be dropped off early.

Students will enjoy free breakfast and lunch throughout the year.