Most schools around the valley start the 2023-24 school year next week with some starting in September.

Following is back-to-school information made available by schools.

Bigfork School District

The district is looking to fill elementary paraprofessional, food service, custodian, high school secretary/paraprofessional, baseball coach and tennis coach positions.

Bigfork Elementary and Middle School

First day: First- through eighth-graders start at 8 a.m. Aug. 30 with an early 1:30 p.m. release. Kindergarten will have a staggered start. Kindergartners whose last names start with “A” through “K” come Aug. 30, Sept. 1 and Sept. 6. Students whose last names start with “L” through “Z” come Aug. 31 and Sept. 5 and Sept. 7. All kindergartners begin attending school together Sept. 8.

Projected enrollment: 356 kindergartners through fifth graders and 237 sixth through eighth graders.

New staff: Teachers Kassidy Fisher, elementary special education; Rob Ford, middle school English; Hunter Johnson, middle school P.E.; Brian Phillips, middle school band; Erin Shea, middle school math; Jane Sundell, third grade and Amber Mulder, elementary special education paraprofessional.

Major maintenance projects: New boilers and a roof were installed over the summer; parking was added, and the exterior building was painted. Flooring was replaced in the kindergarten and middle school areas.

Open houses: An orientation for sixth-graders and new middle school students and their parents is scheduled from 5 to 6 p.m. Aug 28 at the school located at 600 Commerce St. in Bigfork. An open house for all grades will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Aug. 29. The PTA will host an ice cream social for elementary families.

For more information call 837-7412 or visit https://bigforkschools.org/our-schools/elementary-school.

Bigfork High School

First day: Aug. 30 with an early release at 1:30 p.m.

Projected enrollment: 367 students.

New staff: Teacher Zach Christensen, history; Kecia House, art; Brian Phillips, band; Jill Reichner, family consumer science; and Annmari Sikon, English.

Major maintenance projects: Lighting in all hallways was updated.

New curriculum/programs: The high school is expanding its work-based intern program and has added new history classes. In athletics, baseball and girl's wrestling will be offered.

Open house: Freshman and new student orientation is set for 6 p.m. Aug 28 at the high school, 600 Commerce St., Bigfork.

For more information call 837-7420 or visit bigforkschools.org/our-schools/high-school.

Cayuse Prairie School

First day: Grades first through eighth start Sept. 5 with meet-and-greets scheduled for kindergartners.

Projected enrollment: 315 students.

New staff: Teachers Megan Fitzpatrick, kindergarten through fifth-grade special education; Juliana Himmel, fifth-grade project-based/design thinking focus; Madi Loomis, kindergarten and Helen Lyford, grades sixth through eighth and life skills/special education.

Major maintenance projects: Construction on a new classroom is set to begin September 2023 and is expected to be finished in July 2024.

New curriculum/programs:

Open house: Students may drop off supplies, meet teachers, pay fees and participate in activity stations from 3 to 6 p.m. Aug. 31. The school is located at 897 Lake Blaine Road in Kalispell.

The community is invited to help the school celebrate 125 years at a potluck planned from 12 to 4 p.m. Sept. 23.

For more information call 756-4560 or visit www.cayuseprairie.com.

Columbia Falls School District

The school district welcomes new superintendent Cory Dziowgo who joins the staff from a superintendent position at Platte County School District in Wheatland Wyoming.

Glacier Gateway Elementary

First day: Grades first through fifth start Aug. 30. On this date, kindergarten parent orientation is scheduled in one-hour blocks. Kindergartners will begin their “A” and “B” day schedule Aug. 31. Preschool students start Sept. 11.

Projected enrollment: 470 preschool through fifth-graders.

New staff: First-grade teacher Cami Harwood.

Positions still needing to be filled include special education paraprofessionals, food service and custodian/maintenance workers, bus drivers and bus monitors.

Major maintenance projects: Landscaping, parking and other finishing touches were made throughout the school. This marks the first full school year in the new building.

Open house: 4:30 to 6 p.m. Aug. 28 at the school, 440 Fourth Ave. W., Columbia Falls,

For more information call 892-6540 or visit www.glaciergateway.org.

Ruder Elementary

First day: Aug. 30.

Projected enrollment: 570 students.

New staff: Teachers Amy Caudill, second grade; Amie Dziowgo, third grade; Lauren Lenzner, kindergarten; Alyssa Morales, music; Sarah Sheldon, special education; Bailey Vukonich, fifth grade; special education paraeducators Emily Houston, Tessa Peters and Tana Poor; kindergarten paraeducators Stephanie Gregorash and Amber Little; and counselor Ali Evans.

Ruder is looking to fill a Title I reading paraeducator position.

Open house: 4:30 to 6 p.m. Aug. 28 at Ruder, 1500 12th Ave. W., Columbia Falls.

For more information call 892-6570 or visit www.ruderelementary.org.

Columbia Falls Jr. High

First day: Aug. 30.

Projected enrollment: 535 students.

New Staff: Teachers Caitlin Coghlan, seventh- and eighth-grade science; Sam Kavanagh, sixth- and eighth-grade math; Lea Shanks, seventh- and eighth-grade science and Katie Whisenand, seventh- and eighth-grade English Language Arts.

The junior high is looking to fill three special education paraeducator positions.

Open house: Sixth grade will attend from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. and grades seventh and eighth from 7 to 8:15 p.m. Aug. 28. The junior high is located at 1805 Talbot Road, Columbia Falls.

For more information call 892-6530 or visit www.cfjuniorhigh.org.

Columbia Falls High School

First day: Aug. 30.

Projected enrollment: 700 students.

New staff: Teachers Mandi Douglas, special education; Tonia Little, business; Manalo Victor, industrial arts; Jessica Victor, special education; and Carly Weber, English.

The high school is looking to fill paraprofessional, food service, maintenance, bus driver and substitute positions.

Major maintenance projects: The school has been updating its HVAC system over the summer. Work will continue next summer.

Open house: Freshman orientation is scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. in the high school gym, 610 13th St. W., Columbia Falls.

For more information call 892-6500 or visit www.cfhighschool.org.

Creston School

First day: Aug. 30.

Projected enrollment: Kindergarten, 18; first-grade, 14; second grade, 14; third grade, 17; fourth grade, 15; fifth grade, 14 and sixth grade 17.

New staff: Teachers Melissa Potts, Title I intervention and Barbara Visnovske, P.E., music and art.

New curriculum/programs: Creston will implement “Social Studies Alive!” curriculum through TCI.

Open house: 6 to 7 p.m. Aug. 28 at the school, 4495 Montana 35, Kalispell.

For more information call 755-2859 or visit https://creston.k12.mt.us.

Deer Park School

First day: Aug. 30.

Projected enrollment: 185 students.

New staff: Fourth-grade teacher Jennie Taylor and paraeducators Brittney Iverson and Casie Fleming.

The district is looking to fill a librarian position, after-school program director and paraeducator positions.

Major maintenance projects: Updated fire alarm system, new floors in the primary building and a couple of classrooms.

New curriculum/programs: Creston is in its second year implementing PAX Good Behavior program; math curriculum from McGraw-Hill called Reveal

Open house: 4:30 to 6 p.m. Aug. 29 at Deer Park, 2105 Middle Road, Columbia Falls.

For more information call 892-5388 or visit https://www.deerpark.k12.mt.us.

Evergreen School District

Projected enrollment: 650 students districtwide.

Administrator changes: Melissa Hardman is the new district special services director. She previously held the Crossroads Program principal position.

New staff: Gabby Smith joins the district, school and health community liaison and Cassie Bowman, food service.

A student experience day: All grade levels are invited to attend from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Aug. 29. Students will be able to meet teachers and services will be provided including sports physicals, immunizations, haircuts, school supplies, Heart Locker resources, and families can register for the Boys & Girls Club. Call 607-4900 to schedule sports physicals. For more information call principal Mike Barton at 751-1141 or Mandy Gerth at the HEART Locker 751-3630.

Families are reminded that all meals are free to students under the federal Community Eligibility Provision.

For more information visit www.evergreensd50.com.

East Evergreen Elementary

First day: Grades first through fourth start Aug. 30. Early kindergarten and kindergarten start Sept. 6. Preschool begins Sept. 12.

Administrator changes: Jesse McFarland is the new elementary assistant principal. She previously served as the behavior specialist for Crossroads.

New staff: Teachers Rachel Bendon, music; Sarah Brown, first grade; Alicia Buda, second grade, Jayda Hendrickson, second grade and Lauryl Himsl, kindergarten and paraprofessional Morgan Peirce.

The elementary is looking to fill three paraprofessional positions and a maintenance engineer position.

Major maintenance projects: An HVAC project was completed along with an irrigation project. New flooring was also installed.

Open house: 6:30 p.m. Sept. 21 at the elementary located at 535 E. Evergreen Drive.

For more information call 751-1121.

Evergreen Jr. High

First day: Aug. 30.

Administrator changes: James Thompson moves from a position as the behavior specialist to assistant principal and athletics/activities director.

Major maintenance projects: An HVAC project was completed and new flooring was installed.

Open house: 6:30 p.m. Sept. 19 at the junior high, 20 W. Evergreen Drive.

For more information call 751-1131.

Crossroads Program (serves K-8 students around the valley)

Administrator changes: Mike Barton is the new principal and assistant athletics/activities director. He previously held the Evergreen Jr. High assistant principal and athletic/activities director position.

New staff: Teachers Rachel Bendon, music and Alex Myers, fifth and sixth grade.

Major maintenance projects: Plumbing repairs were made.

Open house: 6:30 p.m. Sept. 20. Crossroads is located in the Evergreen School District building at 18 W. Evergreen Drive.

For more information call 751-1141.

Fair-Mont-Egan School

First day: Grades kindergarten through eighth start Aug. 28. Early-kindergarten starts Aug. 29 with noon dismissals in their first week of school.

Families are reminded that Fair-Mont-Egan starts four-day school weeks this year with school in session Monday through Thursday.

Projected enrollment: 140 students.

New staff: Teachers Dakota Dosch, P.E. and health; Lacey Field, second grade; Liz Hursh, middle school English; Rebecca Kaufmann, special education; Payton Keltner, Indian Education For All curriculum and on-site substitute and Krystal Klietz, middle school science and social studies.

The school is looking to fill a systems support technician position.

New curriculum/programs: Implementing Step Up to Writing strategies and social studies programs called Studies Weekly, for grades kindergarten through fifth, and myWorld Interactive through SAVVAS, for grades sixth through eighth. Fair-Mont-Egan is also implementing the Ron Clark Academy House System, which focuses on establishing a positive school climate and culture.

For more information call 755-7072 or visit www.fmemontana.net.

Helena Flats School

First day: Grades first through eighth start Aug. 30. Early-entry kindergarten and kindergarten students will have a staggered start on Aug. 30 and will begin meeting as a whole class Sept. 11.

Projected enrollment: 293 students.

New staff: Teachers Kristina Agrillo, fourth grade; Mary Goldberg, second grade; Duane Karlin, technology; Melody Lindorf, early-entry kindergarten; Tia Nickerson, first grade; and Sierra Winch, middle school science and sixth-grade homeroom; and school counselor Ellen Jankiewicz.

Helena Flats is looking to fill instructional paraprofessional positions.

Major maintenance projects: Siding and roofing repairs from 2022 hail storm damage were completed over the summer. Repairs were made to “sinkholes” in the parking lot.

New curriculum/programs: The “Eureka Math 2” curriculum will be implemented. Elementary staff was trained in the PAX Good Behavior program. Code Girls United begins in September and Girls On The Run will be offered in the spring.

Open house: Students may drop off supplies from 1 to 3 p.m. Aug. 29 at the school located at 1000 Helena Flats Road in Kalispell. An open house and barbecue is scheduled from 4 to 6 p.m. Sept. 14.

For more information call 257-2301 or visit www.helenaflats.org.

Kalispell Montessori School

First day: Sept. 5.

Projected enrollment: 90 first- through eighth-graders.

The school is looking to fill a music teacher, middle school assistant teacher and after-school teacher position and asks interested individuals to email sarah@kalispellmontessori.com to apply. The school also seeks to expand its list of substitute teachers.

Major maintenance projects: All lighting fixtures were replaced with energy-efficient models.

Orientation: New students are invited to meet teachers and tour the school located at 349 Willow Glen Dr. in Kalispell from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Aug. 31. Snacks will be served and activities planned.

For more information call 755-3826 or visit www.kalispellmontessori.com.

Kalispell School District

The first day of school for first- through fifth-graders is Aug. 30. Kindergartners will meet on either an “A” or “B” day. “A” day students also start Aug. 30. “B” day students start Aug. 31. Thereafter, kindergartners will attend every other school day until Sept. 5, when all students start attending school every day.

KPS is still looking to fill a variety of positions throughout the district. People interested in learning more can visit https://kalispell.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx.

Edgerton Elementary School

Projected enrollment: 500 students.

Open house: 4 to 6 p.m. at Edgerton, 1400 Whitefish Stage Road, Kalispell.

For more information call 751-4040 or visit https://edgerton.sd5.k12.mt.us.

Elrod Elementary School

Projected enrollment: 230 students.

New staff: Fourth-grade teacher Jean-Francois Welsh.

New curriculum/programs: The district’s ASPIRE program joins Elrod with a team of educators led by J.P. Chua.

Major maintenance projects: A classroom was remodeled to house the ASPIRE program. Playground equipment was also installed over the summer.

Open house: Students may drop off supplies and meet teachers and drop off supplies from 4 to 6 p.m. Aug. 28 at the school located at 412 Third Ave. W. in Kalispell.

For more information call 751-3700 or visit https://elrod.sd5.k12.mt.us.

Flathead High School

First day: Ninth-graders start Aug. 30. Grades 10th, 11th and 12th start Aug. 31.

Projected enrollment: 1,600 — the highest enrollment since a second high school opened, according to Principal Michelle Paine.

New staff: Teachers Spencer Allen, career and technical education; Jessica Brammer, science; Khrista Corpron, agriculture and welding; Danielle Craver, special education; Mitchell Czerniak, P.E. and health; Darby Henderson, math; and Kenadie Pings, art; paraeducators Ashleigh Grosso, Ashley Kauffman, Ashley Tejano and Julie Tuck; nurse Christine Boles; psychologist Micahla Downey and School Resource Officer Tara Oster.

New curriculum/programs: Work-based learning opportunities have been expanded and Flathead will offer the Brave Adventures Block that encompasses science, English and P.E.

Open house: 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 6 at the high school, 644 Fourth Ave. W., Kalispell.

For more information call 751-3500 or visit https://flathead.sd5.k12.mt.us.

Glacier High School

First day: Ninth-graders start Aug. 30. Grades 10th, 11th and 12th start Aug. 31.

Projected enrollment: 1,450 students.

New staff: Teachers Chauncey Allison, orchestra; Molly Bell, health and P.E.; Heidi Burkhalter, special education; Ben Butts, career and technical education; Kelly Byerley, family and consumer science; Kristie Caratelli, art; Khrista Corpron, agriculture education; Coralie de Mazancourt, international languages; Ryan Figura, English; Samantha Schedel, English; Bethany Shehan, math; Denise Spiess, science; paraprofessionals Jill Hale and Stacie Walley; psychologist Micahla Downey and administrative assistant Laura Cox.

New curriculum/projects: An Outdoor Education block period has been created where students take English, Environmental Science (with an Advanced placement option) and Outdoor Pursuits over three periods. A two-period art block is also available to students who want to take drawing/painting or ceramics/pottery and a class called art Outside. Proficiency-based math options in Algebra 1, Geometry and Algebra 2, are offered in a format allowing students to work at their own pace. Advanced Placement pre-calculus has been added to the class roster. Technical Composition is offered as an asynchronous writing course allowing students to integrate writing requirements into other courses they are taking. Similar to the math format, the proficiency-based course allows students to work at their own pace.

Major maintenance projects: Exterior concrete was replaced.

Open house: 4 to 7 p.m. Sept. 7.

For more information call 758-8600 or visit https://glacier.sd5.k12.mt.us.

Hedges Elementary School

Projected enrollment: 320 students.

New staff: Special education teacher Jessica Boyer, kindergarten teacher Cadie Williams and instructional paraeducator Samantha Davis.

Hedges is looking to fill special education paraprofessional positions.

Major maintenance projects: New plumbing/pipes were installed to remedy lead levels found in the water.

Open house: Students may drop off supplies and meet teachers from 2 to 4 p.m. Aug. 29 at Hedges, 827 Fourth Ave. E., Kalispell.

For more information call 751-4090 or visit https://hedges.sd5.k12.mt.us.

Kalispell Middle School

First day: Sixth-graders start Aug. 30. Seventh- and eighth-graders attend Aug. 31.

Projected enrollment: 1,044 students.

New staff: Teachers Kerry Collins, foreign language; Matt Conover, sixth-grade math and Amy Rogan, special education.

Major maintenance projects: Windows that were about 50 years old were replaced in different parts of the building, according to Principal Tryg Johnson.

School tours: Sixth-graders and their parents/guardians are invited to tour the building Aug. 24 and seventh- and eighth-graders on Aug. 25 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tours are self-guided. The school is located at 205 Northwest Lane, Kalispell.

Open house: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 7.

For more information call 751-3800 or visit https://kms.sd5.k12.mt.us.

Linderman Education Center (serves Flathead and Glacier high school students)

First day: Students will attend scheduled orientation appointments with advisers Aug. 30 and 31 or Sept. 1. Students will start attending assigned schedules Sept. 5.

New staff: Cora Crumley, Academic Transition Center, Clinton Paris, math; Zac Perry, social science and Wes Irwin, adult education coordinator.

Open house: 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 3 at the center located at 124 Third Ave. E. in Kalispell.

For more information call 751-3390 or visit https://linderman.sd5.k12.mt.us.

Peterson Elementary School

Projected enrollment: 360 early-kindergartners through fifth-graders.

Open house: A sneak peek event is scheduled from 4 to 6 p.m. at the elementary located at 1119 Second St. W. in Kalispell.

For more information call 751-3737 or visit https://peterson.sd5.k12.mt.us.

Rankin Elementary School

Projected enrollment: 450 students.

New staff: Fourth-grade teacher Cassidy Hartsoch and special education teacher Mandy Hiner.

Major maintenance projects: New bicycle racks were installed. Two covered areas were created to provide shade on the playground.

Open house: Students are invited to meet teachers and drop off supplies from 1 to 4 p.m. Aug. 29 at the elementary located at 2155 Airport Road in Kalispell.

For more information call 300-0600 or visit https://rankin.sd5.k12.mt.us.

Russell Elementary School

Projected enrollment: 221 students.

New staff: Teachers Christine Hensleigh, second grade and Kelsey McFadden, kindergarten in addition to instructional paraeducator Shannan Allard.

Major maintenance projects: Energy-efficient windows were installed.

Open house: Students may drop off school supplies and meet teachers from 3 to 5 p.m. Aug. 29 at the elementary located at 227 W Nevada St. in Kalispell.

For more information call 751-3900 or visit https://russell.sd5.k12.mt.us.

Kila School

First day: Aug. 30.

Projected enrollment: 180.

New staff: Principal Shannon Marshall principal joining the district from her previous position as a technology teacher at Hedges Elementary. The staff also welcomes kindergarten teacher Dana Jenks and fifth-grade teacher Josh Jenks.

New curriculum/projects: The school will implement new Savvas math and literacy curriculum.

For more information call 257-2428 or visit www.kilaschool.com.

Marion School

First day: Sept. 5.

Projected enrollment: 165 students.

New staff: Teachers Gail Neal, special education and Echo Curtis, sixth grade.

The school is looking to fill food service and paraprofessional positions.

New curriculum/programs: The school is implementing a “house system,” which is a way of grouping a student body for learning and activities.

For more information call 854-2333 or visit https://sites.google.com/a/marionschoolmt.com/new-marion-school/home.

Pleasant Valley School

First day: Aug. 28.

Projected enrollment: Nine students.

For more information call 858-2343 or visit www.pvsmt.org.

Smith Valley School

First day: Grades first through eighth start Sept. 5. Kindergarten experience days are planned Sept. 5 through 7 with the first full day being Sept. 8.

Projected enrollment: 214 students.

New staff: Fourth-grade teacher Della Watson.

The school is still looking to hire a combination music and Title I teacher.

Major maintenance projects: The school’s oldest building, which houses kindergarten and first grade, is undergoing asbestos abatement. Kindergarten and first-grade classes will be relocated to a music classroom and the lunchroom, respectively, until the project is completed.

Community event: The community is invited to attend a breakfast from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the school, 2901 U.S. 2 W., Kalispell.

Open house: 4 to 7:15 p.m. Sept. 21.

For more information call 756-4535 or visit www.smithvalleyschool.org.

Somers-Lakeside School District

Projected enrollment districtwide: 560 kindergarten through eighth graders.

New curriculum/programs: The district has joined the Office of Public Instruction’s Montana Alternative Student Testing pilot program.

For more information visit www.somersdist29.org.

Lakeside Elementary School

First day: Sept. 5.

New staff: Fourth-grade teachers Camas Fernandez and Brandy Kiefer and kindergarten teacher Kimberly Reich.

The elementary school is looking to fill a counselor, librarian and two special education teaching positions.

Major maintenance projects: Expanded parking.

Open house: 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. August 31.

For more information call 844-2208.

Somers Middle School

First day: Sept. 5.

New staff: Teachers Annie Aiken, fifth-grade math; Joshua Espinosa, Title I Language Arts and Caitlin Webb, seventh-grade Language Arts.

Major maintenance projects: Remodeled a room in the annex to accommodate a daycare facility.

Open house: 3 to 5 p.m. Aug. 30 at the middle school located at 315 School Addition Road in Somers.

For more information call 857-3661.

Stillwater Christian School

First day: Sept. 6.

Projected enrollment: 445 pre-kindergarten through 12th-graders.

New staff: Teachers Emily Bailey, second grade; Zach Bigart, first grade; Miranda Breding, high school English; Natalie Oberlander, fourth grade; and Ryan Stephens, high school Bible; instructional aides Amber Moore and Sara Whitney; Director of Admissions Lianna Danielson and main office administrative assistant Jessica LeGassey.

The school is looking to fill elementary and high school Title I teacher positions.

Major maintenance projects: A modular building was placed on the property that will add two high school classrooms. Security improvements were also made.

Open house: 4 p.m. Sept. 5 at Stillwater, 255 F.F.A. Drive, Kalispell.

For more information call 752-4400 or visit visit www.stillwaterchristianschool.org.

St. Matthew’s Catholic School

First day: Sept. 5.

Projected enrollment: 240 pre-kindergartners through eighth-graders.

New staff: Tanya Reynolds, Early Learning Center director and teachers Tammi Edwards, kindergarten; Kellie Fender, second grade; Diane Mikelson, first grade and Natalie Sorenson, first grade.

St. Matthew’s is looking to fill a full-time custodian position.

New curriculum/programs: Implementing “Salvation History,” “Sadlier Math (grades K-8),” “Institute for Excellence in Writing” and “MobyMax,” curriculum.

Major maintenance projects: Two classrooms were added to the Early Learning Center. Parish offices moved to 703 First Ave. W., freeing up space for two classrooms in the school.

Open house: An ice cream social and meet-and-greet with teachers is set for 5 p.m. Aug. 31. A Sept. 21 open house is also planned.

For more information call 752-6303 or visit www.stmattsaints.org.

Swan River School

First day: Sept. 5.

Projected enrollment: 180 students.

New staff: Special Education Director and teacher Lisa Landro and teachers Bailey Johnson, third grade; Shayenn Thompson, second grade; Josh Vierzba, sixth grade; and Kate Zuther, first grade.

Open house: 5 to 7 p.m. Sept. 26 at the school, 1205 Swan Highway, Bigfork.

For more information call 837-4528 or visit www.swanriverschool.org.

West Glacier School

First day: Sept. 5.

For more information call 888-5312 or visit www.westglacierelementary.org.

West Valley School

First day: Aug. 28.

Projected enrollment: 760 students.

Staff changes: Richard Gross will serve as interim district superintendent for the 2023-24 school year. He previously held the elementary principal position. The elementary principal position has been filled for the interim by Alesia Hamill who previously served as the elementary support coordinator. The staff welcomes new eighth-grade math teacher Tana Voeller.

Open houses: An elementary open house will be held from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Oct. 5.

For more information call 755-7239 or visit www.westvalleyschool.com.

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.

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.

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com.