A recently revamped work-based learning class at Whitefish High School is off to a good start. Now in its second semester, the class continues to grow thanks to many local businesses and individuals willing to mentor students.  

Instructor Kari Baxter described the program as an opportunity for students to “try on” careers they might want to pursue.  

“It provides hands-on experience in a real-world business setting through mentoring, workplace simulation, classroom support, and a high level of accountability,” Baxter said at the Whitefish School District board meeting last week.  

The class launched last spring with 22 students, all juniors and seniors. Some interests included physical therapy, crime scene investigation, aviation, music production, real estate, photography and interior design.  

A few spring semester students landed jobs through the program, while others made pivots, learning that they were not interested in that field. Either way, it was a valuable experience for the students, Baxter said.  

“My daughter interned in interior design, and she loved it so much she’s moving to Thailand to study design,” Baxter added. “I’ve seen from a parent’s perspective how much it can open their eyes.”  

This fall the program has 24 students, and with them even more unique interests. There are new community partnerships with vet clinics, and construction and hospitality businesses. A big win for the fall was partnering with Logan Health, where several students are interning, Baxter said.  

As a part of a separate class, there are also 41 educational interns this fall, who are mentoring with teachers and staff in the district.  

THE SCHOOL board also reviewed the high school expansion projects. Budget, timeline and design are on track, and construction cost estimations should occur next month, said Luke Hamman, owner’s representative for the project.  

In addition to student, teacher and parent feedback sessions, there are a few opportunities for the community to hear about the design. 

A community meeting will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 24 at Whitefish High School from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. A&E Design will present a deep dive into the design and give an opportunity for the public to ask questions.  

There will also be a booth set up to answer questions about the expansion projects at the volleyball game on Thursday, Sept. 25 at 5:30 p.m. and at the football game on Friday, Sept. 26 at 6 p.m. 

Also of note from the board meeting, the district’s total enrollment for September is 1,951. Comparatively, the 2024 school year started with 1,940. The high school has the largest number of students ever, 680, Superintendent Dave Means said. That is in part due to a large freshman class of 190 students, which is the largest class of all grade levels in the last few decades.