Back-to-school August 2022

The start of the 2022-23 school year begins next week for many districts in the valley.

One of the big changes this year is that school meals will no longer be available free of charge for all students due to the expiration of Covid-19 waivers. Evergreen School District, however, will continue offering free meals under the Community Eligibility Provision, which serves students in low-income areas.

All other families with children who may be eligible for free or reduced-cost meals need to complete an application at their respective school district. Eligibility is based on income level. A child in a family of four with a yearly income of $51,338, for example, would qualify for reduced-price meals, according to the USDA. If the family of four earned $36,075 a year, the child would qualify for free meals.

Following is information for schools starting in August.

Cayuse Prairie School

First day: Aug. 31 for first through eighth grade. Kindergarten attends a half-day Sept. 6.

Projected enrollment: 300 students

New staff: Kaila Forester, librarian; Kristen Hamburg, food service manager; teachers Olivia DeJana, fifth-grade and Levi Nickel, p.e.and health enhancement; Madi Loomis, resident student teacher; and paraprofessionals Tavia Moschetti, Holly Ringhofer, special education and Jillian Madison-Smith, special education.

An open house is slated from 3 to 6 p.m. Aug. 30.

Website: www.cayuseprairie.com

Creston School

First day: Aug. 31

Projected enrollment: 115 students

New Staff: Principal Rachel Stevens joins the staff from her former position as a teacher in Somers-Lakeside School District. Creston also welcomes fifth-grade teacher Carlie Nutt.

An open house is set from 6 to 7 p.m. Aug. 29.

Columbia Falls School District

Website: www.cfmtschools.net

Glacier Gateway

Students and families are invited to drop off supplies and meet teachers from 4:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 22.

First day: Aug. 24 for grades first through fifth. Kindergartners will start on an A/B schedule beginning Aug. 25.

Projected enrollment: 475 students

New staff: Teachers Robin Cael, fourth grade and Joel Landis, fifth grade and paraeducators Elisha Jacobs, kindergarten and Krisi Hoerner, special education.

Major maintenance projects: The new school building is slated for completion for staff to move into over Christmas vacation.

Ruder Elementary

Students and families are invited to drop off school supplies and meet teachers from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Aug. 22.

First day: Aug. 24

Projected enrollment: 570 students

New staff: Crystal Fisher, behavior coach; Kira Luscher, counselor; speech therapists Holly McDonald and Sheridan Wilkes; teachers Jen Greenberb, third grade; Peyton Kehr, fifth grade; Kathy LeDuc, special education; Kelsey McFadden, first grade; Mackenzie Roberts, third grade; Demi Sullivan, kindergarten; Crystal Sundberg, special education and Jacy Wilson, kindergarten; and special education paraeducators Amanda Douglas, Crista Peterson, David Wanner and Tristen Woody.

Columbia Falls Jr. High

Sixth-graders are invited to stop at the school from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Aug. 22. Seventh- and eighth-graders are welcome to visit from 7 to 8 p.m. Aug. 22.

First day: Aug. 24

Projected enrollment: 540 students

New Staff: Teachers Derek Andrews, seventh- and eighth-grade family consumer science; Kerstin Brockie, eighth-grade English and literature; Peregrine Frissell, eighth-grade social studies; Ellie Green, sixth-grade social studies and English; and David Hon, sixth- through eighth-grade English Language Arts and special education.

Columbia Falls High School

Freshman orientation is set for 6 p.m. Aug. 22.

First day: Aug. 24

Projected enrollment: 715 students

New staff: Columbia Falls High School welcomes new principal Jon Konen, who joins the district from his former position as Corvallis School District superintendent. The high school also welcomes teachers Jaime Bell, English; Austin Green, social studies and credit recovery; Cathy Martin, business education; Cydney Finberg-Roberts, P.E. and health and Susan Rushe, special education.

Major maintenance projects: Planning has started on installing a new heating, ventilation and air conditioning system.

Deer Park School

An open house is planned from 4 to 6 p.m. Aug. 30.

First day: Aug. 31

Projected enrollment: 190 students

New staff: Librarian and title 1 Emily Garnder and paraprofessionals Samantha Marcus and Rachel Younger.

Major maintenance projects: Upgraded internet and technology in addition to small classroom renovations.

Website: www.deerpark.k12.mt.us

Evergreen School District

First day: Aug. 31 for grades first through eighth. Kindergarten starts Sept. 7.

Projected enrollment: 706 kindergarten through eighth-graders.

Major maintenance projects: Upgraded LED lighting in the administration and Crossroads building.

An open house for the Flathead Crossroads Program is set for 6:30 p.m. Sept. 21 at the school.

Website: www.evergreensd50.com

East Evergreen Elementary

New staff: Miranda Breding, student data and support specialist; and teachers Rachel Hall, fourth grade; Aleesha Hillis, second grade; Eric Kron, third grade; Helen Lyford, special education; Dennis Perez, music (East Elementary and Crossroads); Kathleen McHugh, second grade and Megan Zika, kindergarten.

Major maintenance projects completed over the summer: HVAC installation

An open house will be held at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 22.

Evergreen Jr. High

New staff: Nicole Rossmiller, assistant secretary; Kathy Skinner, student data and support specialist; James Thompson, fifth- through eighth-grade behavior specialist; and teachers Kristi Dorcheus, fifth grade; Cecilia Huerta, special education; Kari Inabnit, fifth grade; Natalie Mayhew, special education and Veronica McAchran, sixth grade.

Major maintenance projects completed over the summer: HVAC installation

An open house will be held at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 20.

Fair-Mont-Egan School

A back-to-school night is planned from 4 to 6 p.m. Aug 29. Parents are asked to bring completed student information packets.

First day: Aug. 30

Projected enrollment: 150 students

New staff: Superintendent and principal Brandy Carlenzoli joins Fair-Mont-Egan from her previous position as a K-12 charter school administrator in California. The district also welcomes Trista Johnson, district clerk; Donna Keel, fourth-grade teacher; Tawny Kinslow, P.E. and health teacher; Joylyn Lau, front desk manager; Anna Siderius, family liaison; Christine Tow, food service supervisor; Julie Wood, assistant business manager; and new paraprofessionals Deborah McCrary, Sara Schneider and Josiana Richter.

Website: www.fmemontana.net

Helena Flats School

First day: Aug. 31 for grades first through eighth. Kindergarten starts Sept. 12.

Projected enrollment: 270 students

New staff: Principal and former K-8 counselor Allison Hawes; Nichole Greene, school counselor; Holly McDonald, speech-language pathologist; Hayden Congdon, technology and teachers Hannah Atlee, kindergarten; Liz Baker, third grade; Ashley Cheesman, second grade; Layla Holloway, fourth grade; Tracey Stahlberg, special education; Dylan Quinn, first grade and Jenny Taylor, kindergarten.

Major maintenance projects completed over the summer: Repairing hail damage to roof.

Website: www.helenaflats.org

Kalispell Public Schools

Website: www.sd5.k12.mt.us

Edgerton Elementary

An open house is planned from 4 to 6 p.m. Aug. 29.

First day: Aug. 31 for grades first through fifth. Kindergartners attend on an A/B schedule.

Projected enrollment: 500 students

New staff: Assistant principal and instructional coach Marti Paugh joins Edgerton from after completing a principal internship at Ruder Elementary where she also served as a

learning hub coordinator for the Office of Public Instruction. Edgerton also welcomes Jessica Boyer, resource teacher; Amy Danforth, school psychologist; Brian Hugh and Shaun Olson, both food service; and paraeducators Jessica Abney, Bre Clark, Jessica Cooper and Lillian Popp.

Elrod Elementary

Students are invited to drop off supplies and meet teachers from 3 to 6 p.m. Aug. 29.

First day: Aug. 31 for grades first through fifth. Kindergartners attend on an A/B schedule.

Projected enrollment: 230 students

New staff: Librarian Ariann Hess-Headlee and paraprofessionals Samantha Davis, Anna San Diego and Paige Doda.

Major maintenance projects: Windows were replaced with energy-efficient ones. New playground equipment is scheduled to be installed.

Hedges Elementary

Students and families are invited to drop off school supplies and meet teachers from 2 to 4 p.m. Aug. 30.

First day: Aug. 31 for grades first through fifth. Kindergartners attend on an A/B schedule.

Projected enrollment: 300 students

New staff: Madeline Gargasz, music teacher; Heather Key, special education teacher; Emily Russell, counselor and special education paraeducators Brittany Boone; Trish Carlon; Tracy Perritt and Teresa White.

Peterson Elementary

A Sneak Peek event is planned from 4 to 6 p.m. for students and families.

First day: Aug. 31 for grades first through fifth. Kindergartners attend on an A/B schedule.

Rankin Elementary

Students and families are invited to drop off supplies and meet teachers from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Aug. 30.

First day: Aug. 31 for grades first through fifth. Kindergartners attend on an A/B schedule.

Russell Elementary

Students and families are invited to drop off supplies and meet teachers from 3 to 6 p.m. Aug. 30.

Projected enrollment: 250 students.

New staff: Teachers Cindy Harvey, first grade; Shelli Hilde, third grade; Daniel Trageser, P.E.; paraeducators Brittney Johnson, instructional and Amber Ranch, special education; and instructional coach Kendra Peltier.

New curriculum/programs:

Major maintenance projects completed over the summer: New flooring throughout the building, which includes hallway flooring and new carpet in our classrooms. New paint in most locations inside the school.

Kalispell Middle School

Students and parents are welcome to take self-guided tours of the school prior to the first day. Sixth-graders may tour the building from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 25. Seventh- and eighth-graders may visit from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 26.

First day: Aug 31, for sixth-graders only. Seventh- and eighth-graders start Sept. 1.

Projected enrollment: 1,070 students

New staff: Assistant principal and athletic director Alex Cummings joins the middle school staff from former positions as an English language arts teacher and football coach. The middle school also welcomes Jesse Allen, school resource officer; Sara Bigelow, seventh-grade counselor; Courtney Chuang, speech-language pathologist; in addition to the following teachers Cadie Bailey, life skills; Jennifer Baker, family and consumer science; Molly Bell, seventh-grade health enhancement; Gabriela Ruiz De Chavez, seventh-grade health enhancement; Makenzie Emeny, sixth-grade social studies; Evan Epperly, sixth-grade social studies; Nicole Fairclough, sixth-grade health enhancement; Josh Gubits, seventh-grade science; Collin Kazmier, eighth-grade science; Mikayla Kazmier, sixth-grade science; Maree Mitchell, eighth-grade science; Skylar Steinbach, sixth-grade health enhancement; and Susie Trefney, seventh-grade math.

An open house is set from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 8.

Flathead High School

A Brave Welcome event is planned Aug. 24 and 25th. Locker assignments, schedules, fees, lunch accounts, P.E. uniforms and parking permits can be attended to during scheduled times. Freshmen should plan to attend Aug. 24 at the following times: 10 to 11:30 a.m. for last names starting with A-G; noon to 1:30 p.m. for last names starting with H-O and 1:30 to 3 p.m. for last names P-Z. On Aug. 25, sophomores may attend from 1 to 4 p.m.; juniors, from 9 a.m. to noon and seniors from 7 to 9 a.m.

First day: Aug. 31 for ninth-graders only. Sophomores, juniors and seniors start school Sept. 1.

Projected enrollment: 1,550 students

New staff: Teachers Clinton Paris, math; Michael Pardusky, science; Kelli Rosenquist, social studies; Eric Holdhusen, music; Caleb Aland, special education; Ken Stephens, special education; Colleen O’Dell, special education; Sarah Lamb, special education; Mark Harrington, English; Luke Johnson, English; Hannah Holderbaum; English; Karen Strong, Family and consumer science; Kristin Bay, career center and library aide Karen Bouda.

New curriculum/programs: Heavy Equipment Operation Internship in collaboration with Build Montana and the Montana Contractors Association; Digital Photography and Film; Technical Theater 3 and 4 and Beginning Band courses have been added. The girls flag football program also kicks off this year.

Major maintenance projects: An old section of roofing, slated for repair with 2016 bond money, was replaced after a two-year delay.

An open house will be held from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 7. There will be food, club information, parent sessions and meet-and-greets with teachers.

Glacier High School

A Jamboree event will be held from 11 to 4 p.m. Aug. 23. Students and families will be able to pick up schedules, set up lockers and pay fees.

First day: Aug. 31, freshman only. Sophomores, juniors and seniors start Sept. 1.

Projected enrollment: 1,400 students

New staff: Taylor Holiday, Ascent Program social worker; Garrett Smith, school resource officer; Angel Verhine, attendance clerk; teachers Tracy Brink, family and consumer science; Kirstyn Cummings, health and P.E.; Gabi Eodice, English; Jesse Johnson, health and P.E.; Shelbi Kusler, health and P.E.; David Ritter, math and Jewel Roach, English; and instructional paraeducators Geoffrey Foster and Remi Titus.

New curriculum/programs: New Courses: Project Lead the Way Computer Science Essentials; Beginning Band and Physics have been added. The girl's flag football program also starts this year.

Major maintenance projects: Installation of shot clocks as approved by the Montana High School Association for use in boys and girls basketball this year.

An open house is slated from 4 to 7 p.m. Sept. 8.

Linderman Education Center

Students have a staggered start to the school year. Students and parents will need to attend an orientation appointment with an adviser scheduled for either Aug. 31, Sept. 1 or 2.

Projected enrollment: 200 students

New staff: Teachers Danielle Hobbs, social science; Lena Olson, art and Lon Smith, ASPIRE program.

Students are reminded the on-site health center will be open from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays in partnership with the Greater Valley Health Center. Call 406-607-4900 to schedule appointments.

An open house will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 18.

Kila School

Students and families are invited to drop off supplies and meet teachers from 2:30 to 6:30 Aug. 25.

First day: Aug. 31

Projected enrollment: 185 students

New staff: Kim Bertrand, student support; Carri Hancock, head cook; Marcy Riley, cook; and teachers David Hembroff, middle school; Catherine O'Brien, kindergarten and Brandy Vickrey, middle school.

Major maintenance projects: Library expansion and relocation.

Website: www.kilaschool.com

Olney-Bissell School

Students and families are invited to drop off school supplies and meet teachers from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Aug. 23.

First day: Aug. 24

Projected enrollment: 110 students

New staff: Special education teacher Heather Bourdon.

Major maintenance projects: Bathrooms were renovated and the school hallways painted.

Website: www.olneybissellschool.com

Trinity Lutheran School

An open house and barbecue is planned at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 25

First day: August 31

Projected enrollment: 255 students

New staff: Teachers Anna Reihmann, kindergarten and Matthias Peiffer, fifth grade.

New curriculum/programs: Adoption of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt’s Into Math curriculum.

Major maintenance projects: Refurbished a classroom to accommodate an additional kindergarten classroom. This included flooring, lighting, painting and equipment. The project was funded through a $20,058 Lutheran Church Extension Fund grant.

Website: www.trinityed.org

West Valley School

First day: Aug. 30

Projected enrollment: 800 students

New staff: Superintendent Cindy Risher joins the staff from her previous position as principal of Ocosta Elementary in Westport, Washington. West Valley also welcomes Cat Kuchera, technology director, and teachers Wendy Alvarez, middle school English language arts; Joel Ayles, P.E.; David. Baker, P.E.; Laura Browning, middle school social studies; Mollie Freese, fifth grade; Katie Haas, second grade; Anita Hillis, elementary music; Katie Holman, special education; Melanie Home Gun, special education; Kris Keller, librarian; Megan Malia, special education and Tim Rausch, middle school math.

New curriculum/programs: Adoption of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt’s Into Math curriculum in all grade levels.

Major maintenance projects: Construction is wrapping up on a new playground structure. Martel Construction donated construction of a new equipment shed.

Website: www.westvalleyschool.com

Whitefish School District

Whitefish School District will continue releasing students early on Wednesdays during full school weeks. There will be no early release Wednesdays during short school weeks (three or four days).

Website: whs.wsd44.org

Muldown Elementary

An open house is planned from 4 to 6 p.m. Aug. 23.

First day: Aug. 24 for first through fourth grade. Kindergartners whose last names begin with A-L, attend a half-day Aug. 25. Kindergartners whose last names begin with M-Z attend a half-day Aug. 26. The first full day for all kindergartners will be Aug. 29.

Projected enrollment: 630 students

New staff: Teachers Alyssa Crain, third grade; Corrine Cruz, intervention; Erin Libaire, second grade; Harris Montanye, second grade; and library media specialist Erika Fitzgerald.

Whitefish Middle School

An open house will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. Aug. 22.

First day: Aug. 24

Projected enrollment: 668 students

New staff: Seventh-grade student services provider Ashley Thomas-Meager, behavior specialist Kenny Ross and teachers Simone Craft, family and consumer sciences; Randy Hohf, science; DeAnn Klein, fifth grade; and Amy Rosenthal, sixth grade.

Whitefish High School

A Freshman Walkabout is scheduled from 5:30 to 6:15 Aug. 18 in the gym.

First day: Aug. 24, with a modified schedule. Freshmen only will attend during the morning to go through orientation and get photos taken. Freshmen will be served a free pizza lunch. Sophomores, juniors and seniors are scheduled to get photos taken during the morning hours. Classes start at 12:30 p.m. for all grades.

Projected enrollment: 620 students

New staff: Assistant Principal Hallie Koppang and teachers Hannah Faul, science; Abby Long, English; David Perisho, part-time at the Whitefish Independent High School; school psychologist and counselor Rachel Meyer and counselor Michael Tompkins.

New curriculum/programs: Economics and AP World History: Modern courses have been added. The high school has also started a baseball team.

Major maintenance projects: New carpet throughout the second-floor hallways.

An open house will be held at 6 p.m. Sept. 19, coinciding with the kickoff to homecoming week.

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