Most students head back to class next week

It might seem like only last week that students were thrilled about "no more teachers, no more books," but summer vacation has flown by. For most students in the Flathead Valley, school begins next week.

Some go back as early as Tuesday; most start Wednesday. Others won't begin until after Labor Day.

This weekend, the Daily Inter Lake will run information students and parents need to know before classes begin. For further information, families can call the schools. Most schools have Web sites as well.

Following is a roundup of information about local public schools.

Cayuse Prairie

Students at Cayuse Prairie School who need a little extra help with math will benefit from an expanded math lab this year. The school also has expanded its distance learning class selections.

The first day of school is Wednesday. Most students will attend from 8:20 a.m. to 2:20 p.m.; every Wednesday, including the first day, is an early out. Normal school days end at 3:20 p.m.

Kindergartners will attend from 8:20 to 11:15 a.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Starting Aug. 31, they will attend all day with the rest of the school.

Annelies Pedersen is the school's new counselor. She has two years' experience, including counseling at Swan River School. Cayuse Prairie also has two new instructional aides this year, Michelle Cronk and Cherie Gunderson.

Bus routes remained unchanged this year. The back (north) parking lot is for bus drop-off and pick-up only; parents drop off and pick up students in the front 'south) parking lot.

There is no hot lunch at Cayuse Prairie, so have those lunch boxes packed and ready.

Student IDs and personal identification numbers will be sent home the first week of school so parents may access their children's schedules and grades. Go to www.cayuseprairie.com or call 756-4560.

Columbia Falls

Students in the Columbia Falls School District go back to school Wednesday. Parents and students who are new to the district or who have moved within the district should contact Wade Fish in the transportation department at 892-6550, extension 431, for bus-route information.

Information about the district, including links to individual schools, is available on the district's Web site, http://sd6.k12.mt.us, or by calling the district office at 892-6550.

n The first bell rings at 8:25 a.m. at Canyon Elementary, but breakfast will be available beginning at 7:45 a.m. The first day, like every Wednesday, is an early-release day; students will be dismissed at 2:15 p.m. Other school days end at 3:15 p.m.

Lunch will be available on the first day.

There is new playground equipment at the school this year, purchased after major fundraising efforts and local giving programs. Also new this year is the principal. Matt Fawcett, formerly the principal at Ruder Elementary, will lead the staff.

Canyon Elementary's after-school program begins in October. The school's parent-teacher organization is gearing up to fund extra art programs and other student activities.

The school-supply list is posted on the district's Web site. Canyon Elementary does have donated supplies for families who need a little help. Call 387-5323.

n School begins at 8:15 a.m. for kids at Glacier Gateway Elementary. Playground supervision and breakfast begin at 7:45 a.m. Students should not plan on being at school any earlier than that and should be picked up, take the bus or walk home as soon as school is dismissed at 2:05 p.m.

It might be tempting to stay longer, since the playground has a new toy structure featuring slides and climbers. There are also two new swing sets with 12 swings. The new equipment was made possible thanks to fundraising efforts, contributions from local businesses, one anonymous donor, and grants from the Masons, Plum Creek Foundation and Flathead Electric Cooperative.

When the school year gets rolling, Glacier Gateway will offer Homework Club again this year, as well as some after-school programs. The Boys and Girls Club will also use some school facilities for after-school activities.

Most school days start at 8:15 a.m. and end at 3:05 p.m. Wednesdays are early-out days and end at 2:05 p.m. Hot lunch and breakfast are available every day, including the first day.

There will be four new faces to greet students this fall. Beth Love, a new second-grade teacher, moved to Glacier Gateway from Ruder Elementary, as did third-grade teacher Elaine Steele. They have 21 and 17 years of teaching experience in Columbia Falls, respectively. Jackie Riffey is another new third-grade teacher who isn't new to the district; she moved to Glacier Gateway from the junior high. She has taught in the district for nine years.

Jennifer Weltzien, a recent graduate from a master's program at Eastern Washington University, is the school's new speech pathologist.

Traffic routes remain unchanged around Glacier Gateway this year, but Principal Dot Wood reminds parents to park in designated spots on the east side of the school, stop at crosswalks and use drop-off and pick-up zones appropriately.

Glacier Gateway's school supply lists are posted at the school on the window by the flagpole. They also are available in the office or at Smith's, Wal-Mart or ShopKo. Some donated supplies are available for families in need of assistance; check with the school office.

Visit the district Web site or call 892-6540.

n There's good news for kids who make good choices at Ruder Elementary this year. Students who stay out of trouble will be recognized by the school's Zero Detention Club, which has been implemented as part of the school's positive behavioral support plan to help all students make good choices.

Brenda Hoerner is the school's new principal. She previously was principal for five years at Canyon Elementary. Evan Miller is the school's new special education teacher. He taught in Washington for several years and is a Columbia Falls High School graduate. Libby Beever is the new fourth-grade teacher; she taught sixth grade last year at the junior high.

School starts at 8:25 a.m. On the first day, like every Wednesday, school gets out at 2:25 p.m. On other days, students are released at 3:25 p.m.

Hot lunch and breakfast will be available on the first day of school.

Hoerner reminds parents to follow traffic directions in the parking lot. Parking in front of the building is not allowed. If parents plan to come into the school with their children, they should park in the parking lot.

Visit the district Web site or call 892-6570.

n Sixth-graders and other students new to Columbia Falls Junior High School should plan on attending an open house at 6 p.m. Tuesday.

After the open house, all students will be ready for the first bell at 8:21 a.m. Wednesday. All Wednesdays, including the first day, are early-release days with dismissal at 2:19 p.m. Other school days end at 3:21 p.m.

Food service will be available on the first day.

Kami Johnston is the new junior high social studies teacher. She has taught elsewhere in the district for eight years.

Supply lists are posted at the school and are available on the district's Web site. Curriculums, calendars and other information are also on the Web site; call 892-6530.

n There have been general interior and exterior improvements made at Columbia Falls High School. Students go back to class at 8:20 a.m. The schedule remains unchanged; students are released at 3:15 p.m. every day but Wednesday, which has an early release at 2:17 p.m., including on the first day of school.

Hot-lunch service will be available on the first day.

There is one new teacher; Kate Daniels recently was hired as an art instructor.

Students may pick up their schedules and locker assignments from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday. Freshmen will receive theirs at Monday's freshmen student and parent orientation, which begins at 6 p.m. Sophomores, juniors and seniors new to the district are encouraged to attend orientation as well.

All new students should call the high school to make an appointment with a counselor to register for fall classes. Call the school at 892-6500.

Creston

Wednesday is the first day of school for students at Creston School. It is a full, regular school day, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.

The school's playground is now completely fenced and gated and the parking lot has been paved.

This year the school will share its new music teacher, Terry DeGroot, with Fair-Mont-Egan School. DeGroot will teach general music and band at Creston on Mondays and Wednesdays.

The whole school will participate in a daily reading block from 8:30 to 10 a.m.

Pizza will be available on Fridays again this year. Bus routes are unchanged.

Those who haven't yet registered or who need more information should call the school at 755-2859.

The district's Web site is http://crestonschool.com.

Deer Park

The first day of school at Deer Park Elementary is an anomaly; most Wednesdays are early-release days with dismissal at 2:30 p.m. But this Wednesday, students will be in class for a full day and be released 3:20 p.m. The first bell rings at 8:15 a.m.

There are new gym lights at Deer Park this year, and students can expect new sports and physical education games.

The school's beautification project, "Campus Cleanup," is from 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 29.

Call the school at 892-5388 or visit http://deerpark.k12.mt.us.

Evergreen

Students in the Evergreen School District go back to school Wednesday.

There is no bus service in Evergreen, so students and parents should arrange other transportation. Call 751-1111 or visit http://evergreensd50.com.

n The office opens at 7:45 a.m. at East Evergreen Elementary, and breakfast is served until 8:15 a.m. The fourth-grade bell rings at 8:10 a.m.; if students aren't in their classrooms by 8:15 a.m., they are tardy. Younger students have to be in their classrooms by 8:30 a.m., and preschool special services begin at 8:45 a.m.

The preschool special-services class is dismissed at 12:15 p.m. Kindergarten and first-grade students get out at 2:45 p.m., and everyone else gets out at 3:05 p.m.

East Evergreen hosts Student Experience Day from 8:30 to 11 a.m. Tuesday. Visit the district Web site or call 751-1121.

n Evergreen Junior High School hosts its own Student Experience Day from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday. Students are encouraged to pick up their schedules, find their lockers and meet their teachers. They also should bring their school supplies.

The school day begins at 8:10 a.m. Wednesday. There are eight periods in the school day; eighth period ends at 3:21 p.m.

Hot lunch and breakfast will be available on the first day of school. Breakfast is 95 cents for students or $1 for adults; lunch costs $1.50 for students or $2.50 for adults. The salad bar begins Sept. 2.

There are four new staff members this year. Therese Noullet took last year off but returns to teach seventh-grade science and history; she also will work in the school's new math and reading labs. Joe Pitts, who taught for two years in the United States and one in Japan, will teach sixth-grade social studies. Nancy Zant, from Fairfield, will bring her six years' experience to the junior high's seventh- and eighth-grade special education program. Pat Cheff is the school's dean of students and activity coordinator this year. He has 17 years of experience as a teacher and coach.

Visit the district Web site or call 751-1131.

Fair-Mont-Egan

Summer vacation ends soonest for students at Fair-Mont-Egan School. Classes begin at 8:35 a.m. Tuesday. There will be a coffee hour on the first day of school to give new and returning parents a chance to connect.

The school's big project this summer was installing new playground fitness equipment for primary-grade students and for middle-school and adult use. Fair-Mont-Egan also got new desks and chairs.

Third-graders will have a long-term substitute teacher this year; Shila Schreiner will sub for Kelly Gates, who is on maternity leave. Heather Dickey, who previously worked at Cayuse Prairie, will teach seventh grade. Terry DeGroot, who also will teach at Creston School, will teach band and music. Nancy Maxwell, who was at Smith Valley School, will be the Fair-Mont-Egan school counselor.

The school schedule remains unchanged this year; students will be released at 3:30 p.m. Bruin's Den, the school's before- and after-school program, will be offered from 7:15 to 8:15 a.m. and from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. The morning session includes breakfast; afternoons include a snack.

There is no hot lunch program at Fair-Mont-Egan.

Call 755-7072 or visit http://fair.mt.schoolwebpages.com.

Helena Flats

School begins at 8:25 a.m. Wednesday at Helena Flats School. Kindergarten, first-, second- and third-graders get out at 3 p.m.; older students are released at 3:15 p.m. The schedule is unchanged from last year.

New this year, two Helena Flats teachers will participate in the state Office of Public Instruction's program to help teachers learn to use and integrate Web 2.0 technologies into classrooms.

The school has a new superintendent this year. Ann Minckler has more than 20 years of experience in education all over the world. Most recently, she taught computer education classes at the University of Montana and was the principal of Target Range School in Missoula.

Joline Young is the school's new part-time special education teacher. She has been a part-time Title I teacher and a part-time para-educator in the district.

There is no bus service in the Helena Flats district. Hot lunch will be available on the first day of school.

The school's Web site is www.helenaflats.org. This fall Helena Flats will launch a new site at this address. Call 257-2301.

Kila

Students at Kila School go back Wednesday at 8:25 a.m.

Students in kindergarten through third grade are released at 3 p.m. Fourth- and fifth-graders get out at 3:10 p.m. Sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade students get out at 3:20 p.m.

James Bauch, who has two years' teaching experience in California, is the school's new health enhancement teacher.

Hot breakfast and lunch will be available on the first day. Wednesday's breakfast menu is still a mystery, but lunch is pizza.

Students should bring their school supplies on the first day.

Call 257-2428 or visit www.kilaschool.com.

Marion

Marion School has new windows in most classrooms and a newly insulated middle-school building this year. The bathrooms and kitchen received new coats of paint over the summer.

School begins Wednesday. The schedule remains unchanged from last year, as does the bus route.

Shannon Middaugh is the new sixth-grade teacher. She has three years of teaching experience and comes to Marion from Puyallup, Wash. Jay Hurder is the school's new principal. He has more than 20 years' experience in K-12 education. He lived in Billings and Spokane as a child but most recently lived in Northwest Illinois.

The school has an open house for kindergarten students and parents at 6 p.m. Monday. A welcome assembly will take place at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday.

Call the school at 854-2333.

Pleasant Valley

Students at Pleasant Valley School go back to school Wednesday. This year they have an upgraded roof and - more exciting to students - a new volleyball court/skating rink.

Randy Adcock, "a man that wears all hats' according to District Clerk Kathy Jackson, returns for his second year as the school's sole teacher.

There is no hot lunch or bus service, so students should bring their own lunches, and parents should transport their children to and from school.

The school day runs from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Call 858-2343.

Smith Valley

School starts Wednesday at Smith Valley School. Classes begin at 8:30 a.m. for all grades. Kindergarten, first- and second-graders get out at 3 p.m.; grades three through five are dismissed at 3:10 p.m. and sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade students are released at 3:18 p.m.

Hot lunch will be available on the first day.

Kari Mower is the school's new counselor. Renae Feddes is the school's new music teacher.

Call 756-4535 or visit www.freewebs.com/smithvalleyschool/.

West Glacier

West Glacier School debuts its four-day school week this year, the first school in Flathead County to try the alternative schedule. The school board approved the four-day week last spring.

School begins at 7:45 a.m. and releases at 4:05 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Students' first day back is Wednesday.

West Glacier's Cub Camp after-school program will be offered daily until 5 p.m.

This fall students will reap the benefits of the raised-bed garden they and the West Glacier community built last spring. In addition to food that will supplement the school's volunteer-led hot lunch program, the garden will provide a variety of curricular opportunities, according to Principal Cortni King.

The school will have a "welcome back" pizza lunch for students and staff on the first day of school. The once-a-week hot lunch program will begin in September. Contact staff liaison Christina Soderberg at the school.

Traci Click, formerly the school's administrative assistant, will change roles this year to serve as the district clerk.

Bus routes remain the same this year, and parents who drive their children should still use the school's west entrance for pick up and delivery.

Students should already have received a supply list and welcome back letter from their teacher. If they haven't, or if families need more information, they should call the school at 888-5312.

The school's Web site is scheduled to go live this fall at http://www.westglacierelementary.org.

Somers-Lakeside

Students in the Somers School District go back to school Aug. 31. New to the district this year is the AlertNow phone system, which will allow Superintendent Teri Wing to notify every household in the district of last-minute school news, like weather-related closures.

Visit www.somersdist29.org or call 857-3661.

n Lakeside Elementary School has a shiny new exterior thanks to a fresh paint job. Class starts at 8:25 a.m. The school day ends at 3:12 p.m.

Before- and after-school programs will continue this year, and families will no longer be responsible for paying for school field trips.

There are two new first-grade teachers this year, Ben McFarlane and Katie Meredith. Marcia Stolfus is the new special-education teacher.

Hot breakfast and lunch are available the first day.

For information about bus routes or for any other questions, call the school at 844-2208.

n School is from 8:25 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. at Somers Middle School. These times are unchanged from last year.

One change at Somers will be students' new physical-education uniforms. The full uniform, shorts and a T-shirt, will cost $15.

There is a new P.E. teacher this year; Jeremy Radakovich has three years' teaching experience in Ekalaka. Brittany Katzer is the school's new counselor; this is her first year in education. It's also the first year for Jennifer Peterson, the new Spanish teacher. Kristi Dorcheus is the new school secretary.

Hot lunch will be available on the first day of school. Parents should remember to drop off their students in the lower parking lot.

Students should bring lunch money and lab and supply fees on the first day. Visit the district Web site or call 857-3301.

West Valley

Students at West Valley School go back to school Aug. 31. The school day begins at 8:26 a.m. and ends at 3:26 p.m., which is a change from last year.

Many students will have new, interactive whiteboards in their classrooms this year. There is also a new keyboarding cart, which can be taken from classroom to classroom. This will help teachers improve students' typing skills.

Tonya Jewett is the school's new fourth- and fifth-grade teacher. She has seven years' teaching experience and previously taught at Lakeside elementary.

"Grab-n-Go" breakfast begins Sept. 1. Hot lunch begins Sept. 8. Breakfast is $1.25; lunch is $2.25. Adults pay $3.

This is the district's second year of offering bus service. Bus routes remain close to the same, but students should plan on being at their designated bus stops about 10 minutes earlier than last year. Students also will get home about 10 or 15 minutes later.

Call 755-7239 or visit www.westvalleyschool.com.

Whitefish

Students in the Whitefish School District go back to class Aug. 31. For information about bus service, call 863-1200.

For other information, call the district office at 862-8640 or visit the district Web site at www.wfps.k12.mt.us.

n Before school starts at Muldown Elementary, students and families new to the school are invited to an ice cream social in the multipurpose room at 6 p.m. Tuesday.

Aug. 31 is an orientation day for kindergartners and first-graders. Students and parents may stop in for a brief visit any time between 8:35 and 11 a.m. or from 1 to 3 p.m. Their first full day is Sept. 1, when they will be dismissed at 3:10 p.m.

Second-, third- and fourth-graders' first full day is Aug. 31. Second-graders are dismissed at 3:10 p.m., third-graders at 3:20 p.m. and fourth-graders at 3:30 p.m.

Most grades start school at 8:35 a.m. Kindergartners start a little later, at 8:40 a.m.

Hot lunch and breakfast will be available on the first day.

Muldown has a new patio near the entry and new bathroom flooring. Third- and fourth-grade students will have a new cursive handwriting curriculum.

Lacey Hoffman isn't new to the building, but instead of working as a Title I paraprofessional, she will teach kindergarten this year.

Muldown's school supply list is available at local stores, on the front door of the school and on the school's Web site. Call 862-8620.

n The first day is a full day for students at Whitefish Middle School. Classes begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 3:22 p.m., the same as last year.

Hot lunch and breakfast will be available on the first day of school.

Josh Branstetter, formerly a fifth-grade teacher at the middle school, is now the assistant principal. Sarah Bilal, who previously taught at Helena Flats, is the new special-services teacher. Sara Mueller, who has five years' experience and worked in Kalispell Public Schools, also will teach special services. Ann Muth, who has taught for 17 years, moved from Muldown Elementary to be the new fifth-grade teacher, and Megan Pepe moved from the high school to teach seventh- and eighth-grade social studies. Lisa Pollard has taught in the U.S. and England; at the middle school, she will teach fifth- and sixth-grade physical education and seventh- and eighth-grade Spanish. Wendy Lengstorf, who formerly worked at Whitefish Independent High School, is the new school secretary.

The middle school hosts an open house for fifth-graders and their parents at 7 p.m. Friday in the auditorium. Fifth- and sixth-grade class listings will be posted on the school Web site on Aug. 27.

The student supply list and handbook (with dress code) are available on the school Web site as well. Call 862-8650.

n The first bell rings at 8:35 a.m. at Whitefish High School. The final bell will sound at 3:30 p.m.

Dave Carlson is the new principal. He formerly was the director of the Learning Alternative School in Springs Lake Park, Minn., and has been an educator for 14 years. Also joining the staff are Nicole Sanford, choir, and Scott Smith, physical education.

To make new student enrollment appointments, call the school at 862-8600 or visit the district's Web site.

n School starts at 8:15 a.m. at Whitefish Independent High School. The first section is from 8:15 a.m. to 1 p.m.; the second section meets from 10:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. These times are unchanged from last year.

New to the building is Mark Casazza, who will be teaching Algebra I. The school also has a new entry and sidewalks, and new Compass Learning programs for math and English.

Call 862-8688 or visit the district's Web site.

Olney-Bissell

The school bell rings at 8:30 a.m. Sept. 2 for students at Olney-Bissell School. The first day is an early-release day with the final bell at 2:30 p.m.; most days end at 3:30 p.m. Wednesdays are early-release days.

Kori Moone will teach fifth and sixth grades and music. She has four years' teaching experience that has taken her to classrooms in Arizona, Thailand and Panama. Michaun Archer is a new teacher who recently earned her education degree from Jamestown College in North Dakota. She will teach third- and fourth-graders. Deborah Briggs, also a brand new teacher, will teach special education. She student-taught at Olney-Bissell after getting her teaching certificate in Montana.

The school has an upgraded heating, ventilation and air-conditioning unit, thanks to federal stimulus money. One-time-only funds from the state also helped enlarge the special-education classroom.

Hot breakfast and lunch will not be served on the first day of school but will be available starting Sept. 3. Bus routes haven't changed; call the school at 862-2828 or visit www.olneybissellschool.com.

Swan River

Classes begin at 8:15 a.m. Sept. 2 at Swan River School. The first day is an early release, with dismissal at 1:45 p.m. Normal school days end at 3:10 p.m.

The gym floor will be resurfaced before school starts, and the school's heating and cooling system was serviced over the summer.

Shanna Rounds has been hired as the school's new seventh-grade English and language arts teacher. She has a bachelor's degree in French in addition to her Montana secondary certificate. Jenni Krause is the new first-grade teacher. She graduated in 2008 from Montana State University-Billings and did her student teaching in Belgrade. Karrie Bolivar, who has taught first grade at Swan River for five years, has moved to the guidance counselor position. She also will work part time as a Title I teacher.

The annual back-to-school barbecue is from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Aug. 31. Students, former students, parents, staff members and community members are welcome.

Hot lunch begins the first day; breakfast begins Sept. 8.

Parents and students should check the school supply lists; students should bring their supplies to school on the first day. Call 837-4528 or visit www.swanriverschool.com.

Bigfork

Students in the Bigfork School District are among the last to go back to school this year. Classes begin Sept. 8; information about the district is available at http://bigfork.k12.mt.us or by calling 837-7400.

n The first day is a partial day for students at Bigfork Elementary and Middle School. Classes begin at 8:10 a.m., and the day will end at 1 p.m. Regular school days end at 3:10 p.m. Hot lunch will be served on the first day.

Renovation on the building, which began in 2008 after voters approved a $5.5 million bond issue in October 2007, is finished, and Principal Jackie Boshka says students and staff are looking forward to a year without construction going on around them.

In addition to the completed construction, which includes a new cafeteria, new main entrance and front office and improved parking lot, the school has 10 interactive whiteboards this year and has set up a computer lab in the middle school. The fifth- through eighth-grade math program will include increased use of interactive technology.

The school will improve math-assistance programs for all grades this year by implementing SuccessMaker, a technology-based program, and AIMSweb, a tool for monitoring student progress.

This year, Bigfork has consolidated its K-8 administration. After longtime Bigfork Middle School Principal Wayne Loeffler retired last year, the school board opted to have one principal, Boshka, for the elementary and middle schools. Cory Pierce, formerly a third-grade teacher at Bigfork Elementary, will be the school's new dean of students. He'll also teach elementary computer classes.

New this year, the school has been chosen to take part in a special program with the University of Montana dance department. A dance instructor will be in the school for 32 days throughout the year. The project will use dance and movement to help students learn academic concepts and will help kids meet the state's dance education standards.

All grades will strive to include outdoor learning opportunities throughout the year.

There are two new teachers. Michelle Kaney is the new third-grade teacher; she taught five years previously in Japan. Cynthia Wilondek will teach eighth-grade English; her previous teaching experience includes jobs in Colorado, England and Montana State University-Billings.

Elementary class lists will be posted on the front door beginning Aug. 24.

The school will host an orientation meeting for seventh-graders and their parents at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 3 in the gym and new multipurpose room. Students will register, be assigned lockers, get their schedules, find their classrooms and watch a fashion show modeling the school's dress code. Activity cards, good for entry into all middle school and high school sporting events, will be on sale at that time.

Most other information, including bus routes, is available on the district's Web site, or by calling 837-7412.

n Several Bigfork High School students have been in school more recently than their peers; this year the school ran its first summer school. The fall semester begins at 8:15 a.m. Sept. 8.

On the first day, students will be dismissed at 1 p.m. On most days, school ends at 3:10 p.m., but every other Wednesday, students get out at 1:55 p.m.

The school's exterior was repainted over the summer, and its wireless network has been upgraded. This year, the high school has four small, portable interactive whiteboards compatible with their full-sized counterparts. There are also three new math panels for interactive whiteboards.

Carrie Eklund and Kristi Kappes are new math teachers who might benefit from those panels. Eklund has worked as a biochemical engineer and recently served with the Peace Corps in Jamaica, teaching health, science and literacy classes. Kappes is a former mechanical engineer, substitute teacher and paraprofessional at Flathead High School. Cynthia Wilondek, who also has been hired to teach eighth-grade English, is the high school's new history teacher. Sue McGregor is the new half-time secretarial aide.

Matt Jensen, who last year was the school's assistant principal, is the principal this year.

Freshman orientation is 5 p.m. Aug. 27, followed by the Vikes and Vals fall sports kickoff at 6 p.m. Go to the district Web site or call 837-7420.

Back to school

Class bells ring beginning next week for Flathead Valley schools. Back-to-school coverage of local public schools begins in today's Inter Lake and will continue Saturday and Sunday. Kalispell schools will be featured on Saturday and private schools on Sunday.