Columbia Falls schools registering new students

Summer vacation ends in Columbia Falls with the first day of school Aug. 31. But before the first bell rings, new students need to register and attend orientation with their parents.

Elementary school registration began Wednesday and will run until the first day of school.

Parents may register their children at Glacier Gateway or Ruder schools between 8 and 11 a.m. and 1 and 3 p.m. during the week; no appointment is necessary. Parents should bring a copy of their child’s immunization record and a birth certificate.

The elementary schools host orientation for young students on Monday, Aug. 29.

At Glacier Gateway Elementary, first-grade orientation begins at 5 p.m. Kindergarten orientation kicks off at 6:30 p.m. For additional information, call the school at 892-6540.

Ruder Elementary is hosting orientation for kindergartners and first- and second-graders Aug. 29. Letters will be sent home with specific details. For further information, call the school at 892-6570.

No appointments are necessary to register new students at Columbia Falls Junior High School, but parents do need to bring a copy of their child’s immunization record.

Parents may register their students at the school any time between 8 and 11 a.m. and 1 and 3 p.m.

The junior high hosts an open house for sixth-graders and their parents from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 30. The event is also open to seventh- and eighth-grade students new to the district.

For additional information, call the school at 892-6530.

Students new to Columbia Falls High School should call the school at 892-6500, extension 0, to schedule a registration appointment with a counselor. Parents are asked to bring a copy of their child’s immunization records and transcripts.

The school will host freshman orientation for ninth-graders and their parents from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 29. Participants will pick up their schedules in the gym foyer from 6 to 6:15 p.m., then meet in the gym for an introduction to the evening’s activities.

Students and parents will proceed through the students’ daily class schedules. Teachers will present information regarding classes and expectations for the upcoming school year.

Students in grades 10, 11 and 12 who are new to Columbia Falls High School also are invited to attend the orientation.

Those who aren’t new to the district may pick up their schedules and access their lockers next week. Seniors may pick up schedules from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 24; juniors are welcome from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 25; and sophomores may visit the school from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Aug. 26.

For general inquiries about Columbia Falls schools, contact the district office at 892-6550 extension 421 or 422.