It's back-to-school for the 2024-25 year

Fifth-grade teacher Haylee Blanchard readies her classroom for the upcoming school year at West Valley School on Tuesday, Aug. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider

by HILARY MATHESON
Daily Inter Lake | August 23, 2024 12:00 AM

The first day of the 2024-25 school year is here. Get information on the first day, enrollment, open houses and new staff at Flathead County public and private schools.

Bigfork School District

Website: https://bigforkschools.org

Bigfork Elementary and Middle School

Open house: 1 to 3 p.m. Aug. 27 for grades kindergarten through sixth. Meet teachers, visit classrooms and drop off supplies.

First day: Aug. 27 from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Kindergartners will have a staggered start

Projected enrollment: 587 students.

New middle school teachers: Samantha Aklestad, social studies; Carol Bernard, English; Brooklyn Little, art; and Andrea Roseno, science.

Bigfork High School

First day: Freshmen only attend an orientation day from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Aug. 28. Sophomores, juniors and seniors start Aug. 29 with dismissal at 3:20 p.m.

Projected enrollment: 338 students.

New teachers: John Blouin, math; Brooklyn Little, art; and Samantha Schedel, English

Cayuse Prairie School

Open house: 3 to 6 p.m. Aug. 22.

First day: First- through eighth-graders start Aug. 26. Early literacy and kindergarten students start Aug. 27.

Projected enrollment: 320 students.

New staff: Kindergarten teachers Katie Jepson and Denise Reed-Greiner.

Summer maintenance projects completed: A new seventh-grade classroom is finished.

Website: https://www.cayuseprairie.com

Columbia Falls School District

Free meals: Students and families are reminded that free school lunches and breakfasts will be provided for the 2024-25 school year district-wide under the federal Community Eligibility Provision. There is no need to sign up or fill out paperwork to participate.

Website: https://www.cfmtschools.net

Columbia Falls High School

First day: Sept. 3.

Columbia Falls Junior High

Open house: Sixth grade is invited to attend from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. and seventh and eighth grade from 7 to 8:15 p.m. Aug. 29.

First day: Sept. 3.

Projected enrollment: 550 students.

Glacier Gateway Elementary

Meet and greet: 4:30 to 6 p.m. Aug. 29.

First day: Sept. 3 for first through fifth grade. Kindergartners are invited to attend orientation on Sept. 3 and will follow a modified A/B schedule for two weeks.

Projected enrollment: 490 students.

New staff: Speech-language pathologist Sarah Briggs, paraprofessional Stephanie Collis, fifth-grade teacher Amanda Douglas, kindergarten teacher Alyssa Drew, third-grade teacher Emily Hagreen, At-Risk Family Advocate Ellen Jankiewicz (shared position with Ruder) paraprofessional Brittany Krueger.

New curriculum/programs: Glacier Gateway is implementing a new math curriculum for kindergarten through fifth grade.

Ruder Elementary

Open house: 4 to 5:30 p.m. Aug. 29.

First day: Sept. 3 for first through fifth grades. Kindergartners may attend orientation on Sept. 3 with three different time blocks scheduled — 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., 11:30 to 12:30 p.m., or 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Starting Sept. 4, kindergarten students begin attending on an A/B schedule, with all kindergarten students attending daily starting Sept. 16.

Projected enrollment: 510 students.

New staff: Speech-language pathologist Brandi Bohn, speech aide Stacy Caron, special education teacher Maya Garcia, fourth-grade teacher Stephanie Gregorash, fourth-grade teacher Sarah Rosenbaum, Counselor and At-Risk Family Advocate Ellen Jankiewicz (shared position with Glacier Gateway) and kindergarten paraprofessional Sarah Lumb.

Ruder welcomes new Principal Allison Hawes who joins Ruder from her previous principal position at Helena Flats School.

New curriculum/programs: Bridges Math. Ruder will also be piloting K-5 reading resources from Amplify CKLA (Core Knowledge Language Arts) and Into Reading.

Creston School

Open house: 6 to 7 p.m. Aug. 26. Meet teachers, visit classrooms and drop off supplies.

First day: Aug. 28.

Projected enrollment: 89 students.

New staff: Aide Heather Milleson.

New curriculum/programs: Creston will use a math curriculum called “Illustrative Mathematics,” integrating games by IXL Learning.

Website: https://creston.k12.mt.us

Deer Park School

Open house: 4:30 to 6 p.m. Aug. 27.

First day: Aug. 28.

Projected enrollment: 170 students.

New staff: Fourth-grade teacher Emily Parker and fourth-grade teacher and librarian Melissa Howe.

New curriculum/programs: Implementing a new English Language Arts curriculum from McGraw Hill called “Wonders,” for grades kindergarten through fifth. The special education curriculum was updated.

Summer maintenance projects completed: The gym and bell tower buildings were painted. Electronic door locks were installed. New flooring was installed in three rooms.

Website: https://www.deerpark.k12.mt.us

Evergreen School District

Student Experience Day: 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Aug. 27 at school sites. Students may meet teachers, tour schools and get haircuts, sports physicals, immunizations, school supplies, clothing, food and more. Preschool, early literacy and kindergarten students will meet teachers by appointment Aug. 29 and 30. To schedule sports physicals, call 607-4900. For general event information contact Sherry Odegard at 751-1141 or sodegard@evergreensd50.com or Mandy Gerth at 751-3630 or mandy.gerth@sd5.k12.mt.us.

Projected enrollment: 638 students.

New district staff: Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent Gina Bilyeu, School and Community Health Liaison Shannon Black, School Resource Officer Nicole Coblantz, Administrative Assistant to the Director of Business Laura Helms and food services staff Robin Frehse, Alicia Coursey and SuAnne Smith.

Summer maintenance projects completed: The sewer to the administrative office and Crossroads building was repaired and an external keyless door entry system was installed.

Flathead Crossroads Program open house: 6:30 p.m. Sept. 18.

Website: https://www.evergreensd50.com

East Evergreen Elementary

First day: Aug. 28 for first through fourth grade. Early literacy and kindergarten students start Sept. 3. Preschool students start Sept. 5.

New staff: Third-grade teacher Ava Daley, kindergarten teacher Tami Edwards, fourth-grade teacher Kyler Johnson, Maintenance Engineer Rick Johnston, fourth-grade teacher Lisa Mitchell, Head Operating Engineer Dianne Parks, second-grade teacher Samantha Varner and paraprofessional Krissy Yorba.

Principal Henry Mack joins East Evergreen from his previous principal position at Roosevelt Elementary School in Dickinson, North Dakota.

Summer maintenance projects completed: An external keyless door entry system was installed.

Open house: 6:30 p.m. Sept. 19.

Evergreen Junior High

First day: Aug. 28.

New staff: Jackie Robbins, Special Education Teacher, Evergreen Junior High School Kenny Ross, Special Education Teacher, Evergreen Junior High School

Summer maintenance projects completed: An external keyless door entry system and egress windows were installed. Faucets were replaced. The locker room was remodeled.

Open House: 6:30 p.m. Sept. 17.

Fair-Mont-Egan School

First day: Aug. 26.

Projected enrollment: 160 students.

New staff: Front Desk Supervisor Kassandra Altona, kindergarten teacher Tina Blair, middle school teacher Marc Bunker, third-grade teacher Tifaine Farabee, special education teacher Joy Lau, early literacy teacher Anna Siderius and middle school teacher Kytrina Williamson.

New curriculum/programs: Fair-Mont-Egan is implementing a math curriculum called “i-Ready Classroom Mathematics.” The school will also have a new full-time early literacy program.

Website: https://www.fmemontana.net.

Helena Flats School

First day: Aug. 28 for first through eighth grade. Pre-kindergartners and kindergartners start in small groups on a modified schedule beginning Aug. 28 with full classes starting Sept. 9.

Projected enrollment: 303 students.

New staff: Fifth-grade teacher Trista Arentz, pre-kindergarten teacher Jeralee Dubois, special education teacher Windy Mccleskey and middle school science teacher Spring Thompson.

Mike Barton joins Helena Flats as the new principal. Previously, he was principal of the Flathead Crossroads Program at Evergreen School District.

Open House: 4 to 7 p.m. Sept. 5.

Website: https://www.helenaflats.org

Kalispell Public Schools

Website: https://www.sd5.k12.mt.us

Flathead High School

First day: Freshmen attend school Aug. 28. Juniors, sophomores and seniors attend Aug. 29.

Projected enrollment: 1,550 students.

New staff: Activities Director Matt Allison, Assistant Principal Linzi Napier, English teacher Tucker Nadeau, social studies teacher Scott O'Donnell and speech-language pathologist Ashely McCrorie.

New curriculum/programs: The PACE Academy Charter opens this year within the school.

“We are excited to bring flexible and personalized learning to a wide range of sophomores and juniors this year,” Flathead Principal Michelle Paine said.

Summer maintenance projects completed: Windows were replaced in the shop area using deferred maintenance money.

Open house: 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 4.

Glacier High School

First day: Freshmen start Aug. 28. Sophomores, juniors and seniors start Aug. 29.

Projected enrollment: 1,400 students.

New staff: math teacher Ginger Christensen, social studies teacher Evan Epperly, English teacher Lauren Eubanks, math and Science teacher Ryan Hatch, English teacher Payton Keltner, librarian Shelly Means, math teacher Jerry Records and social house construction teacher Steve Smith, studies teacher Jon Sorensen and culinary teacher Tyler Well.

New curriculum/programs: The Rising Wolf Charter School opens this year within the high school. It includes a host of classes offered in block periods. Core courses include: Algebra 1, Geometry, Western Civilization, English 9 and an outdoor education block consisting of English 11/12, Environmental Science and Outdoor Pursuits. Electives include a ceramics and pottery block, painting and drawing block and Intro to Engineering. In addition, all Individual Learning Pathway math courses and work-based learning internships will be part of the Rising Wolf Charter due to their unique, non-traditional time frames and pacing.

German 1 has been added to the class roster in the foreign languages department. Students will have the opportunity to take History 101 and 102: Early and Late Western Civilization, Anthropology and Music Theory 105 and 106 as concurrent classes, which are Flathead Valley Community College courses taught by Glacier staff.

Open house: 4 to 7 p.m. Sept. 5.

Linderman Education Center

First day: Students have a staggered start that was scheduled with their advisers. Students start either on Aug. 28, 29 and 30, or Sept. 3.

Projected enrollment: 200 students.

New curriculum/programs: A Pathways to Success Program housed at Flathead Community College has been established for past students ages 19-25, who withdrew from school and did not earn their diploma or complete the HiSet exam. The program will prepare students for the HiSet exam and guide them on a career pathway. Summer maintenance projects completed:

Open house: 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 1.

Kalispell Middle School

Self-guided tours: Sixth-graders and their parents/guardians are invited to tour the building with your schedule in hand from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 22. Seventh- and 8-graders and parents/guardians may visit from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 23.

First day: Sixth grade starts Aug. 26. Grades seventh and eighth start Aug. 29.

Projected enrollment: 1,080 students.

New staff: Sixth-grade math and science teacher Jake Hall, ASPIRE program staff Caden Jordt, sixth-grade math teacher Ashley Fusaro, sixth-grade P.E. teacher Shelbi Kusler, seventh-grade special education teacher Jennifer Williams, seventh-grade P.E. teacher Cody Hartsoch, art teacher Chelsey Peterson, administrative assistant and substitute caller Brittany Riska, reading enrichment paraprofessional Erin Holien, food service lead Christine Hubbard, custodial tech Mason Wood and food service staff — Ashley Woldstad, Chrysta Bourne and Walaa Thalab.

Administrator changes include Principal Dallas Stuker, who was promoted from an assistant principal position. Prior to that, he was a Flathead High School math teacher. The assistant principal position was filled by Marti Paugh, who previously served as assistant principal and instructional coach at Edgerton Elementary. Before that, she was a Flathead High School business teacher.

Open house: 6 to 7:35 p.m. Sept. 12.

Edgerton Elementary

Open house: 4 to 6 p.m. Aug. 27 with special guest Mike Murray performing music on the playground.

First day: Aug. 28 (kindergartners will attend on a modified A/B schedule).

Projected enrollment: 500 students.

New staff: Special education preschool paraprofessional Amanda Browning, special education teacher Abby Carlson, P.E. teacher Anders Epperly, fifth-grade teacher Katie Haas, librarian Robin Haynes, Instructional paraprofessional Samantha McIlhargey and P.E. teacher Dan Trageser.

Summer maintenance projects completed: New windows.

Elrod Elementary

Open house: 4 to 6 p.m. Aug. 26.

First day: Aug. 28.

Projected enrollment: 230 students.

New staff: Kindergarten teacher Hannah Tanniehill, early literacy paraprofessional Lesley Broyles, paraprofessional Alicia Bernhardt and special education teacher Wendla Reuter-Hooper.

Summer maintenance projects completed: All water lines were replaced throughout the building.

Hedges Elementary

Open house: 2 to 4 p.m. Aug 27.

First day: Aug. 28 for grades first through fifth. Kindergartners will attend school on a modified A/B schedule.

Projected enrollment: 320 students.

New staff: Instructional Paraprofessional Sophia Cecilio, kindergarten teacher Derrick Criner, school psychologist Conley Doyle, school nurse Samara Fellows, music teacher Heidi Holmquist and fifth-grade teacher Taylor Spencer.

Peterson Elementary

Sneak peek event: 4 to 6 p.m. Aug. 26.

First day: Aug. 28.

Rankin Elementary

Meet and greet: 1 to 4 p.m. Aug. 27. Meet teachers and drop off supplies.

First day: Aug. 28th

Projected enrollment: 450 students.

New staff: Custodian Daniel Cadigan, first-grade teacher Pam Gagner, third-grade teacher Nicole Gaultney, early literacy paraprofessional Joy Kadel, instructional coach Chelsea Kammerzell, fifth-grade teacher Deb Langness, paraprofessional Joyce Morris, paraprofessional Julie Ozegovich, special education paraprofessional Deniece Rout, fourth-grade teacher Robyn Tally and fourth-grade teacher Jokonda Wunderlich.

Russell Elementary

Meet and greet: 4 to 6 p.m. Aug. 27. Meet teachers and drop off supplies.

First day: Aug. 28.

Projected enrollment: 230 students.

New staff: P.E. teacher Woody Carr, second-grade teacher Ashley Faulk, speech therapist Ashley McCrorie, instructional paraprofessional Debbie Sherman and instructional paraprofessional Halie Williamson.

Kila School

First day: Sept. 3 for first through eighth grade. Kindergartners whose last names start with “A” through “K” start school Sept. 3. Kindergartners whose last names start with “L” through “Z” attend Sept. 4.

Projected enrollment: 180 students.

New middle school teachers: Matthew Conover and Rebecca Stacey.

Website: https://www.kilaschool.com

Marion School

Back-to-school celebration: 5 to 6:30 p.m. Aug. 30.

Website:https://sites.google.com/a/marionschoolmt.com/new-marion-school/home

Olney-Bissell School

Open house: 4 to 6 p.m. Aug. 26. Students are asked to bring their school supplies.

First day: Aug. 27.

Projected enrollment: 100 students.

New staff: Second-grade teacher Megan Hoellerer, fifth- through eighth-grade math and science teacher Sierra Winch and food service employee Shelby Wells.

Summer maintenance projects completed: New septic and drain field.

Website: https://www.olneybissellschool.com

Pleasant Valley School

First day: Aug. 26.

Website: https://www.pvsmt.org

Smith Valley School

Back-to-school community breakfast: 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Aug. 28 in the gym.

First day: First- through eighth-graders start Sept. 3. Kindergartners start Sept. 6.

Projected enrollment: 197 students.

New curriculum/programs: Grades third through sixth will have a new reading curriculum called “Into Reading,” joining kindergarten, first and second grade. Grades sixth, seventh and eighth have a new math curriculum called “Math & You.” Eighth-grade advanced math students will have a chance to take Algebra I this year.

Smith Valley is also developing a gifted and talented program this year and strengthening its Indian Education for All program.

Summer maintenance projects completed: Flooring was replaced in the music room, library, Braille room and each entryway. A breezeway walkway is being repaired and new gravel added to parking areas.

Open house: 4 to 7:15 p.m. Sept. 26.

Website: https://www.smithvalleyschool.org

Somers-Lakeside School District

Website: https://www.somersdist29.org

Somers Middle School

Open house: 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Aug. 29.

First day: Sept. 3.

Projected enrollment: 227 students.

New staff: Math teachers Katherine Becker and Alexis Koehn. Jacob Alford was promoted to principal from his previous position as the Somers Middle School dean of students and athletic director. Erin Kilduff and Lindsey Lee will be the new activity directors.

Lakeside Elementary School

First day: Sept. 3.

Projected enrollment: 285 students.

New staff: Instructional aide Shannon Allard, P.E. teacher Chase Benson, special education teacher Arthur Fretheim, second-grade teacher Dayle Halverson, fourth-grade teacher Makaylla McLellan, counselor Nick Pavelich and kindergarten teacher Kristin Vick.

Summer maintenance projects completed: The parking lot was resealed.

Open house: 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Aug. 29.

Stillwater Christian School

First day: Sept. 4.

Projected enrollment: 411 students.

New staff: Instructional aide Brittany Buis, Technology Systems Manager Robert Leonard, librarian and STEM teacher Heather DalleTezze and band director Luke Juras.

Laura McCollum is the new head of school after serving as interim head of school for the 2023-24 year. Prior to that, she was a consultant with the International Christian School of Philadelphia and served as a chairwoman of Cairn University’s graduate education programs.

New curriculum/programs: Stillwater is launching an Executive Function (EF) Skills Coaching Pilot Program for a limited number of students. Executive function skills are the mental and cognitive skills needed to learn, work and manage daily life.

“Our EF skills program exists to support both neurodiverse and neurotypical learners who need extra support to develop EF skills in the classroom and beyond. Small groups of students in our pilot program will meet with a trained coach multiple times a week,” according to the school.

Stillwater will also roll out Bible Summit curriculum for students in kindergarten through eighth grade. An Executive Function class is provided to sixth-graders. The school has also added Advanced Placement European History (high school), House Leadership, Heath and Wellness and Foundations in Finance classes. New electives include debate and band.

The school has expanded a Search and Teach program.

Summer maintenance projects completed: The pump room was overhauled. The pressure tank system was replaced; crews plumbed a new water softener system and replaced all non-working ball valves more than 50 years old. Vents were rebuilt and a coil was replaced that burst last winter. The elementary building received a fresh coat of paint.

Open house: 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Sept. 3 with a special community announcement at 5:15 p.m.

Website: https://www.stillwaterchristianschool.org

St. Matthew’s Catholic School

Open house: 5 to 7 p.m. Sept. 26

First day: Sept. 3.

Projected enrollment: 240 students.

New staff: Aides Tami Barrett, aide Hailey Drent, Early Learning Center aide Christine Hall, kindergarten teacher Shelby Heaton, Aide Alicia Johnson, first-grade teacher Mallory Levengood, registrar Colleen Manning and fourth-grade teacher Melissa Smith. Office manager Melanie Golie joined the staff last November.

Summer maintenance projects completed: Gym Renovation — new floor, scoreboard, sound system, lights, scorers table and chairs for home and visiting team; girls bathroom renovation and front office renovation.

Website: https://www.stmattsaints.org

Swan River School

First day: Sept. 3.

Projected enrollment: 162 students.

New staff: P.E. and health teacher Caleb Karow, counselor Jessica Pedersen and middle school math teacher David Ritter.

Summer maintenance projects completed: New flooring was installed in the middle school science classroom. The school upgraded its Wi-Fi.

Open house: 5 p.m. Oct. 1.

Website: https://sites.google.com/swanriverschoolk-8.org/swanriver/home

Trinity Lutheran School

Back-to-school barbecue: 5 p.m. Aug. 22.

First day: Aug. 28.

Projected enrollment: 240 students.

New staff: First-grade teacher Kaya Earhart, choir and band teacher Madeline Gargasz and pre-kindergarten teacher Melanie Reiner,

Summer maintenance projects completed: New roof and bell system.

Website: https://www.trinityed.org

West Glacier School

First day: Sept. 3.

Website: https://www.westglacierelementary.org

West Valley School

Open house: Meet teachers, drop off supplies, get locker assignments and locate classrooms Aug. 26. Each grade level will present every half hour. Students whose last names start with the letter “A” through “L” are invited to attend from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. and those whose last names start with “N” through “Z” may attend from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

First day: Aug. 27.

Projected enrollment: 795 students.

New staff: Art and Spanish teacher Caspian Ashby, fifth-grade teacher Hailey Blanchard, fifth-grade teacher Libby Denman, paraprofessional Chanelle Massie, sixth-grade math, literature and social studies teacher Tori Mower, seventh-grade math teacher Peter Musick and paraprofessional Kenny Weese.

Administrative changes include Richard Gross being hired on as superintendent after serving as interim superintendent for the 2023-24 school year. Prior to that, he was the school’s elementary principal. Alesia Hamill fills the elementary principal position after serving as interim principal for the 2023-24 school year. West Valley welcomes Middle School Principal Nicole Capser who joins the district from her previous position as an instructional coach at Rankin Elementary in Kalispell Public Schools.

Summer maintenance projects completed: The parking lot was resealed.

Website: https://www.westvalleyschool.com

Whitefish Christian Academy

Open houses: Grades first through fourth have an open house from 6 to 7 p.m. Aug. 27. Grades fifth through eighth are invited to visit the school from 6 to 7 p.m. Aug. 29.

First day: Sept. 3.

Projected enrollment: 144 students.

New staff: First-grade teacher Erin Hale, middle school art teacher Justine Hamstra and music teacher Deborah Natelson.

Summer maintenance projects completed: Remodeled the main office; painted the hallways and building exterior; updated security systems and reinforced fencing around the school.

Website: https://www.whitefishchristianacademy.org

Whitefish School District

Website: https://www.whitefishschools.org

Whitefish High School

Freshman Walkabout: 5:30 to 6:15 Aug. 22 in the high school gym. Students will be able to pick up class schedules and locate classrooms and lockers.

First day: Students will follow a modified schedule Aug. 28. Only freshmen will attend school in the morning with sophomores, juniors and seniors starting in the afternoon. Freshmen start school with orientation at 8:30. A free pizza lunch will be served to freshmen from 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Grades 10th, 11th and 12th start the day getting photo IDs taken. The photo ID schedule is as follows: 9:30 to 10:15 a.m., seniors; 10:30 to 11:15 a.m, juniors; and 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Classes start at 12:30 p.m. for all grades. Dismissal is 3:27 p.m. (early-release Wednesdays start Sept. 4 for staff to collaborate in Professional Learning Communities).

Projected enrollment: 650 students.

New staff: Hospitality and Tourism Teacher, Work-Based Learning Coordinator Kari Baxter, paraeducator Lichen Braaten, speech-language pathologist Kacy Feagan, resource teacher Krysten Fitzsimmons, science teacher Annie Gustafson, Spanish teacher Kate Hunter, math teacher Cole Jones, resource teacher Liz McEntire and pottery and sculpture teacher Christy O’Neil.

New curriculum/programs: Hospitality and Tourism, Orchestra-Sinfonia, Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom.

Summer maintenance projects completed: Gym floor refinish and fire sprinkler repairs.

Open house: 6 p.m. Sept. 30. Coincides with the kickoff of homecoming week.

Whitefish Middle School

Orientation and open house: Fifth-graders are invited to attend from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 26 in the Whitefish School District Performing Arts Center and in the Whitefish Middle School fifth-grade pod.

First day: Aug. 28.

Projected enrollment: 652 students.

New staff: Special Education teacher Tia Beck, librarian Erika Fitzgerald, fifth-grade teacher Bonnie Hannigan, counselor Allyson Jones, special education teacher Jeanne Miller and math and P.E. teacher Tyler Snipes.

New curriculum/programs: “Amplify CKLA (Core Knowledge Language Arts)” reading and language arts curriculum will be used in fifth and sixth grade. The curriculum uses “knowledge-building and research-based foundational skills and instruction to develop strong readers, writers and thinkers.”

Muldown Elementary School

Meet and greet: Kindergartners and Early Literature Intervention students may meet teachers from 9 to 11 a.m. or 1 to 3 p.m. Aug. 26.

Open house: First- through fourth-graders are intend to visit the school from 4 to 6 p.m. Aug. 27. Students may meet their teachers and drop off supplies.

First day: Aug. 28 for first- through fourth-graders. Kindergarten and Muldown’s new

Early Literacy Intervention students will have a staggered start. On Aug. 28, kindergartners attend from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. or 1 to 3 p.m. to meet teachers and drop off supplies. Enter through the kindergarten gate. On Aug. 29, kindergartners whose last names start with the letters “A” through “L” attend school for a full day. Kindergartners whose last names start with the letters “M” through “Z” attend a full day Aug. 30. All kindergartners attend for a full day Sept. 4.

Projected enrollment: 671 students.

New staff: Part-time teacher with music emphasis Laura Browning, first-grade teacher Madison Casazza, third-grade teacher Anna Chuang, fourth-grade teacher Katie Goff, paraprofessional Yuri Dorantes-Krastev, Spanish and art teacher Marcie Oulman and speech-language pathologist Laura Pearce.

New curriculum/programs: This year Muldown will begin an Early Literature Intervention program for 4-year-olds who qualified for Jumpstart to help them become proficient readers. A new language arts curriculum called “Amplify CKLA (Core Knowledge Language Arts) was adopted. The curriculum uses “knowledge-building and research-based foundational skills and instruction to develop strong readers, writers and thinkers.”

Muldown is also initiating a “Walk to Math” intervention plan to improve student development and performance in math.

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