Bus drivers are dusting off the Whitefish school buses. While many Flathead kids continue summer vacation through Labor Day Weekend, Whitefish and Olney-Bissell students corral their pencils to go back to school Wednesday, August 29.
For Central Middle School kids, it’s a chance to get into their new $10.2 million building. While some classes met in renovated rooms last year, this fall sees completion of offices, gyms, locker rooms, auditorium, and landscaping. But that’s not the only change: Principal Kim Anderson has resigned to pursue a position in Sheridan, Wyoming. As vice Principal Kerry Drown slides into the principal chair, two new teachers and one aide also join the staff.
While Whitefish High School fall sports—football, soccer, golf, volleyball, and cross country—entered training routines in the past couple weeks, classes launch the first quarter of the academic year at 8:40 a.m. Wednesday morning with eight new staff members aboard. A week later on September 5, students and their families celebrate at the school district’s Back to School Bash ($3 per person) at Smith Soccer Fields from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. with dinner, games, and activity sign-ups. Those with power arms may be able to dunk the school principals and local police officers.
Muldown students return to a newly painted building outside and four new staff members. While most grades resume classes on Wednesday, the kindergarten and first grade classes go through orientation, starting classes on the following day.
Olney-Bissell’s kindergarten through eighth grades also kicks off the school year on the same day as Whitefish School District with one new counselor and a new certified kitchen.
In Whitefish, summer vacation has met its end. Grab the pencils, and hop the school bus. Another school year has begun.