New things in store for 2008-2009 school year
By Ali Bronsdon / Leader Staff
With summer winding down and the new school year quickly approaching, Lake County school districts share some of the things they've done this summer to make their schools a better place for the 2008-2009 school year.
Arlee School District has been busy building a new elementary wing for grades kindergarten through third grade. Even though the buildings won't be used until next year, we're moving about three to four weeks ahead of schedule, said Superintendent John J. Miller. Future plans include an additional wing for grades four through six and a brand new multi-purpose gymnasium, which will include a state-of-the-art kitchen.
"They're going to be very nice buildings for our kids and our staff," Miller said. "It's keeping us real busy on a daily basis, but it's pretty exciting for everybody."
A number of new staff members, including high school principle Jim Taylor are expected to make a great addition to the district.
"We are really excited about welcoming them into our school community," Miller said.
Charlo Superintendent Bill Colter says his district has made a lot of physical improvements to the school this summer including putting carpet in classrooms, bracing in the buildings and adding additional insulation. They purchased all new welding booths for the shop and did a lot of painting, fixing and cleaning in efforts to make the school a healthy and clean atmosphere for students, Colter said.
University of Montana graduate Kate Wagner will teach third grade at Charlo Elementary.
"We are really looking forawrd to her," Colter said. "She seems to be a real go-getter and should be a real positive addition to our staff. We're looking for a good positive school year and we will hit the ground running on Monday morning."
Fifteen new teachers will join the Polson School District, including additional staff for Cherry Valley Elementary. Superintendent Sue McCormick said a new staff parking lot in the back of Cherry Valley will allow a safer and more convenient traffic pattern for parents dropping off and picking up students before and after school.
"That's going to be a much safer thing for the kids and I think the parents will appreciate not only the safety aspect, but the ease at which they can now drop off and pick up their kids," she said.
Two Eagle River School Superintendent Clarice King said the school is looking forward to the introduction of a jayvee football team for the first time in at least eight or nine years.
"A lot of the boys are really looking forward to that," she said.
With all returning staff, King joked she had an "easy" summer, mainly focusing on getting the school back in order for students who will return to class on Thursday.