Whitefish School District

Whitefish School District #44 is located in the scenic resort community of Whitefish, Montana. The city and outlying areas compose a population of 10,000 citizens. Whitefish School District and the surrounding community is bordered by the Rocky Mountains, Whitefish Lake and the Flathead Valley communities of Columbia Falls and Kalispell. We are the home to the nationally known ski resort located on the Big Mountain and we serve as the gateway to Glacier National Park. A vast menu of activities provide entertainment for all seasons of the year.

Business expansions have helped solidify the district's tax base. The district has 1,500 plus students housed in four facilities: Muldown Elementary (K-4), Whitefish Middle School (5-8), Whitefish High School (9-12), and our Independent High School which provides a non-traditional setting for grades 10-12.

A strong educational program K-12 exists for all students. Students are expected to complete a rigorous academic program from kindergarten through grade 12. Major emphasis at the elementary level focuses on strong reading, language and math skills. The use of multiple assessment tools has vastly improved curriculum offerings and the instructional methods used to reach students at all levels of learning. The secondary program has excellent fine arts programs along with the advance placement classes in English, Government, Science, and Math. Students have a wide selection of elective programs to include pottery, drawing and painting.

 

Our on-line Virtual High School (VHS) is open to students beginning in the 8th grade through high school. Over 300 course offerings are available to students who have an interest and aptitude to challenge them in a diverse curriculum taught by nationally known instructors. Student must have advanced computer skills for on-line success with VHS offerings. Dual credit for most classes is accepted by WHS for graduation purposes.

Students also have the option of attending Flathead Valley Community College by taking classes of their choice in the Running Start program. The Running Start program provides eligible high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to get a start on their college career by earning dual credit simultaneously with WHS and FVCC.

 

Our schools have implemented multiple intervention strategies for those students in need of additional support through mentoring and individual tutoring. Having a safe learning environment is paramount for our school district’s staff and students. Staff and students have received training in the Montana Behavior Institute, ASIST program, Student Assistance Training program, Second Step, Respect of Us and Stop, Talk, Walk.

The District is proud of our proactive and dedicated PTA that serves staff and student in numerous ways throughout the school year. All parents are encouraged to attend and become active members regardless of the grade of your child. Each building has a PTA Volunteer Coordinator who would gladly assist you with your unique skills that may be shared with staff and students. For in-depth information, please visit the district’s website, www.wsd44.org/ and click on the community button, the PTA information will be come available.

• Drama – students in both the middle and high school have opportunities to participate in one act plays, full production plays, and may be viewed by students and by the community alike on several performance dates. Drama students continue to excel at our state’s Thespian Festival as an example great individual and group achievements.
• Instrumental Music – all students have the choice of instruments beginning with the 5th grade and may specialize with one or more instruments by the time they finish their high school career. Choices of program include orchestra, band and the drum line. Several students have displayed their skills and talents by playing in the Glacier Symphony and Chorale which performs across the Flathead County.
•  Vocal Music – Students begin their quest for vocal music at Muldown Elementary and Whitefish Middle School show casing their talents at local district and building level events. Our WHS choir students may participate in Concert Choir, Voce Primo and Chorale. Superior ratings are common for individual and group performances during district and state events.
•  Visual Arts – The district’s visual arts programs begin at the elementary level and truly excel at the high school level. Various art shows have displayed student works across the county, state and at the national level. National award winners have had their works displayed via the national duck stamp for the U.S. Postal Service and in award winning magazines.

• An excellent tradition exists for all Whitefish High School athletic/activities programs. Athletic/activities programs function as an integral part of the total curriculum by providing a variety of experiences in sportsmanship, teamwork, competition and by helping the individual students develop a healthy self concept.
• Fall sports of cross country, football, golf, soccer and volleyball have consistently won state titles. Individual fall sports and their state titles; cross country girls’ (3)...football (1)...girls’ golf (16) and boys’ (12)...soccer boys’ (3), girls’ (2)...volleyball (6)
• Winter athletic programs for basketball has earned 3 state titles...boys’ (2), girls’ (1)... and speech & debate (1).
• Spring programs consist of track & field, tennis and softball...Bulldog state track titles - boys’ (8), girls’ (3)...Tennis state titles - boys’ (7), girls’ (1).

Whitefish students are encouraged to take part in after school activities that promote the social, emotional, intellectual and physical skills that have lifelong lessons.

• Speech and Debate activities offer students an opportunity to hone their skills in a variety of competitive events at both the local and state level. Several participants have placed at the NW divisional to include Gold Medal winners.
• DECA is the youngest activity at WHS with students taking several honors across the state and a national championship that included international competitors. 2010 saw our first national 1st place winner in the category of Hospitality and Tourism.
• WHS students have the additional opportunity to take part in a variety of interest clubs: Weightlifting, Young Democrats, Math, National Honor Society, United Students, Key Club, Young Life, Computer Club, French and Spanish Clubs.
• Community service projects are greatly encouraged. Our students organize and participate in annual blood drives, food drives, and strongly support the American Cancer Society with the Relay for Life. The CARE team is a strong organizer of several social events which discourages the use/abuse of tobacco, alcohol, and other addicting drugs. The school’s annual Back to School Bash is a major event for our CARE program to demonstrate the chapter’s philosophy and mission.
• Student publications include the high school newspaper, The Bulldog Breeze, the literary publication, Snow Ghosts, and the annual WHS year book. In addition, students have taken the lead and their voice may be heard on the Big Fish Radio. Interested students have furthered their broadcasting skills due to their production knowledge and skills during this unique opportunity.

The Whitefish School District Education Foundation is a community based non-profit fund raising organization established to maintain and enhance the educational opportunities, programs and standards of the Whitefish School District. The foundation has received several donations from Alumni, business leaders, and other individuals who value education and have provided gifts of stock, bonds, estate holdings and other financial resources. For further information, please visit their website at http://www.wfsdef.org.