Wolf Point School Officials Making Building Switch
The Wolf Point School District’s administration office officials are in the process of moving back to the building on Fourth Avenue South and Benton Street. The building has been used by the Montana Highway Patrol during the past several years after school administration changed locations.
Wolf Point Superintendent of Schools Dr. David Perkins said early last week that the goal was for staff to move either late last week or this week.
“We don’t all need to move in at the same time,” Perkins said.
Curriculum director Dan Horsmon was the first individual to change offices between the two buildings. Perkins planned to follow suit before other staff members.
“My priority is getting the classrooms ready,” Perkins said of the project.
The addition of the two classrooms in the lower floor of the current administration building, located on Fallon Street across from Northside Elementary School, will be for Native American studies and art. The art room might for utilized for fifth-grade band for one period a day in the future, but that might be a year away.
“If band has it, they will share the room,” Perkins said. “Band should start in the fifth grade.”
Perkins said the changes will result in two open classrooms at Northside School. An increase in student enrollment numbers forces a change from three fourth-grade teachers to four fourth-grade teachers this year.
“This isn’t about us. It’s about the kids and classrooms,” Perkins said. “The emphasis is on the kids.”
The building’s main floor will be used for Forth Peck’s Health Promotion and Disease Prevention services including dentistry, group therapy and other examinations.
On a different note, Perkins is pleased with how fully staffed the school district is entering the new school year. However, the district has not found a voag teacher. Other openings are for two paraprofessionals and an attendance secretary.
“This is the best we’ve been in a long time,” Perkins said.
After having more than 20 emergency authorized teachers a couple of years ago, Wolf Point will have only 7-9 this school year.
“We’re making really good progress,” Perkins said.
