• Cameron Johnson               

     

    Dear Students, Parents, and Guardians,

    Welcome to Willard Alternative High School. The 2024-2025 school year marks the 24th anniversary of the alternative high school program in Missoula County Public Schools and I am honored to serve as the principal for the 2024-2025 school year. Willard is a unique educational opportunity for Missoula high school students. We have a world class educational facility, but more importantly, outstanding educators who understand the diverse needs of our students.

    A bit about myself: Over the past 16 years I have worked in a variety of educational settings in Montana, including as a classroom teacher, athletic director, and, assistant principal. This will be my third year as the principal of Willard. I grew up in Arlee, Montana and graduated from the University of Montana. When not at school, I enjoy spending time in the outdoors hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, skiing, and running. 

    Below you will find some basic information to help with the start of the school year. If you have questions or need additional information, please email me at: crjohnson@mcpsmt.org or 728-2400, ext. 2850. 

    • Annual Forms: Every student will receive a package of forms on the first week of school. These forms can also be completed online through the Infinite Campus portal. Please be sure to complete and return all the forms to ensure that we have the most up-to-date information. 

    • Breakfast & Lunch: Meals are not free this year. Breakfast will be $2.25 and $3.25 for lunch. Free & Reduced lunch forms will be made available to all students on their return to school packets or families/ students can complete the form online via the Montana Office of Public Instruction page found here: https://dca.opi.mt.gov/frapp

    • Bell Schedule, Office Hours & Calendar: Students will have 4 classes a day plus office hours and the academic year will consist of 4 quarters. MCPS has shifted the start and end times at all the high schools. Willard students will start classes at 9:05 Monday through Friday, and dismiss at 3:05. Thursdays will now be early and students will dismiss at 2:35. 

    Willard’s bell schedule allows for student office hours Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday. Office hours are a benefit to our learning community and may be utilized to:

    • Understand and explore the Willard Way

    • Work on restorative practices and culture building

    • Attend clubs and activities of interest that benefit the student and school community

    • Work on academic and attendance plans

    • Make up missing work as needed 

    If a student is not passing one or more classes, they will be required to attend office hours with the teacher/ class that they are not passing. If a student is passing all classes, and is not part of a club or group, from time to time they may be released early from the school day. Attendance will still be noted, but parents/ guardians may excuse the student as needed. The first day of classes for Willard students is August 28th. We will host a student BBQ that day to celebrate the start of another school year.

    • Student Schedules: Infinite Campus is open for students to view their classes if they have been scheduled. Ben Martin, counselor, is currently working on completing student schedules and all students' schedule will be finalized by Monday, 8/26.  We request that students attend the first day of their scheduled classes before asking for schedule changes. After the first day, please see Ben to discuss possible schedule changes.

    • Busing: If you need information on bus pickup/time, please use http://www.infofinderi.com/ifi/?cid=MCPS4CVNG54XW. Also, please note that Thursday is early out and buses will drop off 30 minutes earlier than the time indicated on Infofinder.

    • Family Resource Center: If you have questions about housing and/or food resources, please contact Marissa Hamm, Family Resource Coordinator @ mhamm@mcpsmt.org.

    • Open House: This will take place on Thursday, September 19th, starting at 5:30 pm.  This is an excellent opportunity to meet your student’s teachers, get a tour of the building, connect with other community members, meet support staff in the building, and try some of the delicious chili made by our staff members.

    • Picture Day: Willard’s picture day will take place September 30th in the Library

     

    Thank you again for supporting your student so that they have a successful start to their school year! We are a proud Willard community and look forward to having a great school year together! Again, don’t hesitate to reach out if you have ANY questions.

     

    Sincerely,

    Cameron 

    (406)728-2400, ext. 2850

    THE WILLARD WAY: BE YOUR BEST SELF, BE COURAGEOUS, BE A GRADUATE