• Cameron Johnson               

     

    Dear Students, Parents, and Guardians,

    Welcome to Willard Alternative High School. The 2023-2024 school year marks the 23rd anniversary of the alternative high school program in Missoula County Public Schools. I am so glad you have chosen to attend our school and I am honored to serve as the principal for the 2023-2024 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.

    I would like to take a moment to share a bit about myself: Over the past 15 years I have worked in a variety of educational settings in Montana, including as a classroom teacher and, most recently, as assistant principal at Big Sky High School. I grew up in Arlee, Montana and graduated from the University of Montana. When not at school I enjoy spending time in the outdoors with my family, hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, skiing, and whenver possible, surfing. 

    Over the course of the summer there have been some staffing changes and we are excited to welcome Nicole Hensley (English), Ben Martin (Counselor), Bethany Shepard (Special Education), and Amy Weimer (Social Worker) to our staff and community. We look forward to working with our students, staff, families, and community to continue making Willard an engaging, creative, and inspiring educational experience for all. 

    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 day of school. Please be sure to complete and return all of the forms to ensure that we have the most up to date information. Please see the attached notice regarding MT SB 99 and classroom instruction. 

    • Breakfast & Lunch: Meals are not free this year. The cost of meals is $2.25 for breakfast and $3.25 for lunch. Free & Reduced lunch forms will be made available to all students in 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 & Calendar: Attached is the bell schedule for this year. Students will have 4 classes a day and the academic year will consist of 4 quarters. Please note the start/end times for each day and remember Thursday is a late start. The first day of classes for Willard students is August 29th. 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 class schedule. 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 a late start and buses will pick up 40 minutes later than the time indicated on Infofinder.

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

    • Open House: This will take place on Tuesday, September 19th starting at 6 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 12th 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 

     

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