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Lone Peak High, Ophir School, and Discovery Academy gear up for the school year
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Jen Clancey![](https://www.explorebigsky.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/STEAM-Lab-scaled.jpg)
By Jen Clancey DIGITAL PRODUCER
Classroom bulletin boards are up again with new names in Big Sky schools as the summer comes to an end. Big Sky School District begins classes on Monday, Aug. 28 and Discovery Academy kicks off the year one week later on Sept. 5.
This year, schools are welcoming new staff from various places and backgrounds. Brittany Shirley, lead learner and principal of Ophir Elementary School is excited to welcome new staff members, who have been in orientation for the past week.
“Most of them have always had a dream to live in Big Sky,” Shirley said, explaining that on top of finding stellar teachers, Big Sky School District gets to bring people to the town who are passionate about the community and area. “It’s just a really good crew of people who are excited about making a difference. We have an incredible team.”
Six new staff members will join the team, with 195 students enrolled so far in the elementary school.
This is the second year of BSSD’s 4-K program, a kindergarten for four-year-olds at Ophir. Shirley explained that the 4-K program is being refined further this year.
“Our 5th graders did a lot of collaborative learning,” Shirley said. Fifth graders helped in the 4-K classroom, building relationships with students by assisting in activities and lessons.
As for challenges, Ophir Elementary is taking an “all hands on deck” approach to improving literacy in all grades.
“We’re working really hard as a team this year to make sure that all the kids get the foundational reading skills,” Shirley said. According to research from Brookings and other institutions, public schools across the country have seen negative impacts of COVID-19 on students’ academic progress.
Shirley said that her team at Ophir will continue to use scientifically based and rooted approaches to bridge the gap and get students back on track.
Discovery Academy sees more students each year
Discovery Academy is a private school in Big Sky’s Town Center that takes a Montessori approach to learning. The school has grown from eight kids during its first year in 2014 to 80 students for this upcoming school year, 12 of which will start in January.
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With the school’s growth, the academy has brought on nine new staff members, seven of whom are filling new positions. Discovery Academy recruits nationally, Poloff, head of schools at Big Sky Discovery Academy explained, noting that teachers are coming from Alaska, Spain, Texas and more.
“I feel like what they bring to the table are different perspectives and different experiences from parts of the United States, or different parts of the world,” Poloff said. Aside from recruiting teachers that are in tune with modern classroom teaching methods and technology, Poloff also thinks that the varied backgrounds of teachers allows students to build better relationships.
“For us to have a high school math teacher who’s from a small town in Alaska… he brings that understanding of living in a winter climate, hunting, fishing, small town feel…there’s layers of
things that he can talk to our kids about,” Poloff said.
New facilities to enhance Ophir Middle School and Lone Peak High School
Big Sky residents may have noticed the construction that’s been happening at the Big Sky School District. As construction crews complete the new science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (S.T.E.A.M.) laboratory, middle and high school principal Dr. Marlo Mitchem is excited to see how the space enhances learning.
![](https://www.explorebigsky.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/LPHS-sign-on-steam-lab-1024x683.jpg)
![](https://www.explorebigsky.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/LPHS-sign-on-steam-lab-1024x683.jpg)
“I always look forward to seeing the students back in the building!” Mitchem wrote to EBS. “This year is exceptional because of our new facilities; we know the students are going to love their new learning environment.”
With a fresh new look comes new innovations to schedules and available courses.
“We have two primary goals as we start the year. Launch our new curriculum with our metal and wood shops and the CAD design and video editing lab in the new building,” Dr. Mitchem continued: “Two, successfully implement our new rotating schedule and flex time in the middle and high school. This new schedule will enhance the student experience in the classroom and will allow them to pursue their passions.”
Welcome new teachers and staff to Big Sky!
Discovery Academy new staff:
Maeve Clinton, School Counselor
Carly Wilbur, Early Childhood Classroom Teacher
Kaitlyn Batzloff, MS/HS – Science
Simon Estes, MS/HS Math
Kate Denniston, Elementary Classroom Teacher
Bailey Lesiak, Early Childhood Classroom
Noemi Duffy, K-12 Spanish
Evan Escue, Elementary/MS Math
Brodie Long, Early Childhood Classroom Teacher
Jennifer Howells, Early Childhood Classroom Teacher
Ophir Elementary new staff:
Christine Toy, Kindergarten
Ati Wimmer, Grade 1
Maggie Angell, Grade 1
Kenidid Campa, Grade 5
Susan Dahinden, 4K-12 librarian
Karen Schreiber, library/health enhancement (HE)
Big Sky School District Middle and High School new staff:
Devin Doeblin, – Resource Teacher, Grades 6-12
Kate Beaudoin, – Middle and High School English
Jen Clancey is the Digital Producer for Explore Big Sky.
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Upcoming Events
september, 2024
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Sports
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Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by
Event Details
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by GAS for ride information.
Time
June 24 (Monday) 6:00 pm - September 2 (Monday) 6:00 pm
Event Details
Hike Big Sky is a FREE guided hike for our community and visitors alike. A different trail will be featured each Monday at 9 a.m. Visit BSCO.org for trail description
Event Details
Hike Big Sky is a FREE guided hike for our community and visitors alike. A different trail will be featured each Monday at 9 a.m. Visit BSCO.org for trail description information. Please wear layers, bring water and snacks. Bear spray recommended.
Time
July 1 (Monday) 9:00 am - September 2 (Monday) 12:00 pm
Event Details
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by
Event Details
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by GAS for ride information.
Time
July 1 (Monday) 6:00 pm - September 9 (Monday) 6:00 pm
Event Details
Join Santosha, BASE and Gourmet Gals to bring you a donation based all levels community yoga lunch break class every Wednesday throughout the summer. It will be
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Event Details
Join Santosha, BASE and Gourmet Gals to bring you a donation based all levels community yoga lunch break class every Wednesday throughout the summer. It will be taught by a variety of teachers from Santosha and BASE. This summer all proceeds will go to Big Sky Band-Aid, aside from the first one on the 26th that is happening during Pride week- all funds donated for that class will go to Big Sky OUT. A delicious lunch will also be served by Gourmet Gals following our practice each Wednesday (included in donation). You are welcome to donate with cash at the event or you can Venmo @Santoshabigsky and make a note for Community Yoga. Hope to see you in the Park!
Time
July 3 (Wednesday) 12:00 pm - September 2 (Monday) 1:00 pm
Location
Len Hill Park