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FHS student population continues to be Flathead ‘high’ |
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by Paula Bridger |
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The halls of FHS may seem like a maze in a psychology experiment, packed full ofconfused and terrorized mice. With 1,832 students roaming FHS’s halls, Flathead now has more students than Columbia Falls, Whitefish, Polson and Bigfork high schools combined. In terms of crowding, student numbers have increased each year since 1994 and before (see graph). “I find it strange to be negotiating a hallway while not seeing any recognizable faces, attempting to find my locker in a mass of clothes, bodies, clichés and cliques,” said senior Aaron Dana, who returned from The Netherlands in July from a school with 1,100 students. “I’m also frustrated by not making it to class on time.” The Montana state standard for high shools is 30 students per classroom, although FHS traditionally tries to keep classrooms at 25 students, said guidance counselor Bob Moore. But this year, with a record population classes were enlarged to accommodate 25 to 30 kids. The most overcrowded classes are art and English. Writing classes are also overcrowded, presenting challenges for computer use and teacher-to-student help, said Moore. Art classes are filled to the brim, mostly during first and seventh period. The new seven-period schedule is partly responsible because only half of all the teachers at FHS are here for first period. During seventh period, the remainder of the teachers are present. Although some students have taken advantage of early release, many have taken the challenge to keep up work for seven periods. “A year ago less than 12 percent took more than six credits, two blocks or an early bird,” said Moore.” “Now over 43 percent take more than six credits.” The guidance department also has experienced the overcrowding firsthand. The counselors worked overtime to meet scheduling needs, even calling students at home. Guidance is not the only department that is feeling the rush of a growing population. “The problem with lockers is when students don’t stay in assigned lockers and I send a new student to a locker that is supposed to be empty,” said secretary Pam Tresler. “A lot of times someone has already moved in. This year we had approximately 50 lockers left over compared to approximately 200 last year.” Students too have their own tales the overcrowded halls and growing class sizes. “The more students that teachers have to give attention to, the less individual attention [there is],” said junior Luke Van Helden. “I would like to go to year-round schools. We wouldn’t forget as much and there would be a lot less kids.” Activities Director Gene Boyle doesn’t think that FHS is more crowded this year than in prior years or that there are more problems than usual. “Classes don’t seem to be overcrowded,” he said. “I don’t see much different from the past.” “ This should be about as big as we get.”
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