Dear Families,
As we welcome the arrival of April, we are reaching out because we truly value the partnership we share with you in supporting your child’s education. We are officially opening our annual Parent Feedback Survey, and we would love to hear your story. Please respond by the end of the month as the survey will close on April 30th!
Your perspective helps us understand what we are doing right and where we can grow. The survey should take about 15 to 20 minutes of your time, and we’ve made sure to provide specific links for each building to keep the information organized. If you have a student at Lakeside, please use that specific link, and if you have one at Somers, please use the Somers link. For those of you with students in both buildings, we would be so grateful if you could take the time to complete both surveys so we can understand the unique experience at each campus.
Lakeside Elementary School Link
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdyf5c_NgvQV0shX9vvs7H3cojiCIZvk5xIKC49gdxBHcAWOg/viewform?usp=dialog
Somers Middle School Link Below
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSctzxeM09V_beeaE896WIHHM2mITZ7wOyOUXBXkCKavmy8Hiw/viewform?usp=dialog
We truly appreciate your honesty and understand that sometimes feedback involves sharing positives, frustrations, or concerns. As we work together to make our schools the best they can be, we kindly ask that you keep your narrative responses professional and constructive. When feedback is shared with kindness and appropriate language, it is much easier for our team to hear your concerns clearly and take meaningful action.
We are so excited to hear what you have to say and to keep building a wonderful environment for our students together. Thank you for your time, your heart, and your continued support.
Thank you for helping us grow!
Superintendent Alex Ator
As we welcome the arrival of April, we are reaching out because we truly value the partnership we share with you in supporting your child’s education. We are officially opening our annual Parent Feedback Survey, and we would love to hear your story. Please respond by the end of the month as the survey will close on April 30th!
Your perspective helps us understand what we are doing right and where we can grow. The survey should take about 15 to 20 minutes of your time, and we’ve made sure to provide specific links for each building to keep the information organized. If you have a student at Lakeside, please use that specific link, and if you have one at Somers, please use the Somers link. For those of you with students in both buildings, we would be so grateful if you could take the time to complete both surveys so we can understand the unique experience at each campus.
Lakeside Elementary School Link
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdyf5c_NgvQV0shX9vvs7H3cojiCIZvk5xIKC49gdxBHcAWOg/viewform?usp=dialog
Somers Middle School Link Below
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSctzxeM09V_beeaE896WIHHM2mITZ7wOyOUXBXkCKavmy8Hiw/viewform?usp=dialog
We truly appreciate your honesty and understand that sometimes feedback involves sharing positives, frustrations, or concerns. As we work together to make our schools the best they can be, we kindly ask that you keep your narrative responses professional and constructive. When feedback is shared with kindness and appropriate language, it is much easier for our team to hear your concerns clearly and take meaningful action.
We are so excited to hear what you have to say and to keep building a wonderful environment for our students together. Thank you for your time, your heart, and your continued support.
Thank you for helping us grow!
Superintendent Alex Ator
Next please meet our candidates for our 3 year terms.
Two will be selected!
Kendall Massie
I have enjoyed being on the board for the last three years and am looking forward to continuing to serve the community and Somers/Lakeside Schools. I will continue to put learning and safety first when it comes to our schools,and with the help of the other school board trustees we will continue to provide a great environment for which our students, teachers, administrators and friends can thrive and learn. We will make sure that the money put forth by the tax payers is used properly and to the benefit of all students and community members. I see the board of trustees as a team that needs to work well together and work to ensure we live up to what is asked of us by our students, teachers, administrators and parents. Montana is a great state with great people that deserve great schools to which to send our children, I want to be a part of that for a few more years.
Chelsey Spence
I have lived and worked in Lakeside for almost 10 years and love the strength of this community. I have two children at Lakeside Elementary and will have another there in a few years. I enjoy collaborating with other people to solve complex issues. I have extensive experience on boards and have worked through difficult challenges in that setting in the past. Staying objective and focusing on common goals almost always helps reach an acceptable solution. I have spent the last 6 months on the school board after filling a vacancy and have found it to be challenging, but also very rewarding. I would love to continue contributing my time to help Somers and Lakeside continue to provide an excellent space for our kids to learn and grow.
Two will be selected!
Kendall Massie
I have enjoyed being on the board for the last three years and am looking forward to continuing to serve the community and Somers/Lakeside Schools. I will continue to put learning and safety first when it comes to our schools,and with the help of the other school board trustees we will continue to provide a great environment for which our students, teachers, administrators and friends can thrive and learn. We will make sure that the money put forth by the tax payers is used properly and to the benefit of all students and community members. I see the board of trustees as a team that needs to work well together and work to ensure we live up to what is asked of us by our students, teachers, administrators and parents. Montana is a great state with great people that deserve great schools to which to send our children, I want to be a part of that for a few more years.
Chelsey Spence
I have lived and worked in Lakeside for almost 10 years and love the strength of this community. I have two children at Lakeside Elementary and will have another there in a few years. I enjoy collaborating with other people to solve complex issues. I have extensive experience on boards and have worked through difficult challenges in that setting in the past. Staying objective and focusing on common goals almost always helps reach an acceptable solution. I have spent the last 6 months on the school board after filling a vacancy and have found it to be challenging, but also very rewarding. I would love to continue contributing my time to help Somers and Lakeside continue to provide an excellent space for our kids to learn and grow.
Sharing a little information on each of our school board candidates. Ballots should be in the mail soon!
First, our Candidates for a One Year Term - One Will be Elected
Dakota Baier
Dakota Baier is a proud sixth-generation resident of the Flathead Valley, deeply rooted in the values, traditions, and strong sense of community that define this region. As a young father of three children, with one more on the way, Dakota is personally invested in the future of local education. One of his daughters is currently a kindergartner at Lakeside Elementary, and his two younger children will also attend schools within Lakeside School District 29. For Dakota, serving on the school board is not just a civic opportunity—it is a commitment to the future of his own family and the broader community.
Professionally, Dakota manages properties throughout the valley with his wife Jasmine, a District 29 alumna, where he has developed strong skills in budgeting, long-term planning, maintenance oversight, and problem-solving. His work requires accountability, transparency, and the ability to balance competing priorities—qualities that directly translate to effective school board leadership. In addition, Dakota serves as a primary caregiver for his disabled brother, an experience that has strengthened his compassion, patience, and understanding of the unique challenges some families face within the education system.
Dakota believes that strong schools are the foundation of a strong community. He is passionate about supporting teachers, maintaining responsible financial stewardship, ensuring safe learning environments, and preserving the values that make the Flathead Valley special. As both a lifelong resident and a parent with a long-term stake in the district, he is committed to listening to families, respecting diverse perspectives, and making thoughtful decisions that prioritize students first.
Dakota seeks to serve on the school board to help build an educational environment where every child has the opportunity to succeed, where families feel heard, and where the community’s voice remains central to the direction of its schools.
Thanks again,
Dakota Baier
Shannon Jones
I am seeking to continue serving as a trustee for the Lakeside/Somers School District because I care deeply about our schools and the role they play in our community. My children, (4th and 6th graders) have been a part of the Lakeside/Somers school district for their entire school careers to this point. I have seen firsthand the difference our schools make in our children' s lives. I wanted to step into this role as a way to continue to serve the community, offer a grounded perspective, and support the teachers and students who make our schools what they are.
In addition to being a parent in the district, I spent about three years serving as a substitute teacher in our schools. That experience gave me a real look at what happens inside the classroom every day. I saw how hard our teachers work and how invested they are in their students. Many students are not only being educated in our schools, but also supported and cared for in ways that make a lasting difference in their lives.
My family and I have called Lakeside home for the past 13 years, and I care deeply about the character and future of this community. Through my work in real estate, I regularly speak with families who are making decisions about where to live and raise their children. I am proud to call Lakeside home and proud of our community.
As a trustee, I hope to bring a balanced perspective that reflects the voices of our community while also supporting the educators and staff working in our schools. I believe that strong schools help develop independent thinkers, responsible adults, and young people who can adapt to a changing world and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
I also believe that the school board should reflect the voices of the community it serves. Parents, educators and community members all care about our children and those perspectives matter.
My goal is to listen carefully, ask thoughtful questions, and help ensure that Lakeside/Somers continues to be a district known for its quality and the care it shows its students.
First, our Candidates for a One Year Term - One Will be Elected
Dakota Baier
Dakota Baier is a proud sixth-generation resident of the Flathead Valley, deeply rooted in the values, traditions, and strong sense of community that define this region. As a young father of three children, with one more on the way, Dakota is personally invested in the future of local education. One of his daughters is currently a kindergartner at Lakeside Elementary, and his two younger children will also attend schools within Lakeside School District 29. For Dakota, serving on the school board is not just a civic opportunity—it is a commitment to the future of his own family and the broader community.
Professionally, Dakota manages properties throughout the valley with his wife Jasmine, a District 29 alumna, where he has developed strong skills in budgeting, long-term planning, maintenance oversight, and problem-solving. His work requires accountability, transparency, and the ability to balance competing priorities—qualities that directly translate to effective school board leadership. In addition, Dakota serves as a primary caregiver for his disabled brother, an experience that has strengthened his compassion, patience, and understanding of the unique challenges some families face within the education system.
Dakota believes that strong schools are the foundation of a strong community. He is passionate about supporting teachers, maintaining responsible financial stewardship, ensuring safe learning environments, and preserving the values that make the Flathead Valley special. As both a lifelong resident and a parent with a long-term stake in the district, he is committed to listening to families, respecting diverse perspectives, and making thoughtful decisions that prioritize students first.
Dakota seeks to serve on the school board to help build an educational environment where every child has the opportunity to succeed, where families feel heard, and where the community’s voice remains central to the direction of its schools.
Thanks again,
Dakota Baier
Shannon Jones
I am seeking to continue serving as a trustee for the Lakeside/Somers School District because I care deeply about our schools and the role they play in our community. My children, (4th and 6th graders) have been a part of the Lakeside/Somers school district for their entire school careers to this point. I have seen firsthand the difference our schools make in our children' s lives. I wanted to step into this role as a way to continue to serve the community, offer a grounded perspective, and support the teachers and students who make our schools what they are.
In addition to being a parent in the district, I spent about three years serving as a substitute teacher in our schools. That experience gave me a real look at what happens inside the classroom every day. I saw how hard our teachers work and how invested they are in their students. Many students are not only being educated in our schools, but also supported and cared for in ways that make a lasting difference in their lives.
My family and I have called Lakeside home for the past 13 years, and I care deeply about the character and future of this community. Through my work in real estate, I regularly speak with families who are making decisions about where to live and raise their children. I am proud to call Lakeside home and proud of our community.
As a trustee, I hope to bring a balanced perspective that reflects the voices of our community while also supporting the educators and staff working in our schools. I believe that strong schools help develop independent thinkers, responsible adults, and young people who can adapt to a changing world and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
I also believe that the school board should reflect the voices of the community it serves. Parents, educators and community members all care about our children and those perspectives matter.
My goal is to listen carefully, ask thoughtful questions, and help ensure that Lakeside/Somers continues to be a district known for its quality and the care it shows its students.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day from Ms. Schroeder’s Kindergarten! 🍀✨
Our classroom was full of Irish luck and magic today! The students spent the day diving into festive activities, but the biggest surprise happened while we weren't looking. We arrived to find that some sneaky leprechauns had visited our room and shrunk everyone's St. Patrick's Day hats! 🎩🤏
Check out these smiles (and the tiny hats!):
Pictured below are Brooks Beaman showing off his "shrunk" hat and Bayne Knaff! joining the fun!
It was a day filled with wonder and a little bit of leprechaun mischief!
Our classroom was full of Irish luck and magic today! The students spent the day diving into festive activities, but the biggest surprise happened while we weren't looking. We arrived to find that some sneaky leprechauns had visited our room and shrunk everyone's St. Patrick's Day hats! 🎩🤏
Check out these smiles (and the tiny hats!):
Pictured below are Brooks Beaman showing off his "shrunk" hat and Bayne Knaff! joining the fun!
It was a day filled with wonder and a little bit of leprechaun mischief!
Staff Member of the Week Spotlight
We are thrilled to celebrate two incredible educators who have gone above and beyond for our students and the Flathead Special Education Cooperative over the last two weeks! Please join us in congratulating our latest honorees from Lakeside Elementary: Principal Steffanie Broyles and Special Education Teacher Katie Nitcy.
Miss Broyles was selected for her exceptional leadership in heading Professional Development focused on Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) for the Cooperative. Her dedication to refining these systems ensures every student gets the specific support they need to thrive.
Mrs. Nitcy, a new teacher to our cooperative, was recognized for being incredibly hands-on and deeply involved in all areas of the cooperative. Her proactive approach and willingness to jump into any situation have made an immediate impact.
Both Steffanie and Katie were noted for their student-first mentality. No matter how complex the task, they are always willing to work firsthand with students and tackle any and all challenges that come their way.
Thank you both for your hard work and dedication to the Lakeside community, our great Lakeside/Somers School District and our Local Special Education Cooperative!
We are thrilled to celebrate two incredible educators who have gone above and beyond for our students and the Flathead Special Education Cooperative over the last two weeks! Please join us in congratulating our latest honorees from Lakeside Elementary: Principal Steffanie Broyles and Special Education Teacher Katie Nitcy.
Miss Broyles was selected for her exceptional leadership in heading Professional Development focused on Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) for the Cooperative. Her dedication to refining these systems ensures every student gets the specific support they need to thrive.
Mrs. Nitcy, a new teacher to our cooperative, was recognized for being incredibly hands-on and deeply involved in all areas of the cooperative. Her proactive approach and willingness to jump into any situation have made an immediate impact.
Both Steffanie and Katie were noted for their student-first mentality. No matter how complex the task, they are always willing to work firsthand with students and tackle any and all challenges that come their way.
Thank you both for your hard work and dedication to the Lakeside community, our great Lakeside/Somers School District and our Local Special Education Cooperative!
Dear Somers and Lakeside School Families and Staff,
I am writing to provide an update regarding our school schedule for tomorrow, Friday, March 13. While the historic blizzard and wind event predicted for today did not materialize in our community to the extent expected, we remain mindful of the impact the weather has had on our neighbors. Currently, a few thousand Flathead County Residents remain without power, primarily along Highway 2 corridor west of Kalispell and we are keeping those families in our thoughts as crews work to restore services.
Based on current conditions and forecasts, Somers and Lakeside Schools will be fully open and operating on a normal schedule tomorrow. Our decision to return to the classroom is supported by the fact that winds are expected to continue reducing throughout the day today. Additionally, meteorologists indicate that any further snow accumulation overnight is likely to be limited, allowing for safe travel on our local roads and highways.
We understand that while the storm’s overall impact was less severe than anticipated, some of our families and staff may still be dealing with the remains of the wind event, downed trees, or ongoing utility issues. We will continue to monitor the situation closely through the evening to ensure our buildings are ready to welcome students back to a warm and safe learning environment in the morning.
We appreciate your patience and flexibility as we navigate these evolving forecasts. While closures made out of an "abundance of caution" can be disruptive, your support allows us to consistently prioritize the safety of our students and staff above all else.
As always, we will review this decision and the surrounding timelines to ensure we are effectively balancing the safety of our staff, students, and greater community, with the overall goal to remain open for our working families and most importantly student learning. We value the trust you place in us and look into every event as an opportunity to refine our processes.
We look forward to seeing everyone back in our hallways tomorrow morning.
Sincerely,
Alex Ator Superintendent
Somers and Lakeside School District
I am writing to provide an update regarding our school schedule for tomorrow, Friday, March 13. While the historic blizzard and wind event predicted for today did not materialize in our community to the extent expected, we remain mindful of the impact the weather has had on our neighbors. Currently, a few thousand Flathead County Residents remain without power, primarily along Highway 2 corridor west of Kalispell and we are keeping those families in our thoughts as crews work to restore services.
Based on current conditions and forecasts, Somers and Lakeside Schools will be fully open and operating on a normal schedule tomorrow. Our decision to return to the classroom is supported by the fact that winds are expected to continue reducing throughout the day today. Additionally, meteorologists indicate that any further snow accumulation overnight is likely to be limited, allowing for safe travel on our local roads and highways.
We understand that while the storm’s overall impact was less severe than anticipated, some of our families and staff may still be dealing with the remains of the wind event, downed trees, or ongoing utility issues. We will continue to monitor the situation closely through the evening to ensure our buildings are ready to welcome students back to a warm and safe learning environment in the morning.
We appreciate your patience and flexibility as we navigate these evolving forecasts. While closures made out of an "abundance of caution" can be disruptive, your support allows us to consistently prioritize the safety of our students and staff above all else.
As always, we will review this decision and the surrounding timelines to ensure we are effectively balancing the safety of our staff, students, and greater community, with the overall goal to remain open for our working families and most importantly student learning. We value the trust you place in us and look into every event as an opportunity to refine our processes.
We look forward to seeing everyone back in our hallways tomorrow morning.
Sincerely,
Alex Ator Superintendent
Somers and Lakeside School District
Former and Current Somers and Lakeside Students were Spotlighted Recently in the Daily Interlake!
Merrick Zachary and Adalyn Lockwood are currently 7th graders and Dawson Rinehart is a former student
https://dailyinterlake.com/news/2026/mar/01/a-decade-in-blacktail-race-school-keeps-one-on-one-coaching-at-its-core/
Merrick Zachary and Adalyn Lockwood are currently 7th graders and Dawson Rinehart is a former student
https://dailyinterlake.com/news/2026/mar/01/a-decade-in-blacktail-race-school-keeps-one-on-one-coaching-at-its-core/
The Somers Science Fair is back! Sixth- and eighth-grade students proudly presented their science projects to judges on Thursday, February 19. Students have been designing and testing their experiments since early January, and their hard work truly paid off.
“I’ve never seen them work so hard on something. It was amazing to see how proud they were,” said 6th-grade teacher Mr. Bryan.
In the sixth-grade competition, Liam Shiffman earned first place, followed by Eva Uskoski and Cal Rae. Easton Arentz received the award for Best Display, and Sawyer Bench was recognized as Best Presenter.
In the eighth-grade contest, Hollis Tufly took first place, followed by Londyn Hutcherson and Leela Morrill.
The top three finishers in each grade now have the opportunity to represent Somers at the County Science Fair on March 5. Congratulations to all of our student scientists on their dedication and outstanding work.
“I’ve never seen them work so hard on something. It was amazing to see how proud they were,” said 6th-grade teacher Mr. Bryan.
In the sixth-grade competition, Liam Shiffman earned first place, followed by Eva Uskoski and Cal Rae. Easton Arentz received the award for Best Display, and Sawyer Bench was recognized as Best Presenter.
In the eighth-grade contest, Hollis Tufly took first place, followed by Londyn Hutcherson and Leela Morrill.
The top three finishers in each grade now have the opportunity to represent Somers at the County Science Fair on March 5. Congratulations to all of our student scientists on their dedication and outstanding work.
On February 17, 2026, Miss Smith and Mrs. Stern’s classes headed to Glacier National Park for an unforgettable winter field trip experience! ❄️🏔️
Students participated in hands-on snow science activities, enjoyed an engaging puppet show, and took part in a winter walk to learn how animals survive during the colder months.
Despite challenging road conditions, we safely made it to the park, and we are proud to share that all students came prepared and dressed appropriately for the winter weather. Their enthusiasm and positive attitudes made the day a huge success!
Mrs. Broyles and Mrs. Gustine’s classes were originally scheduled to attend on February 18, but due to forecasted bitter temperatures, their trip has been rescheduled for March 13.
Next up: students will be writing thank-you notes to the park rangers to show their appreciation for such an engaging and educational experience.
Thank you to our staff, volunteers, and the Glacier Park team for making this day possible! 🌨️✨
Students participated in hands-on snow science activities, enjoyed an engaging puppet show, and took part in a winter walk to learn how animals survive during the colder months.
Despite challenging road conditions, we safely made it to the park, and we are proud to share that all students came prepared and dressed appropriately for the winter weather. Their enthusiasm and positive attitudes made the day a huge success!
Mrs. Broyles and Mrs. Gustine’s classes were originally scheduled to attend on February 18, but due to forecasted bitter temperatures, their trip has been rescheduled for March 13.
Next up: students will be writing thank-you notes to the park rangers to show their appreciation for such an engaging and educational experience.
Thank you to our staff, volunteers, and the Glacier Park team for making this day possible! 🌨️✨
📐✨ Kindergarten Math in Action! ✨📐
Our kindergarteners wrapped themselves right into their Shapes unit with fun, hands-on station activities in Mrs. Riech’s class!
Students explored shapes using geoboards, tackled the Fill-a-Hexagon pattern block challenge, and built amazing creations while constructing 3D shapes.
The room was buzzing with math talk as students experimented, created, and showed their understanding of how shapes fit, stack, and work together. Learning through play at its best!
What’s next?
Kindergarten classes will celebrate the end of the unit this Friday with a Shape Snack Party!
Students are encouraged to bring a fun, shape-themed snack to share. We can’t wait to see (and taste!) the creativity 🍪🟦🔺
Our kindergarteners wrapped themselves right into their Shapes unit with fun, hands-on station activities in Mrs. Riech’s class!
Students explored shapes using geoboards, tackled the Fill-a-Hexagon pattern block challenge, and built amazing creations while constructing 3D shapes.
The room was buzzing with math talk as students experimented, created, and showed their understanding of how shapes fit, stack, and work together. Learning through play at its best!
What’s next?
Kindergarten classes will celebrate the end of the unit this Friday with a Shape Snack Party!
Students are encouraged to bring a fun, shape-themed snack to share. We can’t wait to see (and taste!) the creativity 🍪🟦🔺
Our kindergarten students had a special morning on Friday celebrating Donuts for Dads!
Dads joined their kiddos at school to enjoy donuts, spend time playing together, and take part in fun arts and crafts activities. It was a great way to start the day and create some meaningful memories. 💙
We’re already looking ahead—later this year, our kindergarten students will welcome their moms to school for Muffins for Moms!
Dads joined their kiddos at school to enjoy donuts, spend time playing together, and take part in fun arts and crafts activities. It was a great way to start the day and create some meaningful memories. 💙
We’re already looking ahead—later this year, our kindergarten students will welcome their moms to school for Muffins for Moms!
Four teams of the Somers Mustechs club competed at the Kalispell FIRST LEGO League State Qualifier at West Valley Middle School Saturday, Jan. 24.
The King Koders and the Robotic Royalty finished in the top 6 at the 18-team tournament and will advance to the state championship in Bozeman Feb. 7.
The Robotic Royalty also finished first in the Robot Design category and the King Koders finished second in the Core Values category.
About 20 Somers 5th-7th graders competed in the tournament. The club has been meeting after school since October and regularly has up to 30 kids learning coding.
It was amazing to see all their hard work rewarded.
The King Koders and the Robotic Royalty finished in the top 6 at the 18-team tournament and will advance to the state championship in Bozeman Feb. 7.
The Robotic Royalty also finished first in the Robot Design category and the King Koders finished second in the Core Values category.
About 20 Somers 5th-7th graders competed in the tournament. The club has been meeting after school since October and regularly has up to 30 kids learning coding.
It was amazing to see all their hard work rewarded.
Flathead High School Choral Aires came to Somers Middle School today to introduce the music program to 7th and 8th graders who will be attending FHS !
On Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at 10:00 am, the state portal will begin accepting registrations for pre-approvals of Tax Credits for Qualified Education Contributions through the Education Donation Portal.
Individuals or businesses interested in this tax credit must make a donation to the Somers School District 29. To initiate a donation, please contact Superintendent Alex Ator by Monday, January 19, 2026, so the district can submit the required information in the state portal on the donor’s behalf.
If sufficient credits remain available and the donation does not exceed $200,000 for the tax year, the credit will be preapproved.
Once preapproved, Somers School District 29 will provide the donor with a tax credit receipt showing the approved credit amount and a confirmation number. Both documents must be included when filing a tax return. The tax credit is equal to the full amount of the donation, up to $200,000, and is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until the statewide annual limit is reached.
Access to the portal is limited to representatives of Montana public school districts, so interested donors must work directly with their local school district. For more information or to make a donation, please contact Superintendent Alex Ator at alex.ator@somersdist29.org.
Individuals or businesses interested in this tax credit must make a donation to the Somers School District 29. To initiate a donation, please contact Superintendent Alex Ator by Monday, January 19, 2026, so the district can submit the required information in the state portal on the donor’s behalf.
If sufficient credits remain available and the donation does not exceed $200,000 for the tax year, the credit will be preapproved.
Once preapproved, Somers School District 29 will provide the donor with a tax credit receipt showing the approved credit amount and a confirmation number. Both documents must be included when filing a tax return. The tax credit is equal to the full amount of the donation, up to $200,000, and is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until the statewide annual limit is reached.
Access to the portal is limited to representatives of Montana public school districts, so interested donors must work directly with their local school district. For more information or to make a donation, please contact Superintendent Alex Ator at alex.ator@somersdist29.org.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigated today’s storm. We appreciate the flexibility and support of our students, families, and staff as we worked to ensure everyone’s safety and continuity of learning.
Additionally, we would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to Flathead Electric and the surrounding cooperative workforce. Their linemen braved difficult conditions to restore power, ensuring that many of us could sleep in warm homes tonight. We are deeply grateful for their service and dedication to our community.
We look forward to welcoming students back for a regular school day tomorrow.
We are pleased to share that power has been restored at both schools. Please plan for a normal day of school tomorrow.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigated today’s storm. We appreciate the flexibility and support of our students, families, and staff as we worked to ensure everyone’s safety and continuity of learning.
We look forward to welcoming students back for a regular school day tomorrow.
We at the Somers and Lakeside schools want to provide an update regarding the ongoing power outage and our planning for school tomorrow. Based on the most recent information we have received, major transmission lines are down in both directions, which makes restoration efforts more complex. As a result, the likelihood of power being restored overnight is yet to be determined.
If power is not restored overnight, it is unlikely that school will be in session tomorrow. A final decision will be made by 5:30 a.m. If power has been restored by that time, school will be held as usual. If not, school will be canceled.
Please check your email, social media and the school webpage for a final answer in the morning as we will make an announcement via Thrillshare.
If the school is closed the middle school building will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. as a safe place for students and families to fill water containers and for students to spend time in a supervised, safe environment. Lunch will not be served during this time.
We understand the uncertainty this situation creates for families and appreciate your patience and understanding. Please continue to watch for updates through our normal communication channels.
Thank you for your continued support of our students and schools.
Dear Families,
We would like to provide an additional update regarding today’s power outages.
Power has been restored at Lakeside School; however, we are continuing to plan for the possibility of intermittent outages. At this time, power remains out at Somers School.
Local authorities continue to advise limiting travel, and we understand that some families may wish to pick up their child. If you choose to do so, we will accommodate that parental decision. We do want to reassure families that both Lakeside and Somers Schools are warm, have running water, and have plans in place to ensure students receive lunch.
Thank you for your patience, understanding, and cooperation as we navigate these conditions together. We will continue to share updates as they become available.
Sincerely,
Somers and Lakeside Schools
Dear Families, Staff Members, and Members of the Community
We are aware that power is currently out in our local area and across much of the greater Flathead Valley. This is also affecting our phone lines and internet access. We understand the challenges this creates for families, and we want to share how this impacts the school day.
At this time, we plan to keep school open. Many households are experiencing the same outage, and our school building remains warm, safe, and able to support students throughout the day.
If parents do plan to pick up students. We do not have working phone lines so please just come to the office. Again we are open and operating at this time so this would be a parent decision and a normal absence. We will continue to monitor this throughout the day.
In response to the outage, we have implemented a plan to provide a cold lunch option to ensure that all students are able to eat.
We will continue to monitor the situation closely and communicate any changes as needed. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to support our students and families during this disruption.
Sincerely,
Somers and Lakeside School
🏀 7th Grade Boys Basketball – End of Season Tournament Recap! 🏀
Our 7th-grade boys had an incredible run at the end-of-season tournament held December 4–6 at Stillwater and West Valley (championship game).
Game Results:
12/4 vs Whitefish: W 53-39
12/5 vs West Valley White: W 56-38
12/6 Semifinals vs West Valley Blue: W 41-39 (OT!)
12/6 Championship vs Polson: L 31-48
💪 Despite having 5 players out, including 2 starters, our team played with heart and teamwork, finishing 2nd place for the season with an impressive 19-1 record! Every player contributed, including those who saw more playing time than usual, proving the strength and depth of our roster.
We are so proud of this team and their amazing effort all season long! 🏀👏
Our 7th-grade boys had an incredible run at the end-of-season tournament held December 4–6 at Stillwater and West Valley (championship game).
Game Results:
12/4 vs Whitefish: W 53-39
12/5 vs West Valley White: W 56-38
12/6 Semifinals vs West Valley Blue: W 41-39 (OT!)
12/6 Championship vs Polson: L 31-48
💪 Despite having 5 players out, including 2 starters, our team played with heart and teamwork, finishing 2nd place for the season with an impressive 19-1 record! Every player contributed, including those who saw more playing time than usual, proving the strength and depth of our roster.
We are so proud of this team and their amazing effort all season long! 🏀👏
