Klukwan School opened its doors on Monday to an enrollment of 15 students, up from last year’s enrollment of 14.

“We are happy that we have increased our enrollment for the third year in a row. We have a very talented staff again this year and we look forward to offering our students some variation in electives classes,” said principal Holly Cervin.

Staff includes high school teacher Carson Buck, elementary teacher Cynthia McFeeters, aides Kath Hotch and Steve Ritzinger, and Jolene Hotch and John Hunt, office and maintenance, respectively.

Buck and McFeeters return this year after taking a year sabbatical to travel and spend time with family.

“It was nice to take a year to be able to do some things during the school year. I went to see the Iditarod, which I would have never been able to do if I were teaching,” said McFeeters.

McFeeters said that she is looking forward to planning the school’s annual class trip and is excited to implement programs such as home economics and high school music. High school students this fall will harvest and can salmon to enjoy throughout the school year.

Students will also have the option of learning to play instruments, including guitar, woodwinds and brass.

“I’m looking forward to having more kids learn the instruments,” said Ritzinger, who will instruct lessons.

The formal music program will supplement traditional Tlingit music.

“The Klukwan village elders, along with Kath Hotch, will continue to teach our students the songs, dances and stories of their Tlingit heritage,” said Cervin.

Joanne Spud will also continue to teach Tlingit language classes throughout the school year.