Like every member of our community and others across the country, our staff is deeply saddened by the loss of the three brave fire fighters and hurt for their families and friends.
Tommy’s death has been particularly difficult given the strong relationship he had with many of our staff and the impact he had upon our schools and community. As one staff member who was a first year teacher during Tommy’s senior year stated,
“There is no doubt that in some ways we improve with experience. But, it’s too easy to lose the sparkle of the beginner. Cynicism and playing it cool are safe; it takes guts to be genuine. It makes you vulnerable, and, in a way, powerful. I think that a special kind of courageous authenticity was the source of Tom’s charisma. It showed in everything I saw him do, especially on stage, and I felt it in every conversation we had. I am so thankful I got to know him, and that he taught me this lesson. I just had to show up and learn.”
First Day of School is Tuesday, September 1
Like our community, our staff cares deeply about our students and are resilient in the face of adversity. Many have received training in trauma and stress relief and understand that they play a key part in assisting our youth and community find normalcy. One of the ways we do so is by starting school on time and that is what we plan to do. Barring any significant event that inhibits our ability to safely open our schools or transport students to and from school, we are eager to start school on Tuesday, September 1st as planned. In addition, we’ll have members of our Student and Family Support Services Team available to student, parents, and staff in need of support.
Beginning of the Year Activities
NEW STAFF MEET & GREET: We welcome each of you to join us as we welcome our newest staff members on Thursday, August 27th from 3:00 – 5:00 pm in the Methow Valley Elementary library. Light refreshments will be provided.
KINDERGARTEN ICE CREAM SOCIAL: Do you have a kindergarten student starting in the fall? Please join us on Thursday, August 27th from 5:30 – 6:30 pm. Parents and students will have an opportunity to check out their classrooms, practice riding a school bus, and enjoy one another’s company over ice cream.
LIBERTY BELL OPEN HOUSE & BBQ: Please join us on Wednesday, September 2nd at 5:30 pm for the Liberty Bell Open House and BBQ! We’ll begin with an introduction of LB staff at the stadium bleachers. Hamburgers, hotdogs, veggie-burgers, and side dishes will be provided following introductions.
METHOW VALLEY SCHOOLS FAMILY HANDBOOK & CALENDAR: The Methow Valley Family Handbook and Calendar will be sent to you in September, providing you with important information about key dates and events throughout the year.
School Supplies and Course Fees
Yes, it’s true. We have eliminated all school supply fees and course-related fees K-12. Save your money. Better yet, if you’re able, donate to one of the many organizations that provide support to our schools (located on our website) or to Community Foundation’s Fire Relief Fund.
Liberty Bell Registration
Please join us for registration on Tuesday, August 25 and Wednesday, August 26 from 9:00am-3:00pm at the Liberty Bell Office. During this time, students will be asked to:
- Update all student information including phone numbers, emergency contacts, email addresses and Skyward login information.
- Pick up school supplies
- Pay for school lunches, ASB fee, and Play-to-Pay fees associated with athletics.
- All previous appointments concerning scheduling for new students or schedule changes for returning students made with Mrs. Knob (formerly Ms. Faxon) will be rescheduled during those two days.
We look forward to your safe return to school.
Sincerely,
Tom Venable
Superintendent, Methow Valley Schools