Sherry Sloan
The MVSD is excited to welcome Sherry Sloan as the district’s new Business Manager. Currently serving as the Business Manager for the Okanogan School District, Sherry comes to us with outstanding reputation as a highly competent and skilled Business Manager who is knowledgeable of how schools in the State of Washington are funded and how to maximize the complex maze of state, federal, and local sources of funding.
Sherry will be joining our team in mid-August. In the short-term, retiring Assistant Business Manager, Liz Weeks will be providing mentorship and support as needed to ensure a smooth transition. At the same time, the district will be reducing and eventually eliminating its current contract for financial services with the North Central Educational Service District, resulting in a long-term cost savings to the district.
When asked about her new role, Sherry replied, “I am excited to begin my position as Methow Valley School District Business Manager. I am a Washington native and have lived in the Okanogan Valley for the past 18 years. During that time, I have enjoyed visiting the Methow Valley for recreational activities. It is truly a dream come true to have the opportunity to live and work in such a beautiful place.”
In her free time, Sherry enjoys cross country skiing, golfing, ping pong, reading, spending time with my family, growing flowers and vegetables, eating wonderful food, and relaxing in my hammock.
Jessica Smith-Rouse
The Methow Valley School District hired Jessica Smith-Rouse to serve as the district’s Technology Integration Specialist. A Liberty Bell graduate, Jessica is returning to the Valley after having served as an educator with the Omak School District during the past eight years.
Serving as the Technology Integration Specialist, a position supported by the district’s Technology Levy, Jessica will be working closely with staff and students to collaboratively plan and implement units of study, model lessons, and provide classroom-based coaching to all staff, focused on the meaningful integration and application of technology. Taking full advantage of the resources and tools available within the Methow Valley School District, the Technology Integration Specialist will also play an integral part of promoting the attributes, knowledge, and skills associated with “digital citizenship,” the purchase and use of adaptive technology, and the continued expansion of STEAM (Science, Technology Engineering, Arts, & Math) course offerings and extra-curricular opportunities using industry standard technology.
When asked what excites her most about living and working in the Methow Valley, Jessica stated, “From a very young age I’ve loved adventures, which is why I’ve made teaching my life’s work. Growing up in the Methow Valley and graduating from Liberty Bell High School inspired my love of learning and my appreciation for the great outdoors. When I’m not working with kids I’m spending time with my family and friends, camping, swimming on the river, hiking and cooking. I’m excited to be back in the Methow Valley School District working with students as the Technology Integration Specialist.”
Genny Rice
Genny Rice has been hired to fill the position of Liberty Bell Science Teacher. Originally from the Big Island of Hawaii, she has been living in the Methow Valley seasonally since 2009, working for the Northwest Outward Bound School as a sea kayaking and mountaineering instructor, course director, and staff trainer.
The Methow Valley has drawn her in with its beauty, its friendly, hard-working people, and its sense of community; and in January 2015 she moved from Yosemite National Park to call this place home.
A graduate of the University of Puget Sound with degrees in music and biology, she has been an outdoor education professional for various non-profit organizations. For eight years she was a field science instructor for NatureBridge in both Yosemite and Olympic National Parks, where she instructed week-long science programs for students of all ages in the outdoor classroom. Prior to that, she was a naturalist at a small YMCA camp in the South Puget Sound, exploring the intertidal zones and the surrounding forest ecosystems with 5th and 6th grade students from Tacoma and Seattle.
Genny is thrilled to join the Liberty Bell community, and excited for the opportunity to share her passion for science and the natural world with Liberty Bell students in what she hopes will be a collaborative learning experience for all involved. Her favorite color is blue, and her third favorite food is sourdough toast.
I’ll plan on sending a more detailed update regarding the days and schedule of activities in advance of the new school year in August. Until then, I hope each of you enjoy a relaxing and rejuvenating summer spent with family and friends!