Greek Philosopher, Heraclitus once stated, “No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man.”
Like a river and those who cross the river, our schools are always changing and evolving, impacted by the changes to its surrounding, the changes that take place within us, and the changes influenced by others.
As we prepare for the 2018-19 school year, we want to share staffing changes taking place at MVES. They include…
Longtime Liberty Bell Math Instructor, Carrie Fink to Serve as Methow Valley Elementary School’s New 6th Grade Teacher
For the past 21 years, Carrie Fink has taught 7th and 8th grade math at Liberty Bell Jr./Sr. High School. Beginning the fall of the 2018-19 school year, she will be moving to Methow Valley Elementary to teach 6th grade. Carrie is a former LBHS graduate, Whitworth University graduate and National Board Certified Teacher. Interested in preparing students for a successful transition from elementary school to junior high school, she is thrilled to teach 6th grade alongside current 6th grade teacher, Tyler Slostad. As a highly skilled educator, Carrie enjoys challenging students to their fullest potential while loving and caring for them. When asked about her new role, Carrie replied, “I am super excited to be able to continue to make a positive contribution to the students of the Methow Valley.” When she isn’t in the classroom, Carrie likes to ride her horse, bike, hike, ski, and spend time with her family.
Maggie Wickens Selected to Serve as New MVES Kindergarten Teacher
Maggie Wickens has been selected to serve as a kindergarten teacher at MVES beginning in the fall of the 2018-19 school year. Maggie and her family have lived in the beautiful Methow Valley for the past three years. After successfully completing her student-teaching in the general education and special education setting at MVES two years ago, Maggie served as a 1st/2nd multi-age classroom teacher during the first half of the 2017-18 school year. When asked about her new assignment, Maggie stated, “I am overjoyed to be a kindergarten teacher for Methow Valley Elementary this coming fall. I’m so excited to be a part of such a fantastic team of teachers who are working with our youngest learners!”
Joan Stluka Selected to Serve as Full-Time MVES Kindergarten Teacher
Joan Stluka, veteran elementary classroom teacher and recent kindergarten job-share partner with Libby Foley has been selected to serve as a full-time kindergarten teacher. In anticipation of working alongside kindergarten teachers, Libby Foley and Maggie Wickens, Joan stated, “I am thrilled to return to Methow Valley Elementary as a full-time kindergarten teacher next fall. I have spent the last two years sharing a kindergarten position with Libby Foley. I am so blessed to be able to continue teaching in a district that is committed to excellence.” Prior to arriving in the Methow Valley, Joan taught in the primary grade levels for many years with the Puyallup School District. When not teaching Joan and her husband Scott enjoy time spent skiing, biking, playing in the river, and time spent with family.
Hana Baker, Cara Christensen, Meridith Dufresne, and Keri Miles Change Grade Levels
Rounding out the known changes in staffing for the 2018-19 school year, Hana Baker will be moving from kindergarten to second grade. Keri Miles will be moving from her current position as a 1st grade teacher into the 5th grade position vacated by Catie Barber, and Meridith Dufresne will be joining the first grade team in the place of Keri Miles. Currently a 1st/2nd multi-age classroom teacher, Cara Christensen will be joining Amanda Armbrust and Meridith Dufresne as one of three 1st grade teachers.