As we rapidly approach the beginning of a new school year, I’m often reminded by friends living elsewhere of the many school-related fees that serve as an economic burden to families and barriers for our students.
In fact, it was about this time last year that I received a screenshot from a friend who was attempting to pay the many supply fees, course fees, pay-to-play, testing fees, and enrichment fees associated with the upcoming school year… A mother of four children, she found herself faced with $1,250 in school-related fees – for the first semester.
Unfortunately, this is all too common…
As part of the MVSD’s focus on “Equity and Excellence for All,” the MVSD is committed to providing our students and families with a free and appropriate public education.
And, while there is work to be done in this area, we have made tremendous strides through the elimination of all school supply fees, course fees, some testing fees, many enrichment fees, and significant reductions in “pay-to-play” fees.
“We can’t do this alone. We can do it together!” This is one of the core beliefs of the MVSD. In spite of the gap between what the state provides and true cost of educating our youth, we have established a strong network of educational and community-based partnerships to ensure every student can shine…
For those who enjoy the “tradition” of back-to-school shopping, and in the absence of purchasing supplies, we encourage those of you who are able to consider starting a new tradition by donating to one or more of our many partners. These are just a few of the many educational and community-based partners providing support that benefit all students in the Methow Valley:
- Public School Funding Alliance (PSFA)
- Methow Arts
- Little Star School
- Methow Valley Riding Unlimited
- Classroom in Bloom
- TwispWorks
- Liberty Bell Boosters Club
- Winthrop Kiwanis
- Methow Recycles
- Methow Conservancy
- Methow Trails
- Methow Housing Trust
- Room One
For school-sponsored programs where there are fees resulting in an economic hardship, please contact your principal and/or school counselor about the possibility of a scholarship.
We look forward to seeing you soon!