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Last night, 14 incredibly talented Methow Valley School District students took center stage at the Poetry Out Loud District Finals, competing for a chance to represent the district at the regional level. Among them, Kyra Hickman (ILC) and Orlo Parkinson (LBHS) emerged as the top two finalists, earning spots in the 2025 National Poetry Out Loud Regional Finals in Spokane.

Elliot Pixie-Plott (LBHS), Anja Merkens (LBHS), and Lily Arntsen (ILC) were also recognized as runner-ups and alternates, showcasing exceptional performances throughout the competition.

We also wish to recognize LBHS student Liam Kiefer for his soothing musical accompaniment throughout the event.

After the event, LBHS Humanities and Drama Teacher Kelly Grayum remarked, "I do not envy our judges. The performances were outstanding across the board, with only the slightest differences separating the competitors."

This marks the 13th consecutive year of Methow Valley School District’s participation in the National Poetry Out Loud competition, further cementing the district’s commitment to fostering student creativity and artistic expression. Kyra and Orlo now join an impressive roster of district, regional, and state finalists who have been recognized for their remarkable performances in this prestigious contest.

We invite the community to join us in celebrating the achievements of all the MVSD Poetry Out Loud participants and to acknowledge the dedicated efforts of LBHS Humanities and Drama Teachers Kelly Grayum and Cam Alford, as well as the district’s Poetry Out Loud Coach, Kira Wood-Cramer, our judges, the Merc, the Public School Funding Alliance, and Methow Arts for their unwavering support of the arts and our students.

Dear Methow Valley School District Students, Parents, and Community Members,

As part of the ongoing Superintendent Search and Selection process, we invite you to participate in a Community Focus Group listening session, which will be facilitated by Superintendent Search Consultant Andy Wolf with Northwest Leadership Associates. The session is scheduled for Thursday, January 9th, 2025, from 6:00 to 7:00 pm in the LBHS Cafeteria.

The primary goal of this session is to gather valuable input from our community (all interested stakeholders) that will help inform the next steps in the selection process. During the meeting, Mr. Wolf will lead a discussion centered around the following key questions:

1. What are the strengths of the community and district?
2. What are the challenges and opportunities faced by the district?
3. What professional qualifications should we prioritize in the next Superintendent?
4. What personal characteristics would you like to see in the next Superintendent?

We encourage you to join us and share your insights as we work together to shape the future leadership of the Methow Valley School District.

We look forward to your participation.

Sincerely,

Dana Stromberger

Previously cancelled due to inclement weather and the closure of our schools on December 18th, the MVSD Poetry Out Loud event has been rescheduled and will take place on Thursday, January 9, at the Merc, beginning promptly at 6:00 pm.

We recognize this is short notice. However, faced with limited options and a quick turnaround in advance of the regional and state finals, this was the date that was finalized.

Building upon a rich history and tradition of outstanding performances, we strongly encourage you to consider attending this event.

Dear Methow Valley Parents and Community Members,

The Methow Valley School District Board of Directors wishes to remind interested stakeholders that the Methow Valley School District Board of Directors is seeking applications from qualified individuals to fill the vacant "at-large" board seat vacated by Gary Marchbank for the remainder of the term. Completed applications may be submitted in person at the District Office, located at 18 Twin Lakes Rd, Winthrop, WA 98862 or via email to: HR@methow.org. The deadline for submission is Wednesday, January 8, 2025, by 4:00 PM.

Interested candidates are invited to submit the following materials:

● A completed application and questionnaire

● A brief letter of interest

● A current resume

For more info please see our School Board Opening Page: LINK

Thank you for your interest in supporting the continued growth and development of the Methow Valley School District!

Sincerely,

Dana Stromberger

Chair, Methow Valley School District Board of Directors

Season's Greetings Methow Valley Students, Parents, and Community Members,

As we embrace the holiday season, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude and deep appreciation for this place and the people who call the Methow Valley home. Recently, I’ve had the privilege of attending several community gatherings, festive events, and activities—each one showcasing a strong sense of purpose, joy, and a deep connection to one another. Whether through celebration or through acts of kindness and support for others, I’m continually reminded of the many strengths that define us as a community.

For my family, the holiday season symbolizes a time of much-needed reflection, connection, and rejuvenation. As a spouse and as a parent, it serves as a joyful time spent reconnecting with family and friends, and enjoying the festivities of the season. As community members, it also serves as a time of outreach in support of those who find themselves faced with significant hardship and unmet needs. Balancing these interests, this period of time has typically included some variation of time spent building puzzles with family members, skiing, visiting family, and volunteering in support of others.

While these activities vary from year to year as our children grow older (us too), there is one tradition that remains constant in our family - the stringing of lights. Over the years, I have come to realize that the lights strung about our home, each one, connected to another, are symbolic of the kindness, care, and loving relationships displayed within our schools and throughout our community - each light shining a bright ray of hope into the darkness – ensuring every student feels valued, dignified, and supported as they find their path forward, regardless of the challenges they may face.

With this thought in mind, it’s my hope that this year’s holiday season, inclusive of you and your family's history, traditions, and cultures, provides each of you with time to relax, reflect, reconnect, and recharge, knowing that each of you serves as a bright light, cultivating a sense of hope in others, especially those who may find themselves surrounded by darkness, illuminating the limitless possibilities that await them.

Winter Break Schedule:

Winter break officially begins Monday, December 23, and continues through Friday, January 3. All schools and the district office will be closed to the public during this period of time, with classes resuming on Monday, January 6, 2025.

Happy holidays,

Tom Venable

Superintendent, Methow Valley School District

Dear Methow Valley School District Students, Parents, and Community Members,

As part of the ongoing Superintendent Search and Selection process, we invite you to participate in a Community Focus Group listening session, which will be facilitated by Superintendent Search Consultant Andy Wolf from Northwest Leadership Associates. The session is scheduled for Thursday, January 9th, 2025, from 6:00 to 7:00 pm in the LBHS Cafeteria.

The primary goal of this session is to gather valuable input from our community (all interested stakeholders) that will help inform the next steps in the selection process. During the meeting, Mr. Wolf will lead a discussion centered around the following key questions:

1. What are the strengths of the community and district?
2. What are the challenges and opportunities faced by the district?
3. What professional qualifications should we prioritize in the next Superintendent?
4. What personal characteristics would you like to see in the next Superintendent?

We encourage you to join us and share your insights as we work together to shape the future leadership of the Methow Valley School District.

We look forward to your participation.

Sincerely,

Dana Stromberger

MVSD School Board Chair

Dear Methow Valley Students, Parents, and Community Members,

Due to inclement weather and adverse driving conditions, the MVSD is closed today. When our schools are closed, all after-school athletic programs, events, and activities are cancelled. This includes the cancellation of tonight’s Poetry Out Loud event. 

As a result, we will be rescheduling the Poetry Out Loud event. We will work to identify a new date and will share that information as soon as possible. 

In the meantime, stay safe and we’ll see you again soon.

Best wishes,

Kelly Grayum

Teacher

Liberty Bell Junior-Senior High

Elyse Darwood

Principal

Liberty Bell Junior-Senior High

Sara Mounsey

Principal

ILC Principal

Wednesday, December 18, 2024: MVSD Schools and District Office Closed, All After-School Athletics and Activities Cancelled

Dear Methow Valley Students, Parents, and Community Members,

After assessing the road conditions, coupled with a variety of factors contributing to the challenge of safely operating our schools, we will be closing our schools today. When schools are closed, all after-school athletic events, practices, and activities are cancelled.

Be safe,

Tom