---

Liberty Bell High School is thrilled to announce Haida Ikeda as the new Head Coach for Track and Field. Haida has been a dedicated part of the LBHS athletics community, serving as an assistant coach for high school track and field since 2022 and coaching middle school cross country since 2021.

Haida grew up in Issaquah, WA, where she competed in track and field and played soccer in high school. She continued her athletic career at Western Washington University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science while competing on both the cross country and track and field teams, where she also served as team captain.

Beyond coaching, Haida has worked in fisheries and for the Methow Valley School District as a substitute teacher and paraeducator. Recently, she completed a Master of Arts in Teaching (Secondary Science), furthering her commitment to education and student development.

Haida is dedicated to designing excellent training opportunities and fostering a positive and cohesive team culture, all with the ultimate goal of providing every athlete a chance to flourish. Her experience, leadership, and passion for both athletics and education make Haida an excellent fit to lead the program.

Please join us in welcoming Coach Ikeda to this new role—Go Mountain Lions!

Dear Methow Valley Students, Parents, and Community Members,

During the January 16 school board meeting, the board of directors unanimously approved the calendar revisions proposed by the MVSD Calendar Committee. With several weeks of winter season remaining, increasing the possibility of additional school closures, the committee carefully considered how best to balance the needs of our students, families, and the broader community while minimizing disruption to the educational experience.

The final plan is as follows:

• Make up Day 1 on Thursday, June 12 as originally planned and adopted.
• **Make up Day 2 on Friday, March 14 **by repurposing the previously scheduled professional development day (previously scheduled on Friday, March 14) into an regularly scheduled Early Release school day.

This approach honors the 2024-25 MVSD School Calendar that was previously approved and ensures that we remain in compliance with the basic education requirements set forth by OSPI without extending the end of the school year beyond the one planned Snow Day. If further school closures occur between now and the end of the 2024-25 school year, they would be made up by adding the equivalent number of day(s) to the end of the revised school calendar. 

Best,

Tom Venable

Superintendent, Methow Valley School District

Orlo Parkinson and Kyra Hickman participated in the 2025 Poetry Out Loud Regional finals this past weekend. Escorted by Poetry Out Loud instructor, Kelly Grayum and ILC Principal, Sara Mounsey, Orlo and Kyra delivered exceptional performances, with each, "reciting two poems with poise and panache."
Orlo was named one of the two finalists for the state competition in Tacoma, scheduled to take place on March 8. The other finalist is Sydney Frost of Mt. Spokane High School. Sydney was a finalist last year, along with Leki Albright.
Kyra, representing the ILC, recited Abandoned Farmhouse, by Ted Kooser and Meanwhile, by Richard Siken. Orlo, representing LBHS, recited Weighing In, by Rhina P. Espaillat and Istanbul 1983, by Sheila Black.
Noteworthy, Orlo, a sophomore, was the only underclassman competing in the event. The other 8 competitors were juniors and seniors hailing from the Spokane, Okanogan and Walla Walla areas.
Please join us as we congratulate our MVSD students, Orlo Parkinson and Kyra Hickman, Poetry Out Loud advisors, Kelly Grayum and Cam Alford, and thank Methow Arts and the Public School Funding Alliance (PSFA) for their continued support of the arts and our students.

haga clic aquí para la versión en español

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

The Methow Valley School District's top priority is to ensure all students feel safe, welcome, and dignified. We firmly believe that student safety and well-being is foundational to their ability to thrive in the classroom. However, like many of you, we've been made aware that the federal government has removed the “protected areas” designation, which previously limited immigration enforcement actions on school grounds. While we are closely monitoring these changes, we want you to know that our school district remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting the well-being of every student who enters our doors.

Our district’s commitment remains the same: every student who resides within our attendance area deserves to feel safe, welcome, and able to learn to their full potential. MVSD Policy 4300, aligned with RCW 43.10.310, limits school involvement in immigration enforcement, which ensures that schools remain safe and inclusive spaces for all students, regardless of immigration status. All school staff recognize the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects the privacy of students educational records and restricts the sharing of personally identifiable information (PII) without parental consent. We cannot assist or facilitate immigration enforcement unless legally required, such as when presented with a valid judicial warrant. 

Additionally, MVSD Policy 3226 outlines the protocols for conducting interviews and interrogations of students by law enforcement or other officials within school grounds. It emphasizes the necessity of protecting students' rights and their well-being during such interactions. Specifically, it includes provisions that limit interviews of students sought by immigration agents, requiring proper authorization and adherence to legal standards before any such interview is conducted. 

As we carefully review how these federal changes impact our schools, our priority is to protect students’ privacy while complying with federal, state, and local laws. We will communicate openly with our community if new developments occur. 

Families with additional questions or concerns are encouraged to contact their student's principal, school counselor, or the district office. Further, we've included a list of resources for students and families seeking assistance.

Sincerely,

Tom Venable

Superintendent, Methow Valley School District

**Immigration Resources for Students and Families: **

Federal Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA): https://​studentprivacy.ed.gov/ The administration and enforcement of student privacy laws. Helpful family toolkits are available on this site.

Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI): https://ospi.k12.wa.​us/policy-funding/equity-and-​civil-rights/immigrant-​students-rights-attend-public-​schools Resources from the state to help support the rights of undocumented students at school. 

Northwest Immigrant Rights Project: https://www.nwirp.​org/get-help/ Promotes justice by defending and advancing the rights of immigrants through direct legal services, systemic advocacy, and community education. Phone: (509)-570-0054. Toll-Free: 866-271-2084. Location: 620 N. Emerson, Suite 201, Wenatchee.

Hand in Hand Immigration Services: https://www.​handinhandis.org/ A local nonprofit agency where immigrants can receive accurate, up-to-date information about the citizenship process and clarification of their particular requirements for citizenship. They assist clients, students, and the community, and they provide guidance if they are unable to assist. Phone: (509)-888-4833. Email: info@handinhandis.org 

**Immigrant Legal Resource Center: **https://www.ilrc.org/ ​A national nonprofit resource center that provides immigration legal training, technical assistance, and educational materials, and they engage in advocacy and immigrant civic engagement to advance immigrant rights. They offer printable Red Cards in various languages that help people assert their rights and defend themselves in many situations.

North Central Regional Libraries: https://www.​ncwlibraries.org/latino/ The Latino Services department strives to connect our diverse Latino communities to the resources available in the regions we serve. Our goal is to support our patrons by working collaboratively with library branches and community partners to inform people about our resources and remove barriers to accessing them.The library offers citizenship classes and free resources. Phone (509) 663-1117 ext. 148.

Click HERE for the Winter 2025 edition of the Methow Pride.

During the January 16 regular school board meeting, the Methow Valley School District Board of Directors, skillfully guided by NCESD Superintendent, Michelle Price, screened 15 applicant files involving Methow Valley residents who expressed interest in the vacant “At-Large” School Board Director seat. Deeply appreciative of the time, effort, and thoughtfulness each candidate dedicated to their application, the board acknowledged the selection process for this position has been highly competitive, reflecting the strong community interest in the role and quality of the candidates. 

However, with only one vacant seat, the board selected five finalists to move forward in the interview process for further consideration. These candidates will be interviewed during the upcoming school board meeting on Thursday, January 30, at 5:30 p.m. in the Methow Valley Elementary Library. The Methow Valley School District Board of Directors welcomes the public to attend the interview session and observe the final appointment of an interim "At-Large" board member.

The five finalists are:

• Boo Schneider
• Allison Fitzgerald
• Brent Swartz
• Ina Clark
• Hilary Kaltenbach

"We are deeply grateful for the interest shown by so many engaged community members," said Board Chair, Dana Stromberger. "Their willingness to serve underscores the value our community places on education and the work we do to support our students and staff. This selection process has highlighted the collective dedication we share in ensuring the best possible outcomes for the children and families of our district."

While the Board could not move forward with every applicant, Chair Stromberger, speaking on behalf of the entire board, shared her sincere appreciation for all who expressed interest in serving and trust in the process.

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