Dear Methow Valley Students and Parents,
I hope this latest update finds each of you healthy and well. Working within an ever-evolving situation, we have been busy delivering meals in support of all youth and families throughout the Methow Valley. During the first week, we averaged 650 meals per day.
At the same time, we’ve been actively engaged in the planning and preparation of our Academic Enrichment and Childcare Services which begin Monday, March 23. Below, we’ve provided you with an outline of these services that you can anticipate receiving from your child’s principal.
As we’ve stated previously, it will not be perfect. We will continue to assess the needs of our students and parents and adjust accordingly. Please continue to direct your feedback to our team leaders. They include:
Meal Services: Bud Hover, Director of Operations
LBHS Academic Enrichment Services: Crosby Carpenter, LBHS Principal
ILC Academic Enrichment Services: Sara Mounsey, ILC Principal
MVE Academic Enrichment Services: Paul Gutzler, MVE Principal
MVSD Childcare Services: Katharine Bill, Family/Community Engagement Coordinator
We’re all in this together! Hang in there…
Sincerely,
Tom Venable
Superintendent, Methow Valley School District
MVSD Academic Enrichment Services
Recognizing we cannot replace in-person teaching and learning opportunities, our staff has been working remotely in grade level and content-based teams in collaboration with Special Education staff, MVSD’s English Language Learner Coordinator, and Specialists to design academic enrichment opportunities for “all” students.
Working through a lens of equity, the academic enrichment opportunities have been designed with the intent of ensuring students are able to complete the activities home.These resources can be accessed digitally and/or in hard copy. Below are additional academic enrichment logistics, which are subject to change given the fluidity of this global pandemic:
Liberty Bell Jr-Sr High School
Teachers are available for virtual office hours Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8:30 – 11:50 am, but will respond to student and parent inquiries promptly during normal working hours.
- Students should be regularly checking email as a primary mode of communication (see below for non-digital communication).
- On Monday, March 23rd, all teachers will have established contact with their classes to clarify academic enrichment opportunities and other logistics.
- Students can continue with currently enrolled online classes.
- Staff will provide continuous feedback throughout the closure.
- Classes linked to third-party assessments and certifications such as AP and Traffic Safety will proceed as effectively as possible with some modifications.
- Multiple opportunities will be made to ensure our seniors to remain on track for graduation.
Independent Learning Center
Advisors are available for virtual office hours Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8:30 – 11:50 am, but will respond to student and parent inquiries in a timely manner during normal working hours.
- Students should call or email teachers for assistance.
- Advisors will be connecting and collecting student preferences for receiving academic enrichment.
- Students should continue working on their goals on their individualized learning plans.
- Staff will be available to provide feedback for students and families.
Seniors and Graduation
LBHS Counselor Erika Spellman sent a wonderfully helpful email to Seniors earlier this week. If you haven’t had a chance to read it, it’s available here: 2020 Seniors Information.
Methow Valley Elementary
- Staff will provide suggested activities that are simple in design, promoting the use of research, critical thinking, and communication skills through projects and place-based learning.
- Encourage outdoor play and exploration.
- Facilitate student practice, reinforcing what students have already learned.
- Ensure access to resources that can be accessed digitally and/or in hard copy.
- Staff will provide ongoing opportunities for students, teachers, and parents to connect remotely using by phone, email, etc…
Digital Resources
Digital Device Checkout
- Any student who needs a Chromebook in support of academic enrichment, please fill out the online Chromebook Checkout Request Form. A hard copy of the form is also available via morning bus routes and afternoon drop zones.
- Two documents must to be completed:
- The Chromebook Checkout Request Form (online or hard copy) and the
- Responsible Use Agreement Form (part of the Checkout Request Form), which needs to be completed by the MVSD student’s parent guardian.
- Please return your completed forms to the next available morning bus or drop zone bus.
- Once the completed documents are returned, the device, charging cable, and a copy of your signed agreement will be delivered via bus route or drop zone.
- The Chromebook must be picked up (from bus or drop zone) by the parent or guardian. Depending on demand, this may take up to two business days.
Non-Digital Resources
As a district, we are committed to ensuring equitable access to academic enrichment resources.
- Non-digital options are available for all academic enrichment opportunities.
- If you do not have access to the internet or would prefer non-digital resources, students should contact teachers directly or call the LBHS main office at (509) 996-2215.
- Non-digital resources will be distributed via bus routes and drop zones on Mondays.
LBHS Library/Media Services
Students are encouraged to check books out from the LBHS Library during the closure. Please see checkout procedures.
MVE Library/Media Services
If we can’t find exactly what you want we will try and substitute it for something awesome! We’ll do our best to get you the books you want. See checkout procedures below:
- Next Monday students and families can return books in the marked boxes on the buses for morning delivery and at drop zones.
- We will only be collecting books on Mondays.
- Once the Library staff inputs the books (and then clean and quarantine them) students will be able to check out new books and have them delivered on Tuesdays.
- We have two options for request: an Online Checkout Form and a hard copy form.
- The hard copy version will be sent out with enrichment packets (there will be a pile in the boxes).
- Families can “shop” for books using the online catalog.
NCRL Library/Media Services
The public library is still open — virtually!
- NCRL cardholders may continue to order books and other materials to be mailed to their homes. As always, there are no late fines for returning items past their due date.
- Online books, music, videos, magazines, and news continue to be available.
If you need help learning about or accessing all that our public library offers, please contact your local librarian:
Winthrop Branch: (509) 996-2685
Twisp Branch: (509) 997-4681
Childcare Services
Facilitated by Katharine Bill, MVSD Family/Community Engagement Coordinator and Megan Fraser, MVSD Childcare Coordinator, the MVSD is prepared to launch childcare services for elementary-age students whose parents work as medical providers and first responders. If you believe you are eligible and in need of childcare services, please contact Katharine Bill
Meal Services
“Grab-and-Go” meals are available to all youth, ages 0-18, at no cost, whether they attend our schools or not. Here’s how to access:
- Bus delivery Monday-Friday at regular morning bus routes and times. (See Transportation/Bus Routes page or call (509) 997-2113 for more information).
- Drop Zone Pick Up (Lunches only) 12-1 pm Locations: Carlton Fire Department, ILC at the TwispWorks Campus in Twisp, Red Barn in Winthrop and the Mazama Community Center
- Friday Food bags will be distributed at bus stops each Friday.