In Advance of Launching Middle School Model, MVSD Seeks Final Round of Feedback

Dear Methow Valley Students, Parents, and Community Members,

You spoke. We heard you. During last year’s “Dream Big Event”, a clear and compelling theme emerged – Build a “middle school model”. One that:

• Honors the important developmental stage of a middle school-age student.
• Provides for a seamless transition from MVE to LBHS and/or the ILC.
• Addresses the challenges associated with growth in student enrollment and potential overcrowding at MVE.
• Does so at no additional cost to the taxpayer.

Using this feedback, the MVSD administrative team has developed an initial proposal for how to move forward with the establishment of an MVSD Middle School Model, inclusive of students in 6th grade.

In brief, here’s what has been proposed at this time…

Staffing – The middle school model, inclusive of 6th grade students, would be anchored by an exceptional team of educators, including current 6th grade teacher, Carrie Fink. Having taught at MVE and LBHS, Mrs. Fink is, “… excited about a change that is not only a step in the right direction, but long overdue.”

Educational Programming – While students in grades 7th and 8th would continue to rotate within their current schedule, 6th grade would largely look similar to what exists at present with students spending much of the school day with their homeroom teacher. This is consistent with many middle school models in place elsewhere.

Different from what currently exists, 6th grade students would have the opportunity to eat lunch with their middle school peers (7th and 8th grade) during a newly established middle school lunch period at LBHS. Further, 6th grade students would likely access some of their elective coursework (i.e. World Language) at LBHS.

Facilities – Having researched a variety of options, the MVSD is prepared to purchase a new modular facility with adjoining classrooms and furnishings in advance of the 2021-22 school year.

Location – At present, our thinking is that the new modular classroom would be located in close proximity to Classroom in Bloom and LBHS. Similar in approach to the MVE playground, interested middle school students would be invited to participate in the landscape design process.

Cost – The MVSD would use federal stimulus funding, resulting in no additional cost to the local taxpayer.

Additional Benefits – Over the course of the past few years, our elementary enrollment has grown from approximately 280 to nearly 420 preschool and elementary-age students. The additional classroom space would help to address the significant growth in student enrollment and the growing concerns regarding the limited physical space at MVE.

Before proceeding, we want to hear from you one more time…

In advance of moving forward, we want to check and confirm whether or not the proposed action described above, is consistent with your thinking. As such, we are inviting all interested parents and community members to participate in Zoom meeting on Tuesday, March 30th at 7:00 p.m.