Dear Methow Valley Students, Parents, and Community Members,
Likely to be the first in series of announcements, I hope my message finds you safe and well.
Serving on behalf of the Methow Valley School District Board of Directors, administrative team, staff, students, parents, and community, I’m pleased to announce that we plan to fully reopen our schools on Wednesday, August 25th for full-time, in-person instruction, childcare, athletics, and extracurricular activities!
Entering my ninth year as the Superintendent of the Methow Valley School District, I’ve never been more excited about the return of our students to school. The launching of a new middle school program of study, expanded Career and Technical Education course offerings, the expansion of a K-6 arts and world language program, the return of athletics, a K-5 healthy snack program, expanded after-school clubs and activities… The list of exciting opportunities for students goes on and on.
At the same time, it likely goes without saying, my enthusiasm has been tempered by the fires and the oppressive smoke that continue to threaten the lives, homes, and livelihoods of our community. This, coupled with an ever-evolving pandemic, I’ve found myself asking the question, “How much more can we take?”
As in years’ past, when I’ve found myself asking this same question, I’ve turned to others… wise, insightful individuals like former MVSD teacher, logger, electrician and long-time school board member, Gary Marchbank. When I asked Gary this question, he looked at me and stated:
- Life in the Methow isn’t always easy.
- We take care of one another.
- We thrive in the face of adversity.
- We remain focused on the big picture, placing students at the center of every decision we make.
We are a resilient, resourceful, empathetic community that possesses limitless capacity and cares deeply about it’s youth. Thank you Gary Marchbank for reminding all of us to remain focused on the big picture as we look forward to better days ahead!
What a great place to live, work, and raise children!
Be Safe,
Tom Venable
Superintendent, Methow Valley School District