Dear Methow Valley Students,Parents, and Community Members,
As we rapidly approach the beginning of another school year, we’re often reminded by the “Back-to-School” advertisements and stories from friends living elsewhere of the many school-related fees that serve as an economic burden to families and barriers for our students.
In fact, it was about this time nine years ago that I received a screenshot from a friend who was attempting to pay the many supply fees, course fees, pay-to-play, testing fees, and enrichment fees associated with the upcoming school year. A parent of four children, she found herself faced with approximately $1,250 in school-related fees – for the first semester. Unfortunately, this remains all too common.
As part of the MVSD’s focus on “Equity and Excellence for All,” the MVSD is committed to providing our students and families with a free and appropriate public education. And, while there is work to be done in this area, we have made tremendous strides through the elimination of many school related fees.
How do we do this? In addition to the high level of support provided by our many educational partners, this is possible in large part, due to our community’s strong commitment to ensuring the success of every student, as reflected in the successful passage of our local levies. As Mary Anne Quigley, long-time board member, has often stated, “We can’t do this alone. We can do it together!”
For those who enjoy the “tradition” of back-to-school shopping, we encourage those who are able to consider starting a new tradition. We encourage you to consider donating to one or more of our many partners. Below are just a few of the many educational and community-based partners providing support that benefit all students in the Methow Valley:
- Public School Funding Alliance (PSFA)
- Methow Arts
- Little Star School
- Methow Valley Riding Unlimited
- Classroom in Bloom
- TwispWorks
- Liberty Bell Boosters Club
- Winthrop Kiwanis
- Methow Recycles
- Pipestone School of Music
- Methow Conservancy
- North Central Regional Libraries
- Methow Trails
- Methow Housing Trust
- Room One
For school-sponsored programs where there are fees resulting in an economic hardship, please contact your principal and/or school counselor and inquire about the possibility of a scholarship.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Best,
Tom Venable
Superintendent, Methow Valley School District