Planned and facilitated by Independent Learning Center (ILC) students, the ILC is currently hosting a two-day regional conference involving several other school districts, showcasing what is possible when you combine the power of relationship and relevance, driven by student interests, supported by and entire community.

Building a schedule designed to deepen connections and promote the sharing of practices amongst the growing number of school districts embracing a student-driven, mastery-based approach to teaching and learning, students and staff from each of the four visiting school districts are engaging in a variety of activities, some of which include, but are not limited to student-led seminars, site visits (associated with student student internships), and some fun.

When asked about the conference, one of the visiting school administrators stated, “I have to say, in my 30+ years of serving in public education, this is the first conference that I’ve attended where not only do you see students participate, but the program itself is being facilitated by students. I could walk away now having learned more than I would sitting through a week-long conference facilitated solely by adults. I’m inspired by what I see in your students, your staff… your community.”

Please join us as we acknowledge the ILC students and staff, the many visiting schools represented at the conference, organizations like Methow Trails, dedicated to blurring the lines between school and community, and the many caring, competent individuals in the Methow Valley, who, like Brandon Richison, Methow Trails Head Mechanic, are providing a positive path forward in support of every student.

Are you interested in being a writing coach for Liberty Bell middle school and high school-aged students in the classroom during their school day? All you need is a true interest in seeing young people succeed.

While grammar and mechanics are touched upon, the primary focus is to support students as they learn to confidently express their unique voice through writing. We provide all the training you need to be a great coach! No previous experience is required.

Sign up for a 30-minute online orientation to learn more about becoming a coach today and make a difference in a young person’s life!

Contact Rebecca Shoup to find out more about the program and sign up for orientation.

Methow Valley Poetry Out Loud finalists Leki Albright (LBHS) and Glacier Gilbert (ILC) recently participated in the regional finals of the National Poetry Out Loud competition in Spokane. With their performances, Leki and Glacier join an impressive list of school, regional, and state finalists to be recognized for their stellar performances in the Poetry Out Loud competition.

While they will not be moving on, LBHS Humanities and Drama Teacher, Kelly Grayum stated, “Leki and Glacier recited their poems with poise, grace, and confidence. They represented the Methow Valley well. They should feel proud.”

Please join us as we recognize LBHS Student, Leki Albright and ILC Student,Glacier Gilbert for their outstanding accomplishment, thank LBHS Humanities and Drama Teacher, Kelly Grayum for his tireless support, and acknowledge Methow Arts, Trail’s End Bookstore, and the Public School Funding Alliance for their continued advocacy in support of the arts and our students.

Parenting the Love and Logic Way© is a “how to” approach to parenting, designed to give you practical skills you can use immediately! Kate Posey with Family Health Centers will be offering this FREE 6-week series for MVE K-5 families. Class, childcare and pizza are included.

The Love and Logic approach is fun. You’ll giggle, relax, enjoy and learn:

• How to avoid un-winnable power-struggles and arguments.
• How to set enforceable limits.
• How to avoid enabling and begin empowering.
• How to help kids learn from mistakes rather than repeating them.
• How to raise kids who are family team members rather than honored guests.

Where: Methow Valley Elementary Library
When: March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, and April 13 at 5:15-7:15 PM (Please arrive between 5-5:15 PM)
Register: Register Online (Limited to first 15 families)
Questions? Contact Kate Posey at (509) 422-1916.

Dear Methow Valley Families,

Are you concerned about your child’s eyesight? Does the traveling involved in seeing an optometrist outside the valley limit your ability to have follow-up care for your child’s vision needs? If the answer to one or more of these two questions is ‘yes’, we encourage you to read on…

To better serve “all” children of the Methow Valley with vision needs, the Methow Valley School District is partnering with the Mobile Vision Clinic, EYE SEE to bring vision services to the children of the Methow Valley.

On March 9th and 10th, during regular school hours, students (inclusive of preschoolers, homeschoolers, and students who attend a private school and reside in the MVSD attendance area), with parent/guardian permission, will have the opportunity to access services provided by the EYE SEE Mobile Vision Clinic, located on the Liberty Bell High School Campus. The mobile clinic will provide a range of services including; eye exams, follow-up care, and free prescription glasses, if needed.

If you would like to have your student(s) access one or more of the services provided by the EYE SEE Mobile Vision Clinic, please download a registration form below or pick one up at your student(s)’ school office. Please return completed forms to your student(s)’ school office by Wednesday, February 15th.

Register in English   •   Register in Spanish

If you need assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact MVSD School Nurse, Adrianna Vanbianchi at: avanbianchi@methow.org or (509) 996-2186.

In good health,

Adriana Vanbianchi
MVSD School Nurse

Please join us Tuesday, February 7th, 5 – 7 PM at the Twisp Grange — Childcare provided!

In the fall of 2022, leaders representing organizations actively working on local housing projects were invited to be a part of a new iteration of the Housing Solutions Network (HSN), attending bi-monthly roundtables (along with ad hoc collaboration), to create some connective tissue between these leaders and their projects.

Today the HSN is made up of 15 individuals, representing 15 different entities and projects. This group has now met twice, and the progress and optimism is contagious and encouraging. We’d like to share this optimism, encouragement, and notes on progress with you, our community!

EVENT SCHEDULE

We’ve partnered with Little Star and Room One to provided childcare for ages 3 and up. RSVP for childcare by contacting sarah@methowhousingtrust.org. (Please include number of children and ages for kids’ pizza dinner.)

5 – 6 PM Each member of the HSN will give a brief, 3-5min overview of their project and the housing need they are targeting. This portion of the meeting will also be available via Zoom.

6 – 7 PM Each member of the HSN will move to a table, and attendees are encouraged to wander about, ask questions, provide encouragement, and learn.

Project entities will include:

• Methow Housing Trust
• Housing Authority of Okanogan County
• Methow Conservancy
• Room One
• Jamie’s Place
• We Methow
• Okanogan Coalition for Health Improvement (CHI)
• Town of Winthrop
• Konrad planned development
• Community care-giver housing (HRSA grant funding)
• TwispWorks / Methow Investment Network
• Methow at Home

Let us know if you’ll be attending on the Facebook Event page.