After a pandemic-induced hiatus, the Excellence Awards are back! We are pleased to announce that the MVSD staff has selected Multilingual Learner/World Language Instructor, Michaela Query and Special Education Paraeducator, Sue Northcott as the Methow Valley School District’s 2023 Excellence Award recipients.

Each year, school district employees across the North Central region of Washington are encouraged to submit the names of colleagues (one certificated employee and one classified employee) they believe represent excellence in public education.

This year, the Methow Valley School District received more submissions than ever, each highlighting the exceptional dedication and commitment to service throughout our schools in support of students and families. However, two names rose to the top.

Below are some of the many kind words of gratitude and appreciation expressed by staff about Michaela and Sue that we thought you might enjoy hearing…

Michaela Query, MVSD Multilingual Learner/World Language Instructor
Serving as the MVSD’s Multilingual Learner/World Language Instructor, one staff member captured it well when she stated, “Michaela is always going above and beyond her expected role as a Multilingual/World language teacher. She is passionate about cultural studies and educating her students, not only in a different language, but in ways to celebrate different cultures. She is well traveled and brings her life experiences with her into her teaching. Michaela also works with Spanish speaking families as a translator to make their experience at school comfortable.” Another staff member added, “She is a great team player and always puts students first.”
 
Sue Northcott, MVSD Special Education Paraeducator
As a member of the Methow Valley School District’s Special Education team, Sue Northcott works collaboratively with students and staff to ensure every student is able to achieve to their fullest potential. When asked what makes Sue deserving of an Excellence Award, one staff member stated, “Sue arrives to Liberty Bell every morning with a smile on her face. She’s always exploring new ways to engage students and is beloved by those she works closely with. She is one of the kindest, most empathetic, genuinely joyful people I’ve ever met.” Another staff member stated, “Sue is a ray of sunshine. She cares for and teaches all students.” MVSD student, Leo Seaburg chimed in, “She is awesome!”

Please join us as we celebrate the MVSD’s 2023 Excellence Award Recipients, Michaela Query and Sue Northcott!

Leki has been awarded First Place in the inaugural Poetry Ourselves Competition!

MVSD Poetry Out Loud Advisor, Kelly Grayum recently informed us that Leki Albright, MVSD student and recent Poetry Out Loud regional/state finalist took the initiative to submit “her own” poetry for consideration in the Poetry Ourselves Competition.

Tod Marshall of Gonzaga University – 2016-2018 State Poet Laureate – judged the poems submitted. Kelly Grayum reported, “He did so based on the poems alone, with no indication of who had written them or where in the state they came from.” Following Poetry Ourselves Judge, Tod Marshall’s reading of Leki’s poem, he stated “. . . Subtle, yet poignant, this is an excellent poem written with control and restraint. I admire it a great deal.”

Please join us as we congratulate Leki Albright. We look forward to sharing her poem in the upcoming edition of the MV Pride!

Dear Methow Valley Students, Parents, and Community Members,

Beginning Monday, March 13th and continuing throughout the remainder of next week, the Methow Valley School District Board of Directors, administrative team, and staff will be recognizing the exceptional work of our classified staff in support of our students, staff, parents, and community.

It goes without saying, they are the backbone of the school district…

It begins bright and early, each and every day, with our bus drivers, who despite adverse weather conditions, safely transport our students to and from school, covering the largest geographic attendance area in the state.

Whether it be students, parents, volunteers, or staff members, their arrival to school is followed by a warm, welcoming greeting provided by a talented team of secretaries who provide the broadest range of services possible (unimaginable), with a smile.

As the school day unfolds, our students receive exceptional teaching and learning opportunities, thanks in part to a highly skilled, knowledgeable, and experienced team of para-educators who skillfully facilitate instructional support, childcare, after-school clubs and activities, career and college counseling services, and library/media services.

Sometimes, there is a pause in the action. Services are disrupted due to a bump or bruise, illness, vision and hearing screens, or otherwise… only to be made better by our competent, caring school nursing staff.

And, of course, it’s hard to be a learner if you’re hungry. Fortunately, our Head Cook, Laura Wottlin, and her crackerjack food services team, work tirelessly to ensure our students and staff remain well-nourished and fueled throughout the day.

At the end of the day, we all know that learning is a messy endeavor. In fact, a former kindergarten teacher once said to me, “Teaching kindergarten is like throwing a birthday party for 18 five-year olds, all day. Lots of glitter. Lots of glue.” You get the picture… Fortunately, our hardworking custodial-maintenance staff are there to pick up the pieces, cleaning and disinfecting classrooms, maintaining our facilities, and tending to the grounds.

Please join us as we thank our bus drivers, secretaries, para-educators, custodial-maintenance staff, food services team, and school nursing staff during Classified Appreciation Week (March 13-17), in recognition of their exceptional service!

With gratitude,
Tom Venable
Superintendent, Methow Valley School District

If you suspect any child or youth from birth to 21 years of age who has, or may have, a developmental disability, please contact the Methow School District at (509) 996-9205.

Children and youth, whether or not they are enrolled in the school district may be referred for screening and a possible evaluation to determine if they are eligible for special education services.

If your family is living in a temporary situation, you may contact the district where you are currently staying for a screening.

MVSD Child Find Flyer
(English/Spanish) →

It was an excellent season for our Winter Sports programs, with four of our wrestlers advancing to the Mat Classic and both of our basketball teams advancing to the District Crossover game, falling short of a trip to State by a single win.

A number of our athletes earned individual recognition for their outstanding efforts. Those who earned “All League” recognition are listed below.

We’d also like to honor Head Girls Basketball Coach Korrie Bourn and Head Boys Basketball Coach Ryan Surface, both were recognized by their peers as “Central Washington 2B League Coach of Year.” Likewise, Paul Schmekel was named “Okanogan Highland League Wrestling Coach of the Year” for his outstanding work with our middle school grapplers.

Congratulations to all of our honorees!

GIRLS WRESTLING
1st Team All-League – Cassidy Jones-Mowen

BOYS WRESTLING
2nd Team All-League – Yolo Paz
2nd Team All-League – Damien Spears
2nd Team All-League – Lukus Vera Mendoza
Honorable Mention – Andy Garcia

GIRLS BASKETBALL
2nd Team All League – Ruby McCarthy
Honorable Mention – Helaina Remsberg

BOYS BASKETBALL
1st Team All League – Kyler Mitchell
2nd Team All League – Remington Paz
Honorable Mention – Riley Lidey

COACHES
Central Washington 2B Girls Basketball Coach of the Year – Korrie Bourn
Central Washington 2B Boys Basketball Co-Coach of the Year – Ryan Surface
(also honored: Jeremy Crollard, Lake Roosevelt)
Okanogan Highland League Wrestling Coach of the Year – Paul Schmekel