Dear Methow Valley Students, Parents, and Community Members,

I hope each of you are well, enjoying the vibrant colors, crisp air, and beauty associated with fall in the Methow Valley!

Looking ahead at an extended forecast that includes a change in temperatures and the possibility of a few snowflakes, I want to remind you about the procedures we have in place regarding “School Closures, Delays, and Emergency Bus Routes.”

**Depending on the conditions, possible changes to the regular school schedule might include:**

MVSD schools closed for the day

MVSD schools operating on a two-hour delayed start schedule

MVSD schools operating on a two-hour delayed start schedule with emergency bus routes\* in effect

MVSD buses operating on time with emergency bus routes\* in effect

\*Emergency Bus Route information can be found on our School Closures, Delays and Emergency Routes page.

**Frequently Asked Questions:**

**Q: What would cause a school closure?**

**A: **The MVSD will close its schools when it is determined that the conditions (weather, fire, smoke, flooding, prolonged power outage, etc.) are unsafe for normal school operations.

**Q: When schools are closed for the day, what does that mean for before and after-school activities?**

**A:** When schools are closed for the day, all before and after-school activities, athletic practices and events, and the Head Start Preschool program are cancelled.

**Q: How often does the Methow Valley close its schools due to adverse weather conditions, power outages, or otherwise?**

**A:** Seldom. Recognizing the closure of our schools creates a significant disruption in the lives of the families and community we serve, the MVSD takes the decision to close its schools seriously.

**Q: If school is closed, will students be required to make up the day?**

**A: **Yes. If school is closed for the day, the missed school day will be added to the end of the school calendar.

**Q: What would cause a two-hour delayed start?**

**A:** Typically weather-related, the MVSD will initiate a two-hour delayed start to the school day when the conditions require additional time to ensure the safe operations of the school district, allowing bus drivers, parents, and our student-drivers the additional time necessary to safely travel to school.

**Q: How are programs impacted when operating on a two-hour delayed start?**

**A: **When operating on a two-hour delayed start, bus drivers will begin picking up students two hours later than the normal scheduled time. This means if your student regularly catches their bus at 7:30 am, they would catch the bus at 9:30 am.

**Q: How does a two-hour delayed start to the school day impact the rest of the school day and after-school programs?**

**A: **School will let out at the regular dismissal time and the afternoon routes will operate on their normal schedule.

**Q: How does a two-hour delayed start to the school day impact an Early Release school day and after-school programs?**

**A:** Schools will let out at their regular (MVE: 3:10 pm, LBHS/ILC: 3:20 pm) dismissal times and afternoon routes will operate on their normal schedule.

**Q: How does a two-hour delayed start impact the Head Start Preschool program?**

**A:** In the event of a delayed start to the school day, the Head Start Preschool program will operate on a two-hour delayed schedule as well.

**Q: What is an emergency bus route?**

**A:** Several routes may be impacted by adverse conditions making it unsafe for the bus to travel on certain roads. Riders on affected routes will meet the bus at their designated emergency stop. (Visit our School Closures, Delays and Emergency Routes page for details.)

**Q: What if conditions change or an event takes place during the school day? Will you close schools early?**

**A:** With the exception of extreme weather conditions or an event (e.g. fire, prolonged power outage) making it unsafe to remain in the school building(s), we make every effort to avoid closing our schools early. If it is determined that we need to close school early, we would use the lines of communication listed below to notify families of these changes.

**Q: How does the MVSD make decisions about changes to the regular school day?**

**A:** It’s not a perfect science given the many variables, but it begins and ends with one constant – the safety of our students, staff, parents, and community members. Working in consultation with the WA DOH and county road crews, the MVSD assesses and evaluates each event using multiple sources of information (weather forecasts, current and predicted road conditions, possible power outages, air quality measures, etc.) in support of its effort to make an informed decision.

**Q: What if the MVSD is operating on-time or on a delayed schedule, but I believe the conditions where I live make it unsafe for me or my student(s) to attend school. What should I do?**

**A: **The MVSD Transportation Department provides busing services to the largest geographic attendance area in the state of Washington. As such, we recognize that the conditions in Lost River may vary greatly from those in Carlton. We trust that each parent will make an informed decision that they believe is in the best interest of their student’s safety and well-being. If a parent believes the conditions in their area are unsafe for travel to and from school, they should notify their student’s school that their student will not be attending school and that they are excusing their absence.

**Q: How will the MVSD communicate these potential changes to the school schedule?**

**A: **Changes to the regular school schedule will be communicated using several sources of information. These include:

**School Messenger – **With School Messenger, we will phone, text or email you whenever there’s a change to the regular school day schedule. Please make sure the school has accurate contact information.

**Skyward Messenger –** With Skyward Messenger, we will email students and parents whenever there’s a change to the regular school day schedule. Please make sure the school has accurate contact information.

**Radio –** Tune into the following radio stations to hear changes to our school schedule – KOZI “Community Radio” (103.1 FM) and KTRT “K-Root” (97.5 FM).

**Social Media –** We will post updates about school closures, delays and emergency bus route modifications on the MVSD Facebook page.

**Q: When can I expect the district to notify me of the changes?**

**A: **The MVSD will make every attempt to notify students, parents, and community members of changes to the regular school schedule no later than 6:00 am.

You can find more information about school closures, delays, and/or changes to bus routes on our School Closures, Delays and Emergency Routes page or by contacting the Transportation Department at (509) 997-2113.

Be safe,

Tom Venable

Superintendent, Methow Valley School District

Methow Valley School District

School Closure, Delays, and Emergency Routes

Don’t miss out when Liberty Bell Drama Company adds it all up and reveals “The Magic Number”, a collection of modern short plays, monologue and song. The Magic Number hits the stage at 7:00 PM on November 4, 6 and 7 at The Merc Playhouse. Doors open at 6:30. MVSD students and staff as well as families of the cast and crew will get in free. Tickets for general community members are $15 at the door. The performance is PG-13 and may not be appropriate for young children.

Come find out what the magic number is. Is it the 48,000 things on your all-important to-do list? Is it the 15 souls a Vietnam vet carries with him? Is it the 8 dolphins that need to pull Santa’s boat in the age of climate change? Is it the 19 reasons you should date Matthew Weaver? Is it the 5 people that make a family or the -1 that changes everything? Is it that 1 precious thing that makes you remember that you matter? Is it the 1 person that can make all the difference? And aren’t we all 1, all the same in the eyes of the sun?

The Liberty Bell Drama Company Presents: "The Magic Number"

In a heartfelt announcement, the Winthrop Music Association recently announced its significant contributions to local programs, made possible by the generous support of festival attendees at this year’s Winthrop R\&B Fest.

With a commitment to fostering community through music in the Methow Valley and beyond, the Winthrop Music Association Board of Directors has allocated funds to various deserving organizations:

*   **The Cove Food Bank**: $5,400 to support their mission of providing assistance to those in need within the Methow Valley.
*   **Methow Valley School District Music Program**: $3,800 to enhance music education for local students.
*   **Liberty Bell High School Boosters**: $5,000 to support festival parking and community initiatives.
*   **Tommy Zbyszewski Methow Valley Education Foundation Scholarship**: $1,000 honoring the memory of a local firefighter lost during the 2015 wildfires.
*   **Room One**: $2,600 for their vital social services in the Methow Valley.
*   **Washington Blues Society Musician Relief Program**: $750 to assist musicians in need.

The Winthrop Rhythm & Blues Festival is brought to you by Winthrop Music Association (WMA), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization formed in 2005 whose mission is to BUILD COMMUNITY THROUGH MUSIC. We believe that music is a catalyst for joy, connection, and healing

Since its inception in 2005, the non-profit Winthrop Music Association has contributed over $100,000 to support these and other local organizations, helping to enrich our community and preserve the cultural fabric of the Methow Valley.

Please join us in thanking the Winthrop Music Association for their unwavering support and commitment to enhancing the lives of community members through music and outreach.

For more information about the Winthrop Music Association and its initiatives, please visit: [https://​winthropbluesfestival.com/](https://winthropbluesfestival.com/)

Winthrop Music Association Gives Back, Providing Generous Support for MVSD Programs and Partners

The 2024 LIHEAP Waitlist  is now open and applicants can join the waitlist at <https://bit.ly/OCCACLIHEAP24>

[](https://bit.ly/OCCACLIHEAP24)The Okanogan County Community Action Council's Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps low-income households manage their home energy costs.[](https://bit.ly/OCCACLIHEAP24)

2024 LIHEAP Waitlist Open

**LESS THAN A MONTH AWAY! JOIN US FOR PARENT UNIVERSITY - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5 **\
What better way to start the school year off than with Parent University! Join us on Saturday, October 5 from 8:15-1:00 p.m. on The Bush School campus for a half-day conference exploring a variety of topics relevant to raising children in today's society.\
The event is headlined by keynote speaker, [**Dan Lerner**](https://daniellerner.com/), a leading expert on happiness and success. Dan will be touching upon the topic of, "Using Positive Psychology for Excellence and Success During Unprecedented Times." 

Open to the greater Seattle area and all K-12 parents and guardians, Parent University will offer an opportunity to learn from [multiple speakers](https://www.bush.edu/our-community/parent-university) - including **Morva McDonald**, Vice President of Leadership and Governance at the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and [**Caroline Blackwell**](https://www.theequityexchange.org/caroline-blackwell), Vice President for Equity and Justice at NAIS. The two will be leading a community conversation on Citizenship: Living and Learning in Gracious Space. \
The event registration fee is $20, and childcare is provided for registered attendees. [Click here](https://www.bush.edu/our-community/parent-university) to learn more about the Parent University speakers and view the full schedule and event details.  \
**Volunteers Needed for Parent University**

To ensure the in-person conference runs seamlessly, we are recruiting Bush parents and guardians to assist with a variety of tasks. Parent University is a service that our school provides to the greater community, and we cannot do it without your help. Please contact Events and Volunteer Manager Kerry Quinn at [kerry.quinn@bush.edu](mailto:kerr.quinn@bush.edu).

Bush School - Parent University

Get ready for an electrifying night under the lights! This Friday, the LBHS Mountain Lions are set to host the top-ranked Okanogan Bulldogs in what promises to be an unforgettable football game.

This isn’t just any game—it's a head-to-head battle between the reigning 1B state champion Mountain Lions, currently ranked #9 at the 2B level, and the defending 2B state champion Bulldogs!

But []()that’s not all—this game will also feature a thrilling duel between two of the standout players of 2023. LBHS's own quarterback, Lucien Paz, will be going toe-to-toe with Okanogan’s ace, Carter Kuchenbuch, in a showdown between the State 1B and 2B Class Players of the Year. Expect dazzling plays, strategic brilliance, and some Friday night magic!

Mark your calendars for a 7:00 PM kick-off this Friday and join us at Mountain Lion Stadium for a night of action-packed football right in our own backyard. The Booster Club will be on hand with mouthwatering concessions, and don’t forget to deck yourself out in spirit wear to show your Mountain Lion pride.

As always, LBHS is proud to offer free admission for all sports events, so bring your family, friends, and a hearty appetite. With no charge at the gate, you can focus on enjoying the game and supporting our county's incredible student-athletes.

Grrr...

A Gridiron Showdown For the Ages

The deadline to register for fall clubs is Tuesday, September 3rd. To register for clubs, use the online links below\
**MVE Fall Club Registration: **[https://docs.google.com/forms/​d/e/​1FAIpQLScTHEWe55Sbi1oCoheTGGuZ​dk7YAfCbufZQopo5HrYQXDt1rA/​viewform?usp=sf_lin](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScTHEWe55Sbi1oCoheTGGuZdk7YAfCbufZQopo5HrYQXDt1rA/viewform?usp=sf_link)\
**LBHS Fall Club Registration: **[https://docs.google.com/forms/​d/e/1FAIpQLSdUh7ynFLjwRX-​mM3MCWT6zXE2j\_​EblhSngHB9VpmFYVdfEYw/​viewform?usp=sf_lin](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdUh7ynFLjwRX-mM3MCWT6zXE2j_EblhSngHB9VpmFYVdfEYw/viewform?usp=sf_link)\
Downloadable versions available in English & Spanish can be found on our school district website\
**Additional After School Activities from our Community Partner, the Winthrop Library**\
**Drop-in Makerspace and LEGO Table:** Tuesday-Thursday 3:00-5:00, Friday 1:00-5:00 Come make use of our Makerspace for crafting, art, or LEGO creations! The room will be open for drop-in use every weekday afternoon (except Monday when the library is closed). Painting, collage, drawing, and crochet are just a few of the available activities\
**DnD Adventure Club:** Second Friday of the Month (9/13, 10/11). D\&D Adventure Club is an opportunity for kids aged 8-15 to try the popular tabletop roleplaying game Dungeons and Dragons using modules created specifically for their age group. We will be using modules from the D\&D Adventure Club, created by a family just over the mountains on Bainbridge Island. Check out more about the modules here: [https://ncwlibraries.libcal.​com/event/1287941](https://ncwlibraries.libcal.com/event/12879417)\
If you have any questions, please contact Laurel Carlton at: [lcarlton@methow.or](mailto:lcarlton@methow.org)\
Thank you\
Laurel Carlt

Family and Community Engagement Coordinator, MVSD

Fall Club Registration is Open!

Dear Methow Valley Students, Parents, and Community Members,

I hope this message finds you enjoying the last day of summer and soaking up the sunshine. As we prepare for a new school year, I am filled with excitement and anticipation for the journey ahead. On Tuesday, August 27th, we will open our doors to students in grades 1-12, ready to embrace their hopes and dreams. We will do the same on Tuesday, September 3rd as we welcome our incoming Kindergarteners. I can hardly wait to welcome everyone back to what promises to be an incredible year!

Our mission remains clear: to support each student “one student at a time,” celebrating their achievements and milestones along the way. In addition to their many successes, we anticipate both expected and unexpected challenges. We view these as valuable opportunities for growth and learning. We view these as valuable opportunities for growth and learning. Together, we will guide our students to become more knowledgeable, skillful, and embody the values of our community-grace, humility, resilience, curiosity, compassion, and determination-strengthening our community in the process.

Over the spring and summer, our dedicated team of principals, school staff, and educational partners have been working diligently to prepare for your return. We've focused on making improvements to our facilities, preserving our diverse educational programs and enriching extracurricular activities, maintaining small class sizes, updating instructional resources, expanding mental health services, and refining our instructional technology practices. These efforts, guided by research and feedback from students, staff, and parents, aim to foster higher levels of student engagement in their learning and meaningful connections to one another.

The key to our success continues to be the strong partnership between students, staff, parents, educational partners, and the community. I want to extend a heartfelt thank you in advance for your ongoing commitment to nurturing curious, competent, compassionate, action-oriented students who graduate prepared to pursue the widest range of career, education, and life opportunities possible. I can’t imagine a better place to raise our youth!

We’re excited for the year ahead and can’t wait to see everyone back at school!

Warm regards,

Tom Venable\
Superintendent, Methow Valley School District

Welcome Back to School!

District News

Please visit the Public School Funding Alliance website for their current fundraising information. <https://www.methowvalleypsfa.org/>

[](https://www.methowvalleypsfa.org/)

PSFA believes that strong schools are the foundation of strong communities. Through community support, we strive to inspire life-long learners by supporting high-quality education for every public school student.

[](https://www.methowvalleypsfa.org/)

Fundraising

Public School Funding Alliance

Make a difference for Methow Valley Schools every time you shop on Amazon by starting at [Smile.Amazon.com](http://smile.amazon.com/)



[Find out more about Amazon Smile](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gXfkXUbO3nuR1BRmIuJzB1-YiPwR7eo0/view?usp=share_link)

Amazon Smile

[Dedicate your donation to Liberty Bell Junior/Senior High](https://www.invested.org/)

[Find out more about InvestED](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YnoxeWO-sLLcGv962QXiRUxRhvs-feCZ/view?usp=share_link)

InvestED

We collect Box Tops for Education.

[Find out more!](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1\_wDZwif4VdnFr4klW_YGT5gPZUjW4d2G/view?usp=share_link)