Dear MVSD Students, Parents, and Community Members,

It is with deep sadness that I'm writing to you to let you know that on Monday June 2nd, LBHS Evening Custodian Dave Hutchinson died suddenly. A longtime member of our school family, Dave was a friend to all. He touched many lives throughout our schools and community with his kindness, warmth, dedication and commitment to service. His loss will be felt deeply by all, including our students.

In response, we are making ourselves available in support of our students, staff, and those who knew him, and will continue to do so. The Methow Valley School district has administrators, school counselors, school nurse, and staff who are trained to help with the needs of students, school staff, and parents at difficult times such as this. At each of our schools, we have counselors available for any student who may need or want help or any type of assistance surrounding this loss.

Additionally, we have enclosed some information that may be useful to you in supporting your child at home. If you would like additional information or assistance, please do not hesitate to contact Keri Moore, MVE Counselor (kmoore@methow.org; 509 996-2186 ext 4224), Erika Spellman, LBHS/ILC Counselor (epellman@methow.org, 509 996-2215), Amy Fitkin LBHS Counselor Grades 6-9 (afitkin@methow.org, 509 996-2215).

We will share more information about how you can support Dave's family as it becomes available to us.

Sincerely,

Tom Venable

Superintendent, Methow Valley School District

Death and Grief in the Family: Providing Support at School:

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=3caeb0aa50&attid=0.1&permmsgid=msg-f:1833927846472873343&th=19736ba8e8b6757f&view=att&disp=inline&realattid=f_mbgrdq1g0&zw

Grief: Helping Handout for School and Home:

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=3caeb0aa50&attid=0.2&permmsgid=msg-f:1833927846472873343&th=19736ba8e8b6757f&view=att&disp=inline&realattid=f_mbgrdux01&zw

Common Misconceptions about Grief and Mourning:

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=3caeb0aa50&attid=0.3&permmsgid=msg-f:1833927846472873343&th=19736ba8e8b6757f&view=att&disp=inline&realattid=f_mbgrdziq2&zw

The Methow Valley School District, working in partnership with law enforcement, first responding agencies, and mental healthcare providers is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment for all students. Building upon this long history of collaboration, the Methow Valley School District is preparing to launch the piloting of the Handle with Care program during the 2025-26 school year, an initiative designed to provide safe, sensitive, and confidential trauma-informed support to students who have experienced or witnessed traumatic events. The program, recommended by members of the MVSD School Health Advisory Committee, aims to ensure that students affected by trauma receive the appropriate care and support within the school environment and community.

The Handle with Care program is a confidential notification system that allows law enforcement and other first-responding agencies to alert school staff when a student has been involved in a traumatic event. This alert helps school personnel respond appropriately without disclosing sensitive details of the incident. The goal is to create an environment where students feel safe and supported, and where school staff are equipped to address their unique needs in the aftermath of distressing experiences.

Program Overview:

• *Handle With Care Notification: A confidential message from law enforcement and first-responding agencies to designated school personnel, indicating that a student may require additional support. The notification includes only the student’s name and the phrase "Handle With Care"—no further details of the traumatic event are shared.*
• *Traumatic Event: Any situation that causes emotional, psychological, or physical distress, such as experiencing or witnessing abuse, domestic violence, or a critical incident.*
• *Supportive Measures: School staff, including administrators, counselors, and nurses, are trained in trauma-informed practices to provide tailored support. This may include additional time for assignments, prioritized access to school counseling, and/or providing access to unmet basic needs—food, clean clothing, and other basic needs.*

*Pilot Launch & Future Plans: In addition to the establishment of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlining the roles, responsibilities, and limitations involving each participating organization, the pilot program will begin by identifying and training designated points of contact (POCs). Additionally, all staff members will receive specialized training on trauma-informed care to ensure the needs of affected students are met with understanding and sensitivity.*

As part of the program, participating law enforcement and first responding agencies will notify schools by providing the name(s) of students impacted by traumatic events and the message, "Handle with Care," allowing educators to proactively provide supportive measures that foster a safe and positive learning environment.

When asked about the program, Superintendent Venable stated, “Based upon what we learned from the growing number of school districts and law enforcement agencies that are already implementing the program elsewhere, we are excited about the possibility of partnering with local law enforcement and first-responding agencies to create a more responsive and compassionate school culture for our students.” “If successful, it would be our hope that the Handle with Care program could serve as the foundation for a collaborative, trauma-informed approach to ensuring all youth have the support they need to thrive, in particular, those who have been impacted by a traumatic event.”

*Confidentiality & Respect for Privacy: The program adheres to strict confidentiality guidelines in compliance with federal laws such as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). All parties involved in the program are trained to maintain privacy and respect students' rights, and parental rights while providing necessary support. *

We look forward to sharing more information with students, parents, and community members in the fall of the 2025-26 school year. For those interested in receiving more information about the Handle with Care program, contact: Annelisa Tornberg, MVSD School Nurse at: atornberg@methow.org

The MVSD is pleased to announce that Kelly Wiest has been selected to join the 6th grade teacher team at Liberty Bell in the 25-26 school year. There will be three 6th grade teachers next year. 

Kelly taught 6th grade in the Methow Valley School District before teaching in an International Baccalaureate school in India for two years. Most recently, Kelly has served as an IB coordinator and 5th grade teacher at MVE. Kelly builds lasting and impactful relationships with students in our community and looks forward to the opportunity to join the middle school teaching team. Methow Valley Elementary will lead a similar process to fill Kelly’s vacancy in the 5th grade. 

Please join us as we congratulate Kelly!

Please be advised that the upcoming MVSD School Board meeting originally scheduled for May 29th has been rescheduled to:

New Date: Wednesday, May 28th @ 5:30 PM

Thank you for your understanding and continued support.

The MVSD is pleased to announce that Annelisa Tornberg has been selected to serve as the district's full-time school nurse.

Annelisa Tornberg is a Registered Nurse with 19 years of nursing experience in family and maternal/child health. She has worked in labor & delivery nursing, as a Public Health Nurse with families and teens doing home visiting and wrap-around case management, as a Board Certified Lactation Consultant, a hospital float nurse (in units from post-anesthesia to the pediatric emergency room), and this school year as your substitute School Nurse. She is thrilled to be your new permanent MVSD School Nurse and has enjoyed working within our district the past four years as Covid Liaison, Health & Wellness Coordinator, and substitute School Nurse.

Annelisa and her husband Brent (who is also a RN) moved to the Methow Valley with their kids Finnley and Hazel 4 years ago and are grateful to be immersed in soccer, dance, skiing, and biking the local trails with their dog Coco.

Thank you for your support! Please reach out to Annelisa anytime. She looks forward to building more relationships and growing support for the health and wellbeing of students and families in our valley. ATORNBERG@methow.org

Liberty Bell Drama Company's presentation of the musical Hadestown opens Tuesday and runs through Sunday. This is a must-see theater event. Reserve tickets are almost sold out at mercplayhouse.org. There will be 10 tickets available at the door. Doors open at 6:30 on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. Doors open at 1:30 on Sunday. We can't wait to share this story of love, hope, and resilience in trying times.

Dear MVSD Students, Parents, and Community Members,

We love our teachers! As such, during the week of May 5 -9, the MVSD will be joining others across the country, recognizing our exceptional teaching staff during National Teacher Appreciation Week.

MVSD staff continue to serve as a bright spot within our schools and community. Serving as a source of inspiration, hope, and opportunity, their dedication and commitment to service is reflected in the success of our students and the health and wellness of our community. MVSD staff, working in partnership with parents, educational partners, and community members, remain committed to developing students who graduate prepared to pursue the widest range of career, education, and life opportunities possible - dignifying every student.

Please join us as we display our gratitude and appreciation for our amazing MVSD staff!

We’re excited to share the Spring edition of the MV Pride Newsletter, celebrating the season with stories, updates, and highlights from across our school community.

Click HERE for the full version.