Methow Valley School District

MVPride

Spotlight pg. 6

Every Student Shines

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APRIL 2016

TAKE TWO!

Two-time State Champion Merit Fink -- on form at the WIAA Mat Classic earlier this winter. Photo by Callie Fink.

PSFA grants support learning opportunities ALL YEAR LONG By Ann McCreary

Each spring and fall, Public School Funding Alliance (PSFA) invites teachers, school staff and community members to submit funding requests for programs and materials that enrich education for students in Methow Valley public schools. Grants approved during the regular funding cycles for this academic year range from $250 for a rock climbing program at the Independent Learning Center, to $30,000 for International Baccalaureate (IB) teacher training, funded through a designated gift. The bulk of PSFA’s funding is allocated in spring and fall, but throughout the school year unanticipated educational opportunities and needs come up – from transportation for field trips to teaching materials. To help teachers and community members capture opportunities for innovative approaches to learning and meet educational needs, PSFA has a small grant program that provides funding throughout the year for requests of up to $200. Over the past two years, PSFA has provided more than $2,000 in small grants for programs and

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materials that enhance education and that aren’t able to be funded through the district budget. Often, teachers come up with ideas that build on educational units they are teaching. This year, for instance, Methow Valley Elementary School fifth grade teachers Catie Barber and Jennifer Duguay saw a way to engage students more deeply in their studies of earth and space by creating their own “textbooks.” They requested a small grant from PSFA to purchase 52 “Bare Books” – hardbound books with blank pages that the students filled with their own research, writing, ideas and art. “The books were an integral part of our Unit of Inquiry,” Barber said. Units of Inquiry are transdisciplinary themes used as a framework in IB classrooms. They are presented as overarching themes that allow teachers to incorporate different academic disciplines in a curriculum with a broad, global context. “Each student created their own textbook based on the lessons we gave, which were mostly from the science standards. We were able to combine science teaching about the earth, the stars and the planets with a Spanish project, art, and science fiction writing,” Barber said. “The unit was amazing and incredible fun. The books are now on display in the library.” Without the small grant from PSFA, the teachers would not have been able to incorporate this innovative new project in their instruction, Barber said.

Fifth grade student Addison Stratman shares the “Earth and Beyond” book she created as part of a PSFA-funded project with her kindergarten buddy, Cora Fisher. Photo by Ann McCreary.

“Our classroom budgets really only supply us with enough money for basic things – construction paper, markers, etc. We were told the budget could not provide for experimental items – like the blank books – so we would have had to create the unit without the books, and that would not have been half as interesting for students,” she said.

Barber also turned to PSFA for funding for two other small funding requests – a media cart for and magazine subscriptions for her classroom. The cart holds computer and projection equipment, giving her more mobility and ability to interact with students while continued p. 2

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Honoring Excellence!

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PSFA Grant continued from p. 1 teaching. “It doubles as a standing desk, so I can be up and walking around while also using the overhead projector to teach,” she said. The diverse selection of magazines are targeted to engage “reluctant readers” who have trouble settling down with a book during independent reading time, but are often “hooked” by an interesting magazine. Community member Susie Kowalczyk turned to PSFA last year for a small grant to help fund an outreach campaign for the Methow Valley Mentoring Program. The mentoring program provides supportive, one-to-one relationships between adults and children, to facilitate the children’s educational, social and personal growth. The longstanding program needed more volunteers from the community to serve as mentors, and Kowalczyk requested funds for publicity materials to recruit new mentors. A small grant from PSFA helped pay a graphic artist to design eye-catching posters, and paid for printing costs. The outreach campaign got results. ”It was very effective,” said Kowalczyk. “We have trained more mentors, all of whom contacted us because of the posters. This meant that every student in the elementary school who wanted a mentor got to have one.” At Liberty Bell High School, small grants in recent year provided funds to expand the film selection for a documentary film class and for bus transportation to take students on service learning trip to a local organic farm. In order to provide these small grants throughout the year, PSFA’s board of directors holds some funding in reserve, rather than allocating it all to larger grants in spring and fall. The small grant process utilizes a brief application that is submitted to PSFA by email. Often requests are time-sensitive, and the PSFA board works to expedite consideration of requests in order to let applicants know as quickly as possible. Applicants are generally notified within about a week whether their request is approved. “I think it is wonderful to have a group of people who are willing to listen to our needs and help us expand the learning opportunities for our students,” Barber said. PSFA is able to support diverse learning opportunities -- with grants both small and large – through the generous contributions from hundreds of donors each year. This year PSFA has provided more than $77,000 in funding to enrich academics from kindergarten through 12th grade. To learn more about PSFA and the programs and projects it funds, go to www.methowvalleypsfa.org.

Freshman Lilly Cooley Wins Eastern Regional for WA State Poetry Out Loud

Each year, school district employees across the North Central region of Washington State 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 work taking place throughout our schools in support of students and families. However, two names clearly rose to the top…

Congratulations - Laura Wottlin, Head Cook and Jean Koreski, Methow Valley Elementary School Physical Education Teacher, Methow Valley School District’s 2016 Excellence Awards Recipients Laura is a leader in the art of planning lunch menus. She finds wonderful, fresh foods and has opened up a variety of choices. She is personable, creative, and a master at pleasing students with tasty yet healthy foods. Laura has been a forceful agent for change in our cafeteria. She has gone beyond job descriptions to begin the much-needed overhaul of our student food services and she has shown innovation and taken the lead in introducing the popular “Local Lunches.” She has lifted the food services program to an all-time high level of performance. Our food service program is fast becoming one of the very best in the State of Washington.

Inside Look: Thank You Methow Valley! Technology Levy

Dear Methow Valley Community, On behalf of the students, staff, parents, and board of directors, I’d like to thank each of you for supporting the successful passage of our recent levies! The two most recent, the Maintenance & Operations and Technology levies passed with strong community support. Both will provide critical assistance in bridging the gap between what the state and federal government provide and the actual cost of educating our children. The various funds will be used as outlined below: Maintenance & Operations Levy

10 years

Congratulations to Lilly Cooley for her excellent showing as one of only twelve finalists for Poetry Out Loud. This is the fourth year in a row that LBHS has represented Eastern, WA in the State finals.

Jean is an outstanding educator in her field. It is clear that she is focused on improving each and every student. They are moving and shaking for a full thirty minutes and loving every minute of it! She has also done an awesome job with the new recess program. It has been a huge help to have her game leadership and problem solving out at recess. Jean is one of the few of us who interacts with each one of our elementary students She does this professionally, personally, calling upon a wealth of experience, and always with an uncommon fairness and thoughtfulness. Her Winter Olympics was a new initiative that promises to be a memorable event for years to come.

• Lower Class Sizes • H i g h - q u a l i t y p r o f e s s i o n a l development for all staff • Classroom supplies and teaching resources • Enriching educational programs such as music, arts, physical education, world languages, counseling services, robotics, engineering, construction, welding, athletics, and many others • Maintenance of our facilities and transportation fleet • Many other vital programs and services throughout our district

• 1 : 1 s t u d e n t - t o - d e v i c e r a t i o , promoting increased student access and the integration of technology • Student access to industry standard technologies related to Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) and Career and Technical Education • S t u d e n t a c c e s s t o a d a p t i v e technology for students that qualify for special education services and accommodations • I n s t r u c t i o n f o c u s e d o n t h e responsible use of technology and digital citizenship • Professional development for all staff • Staffing to maintain equipment, software licensure, and a reliable infrastructure Capital Projects AND TranspoRtation Vehicle Fund Levies

In addition to the successful passage of the most recent levies, our community also supported the successful passage of a sixyear, Capital Projects levy and a two-year, Transportation Vehicle Fund Levy. Co-chaired by Sarah and Erik Brooks, the Facilities Task Force (made up of more than 25 members including students, parents, staff, and community members) engaged in a year-long, comprehensive evaluation of our facilities and transportation fleet. Through the evaluation process, the Task Force learned about the physical condition of our facilities, transportation fleet, technologies, and how they are funded. This information led to a recommendation to the superintendent to put two levies before the voters in the fall of 2014. However, as a result of the wildfires and floods, the recommendation was put on hold to allow time for the community to recover.

In the winter of 2015, an updated recommendation was submitted to the superintendent and board of directors In the spring of 2015, the community successfully passed both levies, recognizing the need to make much needed improvements to our facilities and to replace our aging transportation fleet. Following the successful passage of these levies, the district hired Bud Hover to fill the position of Director of Operations and Capital Projects. As such, Bud has been working closely the Facilities Advisory Committee to develop a “Transportation Replacement Schedule” and a proposed “Capital Projects Schedule.” Proposed Capital Projects Schedule - Seeking Your Input

Before moving forward, the committee is soliciting a final round of feedback associated with the proposed Capital Projects Schedule. Please review the document on pg. 8 and tell us: • What do you like about the proposed schedule? • What do you think we may have missed? • Other related feedback… Please submit your comments to Bud Hover at [email protected] or send your hand written feedback to the attention of Bud Hover, District Office at 18 Twin Lakes Rd., Winthrop, WA 98862 no later than Friday, April 22. Thank you yet again for supporting our efforts to develop and exceptional system of teaching and learning where every student shines! Sincerely, Tom Venable Superintendent, Methow Valley Schools

mvcommunity Paschal Sherman Indian School Students Share Dancing and Drumming TraditionS with MVES Third Graders

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Interaction and play trancend societal & Cultural Boundaries ing. Many are learning the skills from their parents, who learned it from their parents, and so on, as was always the custom until very recent years. Others learned to dance and play the drum through participation in the group, under the direction of teachers Tashina Gorr and Michelle Matt. Whatever the source of instruction, the students’ motives are the same as those of their teachers: for these traditions not to be lost to history. Most of the Blue Sunset Singers wore regalia, which is ceremonial clothing and ornaments worn for performances, pow wows, and other formal gatherings. The

dances (which were developed to preserve by Ashley Lodato, Education Director, Native American culture and religion), as Methow Arts Alliance well as a jingle dress dance, which is just like it sounds—a girl dancing dressed in regalia When the ten dancers and drummers from covered with hundreds of little metal cones. Paschal Sherman Indian School and their two And then the Blue Sunset Singers students teachers stepped off the bus at Methow Valley invited the Methow Valley third graders to Elementary School, third grade students were join them in an intertribal dance (which is ready for them. The third grade curriculum open to everyone), and the third graders includes a year-long journey through Native leaped to their feet and began following the American studies, beginning with the Wamdancers in a circle around the gym. panoag culture in the New England region Meanwhile, six Blue Sunset Singers drumand culminating with the Coast Salish people mers were busy pounding out rhythms on of the Pacific Northwest. The third graders their giant round drum, which is played had already spent half a year learning about on its side (like a cookie, as opposed to a wheel) by drummers with soft mallets sitting in a circle around its perimeter, their feet holding the drum slightly off the ground. When the Methow students got a chance to sit at the round drum and learn a rhythm, they did so eagerly, following the Blue Sunset Singers drummers in their beats and their chants. When the students took a break for lunch, the distance between performer and audience diminished, and despite any shyness, age differences, or cultural barriers, the students mingled comfortably and joyfully together; fifteen year olds played basketball with eight year olds, sixth graders showed third graders the intricate beadwork on their headdresses, and a giant group of multi-age tag players filled the gym with Methow Valley third graders follow the lead of Blue Sunset Singers from Paschal Sherman Indian School. shrieks of laughter. They were all, in the end, the youth of Okanogan County Methow students learned that regalia is not the traditions, dwellings, language, culture, simply enjoying each other’s company in the and customs of several different indigenous a “costume.” It’s not for actors putting on a social interaction and play that transcend all pretend show—it’s a sacred and prized poscultures. Now they were excited to meet societal and cultural boundaries. and learn from some members of one of the session that reflects the spirit and customs of To the Blue Sunset Singers we say “lim the people being honored. Regalia is unique cultures they had been studying. lìm!” The Paschal Sherman Indian School stu- to each dancer and is often representational. dents were ready for the third graders as The girls’ shawls in the fancy dances, for This program is part of Methow Arts’ Okanowell. All are members of Q’uay Kwsa?sus example, represent the opening of a cocoon gan Region Arts Education Partnership, which when a butterfly emerges. (pronounced Kwigh Ka-sou-ses) – the Blue The steps of each dance are representa- serves 4500 students and 325 teachers in BrewsSunset Singers - a group that meets weekly tional as well, some with a distinctive and ter, the Methow Valley, Okanogan, Omak, Pateat the school to learn the dancing, drumros, and the Paschal Sherman Indian School on ming, and singing traditions of the twelve delicate toe-heel style of walking in a circle, the Colville Reservation. The program is funded as if walking on clouds, others with an albands of peoples that make up the Confedby ArtsWA, the Community Foundation of North erated Tribes of the Colville Reservation. ternating pattern of the ball of the foot and Central Washington, the Methow Valley Fund, the whole foot hitting the ground on each The students, ranging from fifth through the Public School Funding Alliance, the National ninth grades, are learning the history and step. The Blue Sunset Singers demonstrated Endowment for the Arts, Icicle Fund, and local both traditional dances (which were held techniques of drumming, dancing, and singupon return from war or a hunt) and fancy civic groups and businesses.

LBHS students SHINE AT THE NORTH CENTRAL REGIONAL ART COMPETION You can call Robin Nelsonwicks old-fashioned or traditional, but she strongly believes in two things: Hard work toward achievable goals will make you grow as a person, and sharing your passion with others will enrich your life. Her work is her passion and it’s reflected in the accomplishments of her students - with recent results on full display at the recent annual North Central Regional Art Show at the Wenatchee Arts and Cultural Museum. Mrs. Nelsonwicks stated, “This event highlighted how hard my open-mined art students are working to push themselves and take risks.” She further explained that her classes in Ceramics, Video Productions, Photography and Commercial Art are full of students that are learning about the history of a discipline by practicing media specific skills that allow them to explore their own personal creativity. This year, many students wanted to enter work for the show and it was quite the challenge to select only fifteen pieces to represent

represent the Methow Valley School District. Erin Schuh, Madeline Bosco, Jacqueline Larsen, Stella Gunnip Hunter, Rowan Post, Leif Portman-Bown, Derek Alumbough, Findlay Holston, Koharu Yonebayashi, Mackenzie Woodworth, Natile Triese, Lillian Cooley, Jessica Marker, Wiley Seckinger, Mia Stratman, Jennifer Colvin, Jordyn Rodio and Anna Post contributed the final selections and many were recognized for their achievements: • Jordyn Rodio kept her first place title intact two years in a row for best photography and added a Best of Show in the process. • Rowan Post won a third and a Best of Show in Video. • Koharu Yonebayashi and Mackenzie Woodworth won a first prize and a Best of Show with a Video in the Design category. • Newcomer, Mia Stratman won a first prize and Best of Show in Drawing.

These students will have their work sent on to Olympia for the Statewide Art Show which will be in the State Capitol building until June 2.

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NEWS BRIEFS

Liberty Bell Receives “Safe Routes to School” Grant The Methow Valley School District recently received a $25,000 “Safe Routes to School” grant from the Washington State Department of Transportation. The funds received will enable the school district to purchase up to 25 mountain bikes, a trailer for storage and transport, and funding in support of training. The grant focuses on promoting bicycle and pedestrian safety education to students in 6th through 8th grade. Upon learning that the received the grant, Mr. Putnam stated, “The funding will allow the school district’s physical education program to provide all students with access to high quality mountain bikes, the ability to learn safe bike riding skills, and improve their fitness through a lifetime activity.” “Having mountain bikes and building trails on campus will open doors,” says Putnam. Traditionally, Mr. Putnam has taken his students in grades 7 through 12 mountain biking up to Sun Mountain trails. Putnam stated, “Sun Mountain and Methow Cycle and Sport have been outstanding partners throughout the process.” Not only does he anticipate this to continue, but better access to bikes and trails even closer will allow him to expand the program. If you are interested in volunteering or simply wish to be a part of the fun, please contact Mr. Putnam at [email protected]. He leads the Liberty Bell Biking Club trail rides on Thursdays in the Fall and Spring.

Liberty Bell Library Receives STEM Grant The Liberty Bell Library has been awarded a STEM Grant in the form of selected materials to support the fields of science, technology, engineering and math. The STEM Grant, facilitated by Laura Bitzes-Thomas was awarded in early January, consists of 50 new library books and 3 professional development books. The Grant materials, funded by the Washington State Library and the Institute of Museum and Library Services, supports 7-12 grades. The materials arrived from the Office of the Secretary of the State in late February and are currently on display and available for staff and students to check out through the Liberty Bell Library.

Jordyn Rodio and Ms. Nelsowicks celebrate two consecutive years of “First Place Photography” awards with a selfie.

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COMMUNITY RECOGNITION Standing on the Shoulders of Giants Sometimes, it takes someone else to see in us what we cannot see in ourselves… For many of us, our successes in life are not only driven by our own interests and hard work, but by the willingness of someone, a mentor, to provide us the opportunity and support necessary for us to succeed. Below are just a few of the mentors facilitating Internships in support of our students:

Christie Moore Third Avenue Salon Samantha Carlin Lucid Glassworks Don Auburn​ Twisp Feed

CUB CLUB CONNECTS! It’s a dark Monday afternoon in January... students from grades K-5 are filtering into the cafeteria, grabbing a snack, and peeking into the Computer Room and Art Room to see if their mentors have arrived. The mentors- Miller Batson and Methow Arts teaching artist Margaret Kingston are setting up beautiful materials (supplied by grants from PSFA and The Methow Valley Fund), and they’re ready to create!

Cub Club connects students to knowledgeable community members, and allows the time and tools for students interests to come alive. This year nearly 100 kids have participated in Cub Club- in November, we started with Art, Robotics, Math and Chess. Three of these- Art, Robotics and Chess, have been ongoing since they started, and they will continue through the end of May. After spring break, we’re offering four new clubs- Garden, Fly-fishing, Cooking and Outdoor. Registration forms will go out during the last two weeks of March- we encourage students to sign up early as space is limited!

Tori Karpenko TwispWorks

Kari Bown/Tara Rickabaugh Methow Valley Community School

Missi Smith Merc Playhouse​ Paul Budrow Twips Police

Bryan Alexander Perrygin Lake State Park

Nicole Ringold Live in Art - Jewelry Design Meghan Sullivan Aero Methow

Jenna Kokes Winthrop Physical Therapy Additional mentors always welcome if you have interest and expertise.

THANK YOU!

Outdoor: K-3

Robotics: 2-6

Fly-Fishing:2-6

Cooking: 3-6

Chess: 4-5

Cub Club connects students to new friends, as the clubs include students from various grades, and also from various schools (including homeschoolers, mentors from LBHS, and Little Star kindergarteners). The mixed age groupings allow for students to learn from each other as they work on art, horse grooming, gardening, cooking, and building robots. Cub Club connects students to strong community support, to make these clubs free or reducedfee. The Public School Funding Alliance (PSFA) And robotics too! provided funding for the Robotics Club to purchase several lego robotics kits, which interface with programing software, to create robots that can sense colors, respond to remote controls, drag race, and nearly anything else the students imagine. PSFA and the Methow Valley Fund also provided support to Methow Arts to help purchase materials and pay for instruction for Art Club.

This spring, the Methow Valley Fly-Fishing Club has supported funding for fly-tying materials for Fly-fishing club, and club mentor Jonathan Stratman has 10 poles for students to use. Asian cooking expert Jean Wilson will be bringing her own recipes, cooking supplies and volunteering her time and culinary expertise. Classroom in Bloom is sponsoring Garden Club, where kids will create delicious snacks from school-grown food, do outdoor art projects and play games in the garden.

Nancy Pfi​ef​er Fork

Melissa Boonstra MVSD

WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

Garden: K-3

The Merc Theater, Methow Nordic and Methow Valley Riding Unlimited each provided scholarships for students to attend Dance, Ski and Horse Clubs this winter, and their dedicated volunteers brought music, skis, snacks, appropriate clothing and even horses to the school this winter. Each organization brought its own skills, knowledge and passion for these activities, and provided a way for students to dabble and explore new activities, many for the first time.

Andy Hover North Valley​Lumber

Kent Woodruff Methow Beaver Project - USFS

TUESDAY

Art: K-4

It’s Thursday afternoon, and kids are dancing, playing chess and learning how to groom a horse... all led by enthusiastic and knowledgeable volunteer mentors.

Karen ​Lundgren Karen’s Family Salon

Jean Koreski Methow Valley Elementary

MONDAY

It’s Tuesday afternoon, and 2nd graders are getting their ski clothes on, and skiing right out the door to the McCabe Trail system, on rented equipment all sized and tuned just for them, with leadership from Methow Nordic. Many are supported by scholarships, and the mentors have scrambled to make sure everyone has appropriate winter clothing, snacks and instruction, including many first-time skiers.

Jasmine Minbashian and Annie B Methow Valley Riding Unlimited

Garrett Stanley​ Hanks

The spring Cub Club schedule:

By Katherine Bill

Stirring up after school fun at Cub Club!

We look forward to continuing to expand the menu of Cub Club offerings next year. Please share your ideas for additional ways to connect student interests to community expertise and resources. We have great potential to continue to connect and learn, together!

ILC Seeks Competency-Based Waiver from State Board of EDucation by

Sara Mounsey

The Independent Learning Center has been serving students since 1992. Created to provide an alternative option for students who were not thriving in the comprehensive school or who had dropped out of school, the ILC had a flexible schedule and packet based curriculum. It’s original design allowed students to earn credit through independent learning with teachers available to assist as needed. While the school has a long history of a supportive climate and many students and families attest to how it helped students stay in school and graduate, the school district felt that students would greatly benefit from increased engagement and opportunity. Since 2012-13, the ILC has been rapidly emerging as a pocket of innovation within our system as reflected by its growing enrollment. With the support of an exceptionally talented teaching staff, ILC students are engaged in learning through what is described as a competency-based approach to teaching and learning. Fueled by student interests and areas of passion,

each student designs a personalized learning plan that is: • Driven by student interests • Aligned to real-world, projectbased and action-oriented learning experiences • Supported through communitybased internships and mentorship. “As a district, we are attempting to develop students that graduate prepared to pursue a variety options that include employment “and” technical education “and” college using a competency-based approach to teaching and learning.,” states Tom Venable, Methow Valley School District Superintendent. He further added, “As a remote, rural school district, it’s important that our schools provide our students with options.” As our new programming has evolved we’ve begun to attract students based on their preference for this style of education. Many of our students that have chosen to enroll at the ILC have expressed a desire to move away from a compliance-based system in which success is measured by external motivators such as traditional grades and acquisition

of credits. Instead, many have recognized that success measured by their progress toward authentic, personalized goals allows them to better prepare for a future of their own design. Is it working? Data collected over the past three years strongly suggests that it’s making a positive difference in many ways: • On-time graduation rates at the ILC have soared from 62% three years ago to 87% during the last two years. • Discipline rates have plummeted. • Perceptual data collected from students and families clearly indicates growth mindset as reflected by their commitment to some form of post-secondary educational option after graduating from high school. Recognizing “We can’t do it alone,” one of the district’s core beliefs they have developed strong partnerships with the Winthrop Kiwanis, Chelan School of Innovation, and Jeff Petty, Director for the Puget Sound Consortium of School Innovation.

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Oh, The Places You’ll Go! By Sara Mounsey and Kim Odell

With a focus on ensuring all students that graduate from the Methow Valley School District are prepared to pursue a broad range of post-secondary educational, vocational and career related-options, the Independent Learning Center initiated an “Annual College Tour” four years ago. “At that time, it was only a small group of juniors and seniors that attended,” states Sara Mounsey, Independent Learning Center advisor. Now, we take the entire school!” This year’s adventure engaged sixteen students in multiple tours that included:

Bellingham Technical College Western Washington University Skagit Valley College Whatcom Community College

cont. from p. 3

“I used to be scared/intimidated that maybe I wouldn’t be smart enough for college academically, but after touring these smaller colleges I have become motivated to take a placement test, go to college, and work hard.” “I have become motivated and confident in my ability to go to college. This confidence has driven me to want to work harder in school…” “While on the college tour, I learned a lot, not just about the colleges, but about myself. This year’s college tour was the first time I have ever really thought about going to college. I could actually picture myself in the college setting.”

“I was surprised to find out how affordable college really is and honestly it really isn’t that long of a processes... I definitely want to give my kids a life that they deserve and going to college is the first step. What I plan on doing now that I know what I need to do is keep pushing myself daily even when it’s hard and remember - I can do it!” “While I was at Western and sitting in the cafeteria, I felt like I was at home and I belonged there. Feeling like that made me really happy….I want to go to Western and do their “pre-med” program.” “I am really looking forward to my future.” “During the college tour, I learned that I want to go to a small college. I also learned that the certification I want to get will only take me about a year.” ILC students on tour at Bellingham Technical College.

Integration of Subject Areas Makes Learning Come Alive for Students “If we adopt the International Baccalaureate framework, what will happen to social studies and science?” “Will there still be art?” “What goes away?” These were questions some parents and teachers had last year, as MVES and Liberty Bell began an exploration and implementation of the IB Primary Years

NEWS BRIEFS

Below are a few excerpts from student reflections written following the tour:

“I am going to take what I have learned in those three days and apply it to my everyday life.”

By Anne Anderson

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of Inquiry” and “Central Questions” that are based on “Concepts” that have broad meanings. Examples of these concepts include: Connection, Perspective, Responsibility, Causation, and Change. For example, an integrated unit focused on change could might focus on: • How we change from a 12 hour clock into a 24 hour clock (math). • How a substance changes from one form to another (science).

many times throughout the Primary Years program and the Middle Years program. This allows students to think, reflect, and develop deeper understandings of these concepts. This spiraling of conceptual thought is just one of the ways that the IB program facilitates alignment across grade levels and subject areas.  Now, rather than just being separate, compartmentalized segment of the school day, social studies, science and art are integrated, making them come alive for all students at all levels.    

LBHS Student Monica Chavey sees high value in contributions to InvestEd Funds Not all high-school aged students are fortunate enough to afford playing sports, take necessary exams, apply for college, or even shop for clothes to wear to school. Many of these students aren’t aware of the fund at Liberty Bell that can allow them to be successful in any aspect pertaining to school. As my senior project, I’ve taken on the opportunity to learn about this program and how it relates to students at Liberty Bell. After researching and contacting an administrator of  “InvestEd”, I found that this program is much more unique than ordinary school-funding organizations. InvestEd partners with schools in Washington to assist any student with immediate and individualized aid. With the help of my mentor Debbie Bair, I was able to explore the InvestEd fund at Liberty Bell specifically. In 2014, $3,352.84 was spent helping students in our high school. It’s allowed students to afford college credits, AP Tests, yearbooks, senior cap and gowns, glasses, shoes, and in one case, has allowed a student to afford a haircut for his first job interview. This program supports a substantial amount of students at Liberty Bell every school year, and is currently lacking in its funds. Along with spreading the word to students about the availability of this program, I aim to reach out to the community to consider a contribution.

• H o w t h e s o c i e t i e s c h a n g e over time (social studies). • How physical development is a ff e c t e d b y i n t r i n s i c a n d e x trinsic factors (Health and PE).

The prepared piano begs a question, applicable to both music and science.

Program and Middle years programs. The answer to these questions is becoming more evident in elementary and middle school classrooms every day. The IB program values all subject areas equally. The design of the units of study brings subject area standards and content together in ways that make sense to kids and give them real-world contexts to ground their learning. Inquiry is an important thread across all units and all grade levels, enabling students to learn the lifelong skills of thinking, working with others, research, self-management and communication using their natural curiosity about the world, how it works, and their place within it.   When teachers design integrated units of study, they begin by identifying “Statements

• How art forms evolve as the world changes.     Once a unit like this is completed, students have a new and expanded understanding of an enduring concept they will encounter Seventh grade math students use their many times throughout their lives. Transdis- knowledge of architects ratios to design ciplinary themes and concepts are revisited a sustainable house plan.

Day of the Dead masks itegrating Spanish language, culture, and art.

Methow Valley Elementary PTO Offers Additional Spring Events to Foster School Pride and Community The Methow Valley Elementary PTO strives to provide staff support and meaningful, fun family events that instill a sense of school pride in our students. We have had great success with our volunteer room and recent events such as the Winter Wonderland Carnival and Family Skate Night. We hope you’ll joins us as we continue the fun with our upcoming Spirit Week, Talent Show, and End Of Year Carnival. 

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mvspotlight

April 2016 METHOW VALLEY pride • www.METHOW.org

In the Spotlight: REFLECTIONS FROM ABROAD ON Contributing Locally and Globally By Shay Crandall, Liberty Bell Student Over the past three winters, I have been venturing down with my family to a small state in Mexico named Colima. We have lived in the tiny town of Cofradia de Suchitlan.  Its population is about 2,000, about the size of Twisp but more densely populated.   We were there as members of Project Amigo, a non-profit that supports poor rural, schoolage children with access to an education. Our job is to coordinate volunteers who come down for service workweeks. The volunteers come from Canada and the United States. The service work consists of distributing clothes and school supplies as well as physical work like pouring concrete, planting trees and painting. When we’re not working, we also had a chance to spend time with their families so we could learn more about their lives. When Project Amigo started working here, there was just one woman teaching under a tree. Now it has six teachers, 4 classrooms, bathrooms, a brand new kitchen with a cover and concrete floor, play equipment and is scheduled to receive tables under a covered area in anticipation of the rainy season. That is one of the many success stories of Project Amigo. It is amazing going to Quesera and seeing how resilient and happy they are even they have so little. Despite the harshness of their lives, the younger kids just walk up to you and give you a big hug. For me, what has touched me the most during my time spent volunteering was working at a migrant camp in the nearby town of Quesaria. The camp is a poor place that houses migrant sugar cane cutters and their families. The

Shay Crandall - on the job with Project Amigo - a growing service work organization in Colima, Mexico.

current wage is about $5-10 a day. Boys start working in the cane fields when they are about 12 years old.  The girls look after the young ones so everyone else can work.  There are not many opportunities to continue their education. One of my favorite workweeks, we taught English to the becarios (scholarship). Throughout the week, we worked with different students.  With the students I worked with, we would exchange English for Spanish, I think that my Spanish and their English improved a lot. This week really bonds the students with the volunteers. We went for walks, had scavenger hunts and just had a good time exploring together, in English and Spanish.

With dad, Rob Crandall, juggling the work and play!

Teaching English and learning Spanish with the becarios.

Service is volunteer work, helping people less fortunate than you.  It is a great way to look beyond ourselves and try to make the world a better place. Service is a lot of hard work but I think it’s “Vale la Pena.” This is a common Spanish phrase that means “Worth the pain.” My experience has made me more conscious about living in the larger world and how many people on the planet need help. I think service work is really important work for everyone to be involved in at some point in his or her life.

mvsports

April 2016 METHOW VALLEY pride • www.METHOW.org

WINTEr SPORTS REPORT

Cheer team wrapped up a successful first year back as an official LBHS activity. While supporting many teams through the Fall and Winter seasons, Cheer has made an impact at games, in the hallways, and throughout the community. They bravely took on ambitious goals, including the reintroduction of the school fight song, and the support of many school functions other than athletic events.

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ATHLETE PROFILES

Girl’s Basketball: Monica Chavey

Has playing sports affected your life? Playing basketball has taught me how to work with others as a team, and how to prioritize and organize schoolwork while managing a busy schedule. Which of your personal qualities has sports most affected? Nervousness is one of my most prominent weaknesses. By the end of the season, my confidence grew immensely on and off the court. What goals have you set after graduation? I’ll be attending Central Washington University pursuing a future in business.

Wrestling: Jacob McMillan Liberty Bell Wrestling continued their tradition of success with qualifying three wrestlers to State. Meritt Fink finished his career with a second State title, Jacob McMillan finished fifth at State, and Kaleb Martin qualified, but was unable to wrestle because of illness. This season’s wrestlers exemplified discipline and courageousness throughout their season.

Boy’s Basketball had an outstanding winter, finishing the Central Washington B League North season tied for third. Their hard work and perseverance earned them a slot into the district tournament, where they failed to advance further into the playoffs. Seniors Connor Cooley and Micah Klemmeck both received second team all-league honors. Knowledge Bowl continued their rich tradition of excellence by placing second as a team at this year’s State Knowledge Bowl competition. Knowledge Bowl started with over 20 participants and beat out nearly all of the region’s teams throughout the winter. The team displayed their ability to solve complex problems and proved to be knowledgable across wide array of disciplines. The team was eventually represented by six students at the State competition. 

Coach’s Corner:

Q&A with Coach Korrie Bourn coached at Liberty Bell for 17 years, so in the years before I was on the high school team, I was still spending my time in the gym or watching game film. Basketball was a steadfast friend all through my childhood.

Liberty Bell High School girl’s assistant basketball coach, Korrie Bourn

Q: Will you please share a bit about yourself, and where your passion for playing and coaching basketball comes from? A: Growing up in the Methow Valley has contributed greatly to who I am. I have a love for the outdoors and all of the activities it offers, in particular: hiking, biking, river rafting, and running. I also love a good book or a challenging puzzle. Essentially, my passion for playing and coaching basketball started when I was born. My father, Mike Bourn,

Q: You have a lot of experience playing basketball at a high level, could you tell us about your playing experience? A: I am forever grateful for the experience of playing collegiate basketball. I’ll always remember how hard the first year of playing was. The level of commitment and mental toughness that was required led to a point where I had to make the decision that I was all in and nothing was going to stop me from not only playing, but playing successfully. Making that decision led to four unforgettable years and memories that I will cherish forever. It’s a remarkable feeling when you are able to work together with a group of people who have the same goals and a desire to achieve as much as pos-

sible. We, as humans, are capable of incredible feats if we work together, are mentally tough, openminded, kind and remember to enjoy each moment. In short, I wouldn’t trade my experience for anything and I feel incredibly grateful. Q: What is your coaching philosophy? A: My coaching philosophy is centered on open communication. It’s important for each person to know the expectations that are in place, either for the team as a whole or individually. On the surface, basketball is a sport based on a certain athletic skills and fundamentals, but it’s also a platform that can be used to improve life skills and who one is as a person. For that reason, my philosophy has a core set of expectations focused on building character: always work hard, be a good teammate, hold yourself accountable, be mentally tough, communicate with yourself, your teammates and your coach, and

have a positive mental attitude. Q: What are the most important lessons you’ve learned through your participation in basketball? A: I have learned what it means to make sacrifices in order to pursue a childhood dream. In high school that meant a state championship, in college it meant a national championship (in kindergarten it meant being able to dunk or making it into the WNBA). On the other side of that I have learned what it feels like to fall short of your highest goal and the heartache that comes with it. Then I learned the greatest thing of all, it’s all about the journey. All of my life was spent trying to reach my “big” goals, when really every day I was as lucky as could be because I was playing my favorite sport surrounded by wonderful teammates, coaches, fans, communities and my family. I’ve learned the importance of being grateful for everyday and for the life I am able to live.

How has playing sports affected your life? It kept me motivated to continue my high school education. It taught me good personal qualities like perseverance and dedication. What advice can you give to a freshman? Don’t turn down opportunities just because you’ve never tried it. Just because you have never tried something doesn’t mean you won’t like it.

Cheer: KayDee Sims What is a fond memory that will stay with you? Going to wrestling regionals and stunting in the pool! What goals have you set after graduation? I’m going to attend Central Washington University. I’m not sure what I’m going to major in, but I hope to find something that I love! What advice can you give to a freshman? Don’t worry too much about what other people think. Just get out there and have fun!

Boy’s Basketball: Connor Cooley How has playing sports affected your life? It’s given me another reason to make sure I always have good grades and an opportunity to become even closer with friends that I may never get a chance to play sports with again. What goals have you set after graduation? I plan to attend either Gonzaga, Whitworth, or Seattle U and major in pre-med or pre-dental. I also hope to play basketball. What advice can you give to a freshman? Practice as much as possible and work as hard as you can

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mvpride

April 2016 METHOW VALLEY pride • www.METHOW.org

CALENDAR APRIL Apr 15 Soccer vs Bridgeport 11:00 Apr 19 Soccer vs Tonasket 4:30 Apr 20 Softball vs Omak 4:30 Apr 21 HS Track @ LBHS Quad 4:00 Apr 22 Soccer vs Oroville 4:30 Apr 25-28 Consent Week Apr 27 Board meeting Apr 28 Baseball vs Pateros DH 4:00 Apr 28 Softball vs Pateros 4:00 pm Apr 28 JH Track home meet Apr 29 Professional Day – No school Apr 30 Prom 8:00 – 10:00

May May 2 9th grade Orientation May 3 Softball vs Okanogan 4:30 May 3 Baseball vs Okanogan 4:30 May 4 Tennis vs Entiat 4:00 May 4 NHS induction ceremony May 4 AP test – English and composition 12th grade May 5 Tennis vs Pateros 4:00 May 5 Softball vs Manson 4:30 May 5 Baseball vs Manson 4:30 May 5 Senior Night May 6 AP test US History May 7 SAT May 11 AP test – English and composition 11th grade May 11 Board meeting May 12 AP test – Comparative Government and Politics May 16 7th grade Orientation May 17 JH Track League Championship @ Tonasket May 18 Senior presentations May 21 HS Track district May 24 6th grade tour of LBHS May 25 Board meeting May 26-28 HS State Track Meet May 30 Memorial Day – No school

June June 1 June 2 June 3 June 10

Baccalaureate 7:00-8:00 Awards Night 7:00-8:30 MVSD graduation 7:00-8:30 Last day of school

mvpride Methow Valley School District

18 Twin Lakes Road, Winthrop, WA 98862 (509) 996-9205; www.methow.org

FOODS 2 CLASS TAKES THE CAKE By Rebecca Thomson

If asked, could you create a meal from scratch in 35 minutes? Could you also ensure that everything on the plate meets USDA guidelines for a nutritious meal? Finally, can you plate the meal in a way that is creative and appetizing? The students in the Foods 2 class were challenged with this scenario during a nutrition unit that culminated with a cooking competition between three schools at Sun Mountain Lodge. The students worked hard to meet and excel in this endeavor. When planning to create a meal that meets MyPlate guidelines, there are some import rules to follow. Half of the plate needs to be fruits and vegetables and half needs to be grains and proteins. This means that you must measure everything. Sometimes this means converting cups to ounces and weighing items before and after they are cooked. This was a difficult part of this challenge, but the students worked together to accomplish this feat. Each of the student teams had one trial run in class. This was their opportunity to make their recipes within the allotted 35 minute timeframe and practice creative plating. After the practice opportunity, the students altered anything that did not work and we held an in-class competition. From this event, one group was chosen

The winning entry, a bacon caesar salad in a whole wheat tortilla bowl.

to continue to a competition between multiple schools. The winning group from LB made a caesar salad with bacon. This may not sound like a healthy meal, but students displayed their creativity by making changes that included substituting canadian bacon, a lean alternative to traditional bacon and crafting a bowl for the salad with whole wheat tortillas to satisfy the grain requirement. Students from Cashmere, and Omak High School were pitted against Liberty Bell at a competition in February. The room at Sun Mountain Lodge, where

the competition took place, had a noticeably intense atmosphere. Mikey Hafsos and Zane Herrera were able to complete the preparation of their meal just in time for evaluation by a panel of judges. The rest of the class sat nearby and cheered Mikey and Zane on as they slaved over a hot burner and effortlessly created a caesar dressing from scratch. The judges determined the team from Cashmere high school to be the winners, but we came away with fun memories and excitement for next year’s competition.

5th Grade Math is Cool wins 2nd place in Wenatchee region by

Harold Sheley

The 5th Grade Math is Cool team traveled to Wenatchee on March 19 for one of 6 regional competitions happening around the state. The competition consists of individual math tests, mental math, and various team competitions. MVES sent 3 teams (of 4 students each), with the scores from each team combining to create the overall school ranking. Competing in a pool of 13 regional schools, our MVES mathletes won 2nd place, missing first place by just 4 points and improving over their third place win last year (as fourth graders). In the individual competition, three students placed in the top 20 out of 195 individuals; Kellen Miles finished 4th, Madison Strauss finished 12th, and Sawyer Crandall finished 16th.

Top row, from left: Kellen Miles, Sawyer Crandall, Carter Sheley, Graham Sheley Middle row: Coach Seth Miles, Eamon Monahan, Jayden Hammer, Isaac Simmons, Avery Catlin, Coach Harold Sheley Bottom row: Alex Dufresne, Macey Crum, Addison Stratman, Connor Herlihy Not pictured: Madison Strauss

FACILITIES UPDATE

We’re not digging dirt just yet, but progress and planning are underway! Please submit your comments to Bud Hover at [email protected] or send your hand written feedback to the attention of Bud Hover, District Office at 18 Twin Lakes Rd., Winthrop, WA 98862 no later than Friday, April 22.

Editor: Tom Venable, superintendent, (509) 996-9205; [email protected] Design: Erik Brooks Methow Valley School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all federal rules and regulations including Title IX/RCW 28A.640 and Sec. 504. The Methow Valley School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex or handicap, including student participation in all educational programs and extracurricular activities. Contact the superintendent about Title IX or Section 504 compliance procedures.

A provisional schedule for facilities improvements as a result of the recent Capital Project Levy.