Winter-2016-MVPride

MVPrideMethow Valley School District Spotlight pg. 6WWW.METHOW.ORG Every Student Shines 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 materials that enhance education Fifth grade student Addison Stratman shares the “Earth and Each spring and fall, Public and that aren’t able to be funded Beyond” book she created as part of a PSFA-funded project with School Funding Alliance (PSFA) through the district budget. her kindergarten buddy, Cora Fisher. Photo by Ann McCreary. invites teachers, school staff and community members to submit Often, teachers come up with “Our classroom budgets really Barber also turned to PSFA for funding requests for programs and ideas that build on educational only supply us with enough mon- funding for two other small fund- materials that enrich education for units they are teaching. This year, ey for basic things – construction ing requests – a media cart for and students in Methow Valley public for instance, Methow Valley Ele- paper, markers, etc. We were told magazine subscriptions for her schools. mentary School fifth grade teachers the budget could not provide for classroom. Catie Barber and Jennifer Duguay experimental items – like the blank Grants approved during the saw a way to engage students more books – so we would have had to The cart holds computer and regular funding cycles for this deeply in their studies of earth create the unit without the books, projection equipment, giving academic year range from $250 and space by creating their own and that would not have been her more mobility and ability for a rock climbing program at the “textbooks.” half as interesting for students,” to interact with students while Independent Learning Center, to she said. $30,000 for International Baccalau- They requested a small grant continued p. 2 reate (IB) teacher training, funded from PSFA to purchase 52 “Bare through a designated gift. Books” – hardbound books with blank pages that the students filled The bulk of PSFA’s funding is with their own research, writing, allocated in spring and fall, but ideas and art. throughout the school year unan- ticipated educational opportuni- “The books were an integral ties and needs come up – from part of our Unit of Inquiry,” Barber transportation for field trips to said. Units of Inquiry are transdis- teaching materials. To help teach- ciplinary themes used as a frame- ers and community members cap- work in IB classrooms. They are ture opportunities for innovative presented as overarching themes approaches to learning and meet that allow teachers to incorporate educational needs, PSFA has a different academic disciplines in small grant program that provides a curriculum with a broad, global funding throughout the year for context. requests of up to $200. “Each student created their own Over the past two years, PSFA textbook based on the lessons we has provided more than $2,000 gave, which were mostly from the in small grants for programs and science standards. We were able to combine science teaching about themvpride Non-profit org. earth, the stars and the planets with U.S. Postage a Spanish project, art, and scienceMethow Valley School District fiction writing,” Barber said.18 Twin Lakes Road, Winthrop, WA 98862 PAID(509) 996-9205; www.methow.org Permit No. 241 “The unit was amazing and Wenatchee WA 98801 incredible fun. The books are now on display in the library.” ECRWSS Postal Customer Without the small grant from PSFA, the teachers would not have been able to incorporate this innovative new project in their instruction, Barber said.

2 APRIL 2016 mvcommunity METHOW VALLEY pride • www.METHOW.orgPSFA Grant continued from p. 1 Honoring Excellence!teaching. “It doubles as a standing desk,so I can be up and walking around while Each year, school districtalso using the overhead projector to employees across the North Central regionteach,” she said. of Washington State are encouraged to submit the names of colleagues (one The diverse selection of magazines are certificated employee and one classifiedtargeted to engage “reluctant readers” employee) they believe representwho have trouble settling down with a excellence in public education. Thisbook during independent reading time, year, the Methow Valley School Districtbut are often “hooked” by an interesting received more submissions than ever, eachmagazine. highlighting the exceptional work taking place throughout our schools in support Community member Susie Kowalczyk of students and families. However, twoturned to PSFA last year for a small grant names clearly rose to the top…to help fund an outreach campaign for theMethow Valley Mentoring Program. The Congratulations - Laura Wottlin, Head Cook and Jean Koreski, Methow Valleymentoring program provides supportive, Elementary School Physical Education Teacher, Methow Valley School District’s 2016one-to-one relationships between adultsand children, to facilitate the children’s Excellence Awards Recipientseducational, social and personal growth. Laura is a leader in the art of planning lunch menus. Jean is an outstanding educator in her field. It is clear The longstanding program needed She finds wonderful, fresh foods and has opened up that she is focused on improving each and every student.more volunteers from the community a variety of choices. She is personable, creative, and a They are moving and shaking for a full thirty minutesto serve as mentors, and Kowalczyk master at pleasing students with tasty yet healthy foods. and loving every minute of it! She has also done anrequested funds for publicity materials awesome job with the new recess program. It has beento recruit new mentors. Laura has been a forceful agent for change in our a huge help to have her game leadership and problem cafeteria. She has gone beyond job descriptions to begin solving out at recess. Jean is one of the few of us who A small grant from PSFA helped pay the much-needed overhaul of our student food services interacts with each one of our elementary studentsa graphic artist to design eye-catching and she has shown innovation and taken the lead inposters, and paid for printing costs. The introducing the popular “Local Lunches.” She does this professionally, personally, calling uponoutreach campaign got results. a wealth of experience, and always with an uncommon She has lifted the food services program to an all-time fairness and thoughtfulness. Her Winter Olympics was ”It was very effective,” said Kowalczyk. high level of performance. Our food service program a new initiative that promises to be a memorable event“We have trained more mentors, all is fast becoming one of the very best in the State of for years to come.of whom contacted us because of the Washington.posters. This meant that every studentin the elementary school who wanted a Inside Look: Thank You Methow Valley!mentor got to have one.” Dear Methow Valley Community, Technology Levy In the winter of 2015, an updated At Liberty Bell High School, small On behalf of the students, staff, parents, • 1 : 1 s t u d e n t - t o - d e v i c e r a t i o , recommendation was submitted to thegrants in recent year provided funds promoting increased student access superintendent and board of directorsto expand the film selection for a and board of directors, I’d like to thank and the integration of technologydocumentary film class and for bus each of you for supporting the successful • Student access to industry standard In the spring of 2015, the communitytransportation to take students on service passage of our recent levies! technologies related to Science, successfully passed both levies,learning trip to a local organic farm. Technology, Engineering, Arts, and recognizing the need to make much The two most recent, the Maintenance & Mathematics (STEAM) and Career needed improvements to our facilities and In order to provide these small grants Operations and Technology levies passed and Technical Education to replace our aging transportation fleet.throughout the year, PSFA’s board of with strong community support. Both will • S t u d e n t a c c e s s t o a d a p t i v edirectors holds some funding in reserve, provide critical assistance in bridging the technology for students that qualify Following the successful passage ofrather than allocating it all to larger gap between what the state and federal for special education services and these levies, the district hired Bud Hovergrants in spring and fall. government provide and the actual cost accommodations to fill the position of Director of Operations of educating our children. The various • I n s t r u c t i o n f o c u s e d o n t h e and Capital Projects. As such, Bud has been The small grant process utilizes a brief funds will be used as outlined below: responsible use of technology and working closely the Facilities Advisoryapplication that is submitted to PSFA by Maintenance & Operations Levy digital citizenship Committee to develop a “Transportationemail. Often requests are time-sensitive, • Professional development for all staff Replacement Schedule” and a proposedand the PSFA board works to expedite • Lower Class Sizes • Staffing to maintain equipment, “Capital Projects Schedule.”consideration of requests in order to let • H i g h - q u a l i t y p r o f e s s i o n a l software licensure, and a reliable Proposed Capital Projectsapplicants know as quickly as possible. infrastructure Schedule - Seeking Your InputApplicants are generally notified within development for all staffabout a week whether their request is • Classroom supplies and teaching Capital Projects AND Before moving forward, the committeeapproved. TranspoRtation Vehicle Fund Levies is soliciting a final round of feedback resources associated with the proposed Capital “I think it is wonderful to have a group • Enriching educational programs such In addition to the successful passage of Projects Schedule. Please review theof people who are willing to listen to our the most recent levies, our community also document on pg. 8 and tell us:needs and help us expand the learning as music, arts, physical education, supported the successful passage of a six-opportunities for our students,” Barber world languages, counseling services, year, Capital Projects levy and a two-year, • What do you like about thesaid. robotics, engineering, construction, Transportation Vehicle Fund Levy. proposed schedule? welding, athletics, and many others PSFA is able to support diverse learning • Maintenance of our facilities and Co-chaired by Sarah and Erik Brooks, the • What do you think we may haveopportunities -- with grants both small and transportation fleet Facilities Task Force (made up of more than missed?large – through the generous contributions • Many other vital programs and 25 members including students, parents,from hundreds of donors each year. This year services throughout our district staff, and community members) engaged • Other related feedback…PSFA has provided more than $77,000 in in a year-long, comprehensive evaluation Please submit your comments to Budfunding to enrich academics from kindergarten of our facilities and transportation fleet. Hover at [email protected] or send yourthrough 12th grade. To learn more about hand written feedback to the attention ofPSFA and the programs and projects it funds, Through the evaluation process, the Task Bud Hover, District Office at 18 Twin Lakesgo to www.methowvalleypsfa.org. Force learned about the physical condition Rd., Winthrop, WA 98862 no later than of our facilities, transportation fleet, Friday, April 22.Freshman Lilly Cooley Wins technologies, and how they are funded. Thank you yet again for supporting ourEastern Regional for WA This information led to a recommendation efforts to develop and exceptional systemState Poetry Out Loud to the superintendent to put two levies of teaching and learning where every before the voters in the fall of 2014. student shines!ye1a0rs However, as a result of the wildfires and Sincerely, floods, the recommendation was put on Tom Venable Congratulations to Lilly Cooley for her hold to allow time for the community to Superintendent, Methow Valley Schoolsexcellent showing as one of only twelve recover.finalists for Poetry Out Loud. This isthe fourth year in a row that LBHS hasrepresented Eastern, WA in the Statefinals.

mvcommunity 3APRIL 2016 METHOW VALLEY pride • www.METHOW.orgPaschal Sherman Indian School NEWS BRIEFSStudents Share Dancing and DrummingTraditionS with MVES Third GradersInteraction and play trancend societal & Cultural Boundaries Liberty Bell Receives “Safe Routes toby Ashley Lodato, Education Director, ing. Many are learning the skills from their dances (which were developed to preserve School” GrantMethow Arts Alliance parents, who learned it from their parents, Native American culture and religion), as and so on, as was always the custom until well as a jingle dress dance, which is just like The Methow Valley School very recent years. Others learned to dance it sounds—a girl dancing dressed in regalia District recently received a When the ten dancers and drummers from and play the drum through participation in covered with hundreds of little metal cones. $25,000 “Safe Routes to School”Paschal Sherman Indian School and their two the group, under the direction of teachers grant from the Washington Stateteachers stepped off the bus at Methow Valley Tashina Gorr and Michelle Matt. Whatever And then the Blue Sunset Singers students Department of Transportation.Elementary School, third grade students were the source of instruction, the students’ mo- invited the Methow Valley third graders to The funds received will enableready for them. The third grade curriculum tives are the same as those of their teachers: join them in an intertribal dance (which is the school district to purchaseincludes a year-long journey through Native for these traditions not to be lost to history. open to everyone), and the third graders up to 25 mountain bikes, aAmerican studies, beginning with the Wam- leaped to their feet and began following the trailer for storage and transport,panoag culture in the New England region Most of the Blue Sunset Singers wore dancers in a circle around the gym. and funding in support ofand culminating with the Coast Salish people regalia, which is ceremonial clothing and training. The grant focusesof the Pacific Northwest. The third graders ornaments worn for performances, pow Meanwhile, six Blue Sunset Singers drum- on promoting bicycle andhad already spent half a year learning about wows, and other formal gatherings. The mers were busy pounding out rhythms on pedestrian safety education their giant round drum, which is played to students in 6th through 8th grade. Upon learning that the on its side (like a cookie, received the grant, Mr. Putnam as opposed to a wheel) by stated, “The funding will allow drummers with soft mallets the school district’s physical sitting in a circle around education program to provide its perimeter, their feet all students with access to high holding the drum slightly quality mountain bikes, the off the ground. When the ability to learn safe bike riding Methow students got a skills, and improve their fitness chance to sit at the round through a lifetime activity.” drum and learn a rhythm, they did so eagerly, follow- “Having mountain bikes ing the Blue Sunset Singers and building trails on campus drummers in their beats will open doors,” says Putnam. and their chants. Traditionally, Mr. Putnam has When the students took taken his students in grades 7 a break for lunch, the dis- through 12 mountain biking tance between performer up to Sun Mountain trails. and audience diminished, Putnam stated, “Sun Mountain and despite any shyness, and Methow Cycle and Sport age differences, or cultural have been outstanding partners barriers, the students min- throughout the process.” Not gled comfortably and joy- only does he anticipate this fully together; fifteen year to continue, but better access olds played basketball with to bikes and trails even closer eight year olds, sixth grad- will allow him to expand the ers showed third graders program. the intricate beadwork on their headdresses, and a gi- If you are interested in ant group of multi-age tag volunteering or simply players filled the gym with wish to be a part of the fun,Methow Valley third graders follow the lead of Blue Sunset Singers from Paschal Sherman Indian School. shrieks of laughter. They please contact Mr. Putnam at were all, in the end, the [email protected]. He youth of Okanogan County leads the Liberty Bell Bikingthe traditions, dwellings, language, culture, Methow students learned that regalia is not simply enjoying each other’s company in the Club trail rides on Thursdaysand customs of several different indigenous a “costume.” It’s not for actors putting on a social interaction and play that transcend all in the Fall and Spring.cultures. Now they were excited to meet pretend show—it’s a sacred and prized pos- societal and cultural boundaries.and learn from some members of one of the session that reflects the spirit and customs of Liberty Bell Librarycultures they had been studying. the people being honored. Regalia is unique To the Blue Sunset Singers we say “lim Receives STEM Grant to each dancer and is often representational. lìm!” The Paschal Sherman Indian School stu-dents were ready for the third graders as The girls’ shawls in the fancy dances, forwell. All are members of Q’uay Kwsa?sus example, represent the opening of a cocoon This program is part of Methow Arts’ Okano-(pronounced Kwigh Ka-sou-ses) – the Blue when a butterfly emerges. gan Region Arts Education Partnership, whichSunset Singers - a group that meets weekly serves 4500 students and 325 teachers in Brews-at the school to learn the dancing, drum- The steps of each dance are representa- ter, the Methow Valley, Okanogan, Omak, Pate-ming, and singing traditions of the twelve tional as well, some with a distinctive and ros, and the Paschal Sherman Indian School onbands of peoples that make up the Confed- delicate toe-heel style of walking in a circle, the Colville Reservation. The program is fundederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation. as if walking on clouds, others with an al- by ArtsWA, the Community Foundation of NorthThe students, ranging from fifth through ternating pattern of the ball of the foot and Central Washington, the Methow Valley Fund,ninth grades, are learning the history and the whole foot hitting the ground on each the Public School Funding Alliance, the Nationaltechniques of drumming, dancing, and sing- step. The Blue Sunset Singers demonstrated Endowment for the Arts, Icicle Fund, and local both traditional dances (which were held civic groups and businesses. upon return from war or a hunt) and fancyLBHS students SHINE AT THE NORTH CENTRAL REGIONAL ART COMPETION The Liberty Bell Library has been awarded a STEM Grant in You can call Robin Nelsonwicks old-fash- represent the Methow Valley School District. These students will have their work sent the form of selected materialsioned or traditional, but she strongly believes Erin Schuh, Madeline Bosco, Jacqueline Lars- on to Olympia for the Statewide Art Show to support the fields of science,in two things: Hard work toward achievable en, Stella Gunnip Hunter, Rowan Post, Leif which will be in the State Capitol building technology, engineering andgoals will make you grow as a person, and Portman-Bown, Derek Alumbough, Findlay until June 2. math.sharing your passion with others will enrich Holston, Koharu Yonebayashi, Mackenzie Jordyn Rodio and Ms. Nelsowicks cel-your life. Woodworth, Natile Triese, Lillian Cooley, Jes- ebrate two consecutive years of “First The STEM Grant, facilitated sica Marker, Wiley Seckinger, Mia Stratman, Place Photography” awards with a selfie. by Laura Bitzes-Thomas was Her work is her passion and it’s reflected Jennifer Colvin, Jordyn Rodio and Anna Post awarded in early January,in the accomplishments of her students - with contributed the final selections and many were consists of 50 new libraryrecent results on full display at the recent an- recognized for their achievements: books and 3 professionalnual North Central Regional Art Show at the development books. TheWenatchee Arts and Cultural Museum. • Jordyn Rodio kept her first place title Grant materials, funded by intact two years in a row for best pho- the Washington State Library Mrs. Nelsonwicks stated, “This event high- tography and added a Best of Show in and the Institute of Museumlighted how hard my open-mined art students the process. and Library Services, supportsare working to push themselves and take 7-12 grades.risks.” She further explained that her classes • Rowan Post won a third and a Best ofin Ceramics, Video Productions, Photography Show in Video. The materials arrived fromand Commercial Art are full of students that the Office of the Secretaryare learning about the history of a discipline • Koharu Yonebayashi and Mackenzie of the State in late Februaryby practicing media specific skills that allow Woodworth won a first prize and a and are currently on displaythem to explore their own personal creativity. Best of Show with a Video in the Design and available for staff and category. students to check out through This year, many students wanted to enter the Liberty Bell Library.work for the show and it was quite the chal- • Newcomer, Mia Stratman won a firstlenge to select only fifteen pieces to represent prize and Best of Show in Drawing.

4 APRIL 2016 mvpride METHOW VALLEY pride • www.METHOW.orgCOMMUNITY CUB CLUB CONNECTS!RECOGNITION By Katherine Bill The spring Cub Club schedule: Standing on the It’s a dark Monday afternoon in January... students from grades K-5 MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY Shoulders of Giants are filtering into the cafeteria, grabbing a snack, and peeking into the Computer Room and Art Room to see if their mentors have Art: K-4 Garden: K-3 Outdoor: K-3 Chess: 4-5 Sometimes, it takes someone arrived. The mentors- Miller Batson and Methow Arts teaching Robotics: 2-6 Fly-Fishing:2-6 Cooking: 3-6else to see in us what we cannot artist Margaret Kingston are setting up beautiful materials (sup-see in ourselves… For many of plied by grants from PSFA and The Methow Valley Fund), and Cub Club connects stu-us, our successes in life are not they’re ready to create! dents to new friends, asonly driven by our own interests the clubs include studentsand hard work, but by the It’s Tuesday afternoon, and 2nd graders are getting their ski from various grades, andwillingness of someone, a mentor, clothes on, and skiing right out the door to the McCabe Trail also from various schoolsto provide us the opportunity system, on rented equipment all sized and tuned just for them, (including homeschool-and support necessary for us to with leadership from Methow Nordic. Many are supported by ers, mentors from LBHS,succeed. Below are just a few of scholarships, and the mentors have scrambled to make sure ev- and Little Star kinder-the mentors facilitating Internships eryone has appropriate winter clothing, snacks and instruction, garteners). The mixedin support of our students: including many first-time skiers. age groupings allow for students to learn from Christie Moore It’s Thursday afternoon, and kids are dancing, playing chess each other as they work Third Avenue Salon and learning how to groom a horse... all led by enthusiastic and on art, horse grooming, knowledgeable volunteer mentors. gardening, cooking, and Samantha Carlin building robots. Lucid Glassworks Cub Club connects students to knowledgeable community members, and allows the time and tools for students interests to Cub Club connects stu- Don Auburn​ come alive. This year nearly 100 kids have participated in Cub dents to strong communi- Twisp Feed Club- in November, we started with Art, Robotics, Math and ty support, to make these Jasmine Minbashian Chess. Three of these- Art, Robotics and Chess, have been ongoing clubs free or reduced- and Annie B since they started, and they will continue through the end of May. fee. The Public School Methow Valley Riding Funding Alliance (PSFA) Unlimited After spring break, we’re offering four new clubs- Garden, And robotics too! provided funding for Karen ​Lundgren Fly-fishing, Cooking and Outdoor. Registration forms will go Karen’s Family Salon out during the last two weeks of March- we encourage students the Robotics Club to purchase several lego robotics kits, which Andy Hover to sign up early as space is limited! interface with programing software, to create robots that can North ValleyL​ umber Tori Karpenko sense colors, respond to remote controls, drag race, and nearly TwispWorks anything else the students imagine. PSFA and the Methow Valley Nancy Pfi​ef​er Fund also provided support to Methow Arts to help purchase materials and pay for instruction for Art Club. Fork Kari Bown/Tara Rickabaugh The Merc Theater, Methow Nordic and Methow Valley Riding Methow Valley Community Unlimited each provided scholarships for students to attend Dance, Ski and Horse Clubs this winter, and their dedicated School volunteers brought music, skis, snacks, appropriate clothing and Garrett Stanley​ even horses to the school this winter. Each organization brought its own skills, knowledge and passion for these activities, and Hanks provided a way for students to dabble and explore new activities, Jean Koreski many for the first time. Methow Valley Elementary Kent Woodruff This spring, the Methow Valley Fly-Fishing Club has supportedMethow Beaver Project - USFS funding for fly-tying materials for Fly-fishing club, and club Melissa Boonstra mentor Jonathan Stratman has 10 poles for students to use. Asian cooking expert Jean Wilson will be bringing her own recipes, MVSD cooking supplies and volunteering her time and culinary exper- Missi Smith tise. Classroom in Bloom is sponsoring Garden Club, where kids Merc Playhouse​ will create delicious snacks from school-grown food, do outdoor Paul Budrow art projects and play games in the garden. Twips Police Bryan Alexander Stirring up after school fun at Cub Club! We look forward to continuing to expand the menu of Cub Perrygin Lake State Park Club offerings next year. Please share your ideas for additional Nicole Ringold ways to connect student interests to community expertise and Live in Art - Jewelry Design resources. We have great potential to continue to connect and Meghan Sullivan learn, together! Aero Methow Jenna Kokes ILC Seeks Competency-Based Waiver Winthrop Physical Therapy from State Board of EDucation Additional mentors by Sara Mounsey each student designs a personalized of credits. Instead, many have recognized always welcome if learning plan that is: that success measured by their progress you have interest and The Independent Learning Center toward authentic, personalized goals has been serving students since 1992. • Driven by student interests allows them to better prepare for a future expertise. Created to provide an alternative option • Aligned to real-world, project- of their own design. for students who were not thriving in the THANK YOU! comprehensive school or who had dropped based and action-oriented learning Is it working? Data collected over the out of school, the ILC had a flexible experiences past three years strongly suggests that schedule and packet based curriculum. • Supported through community- it’s making a positive difference in many It’s original design allowed students to based internships and mentorship. ways: earn credit through independent learning “As a district, we are attempting to with teachers available to assist as needed. develop students that graduate prepared • On-time graduation rates at the ILC While the school has a long history of a to pursue a variety options that include have soared from 62% three years supportive climate and many students and employment “and” technical education ago to 87% during the last two years. families attest to how it helped students “and” college using a competency-based stay in school and graduate, the school approach to teaching and learning.,” • Discipline rates have plummeted. district felt that students would greatly states Tom Venable, Methow Valley • Perceptual data collected from benefit from increased engagement and School District Superintendent. He further opportunity. added, “As a remote, rural school district, students and families clearly it’s important that our schools provide indicates growth mindset as reflected Since 2012-13, the ILC has been rapidly our students with options.” As our new by their commitment to some form of emerging as a pocket of innovation within programming has evolved we’ve begun to post-secondary educational option our system as reflected by its growing attract students based on their preference after graduating from high school. enrollment. With the support of an for this style of education. Many of our Recognizing “We can’t do it alone,” exceptionally talented teaching staff, ILC students that have chosen to enroll at the one of the district’s core beliefs they have students are engaged in learning through ILC have expressed a desire to move away developed strong partnerships with the what is described as a competency-based from a compliance-based system in which Winthrop Kiwanis, Chelan School of approach to teaching and learning. Fueled success is measured by external motivators Innovation, and Jeff Petty, Director for by student interests and areas of passion, such as traditional grades and acquisition the Puget Sound Consortium of School Innovation.

mvlearning 5APRIL 2016 METHOW VALLEY pride • www.METHOW.orgOh, The Places You’ll Go! NEWSBRIEFS cont. from p. 3By Sara Mounsey and Kim Odell Below are a few excerpts from student reflections written fol- lowing the tour: LBHS Student Monica With a focus on ensuring all students that graduate from the Chavey sees highMethow Valley School District are prepared to pursue a broad range “I used to be scared/intimidated that maybe I wouldn’t be smart value in contributionsof post-secondary educational, vocational and career related-options, enough for college academically, but after touring these smaller to InvestEd Fundsthe Independent Learning Center initiated an “Annual College Tour” colleges I have become motivated to take a placement test, go tofour years ago. “At that time, it was only a small group of juniors and college, and work hard.” Not all high-school agedseniors that attended,” states Sara Mounsey, Independent Learning students are fortunate enoughCenter advisor. Now, we take the entire school!” “I have become motivated and confident in my ability to go to to afford playing sports, take college. This confidence has driven me to want to work harder in necessary exams, apply for col- This year’s adventure engaged sixteen students in multiple tours school…” lege, or even shop for clothes tothat included: wear to school. Many of these students aren’t aware of the Bellingham Technical College “While on the college tour, I learned a lot, not just about the col- fund at Liberty Bell that can Western Washington University leges, but about myself. This year’s college tour was the first time allow them to be successful in Skagit Valley College I have ever really thought about going to college. I could actually any aspect pertaining to school. Whatcom Community College picture myself in the college setting.” As my senior project, I’ve “I am going to take what I have learned in those taken on the opportunity to three days and apply it to my everyday life.” learn about this program and how it relates to students at “I was surprised to find out how affordable col- Liberty Bell. After researching lege really is and honestly it really isn’t that long of and contacting an administrator a processes... I definitely want to give my kids a life of  “InvestEd”, I found that this that they deserve and going to college is the first step. program is much more unique What I plan on doing now that I know what I need to than ordinary school-funding do is keep pushing myself daily even when it’s hard organizations. InvestEd part- and remember - I can do it!” ners with schools in Washing- ton to assist any student with “While I was at Western and sitting in the cafeteria, immediate and individualized I felt like I was at home and I belonged there. Feeling aid. like that made me really happy….I want to go to Western and do their “pre-med” program.” With the help of my men- tor Debbie Bair, I was able to “I am really looking forward to my future.” explore the InvestEd fund at Liberty Bell specifically. In 2014, “During the college tour, I learned that I want to go $3,352.84 was spent helping to a small college. I also learned that the certification students in our high school. I want to get will only take me about a year.” It’s allowed students to afford college credits, AP Tests, year-ILC students on tour at Bellingham Technical College. books, senior cap and gowns, glasses, shoes, and in one case,Integration of Subject Areas Makes has allowed a student to afford a haircut for his first job inter-Learning Come Alive for Students view. This program supports a substantial amount of studentsBy Anne Anderson of Inquiry” and “Central Questions” that are many times throughout the Primary Years at Liberty Bell every school based on “Concepts” that have broad mean- program and the Middle Years program. year, and is currently lacking in “If we adopt the International Baccalaure- ings. Examples of these concepts include: This allows students to think, reflect, and its funds. Along with spreadingate framework, what will happen to social Connection, Perspective, Responsibility, develop deeper understandings of these con- the word to students about thestudies and science?” “Will there still be art?” Causation, and Change. For example, an cepts. This spiraling of conceptual thought availability of this program, I“What goes away?” These were questions integrated unit focused on change could is just one of the ways that the IB program aim to reach out to the commu-some parents and teachers had last year, as might focus on: facilitates alignment across grade levels and nity to consider a contribution.MVES and Liberty Bell began an exploration subject areas.  Now, rather than just beingand implementation of the IB Primary Years • How we change from a 12 hour separate, compartmentalized segment of the Methow Valley El- clock into a 24 hour clock (math). school day, social studies, science and art are ementary PTO OffersThe prepared piano begs a question, integrated, making them come alive for all Additional Springapplicable to both music and science. • How a substance changes from students at all levels.     Events to FosterProgram and Middle years programs. one form to another (science). School Pride and Community The answer to these questions is becom- • H o w t h e s o c i e t i e s c h a n g eing more evident in elementary and middle over time (social studies). The Methow Valley Elemen-school classrooms every day. The IB program tary PTO strives to providevalues all subject areas equally. The design • How physical development is staff support and meaningful,of the units of study brings subject area affected by intrinsic and ex- fun family events that instillstandards and content together in ways that trinsic factors (Health and PE). a sense of school pride in ourmake sense to kids and give them real-world students. We have had greatcontexts to ground their learning. Inquiry • How art forms evolve as the world success with our volunteeris an important thread across all units and changes.     room and recent events suchall grade levels, enabling students to learn as the Winter Wonderlandthe lifelong skills of thinking, working with Once a unit like this is completed, students Seventh grade math students use their Carnival and Family Skateothers, research, self-management and com- have a new and expanded understanding knowledge of architects ratios to design Night. We hope you’ll joins usmunication using their natural curiosity of an enduring concept they will encounter a sustainable house plan. as we continue the fun withabout the world, how it works, and their many times throughout their lives. Transdis- our upcoming Spirit Week,place within it.   ciplinary themes and concepts are revisited Talent Show, and End Of Year Carnival.  When teachers design integrated units ofstudy, they begin by identifying “Statements Day of the Dead masks itegrating Spanish language, culture, and art.

6 April 2016 mvspotlight METHOW VALLEY pride • www.METHOW.orgIn theSpotlight: REFLECTIONS FROM ABROAD ONContributing Locally and GloballyBy Shay Crandall, Liberty Bell Student Over the past three winters, I have beenventuring down with my family to a smallstate in Mexico named Colima. We have livedin the tiny town of Cofradia de Suchitlan.  Itspopulation is about 2,000, about the size ofTwisp but more densely populated.   We were there as members of Project Amigo,a non-profit that supports poor rural, school-age children with access to an education. Ourjob is to coordinate volunteers who come downfor service workweeks. The volunteers comefrom Canada and the United States. The servicework consists of distributing clothes and schoolsupplies as well as physical work like pouringconcrete, planting trees and painting. Whenwe’re not working, we also had a chance tospend time with their families so we could learnmore about their lives. When Project Amigo started working here, Shay Crandall - on the job with Project Amigo - a growing service work organization in Colima, Mexico.there was just one woman teaching under atree. Now it has six teachers, 4 classrooms, current wage is about $5-10 a day. Boys startbathrooms, a brand new kitchen with a cover working in the cane fields when they are aboutand concrete floor, play equipment and is 12 years old.  The girls look after the young onesscheduled to receive tables under a covered area so everyone else can work.  There are not manyin anticipation of the rainy season. That is one opportunities to continue their education.of the many success stories of Project Amigo.It is amazing going to Quesera and seeing how One of my favorite workweeks, weresilient and happy they are even they have so taught English to the becarios (scholarship).little. Despite the harshness of their lives, the Throughout the week, we worked withyounger kids just walk up to you and give you different students.  With the students I workeda big hug. with, we would exchange English for Spanish, I think that my Spanish and their English For me, what has touched me the most during improved a lot. This week really bonds themy time spent volunteering was working at a students with the volunteers. We went formigrant camp in the nearby town of Quesaria. walks, had scavenger hunts and just had a goodThe camp is a poor place that houses migrant time exploring together, in English and Spanish.sugar cane cutters and their families. TheTeaching English and learning Spanish with the becarios. With dad, Rob Crandall, juggling the work and play! 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 7April 2016 METHOW VALLEY pride • www.METHOW.org WINTEr ATHLETE PROFILES SPORTS Girl’s Basketball: Monica Chavey REPORT Has play- ing sportsCheer team wrapped up a successful first year back as an official LBHS activity. While supporting many teams through the Fall and affected yourWinter seasons, Cheer has made an impact at games, in the hallways, and throughout the community. They bravely took on ambitious life?goals, including the reintroduction of the school fight song, and the support of many school functions other than athletic events. 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 quali- ties 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 Wash- ington University pursuing a future in business. Wrestling: Jacob McMillanLiberty Bell Wrestling continued their tradition of success Boy’s Basketball had an outstanding winter, finishing the Central How haswith qualifying three wrestlers to State. Meritt Fink finished Washington B League North season tied for third. Their hard work and playing sportshis career with a second State title, Jacob McMillan finished perseverance earned them a slot into the district tournament, wherefifth at State, and Kaleb Martin qualified, but was unable to they failed to advance further into the playoffs. Seniors Connor Cooley affected yourwrestle because of illness. This season’s wrestlers exempli- and Micah Klemmeck both received second team all-league honors. life?fied discipline and courageousness throughout their season. It kept me motivated to Knowledge Bowl continued continue my high school educa- tion. It taught me good personal their rich tradition of qualities like perseverance and dedication. excellence by placing What advice can you give to a second as a team at this freshman? year’s State Knowledge Don’t turn down opportunities just because you’ve never tried it. Bowl competition. Just because you have never tried something doesn’t mean you Knowledge Bowl started won’t like it. with over 20 participants Cheer: KayDee and beat out nearly all Sims of the region’s teams What is a fond throughout the winter. memory that will stay The team displayed their with you? Going to wrestling regionals ability to solve complex and stunting in the pool! What goals have you set after problems and proved to graduation? I’m going to attend Central be knowledgable across Washington University. I’m not sure what I’m going to major in, wide array of disciplines. but I hope to find something that I love! The team was eventually What advice can you give to a freshman? represented by six students Don’t worry too much about what other people think. Just get at the State competition.  out there and have fun!Coach’s Corner: Boy’s Basketball: Q&A with Coach Korrie Bourn ConnorLiberty Bell High School coached at Liberty Bell for 17 sible. We, as humans, are capable have a positive mental attitude. Cooleygirl’s assistant basketball years, so in the years before I was of incredible feats if we work to- Q: What are the most im-coach, Korrie Bourn on the high school team, I was still gether, are mentally tough, open- How has spending my time in the gym or minded, kind and remember to portant lessons you’ve learned playing sports Q: Will you please share a bit watching game film. Basketball enjoy each moment. In short, I through your participation in affected your life?about yourself, and where your was a steadfast friend all through wouldn’t trade my experience basketball?passion for playing and coaching my childhood. for anything and I feel incredibly It’s given me another reasonbasketball comes from? grateful. A: I have learned what it means to make sure I always have good Q: You have a lot of experi- to make sacrifices in order to grades and an opportunity to A: Growing up in the Methow ence playing basketball at a high Q: What is your coaching phi- pursue a childhood dream. In become even closer with friendsValley has contributed greatly to level, could you tell us about losophy? high school that meant a state that I may never get a chance towho I am. I have a love for the your playing experience? championship, in college it meant play sports with again.outdoors and all of the activities A: My coaching philosophy is a national championship (in kin-it offers, in particular: hiking, A: I am forever grateful for the centered on open communication. dergarten it meant being able What goals have you set afterbiking, river rafting, and running. experience of playing collegiate It’s important for each person to dunk or making it into the graduation?I also love a good book or a chal- basketball. I’ll always remember to know the expectations that WNBA). On the other side of thatlenging puzzle. Essentially, my how hard the first year of playing are in place, either for the team I have learned what it feels like to I plan to attend either Gonza-passion for playing and coaching was. The level of commitment as a whole or individually. On fall short of your highest goal and ga, Whitworth, or Seattle U andbasketball started when I was and mental toughness that was the surface, basketball is a sport the heartache that comes with it. major in pre-med or pre-dental. Iborn. My father, Mike Bourn, required led to a point where I had based on a certain athletic skills Then I learned the greatest thing also hope to play basketball. to make the decision that I was all and fundamentals, but it’s also of all, it’s all about the journey. in and nothing was going to stop a platform that can be used to All of my life was spent trying What advice can you give to a me from not only playing, but improve life skills and who one to reach my “big” goals, when freshman? playing successfully. Making that is as a person. For that reason, really every day I was as lucky as decision led to four unforgettable my philosophy has a core set of could be because I was playing Practice as much as possible years and memories that I will expectations focused on building my favorite sport surrounded by and work as hard as you can cherish forever. It’s a remarkable character: always work hard, be wonderful teammates, coaches, feeling when you are able to work a good teammate, hold yourself fans, communities and my family. together with a group of people accountable, be mentally tough, I’ve learned the importance of be- who have the same goals and a communicate with yourself, your ing grateful for everyday and for desire to achieve as much as pos- teammates and your coach, and the life I am able to live.

8 April 2016 mvpride METHOW VALLEY pride • www.METHOW.orgCALENDAR FOODS 2 CLASS TAKES THE CAKEAPRIL By Rebecca ThomsonApr 15 Soccer vs Bridgeport 11:00 If asked, could you create a meal The winning entry, a bacon caesar salad in a whole wheat tortilla bowl.Apr 19 Soccer vs Tonasket 4:30 from scratch in 35 minutes? Could youApr 20 Softball vs Omak 4:30 also ensure that everything on the plate to continue to a competition between the competition took place, had aApr 21 HS Track @ LBHS Quad 4:00 meets USDA guidelines for a nutritious multiple schools. noticeably intense atmosphere. MikeyApr 22 Soccer vs Oroville 4:30 meal? Finally, can you plate the meal in Hafsos and Zane Herrera were able toApr 25-28 Consent Week a way that is creative and appetizing? The winning group from LB made a complete the preparation of their mealApr 27 Board meeting caesar salad with bacon. This may not just in time for evaluation by a panel ofApr 28 Baseball vs Pateros DH 4:00 The students in the Foods 2 class sound like a healthy meal, but students judges. The rest of the class sat nearbyApr 28 Softball vs Pateros 4:00 pm were challenged with this scenario displayed their creativity by making and cheered Mikey and Zane on as theyApr 28 JH Track home meet during a nutrition unit that culminated changes that included substituting slaved over a hot burner and effortlesslyApr 29 Professional Day – No school with a cooking competition between canadian bacon, a lean alternative to created a caesar dressing from scratch.Apr 30 Prom 8:00 – 10:00 three schools at Sun Mountain Lodge. traditional bacon and crafting a bowl The judges determined the team The students worked hard to meet and for the salad with whole wheat tortillas from Cashmere high school to be theMay excel in this endeavor. to satisfy the grain requirement. winners, but we came away with fun memories and excitement for nextMay 2 9th grade Orientation When planning to create a meal Students from Cashmere, and Omak year’s competition.May 3 Softball vs Okanogan 4:30 that meets MyPlate guidelines, there High School were pitted against LibertyMay 3 Baseball vs Okanogan 4:30 are some import rules to follow. Half Bell at a competition in February. TheMay 4 Tennis vs Entiat 4:00 of the plate needs to be fruits and room at Sun Mountain Lodge, whereMay 4 NHS induction ceremony vegetables and half needs to be grainsMay 4 AP test – English and and proteins. This means that you must composition 12th grade measure everything. Sometimes thisMay 5 Tennis vs Pateros 4:00 means converting cups to ounces andMay 5 Softball vs Manson 4:30 weighing items before and after theyMay 5 Baseball vs Manson 4:30 are cooked. This was a difficult part ofMay 5 Senior Night this challenge, but the students workedMay 6 AP test US History together to accomplish this feat.May 7 SATMay 11 AP test – English and Each of the student teams had composition 11th grade one trial run in class. This was theirMay 11 Board meeting opportunity to make their recipesMay 12 AP test – Comparative within the allotted 35 minute timeframe Government and Politics and practice creative plating. After theMay 16 7th grade Orientation practice opportunity, the studentsMay 17 JH Track League altered anything that did not work Championship @ Tonasket and we held an in-class competition.May 18 Senior presentations From this event, one group was chosenMay 21 HS Track districtMay 24 6th grade tour of LBHS 5th Grade Math is Top row, from left: Kellen Miles, Sawyer Crandall, Carter Sheley,May 25 Board meeting Cool wins 2nd place Graham Sheley Middle row: Coach Seth Miles, Eamon Monahan,May 26-28 HS State Track Meet in Wenatchee region Jayden Hammer, Isaac Simmons, Avery Catlin, Coach HaroldMay 30 Memorial Day – No school Sheley Bottom row: Alex Dufresne, Macey Crum, Addison Strat- by Harold Sheley man, Connor Herlihy Not pictured: Madison StraussJune The 5th Grade Math is Cool team traveled toJune 1 Baccalaureate 7:00-8:00 Wenatchee on March 19 for one of 6 regional com-June 2 Awards Night 7:00-8:30 petitions happening around the state. The com-June 3 MVSD graduation 7:00-8:30 petition consists of individual math tests, mentalJune 10 Last day of school 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, miss- ing first place by just 4 points and improving over their third place win last year (as fourth grad- ers). 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. mvpride FACILITIES UPDATE We’re not digging dirt just yet, but progress and planning are underway! Please submit your comments Methow Valley to Bud Hover at [email protected] or send your School District hand written feedback to the attention of Bud Hover, District Office at 18 Twin Lakes Rd., Winthrop, WA 18 Twin Lakes Road, 98862 no later than Friday, April 22. Winthrop, WA 98862 A provisional schedule for facilities improvements as a result of the recent Capital Project Levy. (509) 996-9205; www.methow.org Editor: Tom Venable, superintendent, (509) 996-9205; [email protected] Design: Erik BrooksMethow Valley School District is an EqualOpportunity Employer and complies withall federal rules and regulations includingTitle IX/RCW 28A.640 and Sec. 504. TheMethow Valley School District does notdiscriminate on the basis of race, color,national origin, sex or handicap, includingstudent participation in all educationalprograms and extracurricular activities.Contact the superintendent about Title IXor Section 504 compliance procedures.