Methow Valley School District

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Spotlight p. 6: Interdisciplinary Learning

NOVEMBER 2016

A POWERFUL STATE MENT!

On November 5th the girl’s XC team brought home the first-ever State Championship for any girl’s team at Liberty Bell High School. Their 24 points was the 4th lowest ever by any size school boys or girls in the history of the meet (low score wins)! Left to right: Erik & Sarah Brooks, Taya Delong, Ava Mott, Sage Borgias, Lucy Cole, Gretta Scholz, Athena Milani, Novie McCabe, Rivers Leeman, Icel Sukavoty, and Craig Herlihy.

Unlimited Opportunity By Jasmine Minbashian relationship building,

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“Who is a little ner- Cooperation, and vous?” problem solving At the Several small hands raised from a circle of heart of Let ‘em ride children who were preparing to learn about horses and horsemanship at the Methow Valley Riding Unlimited (MVRU). By the end of the day, the nerves were gone and they were shouting “horses are awesome!” For the last ten years, MVRU and the Methow Valley School District have teamed up to create “Let ‘Em Ride,” a program for elementary school children that fosters social and emotional development in an outdoor learning environment interacting with horses. Horses serve as the prime facilitators of the program. As prey animals, horses are incredibly sensitive and highly perceptive. They strongly identify and mirror emotions, actions, and body language of their human partner. This makes them very effective at helping kids build self-awareness, focus and confidence. Let ‘Em Ride is a ten week session that revolves around a theme – Connections make all the difference at Methow Valley Riding Unlimited. such as building relationships, cooperation, and problem solving – that is demonstrated through games and team-building activities. This fall’s theme - was “Making a Difference.” Each day examined how we make a difference through activities such as grooming, learning to halter and lead, and riding the horses. Horsemanship skills are taught in a way that reinforce the session’s theme and to build strong character: compassion, self-control, and team work. Students reflect on their daily experiences by writing in a journal. MVRU sends updates to families each week with topics covered and ways to help reinforce some of the lessons from their experiences and implement them in their daily lives. The special interaction between the horses and students, along with focused curriculum, has helped make a significant impact in many students’ lives. One teacher commented on his student: “I wanted to let you know that [my student] had a great time yesterday. I can’t begin to tell you how profound the experience was for him. He is a different kid today. He came back to class yesterday and spoke with me more than he has all year. He was enthusiastic and upbeat, which has not been his norm. As student, he seems empowered today. He has been a bit of a reluctant learner, but today he has approached each task with a new sense of confidence. He seems to trust in his abilities, and to be willing to keep going even when the going gets tough. Thanks for doing what you do, and for giving him this opportunity.” MVRU extends their deep gratitude to the following people for helping make this program possible: Program Non-profit org. staff Annie Budiselich, Jasmine Minbashian and Denise Tompetrini and to our stellar volunteers Deb ThorlakU.S. Postage son, Cindy Mackie, Janie McMillan, Kirsten Vanderhalf, Bo Thrasher, and Terry Dixon. We also are grateful to PAID the amazing staff and teachers at Methow Valley Elementary School, the Methow Valley Public School Funding Permit No. 241 Alliance, the Methow Fund, the Winthrop Kiwanis, and a very special thank you to school counselor Brooke Lucy. Wenatchee WA 98801

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

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To find out more about Moccasin Lake Ranch and all the programs they offer, go to www.mvriding.org.

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C olle g e GIVING advisor THANKS position expands

After School Excellence

I’m sending a huge thank you to each of our after-school childcare providers - Bo Thrasher, Claire LeDuc, Elise Knight and Kelsey McGill. In just 10 weeks these four skilled teachers have established new routines for our families, developed meaningful relationships with each child, and both literally and metaphorically pioneered new trails through our campus. Their patience, courage, resilience and commitment has made a real difference for every child in our program. I can’t wait to see where the positive momentum they’ve generated continues to lead! I am also completely in awe of the time and energy that our Cub Club enrichment activity leaders have given to our MVE students this fall: Jonathan Stratman, Jennifer Simmons, Classroom in Bloom, Methow Arts, Sarah Berns, Ann Diamond, The Merc Theater, and Jean Wilson. THANK YOU. - Katharine Bill

Artsy Accolades!

I would like to share my appreciation for organizations in the Valley like the Methow Arts Alliance and the Merc Theater for working with our schools to make sure that quality visual and performing arts and artist mentors are available for our children throughout the school year. Special individual shoutouts for Ashley Lodato and Erik Brooks for their unwavering commitment to the MVES Young Authors Conference each year and to Missi Smith for creating amazing theater experiences for our Methow Valley students throughout the year.   - Anne Andersen

Calculated Support

I want to give a huge thank you to James Mitchell and Susanne Alexander. They come in to my classroom each day during math and support a variety of students. I love having them around kids and students love working with them. They are super helpful. My classroom is a better place to be as a result of their help. Thank you James and Susanne! - Tyler Slostad

Energetic Additions

By Ann McCreary Whether a student is contemplating trade school after graduating from high school or has sights set on a prestigious four-year college, information and support are essential to helping students plan for their future after graduation. To ensure all students at Liberty Bell High School and the Independent Learning Center graduate with the widest range of post-secondary educational, vocational and career-related opportunities possible, Public School Funding Alliance is partnering with Methow Valley School District to significantly expand the college advisor position this year. “I recognize the diversity in our families and understand that what might be right for one student may not be a good fit for another,” said Erika Spellman, who is the new high school college advisor. “I work individually with students and their families to help them develop and achieve their post-graduation goals –whether that is applying to a four-year, two-year or technical college, designing a productive gap year plan, or entering the military or workplace,” Spellman said. Spellman brings experience as a teacher and as a college and career advisor in the Edmonds and Shoreline school districts in the Seattle area. She and her family moved to the Methow Valley this year. She recently returned from taking 22 juniors and seniors on a college tour field trip to Spokane. Students visited Whitworth College, Eastern Washington University and attended the Spokane College Fair. “The trip was inspirational, eye-opening, emotional and educational for each and every student,” she said. Among the group of 22 students on the tour, only five came from families with parents who had attended college. For these first generation college-bound students and their parents, contemplating college “can be daunting,” Spellman said.

Funding has tripled this year to expand the hours and services of the college advisor, a position that has been supported for several years by Public School Funding Alliance. This year, Methow Valley School District is providing funds to match PSFA’s allocation. The college advisor is just one of almost two dozen programs and projects supported this year by PSFA that expand and enrich public education for all students in Methow Valley public schools. All of these opportunities are made possible through donations from the community. PSFA’s annual fundraising campaign continues throughout the fall, raising money to support a wide variety of opportunities that encourage our students to grow personally and academically, and pursue what they love about learning. Among the programs supported by PSFA this year are:

school exciting. Thanks to my mentor David Aspholm for showing me the ropes. Thanks to Laura Schrager for her guidance and support and thanks to the 7th grade team for helping me understand!

- Lisa Monahan

- Scott Barber

I want to thank Kelly Grayum, Adam Kaufman, Tyler Slostad, Chase Rost and Jonathan Stratman for showing me around the Valley and the North Cascades and making life outside of

The Methow Valley has many first generation college students.  Being the first in their family to go to college can be a benefit.  “When you are a first generation college student, universities and colleges are eager to help provide not only financial assistance if needed, but other scholarship opportunities specific to their situation,” Spellman said. In fact, just coming from a rural area and small school district like the Methow Valley can help students in their application to college. “When college recruiters look at a map and see that students come from here, it works in their favor,” she said. Colleges strive to create diverse student bodies, and that means including students from rural school districts. Spellman works closely with seniors and juniors and their parents to help them through the complex process of applying to college – making college lists, completing applications, writing essays, evaluating financial aid needs, and preparing for the SAT and ACT tests. Even for parents who attended college or have advanced degrees, the college application process has become complicated, challenging and competitive, she said. “Applying to college should be a fun and exciting process, but at times it can be a bit overwhelming,” Spellman said. “The process has changed so much and keeps changing. When I applied to school the University of Washington was a ‘safety school.’ Now that’s not the case.” Part of her work is cultivating the idea of college and careers in students at an early age. To do that she plans on spending time

with 7th and 8th grade students to develop post-high school career and college “vision boards.” Students will create posters to illustrate what they envision for their future. “It’s kind of like planting the seed and educating them on careers and the training they need for those careers. Is it a four-year degree, two-year degree or trade school?” Although her title is “college advisor” Spellman stresses that she works to help students plan for a variety of post-graduation education and career options. “I’m working to introduce them to different career pathways and career fields. A welder is a career field, an electrician is a career field,” she said. “I want kids to find the best fit for them. If it’s Yale or Princeton, or Wenatchee Valley College, or Lake Washington Technical College, I’m going to help them all the same way.” To help students and parents with their planning, Spellman hosts college and career information evenings; works with the school guidance counselor to make sure 9th and 10th graders are taking classes needed for college admission; holds college application, essay and financial aid workshops; and leads college tours. Spellman feels that having an advisor in the schools to work with students specifically on post-graduation planning is essential to their success after high school. “That is kind of the point.  We tell students, ‘We want you to graduate and go off into the world and be successful.’ Having access to a college advisor, one more person in their corner, makes their chances of a successful future that much brighter.”

PSFA fundraising continues through fall to support academic enrichment

I would like to extend a Thank you and Kudos to Genny Rice for her hard work and thoughtful, intentional planning meeting students learning needs at a variety of levels. She is a caring and reflective educator and will be missed after her demonstration teaching is over in 7th grade Earth Science and 10th-grade Biology. I’d also like to Thank Katie Leuthauser for adding her energy and love of teaching to the science department. We’re glad you’re here! With Gratitude.

Grateful Guidance

New college counselor Erica Spellman engages with students.

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Violin instruction for 3rd and 4th grade students Cub Club after-school programs such as robotics, chess and fly-tying Spanish language and culture for elementary students

Supportive Service

Thank you Room One for your continued partnership with our schools. On behalf of our entire staff and student body, I want to extend my appreciation to Adrianne Moore and Ellen Dunguay for teaching

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Let ‘Em Ride program for students with special needs MVE library improvement initiative Tutoring for high school students 7th grade cultural field trip Math/science 7th grade field trip Advanced construction field trip Graphing calculators Junior class Close Up trip to Washington D.C. Project-based learning at the ILC Methow Arts visual and performing arts in the schools Classroom In Bloom schoolyard garden International Baccalaureate program development

PSFA has received requests this year for additional programs that we would love to support, but lack the funding. If you have already made a contribution to PSFA this year, THANK YOU!! If not, please consider joining the hundreds of donors who support academic enrichment in Methow Valley public schools. You can learn more about PSFA and make a tax-deductible donation online at www.methowvalleypsfa.org, or by mail to Public School Funding Alliance, P.O. Box 695, Winthrop, WA 98862.

healthy relationships to our students in grades 7-12. Ellen mentors our Monday HS Girls Group and our Wednesday JH Girls Group. In addition to providing classroom instruction, they also provide important leadership and support through their participation on the Social and Emotional Committee. Room One continues to be a resource for all of our teens who need additional support. - Deborah DeKalb

Terrific Tutor

I would like to give Thanks to Dotti Wilson for being a spectacular tutor for so many students throughout the years, for mentoring students, for getting to know them and showing true compassion for the students she works with, AND ALL The students at the school. She is committed, diligent, humorous, fun and endearing. I don’t know what I would do without her support! - Dani Golden

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LEARNING THROUGH INTERNSHIPS

Through community connections, ACTION-ORIENTED Citizens can thrive! Compiled by Lisa Monahan “Working in partnership with our families and community, we develop curious, creative, compassionate, competent, actionoriented citizens prepared to change the world.” This is the vision of the Methow Valley School District. In an effort to translate the District’s vision into reality, our schools have initiated community-based internship program called “Learning Through Internships” (LTI). As part of a personalized approach to learning, LTI is an instructional strategy that promotes development of action-oriented citizens that graduate prepared to pursue the widest range of post-secondary educational, vocational, and employment options possible. Internships Provide Students with Authentic, Real-World Learning Experiences: As an affiliate of Big Picture Learning, students enrolled at the Independent Learning Center are engaged in a competencybased learning program. This personalized approach to teaching and learning begins with the development of an Individualized Learning Plan (LP) for every student. Every student’s LP is fueled by their interests. Using the interests reflected in each student’s LP, advisors actively engage each learner through a combination of core coursework, student-initiated projects, real-world internships, and authentic exhibitions of student learning.

Natalie Treise with Paul Budrom and co.

Leo Shaw interviews Bruce Morrison under the direction of Terry Hunt. Under the direction of ILC advisors Sara Mounsey and Kim Odell, and Mentorship Coordinator, Kelleigh McMillan, ILC students participate in community-based internships up to two days per week. Some of the many organizations currently supporting an ILC intern include: Twisp Works, Evans Concrete, Little Star, Head Start, Methow Valley Riding Unlimited, Twisp Feed and Rental, Ranching with Bill White, and Plantas Nativa East. Several other organizations and individuals have graciously hosted students for job shadows, including: Yo Dog, Rocking Horse Bakery, Methow Recycles, and farrier, Eli Smith. Similar to the ILC, Liberty Bell has expanded its efforts to promote a more personalized approach to teaching and learning by initiating a LTI elective course. Facilitated by Lisa Monahan, the LTI course allows students to explore areas of high interest, develop their skills and knowledge within a real-world setting, and receive the support of a skillful and caring community-based mentor. Each internship culminates with a student exhibition of their learning. At present, 17 Liberty Bell students are participating in an internship. Some of the many community-based organizations

supporting Liberty Bell interns include: Room One, Aero Methow, Methow Arts, Twisp Police, Winthrop Physical Therapy, TwispWorks, Methow Valley News, EQPD, Methow Valley Elementary School, and Sawtooth Dental. What does it look and sound like? Leo Shaw and Terry Hunt: Leo and Terry are working on a video profile of sculptor Bruce Morrison. Through this process, Leo is learning the technical knowledge required for capturing and editing footage, working with software programs and organizational tools used in planning and production, and developing the craft associated with interviewing people and sharing their story. They have discussed complex questions associated with ethics in media production and the importance of respect and courtesy when addressing the personal and sometimes sensitive material that can arise when highlighting a person’s life story. Natalie Treise and Paul Budrow: Natalie is fulfilling an interest in detective work by

ILC Students Get Inspired about Local Government By Kim Odell & Students

Do you ever wonder if you live in a modern utopia or dystopia? Well, students at the Independent Learning Center have pondered this question. While reading dystopian novels and writing their own dystopian short stories, ILC students have been inspired to take a closer look at concepts like governance, society, and freedom at the local level. Using an inquiry-based approach Kim Odell and her students have gained firsthand knowledge by meeting with one of our former county commissioners as well as both candidates for the position of Okanogan County Commissioner District 2. During their meetings, they’ve explored issues such as public land, jobs, local economy and public health. According to Neela Mitchell, “Being a commissioner is a lot about budgeting.” To further deepen their understanding of local government, Odell’s advisory students wrote to various departments of Okanogan

Interships continued on p.6

inquiry based exploratioN A UNIQUE AND INFORMATIVE EXPERIECE

County asking for informational interviews to see how our County is run - as well as what jobs are available in these departments. They took a field trip and discovered that our local government is quite transparent and accessible to the public and that the actions of our Okanogan County departments do affect us directly on a daily basis. With the election ramping up, Kaleb Mowen informed us that “the auditor’s office deals with the election. You ILC students in conversation with Commissioner Candidate, Andy Hover. can get ballots from them with money and this could be interested in working for the and you can send your ballots a potential job for me.” county roads department, in to them. They have all the Mercedes Evans shared an affirms, “About 8 million election ballots in a locked opposing opinion, “To me, dollars goes to the road up room with a big steel door the Treasurer’s job seems to department.” with locks on all the boxes. Oborne shares that, “I am the be stressful. They have so There always has to be two much to do and if I had that ILC’s treasurer, so it was neat people in the room at the same job I would be pulling my hair to see the difference between time.” out. And it seems like if you a school treasurer and the As to where our tax monies make a mistake, it would be county treasurer. The treasurer are spent, Cameron Taylor chaos and loads of trouble. said the office is similar to a states that, “The Treasurer is I’m honestly impressed how bank, they get money in and the person who deals with Treasurer Leah McCormack send money out. I enjoyed the distribution of money remembers everything she is visiting the treasurer’s office throughout the county.” because I’m good at dealing Jed McMillan, who is ILC continued on p.5

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NEWS BRIEFS ILC Receives North Central Education Foundation Teacher Classroom Award The Independent Learning Center was recently notified that they have been selected to receive a $300 grant from the North Central Education Foundation. The award, made possible through the generous donation provided by the Woods Family Music and Arts Fund is part of a competitive grant process where grants are provided to classroom teachers committed to the integration of the arts within the classroom. The ILC will use the grant funds in support of a project titled, “Objects in Methow Valley History.” Thank you North Central Education Foundation for your support of the arts and our schools!

MVSD Music Program Awarded $1,000 Winthrop Music Association Grant In an effort to develop a “System of Exceptional Teaching and Learning,” one of the district’s six strategic areas of focus, the Methow Valley School District continues to expand its visual and performing arts programs. This has been made possible in part by the generous support of our community partners, one of which includes the Winthrop Music Association who recently provided the MVSD with a $1,000 donation in support of our music programs. Thank you Winthrop Music Association

GIVING THANKS CONTINUED for your generous support!

Terrific Tutor

I would like to acknowledge the Summer Food Program Team.  During our first year of offering the program, our goal was 40 lunches per day.  We served 10 lunches most days and averaged only 17 lunches served over the course of the summer. This past summer, five years later, we served an average of 48 lunches per day, with some days reaching as many as 80 lunches! - Liz Weeks

First Rate Fishing

Thank you to ALL who helped make the Methow Valley Elementary Fly Fishing Club such a meaningful and rewarding experience for students: to Don Haley, Erik Loukota, Mike Kamansky, and Tyler Slostad for patiently sharing their wisdom and expertise, and thanks as well to Katharine Bill for doing an amazing job overseeing not just fly-fishing, but ALL of the Cub Club activities. Thanks to Kevin van Bueren and Chris Pasley for making our on-thewater experiences a reality. - Jonathan Stratman

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FALL inTO WINTER: A GARDEN IN TRANSITION molecules into ammonia which then rains down in the soil in a usable form of nitrogen.

By Kate Posey As our school garden snuggles in for the winter we remember our fall highlights and reflect on the season’s accomplishments. We’re switching gears towards monthly classroom visits where we will explore seed germination, cooking, and crop planning lessons. Our Garden Coordinator, Emily Post, shares our first indoor lesson:

1,962 pounds of produce went into school lunches this year!

Another way is through the humble pea plant. All plants in the legume family (peas, beans, alfalfa, clover, lupine and more) have the ability to be in a symbiotic relationship with rhizobia. The rhizobia takes nitrogen from the air and turns it into ammonia (a form of nitrogen) thus feeding the plant while the plant feeds the rhizobia its sugar. Now the Nitrogen is in a fully usable form for other plants and later on down the food chain-animals, to eat.

What to do on a rainy garden day? A few weeks ago we planted a cover crop of rye and Austrian winter peas. For our rainy indoor garden project we brought some of the peas inside. Using our magnifying lenses and the microscopes in the classrooms we were able to look closely at the roots and the little white/pink nodules clinging to them. We discussed how these nodules are caused by the nitrogen fixing bacteria called rhizobia.

One of my favorite things about teaching these kids is how naturally observant and curious they are. Some kids dissected the nodules and discovered that they are red inside. With further research we discovered that the red nodules are the ones filled with the most active bacteria. Another student asked if nitrogen could be passed along the food chain from one animal eating another.

The students learned that although 78% of the Earth’s atmosphere is made of nitrogen, the nitrogen i s inert and unavailable for plants and animals to use.

It was a fun rainy day of discovery and putting our brains to work.

There are only a few ways that nitrogen can be unlocked for use. The most exciting way is through lightening! The powerful strikes transform atmospheric nitrogen

Get the monthly garden scoop and see lots of photographs by subscribing to our monthly e-newsletter at http://www.classroominbloom.org/follow-us1/

Perhaps not 1,962 pounds of raspberries in this photograph but the crew looks excited and the harvent is aplenty!

TWISPWOrks

Partnership promotes ecOnomic vitality By Tori Karpenko A core pillar of the TwispWorks mission is to promote the economic vitality of the Methow Valley through education. At TwispWorks, we are so excited to be delivering on that mission in new ways through our expanding partnership with the Methow Valley School District and

Brendan and skill saw at the West Shed.

the programs that make TwispWorks their home. After a busy summer of renovations, we were thrilled to welcome the Independent Learning Center to the TwispWorks campus in August. It gives us a great sense of pride to share our working campus with such a dedicated group of faculty and eager group of

ACT students meet, learn from, and work beside local professionals right on campus. students. With dozens of diverse businesses here, students have a wealth of opportunity to explore internships and get hands-on learning with local mentors. We can’t help but notice a deep sense of pride from the students as they become an integral part of the community and the TwispWorks family. Now in its third year, the Advanced Construction Tech (ACT) class embarked on another ambitious building project on the TwispWorks campus this fall. The class is designed to provide students with direct exposure to hands-on learning on a real world job site. Co-teachers Trent Whatley and Tori Karpenko are leading a group of six students on an all-phase remodel of a 900 sq.ft. space that a local caterer will use as a prep/teaching kitchen and event rental space. In September the work got serious early with extensive utilities infrastructure improvements necessary to provide water, sewer, and power to the previously uninsulated building. Students worked with plumbing contractors Dwight Filer and Russ Thomas to gain an introduction to ground work, sewer connections, and the complexities of planning ahead for multiple sinks, floor drains, and water lines. Immediately following, students worked with concrete contractor Ben Evans to prepare form work and steel reinforcement for a concrete slab. The project will continue throughout the winter months with exposure to electrical work with contractor Pat Norwil, insulation, sheetrock, and finish work.

General Contractor Andy McConkey is also working with the students on the project. Special thanks to all of the local contractors who have made a contribution to our student’s education! New this year, students were given a unique opportunity to sample the bigger world of construction through a field trip to Spokane. While there, students participated in the annual “Construction Career Day,” which included a chance to operate heavy equipment and to try out the newest tools in the industry. Later in the day, the students visited the Construction Industry Training Council (CITC) training center, which provides extensive learning opportunities for people interested in advancing their career in the construction industry. Also new this year, the ACT class is utilizing national standards construction industry textbooks in support of learning that happens in the field. A special thank you goes to the Public School Funding Alliance for funding the purchase of textbooks. Welding tech is another core program in the Careers in Construction Academy, hosted at TwispWorks for its fifth consecutive year and full to the brim with 17 students. New students gain a thorough introduction to the basics and advance along with returning students to independent projects. The class also benefits from visits by local metal artists and fabricators throughout the year.

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Poetry takes root in Methow Valley SchoolS By Ashley Lodato, Education Director, Methow Arts Alliance Although poetry has long been a component of most language arts classrooms, about four years ago students and teachers in the Methow Valley School District experienced a renewed interest in exploring poetry from different angles - as performers, as readers, and, ultimately, as poets themselves. This poetry renaissance coincided with - or was perhaps a direct result of - Liberty Bell student Tom Zbyszewski’s successes in the local, regional, and state Poetry Out Loud competitions in 2012-2013. Tom was killed in the Twisp River Fire of 2015, but one of the many gifts he left to the community - and especially to students - was the idea that poetry can be lively, surprising, and fun. Since then, through Methow Arts’ education programs, Methow Valley students have participated in poetry workshops with local poets like Kelleigh McMillan, Sam Lucy, and Cindy Williams Gutiérrez, as well as with Washington State Poets Laureate, including Sam Green, Kathleen Flenniken, Elizabeth Austen, and, most recently, Tod Marshall. Marshall emceed a poetry reading last spring, where high school students took to the Merc stage to read their original poetry. Marshall returned to the Methow Valley in September of 2016 and worked with students in 5th-6th, 7th-8th, and 10th grades. Marshall read some of his own work and then offered prompts and poetry exercises to the students. After the workshops, one student wrote “Poetry makes me feel calmer when I’m stressed out or sad.” Another wrote “I use poetry more than I thought I did!” A week after Marshall’s visit, Seattle teacher, poet, and performer Daemond Arrindell spent two days in Liberty Bell classes working with every English and drama student. Arrindell, who has worked with Methow Valley students in the past, specializes in poetry “slams,” a growing art form that celebrates the power of voice through the competitive art of performance poetry. For the past four years, the Methow Valley has sponsored a robust Poetry Out Loud competition. Poetry Out Loud (POL) is a national

McKenzie Woodworth - performing poetry. memorization and recitation contest that helps students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about literary history and contemporary life. Each December, local high school students compete for slots at local, regional, and state POL competitions. Created in 2006 by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation, Poetry Out Loud gives students an opportunity to work with recitation coaches such as Thome George and Rod Molzahn, who help students select poems from the anthology of allowed poems, provide them with structure for memorization, and coach them on performance skills such as projection, pacing, emphasis, ILC continued from p.3 supposed to do and handles all the things her job requires without pulling her own hair out.” After touring Okanogan’s Public Health Department, Evans shared, “Public Health used to have many employees but now is down to only eleven. I think public health is a great job because they make sure restaurants are healthy.” Klopfenstine notes that, “In the public health department, they do need a degree in nursing. Their jobs are to keep Okanogan County clean and help the public with disease outbreaks.” After a visit to the Okanogan County Coroner, Mitchell stated, “I was very interested, to be honest. I learned that a county with a population over 40,000 must have a Coroner... [and that they} are charge of the body and in charge of finding out the cause of death.” She

and movement. If funding allows, the poetry coaches continue to tutor students throughout the duration of the competitions, as long as students are advancing to the next level. Beginning with Zbyszewski, a Liberty Bell student has won one of two top slots at the regional competition and advanced to the state event; regional winners after Zbyszewski were Liam Daily, Rowan Post, and Lilly Cooley. This year’s local POL competition will be held on Wed, Dec. 14th at the Merc Playhouse in Twisp.

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TODAY’S TECHNOLOGY

TIPS Drew Simmons, Curriculum, Assessment, and Technology Coordinator Working in partnership with families and community, the Methow Valley School District develops curious creative, compassionate, competent, action-oriented citizens. More specifically, this includes the development of students who are principled - students who display integrity, honesty, respect for the rights and safety of others, and take responsibility for their actions. A Changing World

Student poets exploring their own attachment to the landscape. Other upcoming poetry events for students include another poetry reading emceed by Marshall in the spring, and a multi-media event that incorporates poetry and theater (and possibly photography, if funding can be secured). Twisp/Portland award-winning playwrite Cindy Williams Gutiérrez wrote a play that will be performed at the Merc on Memorial Day weekend. The play - Words That Burn: A Dramatization of WWII Experiences of William Stafford, Lawson Inada, and Guy Gabaldón in Their Own Words - brings to life the WWII experiences of three individuals: a conscientious objector (Stafford), a Japanese-American internee (Inada), and a US Marine (Gabaldón). 10th and 11th grade students will take a field trip to see the play and will spend the weeks prior to that trip engaged in workshops that will focus on the poetry and prose of Stafford and Inada. (Pending funding, the experience will also include a photography exhibit and lecture called “Exit Wounds,” which features photographs of veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.) Gutiérrez also teaches an annual poetry residency for Liberty Bell 10th graders. Titled “Make Me Care,” the residency aims to help students develop a sense of place and to express that connection poetically, in the same way that William Stafford’s Methow River poems explore his attachment to that landscape. The students reflected on their own favorite spaces – a lone tree, a grassy meadow, an icy waterfall.

no one    comes                        to     relieve me   of this     solitude      presented     to me                 on a     silver platter      in all its     splendor and i welcome    the heartache

From “Abandoned Tree” by Liliana Hart-Beck, 2015 More student poems can be found at www.methowarts.org/thepoetry-of-place/. At the culmination of a poetry residency, one student best expressed what the art of poetry offers its creators and consumers: “My favorite part was being free with my mind.” This kind of artistic and poetic stimulation finds a warm welcome in a community that so enthusiastically embraces poetry.

also revealed, “...Methow has one of the highest suicide rates in the state. That to me, was really shocking and personal.” Evans continued by expressing, “To be a Coroner they need to have medical and investigative knowledge. Our Coroner, Dave Rodriguez, has dealt with around 200 deaths a year since he became coroner. I thought interviewing the Coroner was an amazing experience. Out of all the people we interviewed, I say this job is the one that grabs my attention.” After spending this quarter researching local government, interviewing district officials, and touring Okanogan County public offices, students at the ILC have gained knowledge about county government and the jobs available in each department. The students reflected upon their learning and concluded - Society is structured, yet complicated. They feel that local officials really want to make a

difference and are effective due to their passion for what they do. In the end, they decided that their biggest takeaway was the realization that there is a lot more to government than the presidential election and we need to get involved if we want to make a difference. Student contributions by Mercedes Evans, Faythe Klopfenstine, Jed McMillan, Neela Mitchell, Kaleb Mowen, Amelia Oborne, and Cameron Taylor. A special thank you to Bud &Andy Hover, Leah McCormack, Dave Rodriguez, Ashley Thrasher, Laurie Thomas and the staff at Okanogan Public Health.

In today’s world, this includes the responsible use of technology. The rapid advancements in technology and the increased use of social media as a form of communication have created exciting learning opportunities as well as real challenges and dangers… This presents a unique set of learning opportunities and challenges for parents as they attempt to support their child’s learning and keep them safe. Beware The Pitfalls Recent studies indicate that one-third of school-age children report experiencing cyber-bullying (online). Kids use social networking sites, cell phones and other technologies to start a rumor, send a photo or forward a message, but it can easily spiral out of control. Cyber-bullying is just one example of the many potential issues that parents need to be aware of and prepare themselves for in support of their child’s safety. So, what can I do as a parent to promote the responsible use of technology and keep my child(ren) safe? In an effort to support parents, the Methow Valley School District has partnered with the North Central Educational Service District (ESD 171) and Parent U. Parent U is a new program designed to educate parents about the internet, social networks, and how to keep children safe. This series consists of five professionally-produced videos for parents to provide an overview of the Internet and the ways in which our children are using it. Parents will learn about social media, cyber-bullying, sexting and more. Parents will also gain insights and ideas on how to talk to their children about staying safe online. For more information, visit: h t t p : / / w w w. n c e s d . o r g / parentu

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mvspotlight

NOVEMBER 2016 METHOW VALLEY pride • www.METHOW.org

INTERDICIPLINARY LEARNING DevelopS Curious, Creative, Compassionate, Competent, Action-Oriented Learners By Anne Anderson Historically, schools have organized themselves around subject areas like English, Social Studies, Science, and Math… subjects that have been taught in isolated silos, with little or no overlap, leaving many students uninspired and challenged to find how they apply to their lives.

So, what does this look and sound like in our schools?

In the Spotlight

In a recent unit created and taught collaboratively by Mrs. Fink, Liberty Bell mathematics teacher, and Mrs. Monahan, Liberty Bell science teacher, 7th grade students were asked to consider a complex, real-world problem - access to clean water. Working in collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service, students applied mathematical skills that included the use of ratios, proportions and circle formulas to analyze how thinning affects the absorption of water. They then applied the scientific research skills that included observation and analysis at a local water purification site to learn about the ways communities provide clean water to residents. They researched challenges that affect people’s access to clean water elsewhere around the world and examined some of the current methods being used such as desalination, water recycling, and micro-irrigation to address these challenges.

The importance of addressing this problem is quite clear; here on earth, accessible fresh water is minimal… we pretty much just have to conserve as much water as we can. - Stella Gitchos

Using their new learning, they tested their knowledge by creating a water filter that could succeed in purifying We took failure and used it to help us make our design better. - Kieren Quigley water. For many students, this resulted in a series of failed attempts before identifying a design that could work.

“Where would this bone go and what was its purpose?” (A Kinder unit on science, art and writing). Conversely, when a group of students and adults were recently asked to identify a “peak” learning experience in their life, a common theme clearly emerged that included the following key components: • • • •

Working together through their failures, students displayed some of the many attributes that fuel success - curiosity, critical thinking, discipline, reflection, and responsibility for one’s self and to others. Their new learning generated the inspiration and confidence necessary to think about action they might initiate as responsible, action-oriented citizens that care about their community, locally and globally.

7th graders experimenting with a water filter design (science, math, engineering, writing).

A high level of interest and/or a clear purpose Acquiring new knowledge and skills The ability to apply their new knowledge and skills to solve a complex problem The support of a caring and skillful mentor

Using this information, staff at Liberty Bell and Methow Valley Elementary School have been working together to design and implement interdisciplinary units of study as part of a balanced instructional program. What is an interdisciplinary approach to teaching and learning? Interdisciplinary units of study are designed to reflect real life experiences, where students acquire a broad base of knowledge across a variety of disciplines, build critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and are provided opportunities to apply their knowledge and skills in response to a real-world problem, locally or globally.

6th graders collecting data for analysis at a Methow River site (science, writing, math, speaking and listening). Interships continued from p.3

interning at a police station. She is helping her mentor Chief Budrow gather research on people texting while driving or not wearing seatbelts. She is pursuing her dream to become a detective by doing detective work. Her mentor is excited to have an intern because it provides a chance for him to teach and share his life experiences with our youth and have another set of eyes and ears in the community. What do some of our students and their mentors have to say about their internship experiences? Isabel Salas, Cristina Dominguez, Hayley Raich, Amy Knob, Ellen Dunguay, and Adrianne Moore: Isabel and Cristina are pursuing their interest in social work by participating in internships at Room One. Isabel is helping to facilitate the suicide prevention training at Room One and Methow Valley School District, supported by mentors Hayley

Raich and Liberty Bell counselor, Amy Knob. Cristina Dominguez is collaborating with Amy Knob and mentor Ellen Dunguay and Adrianne Moore to support a peer-led health counsel. When asked to reflect upon her experience, Isabel stated, “This is my favorite class, I love coming here. This is the type of work I want to do after graduation.” Kaolin Postelwait and Dr. Mark Johnson: Kaolin has extended his love of music by working with mentor, Dr. Johnson and 6th grade clarinet students. Kaolin would like to help people through the troubles he experienced when he first started playing. Kaolin believe everyone deserves to express themselves, and music is one of the most impactful ways a person can express themselves, as music has been around for thousands of years. Kavi Mitchell and Meghan Sullivan: Kavi is continuing his internship with mentor Meghan Sullivan at Aero Methow Rescue Service (AMRS) to

help teach CPR to high school health classes. His hope is that CPR class gives students the confidence to help in an emergency. Lauren Ochoa, Eden Davis, Jenna Kokes and Tedra Acheson: Jenna and Tedra are mentors at Winthrop Physical Therapy. They offer high praise when speaking about their interns, Lauren Ochoa and Eden Davis. They are happy to support their interest in the health-related fields of physical therapy through a hands-on approach to learning. We believe that family and community involvement plays a critical role in a student’s academic and social/emotional development. We can’t do it alone. We can do it together! MANY ADDITIONAL INTERN SUMMARIES WERE PROVIDED BUT SPACE WAS LIMITED. ASK THESE KIDS WHAT THEY’re up to in the community. It’s pretty great!

mvsports

NOVEMBER 2016 METHOW VALLEY pride • www.METHOW.org

Volleyball

Our LBHS Volleyball displayed tremendous heart and fight throughout the season! Challenged by some key injuries, they fell shy of a spot in the post-season, but it was evident to everyone that their hard work and focus on basic skills are paying off.

ATHLETE PROFILES Football: Zane Herrera Q: Which of your personal qualities has sports most

Cross Country

Building on years of success and growth, this year’s cross country teams made their marks in the record books. The girl’s team won Liberty Bell’s first ever Girls’ State Championship, and the boys came away from State with a very strong second place finish! Only graduating two runners from the team, so expect the Mountain Lions to remain strong for years to come!

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affected? Perseverance. Q: What goals have you set for yourself after graduation? Four year college. Maybe play some rugby. Q: Advice for a freshman? Stay on top of your grades, don’t fall behind! Q: What is a fond memory that will stay with you throughout your life? Steamrollers with da Boyz!

XCountry: Carter Dornfeld Q: Which of your personal qualities has sports most affected? Character, leadership, work ethic, attitude, confidence, and enthusiasm. Q: What is a fond memory that will stay with you throughout life? Four years of XC and going to State every year. Q: What goals have you set for yourself after graduation? Go to a four-year college and obtain a BA in Business or Finance. Q: Is there anything else you’d like to add? Don’t live your life regretting not giving your all.

Football

The Football team had a growing season that saw them capture two victories, one of which came from an unforgettable homecoming contest against Waterville. The team will return all but four players, so watch out for the Mountain Lions next season!

Cheer Squad

The Cheer squad has continued to develop as leaders throughout our school. They bravely work the crowd, energize fans, and they’re often seen throughout LBH and MVE offering their support to a variety of events and teams.

Soccer: Cassidy Butler Q: Which of your personal qualities has been most affected

Soccer

Lady Lions Soccer had an exceptional season while winning just about everything possible on their way to a fourth place State Tournament finish. The team won the WIAA Academic State Championship, District 6 Championship, CWB League Championship, CWB League Sportsmanship Award, and Lincoln Post was the CWB League Coach of the Year. An incredible season from an incredibly gifted, kind, and balanced group of young ladies.

Coach’s Corner:

Q&A with Coach Steve White

Q: Please share a bit about yourself and what made you decide to coach? I moved here from Idaho 21 years ago, I’m 44 years old. I’m happily married to my beautiful wife Sharee White, we have two boys, Brayden and Levi White. I’ve always wanted to be a head football coach and the opportunity thankfully happened at the right time. Be careful what you ask for, you might just get it. Q: What have you found are your favorite aspects of working with studentathletes? I’ve enjoyed watching student athletes put aside their own selfish attitude to grow into a team. Treating every student-athlete equally, regardless of their athletic ability, has been key.

with success and failure with the right attitude. Know your goal and do what it takes to reach that goal. This is important for football, but even more important for life after football.

by playing sports? The spirit of soccer has inspired me to discover my true identity. Q: What goals have you set for yourself after graduation? Attend a four year university and travel. Q: Advice for a freshman? Work hard. It’s more fun if you win, and winning starts at practice. Q: What is a fond memory that will stay with you throughout your life? My first year going to State and giving a speech on managing sports, school, and life, to elementary school kids.

Volleyball: Erin Schuh

Q: What qualities do you hope that student-athletes leave your programs with?

Q: What goals have you set for yourself after graduation? To play volleyball in college. Q: Which of your personal qualities has sports most affected? Confidence. Q: Advice for a freshman? Don’t bring outside drama onto the court, keep your grades up, and most importantly work hard and have fun!

Understand that what you say and do will affect everyone around you. So treat everyone and every situation like you would want to be treated. Q: How do you measure success? Giving 100 percent at everything you do no matter what the outcome is, and have fun doing it.

Q: What is your coaching philosophy? Helping young men learn how to deal

Steve White: Head Football coach.

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mvpride

NOVEMBER 2016 METHOW VALLEY pride • www.METHOW.org

CALENDAR NOVEMBER Nov 23 Early release for Thanksgiving holiday break Nov 24-25 Thanksgiving Holiday - No school Nov 30 JH Boys Basketball vs Omak 5pm

DECEMBER Dec 1 HS Basketball vs Okanogan GV 6:00, BV 7:30 Dec 6 JH Boys Basketball vs Okanogan 5pm Dec 8 HS Basketball vs Lake Roosevelt GV 6:00 BV 7:30 Dec 8 JH Basketball vs Tonasket 5pm Dec 8 Paper Tigers Documentary 3:45 LBHS Dec 9 Professional Day - No school for students Dec 13 HS Basketball vs Oroville GV 6:00 BV 7:30 Dec 14 Poetry Out Loud Merc Theater 6:00 Dec 15 LBHS Winter Concert 6:30pm MV Community Center Dec 16 HS Basketball vs Soap Lake GV 6:00 BV 7:30 Dec 16 MVE Winter Concert 1:30pm Dec 19 -30 Winter Break - No school Dec 20 HS Basketball vs Omak GV 6:00 BV 7:30

JANUARY Jan 5 HS Basketball vs Tonasket GV 6:00 BV 7:30 Jan 13 HS Basketball vs Waterville- Mansfield GV 6:00 BV 7:30 Jan 16 Martin Luther King Jr. Day - No school Jan 19 HS Basketball vs Brewster GV 6:00 BV 7:30 Jan 19 JH Drama Production - Grange 6pm Jan 20 End of first semester Jan 24 JH Girls Basketball vs Omak 5pm Jan 25 HS Wrestling Omak, Tonasket, Brewster 6pm Jan 26 HS Basketball vs Manson GV 6:00 BV 7:30 Jan 27 Professional Day - No school for students Jan 31 JH Girls Basketball vs Okanogan 5pm

FEBRUARY Feb 1 Feb 2 Feb 3 Feb 9 Feb 14 Feb 17 Feb 20 Feb 21 Feb 21

HS Wrestling Oroville, Tonasket, Brewster 6pm HS Drama Production - Merc Theater 6pm HS Basketball vs Bridgeport - Senior Night GV 6:00 BV 7:30 JH Girls Basketball vs Tonasket 5pm JH Girls Basketball vs Lake Roosevelt 5pm Snow day - Make-up day or no school Presidents Day - No school Mid-winter break - No school JH Girls Basketball vs Brewster 5pm

After-School Programs Go the Extra Mile By Katharine Bill

It’s 5:00 on Friday afternoon, and one of our after-care kids turns to me and says, “Can you just call my mom and see if I can stay a little longer? This is the best part of my day!” According to the Harvard Family Research Project (HFRP), a decade of research “confirms that children and youth who participate in after-school programs can reap a host of benefits in a number of interrelated outcome areas- academic, social/emotional, prevention, and health and wellness.” The Research Project cites three essential factors for successful after-school programs: sustained student participation, quality programming and staffing, and strong family and community partnerships.

BIG smiles from Teague Monahan at Cub Club!

Starting from scratch this fall, our new After-School Childcare program now includes 24 students from grades K-6. Some kids attend every day, and some only one day per week. Regardless of grade or attendance, our goal is to provide a caring, consistent and interesting experience - one that truly makes a difference for these kids over time. Bo Thrasher, our lead instructor, has set up our basic daily rhythm. “Students need to know what to expect.” She says, “They need some outward movement time, and some inward quiet time, like breathing in and out, and I try to balance both each day.” Bo’s teaching bags bulge with sticks, jump ropes, sandpaper, felt, balls, and art supplies. Her energy and her respectful manner are contagious throughout the program. Our afternoons start with art or games, followed by snack-time around a tablecloth-covered table and these words: “I pledge to have quiet hands, kind words, and be respectful.” Then, as co-teacher Claire LeDuc describes, “One of the kids leads the group with something exciting about their day, a game, a riddle, or sharing something they’re grateful for. It’s a wonderful way to start the afternoon.” After cleaning up together, we head outside and play- sometimes in group games, sometimes to build forts, sometimes to the playground. Through intentional, active play, strong connections are growing within our after-school group. Claire LeDuc reflects: “I had a great day with Preston and Mason on Monday with Elise. I was on a football team with them… they are so good! I’m terrible at football, so there were a lot Claire LeDuc helps with peeling apples for making dried fruit. of “Teacher Claire that was a perfect pass!! How did you drop it?!’ But I finally caught one of Preston’s perfect passes for a touchdown! Ha!” “Teague and Brodi get along really well and Teague has been SO good with the younger group. Levi absolutely adores her! They play dominos and battleship together. Eamon and Mac have also been incredibly helpful. So glad to have some good examples outside and in the classroom.” The multi-age environment, coupled with teachers with Outward Bound, Waldorf and Montessori backgrounds make our program a rich place of learning for all of us. Joining Bo and Claire on our after-school childcare team we have Elise Knight and Kelsey McGill, each of whom come from years of experience in caring for children and a strong desire to help each child succeed. Full bios and more information about our after-school childcare program can be found at: www.methow.org/activities/cub-club. As the program continues to gain strength, we look forward to creating our own “home base” near Classroom in Bloom, adding more students, and also possibly adding homework mentoring for the older students. We invite anyone who is interested to schedule a visit or contact Katharine Bill, [email protected] for more information. Cub Clubs Continue to Flourish In addition to our daily after-school childcare program, we offer numerous Cub Club enrichment clubs throughout the year. As a whole, approximately 150 Methow Valley Elementary students will participate in one or more clubs this year, most of which are free or have strong scholarship programs. THANK YOU to our community partners for making this all possible! Ongoing clubs: • Art Club (thanks to Methow Arts) • Theater Club (thanks to The Merc Theater) • Chess Club (thanks to Ann Diamond and Sarah Berns) • Singing Club (thanks to Jennifer Simmons) Late fall-Winter Clubs: • Asian Cooking- started in October, (thanks to Jean Wilson) • Horse Club- starting in November, (thanks to MV Riding Unlimited) • Ice Skating Club, will start in early January (thanks to the Winthrop Rink) • Nordic ‘Ski Cubs’, will start in early January (thanks to Methow Nordic) • Recycling Club, will start in early January (thanks to Methow Recycles) Spring/Fall Clubs: • Fly-fishing Club (thanks to Jonathan Stratman) • Garden Club (thanks to Classroom in Bloom) • Mountain-biking Club (leaders to be announced in March) We are currently looking for a Robotics/Lego Club Mentor. Please contact [email protected] if you are interested.

mvpride Methow Valley School District 18 Twin Lakes Road, Winthrop, WA 98862 (509) 996-9205; www.methow.org

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.