Dear MVSD Students, Parents, and Community Members,

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

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

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

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

Click HERE for the full version.

Dear families of incoming 6th graders,

Please mark your calendars for Future Mountain Lion Day, Tuesday, May 20th at LBHS.

In partnership with MVE and our parent community, we are excited to host our first 6th grade orientation event. To support a smooth transition for students and their families, provide information, make meaningful introductions and instill confidence and generate excitement for this next journey, we welcome you and your student to join us at Liberty Bell. 

In the afternoon on May 20th, high school leaders will facilitate tours for groups of 5th grade students and will be available to answer their questions about the transition to Liberty Bell. Then, at 5:30 pm, you and your student will be invited to join us at Liberty Bell for introductions and a brief overview. Then, we’ll break out into stations and give you an opportunity to learn more about the following:

• Staff and services 
• 6th grade academic schedule and routines 
• Classrooms, facilities and safety
• Athletics and extracurricular opportunities
• Attendance, grades and behavior expectations
• Special Education team 
• 6th grade campout

We hope you’ll be able to make it and we cannot wait to welcome your student to our Liberty Bell family next fall.

Dear MVSD Community,

As measles cases continue to rise in the US, with a fifth case reported this week in Washington state, we are urging parents and caregivers to make sure their children (and themselves) are protected from the disease by getting two doses of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine.

Families can check their immunization records online at MyIRmobile.com, or by speaking with their clinic to make sure they’re fully protected. If exposed to measles, any unimmunized adult or child will need to stay home and isolate for 21 days, from last known exposure. MMR Immunization works and is our opportunity to protect our community's health and limit this potential major disruption to family routines.

School Nurse Annelisa or our local clinics, Family Health Centers and Confluence, are available for questions or help finding a vaccine.

More at https://doh.wa.gov/newsroom/doh-urges-measles-mumps-and-rubella-mmr-vaccines-amidst-national-outbreak

Dates: May 13, 14, 16, 17, 18 Location: The Merc Playhouse, Twisp, WA

Liberty Bell Drama Company and The Merc Playhouse are excited to announce their upcoming production of Hadestown: Teen Edition, the critically acclaimed musical by Anais Mitchell. The show will run on May 13, 14, 16, 17 at 7:00 PM and May 18 at 2:00 PM at The Merc Playhouse in Twisp, WA. Doors open 30 minutes before showtime. Don’t miss this opportunity to see the talented Liberty Bell Drama Company cast and crew bring this modern retelling of ancient Greek mythology to life.

The Tony Award-winning musical Hadestown is a modern retelling of the myths of Orpheus and Eurydice, as well as Hades and Persephone, set in a world where the boundaries between life and death are blurred. The musical follows Orpheus, a gifted young musician, whose love for Eurydice leads him to embark on a perilous journey to the underworld in an attempt to rescue her. Eurydice, a poor girl in desperate need, finds herself caught in the clutches of the powerful Hades, the god of the underworld, who offers her a bleak and tempting deal. Meanwhile, the story of Hades and Persephone is woven throughout, exploring the complex relationship between the king and queen of the underworld. In a world where Hades’ fossil fuel factories are churning climate chaos above ground, can Orpheus sing a song that can rekindle Hades’ love for Persephone and bring the seasons back in tune? With a mesmerizing score blending folk, jazz, and blues, Hadestown explores themes of love, sacrifice, fate, and the eternal tug-of-war between hope and despair.

“The story of Hadestown is both timeless and deeply relevant,” said Kelly Grayum, Director of Liberty Bell Drama Company. “The characters’ journey through hardship and love speaks to all generations, and we are so proud of the students who are taking on these roles with such passion and commitment.”

The production is made possible thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, The Merc Playhouse, Methow Arts and the Public School Funding Alliance. Their contributions have been essential in bringing this production to the stage, and we are incredibly thankful for their dedication to the arts and local education.

Reserve tickets will be available on April 18 at mercplayhouse.org. General community member tickets will cost $15. MVSD students, staff and the families of cast/crew members get in for free, but it’s best to reserve your ticket in advance on the Merc website. Limited tickets will be available at the door.

It's been a long flu & cold season for many of us.  Please remember to:

1. Keep your child home from school if they are sick, until symptoms are improving and they have not had a fever or vomiting or diarrhea for 24 hours. 

2. Check to be sure you and your student are protected against measles.  Be aware that measles cases are happening in our state.  If you are traveling for spring break you are at higher risk of exposure.  Measles begins with a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. After three to five days, a rash starts at the face and spreads to other parts of the body. In some cases, measles can cause hospitalization, brain swelling, pneumonia, and death. 

Vaccines are our best protection against measles- if your student is not immunized, call Family Health Centers in Twisp (509) 997-2011 or Confluence Winthrop Clinic (509) 996-8180) to schedule a vaccination appointment.**If your child has been exposed or has measles symptoms, stay home and contact their medical provider and the Nurse Annelisa before coming to school.  Unvaccinated students who are exposed will need to isolate for 21 days.

Questions? 

School Nurse Annelisa Tornberg is happy to help.  Email ATornberg@methow.org or ​call school (509) 996-2186 and press option 3

The Methow Valley School District is thrilled to announce the recipients of the MVSD 2025 Excellence Awards, a celebration of outstanding dedication and commitment to public education. Each year, school district employees from across the North Central region of Washington State are invited to nominate colleagues who exemplify the highest standards of excellence in their work. The Methow Valley School District received an overwhelming number of nominations, all showcasing the exceptional dedication to students, families, and the community.

This year, two individuals stood out for their extraordinary contributions to the district.

Certificated Excellence Award – Eva Aneshansley, Music Teacher, Liberty Bell Jr/Sr High School

The recipient of the Certificated Excellence Award is Eva Aneshansley, Liberty Bell Jr/Sr High School Music Teacher. Eva has taken the school's music program to new heights, inspiring students and instilling a lifelong passion for music. Her ability to connect with students and bring the joy of the arts to the forefront has earned her the admiration of both her students and colleagues.

When asked why they nominated Eva for this award, one of her colleagues stated, "Eva is amazing...wonderful...joyful, and fun. She has brought our music program to the next level and genuinely cares about all students," said one of her colleagues. "Ms. A has a natural gift to bring out the best in her students and is just pure joy to be around."

Another stated, "Eva’s positive impact extends beyond just her teaching; she is known for her ability to lead her middle school band with positivity and enthusiasm, guiding students to success both musically and personally."

Another summed it up by stating, "I want to take Eva's class!"

Classified Excellence Award – Melissa Quigley, Secretary, Student and Family Support Services

The recipient of the Classified Excellence Award is Melissa Quigley, MVSD Student and Family Support Services Secretary. Melissa has earned a reputation for her exceptional organizational skills and unwavering support for students, staff, and families. She is known for her compassionate nature, strong work ethic, and ability to ensure that the district's support services run smoothly.

When asked to describe Mellissa, one of her co-workers stated, "Melissa is organized, competent, a strong collaborator, and a fierce student advocate. She is a vital piece to our puzzle," said one staff member. "We're all better because of her."

Another staff member stated, "Melissa is not only highly professional but also deeply committed to fostering trust and building relationships with the students and families she serves. Her dedication makes her an irreplaceable asset to the district."

Finally, another member of the staff concluded, "She works with students, treating them like they are the most important people in the world."

The Methow Valley School District is proud to honor Eva Aneshansley and Melissa Quigley as the recipients of the MVSD 2025 Excellence Awards. Their passion, hard work, and dedication inspire their colleagues, students, and the community every day. Their contributions make our schools and our community stronger, and we are incredibly fortunate to have them as part of our team.

You can preorder a hardcopy Yearbook from the highschool front desk with cash or check for $50. You can also order your yearbook online for a slight discount. Softcovers start at $36.51.

Use this link yearbook from Treering:

 https://www.​treering.com/purchase?​PassCode=1014248920924101

Order by May 5th to receive free shipping!