Career and College Advisor Notes for March/April 2026

Hello Students and Families:

There are some awesome things on the horizon, including a College & Career Fair at LBHS on April 20, organized by our AVID students! Let me know if you have questions about any of the opportunities listed here.

Scholarships

Seniors, keep checking the Scholarships 2026 Google Classroom page for new scholarship opportunities. Remember – scholarships are available for ANY post-high school education or training you’re planning to do, including apprenticeships, 2- or 4-year colleges and universities, and technical programs (both college-based and industry-sponsored training). Senior parents, use this link for the guardian view of the Classroom: https://classroom.google.com/guar/ODMwMzEyMzI4NjIw.

One highlight – the Methow Valley Education Foundation scholarship program has four distinct scholarships that students apply for by using one universal application (due April 15): the Foundation Scholarship, Tom Zbyszewski Memorial Scholarship, Arnold B. Campbell Memorial Scholarship, and the Vocational Education Scholarship. The MVEF scholarship committee especially encourages students who are interested in trade or technical education/training to apply. Financial need is a major criteria in awarding these scholarships, so MVEF asks that applicants please answer all questions about their budget and finances as accurately and completely as possible.

SAT Prep for Juniors

Ms. Anderson is offering a test prep series in the library during Advisory on Tuesdays leading up to the School Day SAT at Liberty Bell on Thursday, April 23.

Because of the digital format of the test, our test prep will be mostly online using Khan Academy resources. Juniors can view all prep session resources in the SAT Prep 2026 Google Classroom.

*Many colleges and universities have test-optional admissions policies. You can check out a current list of test-optional schools at FairTest: The National Center for Fair and Open Testing.

Summer Essay Workshop at The Bush School, Mazama Campus

During the week of July 27-31, The Bush School in Mazama will be offering a writing retreat designed to support rising seniors as they tackle the writing components of college applications. Current MVSD juniors are invited to register as day students. The full cost is $290, and there are scholarships available–if you need financial support, please reach out to summerprograms@bush.edu for a discount code to use when you register.

*Important Note: All MVSD students will receive college/scholarship essay writing support during their Senior Seminar or ILC Advisory classes in the fall.

Park Aide Positions at Pearrygin Lake State Park…and beyond

Washington State Parks is recruiting seasonal park aides: a typical work day may include anything from registering campers and collecting camp fees, to cleaning facilities, mowing lawns, or explaining park rules. (You must be at least 17 years old by the start of work.) Park aides have the chance to grow with the agency, and many have gone on to success as rangers, customer service and human resources managers, environmental planners, and more. Former park aides also have found work in the outdoor industry, for nonprofits, or with other public lands agencies.

Classroom in Bloom Summer Farm Apprentices

Apprentices will gain proficiency in: Organic production practices, Garden preparation & maintenance, Seeding & transplanting, Irrigation repair & maintenance, Harvest & distribution, Food safety/handling, and Infrastructure maintenance. Students aged 16 or older are welcome to apply; 14-16 year old students will be considered. See attached flyer for more details!

Upcoming Events & Deadlines

Wednesday, April 15 — Methow Valley Education Foundation Scholarship Applications DUE

All seniors are encouraged to apply for MVEF scholarships. Funds are available for all types of post-high school education and training. See Beth with questions!

Friday, April 17 & Wednesday-Friday, April 22-24, 1:45-4:00pm — HSBP Peek

An important part of the High School & Beyond Plan process is for students to regularly review their plans and to share them with trusted adults. Students/families will be asked to sign up for a 15-minute slot on one of the conference days; conferences will be hosted by the student’s advisory teacher. See Principal Darwood’s weekly newsletter for details.

Monday, April 20 — College & Career Fair at LBHS

The AVID 9/10 class is planning a whole-school College & Career Fair that will be held during JH/HS Advisory and lunch on Monday, April 20. Representatives from colleges and local business people and/or employers will be on hand to answer questions and give students information about opportunities in their schools and industries.

Thursday, April 23 — School Day SAT

Juniors are encouraged to sign up with Beth to take the SAT at Liberty Bell on April 23, starting at 8:20am. This opportunity is free and during the school day – please take advantage of it!

Ongoing — Finish the FAFSA

Seniors & families: there’s still time to complete your 2026-27 FAFSA application in order to receive scholarships and financial aid at many post-secondary institutions for the fall of 2026. Remember: even if you’re not planning to continue your education next year, I’d encourage you to fill out the FAFSA because it will give you the opportunity to access the funds you need if you change your mind!

Be well,

Beth/Ms. Anderson

College and Career Advisor

Methow Valley School District

banderson@methow.org

509.996.2215, x4175

Career & College Advisor webpage

LBHS Counseling Department webpage

About the College and Career Advising Program

The goal of our College and Career Advising program is to provide students and their families with the information and resources necessary for them to make well-informed choices about their post-secondary education. Liberty Bell recognizes the diversity in our families and understands that what might be right for one student may not be a good fit for another.

Therefore, we work individually with students and their families to help them successfully develop and achieve their post-graduation goals – whether that is applying to a 4-year, 2-year or technical college, designing a productive gap year plan or entering the military or workforce. Some of the specific services that we offer include:

  • Educating students and parents about the full range of post-secondary educational options.
  • Meeting individually with juniors, seniors and parents to help them with their college lists, the application process, college essays and financial aid needs, including the FAFSA, the CSS Profile, and scholarship applications, as well as with SAT prep and registration.
  • Holding financial aid information sessions for students and parents to make sure that they have all the resources and support they need to reach their goals.
  • Working with the school counselor to ensure that 9th and 10th graders take the necessary classes to be eligible for their post-HS goals, including college admissions.

Planning for life after high school should be a fun and exciting process; but at times it can be a bit overwhelming. If you find yourself feeling stuck, or if you have questions about any part of the process, contact our office at (509) 996-2215.