Methow Valley Elementary

Liberty Bell Jr Sr High

Methow Valley School District

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REDEFINING HOW WE MEASURE SUCCESS… ONE STUDENT AT A TIME

The Independent Learning Center is an innovative district choice high school designed around Big Picture Learning distinguishers of interest-driven and personalized learning supported in real world contexts. A core objective of this design is to develop self-directed learners highly capable of navigating systems, defining their work in complex contexts, thinking critically, and collaborating. The ILC is authorized by the Washington State Board of Education (SBE) to graduate students based on mastery of competencies rather than credits, and the competencies herein are aligned with Common Core State Standards and admissions expectations of selective baccalaureate colleges in Washington and nationally. The competencies are clustered within six interdisciplinary Learning Goals representing the skills, core knowledge, and attributes of effective learners prepared for college and career.

**Referred to as a “trampoline that provides a launchpad for every student”, the ILC is a school that:**

*   Transitioned from a traditional approach associated with content-driven classrooms to a human-centered approach.
*   Encourages students to “leave to learn”.
*   Blurs the lines between education and the real world.
*   Empowers every student to act with purpose and passion.


Independent Learning Center

******

**Dates: May 13, 14, 16, 17, 18&#xA;**&#x20;**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 [<u>mercplayhouse.org</u>](http://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.&#x20;

Liberty Bell Drama Company and The Merc Playhouse Presents Hadestown: Teen Edition

Dear Methow Valley School District Students, Parents, and Community Members,

We are writing to update you on revisions to the 2025-26 MVSD School Calendars, which have been approved by the MVSD Board of Directors following recommendations from the MVSD Calendar Committee.

The notable changes are as follows:

* The date for Veterans Day has been corrected to November 11, 2025.

* Fall conferences will now be held on November 12, 13, 14, and 21, 2025.

* The first semester will conclude on January 16, 2026, a week earlier than the previously scheduled date of January 23, 2026.

* Spring Break has been moved to April 6-10, 2026, from the original dates of March 30 - April 3, 2026 in an effort to align with other school districts throughout our region and implications for high school athletic schedules.

A comprehensive, updated version of the calendar reflecting these changes will be available in the 2025-26 Family Handbook and Calendar and will be sent to you before the start of next school year. You can access the revised 2025-26 MVSD School Calendar via the link below and on our website.

We recognize that these adjustments may have implications for our students, parents, and the wider community. The MVSD Calendar Committee acted swiftly in making these changes to ensure you receive timely information. While we understand that these modifications may not be ideal for every individual, they were made after careful deliberation by the committee with the aim of minimizing disruption to student learning and preserving the integrity of the academic year.

Calendar Link:

[MVSD 2025-26 School Year Calendar](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HvLj48Oh-9oY7nrTzxCGeERKsMbvt8Co/view?usp=drive_link)

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

In partnership,

Tom Venable

Superintendent

Methow Valley School District

MVSD 2025-26 School Year Calendar Updates

**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](https://www.google.com/search?q=fhc+twisp+medical+clinic&oq=fhc+twisp+medical+clinic&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyCQgAEEUYORigATIHCAEQIRigATIHCAIQIRigATIHCAMQIRigATIHCAQQIRiPAtIBCTgyMTc3ajBqN6gCALACAA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&safe=active&ssui=on#) or Confluence Winthrop Clinic [(509) 996-8180](https://www.google.com/search?q=confluence+winthrop+clinic&sca_esv=214c5f27b0d18acb&sxsrf=AHTn8zqcUdeUd1wExUWns3fWM-fmy86CPg%3A1742939855328&ei=zybjZ6nRE5bz0PEP_PDoyQQ&ved=0ahUKEwjp9MP3nKaMAxWWOTQIHXw4OkkQ4dUDCBA&uact=5&oq=confluence+winthrop+clinic&gs_lp=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&sclient=gws-wiz-serp&safe=active&ssui=on#)) 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

Reminder from your School Nurse

Dear MVSD Parents,

I hope my email finds you well. In advance of Spring Break and in preparation for your student's safe return, I would like to provide you with a brief update regarding the recent incident, in accordance with our ongoing communication with law enforcement and the juvenile justice system. Please be advised that, due to legal constraints related to student privacy, we are limited in the specific details we are able to disclose. However, I will do my best to provide clarity based on the information available to share at this time.

Currently, a former student remains in the custody of the courts. We have been informed that the courts will notify us when the former student is to be released. Further, that upon release, it is common for the court to impose conditions, which may include, but are not limited to, the following:

*   Posting bail
*   Confirmation that any weapons have been removed from the household
*   Participation in a psychological evaluation and risk assessment
*   Compliance with "homebound" status, which restricts the individual to specific locations (such as the home, the parent’s place of employment, the court, or a doctor’s office), under the supervision of a parent or guardian at all times
*   Wearing an electronic monitoring device, enabling law enforcement to track the student’s whereabouts and immediately alert them if the student is outside of the designated locations

In relation to public schools, should a former student seek to re-enroll in the school district where the student previously attended, disciplinary actions imposed prior to a student's withdrawal remain in effect. If the situation involves a threat to harm others with a weapon, the student would be subject to the district’s established student discipline policies and procedures, which includes expulsion. Expulsion is typically for the length of one academic term, with the possibility of extension. Expulsion also includes a "no trespass" order, prohibiting the student from accessing school property, utilizing school transportation, or participating in any school-sponsored activities. Violation of this order would result in an immediate arrest. The student would remain entitled to access their education through an alternative educational setting, typically via remote learning. 

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate this process and attempt to keep you informed, while safeguarding student rights to privacy under the law.



Sincerely,

Tom Venable

Superintendent, Methow Valley School District

A Message from the MVSD

****

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.

MVSD Announces MVSD 2025 Excellence Award Recipients

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](https://www.treering.com/purchase?PassCode=1014248920924101)

Order by May 5th to receive free shipping!

Mountain Lions! It's time to pre-order your 2025 Yearbook

Please join us in congratulating the many LBHS seventh graders who took part in the 2025 Be A Scientist program and showcased their projects at the Mid-Columbia Science Fair. Held in Richland, WA, the Mid-Columbia Science Fair gave LBHS middle school students the opportunity to demonstrate their understanding and application of the scientific method. In doing so, they earned an impressive array of awards! Below is a list of students who received recognition and special honors across various categories:



### 7th Grade Physical Science Division:

*   Junie Horner – *Enzymes in Saliva vs. Enzymes in the Stomach* – Third Place
*   Christopher Hernandez – *Distillation Reactions* – Honorable Mention
*   Lucas Reece – *Thermite Reaction Experiment* – Honorable Mention

### 7th Grade Life Science Division:

*   Preston Irvine – *Most Efficient Cleaning Spray* – Second Place
*   Elliot Venable – *DNA Onion Extraction* – Third Place
*   Gillian Kipp – *Effect of Temperature on Milk Proteins* – Honorable Mention
*   Chloe Osborne – *Natural Light vs. LED Grow Lights* – Honorable Mention

## Special Awards:

### AISES (American Indian Science and Engineering Society) Recognition:

*   Khol Perryman – *Sea Walls and Waves*
*   Lucas Reece – *Thermite Reaction Experiment*
*   Tevin Tomatich – *Egg Drop*

### Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Award:

*   Csilla Gresh – *The Difference Between Cookies Baked with Almond Flour and Flour* – Honorable Mention

### Columbia Chapter of the Health Physics Society:

### *   Blu Asia – *How Can We Build A Satellite* – Best Middle School Physics Project

### Award of Distinction for Clarity of Presentation:

*   Reed Brennan
*   Liam Gutzler
*   Junie Horner
*   Coralyn Mendonca

### Award of Distinction for Engineering:

*   Hudson Brandenburg





### Award of Distinction for Creativity:

*   Mabel Grayum
*   Csilla Gresh
*   Chevelle Melhorn
*   Leona Naumann
*   Khol Perryman
*   Elliot Venable





### Award of Distinction for Data Collection and Analysis:

*   Coco Balick
*   Hugh Carmichael

### Award of Distinction for Experimental Design:

*   Jack Bower
*   Finnbarr Humling

### Award of Distinction for Honesty in Presentation:

*   Blu Asia
*   Alex Hernandez
*   Cane McCarthy
*   Chloe Osborne
*   Gunnar Wild

### Award of Distinction for Perseverance:

*   Bryce Gilbert
*   Christopher Hernandez
*   Preston Irvine
*   Lucas Reece
*   Soren Vintin

### Award of Distinction for Novelty:

*   Gillian Kipp
*   Tevin Tomatich

### Award of Distinction for Thoroughness:

*   Norah Lewis

**Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge:**

Lastly, we are thrilled to announce that Preston Irvine was nominated by the MCSF for the prestigious [Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge](https://www.societyforscience.org/jic/) (JIC), a top national STEM competition. This is a rare honor, previously achieved at Liberty Bell in 2022 by Josie Bollinger, who went on to be named a top 300 national finalist. Congratulations, Preston!



Please join us as we congratulate all of our MCSF participants, LBHS Middle School Science Teacher, Matt Hinckley, and thank PSFA, the long list of community-based mentors, and our many parents who supported their students!

LBHS Middle Schoolers Shine at Mid-Columbia Science Fair

Dear Methow Valley Students, Parents, and Community, 

It has been a heavy week for the Methow Valley - Our schools, students, parents, staff, and the community at-large. For most of us who have chosen the Methow Valley as a place to call home, we do because of the value we hold for the place itself, the people, the culture, and the opportunity to raise healthy children. As such, we wear many hats. Regardless of the number of hats each of us wear, at the end of the day, the hat we all share reflects our collective level of care for our youth, their safety, and well-being. The level of care and response to the recent events has been reflected throughout the week as evidenced by the many emails, phone calls, as well as those in attendance at last night's school board meeting. 

**In light of the recent incidents, I want to let you know that I hear you... As such, I wish to provide you with a response to some of the concerns expressed about communications, "frequently asked questions" about our emergency response protocols, where we are at in the process, and what you can anticipate moving forward.** 

**Concerns Expressed About Communication:** Admittedly, I have struggled to promote clarity and keep pace in communicating information with you during a short period of time involving two events, both of which have demanded our time, energy, and effort, singularly focused on ensuring the safety and welfare of our students and staff. Based upon the feedback received, it is clear that my initial attempts to provide clarity involving two separate incidents, both of which have unfolded in close proximity to one another, each involving potential threats directed at others, one outside of the school setting and the other within the context of the school setting, resulted in some confusion. 

Additionally, I acknowledge that my efforts fell short to provide you with timely and relevant notification on Tuesday morning following the incident reported to us on Monday. More specifically, our efforts to effectively communicate the status of our schools *(the threat has been secured and remains open or the threat has not been secured and our schools are closed*) prior to 6:00 am, allowing each of you to make an informed decision about your student's attendance. I can do better. Moving forward, I wish to assure you that, no different from our Emergency Closures, Delays, and Emergency Bus Routes protocols, I will communicate what I know with regard to situations involving potential threats from a singular point of communication via Skyward and School Messenger, consistent with our Emergency Operations Procedures communications protocol. 

Finally, I want to acknowledge the frustration described by many who have requested more detailed information. However, as a representative of a public school district, I am legally bound by laws governing the educational right to privacy involving every student. As such, you can expect that our focus will remain on evaluating the situation and providing timely and relevant information designed to support the safety and welfare of your student. 

**MVSD Emergency Operations Procedures**: In response to some of the frequently asked questions we've received about the MVSD's Emergency Operations Plan and related procedures, I've provided a brief overview using the MVSD Threat Protocol and a hypothetical example below. I should note that the MVSD's Emergency Operations Plan, using the FEMA-Incident Command System, was developed by the MVSD Emergency Operations Committee prior to the pandemic. It has been updated annually in partnership with the NCESD Crisis Co-op and the Okanogan County Sheriff's Office. 

**Example: Threat to Harm Self and/or Others**

*   **Report**: As with any incident, the district's response to a situation where there is concern about student and staff safety is prompted by a report about an incident. The report can be initiated by a student, staff member, parent, or community member.
*   **Response**: Once received, a school official assesses the seriousness and immediacy of the threat.
*   **Collaborate** : If the threat appears serious, or if there is doubt about the severity, the school official notifies law enforcement, providing information gathered through the initial assessment of the situation.
*   **Isolate:** Depending on where the threat takes place, school officials and law enforcement work together to isolate the threat, ensuring the safety and welfare of the student and others. 
*   **Investigation/Threat Assessmen**t: Once the threat has been isolated, the school official initiates an investigation. This includes notifying the parents of the student who was alleged to have made threatening statements, interviewing the student who made the threat, witnesses, classmates, and others who may have information pertaining to the incident. Additionally, this includes a review of the student's prior history, determining if there is a pattern of behavior, and the facilitation of a threat assessment. If it's determined that the situation is serious in nature, it may be that law enforcement officials will take a parallel or lead role in conducting an investigation and threat assessment, helping to determine the appropriate course of action to ensure the safety and welfare of all students.
*   **Action:** Depending upon the severity of the threat, action can include a range of disciplinary action, including expulsion. It can also include access to resources in support of impacted students and staff. Additionally, if law enforcement action causes a student to be placed in detention, the student would then be enrolled and served by the district where the detention center is located. 
*   **Communication**: If the district were to receive notification of a threat during the school day and we were not able to isolate the threat, we would initiate a lockdown, notify law enforcement, and notify parents. If the threat was made outside of the school day, and based upon our initial investigation, it appeared to be directed at our schools, we would work with law enforcement to isolate the threat, then notify parents that the threat has been isolated, our schools are safe, and remain open, or the threat has not been isolated the threat, and are schools will be closed. 

**Where we are at in the Process:** At present, we are continuing to work within the framework of our Emergency Operations Procedures and the protocol described above in collaboration with law enforcement. At present, the student is not enrolled with the MVSD. 

**Where we're headed:** Following the completion of the process, the MVSD will reconvene the Emergency Operations Committee who will be tasked with designing and facilitating a series of trainings in support of students, staff, and parents.

Thank you for working with us to ensure the safety and well-being of every student.

Sincerely,

Tom Venable

Superintendent, Methow Valley School District

A Message MVSD Families from Superintendent Venable

District News

On Thursday, February 13, the Wenatchee Valley Cultural Museum received artwork from nine talented artists from the Methow Valley School District (MVSD), representing both Liberty Bell High School (LBHS) and the Methow Valley Independent Learning Center (ILC). The pieces were displayed in the Regional Art Show, which officially opened on Friday afternoon. The exhibition features an impressive collection of works by MVSD students, including pieces by Chicane Ashford, Kaden Borowski, Lucy Riggs, and Tristan Hover, whose participation has been met with enthusiastic praise. MVSD is proud to recognize the outstanding achievements of these young artists.

**State High School Art Show Advancements**

The show marked a major milestone for three MVSD students, whose artwork was selected for the prestigious *Best of Show* category. These pieces are among the 15 works from the region that will advance to the State High School Art Show in Olympia this April. The MVSD honorees are:

*   **Lily Arntsen** (Methow Valley ILC) for *A Blood-Stained Dress* (Acrylic Painting)
*   **Izabel Bajema** (Methow Valley ILC) for *Plums* (Colored Pencil Drawing)
*   **Elliot Pixie-Plott** (Liberty Bell HS) for *A Morning’s Cup of Reali-tea* (Gouache Painting)

**Category Awards and Honorable Mentions**

In addition to the Best of Show recognitions, MVSD students earned awards in several categories:

*   **Mixed Media – 3rd Place:** Audrey Roman (Liberty Bell HS) for *Anatomy of Thought*
*   **3-Dimensional – Honorable Mention:** Izabel Bajema (Methow Valley ILC) for *Mystic*
*   **Digital Media – 3rd Place:** Ghost Miranda (Liberty Bell HS) for *Assorted Stickers*

These awards reflect the depth of talent and creativity nurtured in the MVSD art programs. Additional categories included Drawing, Painting, and Photography, with several other student works being showcased.

**CWU Scholarship Recognition**

Last but not least, the MVSD is also proud to announce that **Izabel Bajema** (Methow Valley ILC), who won a category award for *Plums*, was selected as one of only eight students to receive the Central Washington University (CWU) Art Scholarship. This scholarship, awarded by **Gregg Schlanger**, Dean of Art+Design at CWU, includes tuition waivers for the recipient, offering a significant opportunity for Izabel as she pursues further education in the arts.

Please join us as we congratulate our participating artists and their teacher, Erik Brooks for creative expression and dedication in support of the Arts.

MVSD Artists Shine at Regional Art Show with Multiple Awards and Students Advancing to State Show

[]()On the court, in the classroom, and in the community... What can't these amazing Methow Valley youth accomplish?

The MVSD is pleased to announce that 17 LBHS students, accompanied by LBHS History Teacher/NHD Coach, Scott Barber, traveled to Cheney, WA this past weekend, where they presented their National History Day projects at the regional competition.

Serving as an opportunity to showcase their learning and compete for a spot at the 2025 NHD State Competition, we're pleased to announce that multiple students (names and projects to follow) will be advancing to the 2025 NHD State Competition.

Scheduled to take place on April 26th, NHD participants competing in the State competition will have an opportunity to compete for a chance to compete in the National Finals scheduled to take place at the University of Maryland in June, joining a growing list of LBHS scholars.

What is the National History Day (NHD) Contest?

As described on the NHD website, "...students around the world discover history through National History Day® (NHD) by creating historical research projects. Through the process, students develop skills in communication, project management, and historical thinking."

The NHD website also states that NHD’s core program is its competition in which students in grades 6–12 choose a topic and dive deeply into the past by conducting extensive research in libraries, archives, and museums. They then present their conclusions and evidence through papers, exhibits, performances, documentaries, or websites, moving through a series of contest levels where they are evaluated by professional historians and educators.

Previous LBHS NHD national finalists include Leki Albright, Ayla Belsby, Keeley Brooks, and most recently, Tesh Karpenko.

Please join us as we congratulate all our 2025 LBHS NHD students, LBHS History teacher and NHD Advisor, Scott Barber, our NHD parent advisors, thank the PSFA, and cheer on those who will be advancing to the 2025 NHD State competition!

LBHS Students Shine at the 2025 National History Day (NHD) Regional Competition, Advancing to the State Finals

Spring Photos are March 11th

Offsite [LINK](https://shop.imagequix.com/g1001213697) to order

Spring Photos

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[]()LBHS saw outstanding performances from both the boys and girls wrestling teams this past weekend at the CWB Boys and Girls League Wrestling Championships. Looking beyond the league championships, these highly anticipated events also served as a qualifying meet for next week’s District 5 Wrestling Tournament at Highland (Yakima), where LBHS wrestlers will compete for a spot at the WIAA 2B State Wrestling Tournament.

Although we don't have all of the final results, we are thrilled to share what we know about the standout performances from the weekend:

*   Damien Spears took home the CWB Championship, dominating Okanogan’s Austin Morgan with a pin in the second period.
*   Cassidy Mowen earned the CWB/CTL Championship for the girls' division, securing a first-period pin over Bailey Pio of Brewster.
*   Maeve Belsby took 1st place, winning by a fall over Carly Clark of Tonasket.
*   Kady Hammer takes 3rd place and Mazie Gibb and Nova Gehring each placed 4th in their respective weight classes.
*   Richie Lara, Javier Lopez-Velasco, Yolo Paz, and Lucien Paz all claimed impressive second-place finishes in their respective weight classes.
*   Landon Schmekel, Liam Kiefer, and Alex Ramsay-George secured solid 3rd place finishes.
*   Sam Kaltenbach earned 5th place, while Andy Garcia-Lopez and Jayden Covarrubias were fighting for 5th/6th place.

A program is on the rise, these results are a testament to the dedication and commitment displayed by the LBHS wrestlers and coaches.

All eyes will be on the Mountain Lions as they prepare for the upcoming WIAA 2B State Wrestling Tournament, taking place on February 21-22 at the Tacoma Dome.

We look forward to sharing more updates as our athletes continue to display high levels of success, on the mat, in the classroom, and in the community.

Go Mountain Lions!

LBHS Boys and Girls Wrestlers Shine at CWB League Championships, Setting the Stage for D5 Meet

Orlo Parkinson and Kyra Hickman participated in the 2025 Poetry Out Loud Regional finals this past weekend. Escorted by Poetry Out Loud instructor, Kelly Grayum and ILC Principal, Sara Mounsey, Orlo and Kyra delivered exceptional performances, with each, "reciting two poems with poise and panache."\
Orlo was named one of the two finalists for the state competition in Tacoma, scheduled to take place on March 8. The other finalist is Sydney Frost of Mt. Spokane High School. Sydney was a finalist last year, along with Leki Albright.\
Kyra, representing the ILC, recited Abandoned Farmhouse, by Ted Kooser and Meanwhile, by Richard Siken. Orlo, representing LBHS, recited Weighing In, by Rhina P. Espaillat and Istanbul 1983, by Sheila Black.\
Noteworthy, Orlo, a sophomore, was the only underclassman competing in the event. The other 8 competitors were juniors and seniors hailing from the Spokane, Okanogan and Walla Walla areas.\
Please join us as we congratulate our MVSD students, Orlo Parkinson and Kyra Hickman, Poetry Out Loud advisors, Kelly Grayum and Cam Alford, and thank Methow Arts and the Public School Funding Alliance (PSFA) for their continued support of the arts and our students.

Orlo Parkinson and Kyra Hickman take Centerstage at 2025 Poetry Out Loud Regional Finals, Orlo Parkinson Advances to State Finals

***

Last night, 14 incredibly talented Methow Valley School District students took center stage at the Poetry Out Loud District Finals, competing for a chance to represent the district at the regional level. Among them, Kyra Hickman (ILC) and Orlo Parkinson (LBHS) emerged as the top two finalists, earning spots in the 2025 National []()Poetry Out Loud Regional Finals in Spokane.

Elliot Pixie-Plott (LBHS), Anja Merkens (LBHS), and  Lily Arntsen (ILC) were also recognized as runner-ups and alternates, showcasing exceptional performances throughout the competition.

We also wish to recognize LBHS student Liam Kiefer for his soothing musical accompaniment throughout the event.

After the event, LBHS Humanities and Drama Teacher Kelly Grayum remarked, "I do not envy our judges. The performances were outstanding across the board, with only the slightest differences separating the competitors."

This marks the 13th consecutive year of Methow Valley School District’s participation in the National Poetry Out Loud competition, further cementing the district’s commitment to fostering student creativity and artistic expression. Kyra and Orlo now join an impressive roster of district, regional, and state finalists who have been recognized for their remarkable performances in this prestigious contest.

We invite the community to join us in celebrating the achievements of all the MVSD Poetry Out Loud participants and to acknowledge the dedicated efforts of LBHS Humanities and Drama Teachers Kelly Grayum and Cam Alford, as well as the district’s Poetry Out Loud Coach, Kira Wood-Cramer, our judges, the Merc, the Public School Funding Alliance, and Methow Arts for their unwavering support of the arts and our students.

MVSD Students Kyra Hickman (ILC) and Orlo Parkinson (LBHS) Shine at the 2025 National Poetry Out Loud District Finals, Advancing to Regional Finals

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Jalen Luvon\
Congratulations and Good Luck!

Jalen Luvon-Class of 2024

Edelweiss Schuttner-Class of 2024

What are your plans after the ILC?\
After graduation, I plan on taking a year to focus on myself and work: building a foundation for my next stage in my life. Applying to Evergreen State College for 2025 to study human behavioral science and potentially working towards a teaching certificate.\
Where do you imagine yourself in 7 years?\
In 7 years I hope to have graduated from Evergreen living a slow simple life. I would love to be living in a small community, eating fresh fruit sitting on my balcony with my cat. Following my passions with pure intent.\
Good luck!

Kayden Clapp-Class of 2024

What are your plans after the ILC?\
My plan is to take a gap year and ski patrol at Mt Snoqualmie and do some traveling/backpacking in the southwest. After that I'll decide to go to Fairhaven College at Western Washington University or not!\
Any advice for the younger students?\
Have as much kindness and compassion as you can for yourself and others. We're all on this journey together, let's support each other and make the best of it.\
Shine Bright!

Ila Newman-Class of 2024

Mia Tomatich\
What are your plans after the ILC?\
i'm planning on going to wenatchee valley for a welding certificate then moving far away from here to experience life as much as possible.\
Do you have any advice for younger students?\
Being mean to teachers is not cool or funny, make them your friends life will be so much easier if you do.\
Shine bright Mia!

Mia Tomatich- Class of 2024

Do you have plans for after the ILC?

My current life plan is to explore life outside the valley for a few years - finding new connections and things to create - and, before it becomes strictly millionaire territory, buy land in the valley to build a series of yurts and gardens upon!

Where do you imagine yourself in 7 years?

Living in a yurt with a cat and my friends, making art, dancing, gardening and working hard on my happiness!

Good []()luck Amelia!

Amelia Evans-Class of 2024

Do you have plans for after Liberty Bell?

I plan to continuing raising my son while going to The Evergreen State College and wrestling at a collegiate level.

Any advice for the younger students?

It’s so easy to pick at the negative, take a minute and ask yourself what that is doing for you. There are so many positives in life to be grateful for.

[]()Shine bright Mariah!

Mariah Paz-Class of 2024

What season would you be and why?

I would be spring, I'm a very colorful person and helps bring life to things I'm apart of just how the colors of spring help everyone feel better and get into a better state of mind.

If you could offer advice to our younger students what would it be?

It gets A LOT better and don't get hung up on small things, its not the end of the world, it's high school.

Good []()luck on your adventures!

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