Methow Valley Elementary School
Home of the Mountain Lion Cubs
18 Twin Lakes Road Winthrop, WA 98862 (509) 996-2186
Administrative staff
Ray Leaver, principal
Christine Eckstrom, secretary
Jennifer Wallis, secretary
Teaching staff
Erica Bleke, grade 5
Kristy Caesar, kindergarten
Joyce Daniels, kindergarten
Steve Dixon, grade 6
Jennifer Duguay, grade 5
Tammie Ellis, grades 1-2
Dr. Mark Johnson, Music
Jean Koreski, P.E./Art
Kay Lee, grades 1-2
Mindy Miller, grades 3-4
Cathy Oliver, grades 3-4
Joni Stevie, grade 6
Kelly van Bueren, grades 3-4
Barbara Wells, kindergarten/Title I
Kathy Williams, grades 1-2
Sheryl Wolfe, grades 1-2
Support Staff
Karen Fisher, special education coordinator
Lois Garland, counseling and family services
David Harris, head maintenance/custodian
Babette Joslin, para-professional/Title I & special education
Donna Leuschen, para-professional/librarian
Marcia Liebl, Title I
Donna Neubert, para-professional/OT&PT
Kristy Paul, lunchroom assistant
Laura Schrager, special education
Tammie Yoakum, custodian
Methow Valley Elementary strives to achieve the district’s mission through the nine characteristics of highly effective schools:
** Everyone at MVES works and learns together.
** Staff members believe that all students can meet high expectations in academics and behavior.
** Leadership nurtures an instructional program and school culture that promotes learning.
** Staff, students and parents are committed to the value of working as a team to fulfill the school district’s mission.
** The content of student learning at Methow Valley Elementary School matches state standards.
** Ongoing assessment and evaluation drive instruction.
** Staff development supports the needs of students and directly improves classroom instruction.
** Students feel safe, respected and connected with staff.
** Parent and community involvement play a vital role in student success.
What Makes Us Special
Methow Valley Elementary is a richly diverse school in a beautiful location. Our student body represents a variety of students, who bring unique talents and skills to their learning each day. Community members volunteer their time, care and expertise on a regular basis to support students. A special connection with Methow Arts Alliance creates opportunities to enjoy performing arts and engage in hands-on activities with working artists. The Public School Funding Alliance supports activities such as after school programs such as Cub Club, instrumental music classes and enriched classroom activities.
Raising Expectations and Standards
Learning is our top priority. Our teachers are highly trained and work collaboratively to hold students accountable to high academic and behavior standards. We carefully measure student learning and design instruction to meet individual needs. Professional days focus on bringing teachers together to align student learning across the system and discuss strategies to support learners at all levels. In 2009-2010, we are also working with a mathematics specialist from the University of Washington.
Community Connections
Many community groups use our building. Activities include: Classroom in Bloom, Tae Kwon Do, AAU basketball, community soccer club, boy scouts, girl scouts, pottery classes, Chinese language, Missoula Children’s Theater, Pipestone Orchestra and adult recreational basketball. We take pride in being a community-centered school.
Parent and Community Involvement in Learning
Our parents create a strong network of support to help each other and all students at MVES. Our Association of Parents and Teachers (APT) is a dynamic group that actively supports classroom learning and school activities. Parents volunteer as classroom helpers, mentors, field trip leaders and sixth grade camp organizers. Our annual science fair, music performances and “Math Is Cool” draw many parent and community members to school to support student growth. We also offer a “mother-daughter project” to promote ties between among families and between the school and home. We welcome interested parents or community members to contact the school office to learn more about activities.
Top-notch staff
Methow Valley Elementary School has 18 classroom teachers. They average 18 years of teaching experience and more than 60 percent have a master’s degree. They are joined by a dedicated support staff who have students’ best interests in mind in all they do.
Budget
In 2009-2010, the district’s budget is about $6.5 million, approximately 75 percent of which goes to salaries and benefits. The district allocates $150 per student for classroom supplies.
Help us raise funds for enriching our programs: Click here!
2009 Methow Valley Elementary WASL results
For a look at MVES WASL scores, click here.
