This Week at MVE
August 31st-September 4th, 2026
Dear MVE Families,
Our first day is off to a great start! There were lots of smiling faces this morning as students returned to school, met their teacher, learned school routines, and connected with friends new and old.
Ms Keri, our school counselor, and I spent most of our day with students in Mr Miller’s PE class as we are using the first PE class of the year to support students in the most self-directed portion of their day–recess. We reviewed the playground expectations (attached here), and practiced using them on the playground. It was a great way to kick off the year and connect with students on the playground. I encourage you to check in with your student about what they like to do at recess and how they can be caring, principled thinkers while having fun with friends on the playground.
As a reminder, dismissal is at 3:10 today. I’ve included a few reminders about dismissal, including parent pickup below:
If your child's “go home” plan for afterschool has changed since they’ve left the house, please call the main office at 509.996.2186 and share the new plan with our office staff. Contacting the office before 2:00 p.m. (Noon on Fridays) allows our staff to get a note to your child’s teacher and promotes a seamless transition from home to school.
If you are picking up your child from school, please park at the south end of our parking lot and walk over to the parent pick-up area. The main area of the parking lot and the northern exit of the parking lot will be closed from 3:00 - 3:20 p.m. as our buses actively load students and depart. And although we love animals at MVE, we ask that you don’t bring pets and/or animals, including dogs, cats, horses, etc., to parent pickup. Animals at pick up can be a big distraction and potentially create an unsafe environment. Thanks for helping keep our dismissal a calm and safe place for everyone.
Sincerely,
Paul Gutzler
Methow Valley Elementary
Principal
Monday, August 31: The first day of school for grades 1-5 is Monday, August 31. This is a regular school day; school starts at 8:25, and dismissal is at 3:10.
Friday, September 4: This is our first regularly scheduled early release day. Dismissal is at 1:20 pm. This is also the first day of Kindergarten.
Friday, September 4: Tea & Tissues- New Kinder parent meet and greet immediately following Kinder drop-off
Monday, September 7: No school for Labor Day.
Friday, September 11: No school for Fair Day
Tuesday, September 15th: Picture Day (more info below)
Arrival & Dismissal Times:
School begins at 8:25 am and ends at 3:10 pm, Monday-Thursdays, and ends at 1:20 pm on Fridays. *Children can be dropped off no earlier than 8:00 am.
Bus Note Reminder:
Please call in bus notes by 1:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and by 12:00 p.m. on Fridays. Our office phone number is 509-996-2186. Thank you!
Voluntary Student Accident and Sickness Insurance Enrollment Information for the 2026-27 school year, offered by Myers-Stevens & Toohey. Please use the link for more information on what they offer and/or to enroll. The link will also give you the contact information for Myers-Stevens & Toohey. Paper brochures and enrollment forms are also available at the office.
Enroll online at www.myers-stevens.com
Welcome to Kindergarten!
Here is a short video we filmed last spring, starring our Kindergarteners. Enjoy!
Additionally, here is a helpful document for review:
Picture Day is coming up on September 15th! Please use the link below to pre-order your child's individual pictures. Order forms/fliers will be sent home, as well.
Here is a direct link for ordering online: https://shop.imagequix.com/g1001412632
If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact Parsons Photography at 509-662-9576 or 1-800-846-8469. They are happy to help!
AfterCare (Grades K–5)
AfterCare is a free after-school childcare program for MVE students in grades K–5. It includes snacks, fun activities, and bus transportation to the Winthrop Town Trailhead and Twisp Community Center.
- Start Date: Monday, August 31st, 2026.
- Register For AfterCare Here (space is limited)
Cub Clubs
MVSD partners with the Public School Funding Alliance (PSFA) to offer free, enriching after-school clubs for all students.
Dates: September 14th-October 22nd, 2026
Registration: Opens week of August 31st (info coming via email soon)
Questions?
Contact Laurel Carlton, Family & Community Engagement Coordinator
lcarlton@methow.org
Information can also be found on our school website.
Early Learning Programs In the Methow Valley
The Early Childhood Education Committee is excited to share a new resource with families interested in more information on early learning programs in the Methow Valley.
Community Facilities Task Force (CFTF) Thought Exchange
We are asking you to take about 10 minutes to share your perspective about the future of our school facilities. ThoughtExchange allows you to anonymously share your thoughts, read what others in our community are saying, and “star” the ideas that resonate most with you.
Please participate by visiting www.methow.org.
The survey will remain open through Monday, September 14.
Our goal is to hear from as broad and representative a cross-section of our community as possible. In addition to participating yourself, please help us spread the word and encourage your friends and neighbors to participate. You do not need to have a student enrolled in our schools to have a voice in this process.
The feedback gathered through this survey will help inform the CFTF's continued work and the long-range facility recommendations it will ultimately bring forward to the District and School Board.
Email: pgutzler@methow.org
Website: www.methow.org
Phone: 509-996-2186