Welcome to Methow Valley Elementary!

I’m honored to serve as the principal, a position I’ve held since 2019. During my first year I had the opportunity to listen and learn from the staff and community about all the wonderful things occurring in our school, as well as issues that needed more attention. This listening and learning included conversations with every staff member, three community listening sessions, and one “Dream Big” event where community members were invited to envision all that might be possible within our schools. 

I synthesized this information and shared our collective work with staff in February of 2020. The main themes included strengthening and focusing on: Literacy Instruction, Social and Emotional Learning, Units of Inquiry, and Family and Community Partnerships. These themes continue to guide our work.

One theme that did not emerge until March of 2020, was our school and communities response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although I hope to never have to principal through a pandemic again, I’m proud of the way everyone in our school and community rallied together to keep our schools open to the extent that we were able to. 

As we have returned to full classrooms and as I reflect on the work of our school since 2020, I’m amazed at all the good work in support of students and families. One additional theme that has emerged is the need to double-down on our efforts to support all students, and tailor instruction to meet the needs of all students through a Multi-tiered System of Support framework. This work is at its infancy, but it has already proven to be effective in helping all students reach their full potential. 

As you can see, I think Methow Valley Elementary is a wonderful place for students, and one reason for that is our amazing community partnerships and volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering, please complete our Volunteer application. And if you have any additional questions, don't hesitate to reach out to me by email. 

SIncerely, 

Paul Gutzler

Principal, Methow Valley Elementary