BELONGING - PURPOSE - CURIOSITY | | Message From the Principal: | | |
Dear Mead Learning Options Families,
We are off to a strong start this school year! September was filled with excitement as students settled into routines, built connections with staff, and engaged in their learning. As we move into October, our focus turns to strengthening those routines and supporting both academic growth and social success.
When I became principal of Mead Learning Options in 2021, our program included just two models serving a little over 400 students. Five years later, we have grown into six unique programs that now serve more than 1,000 students across our community. This growth has been remarkable, and it is a privilege to see how MLO continues to meet the diverse needs of families.
Of course, with growth comes new challenges. I greatly appreciate the families who reach out when issues arise—it allows us to improve and better serve all students. Over the next several weeks, please watch for emails with important updates as we continue refining routines to ensure that students remain safe, supported, and engaged while at school.
Thank you for your ongoing partnership and support. We look forward to a wonderful 2025–2026 school year together!
Warm regards,
Mr. Edwards
Principal, Mead Learning Options
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Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) at MLO
At MLO, we use a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) to ensure all students have what they need to be successful—academically, behaviorally, and socially. A key part of MTSS is setting clear, consistent expectations across all school settings.
This year, we’ve updated our MLO Expectations Matrix. The matrix helps students know what being Safe, Respectful, and Responsible looks like in every area of school, whether that’s the classroom, cafeteria, playground, or common spaces.
Highlights include:
- Voice Levels: Students learn when to use silent voices (0), partner voices (2), or outside/playground voices (4).
- Be Safe: Keep hands, feet, and objects to self; walk at all times; use equipment and supplies as intended.
- Be Respectful: Use school-appropriate language, listen to others, and include classmates.
- Be Responsible: Follow adult directions, complete tasks on time, clean up after yourself, and take care of materials.
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MEAD LEARNING OPTIONS
13120 N PITTSBURG ST
SPOKANE, WA 99208
509-465-7700
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October 6, 2025 will mark the midpoint for quarter one, and we couldn’t be more excited with how resilient and flexible students have been with the changes in our program. Thank you students and families for continuing to work through challenges and the rush of these first few weeks of school.
Please keep in mind that attendance is paramount in our program, so be as conscious of that as possible when scheduling appointments and other activities.
Quarter 1 ends on Wednesday, October 29th, and Quarter 2 begins on Friday, October 31st. Students should attend their scheduled Advisory meeting between 11-11:30 am on Mondays and Wednesdays to work on their Quarter 2 schedules.
Reminder, no on-site classes on Friday, October 10th due to a district Learning Improvement Day.
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FME K-5th:
Welcome Fall!!
We are off to a wonderful start this year! We kicked things off with a fantastic Open House—thank you to everyone who joined us for food, music, and first-day photos. It was a joy to celebrate together. Since then, students have been settling into their classes, our clubs are underway, and soon we’ll be enjoying some cooler fall weather. A friendly reminder—students go outside for recess every day, so please make sure they have appropriate coats, hats, boots, or other gear to stay comfortable outdoors.
Looking ahead, here are a few important dates:
October
- Monday, October 20, and Wednesday, October 22.
- Early Release:Students will be dismissed at 1:00.
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School Spirit Days – students can join in the fun by dressing in monochrome (choose one color and wear it from head to toe!)
- Monday, October 27, and Wednesday, October 29. NO REGULAR CLASSES
- Parent/Teacher Conferences – We’ll send out sign-ups about two weeks in advance, but if you need your sign-up earlier, just let us know.
- No morning Piano on conference days.
November
- No School – Monday, November 10, and Tuesday, November 11. No Clubs
- Monday, November 17, and Wednesday, November 19:
- Early Release at 1:00.
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School Spirit Day – Dress in your Fan Favorite gear (wear your favorite team’s attire).
- Parent Workshop – Our first parent workshop will be held from 12:10–12:55.
- Thanksgiving Break – Wednesday, November 26, through Friday, November 28.
December
- Monday, December 15, and Wednesday, December 17:
- Early Release Days at 1:00.
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School Spirit Day – Show off your fancy or holiday attire.
- Parent Workshop – Our second parent workshop will also be held from 12:10–12:55.
- Winter Break – Begins Monday, December 22, through Friday, January 2.
💡 Parent Connections
We would love your involvement in our Parent Connections group! If you’re interested in getting involved, please reach out to:
- Tyanna Arnett – Tiebob@hotmail.com
- Corrie Ainley – teachercorrie@gmail.com
We’re looking forward to a fall and winter filled with learning, connection, and community fun!
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FMM 6th-8th:
We’ve had a wonderful start to the school year! It’s been so exciting to see students reconnecting with old friends, meeting new classmates, and settling into their routines. The energy in our hallways and classrooms is contagious, and we’re already enjoying learning, laughter, and all the little moments that make the start of a school year so special.
As of this year, middle school students have “recess” every Monday - Thursday. Please make sure they come prepared with appropriate clothing for the weather so they can enjoy their time outside comfortably.
Here are the important dates and highlights for the next few months:
OCTOBER
- Friday, October 3 – Friday Tutoring begins from 9:00–11:00.
- Friday, October 10 – No School (Teacher LID Day).
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Thursday, October 23 – Advisory. Students should have their Fitness and Art logs completed and signed by parents. These go into PowerSchool as part of their grade (except for Mrs. Wheeler’s classes). Remember there is NO early dismissal this year.
- Friday, October 24 – Costume Dance (Grades 6–12). Students can enjoy games, music, and fun! School-appropriate costumes are welcome.
NOVEMBER
- Monday & Tuesday, November 10–11 – No School.
- Thursday, November 20 – Advisory. Students should bring completed and parent-signed logs, along with their Advisory form completed in the Advisory Google Classroom. NO early dismissal.
- Wednesday–Friday, November 26–28 – Thanksgiving Break.
DECEMBER
- Thursday, December 18 – Advisory. Students should bring completed and parent-signed logs, along with their Advisory form completed in the Advisory Google Classroom. NO early dismissal.
- Monday–Friday, December 22–January 2 – Winter Break.
💡 Parent Connections
We would love your involvement in our Parent Connections group! If you’re interested in getting involved, please reach out to:
We’re looking forward to a season filled with learning, fun events, and community connection!
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October Update
We have had a wonderful fall beginning! Families have gathered for check in meetings, orientation and our “Welcome Back” day. Learning has begun at home and clubs started on Sept. 22nd. Thank you all for your joy and patience as everything gets up and running.
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October Progress Meetings
In October we will have our first traditional progress meetings. If you have never been in a progress meeting before, you can find information at this link:
Prepare for a Progress Meeting. This is a wonderful time to celebrate small wins and brainstorm new ideas. We love seeing the learning that is happening at home.
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Clubs & Costumes
The week of 10/27-29 students are encouraged to dress up in costumes if they like. Students can choose any character they like: fantasy, literature based, historical figure, or more! Please remember that we are a K-12 school with tender little Kindergarteners attending, so please keep your costumes positive and G-rated. Costumes are completely optional.
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OCTOBER
10/6-10 PROGRESS MEETINGS;
No clubs, Learning continues at home.
IEP services continue
10/13-15 Clubs
10/20-22 Clubs
10/27-29 Clubs & Costumes
NOVEMBER
11/3-7 PROGRESS MEETINGS;
No clubs, Learning continues at home.
IEP services continue
REQUEST FOR CLUB SUPPLIES - drop off in the office
- Shoe Boxes
- Empty 2 liter soda bottles
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Firewood Committee
MOS families rallied together to prepare firewood for the cold winter season. (See pictures)
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Calendar at a Glance
Sept 29-Oct 2- Fitness Testing
Sept 29- WA Kids Family Assessments Due
Oct 3- MLO PTO, 1pm
Oct 7- MOS Parent Council
Oct 24- MLO Costume Dance, 6th-12th grade
Oct 24- School Photos
Oct 27/28- Family Day and Geography Bee
Nov 14- Prospective New Family Q&A, 11:00am
Chilly Temperatures On the Horizon
Students are outside nearly all day. When they get chilled at MOS, they may stay chilled for several hours. Please help your child pack for all the weather possibilities. This includes LAYERS, LAYERS, LAYERS.
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MVP:
MVP students are off to a great start. Many students are already ahead of pace to earn credits toward graduation! Don’t forget - when the district has a student day off, that is bonus time for you to get ahead of the pace of your courses!
Alternatives to traditional education are growing! We began this year adding three new staff members: Bryce Borland (coming from Highland MS), Sarah Edmonson (coming from Mead HS), and Melissa Tebbets (coming from Highland MS). Welcome aboard new advisors!
| | | ASSESSMENTS AND INTERVENTION:KARI HENNESSY | | MAP, Dibels, and MAZE scores will be shared by classroom teachers, advisors and/or mentors by mid October. | | |
Special Education continues to work hard to create groups to pursue growth in reading, writing, math and social/adaptive skills. We are happy to serve our students and look forward to them coming to Resource each day.
With clubs in full swing, the halls are busier. We are utilizing Room 304, Portable One and Portable Two. So students are learning flexibility as well as academic skills. This gives students the opportunity to work with multiple teachers and extend their support network.
Thank you for your support in getting your students to their resource services on time and regularly. We can plan great progress together. Please also remember that services are going on during progress week. If your family chooses not to attend during progress week, just know that the system will call you as though your child is absent unless you call to let the office know that your child will be absent.
Thank you, and happy learning!
| | Counseling: Savannah Maxwell | |
My name is Savannah Maxwell, and I am excited to introduce myself as the new school counselor at Mead Learning Options. I feel honored to join this wonderful community and look forward to working together to support the academic, social, and emotional growth of your children. My goal is to create a safe and welcoming space for all students while partnering with families and staff to ensure every student thrives. I believe in the power of collaboration and open communication, and I am here to support your student in any way I can. Please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m excited to get to know you and your child. You can reach me at savannah.maxwell@mead354.org or at (509) 465-7776. | | | | LIBRARY: CYNTHIA VILLINES | | |
We NEED parental involvement! Consider attending one of our virtual meetings here! Our next meeting is Oct. 3rd at 1pm. Let us know you would like to volunteer by completing this form. We are looking for volunteers to help make our events run smoothly.
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