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What's Happening
Mabton School District continues to gain regional and national accolades. In March- The Mabton School District School Nurse Cindy Howe was recognized as a "Real Hero" by the Benton-Franklin Red Cross for her efforts in obtaining major vision surgery for an Artz-Fox Elementary School student. Howe , along with Readiness to Learn case manager Jessica Prietro and the school staff worked along with Sunnyside optometrist and Lions Club member Dr. Jack Hale to provide the student with pro bono surgery to correct a long list of congenital vision problems. (see story below)
Eye Surgery above and beyond- Artz-Fox Elementary student Ivan Torres brought down the house at an event held in December to celebrate his new vision.
 The Mabton third grader simply told his story and thanked the adults who gave him his first real view of the world. Born with a series of vision deficits, When Ivan entered school his teachers tried to help with using all means at their disposal. When it became apparent that overlarge flashcards and oversized print readers were not the answer, Mabton School Nurse Cindy Howe and Readiness to Learn case Manager Jessica Prieto sprung into action.
Young Torres, pictured left with his adult guardian angels Sunnyside optometrist Dr. Jack Hale, Howe and Prieto, underwent an operation in October, to correct his long list of congenital vision problems.
Today he is seeing his world without difficulty. And his smile is almost too big for his face
To show hi. s appreciation created simple drawing and note. In little boy artistic detail, Ivan wrote “Thank you for helping me so that kids don’t make fun of me.” In the drawing he is standing next to his school.
The “Ivan Story” was celebrated at the Dec. 12 meeting of the Mid Valley Providers Consortium held in Sunnyside. His story was also published in the Northwest Community Action Center newsletter.
The boy suffered from nerve damage, cataracts and astigmatism that can’t be corrected by glasses alone. The necessary surgery is not covered by the state’s Basic Health coverage. But, thanks to the aid of Dr. Hale, the boy was able to have the surgery. Dr. Hale convinced doctors and a Seattle hospital to perform the surgery at no cost to the family. Dr. Hale, who has written and numerous research papers on difficult vision problems, is a life-long Sunnyside Lion, and had dedicated many hours to helping cure and improve people’s vision
Mabton voters approve M&O Levy in overwhelming fashion
On Feb. 19, 2008 the Mabton voters overwhelming approved the Mabton School District maintenance and operations levy.
The levy, used to fund basic services in the Mabton School District, received a 75% "yes" voter approval. The levy monies help fund such items as buses, athletics, upkeep of facilities, and extracurricular activities. The levy amount is set at $195,000. This was a reduction on assessed valuation from $1.69 per thousand dollars in the year 2004 levy to $1.39 per thousand dollars of assessed valuation. The 2008 M&O Levy request represents an estimated decrease of 30 cents per thousand dollars from the last levy, according to District officials.
A very important part of the levy proposition is the state equalization money. With the passage,the state will give the district $875,167 annually!
This money has always been a very important part of Mabton’s budget and is absolutely necessary for keeping the level of services the district provide in many areas. The district is also asking for this levy to be effective for four years, which will guarantee the taxpayers at least a level tax rate over the next four years. The rate will likely even go lower as evaluations are done on property in the district.
Artz-Fox student drop-off area relocated
Effective January 2, 2008 parents are asked to start using the newly designated student drop-off area on 7th Avenue. The change has been made to minimize the safety risk to our children and to eliminate the traffic congestion.
By using the new drop-off area parents may drive through and deliver their student to the school and then turn left on Jefferson Street.
Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. If you have any concerns please call us at 894-4941*. Dawn Weddle/ Robert Morales
*Staff may now park in the parking lot located in front of the Learning Center, leaving the area in front of the Artz-Fox building open to visitors.
School is in session – Drive carefully!
 Please remember to slow down when approaching the Mabton school zone. The speed limit in near all schools is 20 MPH.
Family Fun Alert: Artz-Fox Parent Conferences Week - March 25-27 Early Release at 11:55 a.m. for students.
In the December edition of The Learning Network, a magazine published by the Small Schools Project, the work being done in Mabton was outlined in a full-page article. To read the article, “Preparing Mabton Students for College Success,” in its entirety go to www.smallschoolsproject.org. Check also for an article by MHS teacher Tamara Steen concerning being college-prepared.
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