Dear Parents, Guardians, and Community Members,

Welcome to the Medical Lake School District! My name is Tawni Barlow, and I serve as the Student & Community Services Director. In this role, I oversee nursing, special education, Section 504 (a civil rights statute ensuring students with disabilities receive equal access to education), and our Mind Your Health mental wellness program at the Wellness Center.

As I enter my thirteenth year with Medical Lake School District, I continue to be inspired by the dedication of our school and community. With a strong commitment to teaching and learning, our educators implement well-researched curricula and innovative interventions to ensure every student receives a high-quality education. Beyond academics, students have access to numerous extracurricular opportunities that enrich their experiences and foster personal growth. Our support staff including paraeducators, maintenance and custodial teams, food service professionals, and transportation staff work tirelessly to create a positive and welcoming environment for all students. It truly takes a village, and our community consistently demonstrates its dedication to our children’s success.

A little about me: I have a background in education, administration, school psychology, counseling, and social work. My training includes data-based decision-making, consultation and collaboration, cognitive and family assessments, counseling, effective instruction, child development, diversity in learning, school organization, prevention and intervention strategies, mental health, behavioral support, research, and program evaluation. On a personal note, I am married with two children and own two playful Leonberger puppies.  As a family, we enjoy outdoor adventures and staying active.

Our mission is to ensure all students are prepared to be innovative, productive citizens in an ever-changing world. As a student & community services department, we are committed to providing a free and appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment, with high academic standards that foster independence, resourcefulness, and lifelong learning. We take great pride in being accessible and supportive to our students and their families, and our dedicated staff is always ready to assist in any way possible.

At Medical Lake, we live by the motto: Every Student, Every Day. I look forward to working with you and your child as we help them reach their full potential. Strong communication is key to a successful partnership, so please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at any time by phone at 509-565-3145 or via email at [email protected]

Kindly,
Tawni Barlow