Dear MASD Families,
I am excited to share some wonderful news regarding the future of Fine Arts instruction at Mill A School District.
Earlier this year, our beloved art teacher, Mrs. Giles, announced her retirement. While we are sad to see her go, we are thrilled for her as she embarks on a new chapter in life, pursuing her passion for Natural Art. Because she shared her plans with us early, we had the opportunity to thoughtfully prepare for the future of our art program.
Starting next school year, we are pleased to announce that Mrs. McLarney will be joining MASD as a full-time Fine Arts instructor. Many of you already know her from her work in the district, and we are thrilled to expand her role from part-time to full-time. This change will allow us to offer even more creative opportunities for our students under the guidance of an incredibly talented educator.
Mrs. McLarney brings over 25 years of experience in teaching music and art. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music with a minor in Theater Arts from the University of Puget Sound. While there, she was a member of the distinguished Adelphian Concert Choir and studied British music, London theatre, and Victorian art and architecture abroad in London. She also earned a certificate in Jazz Pedagogy from the International Association for Jazz Education Teacher Training Institute in Park City, Utah.
Her extensive background includes conducting choirs, directing stage productions, and leading more than 50 school and community performances. In 2008, she received the Veterans of Foreign Wars District 6 Regional Award for Citizenship Education Teacher of the Year—an honor that speaks to her dedication to both education and community.
This year, Mrs. McLarney has been teaching K–8 music, directing the MAS Middle School Band and PCIA Band, and serving as our interim art teacher. She was recently accepted by Eastern Washington University as a College in the High School instructor for the 2025–2026 school year. Her passion lies in helping students see the deep connections between the arts and their lives, their communities, and the broader world.
Please join me in congratulating Mrs. McLarney on her expanded role at MASD! We look forward to the energy, creativity, and inspiration she will bring to our students every day.
Congratulations, Mrs. McLarney!
Warm regards,
Kelly Stickel
Superintendent/Principal
Mill A School District