Yelm Community Schools
May 2020
Superintendent's Message
Join us in our Graduate Yelm! celebration leading up to graduation.
DISTRICT NEWS
On Thursday, the school board approved a resolution accepting all elements of our Continuation of Learning Plan and directed the superintendent to apply for an Emergency Waiver of School Days and Instructional Hours. This is happening across the state.
Our Continuation of Learning Plan is critical and asks students to connect to school each day to show they are learning the core learning goals for this year. Our students are connecting with their teachers through Google Classroom, Zoom, Skyward and email. In some cases learning packets are being sent home. Our strong message continues to be that school happens every day, and there are multiple ways to connect with teachers and schools for support. Our priorities continue to be that:
- We will make each student feel safe and valued
- We will maintain relationships and connections
- We will build on each student's learning
- We will provide feedback in a variety of ways to meet students' needs
SAFETY & SECURITY CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
School construction has been deemed essential and began earlier than projected due to the school closure. We anticipate the safety projects at YHS, RMS and Fort Stevens, Prairie, and Mill Pond will be completed ahead of schedule and be ready for when our students return. Projects at Lackamas and McKenna are scheduled for next summer.
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
The community continued to make the annual FFA Plant Sale a success despite the challenges of our first online sale and curb-side delivery. We desperately missed the students that learn essential skills of customer service, business operations and plant care. The sale is more than a fundraiser that supports membership fees for over 1000 students enrolled in an Agriculture/Science course. It is a learning experience that prepares tomorrow's leaders today.
After eight weeks of closure, our Food Service staff have prepared over 95,000 meals with a personal touch. Inspirational messages have been written on the bags, and dress up days bring smiles to the students and families. With supplies often limited, they have been creative on how they package meals and the items included. One parent shared, "My kids thoroughly enjoy going down to the bus and seeing you guys! ❤️ You matter SO MUCH!" Thank you to our staff who are connecting with students and families. #YelmCares
The HS staff and Jostens greeted the 325 seniors as they drove through Tornado Alley to pick up their caps, gowns and a yard signs. Principal Johnson spoke with every student to check in and express our sincere belief in each of them.
Under the current social distancing guidelines outlined in the Governor's Safe Start Washington Plan, we have to shifted how we celebrate our seniors. We will be conducting events to honor their accomplishments. Details about each event will be posted on our website, social media and the YCS YouTube channel. We hope you join our events online listed below.
Calendar Highlights
May 21: School Board Meeting @ 6pm (Zoom Access)
May 22: NO SCHOOL
May 25: NO SCHOOL - Memorial Day
June 1: Virtual Class of 2020 Scholarship Awards @ 6pm
June 4: Virtual School Board Mtg & District Awards @ 6pm
June 14: Graduation Celebration
June 19: Last Day of School
Stay Connected
Email: communications@ycs.wednet.edu
Website: www.ycs.wednet.edu
Location: 107 North 1st Street, Yelm, Washington, USA
Phone: (360) 458-1900
Facebook: facebook.com/ycsnews
Twitter: @YCSNews
Yelm Community Schools does not discriminate in any programs, activities or employment opportunities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Civil Rights: Greg Davis, 360-458-1900, gregory_davis@ycs.wednet.edu; Title IX Coordinator: Lisa Cadero-Smith, 360-458-6120, lisa_cadero-smith@ycs.wednet.edu; and 504 Coordinator: Shannon Powell, 360-458-6124, shannon_powell@ycs.wednet.edu. Address: 107 First St N, PO Box 476, Yelm, WA 98597.