Yelm Community Schools
December 2019
Superintendent's Message
I am extremely proud of our students who are learning by our community's example of "paying it forward." Students are learning the value of giving of their time and resources to benefit others. National Honor Society students raised $6000 in food for Yelm Community Services, and FFA gave away 1,344 lbs of turkey to students and Yelm Community Services.
The generosity shown by each of you makes a difference in our students, schools and community. THANK YOU!
DISTRICT NEWS
SCHOOL BOARD APPROVES LEVY RESOLUTION
Today the resolution was filed with Thurston and Pierce County. On February 11, 2019, we will be asking the community to continue funding of the expiring levy. This is not a new tax. These funds make up 12% of the district operational budget to support educational programs which is not fully funded by the state. Look for information to be sent home or visit our district website for how these funds are used to ensure our students reach their educational and career goals.
We are heading into the winter months. One of the most difficult decisions we face is to close or delay the start of a school day due to weather. We know how much this decision impacts families. At the heart of the decision, however, is the safety and well-being of our students and staff. Check our website for reminders about the impacts of weather and how to stay informed.
To graduate from high school in Washington State, students are required to develop a High School and Beyond Plan (HSBP). The plan illustrates how students will meet high school graduation requirements and guides students through creating an education plan after high school. When students enroll in apprenticeships, technical colleges, two-year colleges, and four-year colleges, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application completion provides important information families need to plan for the funding of a student's goals.
Open doors to your student's education through financial planning. Counselors are available by appointment to help with the application, or students/parents can come each Tuesday after school from 1:50-2:35pm to the YHS Career Center for assistance. Learn more about the benefits of completing the FAFSA on our website.
SPOTLIGHTS
FALL ATHLETICS & ACTIVITIES ACHIEVE
What a terrific season for all our fall athletes. Huge shout out to YHS Cross County team who took 7th place at the 3A State Cross Country Meet lead by junior Bryce Cerkowniak placing 5th individually. The team is continuing to train and compete year round. Eight team members recently competed in the Nike Cross Country Regionals against teams from seven states.
Our football team achieved the state playoffs for the second year in a row. Football and other sporting events also provide a forum for over 420 cheerleaders, jazzline, marching band and
Sports Medicine students the opportunity to perform their skills. Not to mention the 260 young athletes competing at the middle school level. Our students are developing invaluable traits of teamwork, leadership and work ethic through these and other extracurricular activities.
Throughout 2019, 37 adults earned their high school diploma through the High School + Program. The collaboration between YCS, SPSCC, Yelm Timberland Library, and South Sound YMCA has made the Yelm chapter the most successful in the South Sound region.
MINI-GRANTS for EDUCATION
The Thurston County School Retirees' Association gives out grants twice a year. In the fall, they award to elementary teachers. This year the following teachers received almost $1000 to support classroom goals. We appreciate the TCSRA, and their continued dedication to students.
Tammy Matthews, Fort Stevens - Robot and accessories
Kailee Houlihan, McKenna - Sensory Walk
Cyndy Johnson/Kevin Kier/Kim Hay, Prairie - 3 Subscriptions to Iditarod.com
Amye Kay/Susan McLaughlin/Kathy Duncan, Prairie - Children's Author Books
Cindy Garrison, Southworth - Class Library Books
Calendar Highlights
Dec 3 - Special Education Parent Advisory Mtg @ YHS 6:30pm
Dec 6 - RMS Teen Night @ 7pm
Dec 7 - Christmas in the Park
Dec 12 - Fort Stevens Winter Wonderland @ 5pm
Dec 12 - School Board Meeting @ District Office 6pm
Dec 12 - YHS Choir Concert @ 7pm
Dec 19 - Winter Break Begins
Jan 6 - Return to 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.