Yelm Community Schools

October 17, 2022

Brian Wharton, Superintendent

MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

For many reasons it is very easy for me to say we are off to a great start this year. Five weeks into our new year have shown us many outstanding aspects that will eventually result in strong student achievement over the course of the entire school year. First, our students are showing up to school in record numbers. For the month of September, our daily attendance rate was an astounding 96%! We know that strong school attendance correlates tightly with academic growth and achievement. Second, our students are engaging in extracurricular activities in record numbers. Whether it is athletics, clubs or school organizations, students are engaging in efforts to connect strongly with their school. Similar to attendance, participation in school activities has a direct correlation to strong performance in school.


Our two overarching goals for the year are very simple. We want our students to demonstrate high growth and achievement in their classroom work. We also want to develop a strong connection, or sense of belonging, with their school and community. When students feel they belong and have supports to do well in school, academic performance flourishes. We can always improve, but we are off to a great start on these two goals.

Brian Wharton, Superintendent
Community Conversation

Community Conversation about Drugs: from Opioids to Fentanyl

We are proud to bring back our Community Conversations about topics impacting our students, families and community members. Our first topic will be focused on the resources available to help keep drugs out of our schools, homes and community.


Join us on November 1 from 6-7pm at the YHS Performing Arts Center to learn more from Gary Warnock, Thurston County Coroner; John Snaza, Thurston County Sheriff; Shannon Gubser, YCS Counselor; and Skylar Cole, YCS Social Worker.

Community Conversation
Free and Reduce Meal Applications

Free and Reduced Meal Benefits Expire - Oct 18

If you haven't gotten in your application to renew your meal benefits, please do so as soon as possible. Families will incur meal charges until the applications are approved.


If your income changes during the year, you can apply at any time during the year. Forms are available on our website.

Free and Reduce Meal Applications

Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Indigenous Peoples’ Day is celebrated the second Monday of October to honor the cultures and histories of the Native American people. This day is centered around reflecting on tribal roots and traditions.


Our district enjoys a strong partnership with the local Nisqually Tribe. As part of the Teacher Professional Development Day, Elementary staff had the unique opportunity to learn from Nisqually tribal members. Workshops were lead by tribal representatives.


All our students learn about Native culture through the Since Time Immemorial Curriculum.

Pictured from left to right: Teachers, Catalina Sanchez; Naiomie Wilkins; and Andreya Squally; YCS Native American Education Coordinator, Liz Satiacum; and Teacher, Kayla Sparkuhl

New YCS Nisqually Language Program!

This fall, Yelm Community Schools entered into an exciting new partnership with the Nisqually Tribe. Instructors certified as "Teachers and Keepers of the Nisqually Language" will offer indigenous language classes for Yelm students. The program will begin as a pilot at Southworth Elementary, with the intent to grow over time as the Nisqually Tribe certifies more language teachers.


Yelm is the first public school district in the South Sound Region to offer the Nisqually Language Program. Preserving the cultural and linguistic identities of our Native American students is one of the many ways the district is committed to building a culture of belonging for all students. When children are connected to their indigenous languages, their identities are affirmed, and their cultural ties are strengthened.


Pictured from left to right: Teachers, Catalina Sanchez; Naiomie Wilkins; and Andreya Squally; YCS Native American Education Coordinator, Liz Satiacum; and Teacher, Kayla Sparkuhl

Pictured from left to right: Teachers, Catalina Sanchez; Naiomie Wilkins; and Andreya Squally; YCS Native American Education Coordinator, Liz Satiacum; and Teacher, Kayla Sparkuhl
Dates to Remember

Dates to Remember

OCTOBER: National Principals, Physical Therapy, Crime Prevention, Disability History, Bullying Prevention Month

Oct 17-21: National School Bus Safety Week

Oct 27: School Board Meeting @ District Office 6pm


NOVEMBER: Native American Heritage Month

Nov 1: Community Conversation @ YHS 6pm

Nov 6: Daylight Savings - Fall Back

Nov 8: Election Day

Nov 10: 1/2 Day - End of 1st Quarter (Records Day)

Nov 11: NO SCHOOL - Veterans Day

Nov 21-23: 1/2 Day - Conferences

Nov 22: School Board Meeting @ District Office 6pm

Nov 24-25: NO SCHOOL - Holiday

Dates to Remember
YCS District Logo

Stay Connected

YCS District Logo

107 North 1st Street, Yelm, Washington, USA communications@ycs.wednet.edu (360) 458-1900 ycs.wednet.edu

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: Julie Mondry, 360.458.1900, julie_mondry@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.