Conferences are just around the corner. Our goal is to meet with every family and share the progress and development of each child. Please be sure to visit the school website for more details about times available to meet with teachers in person or by Zoom.

You can register today for an appointment November 21-23 using the Family Access Skyward Link on the website.

Our weather has shifted quickly with freezing temperatures on the horizon. It is important for families to prepare their students on what happens if there is a school delay or closure. Here are a few reminders:

Typically, families will be notified of emergency schedule changes by an automated phone call, email and/or text. We will announce delays and closures as early as possible but no later than 5:30 a.m. Occasionally circumstances change quickly and late announcements are unavoidable. The following information is for reference in the event that the schools are closed or buses operate on an emergency schedule:

• School Closure: All schools will be closed all day and any activities planned for the day or evening will be announced by 12pm on the district website.
• Emergency Schedule: Indicates that schools will start on a delayed schedule. Parents are reminded that although the buses will start the runs later, if we are on an emergency schedule, the buses may be slightly later near the end of the run. We request that parents make allowances for this.
• Limited Transportation: Limited transportation will prevail if some roads become inaccessible or if the county announces road closures. If we alter a route, we will send an automated message to those impacted. School will be in session unless otherwise announced by the Superintendent’s Office.

Stay informed about Emergency Closures & Delays by

• Signing up for FLASH ALERT to receive an email notice.
• Updating your Family Access email and home & cell numbers
• Opting In for Text Messaging (Text YES to 67587)
• Following Yelm Community Schools social media platforms
• Visiting the district website for detailed information and updates
• Tuning into other media outlets

On November 1, we held our first "Community Conversation" this year about substance use. Thank you to our panel Coroner Gary Warnock, Sheriff John Snaza and Lt. Tim Rudloff (County Drug Task Force) for participating along with our own Shannon Gubser (SEL Coach) and Skylar Cole (Social Worker). This a serious issue in Thurston County, and Yelm is not immune to the impact. The one hour event was recorded and is available on our website. In addition, resources for parents and students are posted to help in starting the conversation with family and friends. Lastly, if you need help or want more information, we have created an email (substanceuse@ycs.wednet.edu) to connect directly with our support team.

We are thankful to have such an strong military community that is active in our schools. This week, schools will be hosting a variety of events to honor our veterans and their contribution to our country. Locally, our military families also make an impact by participating in “Watch D.O.G.S.” (dads of great students). Our local military brances of the Marines, Air Force, and the National Guard are members of our Graduate Yelm! Partner Network and volunteer for significant school activities such as Freshmen Interviews and Financial Reality Fair. Many of our Graduate Yelm! Partners also include veteran-owned businesses here in town. Our local VFW is an incredible partner that helps deliver our Thanksgiving meals and Christmas gifts to schools. Military-connected families in our district has also led to amazing funding opportunities in schools. Yelm Community Schools has received numerous DoDEA (Department of Defense Education Activity) grants since 2015.

Thank you for making a difference in with our students, school and comunity!

We are excited to partner with the Yelm Chamber and City of Yelm to coordinate the Christmas in the Park event. On December 2, Friday night, the city will light the park, host Santa pictures and have a cocoa trail.

On Saturday, December 3, the all day event starts with a parade down Yelm Ave starting from Yelm Theater to the City Park. The event is completely FREE. YHS Student Leadership groups and community members will host booths full of fun holiday activities. You can even get a hot dog and hot chocolate or cider from your principal. Enjoy the fun and music.

9:30 Yelm High School Marching Band Leads Parade

10:30 Announcement of Essay Winners

11:00 Lackamas Elementary School

11:30 McKenna Elementary School

12:00 Ft. Stevens Elementary School

12:30 Southworth Elementary School

1:00 Mill Pond Elementary School

1:30 Prairie Elementary School

2:00 Yelm Middle School Choir

2:30 Yelm Middle School Band

3:00 Ridgeline Middle School Band

3:30 Ridgeline Middle School Choir

4:00 Yelm High School Treble & Select Choir

NOVEMBER: Native American Heritage Month

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

DECEMBER:

Dec 15: School Board Meeting @ District Office 6pm

Dec 17-Jan 2: NO SCHOOL - Winter Break

Dec 26: Treaty of Medicine Creek