Principal Weekly Update to Families

Today (Friday, December 15, the Family Belonging Survey closes. Please take a few minutes to help us understand your experience in our school. We truly value our partnership with you and appreciate your time and feedback.

Prairie Survey link: https://bit.ly/PRfambelong

On Monday, December 4, Yelm Community Schools sent an email to all families with a link to the annual Federal Impact Aid Survey. Today, a reminder was sent to those families who have not yet completed the survey. Under Impact Aid Section 7003, the schools across the nation may be entitled to federal funds for the operation and maintenance of our school facilities and to enrich their local school programs. These funds are provided to compensate school districts for local tax dollars that are lost as the result of nontaxable federal payrolls or properties and will benefit students in Yelm Community Schools. In order to obtain these funds, YCS needs to identify students’ parent or guardian who may live or work on Federal property. Please look for this survey in your email and complete it by December 31, 2023. Families with more than one student in the Yelm School District must complete a separate survey for each student. The Impact Aid grant application provides only collective information on the numbers and locations of federally-connected students attending our schools. Be assured that all information collected is confidential and used only for the stated purpose.

If you would like additional information about this program, visit the U.S. Department of Education Impact Aid website at https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/oese/impactaid. To access this form, please check your email.

While your making your travel to-do list, please include contacting our Attendance Office. Email or call our Attendance line at 360-458-6271 to excuse your student's absence. Anticipate that requests for homework can take up to 48 hours to process.

Cyndy Freshour-Johnson was presented a $275 grant today during the Friday Assembly by Dorn Barr from the Thurston County School Retirees Association. Mrs. Johnson shared that the grant will be used to support the Third grade IditaRead activities and supplies. Congratulations, Mrs. Johnson, and thank you for going the extra mile to provide meaningful and memorable activities for our Panthers.

Yelm Community Schools embraces the diversity within our schools and seeks to create a nurturing and barrier-free environment for each student. To achieve this goal, we commit to:

• Preparing our students to thrive in a multicultural and diverse society.
• Ensuring fair, equitable, and inclusive principles are integrated into our policies, programs, operations, and practices.
• Creating school and classroom cultures that are free of bias-based language or behaviors.
• Providing all students the resources, opportunities, and supports needed to succeed at high levels.
• Honoring and building upon the strengths and assets of every student.
• Welcoming and engaging families and community members as essential partners.

Popcorn dates for January are are follows:

• January 4: No popcorn
• January 11: Popcorn Day
• January 18: Popcorn Day
• January 25: Popcorn Day

Make sure to follow Yelm Prairie PTO for great reminders and information on upcoming events at Prairie. Parents may contact them by email at yelmprairiepto@gmail.com at anytime with questions or to volunteer.

In less than one month, the Lost and Found is already beginning to fill up. Please stop by and check out the Lost and Found before Winter Break.

• Monday, December 18: Spirit Day—Pajama Day. Wear some cozy pajamas.
  
• Monday, December 19: Spirit Day–Hype for the HolidayS! Wear any Christmas attire you would like.
• Wednesday, December 20–Tuesday, January 2: Winter Break! Please contact our attendance line if your family will be planning to start your vacation early. Click here to contact our Attendance office to pre-approve your student's absence.
• Wednesday, January 3: Late Start Wednesday. Happy New Year, welcome back!
• Friday, January 5: No Assembly today. We look forward to seeing you on Friday, January 19!
• Friday, January 19:
• Assembly, 8:40 a.m.
• Coffee Chat, 9:45 a.m., following the assembly.