Newsletter
September 26, 2023
Superintendent's Message
We hope this newsletter finds you well and enjoying the transition from summer to fall. While the days may be getting shorter, the brightness of our district continues to shine on, reminding us that the end of summer doesn't mean the end of exciting opportunities and positive experiences.
We are immensely proud of the accomplishments of our district, and we're committed to maintaining the high standards that define us. From academics to extracurricular activities, our students and staff consistently demonstrate dedication, creativity and resilience. Together, we'll continue to shine brightly in the face of challenges.
As we bid farewell to the lazy days of summer, let's remember that the brightness of our district is not bound by any season. With your support, dedication, and enthusiasm, we'll keep the sun shining on our schools, illuminating the path to success for all our students.
I had to stop on my way to work one morning this summer to take this picture. I believe it represents the bright future and the road ahead.
Thank you for being an integral part of Yelm Community Schools. I look forward to an exciting and productive school year ahead.
We encourage you to explore various career options, interact with industry professionals and access resources that empower you to make informed decisions about your future. This event goes beyond being a mere career fair; it's an opportunity for individuals to understand the diverse pathways that await them after graduation and beyond. By engaging with representatives from different fields, you can gain insight into the skills, qualifications, and experiences required for success in various career pathways.
Check out a list of potential questions to ask the organizations offering education, employment and resources to help you design your future.
Download 360 App Today!
Bus routes are now posted for each student in the Ride 360 App. For instructions on how to download and login, visit our website.
If there are changes in your student's bus route, the transportation department will communicate through the app. In the future, we hope to add mapping so you can track when your student will arrive.
Caring for Chromebooks
A Few Tips to Help Take Care of Your Chromebook
- Keep your Chromebook on a flat surface like a table or a desk. (Don't leave it on the floor where someone could step on it.)
- Avoid piling things on top of your Chromebook.
- Make sure there isn't anything on the keyboard when you close your Chromebook.
- Keep food and drinks away from your Chromebook and make sure your hands are clean. (Crumbs and liquids are very bad for your Chromebook and can cause it to stop working correctly.)
- Be careful how you carry your Chromebook. Make sure your Chromebook is closed, always use two hands and never carry your Chromebook by the screen.
- Try to charge your device overnight. Plug it in when you are not using it so that it will be ready when you need it.
- Tell your teacher right away if it breaks. Don't try to fix it yourself.
- Remember to take care of yourself online too. Stay on approved websites, keep your password private, and log off when you're done. Remember, anything that happens under your account is your responsibility.
Remember that damage and loss comes with a cost. Check the fee schedule for more details.
Family Engagement Opportunities
Join Your School's Parent Organizations
Each school in the district has an organization for parents and guardians. These PTO or Booster Club organizations are a great way to learn about the school, meet other parents/guardians and support the activities at each school. We are proud of our very active groups and the partnerships they have developed at their school. Learn more about your parent/guardian group by following them on Facebook or asking the office how to attend the next meeting!
Military Family Connections
Multi-Language Family Connections
Are you a multi-language household looking for resources and supports when working with our schools? Come to the first meeting on October 18 during the CARE Event. The Multi-Language Support Team will have a booth to meet and greet. Interpreters will be onsite and help you as you access resources throughout the event. Future activities will be scheduled to provide supports on accessing educational resources and getting support when attending conferences and teacher meetings.
Native American Education Program Advisory Council
Special Education Parent Advisory Committee
A team of parent representatives from each school meet monthly with the Office of Student Services and serve as a point of contact for parents of students with special needs in each building. Each month they host topics to help families access resources to support their child(ren). This team will be developing a list of events and dates at the October meeting. Look for event dates and topics to be posted on the district website.
Want to Volunteer?
Dates to Remember
Sept 26: Native American Education Program Parent Advisory Council 5pm @ District Office
Sept 28: School Board Meeting 6pm @ District Office
Sept 29: Nisqually Day
Oct 6: No School - Teacher Professional Development Training
Oct 9 - 13: National School Lunch Week
Oct 12: School Board Study Session 6pm @ Yelm HS
Oct 16 - 20: National School Bus Safety Week
Oct 20: Homecoming Game vs Peninsula
Oct 21: Homecoming Dance
Oct 26: School Board Meeting 6pm @ District Office
Stay Connected
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: Doyla Buckingham, 360.458.1900, doyla_buckingham@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; HIB Coordinator: Brittany LaPalm, 360.458.6124, brittany_lapalm@ycs.wednet.edu.