Newsletter

Dear Yelm Community Schools Families

I want to share an update with you regarding the recent levy—it did not pass. I understand that this news is disappointing, especially given the time, dedication, and energy many of you invested in supporting our schools. Please know that your efforts are deeply appreciated and have not gone unnoticed.

Every day, our staff works hard to help our students discover their strengths and build a bright future. When our children face challenges, they benefit from the guidance and support of caring adults. In that same spirit, I invite our entire community—regardless of how you voted on the levy—to come together as one. I ask that we set aside our differences and focus on working together for our students. The social media storm of negativity is tearing apart this great community, and our students are caught in the middle. I hope you will join me in focusing on the positive and finding ways to unite for the betterment of our schools.

I have listened carefully to the concerns many of you have raised. I understand that some feel over taxed or believe that public schools are already fully funded. Others have mentioned issues such as a lack of transparency, mismanagement of funds, graduation rates, test scores, and transportation. I am committed to learning from this setback and working collaboratively to address these challenges. Your feedback is invaluable, and together we will ensure that every concern is carefully considered as we move forward.

Our district has always thrived because of the amazing people behind it. Although this setback brings some uncertainty, the proactive budget decisions made last spring have positioned us to make the additional necessary cuts and continue providing a quality education for our students. We will keep reviewing programs, services, and staffing across the district to meet our goals.

In addition, we are closely monitoring state legislative actions related to funding for Materials, Supplies, and Operating Costs (MSOC), Transportation, and Special Education. Positive changes in these areas could help ease our financial challenges, and any support you can offer for legislative bills in these areas would be appreciated.

Looking ahead, I will be working with the Board of Directors to determine the best timing for any future ballot measures. We will continue to gather feedback and analyze voter data to better understand your concerns and improve our approach.

Thank you for your unwavering support and commitment to Yelm Community Schools. While this levy outcome is a setback, it does not diminish the strength or dedication of our community. Together, we will overcome these challenges, learn from our experiences, and continue to provide the best possible education and future for our children.

Chris Woods, Superintendent

Principal Craig Curry of Ridgeline Middle School is enthusiastically preparing for an exciting showcase on March 3, dedicated to the Advancement via Individual Determination (AVID) program. This event will welcome educators from neighboring districts, providing a platform to demonstrate effective teaching practices that inspire student success.

In anticipation of this showcase, our dedicated teachers engaged in three enriching days of learning walks,opening their classrooms to colleagues and showcasing innovative AVID strategies aimed at enhancing the student experience.

This collaborative effort not only fostered a sense of camaraderie among staff but also allowed them to witness their peers and students in action. The learning walks were filled with vibrant interactions and valuable insights, leaving everyone inspired and equipped with new ideas to implement in their own classrooms.