Newsletter

Thank you to our amazing School Board members. They are dedicated, non-paid elected officials who serve our students, staff and families. We are grateful for their commitment to our community! Learn more about the school board on our website

Thurston County Elections Office notified the district that they are unable to run the election due to relocating their facility. Officials have collaborated with Pierce County to mail out and process the ballots for the election on February 11, 2025.

Important Information for Registered Voters in Thurston County:

1. Pierce County will mail ballots to all registered votes in the district's boundaries
2. Inside will be the Thurston County Voter Pamphlet information, which is also available on our website

3. Ballots can be returned by mail or in the following Ballot Drop Boxes by 8pm on Feb 11

• Lackamas Elementary - 16240 Bald Hill Rd. SE; Yelm, WA 98597
• Nisqually Tribal Building - 4820 She Nah Num Dr. SE; Olympia, WA 98513
• Rainier City Hall - 102 Rochester St W, Rainier, WA 98576
• Yelm District Office - 110 1st St. NE; Yelm, WA 98597

We have full confidence in this partnership between the counties. A benefit of this change is that Pierce County has other ballot measures so this saves on election costs.

At the start of each school year, our bus drivers bid on their routes based on seniority, meaning bus drivers with more experience choose their routes first. This process ensures that routes are assigned fairly and consistently in alignment with the collective bargaining agreement.

However, if a bus driver is unavailable due to illness or other reasons, the district works quickly to temporarily assign the route, relying on substitute bus drivers or other qualified staff, such as administrators or dispatchers, to ensure students are transported in a timely manner. The bidding process requires 3 days notification which prevents us from reassigning drivers if there is an unexpected open route.

We understand the importance of reliable transportation for all students, including those with special needs. Due to legal requirements and limitations in our collective bargaining agreement, we may need to ask for volunteers from our general education bus driver pool to cover special needs routes when there is a shortage of staff. Unfortunately, this sometimes lead to the cancellation of general education routes.

While we strive to avoid disruptions, uncovered routes may occasionally lead to delays, adjustments or cancellations. In such cases, transportation communicates updates to families as soon as possible.

If routes become open on a regular basis, notification is provided to all bus drivers of the eligibility to rebid for a permanent change.

The good news is that we have 41 bus drivers covering all routes, 2 substitutes and 6 staff in training. We are working diligently to minimize our delays and cancellations.

This year, our elementary schools are focused on creating classroom environments where every student feels safe, connected, and ready to learn. Teachers are working with students to build skills that support both academic and personal growth. For students, this means learning to express emotions in healthy ways, building connections with peers and teachers, resolving conflicts respectfully, and developing empathy. For teachers, this involves strengthening relationships, creating predictable routines, and fostering classrooms where students thrive. These efforts are supporting stronger and more supportive learning environments for all students.

At your SmileMobile appointment, they may do one or more of the following: Dental examination, Oral health education, Fluoride varnish, Sealants, Simple extraction, Filling and/or X-rays.

WHEN: January 21-24

WHERE: Yelm High School off of Tornado Alley

Please call 888.286.9105 to schedule your dental appointment or ask questions about qualifications.

Yelm High School is proud to announce the Class of 2025 Graduation Ceremony!

Date: Sunday, June 15, 2025
Time: 9:30 AM
Location: Tacoma Dome

Join us as we celebrate the achievements of our graduating Tornados! Families, friends, and supporters are invited to honor this milestone and cheer on the Class of 2025 as they embark on their next chapter. We look forward to seeing you there!

Observation of Temperance and Good Citizenship Day promotes civics education and peaceful citizen engagement. Check out the Future Voter Program and FAQs and talk with your students about registering to vote.

Jan 13: Levy Forum @ McKenna 6:30pm

Jan 16: Temperance and Good Citizenship Day

Jan 16: Levy Forum @ Mill Pond 5:30pm

Jan 20: NO SCHOOL - MLK Jr Day

Jan 21-24: SmileMobile @ YHS

Jan 21: Levy Forum @ Fort Stevens 5:30pm

Jan 22: Levy Forum @ Yelm MS 6pm

Jan 23: School Board Meeting @ District Office 6pm

Jan 24: 1/2 Day - End of Semester (No preschool)

Jan 27-31: Kindness Week

Feb 11: Election Day

Email: communications@ycs.wednet.edu
Website: www.ycs.wednet.edu
Location: 107 North 1st Street, Yelm, Washington, USA
Phone: 360.458.1900
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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 HIB & 504 Coordinator: Shannon Powell, 360.458.6124, shannon_powell@ycs.wednet.edu. Address: 107 First St N, PO Box 476, Yelm, WA 98597.