Newsletter
March 4, 2024
Superintendent's Message
I want to share my thoughts following the Special Election results. As many of you are aware, our local levy measure which funds staff and materials to support instruction, arts & electives, health & safety, student supports, operations, technology and athletics & student activities did not pass. This outcome, while disappointing, presents us with an opportunity to come together as a community and reaffirm our commitment to the education of our young people.
On February 22, the Yelm Community Schools Board of Directors approved a resolution to run the levy for a second time. This will take place on April 23 at a reduced rate of $2.25 per $1000 of assessed value.
Without the levy funds, Yelm Community Schools must make some difficult decisions regarding budget adjustments. These changes may affect various programs and services we have all come to value. I want to assure you these decisions will be made with the utmost care and consideration for the impact on our students and staff.
In moments like this, it is crucial to remember our strength lies in our unity and our shared dedication to education. Our district has always been more than just a collection of schools; we are a community bound by a common goal: the growth and well-being of our students. It is this commitment that will guide us as we navigate the challenges ahead.
I understand the prospect of change, especially when it involves changes to programs, can be unsettling; however, I want to assure you our administration, in collaboration with teachers, staff, and community members, will explore all possible avenues to maintain the quality of education our Yelm Community Schools is known for.
In the coming weeks, we will be engaging in a series of discussions and planning sessions to chart our path forward. Your voices are crucial in this process. I encourage each of you - staff, parents, and community members - to participate in these conversations. Your insights and perspectives are invaluable as we work together to find innovative solutions to our current financial constraints.
Despite the challenges we face, I remain optimistic about the future of our district. We have a talented and dedicated team, a supportive community, and resilient and capable students. Together, we will not only navigate these difficult times but emerge stronger and more united in our mission.
Thank you for your continued support and commitment to our schools. Your dedication and resilience in the face of adversity are what make our district truly exceptional. Let us move forward together with a spirit of collaboration and a shared vision for the success of every student in our care.
Updating Voter Registration
Are you new to Washington or recently moved to Yelm? You can register to vote or update your address by going online to votewa.gov.
Students who will turn 18 before April 23, can register to vote and will be mailed a ballot. In addition, if someone is temporarily away from their residence, such as a student in school or a person in the military, a ballot can be mailed to the temporary location.
If you have questions regarding your voter registration or ballot, please contact your local election office based on your residence in Thurston County (360.786.5408) or Pierce County (253.798.8683)
Open Resource Forum
The Special Education Parent Advisory Committee hosts a monthly open forum for all families. This month's event has moved to Yelm Middle School in Rm 120.
Calling All Military Connected Families
Military Affiliated Families, Civil Service or Those Working on Federally Owned Property
The Department of Defense makes available to education agencies such as school districts grant funds to run programs that benefit not just military affiliated students, but all students as well. One of the determining factors in award amounts is the percentage of students at each school that have a parent(s) that are either affiliated with the military (active duty or national guard), employed in Civil Service or work at a property that is federally owned. We are trying to update our records in Qmlativ and need your assistance.
Starting March 6, we ask that you
- Login to Qmlativ Family Access
- Access the tile labeled Military/Civil Service (it should have a green "new" flag on it.
- Answer the questions on the electronic form regarding military status, civil service or employed a federally owned site.
Do you have a child ready to enter school or you know a family in your community who does. Online registration for new students entering school for the 2024-25 school year will open early March. Please share the opportunities to connect with our schools about registering for next year.
Countdown to Kinder
We are excited to meet next year’s Kindergarten students and families. On March 6, we are hosting an open house from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm at Yelm Middle School. Incoming Kindergarteners will meet their principal and kindergarten staff and learn more about their school. They will also get to see a school bus, grab a snack,and discover ways to prepare for kindergarten.
Transition to Kindergarten
The Transition to Kindergarten is a free early learning program that serves students who will be 4 years old by August 31, 2024. Eligibility criteria and frequently asked questions are available on the website. The application window for the 2024-2025 school year will open Feburary 15 for students who reside in the Fort Stevens or Mill Pond attendance areas. Families are encouraged to apply online and will be notified if they are admitted to the program.
Transfer Students
For families living outside of their school attendance area, it is time to renew your out of area request for the 2024-2025 school year. The applicaton window will open Feburary 15. Requests must be received by March 15, 2023. There will be only one opportunity to submit in a request.
Events & Activities
Dollars for Scholars - Silent Auction
- Bidding will open on March 1 at 5 p.m. and close at 9 p.m. on March 8.
- Create an account to get early notifications!
Masquerade Dance Hosted by YHS National Honor Society
The Yelm High School National Honor Society is sponsoring the annual a Son & Daughter Dance. Tickets are $10 per person.
Son Dance – Friday, March 15 th from 6pm-9pm – YHS Commons
Daughter Dance – Saturday, March 16 th from 6pm-9pm – YHS Commons
Attire will be semi-formal/dressy-casual. Formal pictures will NOT be available. Photo backgrounds will be provided for participants to take pictures on their phones/cameras. National Honor Society students will be available to assist/take
the pictures for participants.
- Tickets sold at the door – Please bring cash or credit card (no ATM available)
- We welcome all children 5th Grade & younger plus their chosen adult(s) for this wonderful evening!**
- We will have chips, soda and bottled water for sale (until sold out) CASH ONLY**
- Children and their chosen adult(s) of all communities are welcome! We do not I.D.
- littles so even if you are not from Yelm…come join us for a night of fun!
- We do not turn anyone away…so if you want to come to both, come to both, if you
- can only come to one, pick the one you want to attend!
Dates to Remember
March Events (Check websites for details on school events and sporting events)
Mar 5: SPED Parent Advisory Hosts: Open Resource Forum 6pm @ YMS Rm 120
Mar 6: Countdown to Kinder @ YMS
Mar 6: Class of 2028 Success Night @ YHS
Mar 10: Daylight Savings
Mar 11 -15: Education Support Professionals Week
Mar 14: School Board Study Session 6pm @ Southworth
Mar 22: 1/2 DAY SCHOOL - Records Day
Mar 28: School Board Meeting 6pm @ District Office
April 1-5: NO SCHOOL - Spring Break
April 15: Deadline to Update Voter Registration Online
April 23: Special Election Ballots Due
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.