Newsletter

Wishing our families a wonderful winter break and thank you to all our parent organizations and student events that brought joy and cheer to the end of our year!

Every year the high school nominates students for the US Presidential Scholar Award. Four students in the past five years have been selected to represent Washington and two reached the semi-finalist level.

This year is exceptional. All three of the YHS nominees were selected by OSPI to represent Washington. Congratuations to Taylor Curzon - General Component (left), Alex Hurd - General Component (center), Taliah Boyd - CTE (right)!

Candidates are evaluated on their academic achievement, personal characteristics, leadership and service activities, and an analysis of their essay. If selected as candidates, they will compete against 4000 students for the semi-final level. We are proud of their accoplishment, and our ability to support students excel. These are the types of amazing outcomes that result from levy funded programs and opportunities.

This year, three of our elementary schools launched the innovative Supportive Start Kindergarten Pilot, designed to set our youngest learners up for success. With a focus on social-emotional learning, routines, fine motor skills, and foundational academics, the program reimagined the first six weeks of school. Students enjoyed two engaging Social Emotion Learning lessons each day, followed by structured play that built skills and connections.

Lackamas teacher Tracy Cummings shares the impact: "Starting the year by creating a supportive classroom community, teaching students how to navigate social interactions, build friendships, and develop essential skills has been transformative. The difference in students' capacity for learning is incredible. I’m committed to continuing these practices every year!"

The results are clear: investing in these early supports is building confident, capable learners. Let’s celebrate this promising start to the school year!

The 19th Annual Fall Staff vs. Student Assembly brought the Ridgeline community together for an unforgettable day of fun and friendly competition! This year, for the first time ever, the game of choice was Broomball—a no-contact twist on hockey where teams use brooms and a soft rubber ball to battle it out for goals.

Organized by 8th-grade leadership students, the event featured 75 students in the game and halftime activities, including a lively musical chairs match that had the crowd cheering. From basketball to volleyball to Danish Rounders, this tradition continues to evolve, but its heart remains the same: building connection, community, and plenty of laughs!

Who will take the crown next year? Stay tuned!

The SmileMobile is a three-chair modern dental office on wheels! ​The dental team will see babies (first tooth) up through high school and pregnant/postpartum women with Apple Health and no insurance (at no cost).

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 if you have questions.

When we return from break, all families will need to use Skyward Family Access to report student absences. Be sure that you set up your Family Access accounts and review the instructions posted on our website.

Please check with your school on procedures to request early dismissal procedures.

Visit Votewa.gov to register online.

You can visit the county election office for Thurston County (360.786.5408) or Pierce County (253.798.8683) in person by election day to register and obtain a ballot.

Dec 23: Winter Break Begins (District Office open by appt only)

Jan 6: Return to School & Online Absence Reporting Begins

Jan 7: SPED Advisory Meeting @ YMS 5:00pm (Forum at 6:00pm)

Jan 9: School Board Study Session @ Fort Stevens 6pm

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 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.