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Principal Weekly Update to Families
October 5, 2023
From the Principal
Hello Prairie Families,
We are excited to announce that a new third grade teacher has been selected. We had many, very skilled, and respected applicants apply for the position. The hiring team were challenged making their final selection.
Congratulations to Valarie Harmon, our new third grade teacher. Due to the large numbers of third grade students, this position was added to our current grade-level staff.
The following criteria was used to decide which students will move to the new classroom:
- Academic needs and strengths
- Behavioral needs and strengths
- Social needs
- Learning style
- And creating a balance of children of all achievement levels
Together with the counselor and the teachers, three balanced classes have been created. An email will be sent to third grade families on Monday, October 9.
Ms. Harmon is very familiar with Prairie. Her two sons were Prairie Panthers, and now attend middle school. She is a military spouse and is happy that their family landed here in Yelm. She has always been interested in teaching and loves creating a classroom community with the students and partnering with the parents.
Please join me in welcoming Ms. Harmon to the Prairie Third Grade Team!
Tami Beach
Principal
YCS Calendar Reminder
No School — Friday, October 6
There will be no school tomorrow, Friday, October 6. Teachers will be training.
One More Week To Place Yearbook Pre-Orders
2023–24 Prairie Yearbook Pre-Sale
Salute to Veterans
Photos Needed for the November Assembly!
Prairie will be saluting veteran and current military service members at the Friday Assembly on November 3. We are asking families to send a photo of their veteran(s) by October 20 to be included in the assembly PowerPoint presentation. Email photos to Erika Morisset at erika_morisset@ycs.wednet.edu. Please include the veteran's name, branch of service, and student's name and teacher. Contact our office if you have any questions. We look forward to recognizing veterans on November 3. Thank you for your service!
Lost and Found
Missing Anything?
The Lost and Found is growing by leaps and bounds! Please stop in and see if anything belongs to your student(s).
Staff Spotlight
First Grade Teachers
- Who was born in Sydney, Australia?
- Who has more tractors than shoes?
- Who loves Cheetah prints, crafts when not teaching, and has an online store?
The first grade team would like to remind us all "An expert at anything was once a beginner," H. Jackson Brown Jr.
Pumpkin Decorating Contest
Seasonal Fun
All Prairie students are invited to take part in this year's Pumpkin Decorating Contest. Entries submitted will be displayed in the Library from October 25–27. Judging will take place on Thursday, October 26. All pumpkins submitted for the contest must be picked up before the end of the Halloween Carnival or they will be placed in the garbage at the end of event. If you have questions, please contact our office.
Handbook Spotlight
Attendance
Yelm Community Schools place a high priority on school attendance. Studies prove that daily attendance has a direct impact on student achievement. Our goal is to have every student arrive on time and attend a full day of school.
School Hours and Supervision
School hours are 8:35 a.m.– 3:05 p.m., and 9:35 a.m.– 3:05 p.m. on late start Wednesdays. The safety of students is of utmost importance to us. Before-school supervision is provided from 8:15 a.m. for your convenience. We are able to provide before-school supervision on late start Wednesday at 9:15 a.m. Students should not arrive on campus before supervision is available. We are not able to provide after-school supervision. To ensure student safety, all students must be picked up by 3:05 p.m. Individual after-school activities will be communicated by supervising teacher.
Tardiness
Students are expected to be in class on time. When a student’s tardiness becomes frequent (after five in a semester), the student shall be referred to the Assistant Principal for support. In addition, excessive tardiness may result in the school requiring an Attendance Agreement.
Reporting Absence Procedures
When your child will be absent from school, you can notify the school in two ways:
- Send an email to PR_attendance@ycs.wednet.edu and provide a reason
- Call the attendance line at 360-458-6271
If your student has not arrived at school or the school hasn’t been notified of the absence by 9:25 a.m. an automated phone call, email, and/or text will be sent to the parent/guardian.
Prairie PTO News
- October 12: Popcorn Thursday!
- October 19: Popcorn Thursday and PTO Volunteers are needed to assist with Picture Day.
- October 19–26: Candy collection for the Halloween Carnival. Donations are appreciated!
- October 26: Halloween Door decorating judging.
- October 27: 4:30–6:30 p.m., Prairie Halloween Carnival — Watch for pre-ticket sale information.
Word of the Month
Self-Control
October's character trait is focusing on "self-control." This week Panthers learned "self-control" is doing what you know should be done without being told or reminded.
Announcements and Reminders
- Friday, October 6: No school.Teacher Training Day.
- Wednesday, October 11: Late start—buses will pick up students one-hour later than normal schedule. Classes begin at 9:35 a.m.
- Friday, October 13: Friday Assembly, 8:40 a.m.
- October 16–20: National School Bus Safety Week
- Thursday, October 19: School Photos! A flyer with more information will be sent home on Monday, October 16!