April 2018
Superintendent Brian Wharton
State Releases ESSA Accountability Framework
On March 15, the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) and the State Board of Education (SBE) released the Washington School Improvement Framework (WSIF), identifying how they will be evaluating the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).

Schools are measured along nine indicators. Six of the measures are academic, including graduation rates, growth and proficiency on state tests in math and English language arts, and English learner progress.

The other three indicators included are new to school accountability. They are designed to give an understanding of a student's opportunity to learn, and include

  • Attendance
  • 9th graders on track to graduation
  • Dual credit/advanced course-taking opportunities

These align directly with our board goals and will continue to be a focus of our work.
District News
Business Partner Celebration
We are proud to recognize the 2017-18 Business Partners that make such a difference for our kids. Over $24,000 has been donated to schools to support student recognition, reduce fees for students in need, provide supplies and much more. It was a pleasure recognizing our over 30 Business Partners and how their donations impact students. If you would like to be a Business Partner, learn more on our website .
Special Education Parent Advisory Committee
This parent advisory committee has been working hard this year to support all students and their educational needs. The March 8 presentation focused on Behavioral Health Resources discussing supports and advocacy for families affected by mental health and chemical dependency issues . All parents are welcome to join these meetings to learn about resources for all students and families. The last meeting will be May 1. Check the district calendar for details.
High School Diploma 21+
Do you need a high school diploma? Are you 21 years or older?
Take a new path towards your high school diploma. You likely have credits and experience that will count towards your diploma. Let us evaluate your resume and develop a plan. Sign up for HS 21+ informational meeting by contacting Shelly Lasher at 360.458.6120. Classes will be offered at Yelm Community Schools  beginning September 2018. Cost: $35 per quarter ( scholarships may be available ).
We are Hiring
Are you or someone you know looking for employment? We have a variety of teaching positions at elementary, middle and high school. In addition, we have a variety of classified positions such as bus drivers, food service, office professionals and instructional assistants.

Review the job descriptions and apply today! www.ycs.wednet.edu/joinourteam
Spotlights
VFW Essay Contest Winners
VFW Essay Contest Winners
Each year the Veteran's of Foreign Wars recognizes those students who enter the essay contests in each grade level. Congratulations to this year's winners: 
Grades 3-5: “What does a Veteran mean to me?”
Southworth: Ethan Stockton, Rylan Holmes, Conlan Holmes, Duane Hood. Mill Pond: Hennessy Newcomer-Marsh. Prairie: Preston Persa.
Grades 9-12: “American History: Our Hope for the Future”
YHS: Celtan Holmes.
FFA Hosted Safety Week
" Distracted and reckless driving is the leading killer of teenagers," according to Troopers Jon Nelson and Travis Joyce who kicked off FFA Safety Week. Diana Jones, mother of a distracted driver victim, shared her daughter's story and brought the car for display. Troopers and cadets stayed on campus to answer questions throughout the day encouraging students to make responsible choices as a driver and passenger. Thank you to all who participated in the FFA Safety Week: student leaders and advisors worked with the State Patrol, Safe Place, Thurston County Prosecuting Attorney's Office and Target Zero, Matt Koehler, and Crimestoppers bring awareness to

  1. Distracted and Reckless Driving
  2. Bullying
  3. Domestic Violence
  4. Substance Abuse
  5. Sexual Harassment
Youth Equity Stewardship Event
Youth Equity Stewardship Presenters
Students from YHS and local area high schools/middle schools (Shelton, Tumwater, North Thurston, and Eatonville) participated in a two-day Youth Equity Stewardship workshop hosted by the ESD 113. Nearly 100 students and staff participated in activities where students were provided the opportunity to share their stories on a number of topics deemed important by our students. While the topics varied, students advocated for strategies of how to build a healthy community across differences and commonalities. YHS Asst Principal John Johnson and Counselor Sarah Etter provided students strong support and guidance throughout the event.

District administrators and YHS students teamed up on Tuesday evening to advance student voice on these topics at the ESD 113 Youth Equity event attended by students, board members, superintendents and educators. Pictured: Superintendent, Brian Wharton; Assistant Superintendent, Lisa Cadero-Smith; YHS Assistant Principal, John Johnson; YHS students, Addy Wilson, Kayley Teixeira, Duke Yedida, and parent, Ayelet Yedida.
Calendar Highlights
April 16-20: Volunteer Appreciation Week
April 23-27 : Office Professional Week
April 25-28 : FFA Plant Sale
April 26 : School Board Meeting - 7pm @ District Office
Coming Highlights
May 7 - 11 : Teacher Appreciation Week
May 10: School Board Study Session - 5pm @ Mill Pond
May 24: School Board Meeting - 7pm @ District Office
June 2 : Prom - 7-11pm @ McGavin Conference Center
June 6 : CTE Advisory Committee Meeting - 4:30pm @ Ridgeline
June 7 : District Awards Night - 7pm @ YHS
June 17 : Graduation - 9:30am @ Tacoma Dome (no ticket required)
June 20 : Last Day of School (1/2 Day)
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: Greg Davis, 360-458-1900, gregory_davis@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.
Yelm Community Schools | 360.458.1900 |  www.ycs.wednet.edu
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