Student Handbook
Letter from the Principal
Dear McKenna Families,
I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you and your child(ren) into our McKenna Elementary School community for the 2024-25 school year. My name is Jodi Jarmin and I am the principal at McKenna Elementary. This is my 23rd year in education and most of it has been with Yelm Community Schools. I am so honored to be here at McKenna and I know this year is going to be amazing! I feel extremely fortunate to be able to work alongside the amazing staff at McKenna! If you are returning then you already know what a great school we have. If you are new to McKenna, you will find our school is outstanding for many reasons. First, we have hard-working and dedicated staff members that genuinely care about their students and plan meaningful and engaging lessons for your child (ren). Next, we have AWESOME students! McKenna Mountain Lions work on a different character trait each month as they learn and grow.
Finally, McKenna's parents are the best! They support the teachers and the school and are actively involved in the daily activities within the school. Our staff encourages and appreciates your involvement at school whether it is through classroom assistance, PTA activities, or active communication with your child’s teacher. We hope to see and hear from you often. Please sign up to volunteer and remember to join our PTA!
We are a No Excuses University school. This motivating program is a way for the staff at McKenna to set up six exceptional systems to help all students achieve. Along with these six systems, comes the belief that every student deserves the opportunity to be educated in a way that prepares them for college if they so choose to attend. Each classroom has adopted a University and teachers take time each month to talk about college and careers. We want our students to know that the road to college begins here at McKenna!
This handbook was developed as a communication link between the Yelm School District, McKenna Elementary School, and you. I hope it provides the necessary information, explanation of procedures, and outlines policies that are critical to a successful operation. Please read this handbook and keep it in a safe place for you to review when needed.
Again, welcome! I value open communication so please feel free to contact me. I would love to meet you!
Sincerely,
Jodi Jarmin, Principal
Jodi_jarmin@ycs.wednet.edu
McKenna Student Handbook (English | Spanish)
*Handbooks are subject to change throughout the year based on board policy, OSPI Guidelines or State & Federal Laws.
Handbook Sections
- Optimal Learning Environment
- Attendance Information
- Discipline
- Parent Involvement
- School Procedures
- Student Learning
- Student Support & Services
Optimal Learning Environment
Yelm Community Schools embraces the diversity within our schools and seeks to create a nurturing and barrier-free learning environment for each student. To achieve this goal we commit to:
- Preparing our students to thrive in a multicultural and diverse society.
- Ensuring fair, equitable and inclusive principles are integrated into our policies, programs, operations and practices.
- Creating school and classroom cultures that are free of bias-based language or behaviors.
- Eliminating barriers that perpetuate negative outcomes.
- Providing all students the resources, opportunities and supports needed to succeed at high levels.
- Honoring and building upon the strengths and assets of every student.
- Welcoming and engaging families and community members as essential partners.
Attendance Information
Yelm Community Schools places 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
Regular school hours are 8:25 a.m. – 2:55 p.m. The safety of students is of utmost importance to us. Students should not arrive on campus before 8:20 a.m. We do not have after-school supervision available. To ensure student safety, all students must be picked up by 3:00 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 5 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.
End-of-Day Transportation Changes
Please call the school by 2:00 p.m. to ensure we have time to deliver the message to students; otherwise, there will be no pick-ups or transportation changes.
Regular School Day Attendance
8:25 a.m. - School Begins
Students arriving between 8:26 a.m. - 11:40 a.m. will be marked tardy.
Students arriving between 11:41 a.m. - 2:55 p.m. will be marked absent for the a.m. only.
Students leaving between 8:26 a.m.-11:40 a.m. will be marked absent for the p.m.
Students leaving between 11:41 a.m.-2:55 p.m. will be marked tardy for the p.m.
2:55 p.m. - School Ends
Late Start Wednesday
9:25 a.m. - School Begins
Students arriving between 9:26 a.m.-12:10 p.m. will be marked tardy.
Students arriving between 12:11 p.m.-2:55 p.m. will be marked absent for the a.m. only.
Students leaving between 9:26 a.m.-12:10 p.m. will be marked absent for the p.m.
Students leaving between 12:11 p.m.-2:55 p.m. will be marked tardy for the p.m.
2:55 p.m. - School Ends
Definition of “Excused Absences”
Students are expected to attend ALL assigned classes each day unless excused by the parent/guardian for valid reasons below.
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Participation in a school-approved activity: This absence must be authorized by a staff member and prior notification must be provided to the parent/guardian for approval. (IE., field trips)
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Illness, health condition, health care appointments, family emergency, or religious/cultural purpose: We encourage parents/guardians to schedule appointments during non-school hours whenever possible. School officials may require a health professional’s written note when a student has more than 3 consecutive absences. Families are encouraged to acquire a health professional’s written note whenever possible and submit a copy to the Attendance Office.
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Parental/Family Pre-Arranged Absence: Parents/Guardians are to notify the school if there will be a pre-arranged absence from school. The absence may be classified as unexcused if the student is under an Attendance Agreement, BECCA order, has an adverse effect on the student’s education or student has already reached 10 absences for the school year or 10% of the current year. The Pre-Arranged Absence Form is available at each school office.
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Court, judicial proceedings court-ordered activity, or absences related to homeless or foster care status.
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Suspensions from school.
Definition of "Unexcused Absences"
Unexcused absences are defined as “failure on the part of the parent/guardian to notify the school in a timely manner.”
Reporting Absence Procedures
When your child will be absent from school, you can notify the school in two ways:
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Send an email to MK_attendance@ycs.wednet.edu and provide a reason.
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Call the attendance line at 360-458-2413 and provide a reason. Messages are checked frequently during school hours.
If your student has not arrived at school or the school hasn’t been notified of the absence by 9:30 a.m. an automated phone call, email, and/or text will be sent to the parent/guardian.
Chronic Absenteeism
Chronic absenteeism incorporates all absences: excused, unexcused, and suspensions. The focus is on the academic consequences due to the loss of instructional time and preventing absences before students fall behind. Chronic absenteeism is defined as missing more than 10% of the school year.
Process for Truancy
The following truancy procedures will be followed prior to filing a full petition.
Tier 1
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1-2 Unexcused Absences: Parent/Guardian will be contacted via School Messenger, email, letter, or phone call
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3 Unexcused Absences: Schedule a meeting with school personnel to find solutions
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IEP/504 Accruing Students: The case manager will convene an IEP meeting to develop a plan
Tier 2
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4 Unexcused Absences/Excessive Excused Absences or 10% of the School Year: Students will be placed on an attendance contract
Tier 3
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5 Unexcused Absences/Excessive Excused Absences or 10% of the School Year: The school will file a stay petition with Thurston County Juvenile Court and schedule a community Truancy Board Meeting
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Students not attending school as court ordered results in school filling a contempt and progress report
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Thurston County Juvenile Court
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Monitor and review the expiration date
Attendance – Policy 3122
Discipline
The rules contained herein are meant to regulate student conduct at school, at all school-sponsored activities, and off-campus that adversely affects the school-learning climate. Depending on the circumstance of the student’s violation, school authorities may, in compliance with state law and the rules of the State Board of Education, Chapter 180-40 WAC, impose discipline. District Policies are available in the Student Rights & Responsibility Handbook.
Discipline procedures will follow district policies.
Student Conduct – Policy 3240
Classroom Management, Discipline & Corrective Action – Policy 3241
Exceptional Misconduct – Policy 3241
Student Sexual Harassment – Policy 3205
Use of Tobacco and Nicotine Products & Delivery Devices – Policy 4215
District Policies are available in the on the website.
- Cell Phones
- CrimeStoppers 1.800.222.TIPS (8477)
- Dress Code
- Harassment, Intimindation and Bullying (HIB)
- Money, Valuables & Toys
- Playground Rules
- Student Conduct/Behavior Expectations
Cell Phones
Students are discouraged from bringing cell phones to school. However, we do recognize that occasionally parents permit their students to have a cell phone for personal security before and after school. We require students to turn cell phones off upon arrival at school and leave them in their backpacks or book bag until they leave campus. Cell phones are not to be in the student’s possession during class, lunch, or recess. At no time are cell phones to be used during the school day. We are happy to facilitate communication between students and parents through our classroom phones.
CrimeStoppers 1.800.222.TIPS (8477)
- Calling 800-222-TIPS(8477)
- Submitting Online at p3tips.com
- Download the P3 App to your mobile device
As always, tipsters remain 100% anonymous and could possibly be rewarded up to $1,000. Remember to save your “tip number” in order to follow up and receive a reward. Anyone having knowledge about dangerous situations or crimes (past, present or future) can report a tip.
Dress Code
In order to facilitate learning for all students, YCS requires that student dress and appearance follow health and safety standards and not cause disruption to the learning environment. Students who do not follow these guidelines will be asked to change their clothing, cover up, and/or contact home if necessary.
Heads: K-5 students must remove all headwear while in the building. Headwear includes hats, hoods, headbands with animal ears, bandanas and head wraps. (Exceptions will be made for medical, religious and other approved reasons.)
Torso: Clothing must cover stomachs, backs, shoulders, chests and undergarments.
Legs: Shorts, skirts and dresses must be longer than mid-thigh. Undergarments must be covered.
Feet: Footwear must be worn at all times appropriate to the activity. Strapless shoes and high heels are discouraged for safety.
Guidelines
- Clothing that promotes drugs, alcohol, tobacco, violence, is sexually suggestive, or displays inappropriate pictures or writing is prohibited.
- Any clothing worn in a manner identified as gang related is prohibited.
- Jewelry that can pose safety hazards is prohibited.
- Exceptions to dress code standards may be made for PE or school activities.
What students wear does affect the way they think about, and behave toward, their tasks at school, their peers, and adults. Please consider this as you help your child make appropriate choices for school clothes.
Harassment, Intimindation and Bullying (HIB)
Schools are meant to be safe and inclusive environments where all students are protected from Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB), including in the classroom, on the school bus, in school sports, and during other school activities.
View the full definition of HIB, Sexual Harassment, Civil Rights and Gender Inclusive procedures.
Money, Valuables & Toys
Playground Rules
In order to facilitate safe and orderly play, please obey the following rules:
- Do not climb up the poles.
- Do not climb up the slide.
- No real or pretend fighting.
- No spitting.
- No playing tag on the playground equipment. Tag is allowed in the field and wood chips only.
- Do not throw rocks, wood chips, pinecones, snowballs, etc.
- No running on the sidewalk.
- No jumping off the equipment or swings.
- Kick only soccer balls, not other playground balls.
- No throwing/kicking things onto the roof of the school.
- When waiting for a turn on the swings, please count to 100.
Student Conduct/Behavior Expectations
Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)
The vision of Yelm Community Schools is to prepare ALL students for post-secondary pathways, careers, and civic engagement.
A Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) is a service delivery framework focused on prevention and problem-solving for all students. An integrated MTSS connects all of the academic and non-academic interventions, supports, and services available in schools and communities to support instruction and eliminate barriers to learning and teaching. Within an MTSS framework, multiple levels of instruction, assessment, and intervention are designed to meet the academic and non-academic needs of ALL students.
Parent Involvement
Emergency Contacts
Family Access
The administration and staff at Yelm Community Schools recognize that many parents/guardians would like to play a greater role in their child’s education. To make it easier for you to get involved, each parent/guardian is provided the ability to view student information anytime, day or night.
Login to Family access using the link at the top of every page on the website. If you forget your password, go to the login page to recover account information. You will receive an email to reset your password. You can also update your email and contact phone number. Please ask the school office staff if you need assistance.
Online Payment Fees
As a convenience to families, Yelm Community Schools now provides an easy way to make online payments from home or work, 24/7. With just one login, you can make payments for any child in your household using Discover, VISA, or MasterCard credit or debit cards.
Online payments can be used to replenish a student’s food service account or pay for any existing fines or fees, such as class fees, athletic fees, or ASB activities.
Yelm Community Schools is fully compliant with all data protection laws, including PCI Data Security Standards. Yelm School District does not store your billing or payment information at any time. Any personal information you enter related to your credit card through this website is purged immediately. Any personal information you enter is stored for your convenience when using our website. The information you provide to us will only be used by Yelm Community Schools. We will never sell or rent your personal information to third parties.
The link that makes this possible is as follows: https://wa-yelm.intouchreceipting.com/ or click on the icon at the top of any district or school website.
PTA
One way to get involved with your child’s education is to join the McKenna PTA. The McKenna PTA is recognized as the oldest, continuously operated rural PTA in the state of Washington. Our PTA has many objectives and is dedicated to promoting the welfare of children and youth in the home, school, and community. Schedules for PTA meetings are distributed in September. Children are welcome to attend with their parents if necessary. PTA hosts many other events and activities throughout the year.
Report Cards & Conferences
Volunteers
Volunteers are a vital part of our student’s education. To volunteer during the school year, an application must be completed online. All volunteers must receive clearance through the Washington Access to Criminal History (WATCH) before volunteering. Clearance is granted for one school year only. Visit the website to complete the application: http://www.helpcounter.net/yelm. For more information, contact our Volunteer Coordinator Office at 360.458.1900.
School Procedures
- Emergency Closure
- Emergency Drills
- Field Trips
- Lost & Found
- Parties, Invitations & Special Days
- Transportation
Emergency Closure
View Flash Alert for today's status OR to subscribe to receive text or email alerts
Sometimes during the school year, we face the possibility of inclement weather resulting in school closure or schedule changes. Typically, families will be notified of emergency schedule changes by an automated phone call, email and/or text. We will announce closures and delays as early as possible but not later than 5:30 a.m. Occasionally circumstances change quickly and late announcements are unavoidable. The following information is for reference in the event that the schools are closed or buses operate on an emergency schedule:
- School Closure: All schools will be closed all day and any activities planned for the day or evening will be announced by 12pm on the district website.
- Emergency Schedule: Indicates that schools will start on a delayed schedule. Parents are reminded that although the buses will start the runs later, if we are on an emergency schedule, the buses may be slightly later near the end of the run. We request that parents make allowances for this.
- Limited Transportation: Limited transportation will prevail if some roads become inaccessible or if the county announces road closures. If we alter a route, we will send an automated message. School will be in session unless otherwise announced by the Superintendent’s Office.
Stay informed about Emergency Closures & Delays by
- Signing up for FLASH ALERT to receive an email notification.
- Updating your Family Access email and home & cell numbers
- Opting In for Text Messaging (Text YES to 67587)
- Following Yelm Community Schools social media platforms
- Visiting the district website for detailed information and updates
- Tuning in to other media outlets
It is requested that parents/guardians do not call the media stations for closure information.
AM Stations | FM Stations | TV Stations |
KGTK 920
KOMO 1000
KGY 1240
KITZ 1400
|
KPLU 88.5
KMPS 94.1
KXXO 96.1
KGY 96.9
KIRO 97.3
KRWM 106.9
|
KOMO 4
KING 5 / KONG 6
KIRO 7
KCPQ 13
|
Emergency Drills
We conduct regular emergency drills to acquaint the children with the sounds of the fire alarm and evacuation procedures. Students and staff will be well prepared in the event of an actual emergency. Drills are practiced monthly for fire, earthquake, and intruder on campus, campus evacuation, and shelter in place. These drills are in accordance with the emergency plan coordinated throughout the school district.
Field Trips
At McKenna Elementary, we feel that field trips are a very valuable educational experience. When a class is scheduled to go on a field trip, you will receive the necessary information, including payment information, and a permission form to sign. Please contact our office if you are unable to make payment and we will work with donors to arrange a scholarship. Children will not be allowed to leave school until payment has been made and a signed parent permission form is on hand.
There may, however, be occasions when students are transported by bus to another school within the district for a district program. Permission slips are not required under these circumstances. If you would like to be notified before allowing your child to be transported within the district, please notify the school office.
Parents wishing to accompany their child on a field trip as a chaperone must have completed a Volunteer Disclosure Form and have passed a background check. This form must be completed each year.
Siblings are not allowed to accompany McKenna students on field trips. They are not covered by school insurance. If a parent volunteers to chaperone, they must find daycare for other children.
Lost & Found
If your child has lost something, please have him/her check the lost and found bin in the gym. Articles not claimed are given to charitable organizations at the end of the first semester and at the end of the school year. Articles lost on buses are usually kept by the individual driver for a period of time and are then turned into the lost and found department at the bus garage. You may contact the bus garage at 360.458.3300.
Parties, Invitations & Special Days
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Students are discouraged from handing out party invitations at school. If invitations are sent to school, there must be enough for each student in the class or enough for each of a specific gender. Please allow several days for the delivery of invitations.
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Please do not have flowers or Mylar balloons delivered to the school if your student rides the bus home. They are not allowed on the bus.
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Please check with the classroom teacher before bringing snacks to school for birthdays or other special days. We recommend small cupcakes or small cookies.
Transportation
Picking Students Up During the School Day
No pickup or transportation changes after 2:00 p.m.
We ask that parents send a note to the school with their child to notify the teacher if a student will be picked up prior to dismissal time. When picking students up prior to dismissal, please come to the office and your child will be called from the classroom to meet you. If someone other than a parent is picking up the student, be sure to send written authorization. Your child will only be released to those individuals you have included on their Emergency Contact list. Just as prompt attendance in the morning is very important, so are the final minutes of the school day in a classroom. We encourage parents to wait until school is dismissed before picking up their child. To ensure the safety of our students, all students who are picked up from school prior to dismissal must be signed out in the student sign-out book.
Morning Drop-off Procedures:
Beginning at 8:20 a.m.
To ensure the safety of our students, it is critical parents follow these set procedures.
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Please do not drop your student off in the parking lot area. Curbside drop-off only. We have staff on duty during the morning drop-off time frame.
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Please ~ No student drop off in the bus loop.
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If you need to enter the building with your child, please park in a parking stall and use the crosswalk. Slipping between cars is dangerous.
Drop-Off Procedures:
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Enter through the gate of the front parking lot. Stay in the right-hand lane.
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Circle around to the curb in front of the school.
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Pull as far up the curb as traffic allows and drop off your student(s). Please do not block the crosswalk.
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Students exit the vehicle on curbside. (No exits on the parking lot side of the car.)
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Once your children have unloaded, you may carefully pull out and exit through the same gate you entered.
Afternoon Pick-up Procedures:
To ensure the safety of our students, it is critical parents follow these set procedures:
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Please do not ask your child to meet you in the hallway or parking lot.
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Please ~ No student pick up in the Bus Area.
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If you need to enter the building for a meeting, please park in a parking stall and use the crosswalk. Slipping between cars is dangerous.
Riding the Bus: The trip to school and back can be an enjoyable experience for a child when everyone respects certain rules of conduct. We expect students to observe the same courteous McKenna behavior on the bus as they would in class. Bus rules are reviewed by the drivers with students at the beginning of each year. If you have a bus-related question, please call our transportation department at 360.458.3300. If it is necessary to make a bus change (permanent or temporary), please contact our office prior to 2:00 p.m.
Bicycle/Walking: Due to the heavy traffic on State Route 507, students are not permitted to ride bicycles or walk to school.
Student Learning
- Class Placement
- District Technology Access
- Homework
- Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)
- Optimum Learning Environment
- Textbooks & Library Books
Class Placement
We do not allow parent requests for class placement as we have found this hinders our ability to create classes that are fair and balanced. Based on educational research, the McKenna staff strongly believes that students should be placed in classrooms that have a balance of academic abilities, social skills, and gender. We are very fortunate at McKenna Elementary to have a staff of highly qualified teachers that are committed to meeting the learning needs of every student. We strive to create a learning environment where all students can reach their potential. In such an environment, we have found that almost all students will learn and experience success with any of our teachers. Few students actually need to be assigned one particular teacher versus another.
Here are the criteria we use each year for student placement:
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Academic needs and strengths
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Behavioral needs and strengths
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Social needs
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Learning style
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Gender balance
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Even balance of children of all achievement levels
We take class placement very seriously. Your child’s teacher and next year’s teachers meet as a team to place students based on the above criteria. They make every effort to balance classes while meeting the specific learning needs of every child. Your child’s teacher uses their knowledge of each child to make certain that students will be successful in the prospective classroom structure, that the student has friends in that classroom, and that some student combinations are avoided if necessary. The principal, our specialists, and the special services team carefully review preliminary class lists before the final decision is made. We understand that parents occasionally have concerns that need special consideration in the placement process and we want to know about them. We encourage families with specific placement concerns to share that information directly with the principal.
District Technology Access
The district is dedicated to promoting and instilling principles of digital citizenship and media literacy in students and encourages guardians to play an active role in the process of educating students. While the district takes great care to monitor and filter inappropriate websites, students are expected to be responsible users of their access and the educational technology tools made available. For a complete list of Student Responsible Use Guidelines, review the Student Rights and Responsibility Handbook and/or Policy and Procedure 2022/P on the district website at Yelm Community Schools.
Students will be given a unique user login and password to access educational technology tools. The login portal icon is available at the top of the school and district website for students to access at school or home. It is essential students keep this information private to ensure security of their school files and online accounts.
Homework
We believe that homework is an important part of the learning process. Homework reinforces skills taught in class and gives students an opportunity to practice these skills independently. It also fosters a sense of responsibility and provides an additional opportunity for communication between school and home. Parents can help by expecting their children to complete assignments and turn them in on time. Teachers will provide homework for absent students providing the absence is excused (as detailed in the School Board Attendance Policies). Parents may contact our office to request homework for an absent student. Please give at least 24 hours' notice.
Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)
The vision of Yelm Community Schools is to prepare ALL students for post-secondary pathways, careers, and civic engagement.
A Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) is a service delivery framework focused on prevention and problem solving for all students. An integrated MTSS connects all of the academic and non-academic interventions, supports, and services available in schools and communities to support instruction and eliminate barriers to learning and teaching. Within an MTSS framework, multiple levels of instruction, assessment, and intervention are designed to meet the academic and non-academic needs of ALL students.
Essential Components of an MTSS Framework
- Core Instruction and Tiered Continuum of Evidence-based Interventions and Supports (Tier I, II, III)
- Universal Screening and Progress Monitoring
- Data-based Decision Making
- Family Engagement and Community Partnerships
- Creating and maintaining the infrastructure to support an integrated MTSS Framework
Optimum Learning Environment
Yelm Community Schools embraces the diversity within our schools and seeks to create a nurturing and barrier-free learning environment for each student. To achieve this goal, we commit to:
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Preparing our students to thrive in a multicultural and diverse society.
-
Ensuring fair, equitable, and inclusive principles are integrated into our policies, programs, operations, and practices.
-
Creating school and classroom cultures that are free of bias-based language or behaviors.
-
Eliminating barriers that perpetuate negative outcomes.
-
Providing all students the resources, opportunities, and supports needed to succeed at high levels.
-
Honoring and building upon the strengths and assets of every student.
-
Welcoming and engaging families and community members as essential partners.
Textbooks & Library Books
In Yelm Community Schools, textbooks are loaned free of charge. Please remind your child to be careful with schoolbooks and library books. Missing, lost, or damaged textbooks or library books will be the parent’s responsibility to pay for the cost to replace. It is our policy to send a letter home letting you know how much the fine is. If the fine is not paid by the end of the year, we will put your student’s fine into our HD Baker system, this will follow your student through their years with the Yelm Community Schools. When your student is ready to graduate from school, they will have to clear up all fines and fees to receive their diploma. If the book is found after it has been paid for, return the book to McKenna Elementary and the district office will issue a reimbursement check for the amount paid.
Student Support & Services
- Food Service & Meals
- Healthy Food Guidelines
- Health Information
- No Excuses University
- Relationship Guidelines
- Walking Students to Class
Food Service & Meals
Meal Service
The breakfast and lunch program are provided by our district’s Food Service department. Breakfast is served at 8:05 a.m. and 9:05 a.m. on late-start Wednesdays. Lunch is served between 11:20 a.m. & 12:05 p.m.
Meal Costs
Please check the website for an updated fee schedule.
Free and Reduced Meals
Meal benefits are available to families that meet income guidelines. Free and Reduced applications are available online through Skyward Family Access. Paper applications are available at school upon request or on our Food Service website.
If you have questions regarding your child’s meal account, please contact your school. For assistance with Free and Reduced application, please contact the district Food Service Department at 360.400.1151.
Online Payments
As a convenience to families, Yelm Community Schools provides an easy way to make online payments from home or work, 24/7. With just one login, you can make payments for any child in your household using Discover, VISA, or MasterCard credit or debit cards.
Online payments can be used to replenish a student’s food service account or pay for any existing fines or fees, such as class fees, athletic fees, or ASB activities.
Yelm Community Schools is fully compliant with all data protection laws, including PCI Data Security Standards. Yelm School District does not store your billing or payment information at any time. Any personal information you enter related to your credit card through this website is purged immediately. Any contact information you enter is stored for your convenience when using our website. Information you provide to us will only be used by Yelm Community Schools. We will never sell or rent your personal information to third parties.
Healthy Food Guidelines
For students’ health and safety, please be sure that any treats or snacks brought in to share with other students are store-bought. Please be sure that teachers approve of any treats being brought to school. Because of severe food allergies, please observe the following guidelines:
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Students must not bring products containing peanuts or peanut oil to school for classroom snacks.
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Students must not share food at lunch.
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Bringing soda, energy drinks, and sports drinks is strongly discouraged.
Health Information
Common Health Care Procedures
Accident or Head Trauma: Parents will be notified regarding any incident that necessitates an accident report. In addition, any student who suffers trauma to the head at school will be assessed in the health room and parents will be notified.
Allergy Accommodations: Latex Allergy - Yelm Community Schools prohibits the use of all latex products, including latex balloons, due to severe allergies. Peanut Allergy - Please refrain from sending any peanut products due to severe allergies.
Diarrhea: Any student who has been having diarrhea will be sent home and may return to school when they have been free of diarrhea for 24 hours.
Fever: Any student with a fever of 100.4 or higher will be sent home and may return to school once the child has been fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medication.
Injury: If any child has an injury that prohibits them from participating in PE or other school activities, a note from the physician is needed to excuse participation. Please be sure the doctor includes when student can return to normal activity or provide a separate note.
Lice: The Infectious Disease Control Guide no longer recommends long-term exclusion for pediculosis/head lice. Head lice is a nuisance condition and is not known to transmit infection from person to person. Any student who presents with live lice will be sent home for treatment. Students may return to school when no live lice are present.
Rash: Any student with an undiagnosed rash will be sent home from school in order to be evaluated by a healthcare provider. The parent/guardian will be asked to provide a note from a healthcare provider upon return to school.
Vomiting: Any student who has been vomiting will be sent home and may return to school when they have not vomited in 24 hours.
Life Threatening Illness
If your child has an illness, which has the potential to cause death during the school day YCS must be made aware prior to the student’s first day of school. Examples of these conditions would be seizures, diabetes, allergies requiring an Epi Pen, severe asthma and/or any other condition that is considered to be life threatening. Parents/guardians are responsible to report this information to the Registered Nurse assigned to that school. Parents/guardians must provide the medication in its original container along with the medication authorization form prior to the first day of school. Students will be excluded from school until these requirements are met. (RCW 28A.210.320, District Policy 3413)
Immunizations
In order to protect children against a number of childhood diseases, Washington State Law requires that all children enrolled to YCS be immunized against varicella, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, measles, rubella, mumps and hepatitis b as appropriate. Parents may submit the Exemption from Immunization form. However, students will be excluded from school if they do not meet the requirements of the law. (RCW 28A.210.060, District Policy 3413)
Infectious Disease
In order to safeguard the school community from the spread of certain communicable diseases YCS will comply with the State Board of Health rules and regulations within the most current Infectious Disease Control Guide, provided by the State Department of Health and the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. (District Policy 3414.
Medications
YCS requires signed authorization forms for the dispensing of any prescription or non-prescription medicines to students. Forms must be signed by the physician as well as the parent/guardian and are available from the office. Physicians may fax this information to our school at 360.458.6315. All medications must be delivered to and picked up from the school by the parent/guardian in the original container. Most medications can be dispensed by the parent/guardian before or after school. Please ask your healthcare provider for guidance on medication delivery times. (RCW 28A.210.260 & 270, District Policy 3416)
No Excuses University
McKenna Elementary is part of the No Excuses University Network of Schools. We believe that every child has a right to be educated in a way that prepares them for college. We uphold the six exceptional systems in our school created by No Excuses University Founder, Damen Lopez.
Culture of Universal Achievement: The foundation of the culture developed at Fort Stevens is based upon one shared commitment made by teachers and students alike in the form of our school pledge, “We are committed to creating a school that knows no limits to the social, emotional, and academic success of each student.”
Collaboration: Staff at The Fort are committed to creating an effective collaboration community through meaningful professional relationships and supporting professional growth through weekly Professional Learning Communities collaborative time.
Standards Alignment: The Washington State Common Core Standards are the foundation of every child’s learning at Fort Stevens. Teaching the standards requires a systematic approach that scaffolds specific learning needs across lessons, units, and grade levels. Teachers post Learning Targets and Success Criteria so students can be successful at mastering grade-level standards.
Assessment: Fort Stevens has a wide variety of assessment tools that provide valuable data for teachers. These common assessments give teachers information to assist them in differentiating their instruction and in planning for interventions that lead to higher achievement for all students.
Data Management: Effective management of data is what drives instruction and the success of the teachers and students at The Fort. Teachers engage in a system of data management that is easily accessible, timely, and structured, using an agreed-upon data analysis protocol to guide discussion focused around strengths and strategies that have led to recent student success or ways to improve student achievement.
Intervention: At McKenna Elementary, the staff uses data and teacher referrals in conjunction with our multi-tiered systems of support to provide all students with social, emotional, behavioral, and academic interventions.
Relationship Guidelines
While it is our hope that students will form strong and lasting friendships with a variety of students at McKenna Elementary, we strongly discourage romantic relationships of any kind. Over the years we have found that relationships of this nature are usually very short in duration and often result in hurt feelings, gossip, and damaged friendships. Furthermore, the turmoil in relationships here at school results in a decreased focus on learning and could ultimately impact overall school performance. Should students choose to engage in a romantic relationship, they are prohibited from public and private displays of affection while on school grounds. Violation of this policy will result in disciplinary action.
Walking Students to Class
In order to ensure student safety in our school, parents will not be allowed to walk students to their classrooms after the first week of school. Along with keeping our students safe, we are fostering independence and confidence in our students as they move about our building. If you need to contact your child’s teacher, please schedule a meeting. Staff is more than willing to set up a convenient time to conference.