So…How was your summer? 

This is a commonly asked question right now.  At Yelm High School we have been busy and there are many changes that have taken place since last June. 

Analyzing Achievement Scores – Yelm High School students continue to outperform the state of Washington on Reading, Writing and Math tests.  We all should be very proud of how well our students do on statewide assessments.  Last spring sophomores also completed the new Biology exam.  Results of that test will be available in September.  All of our state testing data is available at the following link:  http://reportcard.ospi.k12.wa.us/summary.  Additionally, YHS staff and students worked extremely hard over the last two school years to reduce class failure rates.  So far we have reduce failure rates by 15%.  This will have an extremely positive impact on our on-time graduation rates. 

Staffing Changes – Yelm High School experienced a high number of retirements and changes in our teaching corps.  After a vibrant spring of hiring, I am pleased to announce our new teachers.  

Leah Rasmussen has been rehired to teach English

Richard Dahl will teach band

Krista Ulrigg will teach math

Thomas McMakin will teach Spanish

Cayla Trakel will teach physical education

Lori Wolski will teach special education

Rod McDonald will teach English and social studies

Kelly Kriss will teach art

Paul Lambert will be the new counselor/teacher at Yelm Extension School

Our new teachers bring energy, passion and positive change to our school.  Additionally, Sara DeVore is our new registrar.  This is an important role for our students and familes. 

Building Repairs and Upgrades – Significant work has been completed here at the high school in preparation for the upcoming year.  Interior and exterior painting has been completed to the vocational building, the stadium and to exterior doors.  Classroom walls in the main building have been improved and will last significantly longer.  Safety lighting is being added between the stadium and vocational areas.  Lastly, the seating in the stadium has been refurbished, sealed and painted.  We want to extend a huge thank you to our maintenance workers, custodians and grounds crew.  The building looks great and ready for students to return in September.

Teacher Training – All Yelm Community Schools teachers attended at training June 28 here at the high school.  Tina Boogren, a national author and educator, presented a model of planning, teaching and assessing that all teachers will use.  Mrs. Boogren will also return to the district for more training August 30.  Additionally, 16 YHS teachers attended the Kagan Institute this summer.  The 5 day institute trains teachers to maximize student participation in class.  Mike Patrick, YHS agricultural science teacher, worked at the state level to learn how the state Biology tests are created and scored.