The following individuals or groups have been honored by the Yelm School Board for their special accomplishments.
April 25, 2013Fort Stevens Volunteer of the Year - Trinity Munoz
This year Fort Stevens set a goal to improve the amount of parent participation at school. The end result was designing a Parent Involvement Program and Trinity Munoz was instrumental in taking care of all the logistics required to ensure the program’s success. Through the program, each classroom secured several parents to help with various school-related tasks (copying, cutting, tutoring one-on-one, small groups, etc.). Trinity even coordinated with Yelm High School during their Job Fair to recruit several students to help support the school. Ft. Stevens now has more parent support thanks to the time she dedicated to improving parent involvement and the overall education of many of our students.
Thank you, Trinity!
April 25, 2013Lackamas Volunteer of the Year - Megan Fitzpatrick
Megan Fitzpatrick has put forth an amazing effort to involve parents at Lackamas through her work as the PTO president. The Lackamas PTO has done some incredible things this year and she has been instrumental in organizing everything so the other volunteers have everything they need. Megan continually demonstrates a selfless commitment to Lackamas Elementary and will do whatever needs to be done with a smile on her face and a can-do attitude. Whenever we are in a jam, she is our first phone call.
Thank you, Megan!
April 25, 2013McKenna Volunteer of the Year - Tanya Quinn
Tanya Quinn has been a wonderful addition to McKenna Elementary’s classroom community. She has a very gracious spirit and is always willing to help no matter how messy the project! Tanya’s help in the classroom has added immeasurably to the success of McKenna’s afternoon math time. With her help, we’ve seen the students she works with blossom as learners. Tanya is truly a pleasure to have as a classroom volunteer and the amount of time that she gives is so greatly appreciated.
Thank you, Tanya!
April 25, 2013Mill Pond Volunteer of the Year - Tonya Marlowe
Tonya Marlowe has three children at Mill Pond. So far, this year alone, she has signed in the office volunteer book 75 times! Of those 75 days, she usually volunteers at Mill Pond for most of the day. That does not count the many, many hours she volunteers for the Mill Pond Booster Club, where she currently serves as treasurer. Tonya is a fantastic volunteer who lives the Mill Pond expectations and has “Wolf Paw PRIDE.”
Thank you, Tonya!
April 25, 2013Prairie Volunteer of the Year - Melvin Mayer
Melvin comes in weekly to spend the day in the art room providing support to Prairie’s art specialist, Mrs. Fennerty. She says, “Mel shows an interest in each student that comes to art. He finds positive comments to make as he visits with them. Mel is sensitive to their needs and is an attentive listener. He enjoys the students as much as they enjoy him. Mel is a gift to all of us.” He also tutors a couple of boys each morning by listening to them read and helping them to finish their homework. As the grandfather of one of Prairie’s students, Melvin is a regular at Prairie’s Friday assemblies and always has a kind word to say. Being around the kids makes him feel young!
Thank you, Melvin!
April 25, 2013Southworth Volunteer of the Year - Jennica Schow
Jennica is a very hardworking, dedicated volunteer who helped save the Booster Club at Southworth during a year of transition with the board. Jennica has had to do much of the work on her own with little help and has done an outstanding job as the president of the Booster Club and as a volunteer at school, bringing quality help and support to the staff and students. Jennica, along with the other Booster members, was instrumental in the Booster Club receiving a $25,000 grant from the Nisqually Tribe for playground equipment, technology, and staff support at Southworth. She is a calm and capable presence at Booster meetings and at school events.
Thank you, Jennica!
April 25, 2013Ridgeline Middle School Volunteer of the Year - Susie Carlson
As a parent of two students who have attended Ridgeline Middle School, Susie Carlson’s contributions have touched many elements of our school operations. Susie is one who always has a smile on her face. She carries with her a positive attitude and she deeply cares about RMS and our students and staff. Susie has supported Ridgeline’s PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention Support) program, where we acknowledge students for adhering to the STORM covenant. She has tallied nearly 5,000 Lightening Strike slips where students receive a T-shirt for receiving five of the slips. She volunteers every year to participate in our holiday book giveaway and is always willing to step in to help whenever and wherever she is needed. She also supports district endeavors and is considered a Key Communicator for RMS.
Congratulations and thank you, Susie, for giving your time and talents to RMS.
April 25, 2013Yelm Middle School Volunteer of the Year - Terri Herriges
Terri Herriges has been a faithful volunteer for many years. She is the Vice President of the YMS Booster Club, volunteers every month at teen dances, manages the Box Tops for Education fundraising program, works at the Scholastic Book Fair, and pops popcorn every Friday for students and staff!
Staff members say Terri is “Bubbly, Fun and the BEST popcorn popper ever, Dedicated, Faithfull and full of Whirlwind P.R.I.D.E.” Terri is a great volunteer and makes a difference at YMS every day!
Thank you, Terri!
April 25, 2013Yelm High School Volunteer of the Year - Kendra Gebb
Kendra Gebb is a parent of one of the cheerleaders on the YHS Cheer squad. Kendra graciously volunteered her time to be on the Booster Club committee in order for Cheer to earn funds from participating in the concession stands at different sporting events. Kendra coordinated and scheduled Cheer parents to work at the concession stands. Kendra also donated all the fleece fabric the Cheer squad needed to have a scarf fundraiser. Kendra donated enough fleece fabric to make over 100 scarves for the cheerleaders to sell at football and basketball games. The cheerleaders cut the fabric and Kendra sewed all 100 scarves together on her own time. During football season, Kendra made "YHS Cheer" labels for water bottles and put together the water bottles and snacks during the home football games for the opposing team's cheerleaders. Kelli Little, Cheer coach, says: “Kendra has been the most helpful parent I have worked with. She has been extremely supportive and always asks if she can help me with anything. She truly is my volunteer parent of the year!”
March 28, 2013
Hanford McCloud and the McCloud Family
Teaching and Learning Director Lisa Cadero-Smith introduced Hanford McCloud, who accepted a certificate of appreciation for his work to coordinate a cultural education program for art teachers, elementary teachers, and every fourth grade student in the district. Many members of his family volunteered their time and expertise to deepen the connection with and understanding of the Nisqually culture in an engaging cedar bark bracelet weaving project. Mr. McCloud spoke about his commitment to the Nisqually culture and hopes to partner with schools on other projects. Superintendent Andy Wolf and the board extended their deep appreciation for his efforts.
Pictured left to right: Supt. Andy Wolf, Hanford McCloud, Teaching and Learning Director Lisa Cadero-Smith and School Board President Bill Hauss.
Yelm Dental, Dr. Smith and Dr. Kay
YHS Sports Medicine Advisor Gary Clinton and third year Sports Medicine student Emma Bowers introduced Dr. Kay and Dr. Smith of Yelm Dental. During YHS Dental Day on January 25, 2013, Yelm Dental provided free dental services to Yelm High School students who could not afford treatment. The Sports Medicine team coordinated the event with advertising and targeting students who needed it most.
Dr. Kay said he had always wanted to do something like this and it fell together with the support of Gary Clinton. Their first YHS free dental day was in 2011. He said this year’s event served more students due to the efforts of the Sports Medicine team. Ms. Bowers reported $57,959 in dental services were provided to 29 students this year and $22,300 to 19 students in 2011. Ms. Bowers and Mr. Clinton presented Dr. Smith and Dr. Kay with plaques of appreciation from the Sports Medicine team. Superintendent Wolf stated he talked with one of the student’s mothers who had been in tears she was so grateful for the dental services they provided her son. Many of those served had never been able to go to a dentist in their lives. Superintendent Wolf stated this is one of those examples of Yelm Community Schools, where the people in the community reach out to our students. He and the school board presented Dr. Smith and Dr. Kay of Yelm Dental with a certificate of appreciation.
Pictured left to right: Dr. Smith, Dr. Kay, YHS student Emma Bowers and YHS Sports Medicine teacher Gary Clinton.
March 28, 2013Dillon Harris - Wrestling Champ
YHS Principal Brian Wharton accepted a certificate of achievement on behalf of wrestling state champion Dillon Harris, who could not attend the meeting. Superintendent Andy Wolf extended his congratulations for a remarkable achievement.
March 28, 2013McKenna HiCap Students' Public Service Announcement
McKenna Principal Matt Piper said he appreciated the opportunity to celebrate some McKenna HiCap students, who “not only excel in the classroom but they’re great human beings and great citizens of our school and the community.” He introduced HiCap teachers Donna McCarty and Liann Arnold who introduced four of the students involved in a public service announcement project. Hannah Jenny, Brooklynn Hillemann, Angel Calvin, and Melody Park told the board all the steps involved in planning and creating a public service project tackling bad language on the bus. They created a seven-minute DVD promoting being nice on the bus, which included interviews, a song written and performed by the students, and a lot of humor. Other students involved in the project include Derek Harris, Travis Rose, Michaela Damone, Taylor Anderson and Ryan Davis. After viewing the DVD, Superintendent Wolf and the school board told the students they had provided a wonderful service to their school and thanked them for their presentation.
February 28, 2013National Board Certified Teachers
Superintendent Wolf presented certificates of achievement to the district's most recent National Board Certified Teachers: Jeannie Beierle (YHS – School Counseling), Elliott Hedin (RMS – Mathematics), Tasha Johnson (YHS – Social Studies/History, not pictured), Emma Oliver (YMS – Mathematics, not pictured), Justin Overlie (YMS – Science), Nicole Rutledge (Ft. Stevens – Mathematics).
Human Resources Director Marc Brouillet described the rigorous certification requirements these teachers had to meet, demonstrating their commitment to the highest professional standards for teaching. The district now has 24 National Board Certified Teachers.
February 28, 2013Landscape Design and Greenhouse Management Students
Participants from Mr. Mike Patrick’s Landscape Design and Greenhouse Management classes were awarded certificates of appreciation for their work installing landscaping in front of the new Support Operations Center. Over $5500 worth of plants were installed in only one day, a day that was so cold we had a two-hour late start due to icy roads, Superintendent Andy Wolf reminded the board. Mr. Patrick added, “This was a great way to take what we were learning in the classroom and apply it in a real-world setting.”
The following students were involved in the project: Serene Antonides, McKenzie Bostic, David Brocious, Jaron Burke, Siobhan Copeland, Ashley Cornelison, Wade Cribbs, Logan Ellison, Luis Flores, Ben Fredrickson, Courtney Gibson, Libby Glover, Joshua Goldworm, Robert Haney, Savannah Hoffman, Kiley Little, Kayla Luoma, Shaylyne Martin, Emily McElderry, Benjamin Meyer, Andrew Muir, Tanner Page, Jacob Reischman, Kyle Sneddon, Ranya Soeung, and Ian Sotelo.
January 24, 2013School Board Appreciation Month
Superintendent Andy Wolf announced that January is School Board Appreciation Month. "This board has a lot of fun, but still is incredibly diligent in their duties," he said. "We are fortunate to have a board that works so well together both for the schools and in the community."
He recognized the number of years each board member has served in this volunteer position, starting with the newest: Dave Pratt, Position 1, 2.25 years; Bill Hauss, Position 5, 8.42 years; Donna Edwards, Position 2, 12.58 years; Denise Hendrickson, Position 3, 14.08 years; and Debbie Edwards, Position 4, 28.17 years.
Pictured left to right: Supt. Andy Wolf, Dave Pratt, Donna Edwards, Debbie Edwards, Denise Hendrickson, Bill Hauss.
December 20, 2012
Social Worker of the Year - Ann Robbins
Ann Robbins, Intervention Specialist at Ft. Stevens Elementary School, was recognized for being named the School Social Worker of the Year by the Washington Association of School Social Workers (WASSW). Ft. Stevens Principal Scot Embrey described Ann as selfless, unflappable and outstanding at “preventative support,” getting services and support to students and families in need. “I am incredibly proud of her,” he said. Superintendent Andy Wolf and the board congratulated her on her achievement.
Pictured left to right: Supt. Andy Wolf, Ann Robbins, Ft. Stevens Principal Scot Embrey and School Board President Bill Hauss.
December 20, 2012City of Yelm Youth of the Year and Good Citizenship Awards
The following Yelm High School students were presented certificates of achievement for being selected as the City of Yelm’s 2012 Youth Award winners:
McKenzie DeVore – Youth of the Year & Youth Good Citizenship AwardsKelsey Smith – Youth of the Year & Youth Good Citizenship AwardsSabrina Flott – Youth Good Citizenship AwardRebecca Foote – Youth Good Citizenship AwardZaine Graves – Youth Good Citizenship Award
Each recipient described her favorite community service and introduced her parents. Superintendent Andy Wolf commended the students for their outstanding service and participation in their community and excellent academic record. The school board congratulated them for their achievements.
Pictured left: Kelsey Smith, Zaine Graves and Sabrina Flott. Pictured right: McKenzie DeVore. Not pictured: Rebecca Foote.
October 25, 2012National Merit Scholarship Commended Students
Garrett Griffis and Rebekah Johnston
Garrett Griffis and Rebekah Johnston were recognized for being named National Merit Scholarship Commended Students. YHS Principal Brian Wharton introduced each student and said that of the 1.5 million juniors across the country who took the PSAT last year, they scored within the top 40,000, a remarkable achievement.
October 25, 20122012 Regional Distinguished Principal Charles Cook
Southworth Principal Charles Cook was recognized for being named a 2012 Regional Distinguished Principal by the ESPAW (Elementary School Principals Association of Washington). Superintendent Andy Wolf said this is Charles’ first year with us at Southworth but was nominated by his peers in the Yakima Valley. He read what the principal must do to earn this award: “The principal must demonstrate evidence of outstanding contributions to the community and to the education profession and should lead a school that: is clearly committed to excellence; has programs designed to meet the academic and social needs of all students; and has firm ties to parents and the community.” Mr. Wolf continued, “Charles has only been with us for a couple of months but we’ve already seen that evidence here in Yelm schools and we’re very happy to have him. It’s a huge achievement for him to get this award.”
October 25, 2012Washington State CTE Administrator of the Year - Teri Pablo
CTE Director Teri Pablo was recognized for being named Washington State’s CTE Administrator of the Year. Superintendent Wolf said, “We were very fortunate to have Teri Pablo join our staff a few years back and in that time we’ve found that Teri is everything we thought she would be and more. Each of the nine area groups nominates a Career and Technical Education director and one is selected as Administrator of the Year. We know that she’s taken a very strong program here in the Yelm School District and made it much, much better. She has done a lot of work in cross-crediting to make sure the vocational courses meet the new state standards …. She is a wealth of talent, very smart, and in our area she is really one of the 'go to' people to answer tough questions in the career and technical area. This award is well deserved and we’re very lucky to have her on our staff."
