Student Handbook

A new school year is always an exciting time. Yelm Middle School is here to provide our students with the opportunity to be their best selves in a supportive environment. This handbook provides an overview of key expectations and information. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out. Welcome to YMS!

–Mark Bowden, Principal

P	R	I	D	E
Positive Attitude To be optimistic and make the best of any situation.	Respect To treat the school, self and others with dignity and value.	Integrity To be your best and do the right thing, even when no one is watching.	Determination To hold a course of action despite obstacles.	Empathy To show acceptance of others by being considerate and sensitive of diverse experiences and values.
Do your best Show school spirit Inspire excellence in others	Be safe Show others consideration, appreciation and acceptance Demonstrate appropriate language and behaviors	Be honest Be responsible Take ownership of your actions Identify and report inappropriate behaviors, bullying and/or harassment	Set goals Give consistent effort Learn from mistakes Exceed minimum expectations	Walk a mile in someone else's shoes Practice tolerance Problem solve together (be proactive and productive)

P

R

I

D

E

Positive Attitude

To be optimistic and make the best of any situation.

Respect

To treat the school, self and others with dignity and value.

Integrity

To be your best and do the right thing, even when no one is watching.

Determination

To hold a course of action despite obstacles.

Empathy

To show acceptance of others by being considerate and sensitive of diverse experiences and values.

Do your best
Show school spirit
Inspire excellence in others

Be safe
Show others consideration, appreciation and acceptance
Demonstrate appropriate language and behaviors

Be honest
Be responsible
Take ownership of your actions
Identify and report inappropriate behaviors, bullying and/or harassment

Set goals
Give consistent effort
Learn from mistakes
Exceed minimum expectations

Walk a mile in someone else's shoes
Practice tolerance
Problem solve together (be proactive and productive)

YMS 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

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

Yelm Middle School hours are 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. The safety of students is of utmost importance to us. Before school supervision is provided from 7:00 a.m. for your convenience. Students should not arrive on campus before 7:00 a.m. We have no regular after school supervision available. To ensure student safety, all students must be picked up by 2:00 p.m. Individual after school activities will be communicated by supervising teacher.

Tardiness

Students are expected to be in class on time. We have a 3-minute passing time. When a student's tardiness becomes frequent (after 3 in a quarter), the student will be placed on a tardy contract and meet with our Restorative Specialist.

End of Day Transportation Changes

Please call the school no later than 30 minutes before the end of the school day to ensure we have time to deliver the message to student; otherwise, there will be no pick-ups or transportation changes.

Definition of “Excused Absences”

Students are expected to attend ALL assigned classes each day unless excused by the parent/guardian for valid reasons below.

Participation in a school-approved activity: This absence must be authorized by a staff member and prior notification must be provided to parent/guardian for approval. (IE. field trips)
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. Parents/guardians are encouraged to acquire a health professional’s written note whenever possible and submit a copy to the Attendance Office. If a parent/guardian needs to pick up their child for an appointment, they must sign them out at the office.
Parental/Family Pre-Arranged Absence: Parents/Guardians are to notify the school two weeks prior 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, or 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.
Court, judicial proceedings court-ordered activity or absences related to homeless or foster care status.
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

Attendance is taken at the beginning of the school day by the classroom teacher. Please report or correct an absence is to log into Family Access or use the School Messenger Mobile App.

Family Access

If a student arrives after school starts or leaves early, a student will be marked absent for a portion of the day.

An automated email/phone/text message will be sent home indicating non arrival to school at 8:30 a.m. or 9:30 a.m. on Late Start Wednesday.

An UNEXCUSED absence indicates a parent is not aware or has not notified the school with a reason for the student's absence. An EXCUSED absence indicates the parent/guardian has provided a reason to the school.

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

1-2 Unexcused Absences: Parent/Guardian will be contacted via School Messenger, E-mail, letter or phone call
3 Unexcused Absences: Schedule a meeting with school personnel to find solution
IEP/504 Accruing Students: Case manager will convene an IEP meeting to develop a plan

Tier 2

4 Unexcused Absences/Excessive Excused Absences or 10% of the school year
Students will be placed on attendance contract

Tier 3

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.
Students not attending school as court ordered results in school filing a contempt and progress report Thurston County Juvenile court.
Monitor and review 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 on the website.

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

Student Rights

To have the opportunity to attend school in a safe setting.
To be informed of teachers’ classroom procedures, policies, and expectations.
To be informed of individual progress in class.
To be informed of district, school, and individual teacher behavior expectations.
To be treated firmly and fairly in the event that behavior requires intervention and be afforded due process.
To not be discriminated against in any way due to race, national origin, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, or disability.
To be allowed to express thoughts and feelings as long as others’ rights are not violated in the process and that it is done without disruption to school activities, the educational process or the routine operation of the school.

Student Responsibilities

Attend school daily, be on time, and come prepared with all the materials needed to be successful.
Demonstrate full effort and complete all assignments honestly.
Respect the rights of others to study and learn.
Respect public and private property and return materials and equipment in good condition.
Follow all behavior expectations of the classroom, school, and district.
Keep YMS safe by informing administrators of any potentially dangerous situations.
Treat everyone respectfully.
Help keep our building and grounds clean.
Help ensure that all school communication gets home to parents.

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)

Public Display Of Affection (PDA)

Student Conduct Summary

Family Access

Family Access is a web-based tool designed to give parents/guardians and students access to student information to support achievement. Students and parent/guardians each have their own access.

Family Access/Qmlativ Login

Need help with your access or need to access tutorials?

Attendance
Grades/Academic Progress/Test Scores
Class Schedules & Teacher Contacts
Lunch Balances
Conference Scheduling
And much more!

Visit Family Access/Qmlativ Resources

Volunteer

Volunteers are a vital part of our students' education. To volunteer in a school 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.

Volunteers can work directly with the office or a classroom teacher, with our Booster Club, or with our Counselor through our Watch D.O.G.S and M.O.M.S program.

Apply Online to Volunteer

School Procedures

ASB - Student Activities/Sports Activities

ASB Elections/Officers: ASB Elections and Officers are governed by the rules and regulations laid out in the Yelm Middle School Constitution.

Behavior Requirements: All school and district rules apply at any school related activity. Based on previous behavior, students may be excluded from activities.

Dances (ASB)/Teen Night: Scheduled throughout the year will be both ASB Dances and Parent Booster sponsored Teen Nights. Teen Nights are held after the regular school hours. Yelm Middle School ID Cards are required for admittance to both. All school policies, including the dress code, will apply. If a student leaves an activity early, he/she will need to be signed out by parent or guardian. Misbehavior at these activities will result in school discipline and loss of dance attendance privileges.

Assemblies

Associated Student Body (ASB)/Id Cards

Bicycles/Skates/Skateboards/Scooters

Electronics

Cell phones are allowed in the commons and hallways but not during class time. Cell phones are not allowed to be used in classrooms. This includes listening to music, this also includes during homeroom. Cell phone should not be visible (must be in a pocket or in backpack) when in the classroom.

Electronic devices/nuisance items or any other items that are disruptive to the educational process will be confiscated. YMS will not be held liable for loss or theft.

1st Offense - Will be confiscated and can be picked up by student after school in the office.
2^nd Offense - Will be confiscated, and can be picked up by student after school. Parents will be notified.
3^rd Offense- Will be confiscated and the device must be picked up by parent/guardian.
4^rd Offense - Will be confiscated, student will receive a referral and two lunch detentions and the device must be picked up by parent/gurdian.
4th Offense and beyond – Further discipline.

Use of CELL PHONES and CAMERAS are prohibited in the BATHROOMS/LOCKER ROOMS at all times.

VIDEO AND AUDIO RECORDING are prohibited at all times on campus. Rare exceptions may be made with staff supervision and with prior approval from administration. Violations of this policy will result in discipline beyond that for the prohibited use of electronics.

Emergency Closure

Sometimes during the school year, we face the possibility of inclement weather and school closure or schedule changes. Typically, families will be notified of emergency schedule changes by an automated phone call, email and/or text.

Stay informed about Emergency Closures & Delays by

Updating your Family Access email and home & cell numbers
Opting In for Text Messaging (Text YES to 67587)
Visiting the district website for detailed information and updates
Following Yelm Community Schools on Facebook and Twitter
Signing up for FLASH Alert to receive an email notice.
Following other media outlets
It is requested that parents/guardians do not call the media stations for closure information.

Emergency Procedures And Drills

Students will practice fire, earthquake, and lockdown drills throughout the school year. Emergency drills are to be taken seriously. Students are expected to maintain classroom conduct throughout the entire drill and to be informed of the exit route for each of their classrooms. Students are to report to their homeroom’s field-location when exiting the building.

In the event of an actual emergency, parents should understand that telephone calls only hinder emergency relief and that information concerning children and the amount of damage cannot be made immediately available. Parents will be notified by telephone of accidents or injuries as soon as possible. Students will be released only to people listed on the student’s emergency card. Please make sure the information is up to date.

Field Trips

Fines/Fees

Fees

ASB Card: $25.00
Replacement ASB Cards $5.00
Replacement With No ASB Sticker $3.00

PE Class: $ 8.00 for T-Shirt

Art Class: $ 5.00

Fines

Any student who has a fine is responsible to reimburse the school by the end of the semester. Students who have unpaid fines may not be allowed to participate in extracurricular activities.

Fragrant Sprays

Guest Teachers

Hall Passes

Homework Requests

Library

Lost & Found

Student Valuables/Backpacks

Vacations

Visitors

To provide the safest atmosphere possible, students from other schools are NOT permitted to visit YMS classes. All visitors are required to report to the school office. If a parent wishes to visit his/her student's classes, the visit must be cleared through the building administration with at least 24 hours notice to staff. Visitors are asked to dress appropriately for a school environment. All visitors will be issued and must wear a visitor’s pass.

Student Learning

Academics

Academic Concerns/Conference Requests: Parents and students are encouraged to contact their teacher(s) at the earliest sign of concern or question.

Team Meeting: A meeting with all teachers is available upon request by parent, student, or teacher throughout the school year. Please contact your student’s teacher or school counselor to schedule a meeting.

Student-Led Conference (SLC): The SLC time is hosted by each student’s homeroom teacher and is designated as a student led discussion of their academic, career, and personal growth and goals. The SLC conference is not a teacher conference for addressing concerns.

YMS participates in district-wide conferences generally for one conference in the fall and one in the spring. Notification of conferences will be sent home. Students at YMS present their accomplishments and goals twice a year through Student-Led Conferences. Students will be compiling a Personal Portfolio as part of the High School and Beyond Plan, a Washington State high school graduation requirement. The fall conference will focus on academic, attitude, activities, goals, assessments and course work. The spring conference will focus on attainment of goals, career interests and progress.

Schedule Changes: The school class schedule is created based on the student’s requests during pre-registration the previous year. Schedule changes will only be considered if there is an error in the student placement, not to change teachers, electives, or periods.

Grade Reporting: Report cards are issued four times per year, at the end of each term. Progress reports are sent home mid term. A 3.0 grade point average (GPA) and above determines honor roll at YMS.

Homework: Homework is an important part of classes at YMS. Students are expected to spend time outside of class to finish the day-to-day work they may not have finished in class or to complete longer research projects. The ability to use time wisely and complete required work when it is due is a life skill.

Textbooks: The policy of Yelm Community Schools is to make certain that each student has access to a textbook. It is strongly recommended that books that are checked out to students be covered to prevent damage. At the end of the year, fines are assessed for any damage to the textbooks and for lost books.

Individual Planning

Individual planning for academic, career, or personal/social needs is available all year to all students. Students may seek academic advising or support for personal/social concerns by completing a “School Counselor Request Form” or by teacher/parent referral. Students are informed at the beginning of the year and at the semester of the Request Form and the confidentiality statement (see below). Multiple referrals or unresolved issues may result in parent/guardian contact, consultation, and/or referral for additional services.

Plagiarism/Cheating

Cheating: As defined by Webster’s Random House College Dictionary ©1998 “to take an examination in a dishonest way, as by having improper access to answers.” At YMS this will include assignments as well as examinations.

Examples of Cheating: Copying homework, looking at another’s test, quiz or class work, letting someone look at a test, quiz or class work, using other secretive methods of giving or receiving answers for tests, quizzes or assignments.

Consequences for Acts of Cheating/Plagiarism: Any acts of cheating or plagiarism will result in disciplinary action which may include, but is not limited to: parent/guardian contact, loss of honor level points, detention, etc.

School Counseling Program

The YMS comprehensive school guidance and counseling program provides all students support for academic growth, career planning, and personal/social development. Families and students are encouraged throughout the year to contact school counselors to address any areas of concern. School counselors utilize multiple formats to provide support, outreach, prevention/intervention services and guidance curriculum to all students.

Confidentiality Statement

The student’s right to privacy is guarded as much as permitted by law, ethic, and school rules. School counselors are obligated to break confidentiality when there is potential harm to the student or others, concern of neglect or abuse, or a court of law that requires testimony or student records. School counselors often consult with other school professionals, but only share information necessary to achieving the goals of the consultation

School Guidance Curriculum

Academic & Career Planning:

Student Portfolios/College and Career Readiness- Monthly advisory lessons delivered through homeroom for academic monitoring, goal setting, reflection, etc. in preparation for Student Led Conferences in fall and spring.
Career Cruising/Xello: Online information system used to continue postsecondary planning/career exploration.
Classroom Guidance Lessons: are taught every quarter in 6th, 7th, and 8th grades, addressing topics such as graduation requirements, harassment/bullying, respect and career education.

Small Group Support

Small groups are need-based support opportunities with identified students experiencing similar concerns. Based on referrals or student survey data, groups are created to meet the needs of students at YMS. Small groups are voluntary and typically meet once weekly for six to eight weeks. Support groups traditionally offered include the following: grief and loss, deployment support, new student transition, conflict management, friendship, and motivation.

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,

Responsible Use Policy (English | Spanish)

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.

Students will be provided a laptop to use at school and at home. There is a $10 Assurance free which covers all repair costs for any accidental damage to student Chromebooks and reduced replacement costs if loss or theft occurs which will be applied to the students account at the beginning of each school year. Review all other fees for loss, stolen or intentional damages.

Review All Fees

Support Services

Food Service & Meals

Meal Service

The breakfast and lunch program is provided by our district’s Food Service department. Breakfast is served from 7:00 - 7:20 a.m. and 8:00 - 8:20 a.m. on Late Start Wednesdays. Lunch times vary by grade level. Check the website for an updated fee schedule.

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.

Online Payment

Health Services

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)

Online Payments

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.

Online Payment