We’ve had a fantastic start to the school year! At YMS, we are fortunate to have a dedicated team of adults who are committed to helping your child succeed. I continue to be amazed by our staff’s dedication and the supportive environment they create. This truly is a great district, and I believe we have the best middle school in the state!
Students have been busy both in and out of the classroom. I see them creating, collaborating, and thinking critically every day. Many are also involved in activities such as FFA, Teammates, Student Senate, Band, Choir, Cross Country, Volleyball, and Football—just to name a few. Please continue to encourage your child to get involved. Students who participate in activities feel more connected to school, which has a positive impact on their learning.
Our ICU system is off to a strong start, and we’re seeing great results. The heart of ICU is shifting the focus from simply grading homework to ensuring real learning. You may notice fewer grades in the grade book—this is intentional. Teachers are focusing on measuring your child’s understanding of the standards. At YMS, every teacher has a restudy/retake policy, so if students want to improve an assessment score, they have the opportunity. Each teacher may handle this a bit differently, so feel free to reach out to them with any questions.
ICU Guidelines at YMS:
ICU gives students extra time and help, holding all students accountable to complete quality work.
ICU builds a culture of learning, with teachers taking responsibility for student growth and students re-engaging with their learning.
ICU teaches responsibility by not allowing zeros or unfinished work to stand in place of learning.
Thank you for supporting this process and partnering with us to give your child the best education possible.
Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held on:
These are scheduled conferences. Be watching for a message with a link to sign up for your time slot. Please only sign up for one session, as we do not have enough openings for every family to meet with all core teachers.
Finally, thank you for helping your student balance academics with rest, nutrition, and encouragement. With your support, we can make their middle school years some of the best of their lives.
Go Dukes!
Kenny Loosvelt
YMS Principal
