Yelm Extension School

Hello December from Yelm Extension School!

As we step into December, the excitement of the season is in the air and our classrooms are buzzing with focus and creativity. Students are continuing to make incredible progress, and we’re proud of the resilience and effort we see every day. Whether you’re finishing strong before winter break or just starting your journey with us, know that your hard work is making a difference.

This month brings opportunities to celebrate, connect, and reflect on all you’ve accomplished so far. Let’s keep the momentum going as we close out 2025 on a high note!

Please take a moment to review the important dates and upcoming events listed below.

School Hours & Schedule:

Our office opens bright and early at 6:45 AM, and classes are held Monday through Thursday beginning at 7:45 (breakfast is available at 7:30). If a student needs to come in on a Friday, they should contact their team lead to schedule an appointment. We look forward to seeing students on campus and engaging in their learning.

YES Schedule:

7:45 - 9:10 1st Period

9:10 - 9:25 Class Break

9:25 - 10:45 2nd Period

10:45 - 11:15 Lunch

11:15 - 12:30 3rd Period

12:30 - 12:45 Class Break

12:45 - 2:00 4th Period

Stay Connected:

These dedicated staff members are here to support your academic progress and help you stay on track throughout the year.

• Mr. Daubert- Team Leader

• Mrs. Mulkey- Team Leader

• Mr. Colborn- Team Leader

• Mr. Munro- Team Leader

• Ms. Carson, YES, school counselor

• Mrs. Noe- Office Professional, CTE Teacher

• Mrs. Cori- YES Paraprofessional/Substitute Teacher

• Mr. Hill- Yelm Open Doors Teacher

• Mrs. Jacobson, Principal

• Mrs. Stenbakken- Dean of Students, Yelm Open Doors Casemanager

Strong communication is key to student success. We encourage all students to stay in regular contact with their assigned Team Leaders.

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this temporary restriction may cause. However, obtaining this critical, required information is vital for the safety and smooth operation of our schools. Please take a few minutes today to complete this essential step! Below is a screenshot from Family Access to show the permission change until the Back-to-School Form is completed.

To access the forms, simply click on the tile and follow the directions.

Theme of the Month: Determination

Determination is the drive to keep moving forward, even when the journey feels challenging. It’s about setting goals, staying focused, and pushing through obstacles with persistence and purpose. At Yelm Extension School, determination means showing up, giving your best effort, and never losing sight of what you’re working toward.

Determination in Action Looks Like:

• A student who attends consistently and stays engaged, even on tough days.
• A student who works hard to complete assignments and meet deadlines.
• A student who sets goals and takes steps every day to achieve them.
• A student who asks for help when needed and uses feedback to grow.
• A student that refuses to give up.

This month, let’s celebrate the power of determination in ourselves and those around us. Every effort matters—and every goal achieved starts with persistence!

🎉 Congratulations to:

• Ariel Crawford
• Ashlynn Tipton
• Maysen Martinson
• Raelynn Sims
• Jemma McCloud

Way to go! Please stop by the front desk sometime this week to receive your Student of the Month surprise!

We are thrilled to shine the spotlight on Mrs. Mulkey! Known for her kindness, student engagement and big heart, Mrs. Mulkey consistently goes above and beyond for our school, our community, and—most importantly—our students. Her dedication runs deep; she is always willing to step in, lend a hand, and provide support wherever it’s needed. Whether it’s offering encouragement, finding creative solutions, or simply being a positive presence, Mrs. Mulkey exemplifies what it means to care. We are grateful for Mrs. Mulkey and her unwavering commitment, the incredible impact she makes every single day, and the joy she brings into our school!

Some fun facts about Mrs. Mulkey includes

• Favorite Color: Any color.. it depends on the season. Black (ALWAYS) and Yellow (Right now)
• Favorite Animal: Elephants and Otters (but my dog the MOST)
• Favorite Quote: Sometimes the bravest and most important thing you can do is just show up. -Brene Brown. There are some days where I know that's all our kiddos can do, been there too, and it might not seem like much but it's the first step towards moving forward or growing.
• What you love most about your job: My students and being a part of helping them find the right path for them, watching them grow, and helping them realize their potential and value.

Your voice matters at Yelm Extension School!

The Student Belonging Survey is a two-part survey shared with students each fall and spring. The belonging section helps staff better understand how to improve feelings of appreciation, validation, acceptance, and fair treatment at school. The learning section measures the instructional aspects of the classroom and school environment. If you have not already completed the survey, we strongly encourage you to take this opportunity to make your voice heard. You may complete the survey in one of the following three ways:

• Open the Student Survey Link: https://forms.gle/baxSQwH9Xgmm81u2A

• Text-Only Version: If the above options do not work, you can complete the survey in a Google Document and share it via email with your administrator. Click the link and the Make a Copy button: YES Student Belonging Survey - Fall 25-26

• Mobil Option: Scan the QR code below on a device or phone (Note: You need to be logged in to your student email/Chrome account for this method to work):

Let your voice be heard—we’re listening!

A huge thank you to Mrs. Mulkey for leading this effort, along with the dedicated YES staff and students who made it possible. It was a wonderful experience for everyone involved!

Looking ahead, our next opportunity to spread joy will be the Winter Wishes Project on December 11th at 10:45 AM. Don’t miss out on this chance to make a difference!

When you log into Family Access you will see the tile shown below.

This online form is required to be completed once each school year. You may also submit an updated form any time your child’s information changes — for example: emergency contacts, health information, military family status, housing, and more. image.png Helpful resources Step‑by‑step instructions for completing the form were shared previously:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1j2B5vJduyb775Q05HJCocJnWJJ5ZH6Ge

After families complete and submit the form, school staff will review and approve it by going to Online Forms → Online Form Approvals.

Staff must also update the student’s profile by checking the “Handbook Signed” and “Guardian Signed Acceptable Use Policy” boxes (see page 3 of the shared guide).

Need help? If you can’t find the tile or need assistance logging in, contact the main office at (360)458-2002 or Deborah_Noe@YCS.wednet.edu.

Please complete the annual form as soon as possible to ensure your child’s records are current.

• Quarter 2 Ends: January 23, 2026
• FASFA (financial Aid) opens October 1, 2025
• Army Visit: December 15th
• ASVAB at YES: December 18
• Modified Lockdown Drill: December 17, 2025 at 12:00
• ASVAB testing at YES: December 18
• Winter Break, No School: December 22- January 2
• SPSCC Visits YES: January 13
• Records Day: January 23

College Admission Counselor Visits for students 9th-12th grade:

To learn more and register for visits @YHS, please see the Career Center's Webpage Events Section or Calendar: https://yelmhs.ycs.wednet.edu/academics/career-center

• Central Washington University On-The-Spot Admissions Event for Seniors - Dec 3rd

December

• 18: ASVAB testing at YES
• 22: Winter Break Begins - No School

January

• 5: School Resumes
• 19: Martin Luther King Jr Day - No School
• 23: End of 1st Semester - Half Day

February

• 16: Presidents’ Day - No School
• 25: Tornado Time: "What Are You Inspiring To" (@ YHS)
• TBD: Senior Meeting During Tornado Time (9:55 - 10:20)
• TBD: Dollars for Scholars Application Due

March

• TBD: Deadline to Order Cap and Gown for Delivery

April

• 1-3: Student Led Conferences
• 6-10: Spring Break
• 13: School Resumes
• 15: Tornado Time: "Senioritis is Real" (@ YHS)
• TBD: Senior Meeting During Tornado Time (9:55 - 10:20)
• TBD: Cap and Gown-Orders placed by March 1 can be picked up from 12:00-3:00

May

• 20: Tornado Time: Graduation & Prom Details (@YHS)
• TBD: National Decision Day Recognize?
• TBD: Jostens Cap and Gown Delivery-Pick up in the Front Office
• TBD: Senior Meeting During Tornado Time (9:55 - 10:20)

June

• 2: Community Scholarship Night
• 3: Tornado Time: Graduation Details (@YHS)
• 3: Last Class Day for Seniors
• 4: Grad Walk, Moving up assembly, Senior Sunrise (@YHS),
• TBD: Senior Meeting During Tornado Time (No Late Start 9:15 - 9:40)
• TBD: Senior Packets Distributed
• 4: District Awards Night
• 5: Grad Practice
• 7: Graduation in the Tacoma Dome
• TBD: Prom
• TBD: Senior Check Out Forms Distributed
• TBD: Senior Checkout Sheet Due/Last Day for Seniors
• TBD: Grad Walk and Senior Sunset
• TBD: Senior Breakfast-Moose Lodge 7:30 AM/Grad Practice YHS PAC 9:30 AM
• 7: Graduation (tentative) at the Tacoma Dome @ 9:30 AM. Students should arrive at 8:00 AM. Doors open to the public at 8:30 AM

Student Success Checklist

To stay on track this year, students should:

• Check your email at least twice a week.

• Log in to Edgenuity daily to complete coursework.

• Check in with your Team Leader weekly.

• Stay on pace for your monthly review.

• Complete School Links (HSBP) activities. (*This is a graduation requirement*)

Academic Supports:

• Need help with math? Free tutoring is available at: schoolhouse.world
• Additional Academic support can be found at: https://www.magicschool.ai/magicstudent

Have you heard the news? Yelm Open Doors, our new GED program, is up and running. This program is designed for students ages 16–21 who have not yet earned a high school diploma and are seeking a supportive pathway to success through GED preparation. If you know anyone interested in obtaining their GED, please reach out to Felecia Stenbakken for additional information.

Felecia_Stenbakken@ycs.wednet.edu

This year we are focusing on Academics, Belonging and Community. We are looking for parents and students interested in being apart of Yelm Extension School’s continued success! Do you have ideas, suggestions, or feedback to share? If so, we want to hear from you! Please consider joining our monthly Continuous School Improvement Plan (CSIP) Meetings.

We value your voice and invite you to connect with us! If interested in sharing your thoughts, ideas and/or concerns please reach out to Mrs. Stenbakken, our Dean of Students, at Felecia_Stenbakken@ycs.wednet.edu.

Your input helps us grow and better serve our students, families, and community.

If you made it to the end of our newsletter, email Mrs. Stenbakken the winning word of the week listed below to have your name entered into a raffle for a gift card. One lucky winner's name will be drawn on December 15th.

Email: Felecia_Stenbakken@ycs.wednet.edu

Winning word of the week: Otter