Wilson Middle School Newsletter
April 2026
A letter to our families from the Principal
Dear Wilson Families,
Excitement is in the air from our 8th grade students who can almost see themselves learning behind High School walls. They should all be registered by now at their HS of choice. Sixth and seventh graders are also gearing up for the next grade level. We are already working on possible schedules for next year. BUT we still need to remind students to finish this year strong! Please encourage students to stay focused and keep up on their work and meet the goals agreed to during conferences. Remember our after-school programs are still available for students until the end of the year including homework center, makerspace, sewing club, chess club and Gear Up activities!
For more information about these programs please call us at 509-573-2400.
Sincerely,
Mr. Araiza
Happy National Secretaries Week
The week of April 20th-April 24th is designated to celebrate and honor our school secretaries. Our secretaries are relied upon to make a welcoming first contact when you arrive at our school. They strive to provide “heroic” service to all our school visitors. Wilson proudly honors and appreciates our secretaries Mrs. Espinoza, Mrs. Thomas, Miss. Bautista, Miss. Noriega and Mrs. Thorng-Heang. Help us celebrate them the next time you are in our school.
Important Dates
4/1-4/3 Conference Week Release at 11:15am
4/1 Sprit Week Pastel Colors
4/2 Spirit Week Anything Anything BUT a Backpack
4/3 Spirit Week Twin Day
4/6-4/10 NO SCHOOL Spring Break
4/13 Classes Resume
4/13 Spring Sports 1st Practice
4/14 Parent Booster Meeting at 6:00pm Wilson Cafeteria
4/17 WSU-Upward Bound in Cafeteria for IKE 8th graders
4/20-4/24 Secretaries Week
4/22 College & Career Night TIME- TBD
4/29 Early Release 11:15am
4/30 YWCA- all 3 lunches Dani with table in cafeteria
SPRING SPORTS
Registration is open on FamilyID.com from March 30th- April 17th.
You must have a valid sports physical on file to participate. Spring sports are: Girls Soccer, Baseball and Track & Field.
Character Word of the Month
Innovative
Promoting inventive and original thinking to solve problems and improve situations.
Yearbook
Beginning April 20, the price will increase to $25.
The final day to purchase a yearbook is April 27. Be sure to order yours before the deadline so you don’t miss out on this year’s memories.
Please come to the ASB Office to purchase your yearbook before school or during lunch ONLY.
Wilson's Journey to a Refreshed Vison: Collaboration in Action
At Wilson, we believe a school’s vision should inspire, guide, and reflect the heart of our community. This year, our staff embarked on an exciting journey to refresh a vision that everyone can recall, live by, and use to guide our decisions.
January 6 – Ideas Take Flight
We began by inviting all staff to share their ideas on Padlet. The responses poured in, alive with creativity, passion, and thoughtful ideas. With the help of AI, the team developed 30 initial vision statements, each capturing a unique part of Wilson’s spirit.
January 20 – Focusing the Vision
Next came the challenge of refinement. Through discussion and thoughtful reflection, the list was narrowed to 15 statements, highlighting themes that truly reflect who we are and who we aspire to be.
February 3 – Making Every Word Count
The 15 statements were distilled into 7 powerful, punchy statements. This stage focused on clarity and impact by crafting statements that are concise, energizing, and meaningful.
March 2 – Choosing the Leaders
Teachers voted for their top 3 statements. Through discussion and a final vote, the top 2 statements were selected, capturing the essence of Wilson’s shared values and vision.
Our Whole Community Had a Voice
At last, the entire Wilson community, including students, families, and classified staff came together to vote for the top statement. The result? “Every Student Matters, Every Future Counts!” This powerful vision will now guide us as we craft a mission statement that brings it to life in every corner of our school.
Wilson’s refreshed vision is more than words, it reflects our shared passion, purpose, and commitment to growth. Together, we are shaping a future that inspires and unites us all!
Attendance Policy
Cell Phone and Electronic Device Policy
All student cell phones, earbuds, and electronic devices are to be turned off and stored in student's backpacks once students arrive on campus 7:30 am to 2:30 pm. Wilson Middle School staff will not be responsible for lost or stolen cell phones or electronic devices. If the student is caught with their phone out, the phone will be taken to the office and the student will pick it up at the end of the day. If the incident happens, again the parents will be asked to come and pick up the cell phone.
If students need to reach parents for any reason they can use the phone in the office.
McKinney-Vento
Who is considered eligible for homeless assistance and services?
Any child or youth who lacks a fixed, regular and adequate night-time residence is considered homeless and McKinney-Vento eligible for assistance and services. This includes temporarily sharing housing with others, living in bus or train stations, hotels, campgrounds, or similar settings.
If you have a child who may qualify for assistance and would like more information, please contact our office at 509.573.7142, vela.javier@ysd7.org
Additional information on education for homeless youth is available on the National Center for Homeless Education website.
Drug Free, Weapons Free, Tobacco Free Statement
The Yakima School District is a Drug Free, Weapons Free, Tobacco Free district. Possession of firearms on school property will be classified as exceptional misconduct and will result in the following required steps:
- Mandatory 1-year expulsion
- Subject to appeal
- Notification to parents
- Notice to law enforcement
RCW 9.41.280, RCW 69.50.435, RCW 28A.210.310(2), Sec 4141(b)(1), Sec 4141 (h) (1)
Non-Discrimination Statement
Nondiscrimination Statement: “Yakima School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity, creed, religion, color, national origin, immigration or citizenship status, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, homelessness, disability, neurodivergence, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged
discrimination: Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator: Christina Larsen, Deputy Superintendent, 104 N. 4th Ave., Yakima, WA 98902, (509) 573-7032, larsen.christina@ysd7.org. Section 504/ADA Coordinator (Students): Shawn Orminski, Assistant Director of Student Services, 104 N. 4th Ave., Yakima, WA 98902, (509) 573-7263, orminski.shawn@ysd7.org; ADA Coordinator (Non-Students):Christopher Miller, Director of Human Resources, 104 N. 4th Ave., Yakima, WA 98902, (509) 573-7066, miller.christopher@ysd7.org. Title IX Coordinator: Omar Santoy, Executive Director of Student Services, 104 N. 4th Ave., Yakima, WA 98902, (509) 573-7260, santoy.omar@ysd7.org.
Deputy Title IX Coordinators: Erin Thomas,Director of Student Services, 104 N. 4th Ave., Yakima, WA 98902, (509) 573-7261, thomas.erin@ysd7.org; Shawn Orminski, Assistant Director of Student Services, 104 N. 4th Ave., Yakima, WA 98902, (509) 573-7263, orminski.shawn@ysd7.org; Kim Newell, Director of Human Resources, 104 N. 4th Ave., Yakima, WA 98902, (509) 573-7068, newell.kimberlee@ysd7.org; Christopher Miller, Director of Human Resources, 104 N. 4th Ave., Yakima, WA 98902, (509) 573-7066, miller.christopher@ysd7.org. Individuals with disabilities who require assistance or special arrangements to attend a program or activity sponsored by the Yakima School District should contact the appropriate Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator 24 hours in advance of the event to inquire about reasonable accommodation. Deaf, deaf-blind, hard of hearing, and/or speech-impaired individuals may access Washington Relay Services by calling 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.”
Wilson Middle School
Office Hours: Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Website: https://www.ysd7.org/Domain/232
Location: 902 South 44th Avenue, Yakima, WA, USA
Phone: (509)573-2400