Principal's Message

Important Updates and Exciting Progress at YHS!

Dear YHS Families,

I hope this message finds you well as we pass the midway point of the 2024-25 school year. For our seniors, graduation will be here before we know it! Their leadership on campus continues to inspire, and we are so proud of their accomplishments.

I want to take a moment to share some important updates and discuss an upcoming change that may impact students next year.

Potential Cell Phone Usage Changes

We are hearing discussions at the state level from OSPI regarding possible changes to cell phone policies in schools. While we don’t yet know what decisions will be made locally, we do know that limiting cell phone use in class has significant benefits for student success.

Why Consider Limiting Cell Phones?
Research consistently shows that reducing cell phone distractions during school hours leads to:

• Increased focus and productivity – Students engage more deeply in lessons and improve academically.

• Stronger social connections – Many schools report students forming better peer relationships without phones.

• Reduced stress and anxiety – Being present in the moment helps students feel less pressured by constant notifications.Nearby schools that have already implemented similar policies have seen great results. One principal shared that students felt a sense of "freedom" without their phones, rediscovering hobbies like reading and drawing during breaks. Another student noted that it helped them focus in class and avoid social media conflicts.

At Yelm High School, many teachers already set clear expectations around limiting phone use, and students have responded well. This spring is an excellent time for us to practice minimizing distractions before any official policies are in place. As always, we appreciate your support in reinforcing positive habits at home.

Building a Stronger Culture of Belonging

One of the greatest strengths of YHS is our sense of community. Even during these challenging financial times, we continue to see smiles, connection, and engagement among students and staff. Our recent Belonging Survey showed meaningful growth in how students feel about their place at YHS:

• Overall Belonging: Increased from 80% to 84%

• Appreciated: Grew from 79% to 83%

• Accepted: Increased from 81% to 82%

• Validated: Rose from 85% to 86%

• Treated Fairly: Improved from 90% to 92%

These numbers reflect the incredible work of our staff in ensuring that every student feels valued, supported, and empowered. Your partnership at home plays a vital role in reinforcing these positive connections. (Please see the slides below for more details about the survey).

Attendance & Academic Success

As we celebrate our progress, we must also acknowledge an ongoing challenge: attendance. Our attendance rates have not improved, and we see a direct correlation between attendance and academic success. Simply put, students can’t excel if they aren’t in class. We are also projecting a dip in our on-track-to-graduation rates, making it even more critical for students to stay engaged.

For our freshmen, earning all six credits by June is essential for staying on track for graduation. We urge all students to make every school day count—whether by attending class, actively participating, or seeking support when needed.

A huge shoutout to our sophomores who met with Rick from Jostens and made their commitment to graduation! These four years go by quickly, and developing strong habits now will shape their future success.

Looking Ahead

As we head into the second half of the year, let’s keep the momentum going. Attendance, engagement, and academic focus remain top priorities. Your partnership in encouraging these values at home is essential, and together, we can ensure that every student at YHS not only belongs but thrives.

Thank you for your continued support in making Yelm High School a place where students grow, learn, and succeed. Let’s finish the year strong!

GO TORNADOS!!

Curtis Cleveringa

Principal-YHS