Student Handbooks
Dear Prairie Families,
Welcome back to another exciting school year at Prairie! As summer draws to a close, our staff is eagerly preparing for the year ahead, and we are thrilled to see you all soon. We have missed the energy and enthusiasm that each of you brings to our school community.
To ensure a smooth and successful year, we have put together our updated student handbook, which outlines the expectations and procedures for our learning environment. Inside, you will find important information about our policies on attendance, discipline, parent involvement, school procedures, and student services. We encourage you to read through this handbook carefully as it will provide valuable insights into how we can work together to support your child's growth and success.
Our goal is to foster a positive and productive learning atmosphere where every student feels valued and supported. We are committed to maintaining open lines of communication with you, and we welcome your involvement and feedback throughout the year. By working together, we can ensure that each student has a rewarding and enriching experience at Prairie.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership. We look forward to a fantastic year filled with learning, growth, and achievement. If you have any questions or need further information, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
Warm regards,
Mrs. Ackerman
Important Numbers
Handbook Sections
- Optimal Learning Environment
- Attendance Information
- Discipline
- Parent Involvement
- School Procedures
- Student Learning
- Student Services & Support
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
School hours are 8:35 a.m. to 3:05 p.m. and 9:35 a.m. to 3:05 p.m. on late start Wednesdays. The safety of students is of utmost importance to us. Before-school supervision is provided from 8:25 a.m. for your convenience. We are able to provide before-school supervision on late start Wednesday beginning at 9:25 a.m. Students should not arrive on campus before supervision is available. We are not able to provide after-school supervision. To ensure student safety, all students must be picked up by 3:05 p.m.. Individual after-school activities will be communicated by the supervising teacher.
Tardiness
Students are expected to be in class on time. When a student’s tardiness becomes frequent (after five in a semester), the student shall be referred to the Principal for support. In addition, excessive tardiness may result in the school requiring an Attendance Agreement.
End-of-Day Transportation Changes
Please call the school office no later than 2:30 p.m. to ensure we have time to deliver the message to students; 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 the 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 three consecutive absences. Families are encouraged to acquire a health professional’s note whenever possible and submit a copy to the Attendance Office.
- Parental/Family Pre-Arranged Absence: Parents/Guardians are to notify the school 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 the student has already reached ten absences for the school year or ten percent 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,” if your student is on an attendance contract please refer to the contract for details.
Reporting Absence Procedures
When your child will be absent from school, you can notify the school in two ways:
- Send an email to PR_attendance@ycs.wednet.edu and provide a reason
- Call the attendance line at 360-458-6271
If your student has not arrived at school or the school hasn’t been notified of the absence by 9:25 a.m. an automated phone call, email, and/or text will be sent to the parent/guardian.
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 on 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.
Discipline
The Prairie staff is dedicated to creating and maintaining a positive, productive environment for all students. Since student behavior and a quality learning climate are closely related, we believe it is worth the effort to encourage and reinforce cooperation and responsible behavior from our students.
Our school-wide behavior management is designed to bring about an increased recognition and promotion of good behavior, and is supported by the Positive Behavior Intervention System (P.B.I.S). If problems arise, we work positively to find solutions. If a student has difficulty assuming responsibility at school, we may ask parents to help us teach them an alternative set of behaviors. Parents may be asked to conference with us and/or support us in developing an appropriate plan for greater success.
Staff and students at Prairie Elementary will work together to help each other reach their fullest potential. Everyone will be treated with respect and dignity. Prairie students show their best by choosing to:
1. Respect others by being kind with our words and actions.
2. Follow all school rules and expectations.
3. Play safely on the playground.
4. Solve problems peacefully.
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 in the Student Rights & Responsibility Handbook.
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
District Policies are available in the on the website.
CrimeStoppers 1.800.222.TIPS (8477)
- Calling 800-222-TIPS(8477)
- Submitting Online at p3tips.com
- Download the P3 App to your mobile device
As always, tipsters remain 100% anonymous and could possibly be rewarded up to $1,000. Remember to save your “tip number” in order to follow up and receive a reward. Anyone having knowledge about dangerous situations or crimes (past, present or future) can report a tip.
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)
Schools are meant to be safe and inclusive environments where all students are protected from Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB), including in the classroom, on the school bus, in school sports, and during other school activities.
View the full definition of HIB, Sexual Harassment, Civil Rights and Gender Inclusive procedures.
Parent Involvement
- Family Access
- Parent - Teacher - Organization (PTO)
- Report Cards & Conferences
- Volunteers/Visitors
- Watch D.O.G.S.
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.
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!
Parent - Teacher - Organization (PTO)
One way to get involved with your child’s education and school family is to become involved in the Prairie PTO. Our PTO is dedicated to promoting the welfare of children and youth at home, at school, and in the community. PTO board and membership meetings are held quarterly. Our PTO does not require a membership fee. Children are welcome to attend with their parents. PTO hosts many other fun family events/and activities throughout the year. New members are welcome at any time. Check the PTO’s page on our website for upcoming activities or ways to get involved.
Report Cards & Conferences
Report cards are posted in Family Access twice a year, at the end of the second and fourth quarters (January and June). Parent-teacher conferences are held in November and March. Our teachers look forward to the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your child’s progress and accomplishments.
Conferences are scheduled using the online scheduler in Family Access. New users of Family Access can create an account by visiting the district website at www.ycs.wednet.edu. The username will be the guardian’s email address provided at registration, then select Forgot Password to prompt the system to send further information to create the user account.
Volunteers/Visitors
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.
Student volunteers (students enrolled at RMS, YMS, or YHS) are also welcome to be volunteers at Prairie. Student volunteers need to complete a Prairie Student Volunteer Application, which outlines the expectations and responsibilities of a Student Volunteer. A student volunteer must be cleared and approved before volunteering. Visitors and Volunteers are not allowed on the playground during the school day. Contact our office for further details and pick up further information.
Watch D.O.G.S.
Watch D.O.G.S. (Dad of Great Students) is a family and community education initiative. There are two primary goals of the Watch DOGS program:
- To provide positive male role models for the students, demonstrating by their presence that education is important.
- To provide extra sets of eyes and ears to enhance school security and reduce bullying.
Program Benefits:
- Students gain positive male role models.
- Schools gain an extra set of eyes and ears. The presence of a father or father figure will provide an additional deterrent to bullying, enhance a sense of security in the building, and will help to create an environment conducive to learning.
- Fathers get a glimpse of their students' everyday world and learn about the increasingly complex challenges and decisions today's youth are facing.
- Fathers gain a greater awareness of the positive impact they can have on their student's life in three critical areas including academic performance, self-esteem, and social behavior.
- The WatchDOGS volunteers provide real and important help for the teachers and the students.
School Procedures
- Assemblies
- Before and After School Supervision
- Birthday Policy & Invitations
- Cell Phones
- Class Placement
- Custody Paperwork
- Emergency Closure
- Field Trips
- Lost and Found
- Personal Property: Valuables, Toys & Money
- Transportation: Arrival & Departure Procedures
- Treats at School
- Textbook & Library
Assemblies
Two Friday mornings a month at 8:45 a.m., we have a Prairie P.R.I.D.E. assembly which lasts approximately 30 minutes. The Friday assemblies have been a long-standing tradition since our doors opened in 1984. During these assemblies, we sing songs, focus on core qualities and learn about respect, practice manners, classes share subjects they are currently studying, and recognize student achievements. It is an excellent teaching opportunity. It also brings a strong feeling of camaraderie and community to our students, staff and families within our school. Assembly dates will be included on the website calendar of events.
Before and After School Supervision
The safety of our students is of the utmost importance to us. Supervision will be provided from 8:25 to 8:35 a.m. on our playground for your convenience. We are not able to provide supervision after school. Students are not to arrive on campus before 8:25 a.m., or remain on campus after 3:05 p.m. without parental supervision.
Birthday Policy & Invitations
At Prairie Elementary, we enjoy honoring students on their birthdays. Student birthdays are announced during the morning announcements and each student will receive a birthday ribbon and birthday pencil from the school. Our school takes great pride in making each child feel special on their birthday. If you would like to send something special, please follow these guidelines.
Distribution of sugary treats is prohibited. If you would like to bring a birthday snack to share, healthy snacks that are commercially wrapped, such as pretzels, baked crackers, or granola bars will be accepted; however, we ask that you consider gifting the classroom a book, or small school supplies such as pencils, erasers, or stickers instead of any food item.
**Important** Do not send cupcakes, doughnuts, or sugary treats for your child’s birthday.
Students may bring party invitations to school. We ask invitations be given to the teacher for discreet distribution in an attempt to minimize the opportunity for classroom disruptions and any hurt feelings for those not receiving an invitation.
Cell Phones
Students are discouraged from bringing cell phones to school. However, we do recognize that occasionally parents permit their students to have a cell phone for personal security before and after school. We require students to turn cell phones off upon arrival at school and leave it in their backpack until they leave campus. Cell phones are not to be in the student’s possession during class, lunch, or during recess. At no time are cell phones to be used during the school day this includes the use of smart (cellphone) watches. We are happy to facilitate communication between students and parents through our office phone.
Class Placement
We do not allow parent requests for class placement as we have found this hinders our ability to create classes that are fair and balanced.
Based on educational research, the Prairie staff strongly believes that students should be placed in classrooms that have a balance of academic abilities, social skills, and gender. We are very fortunate at Prairie Elementary to have a staff of highly qualified teachers who are committed to meeting the learning needs of every student. We strive to create a learning environment where all students can reach their potential. In such an environment, we have found that almost all students will learn and experience success with any of our teachers. Few students actually need to be assigned one particular teacher versus another.
Here are the criteria we use each year for student placement:
- Academic needs and strengths
- Behavioral needs and strengths
- Social needs
- Learning style
- Gender balance
- Even balance of children of all achievement levels
Change of Placement
Once the school year has started, if a parent wishes to request a change of placement and there is room in another classroom, the following procedure will be followed:
- The parent will meet with the teacher and principal to express concerns.
- Concerns and expected outcomes will be documented.
- The teacher will have time to implement changes.
- A follow-up meeting with the parents, teachers, and the principal will be held to discuss if concerns have been addressed.
- The outcome of this meeting will determine if a change in placement is necessary.
Custody Paperwork
Emergency Closure
View Flash Alert for today's status OR to subscribe to receive text or email alerts
Sometimes during the school year, we face the possibility of inclement weather resulting in school closure or schedule changes. Typically, families will be notified of emergency schedule changes by an automated phone call, email and/or text. We will announce closures and delays as early as possible but not later than 5:30 a.m. Occasionally circumstances change quickly and late announcements are unavoidable. The following information is for reference in the event that the schools are closed or buses operate on an emergency schedule:
- School Closure: All schools will be closed all day and any activities planned for the day or evening will be announced by 12pm on the district website.
- Emergency Schedule: Indicates that schools will start on a delayed schedule. Parents are reminded that although the buses will start the runs later, if we are on an emergency schedule, the buses may be slightly later near the end of the run. We request that parents make allowances for this.
- Limited Transportation: Limited transportation will prevail if some roads become inaccessible or if the county announces road closures. If we alter a route, we will send an automated message. School will be in session unless otherwise announced by the Superintendent’s Office.
Stay informed about Emergency Closures & Delays by
- Signing up for FLASH ALERT to receive an email notification.
- Updating your Family Access email and home & cell numbers
- Opting In for Text Messaging (Text YES to 67587)
- Following Yelm Community Schools social media platforms
- Visiting the district website for detailed information and updates
- Tuning in to other media outlets
It is requested that parents/guardians do not call the media stations for closure information.
AM Stations | FM Stations | TV Stations |
KGTK 920
KOMO 1000
KGY 1240
KITZ 1400
|
KPLU 88.5
KMPS 94.1
KXXO 96.1
KGY 96.9
KIRO 97.3
KRWM 106.9
|
KOMO 4
KING 5 / KONG 6
KIRO 7
KCPQ 13
|
Field Trips
At Prairie Elementary, we feel field trips are a very valuable educational experience. When a class is scheduled to go on a field trip, you will receive the necessary information and a permission form to sign. Children will not be allowed to leave school without a signed parent permission form on hand before departure.
When possible students will eat at school either before or after the field trip. In rare cases when students have to eat on the field trip, students will need to bring a lunch or order a sack lunch. Students will make the request on their field trip permission slip for a sack lunch, even if they receive free/reduced meal benefits, as they will not be automatically included in the count.
If you wish to accompany your child on a field trip as a chaperone, contact your student’s teacher to confirm you may attend and find out additional information. Some venues limit the number of chaperones allowed per school. Volunteers must complete an application online and pass a background check before being allowed to chaperone or volunteer for a field trip. Please allow a minimum of five business days for an application to be processed by the YCS business office. Siblings are not allowed to accompany Prairie students on field trips. Parents are required to drive their personal vehicles on field trips.
Lost and Found
Found clothing items are placed on a rack outside the multi-purpose room. Smaller found items are stored in the office for safe keeping. If your child has lost something, have them check the Lost and Found rack or ask the office. All current Lost and Found items will be displayed in the halls during conference weeks. Articles not claimed are given to a local charitable organization at the end of each quarter. Articles lost on the bus are usually kept by the individual driver for a period of time and are then turned into the Lost and Found at the Transportation office.
Personal Property: Valuables, Toys & Money
Electronics can be a nice distraction for students during a long bus ride. If students bring electronic games, music players, smart watches, cell phones, or toys they must remain in backpacks and be used only with the teacher or bus driver's permission. No toys or playground equipment may be brought to school. Yelm Community Schools, Prairie Elementary, and school personnel will not be responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items.
Please do not allow students to bring more money to school than what is needed during the school day.
Transportation: Arrival & Departure Procedures
Unless other arrangements have been made by a parent or guardian, students are expected to be transported from school by bus at the end of each school day.
Morning Drop Off Procedures
Many students are brought to school each morning by families. As you can imagine this volume of cars (and minimal space) creates the need to have procedures in place to keep our students safe and keep traffic flowing in the most efficient manner possible.
To ensure the safety of our students, it is critical parents follow this set of procedures
- Please do not drop your student off in the parking lot area. Curbside drop-off only.
- Please – No student drop off in the designated bus area.
- If you need to enter the building with your child, please park in a parking stall.
Drop Off Procedures
- Enter through the parking lot gate.
- Circle around to the curb in front of the school.
- Pull as far up to the curb as traffic allows and drop off your student(s).
- Students exit the vehicle on the curbside.
- Once your children have unloaded, you may carefully pull out and exit.
Afternoon Pick Up Proceudres
- Please do not ask your child to meet you in the hallway or parking lot.
- Please – No student pick up in the designated bus area.
- If you need to enter the building for a meeting please park in a parking stall.
Riding the Bus
The trip to school and back can be an enjoyable experience for a child when everyone respects certain rules of conduct. We expect students to observe the same courteous Prairie behavior on the bus as they would in class. Bus rules are reviewed by the drivers with students at the beginning of each year. If you have a bus-related question, please contact the transportation department at 360.458.3300.
Bicycles/Walking
Students are not permitted to ride bicycles or walk to school without prior permission from the principal.
Treats at School
For student health and safety, any snacks brought to the classroom to be shared with other students must be store-bought. Before sending snacks to school, please contact your child’s teacher for approval. Due to growing concerns over severe food allergies, we ask that the following guidelines be observed:
- Students cannot bring soft drinks, candy, or baked goods.
- Students cannot bring products containing peanuts or peanut oil to school for classroom snacks.
- Students cannot share food at lunch.
Textbook & Library
In YCS, textbooks are loaned free of charge. Please remind your child to be careful with school books and library books. Missing, lost, or damaged textbooks or library books will be the parents’ responsibility to pay the replacement cost. This fine will follow the student in their student records until it is paid and will be removed from their file once the fine has been paid. If the book is found after it has been paid for, you can keep the book or return the book to Prairie Elementary and the district office will issue a refund check for the amount paid.
Student Learning
District 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,
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.
Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)
The vision of Yelm Community Schools is to prepare ALL students for post-secondary pathways, careers, and civic engagement.
A Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) is a service delivery framework focused on prevention and problem solving for all students. An integrated MTSS connects all of the academic and non-academic interventions, supports, and services available in schools and communities to support instruction and eliminate barriers to learning and teaching. Within an MTSS framework, multiple levels of instruction, assessment, and intervention are designed to meet the academic and non-academic needs of ALL students.
Essential Components of an MTSS Framework
- Core Instruction and Tiered Continuum of Evidence-based Interventions and Supports (Tier I, II, III)
- Universal Screening and Progress Monitoring
- Data-based Decision Making
- Family Engagement and Community Partnerships
- Creating and maintaining the infrastructure to support an integrated MTSS Framework
Student Services & Support
Food Service & Meals
Meal Service
The breakfast and lunch program is provided by our district’s Food Service department. Breakfast is served at 8:25 .a.m. Lunch is served mid-day. Menus are available on the website.
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.
Health Information
Common Health Care Procedures
Accident or Head Trauma: Parents will be notified regarding any incident that necessitates an accident report. In addition, any student who suffers trauma to the head at school will be assessed in the health room and parents will be notified.
Allergy Accommodations: Latex Allergy - Yelm Community Schools prohibits the use of all latex products, including latex balloons, due to severe allergies. Peanut Allergy - Please refrain from sending any peanut products due to severe allergies.
Diarrhea: Any student who has been having diarrhea will be sent home and may return to school when they have been free of diarrhea for 24 hours.
Fever: Any student with a fever of 100.4 or higher will be sent home and may return to school once the child has been fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medication.
Injury: If any child has an injury that prohibits them from participating in PE or other school activities, a note from the physician is needed to excuse participation. Please be sure the doctor includes when student can return to normal activity or provide a separate note.
Lice: The Infectious Disease Control Guide no longer recommends long-term exclusion for pediculosis/head lice. Head lice is a nuisance condition and is not known to transmit infection from person to person. Any student who presents with live lice will be sent home for treatment. Students may return to school when no live lice are present.
Rash: Any student with an undiagnosed rash will be sent home from school in order to be evaluated by a healthcare provider. The parent/guardian will be asked to provide a note from a healthcare provider upon return to school.
Vomiting: Any student who has been vomiting will be sent home and may return to school when they have not vomited in 24 hours.
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)
Counselor/504 Coordinator
Our school counselor, Sarah Bennie, is here to assist students, teachers, and parents in meeting the individual, social, emotional, and academic needs of our students. If you have any questions or need information from our counselor, please email her at sarah_bennie@ycs.wednet.edu or call our school office at 360.458.3700.
504 Coordinator - Board Policy 2162
The district 504 coordinator is the superintendent or his/her designee. The counselor at Prairie Elementary School coordinates 504 plans for our building.