Welcome Back!

Welcome to a new school year at Yahara Valley Elementary School(YVES) and Community Intermediate School(CIS). I hope summer break has been an enjoyable time adventuring, laughing and connecting with friends and family. Summer activities make for some of the best long lasting memories.

We are excited to have you with us this school year. Our main focus at YVES and CIS is to provide an exemplary education for all of our students in a kind, nurturing and safe environment. We believe every child can achieve academic success. To this end, every child will be provided with quality instructional experiences that recognize, support and maintain high expectations for all students.

As we work together throughout the school year, I encourage you to stay in contact with your child’s teachers. Through teamwork, open communication and a dedication to continuous improvement, YVES and CIS will continue to be schools where each child is challenged, nurtured and provided with a safe and stimulating learning experience. We believe that the first step for students to excel at school begins with respect for themselves, other students and the adults in our schools. A positive school environment is created when students and adults take pride in their schools.

Parent involvement is important at YVES and CIS. Students benefit from parents who play an active role in their child’s education. We hope that you will choose to become involved by volunteering in the classroom or serving as a member of one of our parent groups. Please consider becoming involved with Yahara Community Club, the YVES parent organization or Rascal Community Club, the CIS parent organization.

Open House is our first opportunity to welcome families to our school. During the Open House, we ask all families to enter the front door of the school and collect a few important items as you enter the school. If you ordered school supplies through EPI, they will be in your child’s classroom.

The first day of school brings excitement for our teachers, students and parents. Along with that excitement, there may be anxiety for some about what the new year has in store. A few details that will help your child know what to expect when arriving might ease some of those nervous feelings.

During the school year at CIS, students will enter the front door of the school (Door 100) each day. If you’re driving up Ridgeway to drop off your child(ren), please remember that it is a one-way street. After students enter the building, they will have the opportunity to have breakfast, or continue to the back of the school for some before school recess. Please note that breakfast does not start until 7:15 AM and supervision outside will not begin until 7:30 AM. Students will not be allowed in the building before 7:15.

At CIS the school day ends at 2:55 PM and it is expected that all children are picked up by 3:10PM. We understand that the first few days will take a bit longer as our students, staff and families learn the procedures for exiting the buildings, finding cars, buses, etc. Please do not be alarmed if your child(ren) is a few minutes later than expected on the first few days of school.

During the school year at YVES, students should be dropped off no earlier than 7:35 AM, as we do not have supervision until that time. If you arrive earlier than that, please wait until our supervisors come outside to support students. They will be wearing bright vests. Students wishing to have breakfast will enter the building at 8:00am through the K/1/2 entrance. The bell for school to begin will ring at 8:18 AM. The school day ends at 3:18 PM and it is expected that all children are picked up by 3:25 PM.

Please review the included images with more information regarding drop off/pick up details for each school. We understand that the first few days will take a bit longer as our students, staff and families learn the procedures for exiting the buildings, finding cars, buses, etc. Please do not be alarmed if your child(ren) is a few minutes later than expected on the first few days of school.

On the first few days of school, teachers will meet students out on the playground to support them as they enter the school for the first time. Teachers will have signs with their names. If you are unsure of your child(ren)’s teacher’s name, that information can be found on your Infinite Campus Portal.

We are very fortunate to have a partnership with Edgerton Children’s Center for before and after school care in our school building. For more information about the program, please contact Lindsay Zacharias at ecconcampus@gmail.com or call (608) 884-6393.

School pictures will be taken on Friday, September 15, 2023, during the school day. Empire Photography will be taking school pictures again this year. You will receive an email with a link to view/order your child's photo after it is taken and will have the ability to place your order online. Photo packages will be shipped directly to the home address provided. If you have any questions about school pictures, please contact Empire Photography at 608-257-2941 or customerservice@empirephotos.com .

It is my pleasure to serve our students, families and community and to be part of a team that is committed to excellence! Thank you for entrusting us with your child(ren). It is an honor to serve you!

Please feel free to reach out with any questions.

Sincerely,

Jerry Roth, YVES and CIS Principal