News

Yamhill Carlton High School Student
Council Earns National Gold Award

We’re proud to share that Yamhill Carlton High School’s Student Council has earned the 2025 National Gold Council of Excellence award from the National Association of Student Councils (NASC)!

This prestigious recognition honors student councils that demonstrate outstanding leadership, creative projects, and meaningful service to their school and community. The Gold Council of Excellence award is a reflection of the dedication, teamwork, and heart our students bring to everything they do.

We are especially proud of our Junior and Senior Councils and ASB Council members. Excellent job, Natalie, Siri, Madi, Kylie, Charlie,
Madison, Lucas, Ayden, Avalina, and Saige. Your hard work made this achievement possible!

A huge shoutout and heartfelt thank you to Mr. Opitz, our incredible Leadership advisor, for his time, support, and unwavering commitment to YC’s Leadership program. Your guidance continues to make a lasting impact.

YC FFA Ag Sales Team Wins State, Headed to Nationals

The Yamhill Carlton FFA chapter had an incredible showing at this year’s Oregon FFA State Convention. We’re excited to share that the YC Ag Sales Team took first place in the state and will go on to represent Oregon at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis this fall. Their success reflects months of dedication, collaboration, and preparation. Congratulations to the entire team on this outstanding achievement. We can’t wait to see what they accomplish on the national stage.

Several YC students were also recognized as state finalists in their Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) proficiency areas. Tucker VanDyke was honored in the category of Specialty Crop Production for his work with grass seed placement at VanDyke Farms. Madi Gregor was recognized in Ag Service for her coordination of the Yamhill County Classic Livestock Show. Bailey Reese was a finalist in Equine Entrepreneurship, and Saige Hinckley was acknowledged in Ag Sales for her floral entrepreneurship project.

A special congratulations goes to Madi Gregor, who earned first place in the Ag Service category. Madi will advance to compete at the national level this fall. We’re incredibly proud of all four students for their commitment to agricultural education and leadership through their projects.

The YC FFA chapter also had strong performances in additional state- level competitions. The Marketing Team brought home a second place state banner for their outstanding presentation and campaign strategy. The Ag Advocacy Team also earned second place, impressing judges with their presentation on YC’s community agriculture projects and their positive impact. Both teams demonstrated excellent communication skills, thoughtful planning, and a strong connection to our local agricultural community.

We are also proud to recognize three YC FFA members who received their Oregon State FFA Degree, the highest degree awarded by the state association. Congratulations to Peyton Gregor, Tucker VanDyke, and Saige Hinckley on this significant achievement, which reflects their leadership, involvement, and dedication to the FFA mission. From team competitions to individual projects, this year’s state convention showcased YC FFA’s commitment to excellence in agricultural education.

Please join us in celebrating these accomplishments and in cheering on our students as they prepare for national competition this fall. Great work, Tigers!

YCSD Hosts Family STEAM Night

Yamhill Carlton School District recently welcomed students and families to Family STEAM Night, an evening filled with hands-on activities celebrating science, technology, engineering, art, and math. Highlights included interactive experiments, creative challenges, and a special appearance by the Yamhill Carlton High School rocketry team who shared their projects and inspired future engineers and scientists.

Thank you to all the families who joined us and to the staff, students, and volunteers who made this exciting night possible. STEAM Night was a great reminder of the innovative learning happening every day in YC schools!

YCES Welcomes New Principal for 2025–26 School Year

Yamhill Carlton Elementary School is pleased to announce that Morgan Bishop has been selected to serve as the school’s next principal beginning with the 2025–26 school year. After a thorough interview process with several outstanding candidates, Bishop was chosen to step into this leadership role. She currently serves as Dean of Students and CLIMB teacher at YCES.

With three years of service in the district, Bishop has played a key role on the YCES leadership team and has been deeply committed to student success, staff collaboration, and building a positive school culture. Her work with students, families, and staff has helped create an inclusive and supportive learning environment at YCES.

Bringing a strong background in education and leadership, Bishop will continue to focus on supporting both the academic growth and social-emotional well-being of students. The district is confident that her leadership will guide Yamhill Carlton Elementary toward continued excellence. 

The district also extends heartfelt gratitude to outgoing principal Amanda Dallas for her dedication and leadership. Her many contributions have made a lasting impact on both Yamhill Carlton Elementary and Intermediate Schools, shaping them into even stronger learning communities. The initiatives she has set in motion are expected to continue thriving in the years ahead.

Please join us in celebrating this exciting new chapter at YCES!

YCHS Summer Improvements

This summer, the main level floor at Yamhill Carlton High School is being replaced to improve safety for students and staff. The project includes the professional removal of old asbestos- containing floor tiles and installation of new flooring. This work ensures a safer school environment by eliminating aging materials and bringing the building up to current health and safety standards.

Congratulations, Graduates!

The class of 2025 celebrated commencement on June 7, 2025. Check out where they are headed next! 

Trade Programs: 20 Students
Higher Education: 24 Students
Local Workforce: 31 Students

Total Scholarships Earned: $1,168,277

YCHS Rocketry Team: Blastoff

Congrats to the Yamhill-Carlton High School Rocketry Team for becoming the first high school team to build, launch, and recover a liquid-fueled rocket! 

On May 18th in the Mojave Desert, their 11-ft rocket hit 7,606 feet and landed safely—an incredible milestone

made possible by strong community support and the leadership of instructor Jordan Slavish.

Way to go, YC Rocketry!

2024-25 Yamhill Carlton High School Fall Sports Recap

The 2024-25 fall sports season at Yamhill Carlton High School was filled with exciting achievements and standout performances that brought the community together to celebrate Tiger pride.

The football team had a strong season, finishing with a 7-3 overall record and 5-1 in league play. Their efforts earned them a spot in the playoffs, where they faced a tough Cascade Christian team in a hard-fought finale.

Cross country brought its own highlights, with the boys’ team securing an impressive 6th-place finish at the state championships. The girls’ team also had reason to celebrate, fielding its largest roster in three years and showing enthusiasm and growth.

On the soccer field, the girls’ team shined with a 10-7-1 record, showcasing their skill and determination throughout the season. The boys’ team, while facing a challenging year, competed with heart and perseverance, finishing with a 1-9-1 record.

Volleyball rounded out the fall with an exciting 14-8 season, demonstrating teamwork and consistent play that energized fans at every match.

Across all sports, Yamhill Carlton’s athletes displayed dedication, resilience, and pride, making the 2024-25 fall season one to remember for the entire community.

Yamhill Carlton Intermediate School Hosts Canned Food Drive to Support Local Food Banks

Yamhill Carlton Intermediate School (YCIS) is hosting its annual canned food drive, calling on students, families, and staff to gather non-perishable food items to benefit local Yamhill and Carlton food banks. With a goal of collecting 500 items, YCIS aims to make a difference for families in the community during the holiday season.

To add excitement, YCIS has introduced a friendly competition: the grade level that donates the most items will win a pizza party. The overall school goal is to collect 500 items. 

Students can bring canned vegetables, soups, proteins, and other non-perishables to their classrooms, where contributions are being tallied weekly. The YCIS community’s support is invaluable in brightening the holiday season for local families in need.

Message from Superintendent Raever

As superintendent of the Yamhill Carlton School District (YCSD), I am proud to share that, unlike many Oregon districts facing severe budget cuts, YCSD remains financially stable and focused on responsible spending for our students’ benefit.

While some well-known districts have been forced to make deep cuts—from $30 million up to  $60 million—our district, guided by our Director of Fiscal Services, Tami Zigler, developed a conservative budget aligned with enrollment projections and board priorities. This careful planning has helped us maintain financial stability without compromising essential programs.

Throughout the pandemic, we received federal ESSER funds to support students. While some districts used these funds for staffing or ongoing expenses, we dedicated them solely to student technology and social-emotional resources, ensuring we wouldn't rely on temporary funds for permanent roles. In addition, we’re cautious with one-time grants, using them only for short-term needs or new initiatives with secure, long-term funding.

Our budget also addresses facility maintenance to ensure our schools are safe, vibrant places for learning. One example of our cost-saving efforts is a district-wide rekeying project undertaken by our talented maintenance team, which will enhance security and save YCSD $20,000 by doing the work in-house.

At YCSD, we are dedicated to providing students with high-quality learning environments and making fiscally responsible decisions to safeguard our future. We remain steadfast in our commitment to investing in our facilities and safety measures. Our students deserve learning environments that are conducive to growth and development, and our budget and fiscal spending will always take that into account.

Yamhill-Carlton School District Enhances Safety and Facilities

Yamhill-Carlton School District has made significant strides in improving safety and maintaining healthy learning environments. Key upgrades over the past year include rekeying all district doors, installing security fencing and cameras, and replacing intercom systems. The district also prioritized air quality with HVAC maintenance and addressed drainage and playground safety.

The Booster Club led the renovation of Laughlin Stadium, ensuring it remains a vital community space. Other improvements included replacing outdated stairs and carpets, tackling mold issues, and completing various painting projects across campuses.

Looking ahead, the district plans carpet replacements at the high school. Superintendent Clint Raever praised the community’s dedication, saying, “Their efforts exemplify the spirit of our district.

Yamhill Carlton ASB President Shares District Updates with Carlton City Council

Yamhill Carlton High School senior and ASB President Natalie Frey recently presented district highlights to the Carlton City Council, showcasing the rapid growth of student leadership and school spirit.

Frey reported a 240% increase in leadership involvement, with 60 students now engaged across two leadership classes. Advanced students “adopt” freshmen as pen pals to build community, while committees focus on spirit weeks, assemblies, and student spotlights. Recent successes include a highly attended Homecoming dance, creative hall decorations, and strong participation in school events.

Frey also shared the program’s involvement with the Oregon Association of Student Councils, where students taught workshops and plan to involve underclassmen in future conferences. Looking ahead, a winter spirit week is planned to keep the momentum going.

Superintendent Clint Raever joined the presentation to discuss the district’s strategic plan, long-term facilities goals, and ways the community can support schools. Council members praised the program’s impact and offered ideas for future collaboration, reinforcing a shared commitment to student success. Superintendent Raever, along with student representatives, will visit the Yamhill City Council next. 

UPCOMING FARMERS MARKET: A SHOWCASE OF STUDENT PROJECTS

Join us for the first-ever YC FFA Farmers Market on Friday, December 13, from 12:00 PM to 2:45 PM in the Yamhill Carlton High School Gym Dome. This exciting event will feature Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects from students enrolled in agriculture classes.

From entrepreneurship and job experiences to research and service, students will showcase work they’ve developed over the year, applying classroom knowledge and building career skills.

Among the highlights is Saige Hinckley’s floral design business, which began as a class project and has grown into a successful venture. Saige will display her creations, including floral arrangements available for purchase.

Don’t miss this opportunity to see student innovation in action and support their hard work!

FALL FESTIVAL: BRINGING AGRICULTURE TO LIFE FOR YOUNG LEARNERS

This year’s Fall Festival was a much-anticipated event for Yamhill-Carlton elementary students. First through fourth graders, including those from Carlton who were bused to the event, enjoyed a day of agriculture-themed fun hosted by YC FFA members. The day’s activities immersed students in farm-inspired adventures, including a haunted hayride, scarecrow building, pumpkin picking from the “pumpkin patch,” sack races, and face painting.

For many young students, the festival was their first introduction to YC’s agriculture program and its dedicated FFA members. Through these activities, the Fall Festival helped students learn about the values of agriculture, teamwork, and community in a fun, hands-on setting that also familiarizes them with the FFA’s facilities and members.

Free Meals for Yamhill Carlton Students

Beginning in September of the 2024-2025 School Year, all students attending Yamhill-Carlton Elementary, YC Intermediate, and YC High School will be eligible for free lunch and breakfast!* The State of Oregon and the National School Lunch Program have lowered poverty rates for the Community Eligibility Program, allowing this change to be made in our district. This program will be in effect for the next 4 school years!

Students who currently have a positive balance on their account may continue to use it for the Ala Carte Items or Second Meal purchases. Ala Carte items and Second Meal purchases can be purchased with cash if you do not have any funds in your account. If you would like a refund, please submit the Food Service Refund Request form.

Students who currently have a negative balance on their account are still responsible for paying off the balance. Payments can be made at the YC District Office, School Office, or online at https://www.mymealtime.com/.

Waivers for Athletics, School Registration Fees, College Exams

Since Free and Reduced meal forms will no longer be needed, a waiver form is required for reduced pricing on athletics, student fees, & college exams. The federal poverty rates will be used to determine eligibility for reduced or waived fees. Your consent is required to share the eligibility results with school secretaries in order for them to apply the correct rates to invoices and fees. The waiver form is available here.

*A claimable meal at a school lunch is a meal that meets the meal pattern requirements and is served to an eligible student in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs

YCHS Cheerleading Secures First State Championship

Yamhill Carlton High School Cheerleading made history in 2024 by winning its first state championship in the 3A/2A/1A Traditional category. The team, composed primarily of underclassmen, achieved this remarkable feat despite limited preparation time in the fall due to many members participating in other sports. Their collective energy and perseverance paid off as they narrowly edged out Santiam Christian to claim the title. The community is buzzing with excitement and optimism, especially considering the youth of the team. Everyone looks forward to seeing what they are able to accomplish this year and beyond!

Yamhill-Carlton School District Maintenance and Facilities Projects Update

Over the past year, the Yamhill-Carlton School District undertook several important maintenance and facilities projects aimed at enhancing the safety and security of our schools. These efforts, completed with significant contributions from our dedicated staff, have brought considerable improvements across the district.

Rekeying of District Locks: All district locks were rekeyed over the summer, a project that not only secures our schools better but also provides an improved system for distributing and tracking access among staff. Trained in the rekeying process, our staff completed the task themselves, saving the district a significant amount in contractor fees.

Intermediate School Security Enhancements: At the Intermediate School, a new fencing and locking system was installed, providing a crucial barrier between classroom doors and the public. Recognizing the building was designed and built before current safety challenges, this addition offers an extra layer of protection for our students, ensuring their well-being in the modern educational environment.

Intercom and Camera System Upgrades: We have also upgraded the intercom and camera systems throughout the district, transitioning to a cloud-based system. This allows for connectivity across multiple sites and with law enforcement devices, a significant improvement over the previous system, which required law enforcement to come into the district to view camera footage. Additional cameras have been installed, increasing the coverage and monitoring capabilities of our security system.

Replacement of Exterior Stairs at the High School: In addition to security upgrades, the district addressed a significant safety issue at the high school by replacing a failing exterior set of stairs. The new stairs will provide a safe exit for students for years to come. This project was a priority to ensure safe and reliable access to the building, reflecting our commitment to maintaining high safety standards throughout our facilities.

These projects are part of our ongoing commitment to creating a safe and secure learning environment for all our students and staff. We are proud of the work completed this summer and grateful for the dedication of our district staff in ensuring these upgrades were implemented efficiently and effectively.

The District looks forward to sharing a comprehensive Safety & Facilities Report later this fall, which will provide further details on these and other projects aimed at improving the Yamhill-Carlton School District.

Thank you for your continued support as we strive to make our schools a safe and nurturing place for learning.

Summer Library Success

The YCES Summer Library program was a resounding success, and the excitement is palpable! Over the course of several weeks, nearly 200 students eagerly participated in the summer school program, which placed a strong emphasis on literacy while also offering a variety of engaging, hands-on activities. Running weekly from July 9 to August 8, the program provided students with an enriching environment to explore new interests, make friends, and deepen their love for learning.

Each week, students delved into a different theme, ranging from photography and scrapbooking to construction and DIY projects. They had the opportunity to get creative, build with their hands, and capture memories, all while honing their literacy skills in fun and innovative ways. For those who enjoy staying active, the program included mindful movement sessions with yoga, where students could learn about the importance of mental well-being while practicing calming techniques. Additionally, unique games and sports sessions offered a mix of traditional and non-traditional activities, ensuring there was something for everyone to enjoy.

One of the most popular sessions was "Let's Blow Things Up," where students explored scientific concepts through exciting and safe experiments that sparked curiosity and excitement. These activities were designed to make reading and learning not only educational but also a source of joy and discovery.

Best of all, the entire program was offered free of charge, ensuring that every student at Yamhill Carlton Elementary School had the opportunity to participate. The overwhelming enthusiasm and positive feedback from students and parents alike made this summer one for the books, and the impact on the school community has been incredibly positive.

The school is already looking forward to next summer and can't wait to continue providing students with creative and inspiring opportunities to learn, grow, and have fun. A huge thank you goes out to everyone who made this program possible, and to the amazing students for making this summer so special!