YES Newsletter

CURRENT NEWSLETTER – May 2026
Click here to download the PDF

Four articles from the May Newsletter
1. Earth Day: Community, Sustainability and Dedication

Thank you to all attendees and participants of Earth Day last month! Students, families, community members, staff, and teachers all contributed to making this one of the best Earth Day celebrations yet. 
Highlights
• Unveiling of our Worm Farm
• New Kid Village and Loose Parts Play Area
• Scholastic Book Fair
• Group Sing-A-Long
Community members also enjoyed the milkweed exhibition and sale, veggie starts, fresh lemonade, presentations of student learning across all grades, vendors, and local agencies who joined in to share important information.
Because of you, YES Charter is making a daily impact by demonstrating the importance of sustainable practices and environmental education for our youth!  

2. Culinary Award Earned by Team of YES 8th and 9th Graders

From farm to fork, 8th- and 9th-grade students put their talents to the test at a recent culinary competition hosted by the Yuba County Office of Education (YCOE) Foundation.
The students’ winning entry was the Fava Bean Bruschetta, a dish that impressed the judges with its fresh ingredients and flavor profile.
Their achievement highlights not only YES Charter’s focus on learning by doing but also the guidance provided by our dedicated staff: Tatiana Kaiser, YES Nutrition Educator and Sheila Rolfer, YES Local Food Procurement Specialist.
Ms. Kaiser and Ms. Rolfer helped guide students in developing their recipe, and learning about sourcing local ingredients.
The competition was a major fundraising event organized by the YCOE Foundation, dedicated to supporting student needs across Yuba County. Our students not only showcased their knowhow but also contributed to an important community cause.
Please join us in congratulating our young chefs on this remarkable and delicious accomplishment!  

3. 10th Grade Filmmakers Premiere “From Combat to Classroom”

YES Charter Academy’s 10th-grade media students celebrated a major milestone with the premiere of their short film, “From Combat to Classroom.”
Students focused their documentary on one of YES Charter’s own: Mr. Jim Brandt, our Teacher of the Year nominee. The film beautifully details Mr. Brandt’s unique journey, highlighting his experiences in serving in combat and how this ultimately helped shape his impactful career in the classroom.
Under the guidance of media teacher Jessica Koplos, students used their newly garnered media skills to interview, film and help edit the film project. 
The premiere demonstrates the students’ storytelling skills, teamwork, and media expertise. Congratulations to our talented 10th graders and Ms. Koplos on this remarkable achievement! 

4. Celebrating Our YES Charter Educator of the Year Nominees

We are incredibly proud to announce the YES Charter Academy nominees for the Yuba County Educator of the Year awards! We thank them, and all of our educators, for their efforts to go above and beyond–making a difference in the lives of our students.
Mrs. Kimbra Cardoza, Classified Staff Educator of the Year
– Works tirelessly to support students, helping with needs far beyond the typical scope of her duties.
Ms. Leeta-Rose Ballester, New Teacher of the Year
– Creating an exciting and engaging learning environment for her students.
Mr. Jim Brandt, Teacher of the Year
– An experienced educator who works hard to support all students, bringing excitement to the classroom and mentorship. 
Please join us in congratulating Mrs. Cardoza, Ms. Ballester, and Mr. Brandt for their commitment to student success and their unwavering dedication to the YES Charter community! 

Past Newsletters:
April 2026 – Click here to download
March 2026 – Click here to download
February 2026 – Click here to download
January 2026 – Click here to download
December 2025 – Click here to download
November 2025 – Click here to download