WawonaNews.com - September 2022
Mist Trail Closing
Posted by: SNO Staff August 27, 2022
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK–One of the most popular trails in Yosemite Valley, the Mist Trail, is getting some work done. Crews will be making repairs and improvements to the trail and stone staircases to allow for safe passage and to prevent resource damage from off-trail traffic. The Lower Mist Trail – from the John Muir Trail (JMT) junction, just uphill from the Vernal Fall Footbridge, to the top of Vernal Fall – will be closed during the following times and dates:
– Monday through Thursday between 6:30 am and 4:00 pm from August 29 through September 23
– Monday through Friday between 6:30 am and 4:00 pm from September 26 through November 4
The trail will remain open on weekends.
The trail is expected to be open overnight, however, there may be certain days when the trail crew is not able to make it safe to open overnight. In that case, the gates will remain closed, and signs will be posted at the two closure gates that the trail is closed.
Hikers and backpackers headed to Half Dome, Clouds Rest, and points beyond from the trailhead at Happy Isles may hike uphill on the Mist Trail if they reach the Mist Trail/JMT junction by 6:30 am, Monday through Friday. Otherwise, they must hike up the JMT (approximately 1 1-mileonger).
Monday through Friday, hikers, and backpackers traveling downhill/returning to the trailhead are encouraged to use the JMT to descend since it will not be possible to change the sign at the trail junction at the Nevada Fall restroom anytime the Mist Trail needs to remain closed overnight.
Vernal and Nevada Fall will remain accessible via a detour. The John Muir Trail will remain open, providing access (via the Clark Point cutoff trail) to Vernal Fall and via either the upper portion of the Mist Trail or the John Muir Trail to Nevada Fall.
Updates on trail conditions can be found at https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/conditions.htm.
Posted by: SNO Staff August 27, 2022
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK–One of the most popular trails in Yosemite Valley, the Mist Trail, is getting some work done. Crews will be making repairs and improvements to the trail and stone staircases to allow for safe passage and to prevent resource damage from off-trail traffic. The Lower Mist Trail – from the John Muir Trail (JMT) junction, just uphill from the Vernal Fall Footbridge, to the top of Vernal Fall – will be closed during the following times and dates:
– Monday through Thursday between 6:30 am and 4:00 pm from August 29 through September 23
– Monday through Friday between 6:30 am and 4:00 pm from September 26 through November 4
The trail will remain open on weekends.
The trail is expected to be open overnight, however, there may be certain days when the trail crew is not able to make it safe to open overnight. In that case, the gates will remain closed, and signs will be posted at the two closure gates that the trail is closed.
Hikers and backpackers headed to Half Dome, Clouds Rest, and points beyond from the trailhead at Happy Isles may hike uphill on the Mist Trail if they reach the Mist Trail/JMT junction by 6:30 am, Monday through Friday. Otherwise, they must hike up the JMT (approximately 1 1-mileonger).
Monday through Friday, hikers, and backpackers traveling downhill/returning to the trailhead are encouraged to use the JMT to descend since it will not be possible to change the sign at the trail junction at the Nevada Fall restroom anytime the Mist Trail needs to remain closed overnight.
Vernal and Nevada Fall will remain accessible via a detour. The John Muir Trail will remain open, providing access (via the Clark Point cutoff trail) to Vernal Fall and via either the upper portion of the Mist Trail or the John Muir Trail to Nevada Fall.
Updates on trail conditions can be found at https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/conditions.htm.
Students at Yosemite-Wawona Elementary School group together Aug. 17 on a picnic bench with teacher Stacy Boyndstun in the back on right, her dog Lucia, and assistant teacher Kristyn Lozano. Submitted photos
Wawona School Article In Mariposa Gazette
Unique Education
Students learn at Yosemite-Wawona School — inside the park
| August 25, 2022
By KELLIE FLANAGAN
Staff writer
The sounds of laughter and conversation mingled with the summer breeze as the dozen-plus children of Yosemite Wawona Elementary Charter School enjoyed lunch outside on a beautiful day. The pre-K through 6th grade school is located in Wawona, situated inside Yosemite National Park.
The place is a rarity: A gem within a gem.
And the smell of cupcakes was in the air. This happened to be a special day — a birthday celebration for one student and also for the school’s one teacher, in which they walk around a ceremonial sun, presenting pictures for every year or, in the teacher’s case, every decade.
But every day at Yosemite-Wawona is a special day, as the Wildcats community makes a habit of finding the simple to be extraordinary. What else can you do when your classroom playground includes all of Yosemite National Park?
Yosemite-Wawona offers a multi-age classroom following a Montessori approach to individualized learning. The school’s mission is to produce self-motivated lifelong learners in a local community who have sound academic foundations. The intent is to educate problem-solvers who create quality work, work cooperatively and respect others.
Teacher Stacy Boydstun reads with a group of students at Yosemite-Wawona Elementary School.
Eighteen students were enrolled for the new school year which just started, but last minute changes left a total of 13 students, all of whom are taught by the same teacher. Stacy Boydstun is now in her fourth year of teaching at Yosemite Wawona.
“Each teaching staff puts their own spin on what this school is and the direction it takes,” Boydstun said, talking during lunch while the kids ate and went to the playground. Newly arrived this year is assistant teacher Kristyn Lozano.
The Wawona School District dates back to the 19th century, so it’s safe to say there have been a lot of changes over the decades.
In recent history, the 2018-19 school year was delayed due to a teacher shortage. The arrival of experienced educator Boydstun in Wawona, from Arizona, was good fortune for all concerned.
“Each teaching staff puts their own spin on what this school is and the direction it takes,” Boydstun said, talking during lunch while the kids ate and went to the playground. Newly arrived this year is assistant teacher Kristyn Lozano.
The Wawona School District dates back to the 19th century, so it’s safe to say there have been a lot of changes over the decades.
In recent history, the 2018-19 school year was delayed due to a teacher shortage. The arrival of experienced educator Boydstun in Wawona, from Arizona, was good fortune for all concerned.
Yosemite-Wawona Elementary School teacher Stacy Boydstun stands in the school’s library with some of her students.
-“For me, since I have such a broad multi-age experience, I wanted to see all of the grades come back together and create a strong community,” who now oversees kids in the well used multi-room building which includes its own kitchen (that’s where the student-made cupcakes came from).
“For my time here, I really want to focus on national parks (NP) so the students have an understanding of the system in place to support NP’s, as well as visit others to compare and contrast,” Boydstun added.
That means taking advantage of Yosemite being their “backyard” and guiding students to understanding and appreciating their very special location.
“There are only a handful of parks which have schools located inside the boundaries. They should understand how unique their situation is.”
With that in mind, the school took fourth through sixth grade students and families on a trip to the Grand Canyon last year. In addition, they went to Sacramento and met their elected representatives. This year, they’re slated to visit Joshua Tree National Monument with families, and tackle a backpacking adventure in the Channel Islands off the California coast.
“For my time here, I really want to focus on national parks (NP) so the students have an understanding of the system in place to support NP’s, as well as visit others to compare and contrast,” Boydstun added.
That means taking advantage of Yosemite being their “backyard” and guiding students to understanding and appreciating their very special location.
“There are only a handful of parks which have schools located inside the boundaries. They should understand how unique their situation is.”
With that in mind, the school took fourth through sixth grade students and families on a trip to the Grand Canyon last year. In addition, they went to Sacramento and met their elected representatives. This year, they’re slated to visit Joshua Tree National Monument with families, and tackle a backpacking adventure in the Channel Islands off the California coast.
“They get to interact with rangers and it’s a familiar but different thing, it’s unique.”
Boydstun said this is the first year in her time at the school when most of the students are upper elementary.
“That changes the dynamics of the class for sure!”
At this point in her academic career, Boydstun appreciates the autonomy of her position.
“After 25 years, it’s amazing to choose my own curriculum, set my own class schedule, take field trips, decide how progress is reported to families and how to structure our flex days.”
The downside of being on her own, she said, is “not having a team to collaborate with,” and that she is alternately the nurse, janitor, office manager and teacher — and often all of those positions at once.
Challenge accepted.
“Being here at YWECS has given me an opportunity to put forth what I have learned from others in past years, the best of the best, and apply it here in a way that meets the students’ needs.”
Boydstun loves that she gets to “see students grow into themselves because of the amount of years we have together.”
The school’s location presents its own unique set of circumstances: being on federal land inside a National Park, located in the county district of Mariposa and yet part of the Bass Lake School District in Madera County … can be complicated.
And an operative word from Boydstun’s standpoint is patience.
“I have learned to be more patient with myself, and others have learned to be more patient with me, with the amount of different hats I wear.”
This year, the school has students in all grades K-6 except first grade. They are the children of parents who, in some cases, work in the park — but not all. You don’t necessarily have to be “connected” to the park for your child to attend school as a Wildcat.
“The original intent of the school was to be a part of a viable community for the local families who work inside the park. As families moving to Wawona have dwindled, so has the local student population for the school.”
This year, the school has four students who live in Wawona.
“The rest travel up from Cedar Valley, Oakhurst, Bass Lake and Ahwahnee. The local students come from NPS families as well as our local Pine Tree Market.”
Boydstun said this is the first year in her time at the school when most of the students are upper elementary.
“That changes the dynamics of the class for sure!”
At this point in her academic career, Boydstun appreciates the autonomy of her position.
“After 25 years, it’s amazing to choose my own curriculum, set my own class schedule, take field trips, decide how progress is reported to families and how to structure our flex days.”
The downside of being on her own, she said, is “not having a team to collaborate with,” and that she is alternately the nurse, janitor, office manager and teacher — and often all of those positions at once.
Challenge accepted.
“Being here at YWECS has given me an opportunity to put forth what I have learned from others in past years, the best of the best, and apply it here in a way that meets the students’ needs.”
Boydstun loves that she gets to “see students grow into themselves because of the amount of years we have together.”
The school’s location presents its own unique set of circumstances: being on federal land inside a National Park, located in the county district of Mariposa and yet part of the Bass Lake School District in Madera County … can be complicated.
And an operative word from Boydstun’s standpoint is patience.
“I have learned to be more patient with myself, and others have learned to be more patient with me, with the amount of different hats I wear.”
This year, the school has students in all grades K-6 except first grade. They are the children of parents who, in some cases, work in the park — but not all. You don’t necessarily have to be “connected” to the park for your child to attend school as a Wildcat.
“The original intent of the school was to be a part of a viable community for the local families who work inside the park. As families moving to Wawona have dwindled, so has the local student population for the school.”
This year, the school has four students who live in Wawona.
“The rest travel up from Cedar Valley, Oakhurst, Bass Lake and Ahwahnee. The local students come from NPS families as well as our local Pine Tree Market.”
Assistant teacher Kristyn Lozano leads a group of students in a lesson at Yosemite-Wawona Elementary School inside Yosemite National Park.
Pine Tree Market is a community hub in Wawona where Katie and Michael Henderson provide a gathering place for residents as well as visitors to the beloved little town inside the park.
They have three children, two of whom are now in Oakhurst schools, having outgrown Yosemite-Wawona. One goes to Yosemite High School and one goes to Oak Creek Intermediate. The family’s youngest is still a Wildcat, and her mom, Katie, is a member of the board, which also includes Elise Bevington, Edd Mee and Greg Royse.
“There has been a school in Wawona for many decades and the community is very proud of its history and heritage,” Katie Henderson said, highlighting its importance in the culture. The current building was constructed in 1996 under the guidance of Michelle Stauffer and the school board at the time.
“It is critical to the health of the community, enabling Wawona district park personnel with families a place to live and send younger children to school locally. It’s also a gem of a school for those in the larger mountain area who are interested in giving their kids the gift of attending school inside a national park.”
Student enrollment can vary year to year.
“Our ideal enrollment is 17 students under the current plan,” Henderson shared. “Priority goes to students who live in Wawona, but we are open to all students.”
Henderson is not alone in her support of the school — the community is well behind it, even to the tune of $100,000 raised in donations over the last year or so for the new roof, which is now complete and will cover students into the next generation.
“It’s an amazing community,” Henderson marveled.
Wawona has not been immune from its own unique struggles, from wind storm damage in 2020 to more recent fire evacuation, but the tightly knit community continues to rise up.
“The Washburn and Oak fires were scary and devastating for many,” Henderson recounted of two nearby blazes this summer.
“Living in the mountain communities is challenging but it’s worth it. We live in a uniquely beautiful and special part of the Earth. I suppose we feel like members of the big team of protectors and ambassadors for this area and the children who come to school here know they are part of that team too. It’s pretty cool.”
They have three children, two of whom are now in Oakhurst schools, having outgrown Yosemite-Wawona. One goes to Yosemite High School and one goes to Oak Creek Intermediate. The family’s youngest is still a Wildcat, and her mom, Katie, is a member of the board, which also includes Elise Bevington, Edd Mee and Greg Royse.
“There has been a school in Wawona for many decades and the community is very proud of its history and heritage,” Katie Henderson said, highlighting its importance in the culture. The current building was constructed in 1996 under the guidance of Michelle Stauffer and the school board at the time.
“It is critical to the health of the community, enabling Wawona district park personnel with families a place to live and send younger children to school locally. It’s also a gem of a school for those in the larger mountain area who are interested in giving their kids the gift of attending school inside a national park.”
Student enrollment can vary year to year.
“Our ideal enrollment is 17 students under the current plan,” Henderson shared. “Priority goes to students who live in Wawona, but we are open to all students.”
Henderson is not alone in her support of the school — the community is well behind it, even to the tune of $100,000 raised in donations over the last year or so for the new roof, which is now complete and will cover students into the next generation.
“It’s an amazing community,” Henderson marveled.
Wawona has not been immune from its own unique struggles, from wind storm damage in 2020 to more recent fire evacuation, but the tightly knit community continues to rise up.
“The Washburn and Oak fires were scary and devastating for many,” Henderson recounted of two nearby blazes this summer.
“Living in the mountain communities is challenging but it’s worth it. We live in a uniquely beautiful and special part of the Earth. I suppose we feel like members of the big team of protectors and ambassadors for this area and the children who come to school here know they are part of that team too. It’s pretty cool.”
Washburn Fire Update
Yosemite fire is expecting small smokes to be visible inside the Washburn fire, even with the fire being 100% contained. There are crews patrolling the Washburn everyday with helicopter monitoring every couple days. Community members are encouraged to report larger areas of smoke from within the fire, or any smoke that appears to be on the edge or outside of the fire footprint to Yosemite Fire Dispatch at 209-379-1999.
Thank you!
Yosemite Fire Information
[email protected]
go.nps.gov/yosefire
Facebook @YosemiteFire
Twitter @YosemiteFire
Instagram @YosemiteFire
Yosemite fire is expecting small smokes to be visible inside the Washburn fire, even with the fire being 100% contained. There are crews patrolling the Washburn everyday with helicopter monitoring every couple days. Community members are encouraged to report larger areas of smoke from within the fire, or any smoke that appears to be on the edge or outside of the fire footprint to Yosemite Fire Dispatch at 209-379-1999.
Thank you!
Yosemite Fire Information
[email protected]
go.nps.gov/yosefire
Facebook @YosemiteFire
Twitter @YosemiteFire
Instagram @YosemiteFire
Hootenanny Friday, August 26th At Pine Tree Market
Pine Tree Market is hosting another hootenanny this Friday, August 26th! There will be great food, great music, dancing for all, and a ranger campfire talk to wrap it all up! The fun starts at 4pm in the Pine Tree Market parking lot/picnic area.
4pm - BBQ ($20 suggested donation to benefit YHS marching band)
6-8pm - Hootenanny, with music by your favorite Wawona Philharmonic. Square dancing, no experience necessary!
8pm - Ranger Campfire Program
Spread the word, and hope to see you all there! 💃🕺"
Pine Tree Market is hosting another hootenanny this Friday, August 26th! There will be great food, great music, dancing for all, and a ranger campfire talk to wrap it all up! The fun starts at 4pm in the Pine Tree Market parking lot/picnic area.
4pm - BBQ ($20 suggested donation to benefit YHS marching band)
6-8pm - Hootenanny, with music by your favorite Wawona Philharmonic. Square dancing, no experience necessary!
8pm - Ranger Campfire Program
Spread the word, and hope to see you all there! 💃🕺"
Back To School
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The Wawona School started the 2022-2023 school year this week. Returning students pictured here from left to right: Kysen, Arlo, Jerzie, Thomas, Farrah, Erin, Phoenyx, and Brighid.
Burrel "Buckshot" Maier has been Wawona's Stagecoach for the last 49 years. Currently, Stagecoach rides are free!
High Country Fires Not a Threat To Infrastructures
RED FIRE
Location: between Red Creek and Illilouette Creek
Elevation: 7,800
Discover date: August 4, 2022
Size: 398 acres
Cause: Lightning
Fire history: burning in the 2001 Hoover fire footprint
Yosemite fire crews are assessing natural barriers (like granite) to confine and contain the fire
No trail closures, no threat to infrastructure
https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8332/
RODGERS FIRE
Location: northwest of Rodgers Canyon and southwest of Pleasant Valley
Elevation: 8,100
Discover date: August 8, 2022
Size: 25 acres
Cause: Lightning
Yosemite fire crews are assessing natural barriers (like granite) to confine and contain the fire
No trail closures, no threat to infrastructure
https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8333/
RED FIRE
Location: between Red Creek and Illilouette Creek
Elevation: 7,800
Discover date: August 4, 2022
Size: 398 acres
Cause: Lightning
Fire history: burning in the 2001 Hoover fire footprint
Yosemite fire crews are assessing natural barriers (like granite) to confine and contain the fire
No trail closures, no threat to infrastructure
https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8332/
RODGERS FIRE
Location: northwest of Rodgers Canyon and southwest of Pleasant Valley
Elevation: 8,100
Discover date: August 8, 2022
Size: 25 acres
Cause: Lightning
Yosemite fire crews are assessing natural barriers (like granite) to confine and contain the fire
No trail closures, no threat to infrastructure
https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8333/
New Roof For Wawona School
The Wawona school is getting our much needed new roof. Thanks so much for all of the financial support the community residents, businesses and friends of Wawona have given us. We are truly grateful.
Stacy Boydstun
The Wawona school is getting our much needed new roof. Thanks so much for all of the financial support the community residents, businesses and friends of Wawona have given us. We are truly grateful.
Stacy Boydstun
YOSEMITE-WAWONA ELEMENTARY CHARTER SCHOOL
Board of Directors Regular Meeting
Wednesday, August 10, 2022
5:30 P.M.
Wawona Elementary School
7925 Chilnualna Falls Road
Wawona, CA
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
MONTHLY ITEMS AND FINANCIAL REPORTS
CONSENT AGENDA
NOTE: The Board will be asked to approve all of the following items by a single vote, unless any member of the Board or of the public asks that an item be removed from the consent agenda and considered and discussed separately.
3.1- Approval of Agenda
3.2– Approval of Minutes of the regular meeting of June 23
3.4 – Accept Donations to YWECS
HEARING OF PERSONS WISHING TO ADDRESS THE BOARD
The public may address the Board on any matter pertaining to the school that is not on the agenda. There will be no Board discussion and no action will be taken unless listed on a subsequent agenda. Speakers will be limited to 3 minutes.
ACTION ITEMS
APPROVAL OF A SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) WITH THE BASS LAKE JOINT UNION ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Consideration and action on the approval of a Special Education services MOU with the Bass Lake School District.
APPROVAL OF HIRING STAFF FOR THE 2022-23 SCHOOL YEAR
Consideration and action on the hiring of Kristyn Lozano (classroom/office aide) for 20 hours per week and Ray Edwards (classroom/office aide and custodian/grounds) for 25 hours per week. Rate of pay will be $25 per hour.
APPROVAL OF THE EDUCATOR EFFECTIVENESS PLAN FOR THE 2022-23 SCHJOOL YEAR
Consideration and action on the Educator Effectiveness Plan to be put into place for the 2022-23 school year.
INFORMATION ITEMS
STAFF REPORTS
BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Request that various items be placed on the next agenda for discussion and/or action.
NEXT BOARD MEETING
Unless otherwise announced, the next regular meeting of the Board of Directors will be scheduled for Tuesday, September 13, 2022 at 5:30 p.m. at the Wawona School.
ADJOURNMENT
Board of Directors Regular Meeting
Wednesday, August 10, 2022
5:30 P.M.
Wawona Elementary School
7925 Chilnualna Falls Road
Wawona, CA
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
MONTHLY ITEMS AND FINANCIAL REPORTS
CONSENT AGENDA
NOTE: The Board will be asked to approve all of the following items by a single vote, unless any member of the Board or of the public asks that an item be removed from the consent agenda and considered and discussed separately.
3.1- Approval of Agenda
3.2– Approval of Minutes of the regular meeting of June 23
3.4 – Accept Donations to YWECS
HEARING OF PERSONS WISHING TO ADDRESS THE BOARD
The public may address the Board on any matter pertaining to the school that is not on the agenda. There will be no Board discussion and no action will be taken unless listed on a subsequent agenda. Speakers will be limited to 3 minutes.
ACTION ITEMS
APPROVAL OF A SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) WITH THE BASS LAKE JOINT UNION ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Consideration and action on the approval of a Special Education services MOU with the Bass Lake School District.
APPROVAL OF HIRING STAFF FOR THE 2022-23 SCHOOL YEAR
Consideration and action on the hiring of Kristyn Lozano (classroom/office aide) for 20 hours per week and Ray Edwards (classroom/office aide and custodian/grounds) for 25 hours per week. Rate of pay will be $25 per hour.
APPROVAL OF THE EDUCATOR EFFECTIVENESS PLAN FOR THE 2022-23 SCHJOOL YEAR
Consideration and action on the Educator Effectiveness Plan to be put into place for the 2022-23 school year.
INFORMATION ITEMS
STAFF REPORTS
BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Request that various items be placed on the next agenda for discussion and/or action.
NEXT BOARD MEETING
Unless otherwise announced, the next regular meeting of the Board of Directors will be scheduled for Tuesday, September 13, 2022 at 5:30 p.m. at the Wawona School.
ADJOURNMENT
From the South Gate to Wawona there is a stretch along Hwy 41 where the effects of the Washburn Fire are clearly visible. But most trees seem to be alive and should recover well. (Video courtesy of Stacy Boydstun)
