May 17, 2024 YHS Newsletter

Dear Yorktown Families,

Congratulations to our seniors participating in Senior Experience on their last school day at Yorktown! We enjoyed a wonderful senior picnic today. Students not participating in Senior Experience continue in their classes through the end of the school year. We are looking forward to celebrating our seniors at Graduation on June 13th!

Congratulations to students who took AP tests over the last few weeks! We administered nearly 3400 AP exams over the last and students did a great job! We have some late and make-up testing over the next few weeks (information below). Those interested in the AP program can visit the YHS AP Website.

A reminder that next week is a modified schedule for SOL testing. Please see below for more information.

Have a great weekend!

Dr. Kevin Clark

Principal

In this message: 

• What’s Happening at Yorktown
• Counseling Corner
• Activities Updates
• Senior Updates
• Technology News
• Upcoming Dates

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT YORKTOWN

End-of-Year SOL Testing Next Week

Next week, May 20th – 23rd, there is a modified schedule for SOL Testing. School will begin at 8:20 a.m. with buses running at the regular pick-up times.  Students taking an End-of-Course SOL exam will test beginning at 8:20 a.m.  Students who are not testing will have the opportunity to choose between targeted study sessions with teachers, to study individually in a quiet area in the auditorium, or to meet with other students to study for their exams in the cafeteria.

All SOLs are untimed, students have until 3:10 pm to complete their test.  Most students will finish within 2 hours.  Lunch break will be provided for those who need it. Buses for the Career Center will depart at 11:10 a.m. for mid-day classes and 1:20 p.m. for end of day classes.

Teachers who teach an SOL course will inform their students of their assigned testing date and room number.  On their assigned testing day, all students should bring with them:

• Fully charged APS-issued laptop
• Pen/pencil (for scratch paper only, tests are online)

Please note that students will only take the tests they need to meet their Virginia graduation requirements.  All students need to earn 5 verified credits regardless of the type of diploma the student will earn: 1 Math, 1 Science, 1 Social Studies, Reading and Writing.  Additionally, all students must take Biology SOL, as well as 1 math SOL during high school per Federal requirement.

AP Exam Updates and Make-up Exam Information

Over 1270 Patriots sat for 3250 AP Exams over the last two weeks. We are so proud of all of their hard work this year. Congratulations! The College Board will release exam scores in July.

AP Make-up Exams

For students who missed their regularly scheduled AP exams, there are late exam dates pre-scheduled by the College Board. Our AP Coordinator, Ms. Bakaj, will send individual emails to students and families with specific details about room locations for those exams starting today (Friday, May 17). Please be on the lookout for those messages. If you have any questions, please contact alesandra.bakaj@apsva.us.

Spring Athletics Updates 

Congratulations to our spring athletic teams.  Boys and girls lacrosse both won District Championships this week and girls soccer and baseball are in the district finals.  Crew is in Philadelphia for Stotesbury this weekend and boys tennis, boys soccer, track and softball all are preparing for regional tournament competition next week.  Good luck Patriots!

Yearbook Distribution

• Senior distribution will be on June 3rd. It will take place from 4PM-7PM in the Yorktown Courtyard. If weather is bad/rainy, books will be distributed in the Yorktown Atrium. If seniors are unable to come June 3rd, they can stop by room 264 to pick up their book any day after that date.
• Juniors, Sophomores, and Freshmen distribution will be June 4th – 7th. Students can come during Patriot Period or all lunches. Books can be picked up from room 264.

If you have any questions about distribution or yearbook orders, please contact Mr. Olsen: troy.olsen@apsva.us

COUNSELING CORNER

Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month.  Started in 1949 by Mental Health America (MHA), May has become a month dedicated to raising awareness and reducing the stigma of mental health issues.  About one in five people will suffer from mental illness during their lives, and everyone will face challenges that can impact their mental health.  Resources and support are always available from our Counseling Department.

Leaving Yorktown? Let us know!

Families of rising 10th-12th graders, if you know that you will not be returning to APS next school year, please complete this withdrawal form and email it to our registrar, Carol Thompson.  You may also reach out to Ms. Thompson with any questions about registering or withdrawing from school. As we plan for the next school year, this will ensure we have the most accurate numbers as we build next year’s schedule.

No Early Final Exams

Students will not be permitted to take their final exams early, with the exception of families receiving military or foreign service orders.  Proof of these orders must be submitted to the counseling office.  Students must remain enrolled in APS through at least May 23rd to avoid being automatically withdrawn before end-of-year grades are assigned.  Students may take late finals, and grades will be calculated with a zero for the final until they are taken; grades will  then be updated based upon the final exam results.  When possible, arrangements should be made in advance for any late finals.  Please contact your child’s counselor with any questions.

Summer School 

For more information, FAQs, and the Yorktown specific form, please see the APS Summer School site.

Outpatient Treatment for Substance Use—Updated Access Process 

National Capital Treatment and Recovery (NatCap) is now providing Outpatient and Intensive Outpatient services, including medication assisted treatment, to adolescents. While this program previously required families to go through Arlington’s Children’s Behavioral Health unit for access, it is now available for families to access directly. NatCap accepts all major insurance and Medicaid. Read more about the NatCap program here.

NatCap Contact Information: 

National Capital Treatment and Recovery

200 North Glebe Road, Suite 104

Arlington, VA 22203

Phone: 703-841-0703

Fax: 703-243-0975

Email:  welcomecenter@natcaptreatment.org or jwalden@natcaptreatment.org.

ACTIVITIES UPDATES

Spring Game Information

With spring sports season beginning, please note the following guidelines for attending.  Games in the stadium will be streamed on the Yorktown Boosters Youtube website and tickets are available at GoFan or at the gate. Tickets are $5 for adults, and students ages 6-18 are $2 at the gate.  Season passes are available.

• Backpacks and outside beverages are not allowed at sporting events.
• High-school-age students must show a student ID or StudentVue indicating they attend a participating school.
• Students younger than high school age must be accompanied by their parent/guardian.
• The most up-to-date athletic schedule can be found at www.yorktownsports.org

Home Playoff Games this Week

Where to find Athletics Information

Athletic Website – www.yorktownsports.org

Athletic Twitter/X – @yhssports

Athletic Instagram – @yhssports

Athletic Specific Sport Information – www.teamapp.com

Athletic Registration – https://yorktownhs-ar.rschooltoday.com/

Fall 2024 Sports Tryout Dates

For planning purposes, most fall sports will begin no earlier than August 5, 2024, with the exception of golf and cheer which might begin as early as August 1. As in past years, dance tryouts will take place in May, cross country will start mid-August, and ultimate frisbee will start approximately two weeks after school begins. Updated information can be found on the Athletics website.

Some of these dates are estimated but they will not move any earlier. Please note playing a high school fall sport requires a commitment to be present for the duration of tryouts and daily practices thereafter. Families are advised that vacations planned after the start of fall sports will not be considered favorably during the tryout process because there is limited practice time to build a team prior to the start of scrimmages and games in mid to late August.

SENIOR UPDATES

Yorktown High School Class of 2024 Senior Send-Off Help Needed

We still need volunteers! You don’t need to be a parent of a senior. Please submit the volunteer Request –

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080D4EABA92D6-49727495-class

The PTA would like to have Gift Cards for prizes. Donation Request –

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080D4EABA92D6-49741436-class

Date: Wednesday, June 12, 2024

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Location: Yorktown High School Gym

Dear Yorktown High School Seniors,

It’s time to bid farewell to our incredible Class of 2024 seniors! Immediately after the Senior Experience Seminar, please come and join us for a memorable Senior Send-Off Celebration on Wednesday, June 12th, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Yorktown High School Gym.

Activities Include:

🎉 Food & Drinks: Enjoy delicious snacks and refreshing beverages throughout the event

📸 Photo Booth: Capture unforgettable moments with your friends in our photo booth

🎶 Music: Groove to the beats and celebrate our seniors

🐂 Mechanical Bull: Test your skills and take a ride on the mechanical bull for some adrenaline-pumping fun

👕 T-Shirts for Friends to Sign: Leave your mark on the memories by signing t-shirts for the Class of 2024 seniors

Let’s make this a fun time to remember as we celebrate the achievements and journey of our graduating seniors. We look forward to seeing you there! This event is being held the day before graduation, and in lieu of a graduation night event, to allow for personal post-graduation celebration with friends and family!

Senior Dues – Money Order or Online Payment Required

Senior Dues ($85) are required to buy a Prom ticket, receive a cap and gown, and receive graduation tickets.  The last date to submit a personal check for Senior Dues was April 30.  Other options – money order or online – are available after that date.  Please drop off a money order to the school treasurer, Sabrina Ashby, in the main office.  Online payments are also an option and include a small processing fee.

Requesting Additional Graduation Tickets

Wednesday, May 1- Friday, May 10 – Seniors can request additional graduation tickets using this link (link is live until May 10, but any submission during these dates will be considered and it is not first come, first served).  All graduating seniors will receive 5 tickets with their cap and gown at graduation rehearsal.  Graduates do not need a ticket so the 5 are for friends and family.  If you anticipate needing more than 5 tickets, we encourage you to reach out to classmates in hopes they will have one or more to share.  Additional available tickets will be divided and distributed (to those who sign up using the form) beginning May 13 and ending on Friday, May 17.

Senior Experience and Students not Participating in Senior Experience

Monday, May 20 – Tuesday, June 11 – Senior Experience starts. Seniors not on Senior Experience report to school for a regular school day.

Prom

Friday, May 31 – Prom will be held 8-Midnight at the Westin in Ballston. Tickets are $40 and will be sold in person during the lunches May 8-17 as well as online from May 13-27.

Senior Experience Seminar 

Wednesday, June 12 – Senior Experience Seminar (Mandatory) at 9:30 am at Yorktown. Please report to the atrium for check-in and to find your seminar locations. Your timesheet and final outline are also due at this time and should be uploaded to the Senior Experience canvas page.

Graduation Rehearsal

Thursday, June 13 – Graduation Rehearsal at 9 am at Yorktown in the auditorium (don’t be late) – you will receive your cap and gown and guest tickets (5) after rehearsal.

Graduation

Thursday, June 13 – Graduation at DAR Constitution Hall at 3 pm. Seniors must arrive at DAR by 2:00 pm.

TECHNOLOGY NEWS

LIGHTSPEED–Opt-in Through ParentVue

Lightspeed (content filter/weekly activity report) is now available for parents/guardians to opt-in for reports. Use the following link to find the district’s direction on how: Lightspeed Opt-in.

Need more information? Lightspeed Content Filter / Weekly Activity Report Basics.

UPCOMING DATES

See YHS Calendar for more information

• Monday, May 27th – Memorial Day, No School