April 25, 2025 Newsletter

Dear Patriot Families,

We hope you had a great spring break and first week back. A lot of amazing things going on this week at Yorktown. This week, our yearly Yorktown Art Display is up to display the amazing student art from this school year. AP Research students are making their final presentations on their year-long research projects as they become the first Yorktown students to complete the requirements of the AP Capstone Diploma. Also, independent study students presented on their work on Wednesday with projects from Costuming to Democratic Backsliding to Actuarial Mathematics.

This week we celebrated our fantastic Administrative Professionals on Wednesday. They are essential parts of the team and make the school run smoothly. Please take a moment to thank these valued members of our team!

• Bus Driver Appreciation Day – Tuesday, April 22nd
• Administrative Professionals Day – Wednesday, April 23rd

Have a great weekend!

Dr. Kevin Clark, Principal

In this message: 

• What’s Happening at Yorktown
• Counseling Corner
• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Corner
• Activities Updates
• Senior Updates
• Upcoming Dates

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT YORKTOWN

Reminder: Guest Speaker for Seniors – April 29

Yorktown will welcome the parents of Braylon Meade on April 29 when they will speak with seniors. Statement from the Meade Family below.

Early in November 2022, Braylon Meade had submitted all of his college essays, was poised to lead the Washington Liberty High School boys varsity basketball team as their point guard, and was ready to cruise for the rest of his senior year with his friends and girlfriend. Just after midnight on November 11, 2022, Braylon kissed his girlfriend good night and jumped into his car to drive home.  Braylon never made it home alive that night—an impaired student, driving 95 miles per hour, struck Braylon’s car and killed him upon impact.  Our family, friends, girlfriend, and the Arlington community were devastated by his unnecessary loss of life.

We–the Meade family–turned together with our shared grief and recognized that it was our duty to keep Braylon’s legacy alive.  Braylon showed courage, kindness, humor and hard work in everything he did in his short almost 18 years of living.  The Meade family established four college scholarships in Braylon’s honor to help other WL and Arlington graduating seniors attend college.  Braylon’s friends, Charlie Taylor and Jack Tsuchitani (Yorktown class of 2023) created the annual Ginger Cup Golf Tournament in Braylon’s honor.  All proceeds from the 2023 and 2024 and soon to be 2025 Ginger Cup, the Braylon Meade Basketball Classic, and donations from family and friends across the country fund these scholarships. 

Parents of Braylon Meade–Rose and Kris will join Yorktown seniors Will Taylor and Karenna Wilson, friends of Braylon, to talk about Braylon’s life, impaired driving, and strategies to stay safe.  The event will be moderated by Yorktown seniors Georgia Hardeman and Meri Strazzella. Let’s keep a dialogue going among students, parents, teachers and counselors to keep impaired driving out of our community- we can’t let this happen again.

Enjoy a Morning by the River – Yorktown Home Crew Regatta – April 26

Join us this Saturday, April 26 from 8:30–11:30 AM for the Charlie Butt Regatta, hosted by Yorktown High School! This VASRA event takes place on the Potomac River, and it’s a great opportunity to cheer on our amazing student-athletes. Spectators are encouraged to gather on the Georgetown waterfront steps near Thompson Boat House for a fantastic view of the races and a fun morning of community spirit and competition!

Culture Fair Next Friday!

Students will share in Yorktown’s diversity at the Culture Fair! This exciting event showcases the rich cultural heritage of our student body through traditional food, music, art, and more. Explore exhibits and sample delicious international cuisine—all created and/or presented by our students. (Students who would like to participate should see Ms. Patrick (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Coordinator) in room 223 as soon as possible).

Date: Friday, May 2

Time: Patriot Period

Location: Courtyard (atrium if raining)

AP Testing 

Dates: May 5-23 

24-25 AP Exam Calendar

AP Exams are almost here! We are excited for another successful exam administration. Students have put in the work, and now they have the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge on the End-of-Course exams. Please see the AP Exam Calendar (linked) and support your student on test day by encouraging them to sleep well, eat a healthy breakfast, and do their best on their exams.

• Families will receive Parent Square messages with their students’ testing locations by test
• Students will also receive emails with their testing locations at the email they have registered with the College Board
• Students need to arrive ON TIME; Late arrivals may not be permitted to test
• Students may begin entering their assigned testing rooms at 8am for morning exams and 12:15 for afternoon exams. Please see the College Board testing rules available in student accounts
• Note that afternoon exams end AFTER the regular school day (typically by 4:30pm); students with extended time could run until 6:30 or 7pm

May 6 Testing Day/Asynchronous Learning Day: NWEA & AP Testing 

As part of the Virginia Literacy Act, all 9th and 10th grade students, as well as select 11th and 12th grade students, are required to sit for the end-of-year NWEA MAP Growth Reading Assessment. Families of the select 11th and 12th grade students who will take this assessment will receive a separate Parent Square message so that all are aware of their students’ requirements.

Logistics:

• Transportation for arrival to school is available as usual
• Students will report to their assigned testing space by 8:20 am (English Teachers will provide room locations in class)
• Students need their CHARGED laptop to complete the assessment
• The test is untimed; Students may work on other school work when they finish but will all be dismissed at the same time
• DISMISSAL: 11 am
  • Students are released at 11 am from their assigned room
  • Any student who needs transportation will report to the cafeteria (buses will run on a regular school day schedule); all other students must leave the building

Mark the Calendar: Upcoming Music Concerts

Come see our superior rated music ensembles in our upcoming end-of-year concerts!

• 5/7 : Orchestra Spring Concert
• 5/13 : Choir Spring Concert
• 5/20 : Band Spring Concert
• 5/22 : Jazz on the Lawn
• 6/3 : Chamber Band Concert

COUNSELING CORNER

Advisory Information

Tuesday, April 29th 

• 9th Grade: Seeing Your Best Self: Students will identify the components and attributes of one’s personal best self.

• 10th Grade: Emotions and Learning (Part 2): Students will identify helpful and unhelpful emotions associated with their class schedule, and build out strategies to optimize learning.

• 11th Grade: Navigating Friendships: Students consider strategies for forming, keeping, strengthening and ending friendships, and generate advice for underclassmen.

• 12th Grade: Senior Assembly

  Thursday, May 1st 

• 9th-12th Grades: Option to complete Tuesday lesson, Academic Check in meetings, or students can leave with a pass

May Is Mental Health Awareness Month

In 2025, Mental Health Awareness Month will be observed in May, and the theme is “Turn Awareness into Action”. This means organizations like ASCA (American School Counselor Association) and NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) will focus on turning understanding of mental health issues into concrete actions to improve mental wellness. Stay tuned for some activities planned by the Counseling Department coming soon.  If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, you can reach out to your student’s counselor, or contact the NAMI resources via calling, chat or text.

Financial Aid Help Desk and Webinar Series for Students and Families

Contact: Brittany Everett, Postsecondary Access and Success Specialist, [email protected] has partnered with GEAR UP Virginia and Level Up Virginia to offer a free Financial Aid Help Desk. Students and their families can text financial aid questions to 434-478-4003 to get answers from a financial aid expert within 24 business hours. Additionally, the following webinar series is designed to support students and families with financial aid information and guidance.

• Financial Aid for Current College Students Webinar
  • Date: Tuesday, May 27, 2025, 6-7 p.m.
  • Overview: Valuable insights will be shared on maintaining financial aid throughout college and staying on top of your financial responsibilities.
  • Register using the Current College Students’ Current College Students’ Financial Aid Webinar registration form.
  • Summer Steps for Financial Aid
• Date: Monday, June 24, 2025, 6-7 p.m.
  • Overview: Important information will be shared on how to complete key financial aid steps, understand deadlines, and get ready for the fall semester.
  • Register using the Summer Steps for Financial Aid Webinar registration form.

Work Permit Information

Yorktown High School DOES NOT issue work permits. Also, Virginia is not authorized to issue work permits in areas outside Virginia, (i.e. DC, MD)VIRGINIA Youth Electronic Employment Certificate Instructions

• Youth must be age 14 or age 15 to apply for an employment certificate.
• You do not begin the registration process for an employment certificate until you have a firm offer of employment.
• You will not be issued an employment certificate until you have an employer.
• You must not begin to work until you have been issued an employment certificate by the Department of Labor and Industry.

More information and forms available on the VA Department of Labor website and the counseling page on the Yorktown site

End of Quarter 3 Dates

The 3rd quarter/marking period ends today, April 11, 2025.  Monday, April 21, 2025 is a teacher work day with no school for students.  Report Cards will be viewable in Parent/StudentVue beginning at 10:00am Monday, April 28, 2025.

No Early Final Exams

The following is a friendly reminder about requests for early and late 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 may take late finals, and grades will be calculated with a zero for the final until they are taken, and then updated based upon the final exam results.  When possible, arrangements should be made in advance for any late finals.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION CORNER

Holocaust Memorial Day (Yom HaShoah)

Yom HaShoah is Israel’s Holocaust Memorial Day, a day which is marked across the country every year as a national holiday and day of remembrance.  This year, Yom HaShoah in Israel started at sundown on April 23rd and ended at sundown on April 24th. Memorial events normally take place around the country, the most famous of which is at Yad Vashem, Israel’s National Holocaust Memorial. During this ceremony, the President and Prime Minister deliver speeches and Holocaust Survivors light six torches, which symbolize the six million Jews who perished.  Yorktown students led by the Jewish Student Union marked the occasion by having a descendant of a Holocaust survivor address the student body at an assembly on Thursday. The event included a Q&A session in which students asked very insightful and poignant questions.

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month 

During the month of May, we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. This month serves as a poignant reminder of the rich cultural tapestry that shapes this diverse community. It’s a time to honor the contributions, achievements, and the vibrant histories of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders throughout our nation’s story.  It’s crucial for us as a community to have meaningful conversations about the experiences, struggles, and triumphs of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. By doing so, we not only honor their contributions, but also work towards building a more inclusive and empathetic society.

The following resources may be helpful for guiding and enriching discussions about Asian American and Pacific Islander histories, cultures, and perspectives:

1. History Channel: Contains information about the origins and meaning of AAPI month and much more
2. Common Sense Education: Explore the history and achievements of Asian Americans with activities, videos, and more
3. National Today – Provides history and facts about the AAPI community

Jewish American Heritage Month

As we observe Jewish American Heritage Month, you are invited to celebrate and learn more about the rich history and cultural contributions of the Jewish community. Jewish American Heritage Month offers a wonderful opportunity to enhance our understanding of the diversity that shapes our nation. Consider engaging in activities that highlight this vibrant culture through books, films, online resources, and interpretive experiences which provide insights into the multifaceted Jewish heritage and its impact on our society.

Here are some helpful resources for engaging with Jewish American cultures, perspectives and histories:

1. Jewish American Heritage Month x Weitzman National Museum of Jewish American History: Check out the virtual museum
2. The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
3. National Today: offers suggestions for celebrating Jewish American Heritage Month
4. Library of Congress: offers relevant informational resources
5. National Archives: provides both primary and secondary sources of information recognizing the contributions of Jewish Americans
6. PBS: The Jewish Americans – A Series by David Grubin

ACTIVITIES UPDATES

Club of the Week: Middle Eastern Culture Club

The YHS Club of the Week is the Middle Eastern Culture Club. The Middle Eastern Culture Club will focus on cultural awareness regarding the Middle East. All are welcome. See Ms. Mansor for more information.

New Athletic Registration 

In the coming month, all families who are currently registered to play sports should receive an email from Arbiter or RSchool indicating a transition in the registration system we use.  This is a forced conversion as Arbiter purchased RSchool which is our current provider.  The email should include a link to create a new username and password.  Once completed, all prior information will be accessible as families begin to register for the 2025-26 school year.

New Athletic Physical Requirements

An upcoming change in state law necessitates a change in physical requirements which will benefit some families, but also will create in-season challenges for student-athletes. All physical examinations will be valid for 14 months from the date of the examination.  Families who wish to complete one physical for the entire 2025-26 school year and not risk a student being pulled mid-season due to an expired physical exam should schedule the annual physical for April 15, 2025 or later. Yorktown will continue to offer on-site physical exams as a fundraiser for our athletic training department on a date in early June with the exact date announced in mid-May.

Spring Sports Ticket Information

With spring sport competition beginning last week, a schedule of events is available on www.yorktownsports.org. Games held on the turf field are available online on www.nfhs.com Tickets for events in the stadium are available online at www.gofan.co with season passes available for adults. Cash will still be accepted at the gate. Backpacks as well as outside food or drinks are not permitted.

Spring Turf Sports to Stream on NFHS

After many years of High Definition handheld streaming thanks to the Yorktown Athletic Boosters, we will transition to the automated NFHS Network for all stadium field sports this spring. Lacrosse and soccer games will be available on the NFHS Network with a subscription.  The subscription to the network allows online access to home volleyball and basketball games as well as most gym and field events in Fairfax County and around the country, including playoff games.

Where to find Athletics Information

Athletic Website – www.yorktownsports.org

Athletic Twitter – @yhssports

Athletic Instagram – @yhssports

Athletic Specific Sport Information – www.teamapp.com

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

Home Events this Week

Looking Ahead – Fall 2025 Sports

For planning purposes, Fall sports will begin as early as July 31 with most beginning on August 4. Check Team App or the website for more information.

Please note that 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.

Looking Ahead – Homecoming 2025

Homecoming weekend will be October 10 and 11, 2025.  The football game is against West Springfield and the dance will be Saturday, October 11.  Please note this is a three-day weekend for students with no school on Monday, October 14.  While not ideal, it is the best viable option given the home football schedule.

SENIOR UPDATES

Senior Dues

Senior dues are $80. Senior dues cover the cost of cap and gown, diploma, diploma covers, as well as other senior activities. Senior dues can be paid at https://arlingtonva.schoolcashonline.com/.

Senior Send Off & BBQ

The PTA is working hard to enhance this year’s traditional senior BBQ and it will be an amazing event with a live band, mechanical bulls, inflatable axe throwing, dancing and lots of food.  The event is Friday, May 16 from 11:30-1:30.  Check out this Senior Send Off & BBQ flier for more information.

Graduation

Class of 2025 Graduation is at 7 p.m., Wednesday, June 4, at DAR Constitution Hall. Graduation rehearsal will take place the morning of graduation. After rehearsal, students will pick up their cap and gowns and five (5) graduation tickets. Additional graduation tickets can be requested, but are not guaranteed, between May 1st and May 11th using this google form that will be active on May 1.

UPCOMING DATES

For more details, refer to the YHS or APS calendar.

• May 26 – Memorial Day