March 28, 2025 Newsletter

Dear Patriot Families,

Yesterday, Dr. Durán visited Yorktown and commented on the many wonderful things happening here! He spoke to 11th grade students in their College and Career Preparation Assembly, spoke with librarians, visited the Learning Center, and spoke with students during lunch.

Monday there is no school for the APS observation of Eid-al-Fitr, marking the end of the fasting of Ramadan. Enjoy the long 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

Come see the Spring Musical: Anything Goes!

Set sail with Yorktown Performing Arts’ production for a night of classic Broadway entertainment. Anything Goes, the beloved musical by Cole Porter, brings humor, romance, and unforgettable songs like “I Get a Kick Out of You” and “You’re the Top” to the stage. Join us for this timeless story, sharp wit, and a score that has stood the test of time. Secure your seats today.

Show Dates: April 3 at 7 PM, April 4 at 7 PM, and April 5 at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PMTickets: https://www.yhstheatre.org/tickets-shows

PTA Spring Fling Dance – Saturday, March 29

The Spring Fling is this Saturday, March 29 from 7:30-10:30 pm. Students must enter by 9 pm and there is no reentry. Ticket sales for YHS students only are available through Saturday morning online.  Online purchases can use this link to register. The payment profile is on the confirmation page of your registration. ​ Email [email protected] if you have any questions.

Yorktown Music Accolades

The Yorktown Wind Ensemble earned a superior rating at the Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association State Concert Band Assessment. This, paired with the Yorktown Marching Band’s superior rating in the fall, makes the Yorktown Band a Program of Honor (formerly Honor Band) for the tenth time in school history.

Since Yorktown Singers, Chamber Orchestra, and Wind Ensemble each earned superior ratings at their respective state assessments, Yorktown will again be recognized with the Virginia Music Educators Association Blue Ribbon Award. This is the fifth time in school history and the fourth year in a row that Yorktown has received this recognition.

Attendance Reminders

Please remember that ParentVue should only be used to report full day absences and should include a specific reason for the absence. For all other absences/tardies, please call or email [email protected] (703-228-5411) or [email protected] (703-228-5410) to make your report.

COUNSELING CORNER

Advisory Information

Tuesday, April 1: All students will participate in the following grade level lessons provided by our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion office:

• 9th Grade: Bullying
• 10th Grade:  Lunch Box Moment
• 11th Grade:  Deafness and Ableism
• 12th Grade:  What are Hate Symbols

Thursday, April 3: 

• All Grades: Academic check ins, or students can leave with a pass

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.

Junior Night Recording

In case you missed last night’s Junior Night presentation, or you would like to watch it again, you can now view the recording.  It will also be posted on our website.

Online Course Request Process 2025-26

Parents/guardians, you may now view your student(s)’ course requests for the ’25-’26 school year through ParentVue.  Once you open the app, please click course requests to see the list.  If you would like to request a change to one or more courses, please use this form.

 Applications Live for Youth Leadership Program, Inspire – Due March 31

Leadership Center for Arlington’s Youth Leadership Program, Inspire. This program draws on the Center’s expertise in leadership development, civic engagement, and community building to connect a cohort of youths and empower them with the tools to develop their leadership skills and make a difference in their community. The applications are now live, and students have until Monday, March 31st to apply.

The Fine Arts Apprentice Program 

The Fine Arts Apprentice Program provides specialized experiences beyond the regular art, music and drama curriculum for selected high school students (rising 10th, 11th, or 12th graders). Opportunities for students may include ensemble works, master classes, attendance at professional rehearsals and performances, museum courses, small group instruction, seminars, exhibit and performance opportunities.Course Info: Fine Arts Apprentice; Full year, one-half credit: Fine Arts I (29290), Grades 10-11; Fine Arts II (29291), Grades 10-11; Fine Arts III (29292), Grade 12 (Prerequisite Fine Arts II or permission from the Instructor).

• Students or families are encouraged to email or call the Apprentice Coordinator with any specific questions – [email protected]  or 703-228-6171.
• Applications are due April 23, 2025
• Apprentice Application Information & Work Sample Guidelines
• Online applications (work sample & recommendations sent separately):

1. Fine Arts Apprentice Application 2025-26 
2. Online recommendation form:  Apprentice Program Recommendation Form
3. Step-by-Step Instructions on Application Process
4. Sample e-Portfolio

Students selected for the Apprentice Program receive a pass/fail grade and a 1/2 credit for a minimum of 75 hours of arts experience outside the school course requirements. These opportunities take place out of the school day and are often offered in the evenings and on weekends. Students are able to select opportunities of interest that work with their school commitments and extra-curricular activities. Click here to watch a video behind the scenes of the Fine Arts Apprentice Program.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION CORNER

Resources for Families

The APS Immigration Resources for Families page has been updated with additional information, including a “Family Planning” section regarding Standby Guardianship

The Legal Aid Justice Center is offering Free Legal Consultations for Arlington Residents. APS does NOT provide legal advice, but this information can be shared with families in need.

Dream Project CTE Scholarship 

Dream Project’s CTE Scholarship is now open and closes March 31st at 11:59pm. The Dream Project CTE Scholarship is an annual renewable $4,000 scholarship awarded to immigrant students whose career goals align with post-secondary education focused on the applied skills needed for a specific craft/profession. CTE Scholarship recipients will be chosen based on how they demonstrate interest in their planned profession, work ethic, community involvement, and resilience.

Flyers in English and Spanish.

More information and the link to apply can be found here.

Please email [email protected] with any questions about the application.

ACTIVITIES UPDATES

Club of the Week: Afghan Culture Club

The YHS Club of the Week is the Afghan Culture Club. The Afghan Culture Club purpose is to educate our Yorktown community of Afghan culture and its different elements. The club will have meetings and will host school events.  All are welcome to participate. See Ms. Stratmann or Mr. Davis 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 2025Homecoming 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 Information

Senior information was sent out on Parent Square recently with more details about upcoming dates, events and deadlines.

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/ or by cash, money order, or check (made out to Yorktown High School) and given to Sabrina Ashby in the main office.

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.

• Monday, March 31 – No School, Holiday – Eid al-Fitr
• Monday, April 14-Friday, April 18 – No School, Spring Break
• Monday, April 21 – No School for students, Grade Preparation Day