May 10, 2024 YHS Newsletter

Dear Yorktown Families,

We had a great Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week! Thank you to the PTA for helping us celebrate Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week this week with a Nacho Bar, cookies, gift cards and a luncheon today! We appreciate everything our phenomenal teachers and staff do for our students and families. If you haven’t yet, teachers appreciate personal notes of appreciation, so please take a moment to thank a teacher by email, or send an e-greeting.

Next week is our last week with Seniors who are participating in Senior Experience! Friday, May 17th, we will be celebrating our class of 2024 during our Senior Picnic. Seniors not participating in Senior Experience are expected to attend class as usual. Reminder today is the last day to request extra graduation tickets (extra ticket form and information below).

Have a great weekend!

Dr. Kevin ClarkPrincipal

In this message: 

• What’s Happening at Yorktown
• Social Media Awareness
• Counseling Corner
• Activities Updates
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
• Senior Updates
• Technology News
• Upcoming Dates

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT YORKTOWN

Les Misérables School Edition Scores 14 Cappies NominationsCongratulations to the cast, crew and orchestra of Les Misérables School Edition for garnering 14 nominations for the 2024 Cappie Awards – National Capital Area! Cappies is a year-long program for theatre and journalism students through which students attend each other’s shows, write reviews for publication, and, at the end of the season, nominate and vote on awards.

We are so proud to share the list of nominees from YHS:

• Sound: TJ Schultz and the Yorktown Sound Crew
• Lighting: Keya Sikotra and the Yorktown Lighting Crew
• Sets: Sophie Coudert, Maeve Sawyer
• Orchestra: Yorktown High School Pit Orchestra
• Stage Management: Payton Cooper, Sam Mund, Maggie O’Kieffe
• Stage Crew: Yorktown Stage Crew
• Ensemble in a Musical: Students of the ABC Café
• Featured Actor in a Female Role in a Musical: Cordelia Clayton
• Featured Actor in a Male Role in a Musical: Liam Kalchbrenner
• Vocalist in a Female Role: Alannah Hjelm
• Comic Actor in a Male Role in a Musical: Ryan Schimenti
• Supporting Actor in a Female Role in a Musical: Bella Houston
• Song: Master of the House
• Musical: Les Misérables School Edition

The full list of nominees is available on the Cappies website. The awards gala will take place at the Kennedy Center at 7:00 pm on June 10 and will be livestreamed on Channel 21 FCPS. More information about the gala is available here. Congratulations to everyone involved in this wonderful show, and a special thank you to Alani Kravitz, Jocelyn Mullins, and Joseph Witkowski. We are so grateful for all of the time and talent you devote to these amazing students!

Congratulations to Arlington Student Film Festival Winners

Congratulations to the following students who won top awards or were chosen as official high school selections at the Arlington Student Film Festival.  You can watch their films on ASFF’s site.

• Best in Fest – High School:  Dani Fadhil, Inattentional (This is the top award!)
• Best Art House Piece – High School: Dani Fadhil, Thrash & Trash
• Official High School Selections:
  • Glebe Park: Jasper Hocker, Charlie Juckett, Isabel Nelson, Hanna Vasquez,
  • She Knows: Elizabeth Ambellu, Eirini Cristou, Kendall Guith
  • The Great American Film: LA92: Naan Kane
  • Neature: The True Planet: Julian Higgins
  • Girls’ Night: Charlotte Bowman
  • Journalism: Merlin Brown, Elijah Lester, Abdullah Raziq, Sean Scott

Yorktown Student Art Displayed at Arlington Museum of Contemporary ArtThe Museum of Contemporary Art

Arlington is hosting an exhibition of our marvelous YHS Senior AP artwork! There will be an opening reception on Friday May 17 from 5:30 – 6:30 pm.  The Cappies-nominated YHS orchestra will perform for an hour following the visual art reception. You are all cordially invited to attend this celebratory night of art and music! In case you cannot make the opening, the artwork will be on display from May 17 – 26. The museum is open to the public Wednesday – Sunday, 12:00 – 5:00 pm.

Congratulations to Yorktown Latin Students

Twenty-two Latin students placed on either the Classical Association of Virginia’s Latin tournament or the same organization’s Classical Essay Contest. Yorktown students received 16 of the 19 awards given in the classical essay contest and swept some categories. In addition, two Latin 3 students earned 1st and 2nd in the state in the Latin Tournament. Congratulations to all students for their participation in these academic contests and for their stellar test-taking, writing, and creativity!

Advisory Plans During AP Testing

Extended 3rd period starts Monday and will last throughout the AP testing window (May 6-May17) Students can request passes from a teacher, but otherwise should stay in their 3rd period classrooms. We will follow the typical Thursday Patriot Period schedule, giving students from 10:50-11:20 time to work on any class work needed.

AP Testing Information: Parent Square Sent on May 2 (For AP Families)

AP Exam Standard Testing Window: May 6-May 17

AP Exam Late Testing Window: May 22-24

Timing: Exams begin promptly at 8:20 am and 12:00 each day. Students should report directly to their assigned testing rooms when they arrive at school on the day of their exam(s). If a morning exam is running late, the afternoon exam may not start until 12:30 p.m.  The dates and times of specific exams can be found here: 2024 AP Exam ScheduleYearbook 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
• 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

Social Media Awareness

We have seen an increase recently in concerns with posts students are making regarding otherstudents both on personal and public social media sites where the owner has included an APS school name.  Please discuss with your children the impact that hurtful, negative, and inappropriate messages can have on the targeted student.  We know that social media posts can be copied and shared by others, leaving no way to undo the potential harm in the future.  We want students to understand that what they post or create digitally can have an impact on their future plans.

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.

Understanding Depression in Adolescents: Essential Information for Parents/Caregivers 

During Mental Health Awareness Month, the Parent Resource Center (PRC) in collaboration with the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) will be offering a special presentation on Understanding Depression in Adolescents. This is a virtual event on Tuesday, May 14th where we will address the experiences faced by parents/caregivers dealing with teenagers with depression. This interactive online seminar is designed to equip caregivers with the knowledge and tools needed to identify depression, understand the prevalence of major depressive disorder, explore elements of recovery and treatment strategies, and provide proactive guidance to support the well-being of the teen.

Tuesday, May 14, 2024: 7pm to 8pm

Use this link to register for the session.

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

YHS Club of the Week- Yorktown Soles for Souls

The mission of the club is to collect shoes for repurposing by Soles for Souls which turns shoes into opportunity.  The club will promote recycling of shoes and inform the school community of the benefits of making a difference by an act as simple as donating used shoes.  See Ms. Castellano for more information.

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.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month 

Throughout the month of May, several communities across the D.C. area plan to host a series of captivating festivals, each showcasing the diverse traditions and customs of different Asian cultures.

NVA Thai Street Food and Culture Festival

More than 30 vendors will come together to offer food, desserts, drinks, souvenirs and more at this festival. Visitors can also expect traditional Thai dances, Muay Thai, traditional instrumental performances and Thai massages.

Date: Sunday, May 26

Location: Manassas Museum at 9101 Prince William Street in Manassas, Virginia

Cost: FreeI

lluminAsia

For its second year, the IlluminAsia festival will shed light on mental health and well-being in the Asian, Asian American and diasporic community. This three-day festival will include a guided sound bath, paper flower-making, a “Care Fair” and vendor market with food options, plus “empowerment workshops.” Other highlights include a silent disco and a performance by Mongolian American singer-songwriter TMUUN and award-winning artist and activist Madame Gandhi.

Date: Friday, May 10 to Sunday, May 12

Location: National Museum of Asian Art

Cost: Free (RSVP recommended)

Heritage India Festival

Across two days, enjoy the best of South Asia with live entertainment, cuisine and commerce, including apparel, jewelry and home decor. There will be over 275 booths this year with several vendors from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. There will also be child-focused sections with face painting, henna tattoos and educational toys and games booths.

Date: Saturday, May 11 – Sunday, May 12

Location: Dulles Expo Center

Cost: $5 (free for children 5 years and under)

Fiesta Asia

This annual D.C. festival has been celebrating the diversity of Asian heritage and culture since 2006. Date: Saturday, May 18Location: Pennsylvania Avenue, NW between 3rd and 6th streets in D.C.Cost: Free for the street fair ($20 for the dance showcase)Jewish American Heritage MonthJewish American Heritage Month is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the more than 350-year history of Jewish contributions to America and American culture.  Here are some ways to celebrate:

Jewish American Heritage Concert

Celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month with an electrifying concert featuring the rich tapestry of traditional Jewish music from Eastern Europe, Turkey, Cuba, South America, the Levant, and the Arabian Peninsula. Enjoy masterful performances from the exciting lineup of folkloric artists, each weaving their unique sounds and stories into the vibrant fabric of the American Jewish community.

Date: Wednesday, May 15

Location: The Kennedy Center (in-person and live stream – registration required)

Cost: Free

The National Museum of American History Celebrates JAHM

To mark Jewish American Heritage Month, the National Museum of American History will showcase artifacts from its national collections from areas including business, history, medicine, numismatics and philanthropy as well as from its Archives Center. Highlights of objects on view include Albert Einstein’s pipe, objects related to Polio researchers and vaccine developers Jonas Salk and Albert Sabin along with a first century silver shekel made and used by Jewish people in ancient Israel.

Date: Wednesday, May 15

Location: National Museum of American History – Coulter Plaza, First Floor, West

Cost: Free

More Ways to Celebrate:

Read Jewish Books

Read a book celebrating Jewish culture and traditions. Here are a few resources to find good books.

•   The Jewish Book Council: Longest running organization that is devoted to celebrating and preserving Jewish literature.
•   Fig Tree Book: Focuses on Jewish American Literature and works from around the world

Make Jewish Food

Food is a large part of Jewish traditions. You can find different recipes online from a bunch of different Jewish communities:

• The Nosher:

This website has many traditional and nontraditional Jewish food recipes as well as history on Jewish culinary culture.

•   Jewish Food Society:

This is a nonprofit organization that collects Jewish family recipes to preserve, celebrate, and revitalize Jewish Culinary culture.

Watch Jewish Movies and TV Shows

There are many movies and television shows that celebrate Jewish heritage. Since we have so many favorites, here are a few lists others have compiled:

•   10 Movies Showcasing the Best of American Jewish Life | Reform Judaism
• 10 Movies for Jewish American Heritage Month – The Picture House

SENIOR UPDATES

Yorktown High School Class of 2024 Senior Send-Off Celebration

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 Picnic and Last Regular School Day for Seniors going on Senior Experience

Friday, May 17 – All seniors will attend class through 11:20am.  At that time, those seniors going on Senior Experience will go to the auditorium for information from Ms. Sutphin.  Seniors who are not attending Senior Experience can go to the lunch room or courtyard until 11:45.  At 11:45 am, all seniors are welcome at the Senior Class Picnic near the baseball and softball fields.  This free event will include BBQ lunch, a DJ, and time to enjoy with your friends and classmates.

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.

PTA Senior Send-Off Brunch

Wednesday, June 12 – At approximately 10:30 am, immediately following the 9:30 am Senior Seminar, the PTA will provide food and activities in the gyms for all seniors.  This event is free.

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