May 3, 2024 YHS Newsletter

Dear Yorktown Families,

This week we enjoyed Laugh More, Stress Less and Choose Health Week with games in the courtyard, music, a photobooth and visitors from Project Peace, Doorways and the APS Title IX office. AP Testing starts Monday, May 6th and many students will be sitting for tests. Thanks to our parents for helping our students prepare for these opportunities to showcase their learning!

We are excited to celebrate Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week next week! Please help us thank our amazing teachers for everything they do to support all of our students! It is because of our tremendous teachers and staff that Yorktown is such a great place to learn. Please take a moment to thank a teacher by email, or send an e-greeting.

Thanks to the PTA for planning lunch for staff Friday, goodies all week, and distributing gift cards for all staff! We appreciate your ongoing support and generosity.

Have a great weekend!

Dr. Kevin ClarkPrincipal

In this message:

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

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT YORKTOWN

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 12:30 pm each day. Students should report directly to their assigned testing rooms when they arrive at school on the day of their exam(s). The dates and times of specific exams can be found here: 2024 AP Exam Schedule

COUNSELING CORNER

Counselors Earn Top Honors

Congratulations to the Yorktown Counseling Department for being recognized by the Virginia School Climate Survey as earning the 3rd highest positive response rate, out of all the high schools in the state of Virginia, for having positive relationships with students.  Thank you to the counselors for all they do to support our students!

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.

ACTIVITIES UPDATES

YHS Club of the Week- Asian America & Pacific Islander Club

The YHS Club of the Week is the Asian American & Pacific Islanders Club.The aim of the Asian American and Pacific Islander club is to provide a safe and welcoming environment for students to experience and learn more about the vast and various cultures of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community at Yorktown. Club members engage in fun activities that embrace these cultures and promote unity in the wider Yorktown community. All students are welcome! See Mr. Yoon 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 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 

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

SENIOR UPDATES

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.

AP Exams

Monday, May 6 – Friday, May 17 – AP Exams and normal schedule for non-testing students. Morning AP exams will begin promptly at 8:20 a.m.  Students are encouraged to immediately go to their testing room starting at 8:00 a.m.  Afternoon AP exams will begin at 12:30 p.m. and may end as late as 4:30 p.m. for regular testing with a later end time for students with extended time.

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

• Friday, May 3rd – Early Release (1:00 pm) Teacher Professional Learning 
• Monday, May 27th – Memorial Day No School