October 10, 2024 Weekly Newsletter

Dear Patriot Families,

This week, the PSAT and School Day SAT went well on Wednesday. A reminder that students have a four day weekend with Friday and Monday designated as professional learning days. The Yorktown offices will be closed.

As we focus on Equity and Excellence this year, I want to share resources that we have been using for professional learning and that you may find helpful in supporting your learners. Last year we worked with Dr. Willingham, UVA Professor, on professional learning around Excellence in Teaching and Learning. He met with our new teachers on Monday to outline practices from his work and his most recent book, Outsmart Your Brain: Why learning is hard and how you can make it easy. If you want to learn more about how your kids can apply these learning principles, please view his talk to YHS Families from last year.

A reminder that October’s PTA Meeting is Monday, October 21st at 7:30 (Link here).

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

Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration Monday

Monday, students enjoyed a performance by Mariachi Imperio and food from Tortas y Tacos La Chiquita.  We are proud of our diverse students who represent nations and cultures around the world. During this month, we reflect on the contributions that Latino and Hispanic individuals contribute to our community and society.

Unity Day is next week! – Wear Orange on October 16th!

We encourage students to participate in Unity Day on Oct. 16. On this day, staff, families and students are encouraged to wear and display orange as a visible message of building community through kindness, acceptance, and inclusion.

• Reminder, you can report any concerning behavior to a trusted adult at the school or through the APS Bullying & Harassment Reporting Form. You can also report any concerns through report@apsva.us.
• View resources and FAQ regarding bullying awareness and prevention bullying here.

The Crucible is coming up October 24th-26th! 

The Crucible by Arthur Miller, published in 1953, is a classic play that delves into the Salem witch trials of 1692. Set in the Puritan town of Salem, Massachusetts, Miller’s play unfolds as a chilling allegory for the Red Scare and McCarthyism of the 1950s. The plot centers on the hysteria that erupts when a group of girls, led by Abigail Williams, accuses fellow villagers of witchcraft. As the trials progress, the town is consumed by fear, paranoia, and a distorted sense of justice.

Miller’s narrative not only captures the historical context of the Salem witch trials but also serves as a powerful commentary on the dangers of mass hysteria and the consequences of blind conformity. The play remains relevant today as a cautionary tale about the fragility of justice and the ease with which fear can be manipulated for political or personal gain.

”Tickets are $10/student and $15/adult, and can be purchased at http://yhstheatre.org/tickets-shows, and will be available during lunch periods for the two weeks leading up to the show.

Shows: 

• Thursday, Oct. 24th: 7pm
• Friday, Oct. 25th: 7pm
• Saturday, Oct. 26th: 2pm and 7pm

COUNSELING CORNER

Advisory Information

This year, our staff will be implementing the RULER curriculum during advisory period. RULER helps students to learn about and manage their emotions. This is important for success in nearly every aspect of our lives—for attention, memory, and learning, for making and keeping friends, for healthy decision-making, and for our overall well being. You can learn more about RULER and why emotions matter in this brochure.

Tuesday, October 15th

• 9th-11th grades: Introduction to the Mood Meter: Students will be introduced to the Mood Meter which is a tool for building self and social awareness
• 12th grade: Reduce Stress, Build Skills: Students will explore two ways of approaching stress management; reducing stressors and expanding strategies to handle stress

Thursday, October 17th- 

• Senior Meeting
• Academic Check ins or students may leave with a pass to visit another teacher

Starting last week, senior advisory periods have been invited to work sessions for post-secondary planning, including completing the necessary steps for college applications.  The college and career counseling office is also open during lunches for drop-in sessions for any students wanting assistance.

Signs of Suicide (SOS) for 10th Graders

This year student services staff are working to teach students about mental health and how to seek help if they are worried about themselves or a friend. We are using a program called SOS Signs of Suicide. The program teaches students about this difficult topic and encourages them to seek help.

Through the program, students learn:

• that depression is treatable, so they are encouraged to seek help
• how to identify depression and potential suicide risk in themselves or a friend
• to ACT (Acknowledge, Care, and Tell a trusted adult) if concerned about themselves or a friend
• who they can turn to at school for help

On November 12 & 13 during English classes, 10th grade students will watch age-appropriate video clips and participate in a guided discussion about depression, suicide, and what to do if they are concerned about a friend. If you do NOT wish for your child to participate in this program (10th grade families only).

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION CORNER

Hispanic Heritage Month: September 15 – October 15

Keep the celebration of Hispanic history and culture going with these events and resources:

• Check out the Latino Heritage Festival this Saturday presented by the National Museum of the American Latino:

Location: Constitution Ave. NW, between 13th & 14th Street

Date: October 12, 2024Time: 11a – 5:30p

• Watch these documentaries that feature diverse Latino experiences

• Read these books by Latino and Hispanic authors

• Listen to music by Latino and Hispanic musicians

LGBTQ+ History Month

During the month of October, we celebrate the history and contributions of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer plus community.  Learn about a new LGBTQ+ icon each day and their impact here.

If your child is in need of support, these online resources may be helpful:

Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network

The Trevor Project

Gender & Sexuality Alliance

Spirit Day

Thursday, October 17 is Spirit Day: Students can wear purple to show solidarity with LGBTQ+ youth. Spirit Day is an anti-bullying movement aimed at supporting youth living their lives in authenticity and truth.  Learn more about the movement here: glaad.org/spiritday/

ACTIVITIES UPDATES

Club of the Week

The YHS Club of the Week is The Junior Classical League Latin Club. The Junior Classical League Latin Club is a place to connect with others who enjoy ancient history and its mythology, culture, language, and literature. Members promote the Classics through food, games, and fun activities throughout the year. There are also lots of opportunities for fun competitive events, including quiz bowl style trivia games and optional exams with chances to win state and national awards. We hope that all Latin students consider joining, and all Yorktown students interested in the ancient world are welcome. See Mr. Hochberg in room 231 for more information, or email him at ian.hochberg@apsva.us.

Yorktown General Athletics Game Attendance Information

We look forward to seeing you at upcoming events.  Please note the following:

• No backpacks or bags are allowed and no outside food or beverages can be brought into any home games.
• Anyone under the influence of drugs or alcohol will not be admitted or will be asked to leave the event. Parents will be notified to pick up their child from the event.
• Admission is $7 for adults and $5 for ages 6-18, including APS high school students, at all fall sporting events (volleyball, field hockey and football).  Tickets will be sold online before the game at https://gofan.co/app/school/VA24974 as well as at the gate (exact change is preferred).

Arlington Public Schools Varsity Football Attendance Information

Varsity football games are community events.  For the safety and security of all those in attendance, in addition to the above rules, the following rules are in place:

• Only students from Yorktown and the opposing school may enter without their parent or guardian present.  IDs or StudentVUE will be checked at the gate.
• Middle-school students (and younger) must be accompanied and supervised by their parent or guardian.
• There will be designated seating areas for Yorktown students, Yorktown band, and general spectators.

Home Games this Week

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/

Winter Sports Tryout Information and Looking Ahead to Spring Sports

For your planning purposes, winter sports begin as early as November 11th; which is a school holiday, and spring sports begin on February 24th.  Preliminary winter sports tryout information is now available. Students can join www.teamapp.com for specific off-season and tryout information on winter and spring sports, which will be posted as it becomes available.  Please make sure to register on the new athletic registration site before attending any off-season activities or tryouts (see information above).

SENIOR UPDATES

Be sure to bookmark the Seniors website which is linked on the Yorktown HS home page under Quicklinks and loaded with information for senior year. Find answers to your questions about these and more:

• Announcements and Rings
• Caps & Gowns
• Class Dues
• Graduation
• Graduation After-Party
• Off Campus Lunch Privilege
• Prom
• Senior Experience
• Senior Portraits
• Yearbooks

Senior Experience Meeting

There will be a meeting on Thursday, October 17th during Patriot period for all seniors. Students will learn more about the Senior Experience program, expectations, and the application process. In addition, seniors will have the opportunity to order their caps and gowns for graduation.

Save the Date 

Class of 2025 Graduation – 7 p.m., Wednesday, June 4, at DAR Constitution Hall.

UPCOMING DATES

See YHS Calendar or the APS Calendar for more information:

• October 11 and 14 – No School for Students, PL Days
• Friday, November 1st – Diwali Holiday, No School for Students.
• Monday, November 4th, Tuesday, November 5th No school for students.

COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS

Arlington County Police Department (ACPD) has teamed up with the ARC of Northern Virginia to host an educational event centered around interactions with first responders and members of our autism community. The event is scheduled for Saturday, October 19th, from 11AM – 2PM, at Kenmore Middle School, 200 S. Carlin Springs Rd.

This is an open event for members of all ages. In attendance will be sworn representatives from several jurisdictions in the area, including personnel from the fire department and various county agencies. For those who attend, we will be offering real-life scenarios, educational blocks of instruction, and information on available resources in the county.

For more information regarding the ARC of Northern Virginia, here is a link to their website: CLICK HERE.