October 18, 2024 Yorktown Newsletter

Dear Patriot Families, As we reflect on the tragic events of last weekend, we first want to extend our deepest condolences to friends and families impacted. As difficult as it is, we would like to encourage families to have open discussions with their children on the dangers of alcohol and other substances, including driving while under the influence. This is a community issue that impacts all of us, and we need to partner to address it.  If you are unsure of how to begin this conversation, here are some suggestions from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration:

• Talk. They Hear You: Impaired Driving: Talk with Your Kids English | Español

Here at Yorktown, we regularly address dangers of drugs and alcohol and promote healthy and supportive choices through Health Classes for grades 9 & 10 and lessons in English classes for grades 11 & 12. Our Substance Abuse Counselor, Ms. Sexton is coordinating events for Red Ribbon Week next week. We also are hosting a school-wide presentation by Silent No More on November 14th. Together with parents, students and the community we can work to keep students safe.  We continue to have counselors available for students who need support, and please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need for support. 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

Upcoming Fall Music Concerts

Enjoy our talented YHS students in their first concerts of the school year! All in the Auditorium.

• Choir – Tuesday, October 22nd @ 7pm
• Orchestra – Wednesday October 30th @ 5pm
• Band – Wednesday, November 6th @ 7pm

Red Ribbon Week: October 23-29

Red Ribbon Week will be recognized October 23-29th. This annual Drug Enforcement Agent (DEA) initiative is the largest drug abuse prevention campaign in the Nation. The campaign began in 1985 following the death of DEA Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena. This prevention campaign is commemorated every year to honor Mr. Camarena’s sacrifice. This year’s theme is Life is a Movie, Film Drug Free. At school, students will engage in activities that promote a drug free and healthy lifestyle.

Red Ribbon Theme Days

• Wednesday 23rd: Team up Against Drugs- wear your favorite sports team jersey or shirt.
• Thursday 24th: Follow your Dreams don’t do Drugs- wear your pajamas.
• Friday 25th: Pink Out! Wear your pink to support cancer awareness.
• Monday, 28th: Rally in Red- wear red in recognition of red ribbon week. Sign the red ribbon week pledge during lunch.
• Tuesday, 29th: Ms. Sexton, Substance Abuse Counselor Table in Atrium

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. Tickets 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

Upcoming PTSA Meetings

OCTOBER 21 PTSA MEETING – MEET OUR SCHOOL BOARD LIAISON: Bethany Sutton is the Vice-Chair of the School Board and is also our Yorktown liaison. She will join our October 21 virtual meeting for a Q&A. This is your chance to interact in a smaller setting with our School Board. You can ask questions during the session or submit questions in advance. Zoom information will be provided in advance of the meeting.

DECEMBER 9 PTSA MEETING – SPECIAL TOPIC: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOUR STUDENT TURNS 18: Our December meeting may be a good one for students, as well as parents. Cameronne Taillon, a local lawyer and mother of teens, will share critical planning and legal advice for families as their students approach adulthood. We would encourage anyone to join, even if your child is a few years off from 18.

November 14th All School Assembly “Silent No More” Substance Use Prevention

For your planning purposes, please be aware that November 14th, all students will participate in an assembly (9th grade in the Auditorium, 10-12 live streamed) during 3rd period and Patriot Period. This is required and will take the place of 3rd period and PP.

2024 Arlington Youth Survey Nov 19th

Arlington Public Schools will administer the 2024 Arlington Youth Survey (AYS) this fall. Also known as the Youth Risk Behavior Survey, the AYS is a comprehensive, confidential, and voluntary survey developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is conducted annually for students in grades 6, 8, 10, and 12. The survey aims to examine various behaviors, experiences, and factors that influence the health and well-being of youth in Arlington County.

This data allows community organizations, local health districts, and school divisions to provide youth the support and services that target the most prevalent health risk behaviors. Additionally, this data is used to secure funding for statewide programs that promote healthy youth behaviors.

The survey is voluntary; however, we would like all selected students to take part in it. No action will be taken against the school, you or your student if your student does not take part. It has been designed to protect your student’s privacy; therefore, students will not put their names on it.  Students can skip any questions they do not wish to answer and may stop participating in the survey at any point without penalty.  In addition, no school or student will ever be mentioned by name in a report of the survey results.

AYS will be administered November 19th during Patriot Period. Families and guardians who choose to opt-out of the survey can find more information and the opt out link here.

Senior Regional Orchestra Students Named

Congratulations Region Orchestra students, Ms. Wallace, and Mr. Witkowski! Three orchestra students were accepted into Senior Regional Orchestra!  These students will audition for All-Virginia Orchestra in February.

• Tessa Green – Violin
• Alexander Joe – Bass
• Samuel Brose – Piano
• Nyx Hendrey – trumpet

Additionally, Silas Frickert (11) has auditioned into the All-Virginia Jazz Ensemble which performs in conjunction with the Virginia Music Educators Association Conference in November 19-21 in Norfolk.

COUNSELING CORNER

Advisory Information

This year, our staff is 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 22nd 

• 9th-11th grades: Identifying and Tracking Emotions: Students will explore how an emotional regulation strategy such as mindfulness can affect their mood
• 12th grade: My Attitude Towards Good Stress: Students will explore the nuances between eustress and distress

Thursday, October 24th 

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

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) please complete this SOS Opt-Out form.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION CORNER

Diwali – November 1st Holiday

Diwali is the most important festival of the year in India — and for Hindus in particular.  It is celebrated across faiths by more than a billion people in the world’s most populous nation and the diaspora. Over five days, people take part in festive gatherings, fireworks displays, feasts, and prayer. Diwali is derived from the word “Deepavali,” which means “a row of lights.” Celebrants light rows of traditional clay oil lamps outside their homes to symbolize the victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. The dates of the festival are based on the Hindu lunar calendar, typically falling in late October or early November.  This year, Diwali will begin on November 1st.  Learn more about Diwali here, here and here.

LGBTQ+ History Month

This LGBTQ+ History Month, it’s important to acknowledge that LGBTQ+ youth are at greater risk for poor mental health and violence than their non-LGBTQ+ peers.  For this reason, it is especially important that we create safe and supportive communities where students feel a strong sense of belonging and connectedness. This guide may be helpful if your teen is questioning their sexuality or sexual orientation, you want to learn how to be closer to your teen, your teen has come out and you want to be a supportive ally, or you simply want to learn more about queer sexuality.

ACTIVITIES UPDATES

Club of the Week: Photography Club

The YHS Club of the week is The Photography Club. The Photography Club is a club for ALL photo enthusiasts, whether you are a complete novice or a seasoned student photographer.  It does not require enrollment in a current Photo class at YHS, only a desire to learn Photography and build a Photographic community.  See Ms. Walchak for more information.

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

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:

• Wednesday, October 30 – Early Release (1:00) – Professional Learning
• Friday, November 1st – Diwali Holiday, No School for Students.
• Monday, November 4th, Tuesday, November 5th No school for students.

COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS

PTSA Mock ACT

APS Sophomores and Juniors are invited to take a Mock ACT October 26th at 8:30am in the Yorktown Cafeteria.  Students will get familiar with the ACT test as well as ACT testing conditions and families will receive a detailed report with their results.This is a Junior Class fundraiser, so the suggested donation is $25.  Please bring cash or a check payable to Yorktown High School on the morning of the 26th and use the cafeteria entrance facing the bus loop on Yorktown Boulevard.

Register here by October 22nd!