October 31, 2024 Newsletter

Dear Patriot Families,

Happy Halloween! We wish everyone a safe and enjoyable Halloween tonight. A reminder that Friday, November 1st is a school holiday for Diwali. Students are also off on Monday November 4th (staff professional learning), and Tuesday, November 5th (grade preparation), and offices will be closed. Also, today marks the end of the first quarter.

As we approach Tuesday’s election, we want to encourage students to be respectful of others no matter the outcome. We foster a safe and respectful learning environment for all students. The Counseling Team will be available for students who may need support next week.

We also want to share out the Standard Response Protocol APS uses for emergency situations. This week’s “Hold” means “In Your Room or Area” and is the protocol used when hallways need to be kept clear of occupants. We will be reviewing our morning entry procedures and updating safety protocols. We will share any updates in the next few weeks.

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.

• Band – Wednesday, November 6th @ 7pm

Fall Sports Playoffs

Fall sports playoffs are in full swing.  Members of the cross country teams will participate in the regional race on November 6 at Burke Lake Park.  The field hockey team is in the Region Semi-Final and will host Madison on Monday, November 4 at 7 pm.  Good luck to members of both teams.

Yorktown Colorguard Undefeated This Fall

The Yorktown colorguard completed an undefeated season in VMBC Group III competition.  The Yorktown marching band competed in three VMBC-sanctioned competitions in a field of 9, 10, and 2 bands respectively.  At all three contests, the Yorktown marching band won best colorguard in their division.

Good News From Music Department

Congratulations to student musicians who have been recognized for their stellar performances:

• Yorktown Marching Band earned straight Superior ratings at the Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association (VBODA) State Marching Band Assessment.
• Yorktown Marching Band placed in the top three in their group at all competitions this season.
• Nyx Hendrey (11) was selected by audition on trumpet for the VBODA Northern Virginia Senior Regional Orchestra (NVSRO). The NVSRO event will be held on November 7-9, 2024 at Hayfield Secondary School.
• Tessa Green (10) – Violin, Alexander Joe (11) – String Bass,  and Sam Brose (9) – Piano were selected by audition for the VBODA Northern Virginia Senior Regional Orchestra (NVSRO).
• Silas Frickert (11) was chosen by audition for the All-Virginia Jazz Ensemble (AVJE) on guitar; he ranked first in the commonwealth! He will perform with the AVJE at the Virginia Music Educators Association Professional Development Conference on November 21 in Norfolk.
• Colin Riley (12) was selected by audition for the VMEA Senior Honors Choir at the VMEA Conference in Norfolk, VA this November. Out of 722 VA Senior students, he was 1 of 132 students awarded this opportunity.
• Colin Riley (12) and Star Perkins (10) were selected by audition to perform for the Honors Choir at the ACDA National Conference this coming March in Dallas, Texas.

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.There is no advisory lesson next week since students do not have school on Tuesday.  Thursday will be academic check-ins and students have the option to see teachers if they have a pass.

End Of 1st Quarter

This is a reminder that the 1st quarter, or marking period 1, has ended.  Teachers are working on submitting their quarter grades, and families will be able to see Report Cards, attached to “student” in Synergy, starting at 10am, Thursday, November 14th.

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, or 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.

It’s College Application Season

Counselors are working diligently to help students with their post-secondary plans.  This includes making sure recommendation letters are submitted to colleges by the required deadlines.  We ask for some grace and your patience as counselors make sure all deadlines are met.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION CORNER

Native American Heritage Month

November is Native American Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the traditions, languages and stories of Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and affiliated Island communities and ensure their rich histories and contributions continue to thrive with each passing generation. It is also a time to celebrate the culture and heritage of these remarkable Americans who deeply enrich the quality and character of our Nation.  The following video resources provide more information about Native American cultures, communities and traditions:

Interior Secretary Deb Haaland: ‘Representation is power’ ‘I stand on the shoulders of so many tribal leaders’  (5:30)

“ABC News’ Devin Dwyer speaks with Interior Secretary Deb Haaland about her path to become the first Native American in a presidential cabinet and the challenges that come with the position.”

Six Stories Celebrating Native American History and Culture (11:59)”From cuisine to code talkers, from art to eagle feathers, this reel celebrates Native American history and culture on Turtle Island, now widely known as the United States.”

Celebrating Native American Heritage Month (4:23)”…4 young Native content creators spoke to BBC My World about what the month means to them, and how they have been using their platforms to celebrate their culture and raise awareness about issues impacting their communities.”

Life on the Rez: Powwow Performance (3:52)”13 year old Misun is a champion grass dancer who uses powwows to tell the story of his ancestors. By dancing, Misun stays busy and out of the trouble that plagues so many young Native American boys.”

Origins of Native American Heritage Month (3:59)”How did the month get its start? What is the history of Native Americans in the U.S.? Why is this month so important? Little Cheiis explains its origins.”

Historically Black College & University Festival

The Alfred Street Baptist Church presents its Annual Historically Black College & University (HBCU) Festival, a hybrid event being held Friday, November 8 and Saturday, November 9. The festival is dedicated to connecting high school students and their families to HBCUs and scholarship opportunities. Many institutions will provide on-the-spot admission decisions, conduct music auditions, and waive application fees. Additionally, seminars and exhibitor presentations will be held to help students navigate the college application process, seek financial aid opportunities and acclimate them to campus life. Register here to attend.

• Friday 11/8: 4-8pm (VIRTUAL ONLY)
• Saturday 11/9: 9am-4pm (Virtual and In-Person)
• Location: The St. James, 6805 Industrial Road, Springfield, VA, USA

ACTIVITIES UPDATES

Club of the Week: The Everybody Plays Club

The Everybody Plays club focuses on educating the Yorktown community on travel and club athletic teams which offer subsidized registration fees in hopes of having more students be able to compete at the travel/club level without regard to socioeconomic status.  The club might also partner with a local travel/club team to subsidize a scholarship for the registration fee cost. See Ms. Armstrong for more information.

Band, Cheer, Dance & Football Senior Night – This Saturday at 5 pm 

Senior night for football, band, dance and cheer will take place this Saturday at the final home varsity football game.  Band and football will be honored at 4:40 pm and cheer and dance will be recognized at halftime.  Please come support our Class of 2025 seniors!

Winter Sports Tryout Information

Winter sports begin on November 11, which is a student holiday, for basketball and wrestling.  Other sports, such as gymnastics, swim/dive, track, cheer, rifle and crew conditioning, begin in the days following.  Please consult this schedule for exact tryout/practice times for the first three days.  Additional information can be found at this link and specific sports information is often available on Team App.  If you plan to tryout, you must be registered with a current physical before attending the first day.  Registration is only done online.

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 – @yhssportsAthletic Instagram – @yhssports

Athletic Specific Sport Information – www.teamapp.com

Athletic Registration – https://yorktownhs-ar.rschooltoday.com/

Looking Ahead to Spring Sports – February 24

For your planning purposes, spring sports begin on February 24th.  Students can join www.teamapp.com for specific off-season and tryout information for 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 Portraits

Thursday, November 21st will be the last opportunity to take Senior Portraits at Yorktown. Students who have not taken their photos have been given an appointment time. Please stop by the Activities Office to view your appointment time.

Cap and Gown Orders

Seniors can now order their cap and gowns. Please stop by the Activities Office to do so. No payment is required at this time. Price is included in the senior dues.

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:

• Friday, November 1st – Diwali Holiday, No School for Students.
• Monday, November 4th, Tuesday, November 5th – No school for students.
• Monday, November 11th, Veterans’ Day Holiday –  No school