York High School Weekly Memo

Hi Everyone,

I hope you are having a great week. We have finally made it to spring (well, tomorrow at 10:46), and Quarter 3 ends next Friday.

Another thing to note is that we only have 85 days until the Class of 2026 graduates! After April Vacation, all senior parents will receive important graduation-related information.

Congratulations to the YHS Jazz Ensemble and Combo for receiving a "gold" rating at the State Jazz Festival last Friday. Declan McAfee ('27) and Nathaniel Plocinski ('27) both received an "outstanding musicianship" award. Nathaniel Plocinski received the prestigious "Dale Huff" award. The following students received a "superior" rating on their improvised solos:

Brendan Barron ('29)

Declan McAfee ('27)

Kayson Arsenault ('29)

Ethan Wilson ('27)

Nathaniel Plocinski ('27)

Olivia Omensky ('26)

Reed Cleary ('29)

Zander Grinnell ('28)

The two ensembles also performed at the Clark Terry Jazz Festival on Saturday at UNH. The following students received 'outstanding musicianship' awards:

Brendan Barron

Declan McAfee

Nathaniel Plocinski

Olivia Omensky

We had three YHS students win medals at the Maine SkillsUSA Leadership Conference last week.

Mair Clarke ('26) - Advertising Design - GOLD

Haven Chagnon ('26) - Advertising Design - SILVER

Connor Peabbles ('26) - Collision Appraisal Technician - GOLD

Congratulations!

Enjoy the rest of your week. If you have any questions or need anything, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Thanks,

Amanda

Instagram

If you have any questions about the events listed below, please reach out to your student's school counselor for more information.

Course Scheduling

26/27 Course Recommendations & Course Scheduling!

LINKS YOU MAY NEED:

Junior Parent and College Panel Night - March 24, 2026 <-- NEXT WEEK

This is an opportunity for 10th and 11th-grade students and families to ask questions about college and the admissions process with admissions counselors, what to expect in senior year, and helpful tips for college admissions.

Student Service Updates: Applications for Summer Opportunities

Hoby -Youth Leadership: https://maine.hoby.org/

Who: Current Sophomore (rising juniors)

What:One weekend at a HOBY Maine unlocks a student’s leadership potential and helps them gain the confidence to make a positive impact on the world around them. We are so excited to welcome student leaders across the state to this life-changing experience!

When: June 12-14, 2025 Location University of Maine at Farmington

RYLA: https://ryla7780.org/

Who: Current Sophomore (rising juniors)

What: RYLA Maine (District 7780) is a free, transformative 4-day leadership camp at Camp Hinds for high school sophomores, focusing on teamwork, personal growth, and leadership through challenging outdoor activities (like COPE courses), workshops, speakers, and fun, facilitated by alumni to build confidence and skills for positive community impact, with applications opening in early January 2026 and due by March 2026

When: June 21-24, 2026

Dirigo State Leadership Program: https://mainelegion.org/pages/programs/dirigo-state.php

Who: Current Juniors (rising seniors)

What:This is an opportunity for a student to attend Dirigo State. DIRIGO State (formally known as Boys State and Girls State) is a week-long camp for Maine students interested in politics, government, community action and leadership. It's a well known experience that will help students hone government and leadership skills as well as strengthen your college application. Any current junior (rising senior) can apply and our American Legion Post 56 will pay the whole tuition for one YHS student ($400). Our own Callin Noonan will serve as a counselor this year after a great experience last year. See one of your teachers, preferably a social studies teacher or club advisor, to write you a letter of recommendation. The 2026 program starts June 21 with graduation on June 26, 2026, at 3pm at Colby College. Forms and Applications

When: Sunday, June 21 to Friday, June 26, 2026

Thursday, March 19 ~ Winter Band Concert @ 7:00 (YCA)

Friday, April 10 - Saturday, April 11 ~ Spring Musical (More Information to Come)

Tuesday, April 14 ~ Jazz Night @ 7:00 (YCA)

Friday, April 17 - Friday, April 24 ~ April Vacation

Monday, March 23

Open Weight Room @ 2:45-4:00

Tuesday, March 24

Open Weight Room @ 2:45-4:00

Thursday, March 26

Open Weight Room @ 2:45-4:00

Friday, March 27

Open Weight Room @ 2:15-3:30

Spring sports practices begin on Monday, March 23 (baseball and softball pitchers and catchers; lacrosse goalies) and Monday, March 30 for all student-athletes. Required forms must be completed for student-athletes to be eligible to participate. If your student's forms have not been completed this school year yet, please be sure to complete them before the season begins.

REQUIRED FORMS (completed once per school year)
The Athletics Participant Form and the Emergency Information Form must be completed before participation will be allowed. Please communicate with your parents/guardians to ensure that forms are done and you have an up-to-date physical on file before practices start. Students cannot participate unless up-to-date forms are completed.

Please visit https://yorkathletics.ra nkonesport.com/New/NewInstruct ionsPage.aspx to access forms. There are three requirements for participation in YHS athletics programs:

Athletics Participant Form
Emergency Information
Physical Examination

Physicals are active for 13 months from the date of the exam. Email updated paperwork to ecastaline@yorkschools.org, fax to 207-351-4001 (this is a YHS Athletics specific fax line; please encourage the provider's office to use), or drop off a hard copy at the YHS front office.