York High School Weekly Memo

Hi Everyone,

It has been great having the York High School staff back this week. We have been getting classrooms ready, setting school-wide goals, and just looking forward to seeing all of the students next week.

We will kick off the school week on Tuesday, September 2, with our incoming freshmen. It will be a day focused only on the Class of 2029. Thank you to our Senior Facilitators who will be running the entire day and making sure our newest Wildcats have an awesome start to the year!

Some parents (and students) have reached out asking about a school supplies list. We do not have a specific list, but teachers will share what is needed for each class when our students are in next week.

If you need anything or have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out. Have a safe and enjoyable Labor Day Weekend.

Thanks,

Amanda

• If you are a freshman or a transfer student, you will arrive at school by 7:50 (buses will be running). We will have lots of signs directing you where to go.

• Lunch will be provided

• Parents of the Class of 2029 - there will be an information session @ 7:30. Please join us for breakfast and answers to your high school-related questions in the Multipurpose Room.

The first block of the day begins at 7:50, but we will be dropping cell phones off in Pride at 7:45. Please arrive with plenty of time to reach your class before the 7:50 bell. Being in the building on time is different from being in the classroom. Block 4 classes end at 2:00 in order to pick up cell phones in Pride, and school dismissal is at 2:05.

All students will be required to put their cell phones and smart watches into a locker that will be in their Pride classroom. We will start and end our day with Pride, in order to ensure that your student's device remains with their trusted adult throughout the day. If your student has a planned dismissal, they will let their Pride leader know, and their phone will be in the office. Any student who arrives to school late (after 7:50) will need to leave their phone in the office. The district's policy also states that all devices that receive notifications are not allowed, including (but not limited to) wireless headphones.

If a student violates the Cell Phone Policy, there will be consequences:

First Offense:

• The Pride Leader will confiscate the phone, bring it to the main office, and the student can pick it up at the end of the day.

Second Offense:

• Administration will confiscate the phone, and it will need to be picked up by a parent.

Third Offense:

• Administration will confiscate the phone, and it will need to be picked up by a parent. The student will need to leave their phone in the main office for a determined number of days/weeks. Parent Meeting.

All staff members have a landline phone in their classrooms and will have access to their cell phones if there is an emergency. We have worked closely with YPD to create a safety plan that aligns with best practices, and they support this initiative.

We will not be having our school counselors complete schedule changes during Freshmen Orientation (9/2) or Pride Day (9/3). If you (or your student) would still like to make changes to the First Semester schedule, please fill out the Google Form.

We are excited that YHS will be one-to-one this year for computers for students. All students (except for SRTC) will receive their computers on 9/4 during Pride. SRTC students will receive their computers on Tuesday, 9/2.

We will no longer allow students to bring their own devices, which will help us with our cybersecurity and ability to manage educational programs and platforms more seamlessly. Here is an FAQ sheet provided by our YSD Tech Director, Eric Lawson.

In order to cover the costs of replacements, the School Department will be offering a Protection Plan that will cover a one-time replacement for accidental damage, loss, or theft. This includes:

• Cracks to screen or device

• Missing Keys (not intentional picking of keys)

• Missing Power Adapter

• Lost Stylus

The premium for the protection plan will be $26 per individual per year. The device protection plan needs to be paid before the first academic day of school, September 4, 2025. This plan will allow for a one-time replacement of a device or accessory for the device. All other replacements will be billed appropriately.

Please be sure to complete the annual Back to School / Returning Student Registration forms. You will need to log into your PowerSchool Parent Portal at the following URL:

https://yorkschools.powerschool.com/public

Enter your username and password. In the left-hand navigation column, click on the Forms Icon, then the Enrollment tab. You will see the list of forms that need to be completed. If your student is entering grade 9, you will be asked to upload two proofs of residency.

If you are a senior and have a study hall scheduled during the first or last block, you may be eligible for Late Arrival or Early Dismissal. If you are interested in applying, please pick up an application in the main office. Ms. DeMartini will reach out to you when your application has been approved – you must attend your study hall until you hear from her.

If you are a student driver, please park in the large parking lot near the York Community Auditorium entrance. Please remember to drive safely and respectfully while on campus. If you are dropping off your student, please do so in the front loop so your student can enter the building through the main entrance. Please do not drop off or pick up students directly after school at the YCA entrance. This will help with traffic flow and make sure everyone gets where they need to be in a timely manner.

School meals continue to be available to all students at no charge again this year, regardless of household income. Students are eligible for one breakfast and one lunch. Student lunch schedules will be based on the classes they are in for block 3. Teachers will share lunch information with students on the first day of school.

We will start our school year with one Pride Day (9/3) to help students (and staff) get acclimated to the school, build relationships, and have fun. There will be specific activities planned during Pride and all class blocks. Students will go through their bell schedules and will meet their teachers. Our first academic day will be a Blue Day (blocks 1-4) on Thursday, September 4.

Tuesday, September 2 ~ Freshmen/Transfer Student Orientation

Wednesday, September 3 ~ First Day of School (All Students) - Pride Day

Thursday, September 4 ~ First Blue Day (Blocks 1-4)

• Laptops will be given to all students during Pride

Friday, September 5 ~ First White Day (Blocks 1-4)

Monday, September 8 ~ iReady Testing (Day #1)

Tuesday, September 9 ~ iReady Testing (Day #2)

Wednesday, September 10 ~ Open House @ 5:00-6:30

Tuesday, September 16 ~ Picture Day (depends on English class)

Wednesday, September 17 ~ Picture Day (depends on English class)

Wednesday, September 17 ~ Senior Parent Night @ 6:00 (YCA)

Wednesday, September 24 ~ Early Release Day (Dismissal @ 11:00)

Monday, September 29 ~ Start of Spirit Week

Friday, October 3 ~ Homecoming Dance @ 7:00-9:00 (Guest forms due by 10/1)

Friday, October 10 ~ No School ~ Staff Professional Development Day

Monday, October 13 ~ No School ~ Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Thursday, 8/28

• Boys Varsity/JV Soccer vs Kennebunk @ 5:00 (Bog)

Friday, 8/29

• Varsity Field Hockey vs Traip @ 9:30
• Varsity Football at Marshwood @ 3:00
• Girls JV/Varsity Soccer at Kennebunk @ 4:00/6:00

Saturday, 8/30

• Boys Varsity Soccer at Gorham Playday @ 8:00

Tuesday, 9/2

• Varsity/JV Field Hockey at Sanford @ 5:00/6:30

Wednesday, 9/3

• Girls/Boys Cross Country at Laudholm Farms @ 4:00/4:30

Principal: Amanda Suttie ~ asuttie@yorkschools.org

Asst. Principal: Kyle Hodsdon ~ khodsdon@yorkschools.org

Phone: 207-363-3621

Website: yorkschools.org