Grizzly Gazette

York Families,

Welcome to an exciting new school year! It is with great pride and genuine enthusiasm that I introduce myself as the new principal of York Junior High. I am honored to join the Grizzly family and look forward to partnering with each of you as we work together to ensure every student thrives.

For more than 25 years, I have had the privilege of serving students, families, and educators in public education. Throughout my career, one thing has remained constant, an unwavering passion for student success. I firmly believe that every child deserves to be known, valued, challenged, and supported, and I am committed to creating a school environment where all students feel safe, inspired, and empowered to reach their fullest potential.

Beyond my role as an educator, I am a proud wife & mother to a beautiful blended family and a grateful “Gigi” to two grandchildren. These roles remind me every day that every student who walks through our doors is someone’s greatest treasure. As both an educator and a parent, I understand the trust you place in us, and I do not take that responsibility lightly.

At York Junior High, we will build a culture grounded in high expectations, meaningful relationships, academic excellence, and opportunities for every student to grow. Together, we will foster an environment where students are encouraged to dream big, work hard, lead with character, and discover their unique strengths.

I believe that the strongest schools are built through authentic partnerships between home and school. Your voice, your involvement, and your support are invaluable. I encourage you to stay connected, attend school events, communicate with our staff, and join us as active partners in your child’s educational journey.

I am excited about all that lies ahead and cannot wait to celebrate the accomplishments of our students and staff as we elevate to higher successes. Thank you for welcoming me into the York family. It is truly a privilege to serve this incredible community, and I look forward to an amazing year together.

Let’s make this our best year yet!

Kelli

• Aug. 3: 7th Grade Girls Athletic Screener (for new students; info below)
• Aug. 4: York Junior High staff returns
• Aug. 6: Football Equipment Pick-Up at 5:00-8:00 PM
• Aug. 12: First Day of School; Doors open at 8 AM
• Aug. 13: York PTO Meeting at 9:30 AM
• Aug. Girls Volleyball Tryouts (more info to come)
• Aug. 18: CISD Board Meeting at 6:00 PM
• Aug. 21: Volleyball Parent Meeting at 5:00 PM in cafeteria
• Aug. 20: GOHS Varsity Football Scrimmage at GOHS at 7 PM
• SEPT 11th: 7th Grade Luau Dance right after school (4:15-6:00)
• Aug. 27: GOHS Varsity Football at Morehead Stadium at 7 PM
• Sept. 7: Labor Day Holiday; No School

Texas House Bill 1481 says that student use of personal electronic devices, such as cell phones, personal iPad, smart watches, etc. is prohibited during instructional time. The CISD School Board has adopted a policy supporting HB 1481 stating electronic devices will be prohibited for the entire day. Electronics should be off and away for the entire school day. This means once school begins at 8:50 AM, their electronics must be shut off and stored away. This is in the hallways, in the classrooms, in restrooms, and during lunch. The CISD School Board also discussed that campus consequences, such as confiscation of these devices, will occur if the child is not following directions.

The countdown to an amazing school year is on! Join us for our York Junior High Back-to-School Bash on Friday, August 7th and kick off the 2026–2027 school year with the Grizzly family!

Come explore everything York has to offer:

• 🐻 Meet Principal McWashington and the York Leadership Team
• 📚 Meet your teachers and school staff
• 🗓️ Pick up your class schedule
• 👕 Shop exclusive York Spirit Wear with our PTO
• ⭐ Discover clubs, organizations, and extracurricular opportunities
• 🏫 Take a self-guided tour of the campus
• 🎉 Get excited for an incredible year ahead!

Event Times

🧡 7th Grade: 2:30–4:00 PM

💙 8th Grade: 4:00–5:30 PM

To help create the best experience for everyone, we ask that families attend during their student's designated time. We will accommodate all families at both times.

This is a come-and-go event, so stop by anytime during your grade-level session. We can't wait to welcome you to York Junior High and begin an exciting year of learning, growth, and success.

Let's ELEVATE together....Go Grizzlies!

Attendance contacts:

Email: yorkattendance@conroeisd.net

Phone:832-592-8616

Attendance clerk: dhurd@conroeisd.net

Arriving Late:

YJH classes begin at 8:50 a.m. Students who arrive late, but by 9:00 a.m., are considered tardy. Students who arrive at 9:01 a.m., or later, are considered absent from their first class of the day.

Remember, students who arrive at campus after 8:50 a.m. need to check in through the Attendance Office in the front lobby.

Class Attendance:

YJH class attendance is taken every class period daily. If a student leaves early for any reason, they will be marked absent for those missed classes for the day. In the parent/student portal under attendance, each missed class will constitute an absence for that class period on the students' attendance record.

Parents will receive an automated email/notification of the absence for the classes a student misses when he/she is checked out early.

Absence Notifications:

If notification of an absence is not made within 48 hours, the absence will be considered unexcused. Please only use one form of notification:

1. Use the attendance email: yorkattendance@conroeisd.net

2. Report an absence by visiting the Parent Portal at http://parents.conroeisd.net and select “Student Absence Reporting”

3. Contact the attendance office at 832-592-8616 and please leave name of student, student ID # and reason for absence

• Students riding the bus will be dropped off in the back of the school.
• Students riding their bike may LOCK their bike in front of campus, at the bike racks.
• Car Riders- please have patience and be nice to your neighbors. Use the "zipper" approach- one enters the front drive from the west side of Waterbend Cove, then the east side, and so forth and so on.
• Car Riders- we will allow "double stacking" of cars in both lanes to help more traffic flow on Waterbend Cove.
• Car Riders- follow the signage on the sidewalk and in the street. Pull all the way forward before dropping your child off from the passenger side.
• Car Riders- There will be several staff members outside to help you the "York Way." Most importantly, PULL ALL THE WAY UP, PAST THE FRONT DOOR, UNTIL ASKED TO STOP. The more cars we have pull all the way up, the more we are able to get kids out efficiently.
• Car Riders- Please pay attention to the county signs on the street that prohibit parking and pickup/drop off on Waterbend Cove. Police officers will be out there to provide citations to those who do not follow this rule.

• York JH dismisses at 4:05 PM.
• As soon as buses begin to arrive, bus riders are called from their last period class to load.
• Car riders, walkers, and bikers, will be released out the front doors closer to 4:00-4:05.
• Car Riders- follow the same procedure as arrival. Drive SLOWLY and look for your child. Pull all the way forward and allow your child to enter from the passenger side.
• Do not CUT or PASS others in order to move to the front of the line.
• Do NOT pickup your child on Waterbend Cove. All students are to be picked up near the front doors, next to the flag pole.
• At 4:15 PM, any remaining bus riders will be released to wait in the cafeteria.

📣 ATTENTION PARENTS! 📣

If you are sending dismissal change/release authorization information for your student, please make sure to email:

contactyork@conroeisd.net

🕒 No later than 3:30 PM!

This helps us ensure a smooth and safe dismissal for all students. It also ensures the front office does not miss a dismissal change to notify your student. Thank you for your cooperation! 💙

At the junior high level, school supplies look a little different than they do in elementary or intermediate school. Rather than purchasing supplies for each individual class, we ask that students bring the personal supplies they will use throughout the school year and keep in their backpack each day.

In addition, we've included an optional Classroom Donation List. These items help replenish shared classroom supplies that support learning for all students. While not required, any donation, big or small, is greatly appreciated and makes a meaningful difference for our teachers and students.

Please note that some teachers may provide a short list of additional course-specific supplies during the first week of school.

We understand that every family's situation is different, and we want to thank you for supporting your child's education in whatever way you are able. Your partnership helps us create a successful learning environment for every York Grizzly!

Below is our recommended York Junior High School Supply List for the 2026–2027 school year.

YORK PTO SPIRIT WEAR IS HERE!

Every purchase helps support York PTO, so you can look great while giving back to your school!

Orders CLOSE July 10th!

Scan the QR code or copy the link and grab your Grizzly gear today!

https://2026yorkspiritwear.cheddarup.com

com

Prepackaged School Supplies will once again be offered from the PTO for next school year. Please watch our Facebook page for updates on how to order!

We post frequently on our York Junior High PTO Facebook page. Make sure to give us a follow to stay in the loop: https://www.facebook.com/YorkPTO. We also have a website: www.yorkpto.com. Both are great sources of information!

CHARGING UPDATES

During the school year, we are limiting the amount of charges that a child can make on their account. After a child charges 15 days of meals, they will no longer be able to charge, and will NOT RECEIVE A LUNCH. Please make sure you are up to date on payments.

Breakfast Meal Prices

· Student Breakfast $2.00

· Student Reduced Breakfast $0

· Non-student Breakfast/2nd Student Breakfast $3.10

Lunch Meal Prices

· Student Lunch $3.20

· Student Reduced Lunch $0.00

· Non-student Lunch/2nd Student Lunch $4.70 (Teachers, Parents, Siblings)

My School Bucks

Beginning August 1, 2026, payments may be made online at https://www.myschoolbucks.com

Free and Reduced Meals

Parents can apply online for Free and Reduced meals NOW!! https://www.myschoolapps.com

Transportation cannot change addresses for students. All student information is uploaded from campuses, and it is used to route our students. Parents, you will need to contact Shelita Hebert, Registrar, if needing to change your address. Once the campus makes the address change, it takes about 48 hours for Transportation to process the change.

Parents or guardians must submit an Alternate Stop Request Form each school year for service to an alternate stop. Students who are not eligible for transportation services may not be allowed to request or utilize an alternate stop. Parents can request an alternate stop when they request transportation for their child (register). They can do that at the following link: https://apps.conroeisd.net/AlternativeTransportation/

We do not offer transportation to students who live under a mile from the campus. Our one-mile measurement is made from the point at which the residence’s driveway meets the public road to the nearest point where any campus driveway meets the public roadway or where any pedestrian walkway (greenbelt) provides access onto campus property (through a gate or driveway). The distances are measured using the District’s dedicated school bus routing software and the Montgomery County Appraisal District (MCAD) maps to determine distances if necessary.