Weekly Memo

Some thoughts for the starting school year

Hi Everyone,

I hope you all have had a nice week. I appreciated seeing the sun yesterday, but it was very chilly this morning. We are excited for the official groundbreaking ceremony on our athletic complex this afternoon. If you are around the field at 3:00, feel free to come on up.

Good luck to our Drama Club as they perform their Spring Musical, "Grease", this weekend. Opening Night is tonight at 7:00. Be there or be square!

Just a reminder that we have a four day week next week as our April Vacation kicks off next Friday (April 18). After April Vacation, senior parents will receive all of the information regarding the end of the year and graduation activities (graduation is 57 days away!).

On Tuesday, all sophomores attended a college visit to either Merrimack College (Andover, MA), University of New England (Biddeford, ME), or Bates College (Lewiston, ME). Because students' families have varying degrees of interest or ability to visit a college campus, this is one less barrier for a student to see dorms, academic buildings, sports facilities, library, dining, and resources at that school. The goal of this trip was to give all students the same opportunities and that this visit sparks interest in applying to colleges that fit their needs and interests.

Bates College

Merrimack College

University of New England

Congratulations to Melanie Kyer, this year's Educators for a Multilingual Maine (EMME), World Language Teacher of the Year! Frau/Madame Kyer was recognized and honored at their conference last month. We are so proud of her and are fortunate that our students get to learn languages in her classroom.

As always if you need anything or have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to Liza or me.

Thanks,

Amanda

Congratulations to this week's Seacoast Student of the Week: Maxine Adelson! Each week, we nominate a student from York High School to be featured in the Seacoast Online. Here is what we said about Maxine:

York High School is proud to recognize senior Maxine Adelson as this week's Student of the Week. Maxine's exceptional achievements and dedication to her academics and extracurricular activities make her an exceptional member of our community.

Maxine is not only a high honor roll student, excelling in all Advanced Placement classes, but she also actively participates in numerous school clubs and organizations. Her leadership shines as she holds office in the Young Women’s Leadership, Eco Club, and the National Honor Society, where she plays a key role in organizing events and initiatives that positively impact our school and the greater community.

A talented member of the school's theater and music programs for four years, and yet, she still finds time to work as an outdoor educator at White Pines programs in Cape Neddick. Her passion for the arts, environmental advocacy, and commitment to excellence are evident in all her endeavors, and we are so proud of her achievements.

Maxine’s work ethic, leadership, and dedication serve as an inspiration to the entire York community, and we look forward to seeing how she will positively impact the future and our world!

It is time to purchase tickets for this year's Prom! Tickets will be sold during lunches 4/11 - 4/17 for $65. If students intend to bring a guest from another school, the guest forms must be turned into the Main Office (signed) by Wednesday, May 14 at 2:05.

In partnership with YORKWISE and York Police Department, to help foster a healthy and safe prom, we will be having all students and guests entering the prom take a breathalyzer test. Ms. Mockeridge and Dr. Suttie will be administering the tests. If students do not pass, then parents will be called to pick up their student. If students refuse to take the test, they will not be allowed admittance to the dance and parents will be called to pick them up. If parents have any questions regarding this decision please feel free to reach out to Dr. Suttie.

Spring Testing Information

Next week we begin our spring testing season. Please review the following information to see when your student will be assessing:

April 14 - May 30:

All sophomores (grade 10) will be taking the Maine Through Year Assessment (MTYA).
This is the state assessment that they took in the fall.
This is a computer-based test, and all students will be provided a district device.
Students will be taking the assessment in their math and English classes. Teachers will share with the students when they will be assessing.

April 29 - May 2:

All students in grades 9-11 will be taking the Spring i-Ready Diagnostic in their Prides.
We will have an extended Pride during all four days so that students have the opportunity to complete their assessment, without disruption. This schedule will be shared before vacation.
Students will not be provided district issued devices, so they will need to bring their own laptop charged and ready to go during all four days.
SRTC students will not be taking the diagnostic.

May 5 - May 16:

AP Exams
If students have questions about their specific test date and/or location they can talk with their AP teacher.

Breakfast Updates

Starting Monday, April 28 we will be changing our free breakfast procedures at York High School. The cafeteria will continue to be open for all students to pick up a warm breakfast before school, but will close at 7:50 when Block 1 begins.

If any student arrives to school late, we will have a breakfast cart for "Second Breakfast" down at the Main Entrance for students to pick up breakfast before going to class. Students will not be allowed to leave class to pick up breakfast.

Please reach out to our Nutrition Director, Whitney Thornton (wthornton@yorkschools.org), if you have specific questions regarding the program or if you are concerned about your student having enough food throughout the day.